Hard Work (and Some Play) In the Snow

We always love to go on car rides with our dad. He rolls down both windows so we can stick our heads outside into the wind.

Today, we drove up to our family's cabin at Shaver Lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains. We were on an important mission. Last fall, my dad installed a "boat bubble" to protect our boat from the snow. There's been a lot of snow up in the mountains recently and we heard our "boat bubble" was collapsing. Weather forecasts predict a big snow storm tomorrow. So, our dad wanted to see if he could fix the "boat bubble" before it collapsed entirely and damaged our boat.

Louie's mom and dad, Jill and Matt, were nice enough to join us at the cabin. They helped my dad fix the "boat bubble." Now, we're all hoping there will be a boat to ride in when the snow melts and the lakes are full.

Is Scout Smart or What!!

Here's my cousin, Scout, reading my blog on her computer. How smart is that? Notice how Scout has a human trained and ready to type her every thought. And the humans thought they were in charge of obedience training! Good subterfugre, Scout! Way to go!

My New Friend, Cody Coyote!

Hi! I’m Cody, a 10 year old furperson of questionable parentage from San Jose. When I was a skinny puppy, I looked a lot like a coyote. I’m getting older but still like walks and to play, although chasing balls has never been my thing – you can’t eat them. Why bother?? Wanna be friends, Ripley?

I Got a "Being My Friend" Award!!

I got my first ever award from Powder-Puff! Thank you SO much! Powder-Puff is a WUG, a westie mixed with a pug. She's really, really cute. Check out her blog at http://powderpuff-thewug.blogspot.com/


I'm still new at blogging but I think I am allowed to pass this award on to my dogs with blogs friends. And, I want to give this award to Gizmo Cat who can't really help it he was born an inferior feline instead of a superior canine.

Here are the friends I want to pass this award to:

* Amber-Mae who is so nice and always comes to visit (hope the sore on Amber's lip is going away)
* Crikit, Sparky & Ginger who always sympathize with the issues I raise
* Kingsley who's a beautiful border collie which makes me a little jealous
* Lorenza, the nicest dog I know in Mexico
* Pacco de Mongrel who's the product of unauthorized breeding like me with a big attitude
* Peanut, the sweetest dog you could ever hope to meet
* Thuglets, who are rambunctious and I hope Cora is fully recovered

Never Rains in Southern California But Snows In Los Gatos

Here's my cousin, Scout, in the snow! Scout lives in Los Gatos where the weather is supposed to be mild. It isn't supposed to snow because this IS California. Keep your paws warm, Scout!

Leashes Should Be Optional

I don't get why humans think dogs should be on leashes all the time. It places an extra burden on humans to be tethered to us dogs... plus it restricts my ability to sniff and pee at will. Some dogs say leashes are cruel and unusual punishment, sort of like the ball and chain that felons used to drag around in long ago prisons. Leashes should be used for safety and directional guidance only. The rest of the time, we should be able to air out out stride and hear the wind in our ears.

Come On Already, Let's Go!

It took some nipping at her heels to get my mom blogging again. Humans lose focus and get distracted so easily. If us herding dogs were like that, the sheep would be long gone. And speaking of herding, here we are, ready to go on our nightly walk. Look how many times we have to "herd" our dad to get him out the door! Disgraceful!

Throw the Ball, Mom!

Humans can be so dense. Isn't it obvious the ball should be thrown again? And again? What's so hard about this? Why doesn't my mom get it?

Love To Play Tug of War

Yesterday, my mom and dad went to the hardware store. They bought us some rope to play with. We know exactly what to do with rope! Bina weighs more than me so she always beats me in the tug of war game. That doesn't bother me, though. I keep coming back for more.

Of course, it's more fun when my dad plays with us. The trick is getting a good grip on the rope and then, holding on for dear life.

Trip To the Store

Yesterday, we went to the grocery store. My dad told us to get in the car. We were so excited about going on a trip, we couldn't stop barking. Ceasar Milan, the Dog Whisperer, would tell my mom not to confuse excitement with happiness. Thank goodness my mom doesn't take everything she reads seriously. She expects us to behave properly when other people are around but when our family is alone, she let us get excited as long as we don't get too wild. When she scowls and yells, "That's enough, dogs," we know it's time to settle down.

Fine Art of Begging Part Two

Here are some "don'ts" when it comes to begging. Don't sit too close and don't say anything. Don't break your pose and remember to keep your tongue in your mouth. Don't look distracted and don't shift your gaze. Don't let treats hit the ground; catch them in mid-air. Don't act like a bully when begging as a group. Don't humiliate yourself by hanging around when the treats are gone.

Fine Art of Begging Part One

Here are some tips for effective begging. First, you sit politely in front of the human with treats. Then, you put on your cutest, most winsome dog expression. You must appear humble, worthy, and respectful. Once you've gained a sympathetic advantage, treats are almost 100% guaranteed.

Begging is best accomplished from the sitting position. Ears should be cocked forward. Tails should not be wagging. Maintain constant eye contact and strike a fine balance between pride and pleading. Try to look temporarily satisifed and appreciative while maintaining the constant pressure for more treats. By practicing and perfecting these techniques, your begging objectives will be succesful.

Playing Ball at the Park

On Sunday, my mom took us down to the Park to play ball. I'm the best ball retriever at the Park! I bring the ball back and drop it at my mom's feet so she can throw it again. Trixie, our neighbor's new puppy, was down at the Park, too. Trixie doesn't understand the rules of the game, yet. She tries to romp with other dogs instead of chasing the ball. I gave her a wide berth because I didn't want to get distracted.

Ticks and Burrs Are Disgusting

My dad took us on a search for an old cemetary. The cemetary is where his grandparents, great grandparents, and other relatives are buried. He had visited the cemetary as a kid long ago and remembered it as being in the foothills near Coarsegold, California. We found the hill but couldn't find the cemetary at first. We traipsed through shrubs and brush for at least an hour. We finally found the cemetary but it wasn't on a secluded part of the hillside. Someone had built a mini-storage facility around the cemetary. Instead of peaceful hills and oak trees, the graves are surrounded by mini-storage units. How depressing.

Even more depressing, we picked up ticks and burrs during our trek on the hill. My mom removed the ticks and burrs she could see. Then, she bathed us with flea and tick shampoo. I didn't make it easy. I twisted and squirmed because I don't like baths.

My Neighbor Callie

This is my neighbor, Callie. Vern Grant is Callie's dad. We live on one cul de sac near the Park. Callie lives a couple of cul de sacs over from us.

Every night, my dad takes us on a walk around the park. Sometimes, my mom comes, too. Often, during our walks, we meet up with Callie at the park. Callie's dad is in charge of taking care of the park and he does a great job. Ever since he took over, the park has been looking better than ever. The grass is thick and green and the sticker weeds are gone. Callie doesn't have a blog yet so we can't send her messages but thanks to her and her dad for making our park a nice place to go.

Squirrels Are Officially Most Fun To Chase

Thanks to everyone who voted in my first blog poll. 47% voted for squirrels as being most fun to chase. 26% voted for dragonflies, 17% for cats, and 8% for other dogs.

Today, I'm launching my second poll for my dad. He doesn't understand why I don't like bacon. He thinks every self respecting dog should like bacon. I hope this poll and your vote will prove to him I'm not as odd as he thinks.

Happy New Year! What a Day!

Happy New Year to dogs worldwide! Here's wishing you all plenty of bones and lots of chew toys in the year ahead! And to all my new "Dogs With Blogs" friends, here's wishing you a flea-free 2008!

It was a busy day today! My mom took down the Christmas tree and put the ornaments away. My dad took down the outside Christmas lights and decorations. I shredded several tennis balls and worked on my New Year's resolutions. Like I always say, it's a dog's good life!