MFM opened a door and a monster grabbed her by the hand. It pulled her all over the house, all the while making a loud, roaring noise. The monster was much larger than I but I tried to protect MFM anyway. I barked and jumped and barked some more. I followed it around as it dragged MFM from room to room. I stood my ground in front of the monster as it roared toward me, then I jumped out of the way at the very last minute. Finally, the monster died. MFM took it outside and beat it then put it back behind the door where it lives. I saved her!
NOTE from Trip's "mom":
I vacuumed the house today and Trip chased the vacuum cleaner all around, barking at it and getting in the way. When will he learn?
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
A Busy Day
Whew! What a day! MFM, her neighbor and I took our usual 3 mile walk this morning and I barely had time settle in when we got back home. I only had a little bit of breakfast because I had to save room for "treats". What's up with that?
A short time later, MFM whisked me off to the park pavilion. There were dogs there and some were my friends from the dog park, but I wasn't allowed to greet them. Next thing I knew all the dogs and their handlers were circled up and listening to a woman give instructions. I knew then that trouble was brewing. We had to learn to understand hand signals as well as verbal commands. I hope I don't have to obey EVERY time.
One dog used to be a reading companion. She would go to the library or the school and just lie around while a child read to her. Now she is deaf so she has to learn the hand signals. Wonder if the children will care that she really can't hear them.
We spent a whole hour learning to look at our handlers like we were interested in what they might say, sitting when they told us to, and racing to their sides when we were called. "Good citizen" training was what someone called it. It was soooo easy. The difficult part was keeping from being distracted. I got some really good treats so I might like to go back.
I managed to get a nap before MFM bundled up and took me to the dog park. Finally, I go to romp with Millie and my other friends. Sparky and I spent a lot of time tearing around while sharing custody of the green chartruese monster. Boy, do I like to get dirty. Guess a bath is in my not-to-distant future.
I have been fed and have napped, now it is almost time to go to bed. I might even be too tired to dream and snore.
A short time later, MFM whisked me off to the park pavilion. There were dogs there and some were my friends from the dog park, but I wasn't allowed to greet them. Next thing I knew all the dogs and their handlers were circled up and listening to a woman give instructions. I knew then that trouble was brewing. We had to learn to understand hand signals as well as verbal commands. I hope I don't have to obey EVERY time.
One dog used to be a reading companion. She would go to the library or the school and just lie around while a child read to her. Now she is deaf so she has to learn the hand signals. Wonder if the children will care that she really can't hear them.
We spent a whole hour learning to look at our handlers like we were interested in what they might say, sitting when they told us to, and racing to their sides when we were called. "Good citizen" training was what someone called it. It was soooo easy. The difficult part was keeping from being distracted. I got some really good treats so I might like to go back.
I managed to get a nap before MFM bundled up and took me to the dog park. Finally, I go to romp with Millie and my other friends. Sparky and I spent a lot of time tearing around while sharing custody of the green chartruese monster. Boy, do I like to get dirty. Guess a bath is in my not-to-distant future.
I have been fed and have napped, now it is almost time to go to bed. I might even be too tired to dream and snore.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Fun, Games, and Ridicule
Yesterday was a beautiful day after a weekend of rain and cold. MFM felt moved to work in the garden (yard) and I got to go along. I think she felt a little uneasy about my staying with her so she took me out on my leash. She couldn't hold on to everything so she finally connected my leash to the stairs near her. I managed to look very bored and very pathetic so, after ascertaining there were no deer, squirrels, or other interesting playmates around, she reluctantly let me loose to play in the yard. I was very good. I trampled in the dirt where she was pulling weeds until I found a stick she could throw so I could play fetch. We had a wonderful afternoon.
Just before we went inside, MFM found an old whiffle ball the children had left out. That is THE best toy! I can't easily get hold of it so it is a challenge. I chase it and she laughs and laughs. She says I look like a cat chasing a ball. Humph! The grossest of insults.
We got to go to the dog park today and ALL my friends were there. We chased balls and toys, had a circle of dogs with each chasing the other's tail, and raced everywhere. One lady bought a black fancy dress for her friend's dog, Millie, and they put it on her. Poor thing, she tried and tried to get it off while everyone laughed at her. Finally, Millie's mom took it off her. I got close enough to snatch it away and I ran and ran. I let Millie hang on to the other side of it and we made short work of that fabric.
Friends don't let friends face ridicule alone!
Just before we went inside, MFM found an old whiffle ball the children had left out. That is THE best toy! I can't easily get hold of it so it is a challenge. I chase it and she laughs and laughs. She says I look like a cat chasing a ball. Humph! The grossest of insults.
We got to go to the dog park today and ALL my friends were there. We chased balls and toys, had a circle of dogs with each chasing the other's tail, and raced everywhere. One lady bought a black fancy dress for her friend's dog, Millie, and they put it on her. Poor thing, she tried and tried to get it off while everyone laughed at her. Finally, Millie's mom took it off her. I got close enough to snatch it away and I ran and ran. I let Millie hang on to the other side of it and we made short work of that fabric.
Friends don't let friends face ridicule alone!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
I Had a Hang Up
MFM says I am quite well-behaved and smart. It only takes me 2-3 times being told before I have learned the lesson. Of course, that doesn't mean I always do what is expected, but I have usually learned the lesson. MFM keeps me nearby most of the time because....well....I have gotten into a little, teeny bit of trouble now and then. I generally come running when she calls and sometimes I get a treat.
I don't get treats when MFM finds me sitting in her place on the sofa after I have been running in the mud at the dog park. She wipes my face and paws so I don't know what all the fuss is about. I don't get treats when MFM finds me lying on the rug shredding pine cones from the basket at the entrance to the house. I have never gotten a treat for sneaking a wooden shoe out of its resting place so I can chew on it. She likes to know where I am at all times. I wonder why.
Tonight, I was happy MFM does keep a close eye on me. We had gone for a walk in the rain and I had just finished my obligatory racing in a circle through the rooms after she released me from my leash at home. I was still wearing the harness. She called several times from another room but I was very quiet and did not know what to do. She came into the room where I was but she didn't see me and left again, still calling out and becoming a little annoyed with my lack of response.I still didn't know what to do.
Finally, she came in again and looked around the room, searching for my hiding spot. Luckily, that is when she saw me. I don't know how it happened, but my harness had gotten caught on the sharp edge of the bed frame and I was hooked with it tight around my neck. It took some maneuvering to finally get the harness free so she could remove it. I only whimpered a little bit but she cuddled me and made everything all right.
Neither of us knew a harness could be so potentially lethal. I will only wear mine now when it is time for a walk.
I don't get treats when MFM finds me sitting in her place on the sofa after I have been running in the mud at the dog park. She wipes my face and paws so I don't know what all the fuss is about. I don't get treats when MFM finds me lying on the rug shredding pine cones from the basket at the entrance to the house. I have never gotten a treat for sneaking a wooden shoe out of its resting place so I can chew on it. She likes to know where I am at all times. I wonder why.
Tonight, I was happy MFM does keep a close eye on me. We had gone for a walk in the rain and I had just finished my obligatory racing in a circle through the rooms after she released me from my leash at home. I was still wearing the harness. She called several times from another room but I was very quiet and did not know what to do. She came into the room where I was but she didn't see me and left again, still calling out and becoming a little annoyed with my lack of response.I still didn't know what to do.
Finally, she came in again and looked around the room, searching for my hiding spot. Luckily, that is when she saw me. I don't know how it happened, but my harness had gotten caught on the sharp edge of the bed frame and I was hooked with it tight around my neck. It took some maneuvering to finally get the harness free so she could remove it. I only whimpered a little bit but she cuddled me and made everything all right.
Neither of us knew a harness could be so potentially lethal. I will only wear mine now when it is time for a walk.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The Gentle Giant
It was cold and rainy but MFM took me for a walk up the hill and part way along the regular route. We both loved the cool, crisp air and the quiet of the neighborhood. Not too many people venture out on a day like this. We knew the dog park would be too muddy, so a nice brisk walk really hit the spot.
The only other walker we saw was a man walking his Akita named Shogun. WOW! That was the biggest dog I have ever seen! He weighed about 120 pounds and was 28" high at the shoulder. He may have been big, but he was a teddy bear at heart. We just wanted to play and, had we been off the leashes, we could have run together. Shogun laid down to get to eye level with me and we tried to play a little. I could move faster than he could because I was so much smaller. I taunted but quickly jumped aside when Shogun reacted. I don't think he would have intentionally hurt me, but one innocent swipe of his big paw could have sent me into orbit.
Shogun doesn't frequent the dog park but I hope I meet that gentle giant on the trail again and next time, I hope MFM has her camera with her.
The only other walker we saw was a man walking his Akita named Shogun. WOW! That was the biggest dog I have ever seen! He weighed about 120 pounds and was 28" high at the shoulder. He may have been big, but he was a teddy bear at heart. We just wanted to play and, had we been off the leashes, we could have run together. Shogun laid down to get to eye level with me and we tried to play a little. I could move faster than he could because I was so much smaller. I taunted but quickly jumped aside when Shogun reacted. I don't think he would have intentionally hurt me, but one innocent swipe of his big paw could have sent me into orbit.
Shogun doesn't frequent the dog park but I hope I meet that gentle giant on the trail again and next time, I hope MFM has her camera with her.
A Vocation?
Yep! I was right. There was a bath in the offing.
Friday evening, after a good run with my friends at the dog park, I was lured into the back room for a bath. It wasn't as bad as last time since MFM has learned to give me treats during the stages of my bath. In fact, I went in, put my feet up on the side of the empty tub and looked in today. It didn't look so scary without the water.
After getting all cleaned up, we headed out Saturday morning to a meeting. MFM thinks it would be kool to spend some time as a therapy or reading dog. I don't know if I could sit still for two hours as a reading dog, but I wouldn't mind being petted and played with by any number of folk.
There were about 20 people at the informational meeting and most of them had their dogs with them. The people were not as friendly as the ones at the dog park and the people would not let all us dogs play together. What fun is that? They were an interesting group. When one dog began barking, most of the others chimed in. It was quite a chorus. I, of course, was quiet.
We should start our training in a couple of weeks. I can hardly wait.
Friday evening, after a good run with my friends at the dog park, I was lured into the back room for a bath. It wasn't as bad as last time since MFM has learned to give me treats during the stages of my bath. In fact, I went in, put my feet up on the side of the empty tub and looked in today. It didn't look so scary without the water.
After getting all cleaned up, we headed out Saturday morning to a meeting. MFM thinks it would be kool to spend some time as a therapy or reading dog. I don't know if I could sit still for two hours as a reading dog, but I wouldn't mind being petted and played with by any number of folk.
There were about 20 people at the informational meeting and most of them had their dogs with them. The people were not as friendly as the ones at the dog park and the people would not let all us dogs play together. What fun is that? They were an interesting group. When one dog began barking, most of the others chimed in. It was quite a chorus. I, of course, was quiet.
We should start our training in a couple of weeks. I can hardly wait.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
A Colorado Rocky Mountain High
WHEW! Just returned at 2:30 a.m. from our week-long trip to Colorado Springs. It was a long drive up and back but I have to admit I slept most of the way. I got up occasionally to check out the window. Wonder if I could find my way back if I got lost? I got to ride in the front seat so I could watch MFM when I was awake. I think she was glad for my company since she kept reaching over and scratching my head. We stopped several times so I could eat, drink, and take care of business - oh, those wonderful smells!
ABW met us at her local dog park on the base at Ft Carson. It was dry and dusty, shirt-sleeve weather. ABW was accompanied by Abs and their dog, Sammy. Sammy is a male cockapoo as well. He is twice my size, cream-colored with a touch of apricot, and very furry. I especially enjoyed being able to get out and stretch my legs, but ABW's idea of meeting in a neutral place prior to going to their house, worked perfectly. Sammy and I had an opportunity to get to know each other while running and playing.
By the time Sammy and I got to his house, we were fast friends.
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ABW's photo of us on Gunner's quilt |
Sammy shared everything with me, but not always willingly. We played chase in his fenced yard and kept MFM busy trying to keep me out of Sammy's food and Sammy out of mine. ABW gave each of us a trachea to chew on, but we both wanted the same one and took turns chewing on it until it was gone. Then we fought over the other one. They kept saying we were just like little children. Hmmmm, wonder why they thought that.
Three of our visiting days involved snow, ice , and very cold weather. I wanted to go outside, but when MFM opened the door, I just couldn't make myself do it. MFM didn't take "no" for an answer. Eventually, I quite liked trotting around in the snow and ice and when I went back inside the house, MFM would wrap me in a towel and hug me until I stopped shivering.
I am learning a lot -
"Stay out of the kitchen!"
"Leave it!"
"Fetch!"
"Good boy!"
And the inevitable - "Ehych!!"
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