Merry Christmas

I helped put lights up outside so Santa could find me. I had a bath. I tried to stay awake for a glimpse of the big guy, but I finally fell asleep. When everyone got up Sunday, there were packages waiting for me. It was a good Christmas. I actually spent much of the morning in the kitchen helping Auntie and waiting for something to fall on the floor—I love turkey!

The holidays got even better yesterday when my big Sis came to see me. I was so excited. She played with me and I did all my tricks. We all played dominos. It was just like old times.

Chow Hound

I’m a smart and lucky dog. And I have a problem. If food were available, I think I would eat until I explode.

Yesterday Auntie got a big cup of coffee. While they were in the restaurant eating lunch, I saw it sitting in the cup holder. I couldn’t resist. (Although, in all honesty it wasn’t entirely my fault. Last week she let me lick the lid of her latte cup—yum!) I managed to get the cup into the seat with the lid still on. I couldn’t get to the coffee, but it all leaked out on my blanket. The seat cover was soaked, too. When they got back to the car, they weren’t mad, just puzzled. How did I get the cup out of the holder with the lid still on? I gave my best “Oops, what have I done” look and I was off the hook. Off the hook until Auntie went digging though my travel bag and couldn’t find my treat sack. Then she started finding pieces of the sack on the floor mat and under the seat. And then there were the crumbs.

The whole experience reminded me of the box of cookies I found a few months ago, and the cupcake at Thanksgiving. Everyone knows I have a problem and yet my human family keeps leaving temptation in front of me.

Bones

The garbage got the best of me again. I wanted one of those bones from dinner. I just couldn’t help myself. I tried to avoid detection—I often take different routes to get to the compost bin. I stop and check to see if anyone is watching. This time I hit the jackpot! A big bone from the roast we had for dinner was waiting for me. I started chewing as soon as I hit the ground. It was so good and I was so busy working on the bone I didn’t see Auntie coming toward me. I looked up and there she was; I ran. I was dodging and weaving—not about to give up my bone. I headed toward the house. What was I thinking? She had me cornered. There was no place to hide. I held on to that bone for as long as I could and then it gone.

My New Bed

I got a new bed! My favorite place to lie will always be a lap, but I love my new bed. It’s soft and cuddly and has a matching blanket. It’s not like I don’t have lots of places to sleep—stretched out on the floor in the sun, on the rug in front of the kitchen sink (my go to place when someone is cooking!), on my pillow in the car or on Popo’s lap—but this is my own special bed. Thank you!

Happy Halloween!

Auntie’s been working on my Halloween costume. It all started when we saw all these cute Halloween costumes for dogs on the Martha Stewart Show. I particularly liked the one that looked like a dinosaur so Auntie picked up the supplies at Wal-Mart and we went to work. Now I’m a purple dinosaur, too.

Trick or treat?? I hope I get lots of Halloween treats! Who said Halloween was just for kids?

The Importance of Exercise

I know you boys get lots of exercise—after all, you’re young pups. But now is the time to learn good habits for the future. I try to get in some exercise every day beginning with my morning stretches. I’m very good with basic yoga moves, too; I especially like the downward dog and cat stretch! Along with walking and jogging, I find that jumps and rolls are a fun way to get some aerobic activity.

Katy Trail and Union Covered Bridge

I wish I could drive! I like lying around the house, but road trips are fun, too. The other day we headed for the Katy Trail. We had lunch in Rocheport at the Trail Café then Auntie rented a bike and was off down the trail. The bike didn’t have a basket so I had to stay behind. When she got back we took a walk so I could see the big wide Missouri River. It was a little scary looking over the edge of the trail and seeing the river below and then I saw a big turtle sitting on a sandbar. Even with all the distractions I did a pretty good job of staying out of the way of the bikers. The Katy Trail was a pretty cool place for a walk.

After we all got loaded in the car, we were off to see another covered bridge. After a quick stop in Columbia for ice cream we were back on the road. The Union Covered Bridge, a little north of Columbia, was built in 1871 and provided a way for people to cross Union Creek. I was almost afraid to walk across the bridge—you could see the water when you looked down between the old boards.

It was a long day so I curled up in the back seat and slept all the way home.

Pumpkin Patch Picnic

It was a pefect fall day for a picnic.  There were all kinds of activities going on--a fishing contest, hay rides to the pumpkin patch, a weiner roast and train rides.
My favorite activity was waiting for people to come by and scratch my head! 

Plaza Art Fair and Three Dog Bakery

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Yesterday was busy--we went to the Kansas City. First, we stopped by the City Market. I couldn't go in so Popo and I sat on a bench and and we did a little people watching. Then it was off the the Plaza Art Fair. If you were a dog (like me), this was definitely the place to be and be seen. The art, music and food were pretty good, too. I got to stop by the Three Dog Bakery--now this place was created just for me! Later we stopped by Watkins Mill State Park. It was about closing time so we'll have to go back another day.

I tried out my new peanut butter chew stick from the Three Dog Bakery--I don't usually chew on things, but I ate half of the stick before supper. I don't know why they call them chew sticks.

Cookie Monster

OK, I did it. I got into the cookies. I went looking for my travel bag with treats in the back of the car and stumbled upon the box of cookies. The lid came off so easily, I just couldn’t help myself.
I feel bad now—everyone was watching me from the restaurant window, talking about what a good dog I am, so well behaved, not like other dogs—always getting into trouble. I was patiently sitting on the console waiting for them to finish lunch. They didn’t know what I’d just done.
I guess the overturned box and crumbs all over the floor were the tip off I’d been up to something. Now they call me the cookie monster.
At least I didn’t get sick. I know I shouldn't eat junk. If I eat junk I don't get my good treats. What if I get fat and won't fit into my new coat? Will I ever learn?

Squirrel Chaser

I may be ten years old, but when I spot a squirrel I’ve got the speed of a young pup! If only I could climb a tree—I’ve tried running up the slanted trunk and jumping straight up to reach the limbs—so far nothing has worked. TW can climb a tree, maybe he'll give me some tips. Twice I’ve been close enough to make this crafty squirrel squeal—I'll catch him!

Locust Creek Covered Bridge

Saturday we went on a roadtrip to see the Locust Creek Covered Bridge. It was built in 1868 and is one of only four remaining covered bridges in Missouri. We had to walk a 1/4 of a mile back to the bridge--I pulled Nanny along so she could keep up. The creek was diverted years ago so now the bridge is just sits over a patch of grass :)

After we looked the bridge over we had a picnic at Pershing State Park. I love picnics!

Picnic In the Park

Cats??

Tiddly Wink slaps me on the butt every time I walk by—I really don’t get cats.

Wonder what “the boys” are up to today. I’ve swept the floors. Now we’re getting ready to go mow—I try to help out when I can.

Yesterday was the big family reunion—who knew I had so many cousins. There were some good head scratchers in this bunch! 


It was the perfect day for a picnic. On our walk around the park I spotted a squirrel—tried to make a break for it, but Auntie held on tight.
It was a good day except for that big black dog. He was ten times bigger than me and not on a leash! I tried not to look scared but I was shaking all over. Auntie grabbed me up and then I got out a growl and he took off.

At the end of the day I was exhausted—slept all the way home.
Note to the boys: Picnics are a great place to find tasty morsels of food just lying on the ground. It’s better than sweeping the kitchen floor for crumbs!

Dumpster Diving

I love garbage and trash! At every opportunity I head for the compost bin or trash burner. Yesterday I made it to the compost bin undetected. I was going in—head first—when I heard my name. I stood up and gave my innocent “you talkin’ to me?” look. Not even enough time to get to the good stuff, but I still had to take a bath.

Later I found a big dead katydid in the grass—yum!—something crunchy to eat. Before I got a good bite Auntie grabbed it from my mouth. Another missed opportunity.

A Big Day

Today was a good day--Dad and the boys came to see me! I saw them drive in from the living room window and could't wait to get outside. Everybody was excited to see the boys. They were running and jumping--it made me tired just to watch them. It's hard to imagine I was ever that size!

Dad hasn't forgotten me or how to scratch my back just right. When they got ready to go home I ran and jumped in the car, too. I had to get out and stay behind, I was sad so Auntie gave me a treat and I took a nap.

When I was sitting on Popo’s lap yesterday it reminded me of the first time I sat on this lap. I was just a pup and we were going canoeing on the Current River. It was an exciting trip for me—my first time camping and the chance to meet more of my new family. Popo sat in the front of Dad’s canoe and I sat on his lap all the way down the river. We were pals from that day on.

Life lesson: Whether you’re young or old, lap sitting is a great way to pass the time.

Beware of Sticky Tiles

I've been trying to earn my keep. First I had to help Auntie get the kitchen floor ready for the new tile--measuring, cutting the wood, putting in the the screws and painting on the primer. Actually, I didn't paint, I just sat at the edge and watched.

The real fun began yesterday when we started putting down the tile. I couldn't figure out how to be the most help. When Auntie was working on the edges--measuring and cutting--I decided to get a closer look. I stretched out on the floor behind her. When I got up I had half a tile stuck to my tummy and dragging on the floor between my legs! I couldn't move. When I tried to walk I got stuck on two more tiles that were lying on the floor. Boy was I embarrassed! Auntie thought I looked pretty funny--it's just a good thing they didn't get a picture.

I've been busy watching for crumbs on the floor, but nothing can compare to the hamburger I was able to swipe from a dish sitting by the grill. Remember, you must move fast, but don't get burned.

More lessons:
1. Don’t pee on the flowers. I can’t explain why, but humans get very annoyed when their flowers die. Even with all the options—posts, poles, trees, bushes— there is something appealing about peeing on flowers. It’s appealing until you get in trouble when the flowers die.

2. Learn the house rules. It may be confusing, but each house may have different rules. For example, I can sleep on the bed with Auntie, but I must sleep in my crate at home.




3. Tolerate the cats. You don’t have to play with them. You don’t have to like them, but you do have to put up with them.

Life Lessons - What I've Learned

Having two new brothers is a big responsibility. I have learned so many lessons (often the hard way) that I want to pass on.

1. Stay out of the road. Anyone who knows me knows how I learned this lesson. I still have the battle scars to show for my encounter with a car.

2. Always wear your tags. I got hauled off to "jail" when I was wondering around without my ID. Mom had to come and bail me out.

3. Come when you're called. Yesterday I was outside with Popo and Auntie. I was just checking things out around the yard when I say the tailgate to the car open--looks like we might be going someplace. I jumped in and laid down so I wouldn't get left behind. When they called I stood up in the window. They kept calling my name. They thought it was pretty funny when they saw me standing up in the window, but I could have gotten in big trouble for not coming when I was called.

4. Do not eat bar bait. Actually, don't eat just anything you find lying around. I know from experience what a trip to the emergency room is like.

5. Don't wear your new sweater if you're going to chase something through a brush pile. I've lost all my sweaters this way, and guys, it gets cold in the winter.

6. Learn the sound of the treat sack. Enough said.

Buzz's Blog

My name is Buzz. I recently went to visit Nanny and Popo when my parents adopted two new boys. The boys were only eight weeks old when they came to live with us. My new bothers are cute and rambunctious--always trying to get my attention. Sometimes they just annoy me and I walk away.

So for now, I visiting my grandparents on the farm. I enjoy all the attention and treats. I decided to write a blog so I can pass on all my life experience to my new brothers.