A Dog's Tale

While She Was Studying...

2011-03-11T18:16:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays...From Nebraska

2010-12-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

Mom has been saying for a while that we were going to the farm for Christmas. Well, it's finally time and man, it's a long way to the farm! Mom got me up really early yesterday and we got in the car and rode, for.ev.er!

Anyway, we were talking to Grandma tonight and mom told her that I'm turning four next week - Four! Time really does fly. Grandma has a fit, but mom picked me up and we recreated the first picture of me mom ever saw, before we even met. Grandma had a copy of that picture too, so here they are.

Then...

Now...

Happy Halloween!!!

2010-10-31T18:06:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from the Halloween party mom took me to last week at my doggie daycamp. It was lots of fun, and there were lots of other doggies in their Halloween costumes too.

We got to the party and had to wait around for a long time for the fun to start. I tried very hard to be a good big boy - it was really difficult with so many of my friends around.

There was this little guy dressed up as a fireman

And this Cocker Spaniel dressed up like a skunk.

I wore my Cowardly Lion costume - which I love! Thanks Grandma!

This little Pug was dressed up like a horse, taking a cowboy for a ride.

And this little Pug was dressed like Dorothy!!!!!

And her sister was dressed up like Glenda the Good Witch - Mom tried to make us pose for a picture - I don't think the girls were any more excited about it than I was.

And now, I'm a sleepy lion!

Happy Halloween!

Road Trip -September 2010

2010-09-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

Mom decided last Friday that we were going to the mountains for the weekend. I thought we were going back to Keystone, but she said, no, much father. We (mom, Miss Gina and I) drove for a long time, until we got to a town that seemed familiar. Mom reminded me that it was the town where she goes when she works on the whitewater and it was also the town where she adopted me! We didn't stay long though - we had many more miles to cover. Mom says we went to the Crested Butte and Gunnison. Enjoy the pictures!

Mom says this is Cottonwood Pass - and man, was it cold out there. I didn't want to be out of the car for long at all!

We saw this big dude just sitting around all by his lonesome along the road.

When we got to the Crested Butte, mom parallel parked the car (on her fourth or fifth try) and we got out to walk - they were having some sort of festival, it was fun. There were lots of dogs around to visit with along the streets.

Eventually, mom and Miss Gina said it was time to eat. Our friends Lacie & Andy told mom that we should definitely go to this place to eat...

It's called the Secret Stash, and according to mom and Miss Gina, its DELICIOUS! I thought it was pretty cool too, because I got to hang out with them while they ate...

I was supposed to lie down under the table, but there was too much going on, and their pizza smelled soooooo good! I'll try to be better next time (mom keeps saying we might go back soon, I hope she lets me go too!)

After the pizza, we went to a place mom called Gunnison to find our home for the night.

So seriously, this place is adorable, and the people that run it are really nice too, and and and...they let me stay, so it's a great place!

Had to check out the room, but it was little, so it didn't take too long.

Since we were at an "island" resort, I figured I'd best pose for a photo op with the hula bear wood carving!

It was a very long day, I hate sleeping in the car, I'm afraid I might miss something. So after the bonfire with the other guests at the motel, making s'mores (mom wouldn't let me have one), and some blueberry lemonade for mom, and some Bailey's for mom and Miss Gina (again, they both said no), I finally fell asleep!

This was the next morning. Mom took me out early because I was up, and man was it cold. Good thing she had to take her shoes off before climbing back into bed. Mom said I need to be better about boundaries when we travel. (Don't worry Grandma...if I get to go with you next time, I promise, I'll be very, very good - or keep you very warm)!

The next day, we drove through more mountains, through lots and lots of aspen trees. Mom took lots of pictures, but I figured this would give you the idea.

In fact, we drove until we ran out of mountains to drive through. Mom said we were on the Grand Mesa.
On the way home, we found this nice little orchard/market. It was fun. They had a band, I got to walk around a bit and dance a little, and mom and Miss Gina got some goodies!

It was a fun trip - I can't wait to go again!

My new costume

2010-09-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

So, here's the one Grandma has been waiting for. Mom said that she sent me a new halloween costume. Mom and I looked at a bunch of e-mails grandma sent us that were full of halloween costumes - in my size even! They were all super cute, but my favorite was the Lion. Which mom says is ironic, because I am beyond terrified of cats! No lie, they creep me out!

Mom said she thought she was going to have to do some tailoring, but it fits pretty well, except the hoodie part is a little big, but I know she can fix that. Can't wait for my howl-o-ween parties this year!

Mom says if you are looking for costumes for your furkids - they have them here.

I know that she is going to take more pictures of me in my costume soon, so stay tuned.

Norm the Semi-Frequent Traveller

2010-09-10T20:08:00.001-07:00

Mom has started letting me go with her to the mountains sometimes when she has to go for work. We always stay at this nice little hotel - The Inn at Keystone. The guys at the front desk are always so nice and friendly to me. In fact, they're always telling mom that I could hang out with them while mom does her work things. She always tells them that they have no idea what they would be in for. One of these days, we'll convince her.

Anyway, here are some pictures from my stays at Keystone this year. I think the first time we went was when the cousins Daven and Avery were there on vacation, it's always fun to see them!

Here I am at the Inn.

Riding the elevator to our room

Helping mom bring in the luggage and my crate. (In my red sweatshirt, of course, it was a Husker game day after all!)

Checking out the view, from the bed.

Checking out the views

Making myself comfortable!

Hanging out with cousin Avery.

It's a pretty great place, and I'm always excited to go back! They have great trails for mom and I to go walking on, and there are always other dogs staying too!

Christmas 2009

2010-09-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been so long since mom let me get to the computer. I have pictures I want to show you and have got to tell you about our trip to Nebraska last year for Christmas...not that I saw much of Nebraska while we were there.

We had to leave sooner than mom had planned to go to Nebraska. Mom said that grandma was scared that the roads would be too bad if we waited. So we left a day early, only it was night time. We stopped in North Platte and stayed at a little motel that had two little beds. I'm not sure why there were 2 beds, I was perfectly comfortable stretched out next to mom - though she asked me to scoot over an awful lot that night.

Anyway, we finally got to the farm and grandpa Ed was there to meet us. Grandma was still at school. When she called after school, she was surprised that we were already there. Then, when mom got home, I was eager to say hello.

Anyway, it's been a long time since then. What I remember most was that it snowed. A LOT. In fact, after we got to grandma's house, I didn't get to leave the drive way again until it was time to go back to Colorado 6 days later.

Oh, and the power went out, so we used lots of blankets to stay warm when we were away from the fireplace - which wasn't very often.

Mom did let me go out and play one afternoon when it wasn't as cold. Until that day, it had been so cold that I didn't even really want to go outside to "do my business", but mom would make me. Here, I'm modeling the lovely sweater grandma got me for Christmas - see how it matches my boots, pretty cool, huh.

Mom let me drag her all over the yard on the farm, I jumped in a bunch of snow drifts.

And ran around in the snow.

And found the doggy door for the barn...

And discovered that I don't fit through the doggy door.

When we came inside, mom said we had to leave our shoes by the back door, on the papers so the water could melt off and not make a mess - grandma seemed to like that idea.
All that running around made me tired!
This is me, taking a break from the fireplace, hanging out with my pet elephant, on the couch at grandma's.

And here, I'm modeling the pretty bow tie grandma got me for Christmas. I sure have enjoyed wearing it for special occasions this year.

And one last look - keeping warm, near the fireplace. Mom said the power was out for about 36 hours. It was a long time! She also says next time we go to the farm in the winter, we'll bring some of the good grown up drinks, but I don't think they are for me.

It was a fun trip, quite the adventure!

It's All Mom's Fault

2010-08-09T23:25:00.002-07:00

I have a bunch of stories to tell you about - but mom hasn't been giving me much computer time. Before long we'll have to tell you about my adventures - like staying in a hotel and driving to Nebraska. Good stuff!

It's all mom

2010-08-09T23:25:00.001-07:00

A Package from Grandma

2009-09-29T21:11:00.000-07:00

So last week, it was really cold here. It was so cold that I happily wore one of mom's shirts for a few nights. Mom sent grandma a picture, and then, grandma sent me a package...the contents of which I will now model (willingly, for the most part)

For me?Oh yes, it is for me - let me check it out.

A lovely scarf

A green sweater which mom says I look quite handsome in.
(Grandma also sent a red one, for when the green one is in the wash)

And, a lovely red sweatshirt - perfect for Husker game days!

My favorite toy...or the one I haven't managed to destroy

2009-06-11T17:34:00.001-07:00

This is the one toy that I haven't managed to destroy...the kong died this week.

The green grass is gone...

2009-03-26T16:20:00.001-07:00

Mom says today is a "snow day". She was pretty excited about it too. I got up very early this morning and there was grass outside, then a couple of hours later, the grass was gone and there was some snow. After doing my business, mom brought me back in and she went to work. I was very surprised to hear her come home so soon - but she said she never even got to work. She was gone kind of a long time if she didn't go to work!

Just a little bit ago, we went back outside. First I made mom put on my coat and boots though...man there's a lot of snow...my belly was dragging or worse when I got off the sidewalk!

So we went outside and boy was I jumping to get into the snow...mom laughed and said I looked like a bunny hopping for a little bit!
Then I saw my favorite tree...but had second thoughts about venturing over to it for a visit...

And then I decided why not...and jumped right in...

Yup...that's right...in some parts of the yard, the snow was up to the collar of my coat!

So of course when we got back upstairs, I had to shake the snow out of my ears and all.

And like a good doggie, I wiped my feet before going back inside...

Where I promptly forgot to let mom take off my boots and coat before tearing all over the place! I'm very happy to be back in the house all warm and cozy.

The Brothers Reunion

2009-03-01T17:15:00.000-08:00

Today was the big day. Mom said when I got up this morning that today was the day that I was going to get to see my brothers Mugsy & Capone. She was all excited about it, and I was too. I squealed in the car almost all the way to the park. Mom said we were going to go for a walk together today. I'll show you some pictures - lots of them came from Mugsy's mom - thanks Janine!

We got to the park first...

Then Mugsy arrived...

And the trio was complete when Capone arrived...
There was lots of sniffing and tail wagging!
And then we wanted to play....
But our moms said we should go for a walk. And there was a nice lake and trail there, so we were off...

And we even got to play in the lake a little bit!

And after the nice walk, we posed for some group pictures...We got along really well and have lots in common...we all wear harnesses, have brindle faces, we all snore and have swirlies on our butts. Mugsy & I even went to the same Canine College - though Mugsy went before me. Capone & Mugsy sing more than I do, apparently we all have this little grumble we do. Capone is much shorter than Mugsy and I - I'm the tallest. Capone weighs just a few pounds more than me, and Mugsy is much lighter. But we're definitely brothers - and I knew Mugsy & Capone as soon as I saw them! Hopefully we can get together again soon!

My Brothers!!!!!

2009-02-26T21:13:00.001-08:00

Mom said that she got some e-mail this week and that I needed to come and look. And you'll never believe what she had on the picture box...pictures of my brothers! Mugsy & Capone! I haven't seen them since St. Patrick's Day in 2007! That's when I came to live with mom!

So anyway, our moms have been figuring things out, but mom says we have a playdate this weekend! I can't wait to see them, and mom promises to bring the camera, so I'll show you the pictures later.

Mom says that I'm lots bigger than them, or at least I weigh lots more. But I'm not a fat puppy - even if Grandma does call me a "sausage dog".

Anyway, that's all til Sunday

My Vocabulary

2009-02-23T22:18:00.000-08:00

Mom says that I know a lot of words. It's funny though, I don't seem to hear the words I know as often as I used to. Instead mom says things like this...

"We're off to the d o g p a r k"

"Norm and I are going to B o u l d e r - he needs some new s n a c k s"

"Don't tell him that the store is out of t e n d o n s"

"I think we'll take Norm to c a m p tomorrow"

"It's just about time for a w a l k"

Mom says that grandma thinks it's pretty funny. Speaking of Grandma, mom says she's coming to visit soon. I hope she brings me those yummy treats from Nebraska. What are they again...oh yeah...tendons, I hope she brings me some tendons. Mom says that Grandma isn't going to want to play "where's grandma" this time - but that we might get to go to the mountains and see her for a while soon. I love going to the mountains!

My 2 year old portrait...and Miss Ivy

2009-02-11T22:09:00.000-08:00

I was sitting in the window the other day, just watching out and mom said "Stay put, I have to go get the camera" So I did...and she did...and well, she got some good ones, you can even see my left eye (my left, your right), hiding in the brindle :)

She said I'm a handsome big boy.
Then last weekend, mom came home from work on Friday and we got in the car and went to Ivy's house. Ivy has a big backyard and we played for hours! We played inside and outside, in and out all night, until apparently my assistance was not needed for building something, so then I got to nap in the car for a while. And then, I was exhausted ALL weekend long! We had lots of fun and I hope I get to see her again sometime soon.

Mom says it's my Birthday!

2009-01-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

I'm one wiped out birthday boy today. Mom and I watched the Huskers play in the Gator Bowl - I even cheered a whole bunch, mostly when she did. Then mom drove me to the Dog Park so that I could run and play with my doggie friends. I mostly played with Frosty & Dozer the great danes today, and man did they wear me out.

Mom says I've really grown...I'd say...see how big I was when I came to live here...

That was on March 17, 2007...and I was all of 18 pounds.
And boy...growing up was exhausting.

And now...I'm a whole two years old and quite a big boy. Mom says I'm about 80 pounds these days.
And quite handsome, too.

And...she still lets me sit on her lap.

I think I'm a lucky dog!

I went to Grandma's house

2008-12-28T05:46:00.000-08:00

I'm still really sleepy. It's been a long week. Mom says we drove about 1500 miles on our trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house all the way in Nebraska. We were in the car a long long time, and I stayed awake almost the whole time.

Grandma was still at school when we got there. The next morning I modeled the reindoggie outfit for her, and then she said she had to go feed the birds. I wanted to help, but mom said I had to stay inside. So I watched grandma very closely from inside the house. In my reindoggie costume.

Mom says I have more pictures to share, but we'll save them for a little while. Time for another nap I think!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-14T16:18:00.000-08:00

Mom says Christmas is next week. She says we're going to some place called Nebraska to visit Grandma...and she says Grandma has goodies waiting for me!

Without further ado...here's the holiday card mom helped me make!

Happy Holidays...

2008-12-07T17:50:00.000-08:00

Grandma sent me a package this week...
And now I'm a reindoggie.

Sickly Sunday

2008-11-23T22:46:00.000-08:00

I wasn't feeling well today - I made mom get up at 3am to take me outside, then I made her take me out 4 more times before it was even light out. My tummy was upset and I was grumbling. I spent most of the day snoozing and watching football. The good news is I'm feeling much better and ate all my dinner.

I'm a good boy...

2008-11-10T19:49:00.000-08:00

That's what mom told me when she came home from work both times today.

And she's so silly. This morning, she gave me my cookies and then forgot to close my crate when she went to work. But she wasn't surprised to see me out of my crate when she came home for lunch.

And and and...after lunch, she did the same thing again - she forgot to lock my crate.

And and and...she left the TV on in the living room. But I'm not going to tell her what happened on the Young & the Restless, Bold & the Beautiful or Oprah today.

She says tomorrow I get to go play puppies at camp. But then the next day she says I might get to stay out of my crate again. If I keep being a good boy!

I think I missed something...

2008-11-09T10:10:00.000-08:00

All week, I've been getting up in the morning. And every morning mom hasn't wanted to get up with me. She says it's still time to be sleeping. She says I need to quit grumbling. She says...it's only 3:30! I don't know what this means.

I do know that eventually, she'll get up and take me out. Then we come back in and I go back to bed after I eat the kibbles in my bowl (that I haven't been eating for supper).

And again, mom keeps saying...Norm, go lay on your part of the bed. I thought the whole bed was mine, and I just pick the warmest spot. One night she tried to move me, but I'm too long. So even if she moves my back end over, by the time she gets my front end moved to...I've already wiggled my back end over to where I want to be. I don't know what the big deal is, it's a huge bed.

And. I miss going to the dog park every night. It's all dark outside by the time mom gets home from work, and she says the dog park has no lights. So we've been walking instead, but it's just not the same.

Grandma said so...

2008-10-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

Mom took me shopping tonight. Well, we drove downtown, I waited in the car and then mom came back to the car - with something for me. She said that Grandma thought I needed "it" - but I couldn't tell what "it" was.

So, mom made me try "it" on. She says it matches my harness and leash. I wore it all the way home, and up into the house. I'm still not sure what "it" is...but I don't really mind if mom puts it on me. See....

Mom says we probably don't need it now...she says soon though we will. Oooh...and look at how nicely I match the snowboard bag in the background....

Which reminds me...mom says I'm getting a "ski pass". I don't know. I guess she'll bring it home one of these days and then I can tell you about it. Don't tell Grandma...she'll think I need skis and stuff too!

Howl-O-Ween

2008-10-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

Mom took me to a Howl-O-Ween party last night with a bunch of my friends from Doggie Daycamp. There was a hippie rotweiller, an Energizer Bunny (it was really a dog), some basset hound fairy princesses, a Snow White corgi and all sorts of things. I won 3rd place in the costume contest :) I was Superman! See....

Pouting

2008-09-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

Norm's pouting tonight. Here's what he has to say...

"Mom and her friend Miss Tash left really early this morning, and I know they took fun stuff for being outside with them. But they forgot me! Left me home!"

"When mom came home over 12 hours later, she said I was a lucky pup to get to stay home in the AC and my music. She said they hiked for 9 hours...up some really big hills. She was walking really slow and her face was all red too."

"Mom must have been feeling bad, because she took me to the park. And lots of my friends were there...Samson & Stanley the Bernese Mountain Dogs and Aurora and her sister the huskies. We played lots. Mom was walking really slow still - so I thought it was fun to act like I was pooping on the far side of the park so she'd have to come and look for it."

"When we came home from the park, mom must have still been feeling bad for leaving me home all day, because I got my favorite treat ever - a smoked tendon. She says they come all the way from Nebraska - Karpisek's I think she said.. Anyway, Grandma sends them sometimes. They're yummy!"

"It's still early, but I think mom wants to go to bed now...so I'm going to go chew on my bone and try to be good."

~Norm

My New Boots!

2008-08-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

When mom came home from work today, she said she had a present for me from Grandma. But first things first, I had to go outside and take care of some urgent business. then we came back in and mom showed me my box. I love boxes! Really, I do. I can play with them for hours. But mom said this one had something in it.

So she opened it and I took a peek inside.

Then I went in for a closer inspection.

Then mom laid out all four socks and all four shoes for me to look at.

Then she put them on me, and for the most part, I didn't mind. And after that, we went outside and I gave them a quick trot around the building. I think I must have looked a little silly, mom giggled some and the neighbors kind of looked at me longer than usual. But I like them.

Mom says tomorrow maybe I can wear them again and we'll go hiking. I can't wait!

I hate the rain!

2008-08-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

It was as very long weekend. It rained for-ev-er! And even after it quit raining, mom made me stay inside mostly. She said it was too muddy to play much. It's been a bummer. But the sun is shining today - so hopefully things will be better soon.

My Big Weekend

2008-07-29T06:23:00.000-07:00

So here's what Norm has to say today...

Friday, mom came home from work and said we were going to the river. YEAH! I love going to the river - mom has cool friends down there. But we didn't leave right away. Then Miss Tash came over and put her stuff in mom's car. Hmmm.

So after I got in the back seat, we were off to the river. But we didn't stop where we usually do. Then mom & Miss Tash got out of the car and made a little cave for us - they called it a tent. Mom put my mat and a new camping bed in the tent. Mom & Tash had...um...oh yeah, sleeping bags. Then we all went to bed.

In the morning, we went to the Dome House and I gave it the once over for snacks. By then mom was ready to leave. We went to the office and I got to hang out with Miss Holly for a little while. I really didn't want to stay in the office though - I even wrestled my way out of my harness to go visit mom and her rafters in the parking lot. I think Mom was upset - she carried me back into the office. I'm a big boy she says.

Sunday I got to hang out with Holly & Chuck at the office - they're my favorites. Before that though, I got to go "run shuttle" for mom's river trip that day.

On the way home on Sunday, we stopped at Coney Island and mom got me an ice cream cone! After that we came home. I was so tired, I fell asleep sitting up in the backseat of the car.

That's about all for now, I'm ready for a nap.

I'm soooooooo tired

2008-04-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

I'm so sleepy tonight...in fact, I'm actually dictating this post telepathically from my sleepy spot on the floor tonight.

We've been busy lately. A couple of weeks ago, grandma came back! It wasn't just grandma though, mom says it was "everyone". Aunt Katie came from Brooklyn and lots of other folks too. I didn't get to see too many of them though, because the pet lodge I was staying at thought I might have kennel cough - turns out I didn't, but I had to stay away from everyone just in case.

I got to stay in a new place one night with mom. It was kind of wierd, but fun. It was this big room with two beds and a tv, and a bathroom. I wish we had two beds here, then I could jump back and forth on them all the time, just like I did at the....um...what was that place...oh yeah, at the hotel.

Since it's been so light when mom gets home from work, I've been getting to go to the dog park more often and for really really long walks some nights. It's lots of fun.

Tonight, mom cut up some special snacks for me, she said we were going to work on some new tricks, but while she wasn't looking, I swiped them off the counter. She wasn't very happy - but the thing is, I don't have to stand on the counter, I can just put my front paws up there and then get almost anything I want. So I didn't work on tricks tonight...maybe she'll get some more treats out tomorrow. I hope so.

That's all for now.

Grandma came to visit

2008-03-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, Grandma & Aunt Amy came to visit!!!!

And we drove around in the mountains a whole bunch....

And and and...we played a whole bunch too...

I liked playing "Where's Grandma", but by Saturday morning, Grandma didn't want to play anymore. I didn't even get to go see my friends Ralph and Maggie at PC's Pantry they went without me. Mom brought me some snacks and this furminator thing - which I've been trying to tolerate. Aunt Amy brought me my very own microwave popcorn too - just for doggies.

We had lots of fun and mom says she's coming back in 2 weeks...but I have to go to the pet lodge that time. Mom says I'll get to go play some though - we're all going to the mountains. Mom says "everyone" is coming - I'm so excited!

The Mountains

2008-02-16T21:20:00.000-08:00

I got up really early this morning...I heard much grumbling as mom got her sweatshirt and shoes on to take me out. And when we came back in, I really wanted breakfast - even if I was up at least 2 hours early. What? I was hungry. So after flashing my basset hound eyes - I got my breakfast and then mom went back to bed, so I did too, for a while anyway.

Eventually, mom decided we'd go for a drive - to the mountains. My favorite, they have a great dog park that I love in the mountains. And and and...after we were in the car for a while, mom said we could stop and see Ralph and get some cookies in Boulder. That's where we go to get my favorite cookies. Ralph is a giant dog, with super droopy eyes. St. Bernard mom says. He's HUGE!

So mom and I drove more after Boulder. After a while, she said we were in the park. But it wasn't my dog park...I never even got out of the car in the park. We did see some big big animals with antlers - mom called them elk. They were running. Some other stupid humans were standing very close to the running "elk".

After the park, mom took me shopping in town for a while. Well, in the stores that like dogs anyway. I was very good. When she wanted to look at something she'd tell me to sit, and I would sit and wait for her to get done looking, but sometimes if she took too long, I'd just lay down. The store people said I was so good, they gave me cookies. I love cookies!

Then finally, we went to my park. But by then, it was really windy, and a little snowy. My slobber was kind of freezing to my big flappy lips after about 10 minutes or so. And mom was silly and didn't wear a hat or coat, so we decided that was enough.

And apparently it was, because I slept all the way home.

I'm home!

2007-12-28T15:49:00.000-08:00

Mom took me to doggy daycamp a long time ago, and finally, this morning, she came to take me home. She said that she had to fly to grandma and grandpa's for Christmas...ok, sure, whatever that means.

But when we got home this morning...OHMIGOODNESS!!!!! "Presents", yeah, I think that's what mom called them. Lots of them. Some were toys, some were snacks. Some were toys with snacks in them. But wow. Mom says I'm a lucky dog...and I think she's right.

I've already begun to dismantle the toy that talks to me...I'm just dying to find the little person inside who keeps yelling Ho Ho Ho....he's got to be in there somewhere.

Anyway, I hope that I get to stay home for a long time now. I like being at home...especially with all the new toys and goodies.

Oh...and next week is my birthday...yippee!

Now I get it....

2007-12-21T08:18:00.000-08:00

Mom kept saying that we were moving...
So last Friday we leave our apartment, which by the way was getting smaller and smaller it seemed, because of all these boxes she kept stacking up...and I go to play puppies at camp. Well, when mom finally came to get me, we didn't go home. Mom said we were going home, but we went to this new place I had been a few times, that used to be all empty. BUT this time, we walked in the door and all of those boxes that were at my old apartment were in the living room at this place. Crazy. And our couch, my mat, my crate, the bed...everything it was all there.

It's been a week and I'm getting used to everything. I like the new place, just like mom said I would. I've been meeting lots of new doggie friends too.

Boxes and other chew toys

2007-12-05T12:02:00.001-08:00

Oh boy!
I love boxes. I love them alot. I can chew on them, shred them, and even chew on the little pieces. Mom's always had a few boxes tucked under the sofa that she never lets me chew on. Well, this week, our home is full of boxes, big ones, little ones...boxes everywhere! But now, I can't seem to drag the boxes around like I want, they're just too heavy.

So mom says the reason for the boxes is that we're moving...I'm not so sure about this, and I try to give her a look that says I don't understand, but she won't tell me any more than that I will like it. I hope I do! I think it's happening soon, because there are more boxes than there were last week.

I graduated...and lots of other stuff

2007-11-19T18:58:00.000-08:00

Wow...it's been a long time since Norm and I have had some time to sit down and put together a post. So here are the highlights, according to Norm...

In September mom took me to Doggy Daycamp one day...but then I had to sleep there. For FOUR WHOLE NIGHTS. Unbelievable. At least the people at the PetHotel like me enough to put me up front so I could see everyone in the lobby, and mom did let me play a few days, so it wasn't all bad. And I did get some special snacks when I saw her again. She said something about the woods and bay and francisco.

October was busy. First, I graduated from Canine College. I did much better than Mr. Ted ever thought possible. Even better than the border collie and german sheperd. I tried so hard...and when I did so well, I got new squeeky toys. I love tearing those things apart. But these are tough! I still have them. Mom said she's really surprised.

Also in October, I got invited to three halloween parties. They were all doggy parties, only none of the dogs looked like dogs and mom kept calling me Superman. So strange.

And now its November. Tonight, I helped mom bring in the groceries. She got a lot of stuff, said something about giving. And by helping to bring in the groceries...I mean I took my time to sniff everything in the yard while she was carrying all 8 bags. hehe...what? Like I have hands.

There was one day in there somewhere when I was really sick. Well a couple of days. But the one day was the worst. Mom went to work and I had to GO! Bad! When mom came home she made me get in the bathtub right away. And I had 3 baths...it was crazy. But I'm much better now.

The only other thing that is puzzling me these days is that mom keeps talking about our new house...she says I will love it, but I just don't know what's going on. She says before Christmas we will be there.

The Report Card - Canine College Week 2

2007-08-20T20:52:00.001-07:00

Mom came home from work today and we were off to school. I am happy to report that I was a very good boy tonight, lots of people said so.

We did lots of walking around and sniffing of the other dogs (we had to get a hall pass for part of that...when you gotta go you gotta go, and preferably without an audience). I finally got to meet Moose...the 10 month old Bull Mastiff...he's a big big boy, but very nice too!

Then we had to practice how to heel. Then I had to sit by mom for a while and eventually Mr. Ted came and played with me but when mom said "Norm, Come!" I knew that I needed to go right to her, and sit down...we've been practicing at home. But mom was very surprised when I did just that even though she didn't have any snacks in her hand. None. And when it wasn't my turn, I just sat next to her, right by her left foot. I think I need a halo. Or at least some yummy snacks!

Then...Mr. Ted talked for a long time and we all just had to sit there. I was lucky, mom sat by the window and I got to watch outside most of the time. She says I was a really really good boy tonight. Next week we are going to learn down/stay.

That's it...I'm going to bed....being a good puppy is exhausting!

~Norm

Saturday's Super No Bueno Scavaging

2007-08-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

So Norm's dictating again tonight, as will usually be the case. Poor guy just can't spread his paws apart far enough to type easily. And frankly, I'm happy not to have his cookie drool on the keyboard and monitor...here's what he has to say about his weekend....

Saturday mom took me to the park...she said we had to do homework for school. I like doing school work. I don't know why she makes a big deal, we're just walking and I sit when she stops. I like that. She said I was a very good boy because I didn't pull on the leash at all. Not even when it was time to go play with the other doggies in the doggie part of the park.

After doing homework mom took me to a new store...well, I'd never been there and unless she was holding out on me, she hadn't either. It was fun...the nice lady gave me some snacks and mom got a few treats for me.

Then we went home and I had to go to my crate since mom was doing boring shopping that I couldn't help with, and it was hot outside. I didn't want to stay in the car. Ick! So here's where the super no bueno part of the day comes about...get ready. Mom's a little scatterbrained now and then...I love those days. Well, she gives me my favorite peanut butter kong and puts me in the crate, picks up her wallet and off she goes. Hehehe...she forgot to latch both doors to the crate. So as soon as I knew she was gone, I made a break for it. Sure enough, the whole house was mine! All Mine!

Now on Friday, mom had some yummy smelling supper but she didn't share. But she did leave the bag up on the stove, so I helped myself to it, along with anything else I could find that I could shred. When mom came home an hour and a half later, I was so proud to show her everything that I had found and left on display in the living room. She seemed pleased that I had left her shoes alone, but did not look too happy. She picked up the mess, took me out and all was well.

Until Sunday morning. I tried to tell her...but she was sleeping. I almost puked on her but she woke up and took me outside. We almost made it out, I got sick in the elevator, and then again outside. Apparently I'm not supposed to eat little plastic butter containers...the tiny ones. Mom says I'm a very lucky dog. Also, apparently they don't all come back up at the same time because I puked up another one this morning. Mom says that's a couple of good lessons for us both. She can't leave stuff on the stove, eating stuff that she doesn't feed me makes me feel icky and well, mom doesn't need the butter!

Greetings From Norm

2007-08-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

Since we all know that paws make for difficult typing...Norm asked me to share his thoughts for the week with you...

1. Obedience school is no trip to the park. Really. We get to walk around a lot, but they don't let us play much...and there's a bull mastiff puppy that I'd really like to play with...really I would. And now mom's making me do things from school all the time. Like when she stops walking, she wants me to sit down next to her and wait, patiently. I'm a puppy...come on. But I try.

2. I have a really cool grandma! Apparently mom told her that I don't like the rain much. So last week, she sent mom a rainjacket/windbreaker for me. At first I really wasn't having it, but it was really rainy on Wednesday. I mean really! Mom put my coat on before we went out and guess what. It works...I didn't get rained on at all. And mom told Mr. Jeff that I looked really cute with it on, hood and all! I think she has some pictures.

3. I miss going to the park. Mr. Ted from school says we shouldn't go there while I'm in school. I've kind of been pouting about it. I think tomorrow mom might let me go for a little while after we go on a nice long walk at Sloans Lake.

4. Mom needs to start going to bed earlier. I keep trying to convince her that it's bed time and she will go with me for a while, but she doesn't stay. Then I wake up and have to go back and get her again. She's silly sometimes.