Games & Squirrels

I've discovered a new game. I wait until Katie gets Lily down for a nap and then I bark at something outside. It sounds simple enough, but it's actually pretty tricky. I have to get the timing just right. If I wait too long, Lily's sleeping good and won't wake up. If I bark too soon, she's still awake and isn't bothered by it. I have to wait until she just falls asleep. Then I startle her and make her cry. It's great. Katie always gets mad at me and sometimes smacks my nose, but it's totally worth it.

The squirrels in my backyard are tormenting me. They know I like to lay by the back door and survey my domain, so they come onto the patio and make faces at me. It drives me nuts. I bark (if I'm lucky the timing is just right...see above) and paw at the door. That scares them off the patio, but not out of the yard. I beg Katie to let me out so I can chase them, but she never does. I guess she's afraid I'll jump the gate or something. Besides, she's usually too worked up about me barking to even think about letting me outside. One of these days I'll be able to catch one of those little suckers and show them who's boss.

Big Bed

I have been working for several years on finding a way to sleep all night on the big bed with my people. It has been a long journey. When I was a pup, I used to sleep in my crate every night. Well, one year during Christmas break, I decided I had enough of that. I convinced my people to let me sleep upstairs at night. That was a big step. At that time, it was a definite no-no for me to ever consider getting on the big bed. My people started putting those nasty mouse traps on the bed to keep me off. I hate those things. They can snap at you at the slightest movement. Well, sometimes during the day, they would forgot to put the traps out and I would enjoy the comfort of the queen size pillow-top. But, I always got yelled at once they realized I was on the bed. Over time, I wore the people down. Eventually, the traps only appeared near the pillows and I was able to consistently nap on the bed while basking in the sun. I knew that since the traps were still there, the pillows must be something special. I started burrowing in the pillows every chance I got. It is so soft up there. It is perfect to curl up in for a long nap.

Despite all of this progress, I was rarely allowed to sleep on the bed at night. Sometimes, I can start off up there, but it never lasts. The hairless one usually gets grumpy and starts poking and kicking me until I leave. Well, last night, I discovered a new trick. I was having another one of my dreams while sleeping on my inferior dog bed at the foot of the real bed. I must have been barking, because my person that never leaves anymore woke me up and told me to be quiet. I took this opportunity to try getting onto the bed. To my surprise, they didn't seem to mind at all. I was able to snuggle in between my people for at least an hour before they got up. I think they were trying to keep me quiet so that I wouldn't wake up the little one. So, it seems that all I need to do now is bark in the middle of the night. Presto! I get access to the bed. I'll have to try this again soon....

3 Month Photos

I can't believe this little person has been living with us for 3 months already! Lily had her 3 month pictures taken this week. From what I've overheard my people saying, it was quite the ordeal. Here are a couple of the pictures for your enjoyment...

Smiles

Katie was excited that she finally got a picture of Lily smiling. Enjoy!

The Tackle

Since I'm on this steroid medication, Katie now has to let me out during the day. She's been a little uneasy about doing this ever since I took off on her while she was really big with Lily in her belly. I made her cry and ever since then, she doesn't let me out when she's home by herself. Normally that works out just fine, but she doesn't have much of a choice while I'm taking steroids. Anyway, it snowed yesterday and I was really itching to get out. She got all bundled up and went out with me. I guess she thought I wouldn't jump if she stood and guarded the gate. Little did she know that I'd still try. I took off from across the yard at full speed. I had to do a little jig to get around her. Turns out she has faster reflexes than I anticipated. She was able to tackle me to the ground before I could jump. She then drug me into the house by my collar. Maybe I'll give it another shot today...if she lets me out.

Steroids

I went back to the vet on Friday. They tried taking me a couple of weeks ago, but I won that battle. If you read, we were sent home with a pamplet for a doggy behavior counselor. Well, this time Greg drugged me before taking me there. It's impossible to put up a fight when you're high as a kite. Anyway, they trimmed my nails and checked out my belly again. I still have a rash, so they started me on steroids. Hopefully when I'm done with the treatment I'll have ginormous muscles! The medicine makes me go to the bathroom a lot. I figured since Katie is up feeding Lily at 3:00 a.m., she wouldn't mind getting up at 4:15 a.m. to let me out. I thought she would be happy to put on shoes and a coat to stand out there with me. I guess I was wrong. She grumbled something about waking Greg up next time. I guess we'll see what happens tonight when I start tap dancing in their room at 4 a.m.

Cousin Nome

I just found out that my cousin Nome has taught himself a new trick. He can open the door to the garage on his own and let himself out. If his people don't want him outside they have to deadbolt the door. That's awesome. I SO need to learn how to do that. I could have all sorts of fun adventures if I could let myself out whenever I wanted.