The Art of Being Me

When I was a pup, I moved from the country to the big city and life really changed for me. Not only did I get to live inside (there is a Dog!), but I also found myself with a lot of time on my paws. Plus, the neighborhood dogs were a bit intimidating when we met up at the park. They spent most of the time barking things like "When I graduated from agility school" or "I can't this weekend, I have a therapy dog shift."

Braggarts.

Sure, I could do those ordinary jobs, but I've discovered I'm more of a free spirit when it comes to my education. Thankfully, my people support my eclectic interests and my home is filled with a variety of books. When my people leave during the day, I become my own home school teacher. I always get the top marks in my class. In fact, marking is one of my best subjects.

Another of my favorite subjects is Art. My summer project was to take my people to art fairs and search for just the right painting to hang in our home. I really connected with one artist who shares my vision for the world. Here is the family portrait she painted of us. I think it is a very accurate depiction of my life. The finished product is now on exhibit daily and has received much critical acclaim.

It's a real piece of work, just like me.

The Secret under the Stairs

Just when I thought I knew my people - it turns out that they have been holding out on me. Sure, I've seen them disappear down the stairs and then come back up. I just thought they possessed magical abilities. I mean, they can make the big boxes on wheels move - they probably can do just about anything. Right?

Wrong. I have been betrayed. All this time, I thought I wasn't allowed to come down the stairs with them because I haven't learned how to disappear. But, no! For some reason they just did not want me to know that there was a secret room that exists below our house. Hmph.

This is what my life has come to. I am being treated like a common criminal, as you can see. Canine discrimination! I'm calling PETA! The Humane Society! Oprah! If I only could use a phone!

The truth came out last week. My people started hustling up and down the stairs and moving stuff around, which was very unusual. Finally, after much begging and pleading, I was finally allowed into the secret room club.

Now, let me tell you one thing, that secret room was not Disneyland. Or Narnia. Think of Harry Potter's cupboard under the stairs, but less upscale and spacious and you'd be pretty close.

Plus, the secret room was filled with water.

Don't get me wrong, I have a healthy appreciation for water. It's almost a part of who I am. But, I would rather keep the pools outside the house, if you get my drift. So, when I went down into the not-so-secret room, I discovered that somehow my people had created a pool where no pool should ever be.

But, as usual, it was a good thing I was on hand to help take care of the situation. Stacy often needs some assistance with projects like this and I am just the handy helper that the emergency called for.


The pool has since been cleaned up and I am allowed down in the secret room more often. However, I must admit, it's not a lot of fun down there. Maybe they should have kept that secret, if you know what I mean. I think I'll stay upstairs from now on - unless they need me to help out again. Which, knowing them, is a pretty likely scenario.

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

Yo, dogs! I had one of the best summers ever! First, I went on a long car ride and visited my first family for a long weekend. There was no room at the inn, so my people and I stayed in a great big house with lots of rooms! Our rooms were big enough that Grandma stayed with us, too. Which was good, since she needed me to be her alarm clock. Well, not that she actually asked me to, but she seemed appreciative when I woke her up in the mornings.

As great as this place was, there was something very strange there. Sometimes, we would go into a creepy little room and watch as the doors close behind us. Then, the room MOVED! When the doors opened up again - we were somewhere different than when the doors closed!

It was not natural.

After that, I politely declined any invitations to go into the room of horror!

Other than that - it was a great trip! I loved spending time with my first family and with my cute little half-brothers! Those boys were lots of fun and I could tell they could use my positive influence. They also enjoyed all my tales of life in the big city. I even showed them how to swim in the pond. Several times, in fact as they needed a lot of instruction and I was happy to oblige. Hey, what are big brothers for?


Everyone had a great time, but I was happy when we packed up to return back to the city. It is always nice to come home, especially when there are great places for me to exercise the folks on the way!

I Could Be a Star

I was hanging out with my people today, and suddenly we all saw something unbelieveable on the TV. Two new movies are coming out soon and both star dogs that look exactly like ME! First Marley, and now this! Here are the two movies: The Dog Who Saved Christmas and The Dog Named Christmas. The picture on the right is from The Dog Named Christmas.

I really need to start looking for an agent. If those dogs can make it big, surely I can, too! I've got the looks. I've got the attitude. I've got two people at my beck and call to take care of the details.

Watch out world, here I come! Here's a little inspiration for any screenplay writers out there looking for a a new star. If this picture doesn't say Christmas, I don't know what does.

Swim of a Clete

This weekend we did one of my favorite activities - we went swimming! I love the water. It's like I was born to swim! We went to the Independence Grove People Exercise Area and it really works to wear my people out so they are more relaxed for the rest of the day. Well, I could tell you more but I hear that a picture is worth 1000 words...so I figure a video would tell you the whole story!

Play With Mii!

You won't believe this. Just now, I was taking a well-deserved nap (these people need a lot of attention on the weekends) and when I woke up I saw something very disturbing. Something that I can hardly describe.

I opened my eyes to find my people playing a game on the big TV, which isn't unusual. What was unusual was the fact that the game they were playing was Frisbee Fetch! With a fake dog!

The betrayal.

I would blog more, but I'm off to find a game where I can pretend I have different owners. Hmph.

Snacks, Drugs, and Rock & Roll

I had the best weekend, ever! We made the most of the longest day of the year. I finally got my visit to Bentley's Corner Barkery and the nice people there even gave me some delicious frozen yogurt. I love summer!!

There has been a new development in my life, however. Over the last few weeks, something strange has been happening to me. I'm living my usual happy-go-lucky life, when all of the sudden I get the shakes and then I black out! After I wake up, my people look worried (although they try to hide it) and it takes awhile before I'm feeling up for my next round of fetch. 15-20 minutes at least, I'd say. An eternity!

I figured it was bad doggie dreams or something until the morning Stacy and Ryann forgot to feed me. I couldn't believe it! I begged. I pleaded. Nothing. I've never seen them this strict!

I thought things were looking up when they asked me if I wanted to go for a car ride. You can imagine my disappointment when we got out of the car at the White Coat Hotel. Last time I checked in here, I got new knees. This did not look good.

We went inside and soon we had a room to ourselves while we waited for the White Coats. When they arrived, they gave me lots of attention and ran me through a bunch of tests. It's hard to tell if I passed or not, but at least I didn't have to spend the night at the White Coat Hotel. That is not my type of vacation, if you know what I mean.

So, I get a little extra something at dinnertime now. I have no idea what it is, but it tastes like chicken. On my meager diet, I'll take what I can get.

This new food hasn't slowed me down any. Just last night I decided to strut my musical talent while Stacy was practicing his drums. We're not too bad, although a few more lessons wouldn't hurt Stacy any. We're quite the musical family! (I still think I should get to be in parade, too. Hmph. Maybe next year.)