Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

I have a lot of catching up to do because I have been so busy and I have so much to tell you.  We had company for Thanksgiving and we had a lot of fresh snow.  Grandpa and Tami visited for Thanksgiving and stayed for the long weekend.  I had so much fun with them because they took me outside a lot.  We even celebrated Grandpa's birthday.  I tried to help him blow out the candles but he beat me to them.  I didn't even get to eat any of the cake.  I've heard cake is really yummy.  It sure smelled good.  Unfortunately, Grandpa hurt his ribs coughing and Mom and Dad wouldn't let me jump on him.  One of my favorite things to do is show off my jumping skills.  I can't wait for them to come back so that I can jump all over them.

Did I also mention that we've had a lot of snow lately.  I love to tell Mommy and Daddy that I need to go to the bathroom because then I get to go outside.  Even  though there is a lot of snow, I can find leaves and then play keep away.  Mom likes to throw the leaf on the top of the snow pile and then I jump up there and get it.  Sometimes I just jump from one snow pile to the next.  Dad shoveled a nice fort in the front yard for me to play in.  I didn't make it very easy because I find that the shovel looks very tasty.  I am not sure my Mom and Dad agree.  They seem to get mad when I bite at their shovels.    Dad took a bunch of pictures of me playing outside again so I added them to the slide show.

It's Winter

I'm sorry it's been so long since I've blogged but it's been snowing and my Dad won't let me take the laptop outside so that I can blog while I play.    I posted a video of me playing in the snow so that you can watch how much fun I have.  My favorite things to do are to dig up ice in the yard and catch snowballs that my Mom and Dad throw to me.  I also like to dig the fresh snow off the shovel while my Mom and Dad are pushing it around the driveway.  Did I mention that my Mom's blue shovel is tasty.  I love to grab a nibble whenever I can.  As I am sure you have already guessed, my Dad also took lots of new photos of me playing in the snow.  I am sure you will be able to see them soon.

Check out my new boots!

Mom and Dad brought me to Chow Hound today and bought me some new boots. I was a little wiery at first but they told me that I will need them for the winter when the ground is really cold, salty and sandy. I like walks so I guess I will have to tolerate them. As you could imagine, Dad had to video tape me in my new boots. Check out the video below to see me showing off my new boots.

Oh my aich'n paw...

I haven't written in a while but that is mostly because my paw was killing me.  It is hard to type with a bum paw.  I am not sure how it happened but after I came home from the dog park last weekend my front right paw really hurt.  My Mom took me to see Dr. Wilson and before I knew it I was seeing stars.  When I woke Dr. Wilson told me that I had a stinger in my paw.  I thanked him for removing it and then my Mom came back and brought me home.  I hobbled around the house for a few days because it still hurt to put pressure on it.  My Dad was nice enough to carry me up and down the stairs.  One day I thought that I was feeling good enough to play again but the next day it really hurt again.  I haven't been able to go for walks but I have been going for more rides.  I have been taking some pretty good drugs too.  They make me really thirsty and pant and of course I have to go to the bathroom all the time.  Not that I mind because I like to go outside and take in the fresh air.  When I was on the pain medication there were times I thought that the room was spinning.  What a ride!  I am happy to report that I am feeling much better now and my Mom says that I am back to my goofy, stupid self again.

Tails on Trails '08

Mom and Dad took me to Kirk Park today for an annual fund raising dog walk, "Tails on Trails 08."  The proceeds go to the Harbor Humane Society, which was the shelter that cared for me before I went to my new home.  There were so many dogs there that I greeted with a tail raising sniff.  You should check out the photos that Mom and Dad took.  I put them in their own slide show on the right of my blog.  You can also check out my new backpack that I showed off.  The weather was perfect for the walk and the trails were awesome.  My favorite part was the sand because it made me feel like a puppy again.  I hopped around and showed off my playing skills for everyone.  I am quite certain they were all impressed.  The trail also went through the woods and had many small hills.  After the walk we had some lunch in the shade.

  We sat with a very nice Mom and her eight year old daughter.  They have a cat at home but no dogs right now.  Mom took a picture of them with Dad and I.  Mom told them that I have a blog and they suggested that I write some children's books.  After lunch, we walked around some of the booths and collected some free goodies.  I had a lot of fun because a lot

 of the booths had treats for me.  We also checked out some of the

 contests they were doing for some of the best dressed, best tricks, best kissers, etc.  I tried to show off my new backpack in the best dressed contest but a basset hound with a hat took first place.  I also tried to show off my best tricks.  I thought that I did really well sitting, laying down and shaking but a dog that could roll over took first place.  

I got to visit with a lot of the people from the shelter that helped take care of me.  Mom took a picture of me with Molly.  Molly was one of the nice people that helped care for me at the shelter.

Mom, Dad and I really want to thank everyone that helped sponsor me for the fund raising dog walk.  Using the First Giving web page I set a goal to raise $100, but with your help we shot past that goal and raised $145.  Again, a very special thanks to our family and friends listed below!

Display Name Date Amount  Comment Todd and Ethan 9/27/2008 $25.00 We hope you aren't too pooped by the end.  Jeff Prescott 9/27/2008 $25.00 Happy Trails!  Ceri Everett 9/27/2008 $25.00 Have fun walking today!  Janice DeVries 9/27/2008 $25.00 Hope the trail is not too ruff!!!!!  Dale&Tami DeVries 9/27/2008 $25.00 Good-Luck guys !!!!!!!  Carrie Tower 9/27/2008 $20.00 Walk your tails off!

* Total raised online: $145.00 Amount raised offline: $0.00 Grand Total: $145.00

It's Raining

I have been couped up inside the house for a couple of days because it is raining. Whenever I go outside to potty my daddy carries this big plastic thing on a stick and then I don't get very wet. I really love dancing in the rain and I try to escape the big plastic thing. I usually win. It is funny to watch dad try to collect my poop with the big plastic thing in his hand. I stop dancing just to watch and I giggle inside a little. Since we are not going outside much, we play alot inside. I got this new ball the other day that is really big and barely fits in my mouth. It smells and tastes minty, oh what a joy! It is reallly bouncy too. I woke up mom and dad really early this morning just to play tug with my rope ball. It is fun to carry it around in my mouth and swing it around but even more fun to have my mom and dad try to get it away from me. That toy is minty too. I haven't figured out why they keep throwing it once they take it from me. Sometimes I just stand there and look at them wondering why they threw it. It is raining really hard right now, I am going to see if I can get dad to take me out to go potty because I feel like dancing!

Dog Park!!!

I did more fun things this weekend than I can count on my paws! I went for a ride in my Dad's Jeep, visited the vet, walked through Chow Hound and Petco, had my ears cleaned and toe nails clipped and filed at the groomers, went to the Dog Park, had a bath and went for a long walk on the nature trails. I met a really nice dog named Jesse on the trail this time. Jesse's owners are really nice people. Their little girl is really cute and can do ballet really well. The Dog Park was my favorite. I showed off my mad running skills to all of the other dogs and some of them even joined me. I made so many new friends and I can't wait to go back. I was so busy marking trees and bushes and almost marked a nice lady sitting on a bench. Dad stopped me from marking the lady but I am sure I will have another chance! All week, I even got to play with all my toys. Tug is my favorite! One of these times I am going to yank Dad to the floor and then I will be the champion. I also love playing with my balls. I know what you are thinking, earlier I blogged about having them removed, but you should keep your mind out of the gutter because I am talking about my tennis balls.

I am so relaxed...

The past few days have been relaxing. I am starting to get the routine down in my new home. I really enjoy going for a walk each night to the nature trail. I wish everyone would stop to say hi and pet me but I am really sad when they just keep going past me. Maybe I just need to show them my jumping skills and they will stop and play with me. I went back to the shelter yesterday to see my old friends and give them a thank you card. It was great to see my old friends and I was so happy they remembered me! I also went to see Dr. Wilson yesterday. He has some of the yummiest cookies! I had another shot and I am really not fond of them but Mom and Dad say that they will make me really healthy. I met a weiner dog named Daisy while we were there and she taught me how to whine. I try to show off my new whining skills to Mom and Dad but I don't think they have been very impressed yet. I will have to try harder. I am going take another nap now. All of this blogging is making me dog-tired!

Grandma, Grandpa & Aunt Colleayn visited

This past weekend was loaded with so much fun. My Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Colleayn visited and they even brought me presents. Grandma and Grandpa brought me a Kong. My Mom loads it with treats and I love trying to get them out with my tongue. My Aunt brought me a tennis ball that is a duck. I like that it squeaks when I bite its head. Do all ducks head squeak? I heard that ducks like to be wet so I slobber all over it. We went for a lot of rides, a walk on a nature trail and I got to show off my jumping abilities on Grandpa. I went on the beach to watch the sunset and I learned that I really like to spread all of my toes when I am on the sand. Don't worry, I am sure my Dad will take a picture for you to see me next time we are at the beach. I let Grandma and Grandpa sleep in each morning and I would wait at the top of the steps for them to wake up and come play with me. My Grandma really spoiled me because she let me lick her hands after she was done putting some chicken away. She even fed me these weird popcorn noodles. I was really sad to see them leave. I tried to sniff the van trail to Minnesota but my Mom and Dad told me that I drew the short straw and I would have to stay in Michigan with them. They are crazy you know.

Today had its ups and downs...

Monday, August 18, 2008
Today started differently than the past three. Mom, Dad and I woke up really early. Everything else seemed normal until my Dad drove off after getting dressed really nice. My Mom brought me outside and we said goodbye. I tried to chase my Dad because I didn't understand where he was going and I he didn't take me with. I was sad most of the morning wondering where he was. Mom kept telling me that he was at work and would be home tonight. My Mom and I played for a while and then some of the neighbors came over to visit. When Dad came home I was over at the neighbors. Mom and I were visiting some of the neighbors that we hadn't met yet. I really enjoyed meeting everyone. They really seemed to like me. I must say, I must have done something really special though. My Mom and Dad took me to Chow Hound twice. I met a lot of puppies that were taking a class and a bunch of people that were shopping for their cats. I don't know why anyone would want a cat, they seem so snooty they don't like it when you sniff their butts. Butt sniffing is my favorite past time. My walk with my Dad tonight wasn't quite the same after he bought me a shiny new collar. I thought it was really neat until he put it on me. He said it was a pinch collar and boy was he right. I walked by his side the entire time and didn't try to chase any of the squirrels that we saw. When I got home my Mom gave me a new treat that I have never had before. It was delicious and I ate the whole thing. It is almost game time so I am going to sign off. Thank you for reading my stories, I have a lot of fun writing them.

My favorite day so far...

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Today has been one of my favorites. I met some more neighbors and they were very nice. They pet me and kept saying that I am a great size. I get that from almost everyone I meet. They can never believe it when my Mom and Dad tell them that I am full grown and that I am 2 years old. At least they are not calling me fat. This morning I got to help my Dad water some plants and later we made lunch. Barking of lunch, I really love to watch my Mom and Dad eat. I show my excitement by sitting at the edge of the table, wag my tail and give them my best face. Mom took me outside and walked me around the house on my leash after lunch. I really like it when my Mom takes me outside. My Dad and I spent a lot of time in the front yard today too. The weather was great so we played ball and took some breaks in the shade. The neighbors across the street visited me again and gave me some treats. When I came inside I tried to lay comfortably on my Mom and Dads bed. The door is usually closed during the day so I was lucky to find it open. I was almost asleep when Mom and Dad came in and told me to get down. I tried to persuade them to let me stay but they were persistent. My dad took a picture of me while I was in the bed. I added the picture to my slide show. Before dinner tonight I got to go back to my favorite store. Mom and Dad bought me a new collar. I liked my old collar but it would stretch and loosen. My new collar is great. I tried it out on another walk tonight. I really enjoy the exercise. My Mom brought water along so that I could get a drink half way through the walk. I was grateful since it was warm out tonight. After the walk I came inside and got some good sleep. I am about to go to bed so I will have to report later on how my favorite bedtime game goes.

I finally get to go home...

Friday, August 15, 2008
Wow, what can I say. I went home with the greatest parents in the world today. They came and picked me up at the Harbor Humane Society in West Olive, MI, where I was dropped off on July 25 because I was stray. My new parents started visiting me on August 9 and they met with me everyday. We would meet in the waiting room and they would sit on the floor with me and play with a ball with me. It was hard to watch them leave each day but I new I would be going home with them and that excited me. They picked me up in a really nice Jeep on August 15. I was so happy because I really like Jeeps, just like my new daddy. Mom and Dad said that I was really good in the Jeep on the way home. I stayed in the back and sat on my blanket. I tried to get in the back seat a couple of times because I wanted to sit next to my Dad but he wouldn't let me. I just looked out the window and watched other cars go by. When we got home my Dad walked me around the house on my leash. I sniffed everything and even went potty so that other dogs would know that this was my home. When we went inside my Dad kept me on my leash and he let me go all over the house. I sniffed the entire house and got to know my new home. My Dad took me outside a lot after I got home and we even went for a walk. It had been awhile since I had been for a walk so it was really fun. I pulled my Dad while we walked and he told me we were going to work on that. I was just so excited to be on a walk and I was having fun. When we were inside, we saw a big dog come to the house. He was just outside the front windows. I like to go to the front windows because they are low enough that I can see out them while I stand or sit by them. After a lot of sniffing the other dog went away. I took a few naps the first day at my new home. I was really excited though and I didn't lay down right away. During one of my naps I woke up startled and barked a little. Mom and Dad told me to stop barking so I did. I was in a really good dream chasing squirrels and rabbits and I just about got them. That night, bedtime was interesting. Mom and Dad were laying in bed and I tried to get up there with them. Dad wouldn't let me on the bed though and for a minute I thought we were playing. I had to sleep on the floor because I am not familiar with my new bed. I only woke up once in my sleep and my Dad took me outside.

My first full day at my new home...

Saturday, August 16, 2008
I woke up in my new home after a good nights sleep. I woke up before Mom and Dad so I layed down quietly and waited for them to wake up. When they woke up, my Dad took me outside on my leash. I walked to the basketball hoop at the end of our driveway and pulled my Dad with me. I even got to see some of the neighbors that live on my street. My Dad said that I was a good boy because I didn't bark at any of them. My Dad played ball with me in the house and we even played tug with my new Jeep rope. I had a lot of fun but I couldn't play too hard since I had surgery the other day. I don't remember the surgery but I quickly learned that I lost my beans. Thank goodness my frank is still there though. Today was a really fun day. Besides going for a couple of walks, I also got to go for a ride. My Mom had to go to the Post Office and mail something. My Dad stayed in the Jeep with me and he told me I was really good because I didn't bark at anyone. After we left the Post Office we went to a store. I met a really cute black lab named Brooke and we hung out and played a little. I got to walk through the whole store and everything. I also met some nice people that told me I was beautiful. One lady even told me that it looked like an artist painted me because I was so perfect. Everyone I met was confused about my breed. They kept asking what kind of dog I was. My Mom and Dad were very kind and explained that I am a mixed breed with German Shepard, Husky, Beagle and who knows what else. After we got home from the store my Dad brushed me with a really neat comb. He put my loose hairs in a bag and praised me for being good. When we came inside I even got to snack on a green dental bone. It made my breathe minty fresh. I am really liking it here at my new home. I get to take lots of naps, go for lots of walks and get to play with my Mom and Dad. Oh and did I mention, my Dad follows me around with his camera and takes lots of pictures. I still don't know why but what ever floats his boat is fine with me. Oh, I should mention that I met some Pomeranions today. They were cute little dogs and I really enjoyed meeting them. My Dad seemed hesitant to let me meet them but after I barked a couple of times he walked me down to them. They were on their own walk and were passing our driveway when I met them. One of them was pregnant and was a little snippy. I let her snip at me and I was careful not to upset her. After they left I went back into the house and played with my Daddy. When I went to bed I tried to play my favorite game of trying to get on the bed. It didn't go so well my first night so I figured I would try again tonight. It was fun watching Mom and Dad follow me around the bed and tell me to get down and I even barked a couple of times to let them know how much fun I was having. Eventually, I stopped and layed down on the floor. Mom and Dad told me that I was good for laying down. Maybe tomorrow night will be more succesful!