Ripley the Dog's Life

More Toy Wars

2010-03-24T05:21:00.000-07:00

Roxie is a complete and total bully. She hogs the toys, steals balls out of my mouth, and is a total nuisance. My mom tells me to be patient and wait for her to grow up. It's not like I have much of a choice!

Our New Friend, Andy

2010-03-23T05:18:00.000-07:00

This is our new friend, Andy. We met him at the playground at the Park. Andy belongs to our neighbor's granddaughter. Andy is almost as big as the granddaughter!

More on the Playground at the Park

2010-03-22T05:13:00.000-07:00

In these pictures, you can see just how cool the playground at the Park is. We get to run up and down the slide; jump on short and tall pedestals and platforms; and run through the maze of chains and poles. Great fun for a dog day afternoon!

Playground at the Park

2010-03-21T05:07:00.000-07:00

We like the playground at the Park near our house. The equipment is almost like an agility course. It's great fun to jump up on the platforms and run down the slide.

Dog with a Job: Babysitting

2010-03-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

On Fridays, we babysit the granddaughter. I'm supposed to make sure she doesn't take off with the Wii remotes. It's Roxie's job to let my mom know when diapers need changing! Roxie and I have developed a special taste for Cheerios that magically appear on the floor around the high chair.

The "Queen" Surveys Her Territory

2010-03-10T05:27:00.000-08:00

Roxie thinks she's the queen of the realm. I'm the older member of the pack so actually, the title of "queen" rightfully belongs to me. However, titles aren't worth fighting over.... toy beavers are!

Exhausting Day

2010-03-09T05:22:00.000-08:00

We went on a long walk today. It was exhausting. When we got home, I sprawled out on the floor and took a nap. I didn't think it was funny but my dad got a big kick out of taking a picture of me as a dead dog. All I can say is, he has a strange sense of humor.

Spoiled Rotten Brat

2010-03-08T05:17:00.000-08:00

Roxie's a spoiled brat. Look how she sucks up to our mom by cuddling in her lap. She's really too big to be a lap dog but try telling her that! She's such a puppy. As a mature and sophisticated dog, I wait to be invited before crawling up on people's laps.

Sneaking Into Off-Limits Territory

2010-03-07T10:23:00.000-08:00

This morning, Roxie and I hopped over the electric fence that's supposed to keep us out of the flower bed. We felt perfectly justified going into off-limits territory. We were defending the homeland by chasing squirrels out of the back yard. Still, we had the good graces to look guilty when the camera caught us.

Long and Winding Road

2010-03-06T05:03:00.000-08:00

We like long walks with interesting things to check out. This is one of our favorite walks. The path winds along the side of a hill that's pock marked with burrows. It smells like rabbits, squirrels, and coyotes live in these burrows. We keep trying to catch the rabbits and squirrels but they always manage to get away.

New Friend on our Walk

2010-03-05T05:57:00.000-08:00

We met a very nice Aussie on our Sunday walk. She was so well trained... she knew "paws up" and went down on a hand signal. My mom had to work a little harder to get Roxie to mind her manners. We discovered our new friend had the same trainer as Roxie: Melody Daggs. My mom is looking forward to enrolling Roxie in Melody's next class.

King of the Hill

2010-03-04T05:53:00.000-08:00

On one of our favorite walks, we get to sit at the top of a hill and survey our domain. Below us, there are ground squirrels to chase, dead things to roll in, and interesting smells. What more could a dog ask for?

Tug of War

2010-03-03T05:49:00.000-08:00

Roxie got to play tug of war with our mom last night. I was the referee; I made sure everyone played fair and I got to declare the winner. Guess who won?

Trip to Whitie's Pets

2010-03-02T05:38:00.000-08:00

We went to Whitie's Pets to get another 35-pound bag of dog food. Our favorite flavor is lamb and rice. Our mom says that makes our coats look nice and shiny. We love trips to Whitie's because we get to pick out new toys and buy new things to chew on. Always a fine outing, it you ask me!

Hide and Seek

2010-03-01T05:15:00.000-08:00

Roxie and I got to play hide and seek in the bushes. Can you see me hiding from Roxie?

Out and About

2010-02-28T05:09:00.000-08:00

Another fine day roaming the green hills, chasing squirrels, romping through the grass, and having fun. If only we could spend every day like this....

Swimming's a Year Round Sport

2010-02-27T05:07:00.000-08:00

Forget the Winter Olympics! Swimming is a year round sport. Just ask Roxie! She swims every time she gets the chance.

Run to the River

2010-02-26T05:54:00.000-08:00

We've been visiting the river a lot lately. Recent court decisions have sided with environmentalists who want to restore the river's salmon runs. To achieve this, more water needs to flow down the river without being siphoned off for farming or urban uses. My mom and dad are always looking for jobs for dogs. I'm thinking "fish counting" is in my future!

Driver Training

2010-02-25T05:48:00.000-08:00

When we're riding in the car, Roxie likes to stand on the console by the driver. She likes to kiss the driver's face and ears. This distracts the driver which could cause an accident. So, my mom and dad are trying to train Roxie to sit quietly in the back seat and leave the driver alone. Roxie has other ideas so the driver's training isn't going as quickly as it should. Roxie's lucky that her mom and dad are very patient.

Begging Pays Off!

2010-02-24T05:45:00.000-08:00

We've done a good job of training our dad. When he's in the kitchen, we work as a "tag team" to keep him cornered until he gives us some treats.

Lap Dog!

2010-02-23T05:42:00.000-08:00

Uncle Paul visited again from Seattle. Roxie loves Uncle Paul because he allows her to be a lap dog. She's such a spoiled brat!

Swimming Hole!

2010-02-22T04:56:00.000-08:00

We found a great place to go swimming at our new spot by the river. The best part is getting out and shaking cold water on our mom and day. They tell us we're disgusting dogs but we know they love us!

A Polite Beggar

2010-02-21T05:34:00.000-08:00

Look how politely Roxie waits for treats to come her way during dinner. She's got begging down to a fine science!

Frisbee Destroyed

2010-02-20T05:27:00.000-08:00

Roxie was so proud of herself. She managed to retrieve her frisbee from the shelf where it was stored. She then systematically shredded it. She has no shame!

Not Just Any Bed

2010-02-19T05:22:00.000-08:00

You tell me, which bed looks more comfortable to you? My mom and dad seem to think I should be happy with the bed on the floor. It's obvious: wouldn't any dog prefer a people bed with real pillows?

A Fine Adventure

2010-02-18T05:19:00.000-08:00

We went on a most excellent adventure chasing ground squirrels and investigating burrows. What a great day to be a dog!

River Exploration

2010-02-17T05:46:00.000-08:00

We got to explore a new part of the River yesterday. It was a pretty day with lots of new smells and squirrels to chase. Our only disappointment was that our mom and dad wouldn't let us roll in the dead possum we found.

Roxie Steals the Beaver - Again

2010-02-16T05:18:00.000-08:00

Roxie got the stuffed beaver away from me again. She's such a bully!

Chicken LIttle

2010-02-15T05:14:00.000-08:00

My dad made me pose with a stuffed Foster Farms chicken. He thought it made for a funny picture. If he'd asked me, I would have told him I felt pretty silly.

Tug of War Toy Fight!

2010-02-14T05:05:00.000-08:00

Our favorite toy is a stuffed beaver with no head because we chewed it off several weeks ago. We fight over the beaver almost every night. Roxie usually wins but I keep barking until my dad gets so annoyed, he takes the beaver away from both of us.

Car Ride!

2010-02-13T14:59:00.001-08:00

We went on three car rides today. We like to ride with our heads out the window, especially on warm, sunny days like today. Look how blue the sky is! Another perfect California day!

Leisurely Morning

2010-02-11T09:29:00.000-08:00

Roxie and I decided to hang out this morning. I'm not supposed to be on the furniture but I got caught by surprise. I rate the couch just about as comfortable as the bed which I'm also not supposed to be on. Oh, well. You have to live dangerously once in a while!

Not Very Lady-Like

2010-02-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

My mom caught Roxie sprawled out on the back porch. She sure doesn't look very lady-like, does she? I hope my mom doesn't catch me in such a compromising position!

In Tall Cotton

2010-02-08T05:32:00.000-08:00

OK, so it's really not cotton, it's plush green grass. Roxie and I had so much fun romping and playing in the grass on Saturday. Life was good!

Blue Skies, Nothing But Blue Skies

2010-02-07T05:28:00.000-08:00

It quit raining so we got to enjoy a long Saturday walk down by the river. It was a perfect day with sunny blue skies, lush green grass, and nobody but us on the trail. In a nutshell, dog heaven!

What'd I Do Wrong??

2010-02-06T05:43:00.000-08:00

There's always a camera being stuck in my face. What am I doing wrong? Why am I being tortured like this? Please! Stop it already!

Roxie Mugs for the Camera

2010-02-05T05:37:00.000-08:00

I don't like cameras all that much. Roxie, on the other hand, always stops to pose for pictures. She's such a people pleaser. While I'm off scouting for dangerous terrain ahead, she's getting her picture taken.

Leader of the Pack

2010-02-04T05:33:00.000-08:00

We took a nice long Sunday walk down by the river. I got to be leader of the pack. It's not easy keeping everyone on the straight and narrow path.

We Wore Roxie Out

2010-02-03T05:44:00.000-08:00

I didn't think it was possible but the long bike ride wore Roxie out. When we got home, all she wanted to do was sleep. I got a few hours of peace and quiet. We need to wear her out more often!

Scenes from the Bike Ride

2010-02-02T05:26:00.000-08:00

Every trip has special memories. Here are some of the things I'll remember about our last bike ride:

* Roxie's tongue hanging out of her mouth;

* A wide open orchard free of weeds is perfect for spotting and chasing ground squirrels

* My dad looks good in yellow.

Bike Ride!

2010-02-01T05:10:00.000-08:00

Things didn't look good. My mom and dad loaded their ski bags in the car and left. We thought they'd be gone the whole day like usual. Imagine our surprise when they came home just two hours later. Turns out, so many people wanted to go skiing, it was bumper to bumper traffic. A trip that would normally take an hour and a half was going to take 2 or 3 hours. My mom and dad didn't want to wait patiently. So, they turned around and came home.

Since they had to change their plans for the day, they decided to take Roxie and me on a bike ride out in the country.

It was the first day of sunshine after a week of rain. Look at the snow on the Sierra Nevada mountains! We got to run off leash for miles until the very last leg of the trip along a busy road. What a perfect day!

Mud Hole Redux!

2010-01-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

Dog heaven! Another mud hole. Life just doesn't get any better than this.... if you're feeling down, try a good wallow in the mud. It will lift your spirits and restore your soul. From personal experience, it works better than chicken soup!

Down and Dirty

2010-01-30T05:32:00.000-08:00

Are we disgusting or what? Roxie's so muddy, you can hardly see the white on her neck and face!

I feel sorry for dogs with "helicopter moms." They never get to experience the pure joy of getting down and dirty. I wouldn't trade my life for all the dog bones in China.

More Mud Holes!

2010-01-29T05:23:00.000-08:00

We found some more mud holes! There's nothing quite as invigorating as a good wallow in the mud.

The best part of any walk is finding disgusting things to get into. Roxie found a dead fish and was able to roll in it before my dad caught her. I though she smelled good but my mom and dad said she stank so they gave her a bath. We hate baths so better her than me!

Only In California

2010-01-28T05:17:00.000-08:00

Where else can you go from snow to green grass and sunshine all in the same day? Only in California! We love to go on long walks in the country. We get to chase ground squirrels, look for mud holes, and run up and down hillsides. Those city dogs don't know what they're missing!

Another Snow Day

2010-01-27T05:14:00.000-08:00

Brrrr! It was really snowing. Thank goodness I have a warm black coat. I love to play in the snow but it's harder to bound through the snow banks. When we get home, I curl up by the nice warm fire and take a nap.

More Christmas 2009

2010-01-26T05:08:00.000-08:00

My dad has a funny sense of humor. This year, our Christmas lawn display was sled dogs. The sled dogs were supposed to be delivering presents but my dad changed it around. He put Sarah Palin in the driver's seat. Then, he made some signs about mushing into 2012 and starting the Iditarogue. I didn't quite get the point but lots of people told him it was pretty funny!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-25T05:03:00.000-08:00

Roxie got to pose with some of the family under the Christmas tree. I don't like to have my picture taken so I hid. We got lots of presents, though.... plenty of chew toys and toys with squeakers, my favorite kind. Thank you, Santa!

Nothing Like a Good Mud Hole!

2010-01-24T05:25:00.000-08:00

We went on a long walk and look what we found: a mud hole! Roxie and I got to wallow in the mud. We had so much fun until we got home. Then, we were given baths with shampoo and everything. I like the smell of scummy pond so much better than shampoo.

Saturday Walk With the Family

2010-01-23T05:07:00.000-08:00

We got to go on a long walk down by the river on Saturday. Louie and Lizzie and the granddaughter came with us. The weather was nice and warm, the grass was green, the sky was blue, life was good.

When a bicyclist came by, we had to get off the path. Other than that, it was a perfect, leash-free day.

Sneaking Onto the Bed

2010-01-22T05:01:00.000-08:00

Since Bina passed on, I've been able to get away with more than I used to. Lately, I've been sneaking onto my mom's side of the bed in the mornings. People beds are much more comfortable than dog beds.... why didn't I try this before?

Roxie Likes the Park

2010-01-21T08:54:00.000-08:00

We live four houses away from a nice, green park. Every day, my mom and dad take us down to the park. We get to play with all the neighborhood dogs and retrieve balls. It's a lot of fun.

Bina used to be the official "Park greeter." She would go up to everybody, introduce herself, get petted, and sometimes, beg for treats. Everyone knew who she was and what a sweet dog she was.

My dad told Roxie, "You've got some pretty big shoes to fill." Even though she's gone to school, Roxie barks at some people and some dogs. My mom says she's still a puppy and she needs more training. She plans to enroll her in the next available class and may even try an agility class with her. I think those plans are perfect. It will keep Roxie busy and get her out of the house. Maybe there will be some peace and quiet in my future, after all!

Roxie Thinks She Can Drive

2010-01-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

Aussies think they're SO smart... my dad went into a store to get something. Roxie jumped into the driver's seat of his car. Maybe she thought she could drive but I had the last laugh. She couldn't figure out how to get the car started. So, even though she was ready to go (like she always is), she had to wait until my dad came back.

Does This Look Like a Sweet Face To YOU?

2010-01-19T08:38:00.000-08:00

My mom says Roxie will grow up and turn into a sweet dog just like Bina. I think Roxie is BIG trouble. Does this look like a sweet face to you?

Bones are for Outside Only!

2010-01-18T08:21:00.000-08:00

My mom and dad are very clear about the rules: bones are for outside only. Roxie still tries to sneak back in the house with a bone from time to time. If she was as smart as my parents think she is, wouldn't she realize she always gets caught and quit trying?

Roxie Graduated From Middle School

2010-01-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

After puppy kindergarten, my mom enrolled Roxie in middle school. My dad tried to take me as refresher training but I hated it so much, he finally left me home. Roxie graduated at the top of her class with 134 out of a possible 135 points. She did really good on her "down stays" because my mom used a secret training technique. She put Roxie on "sit stays" and "down stays" while two boys from across the street rode their scooters and skateboards all around her. I'll give her credit, she caught on pretty quickly.

Uncle Paul Was at Roxie's Graduation

2010-01-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

Uncle Paul came all the way from Seattle to attend Roxie's graduation from kindergarten! Roxie adores Uncle Paul. When he comes to visit, she continues to kiss his face until he's finally had enough and tells her to stop.

Roxie Passed Puppy Kindergarten

2010-01-15T08:04:00.000-08:00

My mom and dad made Roxie, the new puppy, go to kindergarten. They said she needed to learn how to get along with other dogs. She passed and posed with her class for a graduation photo. She's the second puppyfrom the right.

Passing kindergarten hasn't made it any easier to live with her. She keeps pouncing on my and trying to get me to play. She doesn't seem to realize I'm a mature 9-year-old lady. Playing like a puppy is beneath me!

Roxie's First Visit to the Snow

2010-01-14T06:08:00.000-08:00

My mom and dad took us up to the mountains. It was the first time the new puppy, Roxie, had seen the snow. We had a good time running around and romping in the snow. Then, our parents made us pose for pictures. Of course, Roxie is always very photogenic while I'm not! I cowered in the picture so my mom refused to post it! Ugggh!

Vicious Puppy in Town

2010-01-13T06:14:00.000-08:00

The new puppy has a vicious streak. She picked up a knife and threatened the family. OK, not really. I made that up. My dad posed her with a knife in her mouth because he thought it was funny. My dad took a picture of his injured arm and claimed the puppy inflicted this injury with the knife. I know better. The new puppy is smart and she has razor-sharp teeth but she's no terrorist!

Roxie Teaches the Granddaughter to Enjoy Shoes

2010-01-12T06:08:00.000-08:00

In addition to the new puppy, our family has a new granddaughter. Alyssa was born December 5, 2008. While the new puppy was busy destroying SEVEN pairs of my mom's shoes, the puppy was also teaching the granddaughter to enjoy chewing shoes, too. What a pair! I do my best to avoid them at all costs!

Puppy Learns from Bina and Me

2010-01-11T05:54:00.000-08:00

So, my mom and dad took the three of us on a boat ride during the summer of 2009. Bina's on the left, I'm in the middle and the terrible new puppy is on the right. The puppy, Roxie, fell out of the boat at some point. My mom realized there were only two dogs on board and she went crazy. My mom and dad looked around and saw a tiny black head swimming a long ways behind the boat. My dad did a sharp U-turn and we sped back to rescue Roxie, a small puppy swimming alone in the lake. Roxie's still here so you know how things turned out. As my dad says, "She's a swimmer!" But, the puppy needs to learn from Bina and me. You're supposed to stay IN the boat, not fall out of it.

A New Puppy Joins the Pack

2010-01-10T17:38:00.000-08:00

After Bina's diagnosis, my mom got the hairbrained idea that we needed a new puppy. She figured I'd be sad and lonely when Bina left us for good. She was right but I'd never admit that to her! In any event, she spent months trying to find an Australian Shepherd puppy. My dad wanted a purebred which sort of hurt my feelings since I've been told I was the product of "unauthorized breeding."

It was a perfectly lazy summer evening when my mom and dad showed up with an obnoxious new puppy they named Roxie! So, not only was Bina sick, but now, there was a rambunctious puppy in the house!

Well, cute only gets you so far. This puppy chewed up SEVEN pairs of my mom's shoes, THREE pairs of glasses, and all of my mom's contact lenses. She's chewed holes in several walls, and shredded the floor-length curtains in the bedroom. My dad says, "The cost of the dog is insignificant compared to the cost of the damage the dog does!"

What a Difference a Year Makes!

2010-01-10T17:21:00.001-08:00

Wow! It's been more than a year since my last blog post. A lot has happened.... some good, some bad. I stopped blogging when my house mate, Bina, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure on November 1, 2008. Life really changed with that diagnosis. Every morning and evening, my mom gave Bina lots of pills for her heart problems. We stopped going on bike rides and long walks. We made a lot of trips to the vet. Finally, on December 10, 2009, Bina's heart gave out and it was time to say goodbye. The vet came to the house and the family gathered around Bina one last time. My people were so sad, they couldn't stop crying. Bina was their loyal family dog for 14 years. She had a great life with much love and many experiences but they knew it was time to let her go. She will be in their hearts forever. Here are some pictures from the last walk we all went on (yes, there are three of us canines; I'll explain in a subsequent post).

Mom and Dad Should Retire!

2008-02-20T05:47:00.000-08:00

We got to play tug of war with our dad last night! It was so much fun! We want our mom and dad to retire. They should stay home and play with us every day. They should take us on long bike rides in the country and trips to the snow. They should take naps with us. Our mom says they can't retire yet. They have to work to put food in our bowls. She says to keep our paws crossed so they can win the lottery!

More DWB Presents

2008-02-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

Something for my best barking buddies, Ginger, Sparky, and Crikit....

A new theme for Pacco de Mongrel....

And encouragement for Peanut!

Presents For My DWB Friends

2008-02-18T08:05:00.000-08:00

A special present for Amber-Mae, who dances with the stars....

Something in honor of Frasier's Jack Russell attitude....

An award for fashionista extraordinaire, Lorenza.

Sunday Bike Ride on a Dirt Road

2008-02-16T07:24:00.000-08:00

My mom and dad found a country dirt road about 30 minutes from where we live. It's a perfect place to go for an outing. Our leashes come off and we can run for miles next to mom or dad's bicycle. Occasionally, we get sidetracked by a ground squirrel or lizard. Last Sunday, we stopped to visit the horses. We came home tired but it was a terrific Sunday afternoon ride!

How Many Dogs Does It Take To Change a Light Bulb?

2008-02-15T06:02:00.000-08:00

This joke has circulated around the internet a few times but it's cuter with pictures and still lots of fun!

1. Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid burned out bulb?

2. Border Collie: Just one. And then I'll replace any wiring that's not up to code.

3. Dachshund: You know I can't reach that stupid lamp!

4. Rottweiler: Make me.

5. Boxer: Who cares? I can still play with my squeaky toys in the dark.

6. Lab: Oh, me, me!!!!! Pleeeeeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Huh? Can I? Pleeeeeeeeeze, please, please, please!

7. German Shepherd: I'll change it as soon as I've led these people from the dark, check to make sure I haven't missed any, and make just one more perimeter patrol to see that no one has tried to take advantage of the situation.

8. Jack Russell Terrier: I'll just pop it in while I'm bouncing off the walls and furniture.

9. Old English Sheep Dog: Light bulb? I'm sorry, but I don't see a light bulb!

10. Cocker Spaniel: Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the dark.

11. Chihuahua: Yo quiero Taco Bulb. Or "We don't need no stinking light bulb."

12. Greyhound: It isn't moving. Who cares?

13. Australian Shepherd: First, I'll put all the light bulbs in a little circle...

14. Poodle: I'll just blow in the Border Collie's ear and he'll do it. By the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry.

Thanks For the Award, Crikit, Ginger and Sparky

2008-02-14T05:40:00.000-08:00

Crikit, Ginger, and Sparky gave me this "so special award." THANK YOU! I hate to admit it but I have a little crush on Sparky but he already lives with two females. What could he possibly see in me? Oh, well, go check him out for yourself. http://barkingloud.blogspot.com/ Isn't he the ultimate gentleman of the new millenium?

Caught In the Act! Caught On the Couch!

2008-02-11T16:29:00.000-08:00

I'm in big trouble! My aunt Dimity caught me on the couch in the front room. We're not supposed to be on the furniture but Bina and I ignore the rules when my mom and dad are at work. I knew enought to look guilty for the camera, though!

Dogs With Jobs As Poll Watchers

2008-02-10T15:54:00.000-08:00

My mom hasn't let me blog lately because my family had a very important job. Our garage was a precinct polling place in California's Presidential Primary Election on Tuesday, February 5. Plus, we were all precinct workers. My mom told us our job was to guard the precinct but we had to be nice to the voters, too.

Last weekend, my dad had to clean the garage. Then, we set up the voting booths, touch screen machine, and all the ballots and supplies. On Monday night after work, my mom got the coffee ready and baked cookies. Some people come to vote in person just for her homemade cookies!

On Tuesday morning, we got up at 5:00 a.m. We had to get the polls ready to open at 7:00 a.m. From the moment the garage door opened in the morning until the polls closed at 8:00 p.m., more than 200 voters came to our house. During lulls in the voting, my mom and I inspected the voting booths to make sure they were clean and safe.

After closing the polls, my mom and dad had to do a lot of paperwork to account for every ballot. Then, we had to seal the voted ballots in a special box and deliver everything to an elections drop-off location. We didn't sit down to dinner until 9:30 p.m.

My mom said it was a really long day and she's getting too old to work that hard. But, we had a great time! Our family was home on a day when they would normally be at work. Election day means corned beef for dinner. We got to greet our neighbors and their dogs, when they brought them. And, we got to bark at the mailman from the front yard instead of from behind a fence! A good day, all in all!

Hard Work (and Some Play) In the Snow

2008-01-26T18:04:00.000-08:00

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!!

2008-01-25T05:33:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-01-23T16:44:00.000-08:00

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!!

2008-01-23T06:54:00.001-08:00

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

2008-01-23T06:48:00.001-08:00

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

2008-01-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-01-19T07:01:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-01-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-07T05:35:00.001-08:00

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

2008-01-06T05:55:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-05T05:55:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-04T17:56:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-04T06:54:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-04T06:44:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-02T05:55:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-01-01T15:47:00.000-08:00

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!

Squirrels In My Neighborhood

2007-12-31T05:28:00.000-08:00

I live in an area where there are several types of squirrels, all good for chasing. There are lots of ordinary ground squirrels with burrows in the ground. Some people call these squirrels "prairie dogs" which is pretty silly because they don't look or act anything like us dogs.

There are also common gray squirrels who mostly live in trees. They scamper back and forth along the power line in our back yard. When we see this type of air space violation, we charge out the doggy door and bark like crazy until the intruder squirrel goes away. One squirrel actually sits on the power line and flicks his tail to taunt us. He has no respect for our territory! One of these days, squirrel, you'll get yours!

How To Dig For Squirrels

2007-12-30T17:17:00.001-08:00

This afternoon, we went to Lost Lake Park, a real paradise for squirrels. Here in Fresno, it's still cold and gray. My mom said that's why the ground squirrels weren't outside like usual. That didn't stop me from doing a little digging on my own to see what would turn up. Too bad! Despite my best excavation techniques, there wasn't a squirrel to be found. Maybe next time...

Inaugural Flight of the Dragonfly!

2007-12-29T15:55:00.000-08:00

My dad took us down to the park for the inaugural flight of the remote controlled dragonfly. It looks like we'll be able to catch this dragonfly easier than the real ones. With a few more attempts, we should be able to bring it down. Once, we do, we'll probably be able to shred it, too. What fun!

Thanks for the Remote Controlled Dragonfly, Santa!

2007-12-29T06:43:00.000-08:00

Santa gave us a remote controlled dragonfly for Christmas! Who knew such a thing existed? It's been so cold here, our parents haven't wanted to spend much time outside. But, they said we'd try it out today to see if it flies. Just think! If it flies, we can chase dragonflies year round instead of waiting for the season every year. This was the best Christmas ever, except for the videocam mom got!

Who's Bed Is It?

2007-12-29T05:51:00.000-08:00

This is some more humor from my friend, Nick Massie. My mom and dad only let me get in bed with them when I'm really scared so don't think I'm sleeping in the lap of luxury. But, it is good to know when people are onto us....

To my dog: I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to insure your comfort. Dogs can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. My cousin, Louie, illustrates how this is done perfectly. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to me stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm. I treat you with respect and will henceforth, demand the same of you. Or else!

Bina Dreams of Squirrels

2007-12-28T15:10:00.000-08:00

It's a gray, rainy day here in Fresno. Here's my housemate, Bina, dreaming of chasing squirrels in the sunshine.

This Vlogging Thing Is Driving Me Nuts!

2007-12-27T06:25:00.001-08:00

My mom works with Jerry Martin, an IT superstar. Jerry told her what she's doing is called "vlogging" when she blogs with a videocam. I call it "annoying." How would you like to have a videocam stuck in your face right after breakfast? I hope this is just a passing fad that mom gets bored with!

Message From My Cousin, Scout

2007-12-26T11:03:00.001-08:00

Hi Ripley,
I saw my picture on your blog - thanks - I was pretty cute don't you think?

I still help in the garden, mostly with digging. I still carry pots around and chew them up when I can. My mom says I am not digging where she would like to plant so it's not that helpful. But, I'm thinking I'm a good garden designer and she should plant where I dig. I also fertilize the plants but my mom says that's not that helpful, either. Sometimes, humans are hard to understand!

By the way, I did not get Best in Show - it was High in Trial - a big difference to humans who know about dog shows. I am extremely gorgeous but judges wouldn't put me up as Best in Show. Also, I'm not an obedience champion, yet. That takes more points that my mom and I still have to get. In the interest of editorial integrity, you might want clarify this on your blog.

Keep up the good work!

Scout

A Christmas Without Squeaks

2007-12-25T19:59:00.000-08:00

We got lots of presents this Christmas. It took me less than 10 minutes to remove the squeakers from all my toys. My dad caught some of the action on our new videocam! It was the best Christmas ever!

Merry Christmas To All and To All a Long Walk!

2007-12-25T05:10:00.000-08:00

Santa came last night! I got a new collar, shiny new choke chain, and lots of tennis balls. My house mate, Bina, got some rope pull toys and liver treats. We both got a golf ball driver that launches tennis balls for dogs rather than golf balls for people. Can't wait to see how well it works later today.

Best of all, my mom and dad got a cool new video camera. They told me once they figure out how to work it, I'll be able to post videos of me and Bina doing cool herding dog stuff. Maybe we can show Solid Gold Dancer our little doggy dance that finally annoys our mom and dad so much, they take us for a walk. Or, maybe we can show you our best begging techniques and see if you have tips for improving it.

Merry Christmas to dogs everywhere! Here's wishing you warm beds, new things to smell, lots of adventures, worldwide eradication of puncture vines, and peace and harmony at the dog park!

Can I Nap At Your House?

2007-12-24T15:11:00.000-08:00

My friend, Nick Massei, sent me this story. I thought it was worth sharing. I apologize in advance if it's a re-run or has already been posted on another dog's blog. I'm not a politically correct dog and I'm new to blogging. Forgive me if I'm stepping on anyone's paws!

An old, tired-looking dog wandered into the yard. I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home. He followed me into the house, down the hall, and fell asleep in a corner. An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.

The next day he was back. He resumed his position in the hall, and slept for an hour. This continued for several weeks.

Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: "Every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap."

The next day he arrived with a different note pinned to his collar: "He lives in a home with ten children -- he's trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?"