Dog Hibernation

Allison snagged RileySue this morning and took her to see her grandparents. It's cold and lonely in the back yard today. Mom keeps calling me to come in the house with her and Dad, but I just want to sleep. She says she's worried about me ignoring her like that. (What? Me ignore Mom? I never ignore her at dinner time!).

Last night when she got home I had disappeared into the basement. She couldn't find me.
No, I wasn't playing hide-n-seek, I was snoring behind the bathroom door. The older I get the less I can take heat and noise. My Dad snores, (so do I- together we sound like an orchestra of water buffalo), and it just gets too hot so I hibernate downstairs.

One time she panicked when she couldn't find me and thought I had sneaked out under the garage door and went for a walk by myself. Actually, I got stuck behind the bedroom door that had slammed and I didn't have fingers to open it. And I couldn't quite reach it with my teeth.She finally found me, but I had a couple of panicked moments myself.

And so I hibernate wherever I can find a quiet, cool place. But don't worry, when it's time for dinner, my doggy senses are like alarm clocks for humans. I'll be right there, Mom!

Hysteria is contagious

Mom started laughing today when she read an article by a researcher that mentioned that "hysteria" or the problems of having a bunch of people all come down with the same disease or problem at the same time is a neurological issue. She can laugh, but I can prove it. And it isn't just people that do it!

If you have two dogs,and one starts barking at something, pretty soon both the two dogs and the other one will be barking like crazy. And if they are let to continue, pretty soon all the neighborhood dogs will be freaking out over nothing. It's like a contagion that spreads like wildfire. And it's all in our heads.

There's something humans know about (but rarely remember) called "synergy." You get a bunch of folks together and when they are all psyched up about doing something they can all do it together. Or like when all the news media starts talking about 2012 being the "end of the world" or telling everyone that "gas prices are going up." (For some reason, doom and gloom seems to work the best with that problem). They are things that take on a life of their own, right or wrong, good or bad.

I'm just a dog, but I think we should be more careful about who we listen to, don't you?

Christmas Wisdom

Now that Mom has started typing for me again, I can bring you some Christmas wisdom (sorry, I just can't seem to get my paws to work on her computer keyboard).

We all need to remember what Christmas is all about. It is NOT about dog treats stuffed in a stocking. (I like that of course). It's about forgiveness. Yes, half the time I'm preaching to the choir, but Christmas is all about forgiving people. It's why Jesus came!

Many years ago, Mom had a neat dog that could talk. (Not like me,but close). His name was Rex and he spoke to her Uncle when he came to the back door with "Hi, Rich." Special dog, huh?

Soon into the family Christmas celebration, Mom's cousin Chuckie accidentally caused the dog to be drowned in the river. Mom was devastated. Did she hold a grudge? No, she forgave him. Important to do. The incident stuck in her heart to this day, but she never ever said anything bad about Chuckie's mistake.

I have to forgive RileySue a lot around here. I want to bite her, but most of the time I just ignore her. She does bite me on occasion, not too much. Anyway, I forgive her because she's a Diva and has very little manners. So my advice today is please forgive everyone this Christmas. It's Jesus' bottom line reason for the season!

Finally- Mom helps me with the blog!

You know, this waiting around for Mom to help me do a blog is annoying.But I just don't have fingers to type with: she has to do it for me. She's been so busy lately that I was beginning to think she'd never get going on this again.

It's been cold here in North Idaho lately. Now, I have a warm fur coat, but sometimes the cold lulls me to sleep. When I'm so rummy when I wake up that
Mom has trouble getting my attention.

And speaking of attention, what's up with RileySue getting the meat treats every meal? Apparently she has to take a pill all the time now and Mom hides it in a piece of meat for her. Hey! What about me? She stabs me at meal time with those diabetic syringes. I say unfair! Give me the meat too!

I've tried stealing it, but Mom always stops me. Life is so wrong sometimes. I have a perfect garbage gut, and RileySue is an over-sensitive-gotta-throw-up-often kind of doggy. So she gets the meat. Humpf. Jeepers.

Good thing I love my Mom.

Fun and People-Walks

I've blogged before about taking your owners for walks, but there is one other component that happens on occasion: fun runs.
The other day we were walking around the neighborhood and my new friend the Shepherd mix ran away from his home to come and play with us. He's a very nice puppy (almost as big as me and still a puppy...woof! He's gonna be a big one). At the same time, one of those fuzzy little dogs was walking his owner across the street. Kind of a doggy traffic jam.

I wanted to play so bad, and Mom kept tugging on the leash, so I just slipped out of it. That's right, I literally took off the collar and ran like the wind after my friend. We had a great time! We ran and played and Mom couldn't catch us. Eventually she caught up to me, and the other dog owner caught up to him, so we had to stop. But it was great fun!

Tugging on the leash when you're walking a dog doesn't work when you do it wrong, as Mom found out the hard way. She should have made me sit. Instead she got uptight and worried about us fighting and started jerking the leash to try and pull me away. (We were't fighting, by the way, we were playing- big difference and she missed it!)
The only way to get away from her nervousness was to get rid of the leash.

I had a fun time, Mom got extra exercise, and everything worked out fine. But to you humans who get nervous- knock it off! Just a tap on the rump and a sit command will help take the nervousness down. Otherwise just let us play.

Famous

What's a famous dog, anyway? My Mom has a new book coming out at the end of the year called "The Dog Paw Chronicles." She has let me make comments on her life all the way through the book. She thinks I should be famous. But who really cares?

In all of our lives, the only thing that really matters is how we live it. I have tried to be a good dog. I think I've succeeded too, because I didn't eat any couches or shred any pillows. And I've only stolen food a couple of times (sorry Mom, you left it too close to the edge of the counter). Mostly I've tried to stay out of trouble and just be there for my Mom and Dad. They tell me they need me- I think scratching my ears makes them feel better when things aren't going so well.

Yesterday, for example, we went for a nice walk and passed by a really pretty pitbull. He is a really handsome dog, but for some reason he gives me the creeps. His bark is off. He doesn't bark just because he wants to or because he's nervous, he barks aggressively. I was able to use my body language to show Mom that we should stay away. None of the other dogs in the neighborhood bother me at all. In fact, I'd love to play with them! Mom noticed right away and steered us away from the problem. She really does need me!

For all you humans out there, try to live your life with caring and service to others. Love each other and be good to both people and animals.We all need each other!

New Year Comin'

Happy New Year everybody! So far it's been a blast (yeah I know, it's only 3 days into it). But two of those three days were bright and sunny on the snow. It was warm in the sunshine and just great for lying around. We went on our human walk and Mom stayed upright the whole time! I was proud of her.

Then we stopped off at the neighbors for a cup of coffee. While Mom chit-chatted, I explored their house. Guess what I found! Two cats! That was g.r.e.a.t.! I chased them under the bed in one room. I don't think they wanted me to lick them, but I would have, honest. I do love it when kitties run from me. It gives me a nice adrenalin dump. Then Mom made me come back to the kitchen. Short fun, but fun nonetheless.

Today is snowing again, and a tad too slick to walk around much. But it's such fun to see all that white stuff.

So as you can see, it's lovely here. I got to play snowshovel with my nose several times before it froze down so hard no one could stand up on it. I think it's a promise of a good year. All that white purity coming out of the sky. What do you think?

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everybody. My Dad got a new hat on Christmas Eve and he looks pretty snazzy in it. Of course, I think I look pretty good too, don't you? I'm not sure he wants to wear it much, though, and I think he might get even with the friend who gave it to him. I kind of like it.

We had a lot of people here last night. Several of the neighbors and lots of family, and my friend Micah came. That was fun, but he got a little nervous with all the people. When he gets nervous, he starts slamming himself against the basement windows. He got in trouble a lot.

Of course, he didn't get in as much trouble as my friend Baron. He's a Cocker Spaniel across the street, who knocked their Christmas tree over and pooped on the floor because his family came to visit us. I can't imagine getting in THAT much trouble.

Micah also snarled and barked at Baron's Mom last night at our house. Wow, MY Mom was on him like white on rice and backed him up with her "Mommy Voice." I'll bet he never does that again. I think he wanted a sip of Eldora's wine, but all she wanted to do was pet him. What he gets for begging from the wrong person.

All in all, though, it was fun. I played witt Micah outside while my Diva friend Riley sulked in the garage. She really doesn't like to make friends with dogs. She's ok with people. What's up with that?

At any rate, I hope all of you had a Merry Christmas. We had a great time here. And I got to vacuum the floor afterwards for all the pieces of food leftover. THAT was excellent.I love Christmas!

Play Time

Yesterday one of my cousins dropped by for a visit. My Dad's granddaughters and Mom brought their dog Micah over to stay while they went Christmas tree hunting in the snow. I would have liked to go, but there wasn't enough room in the truck. I think Mom and Dad need a great BIG 4 wheel drive so all of us can sneak off to the mountains. But that's just me.

Anyway, Micah is kind of hyper. He's a nice kid, just barely a year old, black and white and very skinny. He's some sort of cross between a border collie and crazy. Riley Sue is a border collie too. But she's a diva- and not very friendly to bouncy dogs. While he visited, she just stared at him from across the room. I think she wanted to herd him somewhere out of the house and off the property permanently.

Me, I found his youth exhilarating! We wrestled and chased each other and wrestled some more. He tried to run between my legs, but high centered and rolled over upside down. We had a great time. I'm almost 11 years old, and for the few hours he was here I felt like a puppy again. Of course, all that workout made my hind end sore, so I paid for it after he left. But what fun we had!

You know- dogs need to play and get exercise. In the winter like this when it's too dangerous for humans to walk on the ice, we still need exercise. Micah was a creative way to give it.

People need exercise too- and play. Humans are way too serious sometimes and forget to have fun. They work and work and don't stop to just goof off. It's healthy to rest and have fun. For dogs and people. So everyone take some time out this holiday season to enjoy yourself! And be sure to make sure your sidekicks the animals get to enjoy that time with you!

Human Health Walks

Today I took my Mom on an HHW- a Human Health Walk. We don't go as often as we should; I think she's a little chicken when it comes to bad weather (but don't tell her I said so). If humans understood how important dogs are to their health, they would take all of us dogs out of the shelters!

Today we visited Black Bay park in Post Falls, where we could walk by the Spokane River on a nice walking path. Mom thought it was cold, but it wasn't really. It was snowing, though. I LOVE snow. (The first winter I lived here, they took a picture of me in a snowstorm. I looked pretty snazzy in a heavy white iced overcoat. People don't know what they're missing by staying indoors during snow days). And nose-snow shoveling is really fun! If they only knew.

That park has GREAT smells, by the way. Lots of dogs are walked there, and some even run loose. I once met a couple of labrador retrievers that were a little out of control, but I made sure Mom didn't start any trouble.

Of course, the walk is really for Mom's benefit. SHE needs it. I wouldn't want her to become a diabetic like me. Both of us getting a needle stab in the morning and evening would not be good.

Anyway, today we saw some giant ducks. Mom says they were "Mallards"- I mean they were really really BIG! I wanted to chase them so bad, but Mom wouldn't let me. It would have been great exercise for her, but for some reason she wasn't as excited as I was about it. Maybe she has cut her calorie count down far enough today that she doesn't need the extra calorie-burn. Who knows?

Speaking of walks- I was proud of my neighbor friend Keisha the Malamute last night. She finally took her human for a walk. I was beginning to think their health was in jeopardy. That would be very bad!

At any rate, all of my doggy cousins out there remember: take your human for a walk daily. Even if it's snowing. We must take good care of our families!

Diabetes

Some kinds of diabetes require insulin injections every day. Animals are the best example. I have to have 36 units every morning and night. Normally Mom gets up and gives me the shot then goes back to bed. Something went wrong this morning and she didn't get up at her usual time. I was starting to worry a little bit when Dad showed up and took care of it.

(Sometimes other people are a little heavy handed on the needle- Mom is very gentle. Oh, well, at least I'm alive to complain about it.)

I only get dog food these days, and way fewer treats than I used to get. And no gravy or grease. I miss those. Eating table scraps probably got me in this position, but there's a genetic factor too.

You people out there need to know that diabetes is no fun at all. Sometimes I don't run up stairs very well, and sometimes too long a walk makes me ill. Mom hates it if I throw up on her rugs. She's never yelled at me for it, but she isn't too happy about it. I can tell by her face.

Diabetes also affects my teeth and breath ( I can knock people over with the nasty smell from my mouth). And my vision and hearing aren't as good as they used to be. Mom gives me Lutein sometimes to help my eyes, but I'm pretty sure they're fading a little. And she brushes my teeth a lot to keep me from losing them. Mom prays for me all the time.

One day we were out walking with Aunt Allison and Riley Sue. It was a great time, walking through the alfalfa field. But we went too far and it was hot out. By the time I got home, I was really sick. Diabetes really messes with stamina, both for people and dogs. Point is, to all of you humans out there, stop feeding sweets and human food to your dog!

The other day I saw a fat Jack Russell terrier! They're so hyper it's hard for them to get fat, so the owner must be feeding him a lot of treats. Cut it out! Diabetes is no fun! I am living longer than they said because Mom loves me and takes good care of me...but please take better care of my cousins ok?

Divas

My friend Riley is such a fox, but sometimes she is just plain noisy. She has never learned that to get attention, all you have to do is stare at the human. Look pathetic. Look sad or hungry or lonely. You don't even have to put your paw on their leg- just look at them and they melt all over everything. But Riley?

No, Riley is a Diva. She is vocal. She wants attention so she howls. (I suspect that my Dad is the problem there, as he loves to hear her howl.Sheesh).
If she can't get the howl to work, she scratches the human's legs with her paws. She'll get the ball even if it's out of reach and she won't stop until someone tells her to. She's very smart, but my goodness she's obsessed. When she's outside and wants back in, she scratches at the door. She's a Diva, plain and simple.

Me, I just roll over and they scratch my belly without all the falderal.And Mom likes me in the house, so all I have to do is stare at the door and she opens it. Easy, right?

You know, if you think about it, humans aren't much different than dogs, but way more destructive. When a human is a diva, they don't scratch on the door, they scratch other people. They are so prideful that they hurt each other with words and actions. A little humility would be nice there.

At least Riley never hurts anyone. (Well except the time she bit me when I tried to steal her rawhide chew. Hey! She left it lying around on the floor. What's a guy to do?)

Pleased to Meet You!

My name is Red Dog. I will be writing this blog to encourage you each week. Ok, my Mom will write it for me, as my paws on a keyboard are a little sloppy. She also says I drool on the keys, which messes up the computer. So she's going to do the typing.

The other day I did something very unusual. My Aunt Allison said she couldn't believe it when I actually barked at someone who came to the front door. I'm pretty easy-going normally and wouldn't hurt a fly. So I thought I'd let my family know why I sounded so gruff.

Great Pyrenees are bred as protectors of the flock. It's in my genes.And I know all of the sound of the regulars who come to the door. Most of the time I sleep through that stuff because Mom and Dad do the protecting at my house. My friend Riley Sue lives with us- she's a red colored border collie and not very good at protecting either. (She's pretty foxy, though.) So sometimes I have to keep a watchful eye. (But I refuse to go swimming, Riley, so I'll watch, you swim-- Unless you get in trouble, then I'm on it.)

The other day a new mailman came. He wasn't the usual guy (the normal guy Lou is really a nice man and I like him). This one had a different smell. His energy wasn't very good. And instead of using the doorbell, he just dumped a package at the front door and left. It was all very unsettling. So I barked. Really, I would protect the family if necessary. I just prefer to be a lover.

Riley and I went to the groomers the other day. Mom says we smell good now. It's important to have good hygiene, I guess. Although a fresh roll in some dead fish guts would be great once in a while. Mom won't let us do that. I don't know why.

You can ask me questions, or if you have a problem, I'm here to help.I have lots of experience in things. I was abandoned at the dog pound in Spokane, and it just so happened that my parents were searching for a new dog that day. So I got lucky. Many of my relatives aren't so fortunate.
So I'm all about redemption and rescue.