It was a merry Christmas even though I did not receive any presents. Of course, I was rescued only about 2 weeks ago so I guess that could be called the best Christmas present of all. MFM packed me up and we traveled to Houston for a couple of days. I was really looking forward to the visit with this animal-loving part of the family. They currently have 2 cats and a 2 1/2 year old real, live boy child.
I got to ride shotgun and I think I will have to wear a seat belt as soon as MFM gets me one. It is way better than sleeping in the crate the whole way. I didn't get car-sick one bit. She was going to stop at the dog park on the way out but it was raining and I could hear her grumbling something about mud and water. That's o.k., I got to run & play in a fenced yard after we arrived. There were squirrels and dove to chase and lots of leaves and tallow seeds to taste.
My one disappointment was not getting to play with the cats. Believe me, I tried! I only saw the beautiful black and white Duncan once, but Joey was around a lot. Every time I tried to play with Joey, he would growl and hiss. I even showed him my most submissive pose but he was not impressed. I finally got in a little tug-of-war with the boy and some snuggling with the master. Tia showed MFM some training tips and now I know I am in for it. MFM even got a gift certificate for dog training and I think it is meant for me.
We arrived back home this afternoon and MFM stopped at the dog park so I could stretch my legs. None of my good friends were there but I did get in some chase time along the fence that separates me from the big dogs. I need a good night's sleep so we can hit the road again tomorrow. Now you know one reason I am named Trip!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Puppy Chow
MFM has discovered that there are at least two dogs who do not "counter surf" or beg at the table. She thinks it has something to do with their not eating table scraps so, other than an occasional carrot for a "treat," she only feeds me good quality food. Now, don't get me wrong. I am not complaining about the food but MFM was given a packet of "Puppy Chow" for people yesterday. It is made from Rice Chex, peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar. Sounds good, but do I get any? Noooo, it is just for people and I have to eat my regular stuff and chew on that detestable green bone..
Anyway, I thought it was quite a clever idea to give all the dog lovers a bag of "puppy chow."
Anyway, I thought it was quite a clever idea to give all the dog lovers a bag of "puppy chow."
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Are There Suds in My Future?
I am just a little worried. MFM let me have a short time in the dog park this morning, but my friends weren't there so I hope I get to go again this afternoon. At least I had time to sniff the whole perimeter of the park without interruption. So many smells, so little time.
We left there and visited Pet Smart. There were a lot of dogs visiting there today but no one wanted to play. The children were more playful than the canine creatures. I got a green chewing device that is supposed to be good for your teeth. I don't like it. I also noticed that MFM, after much deliberation. picked up a bottle of shampoo. This bodes no good. It has taken a while running, rolling in dirt, sticking my nose into other people's business, and groveling with the other dogs, to get rid of the cleanliness attached to that first grooming session. Now she wants to ruin it all by giving me a bath?
Let's see....how can I most make this complicated for her.....
We left there and visited Pet Smart. There were a lot of dogs visiting there today but no one wanted to play. The children were more playful than the canine creatures. I got a green chewing device that is supposed to be good for your teeth. I don't like it. I also noticed that MFM, after much deliberation. picked up a bottle of shampoo. This bodes no good. It has taken a while running, rolling in dirt, sticking my nose into other people's business, and groveling with the other dogs, to get rid of the cleanliness attached to that first grooming session. Now she wants to ruin it all by giving me a bath?
Let's see....how can I most make this complicated for her.....
Monday, December 20, 2010
The Bark Park
I am a high energy dog! Getting a 3 mile walk on a leash prior to breakfast does not fulfill my exercise requirements for the day. Fortunately MFM takes me to the local dog park.The park is partially shaded, has grass and mulched areas, lots of trees, and a heavy-duty 6' fence. It is divided into two areas so big dogs and smaller dogs each have a safe area to run free.
The first time MFM took me there and released me from my leash, I hit the ground running and did not stop for an hour. I was almost the fastest dog there, but there one or two who gave me a run for my money. I reveled in all the smells! When I first arrived, all the other dogs ran over to greet me. I could not move because so many surrounded me and they sniffed every part of me. I tried to get some return sniffing in, but they were ready to play. There were 11 dogs in our area today and not one bit of discord. About half of us ran along the fence line with a big dog in the adjoining part of the park. We ran and barked and trampled over each other....ohhh, it was SO much fun!
I am beginning to have a few favorite friends amongst the dogs and I can run for shelter between the feet of any human adult in the park. The humans are very liberal with their praise and pats on my head. There is one fellow canine I am not so keen on but he can do an amazing thing. He is a 6 year old male who seems to keep walking on his two front feet while he raises both legs and pees out behind him. Unfortunately, I was sniffing him when he first showed me this trick. MFM washed my face but I think I will have to have a bath.
There are a few tiny little dogs that shake in the fancy sweaters when they are in the park. I tend to stick with the guys that are my size and we have a great time. We run at breakneck speed, play tug-of-war, jump on each other to make a big dog pile, and always have time to welcome newcomers.
I think the bark park is my favorite place!
The first time MFM took me there and released me from my leash, I hit the ground running and did not stop for an hour. I was almost the fastest dog there, but there one or two who gave me a run for my money. I reveled in all the smells! When I first arrived, all the other dogs ran over to greet me. I could not move because so many surrounded me and they sniffed every part of me. I tried to get some return sniffing in, but they were ready to play. There were 11 dogs in our area today and not one bit of discord. About half of us ran along the fence line with a big dog in the adjoining part of the park. We ran and barked and trampled over each other....ohhh, it was SO much fun!
I am beginning to have a few favorite friends amongst the dogs and I can run for shelter between the feet of any human adult in the park. The humans are very liberal with their praise and pats on my head. There is one fellow canine I am not so keen on but he can do an amazing thing. He is a 6 year old male who seems to keep walking on his two front feet while he raises both legs and pees out behind him. Unfortunately, I was sniffing him when he first showed me this trick. MFM washed my face but I think I will have to have a bath.
There are a few tiny little dogs that shake in the fancy sweaters when they are in the park. I tend to stick with the guys that are my size and we have a great time. We run at breakneck speed, play tug-of-war, jump on each other to make a big dog pile, and always have time to welcome newcomers.
I think the bark park is my favorite place!
Lost Dog!
MFM was in a hurry yesterday morning. I could hear her thinking out loud and it was exciting! She planned to let me out without my leash - just for a second - "Just long enough to do your business." Sure, I figured I could handle that. (I have assimilated and learned some Texas Talk - "figure" is a verb.)
We stepped out the back door and I only half listened to MFM chatting about something. We walked over to "The Spot" and I froze in place. MFM was still quietly chatting until she noticed I was just standing there still as statue. She looked over to see what was catching my attention and we all froze. Standing just out of arm's reach were 5 deer watching us watch them. Nothing moved and there were no sounds.
About 30 seconds of this was all I could take, so I made a slight move to go about my business. Well, you would have thought I had pushed the fruit-basket-turn-over button. My slight movement spooked the deer and I followed my immediate instinct to chase after them. I could hear my MFM clapping and calling, too stunned to whistle, but I couldn't stop. I don't recall ever having so much fun!
Later, I learned that MFM had hurried back in to get the leash then knocked on her neighbor's door to enlist aid. MFM questioned two people from the neighborhood who were out for a stroll.
"Did you see a black & white dog fly past, chasing deer?" she asked.
"We saw spooked deer, but no dog," one man answered.
I had been in the neighborhood less than a week and already I had gotten loose and gotten lost. MFM was worried I wouldn't be able to find my way home or, horrors!, be hit by a car.
"Don't worry," the man said, obviously operating from a voice of experience, "he knows where the dinner bowl is."
Good neighbor that she is, Patti volunteered to help look. It was really a funny sight - both of them scurrying around in the Green Belt, clapping and calling. The deer interrupted in their grazing, had perplexed looks. There was no dog to be seen.
MFM finally decided to get the car and drive around the area looking for one sad, lonely, frightened dog. She gathered her things and prepared to leave but stopped to take one more look in the back yard. You guessed it! I was waiting, impatiently, by the back door. I knew where the food bowl was.
Since then, MFM has been really careful about keeping my leash on me any time we step out the door. It brings me up short some times when I try to take off running without thinking, but I know I am loved.
We stepped out the back door and I only half listened to MFM chatting about something. We walked over to "The Spot" and I froze in place. MFM was still quietly chatting until she noticed I was just standing there still as statue. She looked over to see what was catching my attention and we all froze. Standing just out of arm's reach were 5 deer watching us watch them. Nothing moved and there were no sounds.
About 30 seconds of this was all I could take, so I made a slight move to go about my business. Well, you would have thought I had pushed the fruit-basket-turn-over button. My slight movement spooked the deer and I followed my immediate instinct to chase after them. I could hear my MFM clapping and calling, too stunned to whistle, but I couldn't stop. I don't recall ever having so much fun!
Later, I learned that MFM had hurried back in to get the leash then knocked on her neighbor's door to enlist aid. MFM questioned two people from the neighborhood who were out for a stroll.
"Did you see a black & white dog fly past, chasing deer?" she asked.
"We saw spooked deer, but no dog," one man answered.
I had been in the neighborhood less than a week and already I had gotten loose and gotten lost. MFM was worried I wouldn't be able to find my way home or, horrors!, be hit by a car.
"Don't worry," the man said, obviously operating from a voice of experience, "he knows where the dinner bowl is."
Good neighbor that she is, Patti volunteered to help look. It was really a funny sight - both of them scurrying around in the Green Belt, clapping and calling. The deer interrupted in their grazing, had perplexed looks. There was no dog to be seen.
MFM finally decided to get the car and drive around the area looking for one sad, lonely, frightened dog. She gathered her things and prepared to leave but stopped to take one more look in the back yard. You guessed it! I was waiting, impatiently, by the back door. I knew where the food bowl was.
Since then, MFM has been really careful about keeping my leash on me any time we step out the door. It brings me up short some times when I try to take off running without thinking, but I know I am loved.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
I Have a Home
We arrived at my forever home in Texas. Wow! What a difference. The temperature was about 40 and MFM (My Forever Mom) thought it was cold. Humph! Anytime your belly does not drag in the snow, it has to be considered "warm." It was about 3:30 AM when we arrived and I could see MFM was planning to let me stretch my legs for a minute since there was no one around. Then, completely out of the blue, in this place where people roll up the streets at 9 PM, a car came whizzing down the cul de sac. I think the driver was just as surprised as we were. It turned out to be the paper delivery. No wonder the paper is full of yesterday's news; it was printed the day before it was delivered.
Anyway...out came the leash and I had a more confined stroll. It is beautiful here. Besides the lack of snow and relative warmth, the sky is black and filled with bright stars. I think someone wrote a song about that...."The stars at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas..." I think I might like it here.
We had a little sleep, but MFM was up early and on the phone for a while. Before I knew it, we were in the car again. She took me for a grooming because she thought I was scraggly and did not smell very nice. I have to admit, after I had a bath and got all that scraggly hair cut off, I felt a lot better - naked, but better.
Then we went to the vet. I tried to play with all the dogs that came in but they were not very friendly. Old sticks-in-the-mud is what they were. No curiosity or joy in living. Finally, I get to see the vet. MFM thought he was "fine" looking! Humph! He was just full of "Yes, ma'ams" and "No, ma'ams,"and he chewed blue gum. All I know is that he was very thorough and he gave me more shots. I ought to be in good shape by now, having been vaccinated against everything possible, dewormed, and having a microchip just in case I ever get lost. As if THAT would ever happen. I heard something about a return visit but they gave me a treat and I stopped listening.
SO....I am groomed and in relatively good health. I have a small corneal abrasion and "kennel cough", but otherwise in good shape. Not bad for a rescued dog. I have been busy all day and need my beauty rest.....photos later. Oh yes, after consulting with her Facebook friends, MFM gave me a new name. Just call me "Trip!"
Anyway...out came the leash and I had a more confined stroll. It is beautiful here. Besides the lack of snow and relative warmth, the sky is black and filled with bright stars. I think someone wrote a song about that...."The stars at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas..." I think I might like it here.
We had a little sleep, but MFM was up early and on the phone for a while. Before I knew it, we were in the car again. She took me for a grooming because she thought I was scraggly and did not smell very nice. I have to admit, after I had a bath and got all that scraggly hair cut off, I felt a lot better - naked, but better.
Then we went to the vet. I tried to play with all the dogs that came in but they were not very friendly. Old sticks-in-the-mud is what they were. No curiosity or joy in living. Finally, I get to see the vet. MFM thought he was "fine" looking! Humph! He was just full of "Yes, ma'ams" and "No, ma'ams,"and he chewed blue gum. All I know is that he was very thorough and he gave me more shots. I ought to be in good shape by now, having been vaccinated against everything possible, dewormed, and having a microchip just in case I ever get lost. As if THAT would ever happen. I heard something about a return visit but they gave me a treat and I stopped listening.
SO....I am groomed and in relatively good health. I have a small corneal abrasion and "kennel cough", but otherwise in good shape. Not bad for a rescued dog. I have been busy all day and need my beauty rest.....photos later. Oh yes, after consulting with her Facebook friends, MFM gave me a new name. Just call me "Trip!"
Saturday, December 18, 2010
In the Beginning
I can't go any further back in my life than the shelter. It was a "high-kill" shelter, meaning that a lot of animals went in but very few found homes, so the shelter had to make room for the incoming animals. Sad, but true, and the reasons are as varied as the animals or the people who bring them in - tired of them; too old to keep up with them; owners move and pets must be left behind; taught them bad habits and now they aren't so cute anymore - the list can go on and on. 
Fortunately, there are some dedicated people who try to rescue as many pets as possible and find homes for them. I was one of those who was rescued. I was taken to a great foster home where I had seven other canine playmates. My foster mom named me "Curly."
My photo was put up on the rescue dog internet site and that is where my forever mom (FM) found me.
I admit I wasn't much to look at while I was waiting for a forever home, but looks aren't everything. I was crate-trained, could "sit" on command, and was playful, healthy, and energetic. I had a lot to offer! Anyway, my FM drove all the way from Texas to pick me up. Well, she did stop off in St Louis to pick up her daughter for a traveling companion.
It was bitterly cold and a storm was brewing so I was glad to get out of town. Unfortunately, we stayed in St Louis for a couple of days to visit and the weather wasn't any better there. FM bundled up in three layers and I had to walk in snow so deep it brushed my belly. I dug my heels in when she tried to get me out the door into the snow, but it didn't do any good.
I hope my friends at the shelter made it out O.K. and I hope people will become more responsible so shelters do not have to go to extremes to make room for animals.
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