Me and Buttercup: Training a Young Dog

Buttercup is only a year old.  I'm teaching her how to get up on the furniture to be comfy and that it's ok to beg for food at the table.  I don't know why everybody is mad at me.  We're getting to be friends and I think we should share things.  When my mommy gives me a treat, she should give one to Buttercup too.  Sometimes Buttercup's mommy doesn't agree.  I think that's not nice.  This morning we both got "Happy Hips" after we went outside to pee.  I always get one first thing in the morning.  Buttercup really doesn't need them like I do, but they're really tasty since they're jerky made from chicken.

Out Walking Again

This morning I went out for part of the walk with Buttercup.  I led the way.  I can walk pretty fast. It felt really good to be out and about.  My mommy made us come back early.  SHE says I shouldn't overdo it and she promises we'll go a bit farther every day.  When we got back I took a nice rest on the couch.  This afternoon we're going over to see her son and grandson and spend the night.  That means I get to walk with Zephyr and Eva tomorrow.

Day After Christmas

I didn't really appreciate the Christmas dinner.  I don't like lobster and that's what they had. They were very lively things.  Fortunately none of them got on the floor, although one of them used its tail to splash my mommy. I settled for a little kibble, but what kind of Christmas dinner is that for a dog?  Not even any cheese as an appetizer.

After dinner all the people sat around and watched a basketball game.  My mommy's daughter has a father-in-law who is so very, very nice.  I sat on his lap for a while and felt so peaceful and comfy.  Even after they left, I still felt really good. I was so relaxed that I got my picture taken.  When we get a copy I'll post it.

My mommy's daughter gave me a wonderful little pillow that I use on the couch and bed.  It's really hers but I took it over and now it's mine.  She says she'll buy a new one for herself.  People use them on airplanes. It's small like me and is filled with little grains of something that I can push around to suit me.

This morning I'm napping on the couch.  Buttercup and her mommy and daddy go for a four mile walk every morning.  I prefer the couch.  SHE says I've got to start taking long walks again, but we'll see.  I do still hurt a little in my back.  I'm good about letting her put me on the couch, though.  I did manage the stairs at her son's house.  They have carpet, so they're not as hard for me to do as the ones in Damariscotta.

Another Bit of Mischief

It started out like most of our days on the road, but right after lunch we stopped.  After a while we went off on some side roads and it went on forever.  SHE stopped to get gas and go to the bathroom and I am strong enough to jump out of my car seat again.  So I went in the back and emptied out all the bags I could find.  I ate my fill of dog treats and drank all the water in my dish and tore up some old MacDonald's bags and found my favorite toy, the hedgehog.  Then I got on the back seat and took a nap.

Sunshine on the Road

There was lots of sun today.  We left the last place in Missouri just before it got light.  This morning when SHE stopped for breakfast I had to stay in my car seat.  I did get some bacon though.  I didn't feel like drinking much water while we were driving, but when we got to the motel, I drank and drank and drank.  We drove through Oklahoma into the Texas Panhandle and are staying in a place called Amarillo.

A Little Bit of Mischief

I had a wonderful time in the car today.  SHE went to a Denny's for breakfast and let me run around the back of the car.  SHE forgot there was a bag with goodies in it and I got into it.  I'm really good at using my teeth to get things out of bags.  I opened a box of kleenex, but there wasn't anything good to eat there so I also found a box that SHE yelled at me about.  It was something called a brioche mix and I got the package opened and took the mix out of the box, but I couldn't open the mix.  It smells pretty good.  Then I found a package of peppermint sticks and tried to open it, but couldn't.  When SHE came out of the restaurant she brought me a piece of bacon.  SHE gave it to me anyway, even though SHE also yelled. That was really good.  I then got a little walk and we got gas for the car and I had to go in my seat.  Then we just drove and drove again.  Later SHE bought me a plain hamburger at  Burger King.  Now I don't have to eat much kibble for dinner.

Lexington, Kentucky

SHE's tired.  We didn't get as far as SHE would have liked, but it was starting to get dark and it was raining very hard, so we're now in a motel.  They let doggies stay here and even though I slept a lot today, I could sleep some more.

Last night we stayed with Uncle Donald in Baltimore.  He and Janet were very nice.  I was a little upset when he carried me into the house and my mommy was still getting things out of the car, so I accidentally peed on a rug.   I do like Uncle Donald.  He visited us in Maine a couple of years ago.  He took me for a nice walk after I got there.  Then he gave me some great pot roast with carrots and potatoes.  Uncle Donald and Janet have three cats.  They didn't like me being there, but I didn't care.  We left early because SHE was afraid of a snow storm.  I guess there will be some snow in the morning.  We hope there won't be too much and that the roads are ok.

Road Trip Again

We are packing up all my stuff so I can go on a road trip. SHE tells me we're going to California to see her son and daughter.  I know them and I've visited before, so that's just fine.  She's trying to explain how many nights we need to spend in motels, and it sounds like a lot.  I don't mind though because SHE's there.

I have a nice seat in the car so I can see out the window.  Unfortunately it also has a hook-thing to attach to my collar so I can't jump out.  Not that I really think I can do that right now.  I'm making sure SHE doesn't leave me behind.  I follow her everywhere and am keeping a good eye on the suitcases.  I have my own special bag that has food and treats in it.  It also has my name on it.

I'm still recovering from a very busy day yesterday.  I'm tired and I'm content just resting. It's also very cold and windy outside so I don't want to spend a lot of time there.  Tomorrow I have to get up really early so we can spend the night with her brother in Baltimore.  She says after that we're on our own.

A New Look

Last night we slept upstairs in the comfy bed.  SHE went up first and then called me.  I didn't know at first if she wanted me to go up the stairs.  The last time I tried I got yelled at.  But it seemed like that is what SHE wanted so I went up.  I was pretty slow. I had to zig zag up, getting all of my body on one step before I did the next.  My pillow was on the bed and I thought it was wonderful.  I stayed next to it all night.  This morning SHE carried me down the stairs.  I really wasn't up to it.  I was scared.  Then SHE took me to the beauty parlor (that's what SHE calls the place dogs go to get a bath and haircut).  The lady there was very nice to me, but now my hair is really short and I have to wear a jacket outside.

This afternoon we're going to see my mommy's bishop.  They're going to talk about her CREDO stuff. SHE said I could come too, woo hoo!  I've met Bishop Steve before at the Interim's and Consultant's Meetings and he's very nice.  I saw him at the party after Ben's ordination too. He even asked about me when I was sick.

It's very snowy out.  SHE had to shovel the snow off the back steps (all two of them) before I would go outside and pee.  I'm not stupid.  I like to know where I'm stepping.  The steps are not very high and are real easy for me to use.  SHE started a fire in our fireplace (she's good at that as you can tell be the picture) and we're both sitting around watching the fire.  I'm doing a lot of sleeping.

Legs Are Doing Fine

Yesterday the doctor took the staples out of my back.  She says I'm not supposed to jump or climb for a long time yet (about 2 1/2 more weeks).  It's very boring.  My back legs are working pretty well.  I don't loose my step as much as I did for a while.

SHE carried me upstairs and downstairs today so SHE could take a bath.  I like to sit next to the tub and when SHE comes out I lick her legs.  If SHE leaves me behind I bark and bark and bark.  I'm a companion dog and I like to companion.  Can't do that unless you're with someone, right?

No Pictures Please

SHE has been snipping off my hair with scissors.  SHE says it's because I have matts and I can't go to the groomer.  Now, not only do I have a bald patch on my back, I have a VERY bad haircut.    SHE hasn't tried to cut around my face so she laughs at me and says I'm a fuzzy face. That's not nice to laugh at a dog who can't help it. She says after I get staples out on Monday she will have me groomed.

The other thing is SHE isn't feeding me enough.  I seem to be hungry ALL the time.  It seems like the medicine makes me want to eat a lot.  I also am drinking a lot of water so I need to go outside every four hours or so.  The nice thing is SHE has to stay around the house to take care of me.

I'm walking a lot better.  SHE went upstairs yesterday and didn't block the stairs very well so I got up about four stairs before SHE found out.  After getting yelled at and trying to go down, SHE picked me up and carried me down.  I really can do it myself.  (No Izzie can not.  Her back legs still are not strong enough)

I'm Home, I'm Home

Thank you everybody for all the prayers. I feel so good being home.  I know, my back really hurts, though.  I don't like my mommy picking me up, but sometimes I have to let her.  We slept a lot yesterday afternoon.  SHE put the futon down so we can sleep in the study.  I can walk on to the bed just fine.

Last night I had to get up a lot to go outside and pee.  I never do this.  I like sleeping too much.  I also needed to drink lots of water.  SHE says it's my medicine.  I try to scratch my ears, but my back legs don't work the way I want.  When SHE sees me trying, I get my ears scritched.  It's good, but SHE doesn't know exactly where to do it.

This morning I keep eyeing the couch and then walking away.  My choice is either jump (and I can't) or have her pick me up, which I hate.  I'm an "I can do it myself mommy" dog.

This morning we spent lots of time in bed while she massaged my legs and back.  Then she moved my legs around.  The massage is great, but this leg moving stuff hurts a little.  She says we have to do it until I'm better and can walk really well.  She's promised me lots of good walks in a few weeks, after I get the staples out and the vet says it's ok.

I got to have a piece of bacon for breakfast.  Boy did that taste good.  I'm sure I didn't eat a thing at the doggie hospital.  Speaking of the doggie hospital.  I really had the staff doing what I wanted.  I didn't have to stay with the other animals.  They took me on lots of little walks and gave me massages and the doctor wrote "Thank you for bringing Isabelle to the Maine Veterinary Referral Center's Neurology Service, she is such a pretty little girl."  I don't feel so pretty with a bare patch on my back and needing a haircut.  She's talking about getting me shaved, so it all grows in together.

(Note from mommy)  I only plan on having it cut really short.  There are lots of matts only made worse by her surgery and confinement.  She is two weeks beyond her normal grooming date.  I've had to cancel two appointments.

Pat and Isabelle

Baxter Peak and the Knife Edge Trail on Maine's Mount Katahdin.  from Wikimedia Commons (Greg Neault)

My mommy and I drove to Millinocket which is north of here a long way near that mountain.  We stayed with one of my favorite people, Pat. Unfortunately Oscar the cat lives there now.  He and I have come to an agreement.  I won't chase him unless he asks.  We greet each other briefly by touching noses and then try to stay out of each other's way.  I got my own plate of Thanksgiving dinner (turkey, potatoes, squash, peas and stuffing with a bit of gravy)  I ate some of everything, but left most of the peas.  I only like fresh peas, thank you.

We stayed in the apartment so I wouldn't have to do stairs.  That's how I met Pat.  She rented us the apartment behind her kitchen when we moved to Millinocket.  Our house wasn't ready because the wife of the former priest was still living there.  The first weekend SHE had to go to Bangor because one of the people in her church hit a moose and was very sick.  I stayed with Pat in her part of the house and we became fast friends.  It took my mommy a lot longer to become friends.  Pat came with us on our last trip across the country.  We had so much fun.  Pat really liked seeing Teddy Roosevelt National Park and Glacier and Crater Lake and especially the Grand Canyon.  I liked having two beds to choose from at night and getting only people food.

Yesterday morning we left Millinocket very early.  It was still dark.  I recognized the doggie hospital when we got there and refused to come out of the car.  Alas, SHE is bigger than I am and finally managed to corner me and pick me up.  I showed her.  I peed on the floor of the hospital.  Then they took me inside.  I haven't seen my mommy since.  They put me to sleep and now I am very groggy.  They say I have to stay here three nights.  I want my mommy!!

UPDATE: (10 am)  I'm awake and able to walk around.  My doctor didn't think I could.  They don't know what a strong dog I really am. Now if they would only take this funny clear tube out of my leg.  They tell me it's so I won't hurt and they'll take it out tonight.  I hate being in a cage, but I need to sleep so that's all for now.

Do you want the good news or the bad news first?

I have to have my back operated on Friday.  That's the bad news.  The good news is that I don't have cancer.  I hope that means I still get to eat yummy dinners.  Tonight it was more chicken, rice, broccoli plus some sweet potato.  Then I had a great nap on the floor.

I'm tired of being picked up.  I feel good enough to get on and off the sofa even if I have to scramble to get my back legs up.  I'm scared it's really going to hurt when they operate on my back.  I want to drive to California with my mommy so we may have to leave a bit later than she thought, because I'll have to get better.  Road trips are a lot of fun, but not if I hurt.  I don't want to travel in a cage.  I can't stand cages.  I have a nice dog seat that lets me look out the window.

Please pray my surgery goes well.

Singing to Isabelle

SHE likes to sing to me.  One of the songs is "How much is that doggie in the window?"  So we found the muppet version.  It made her laugh so I think I've done my job today.  I'm still pretty groggy, but she brought a roasted chicken home for our dinner and I've already had a snack.  Yum. We want to share it (the video, not the chicken), so other people can laugh too.

My Visit to the Hospital

SHE took me to a new hospital.  SHE said it was a special place that would make me all better.  Well I didn't like it much at all, although the people were very nice.  First the vet tech looked me over, then I saw the doctor.  SHE called her a neurologist, whatever that means. They said I was "bright, alert and responsive."  Of course I was.  I'm always that way.  That's me.  They also said I had "a mildly hunched back and slight weakness in the left hind limb" and that I was "uncomfortable on thoracolumbar spinal palpation.  Meaning my back hurts and my left leg doesn't work quite right.  I know that. I then had to go with the tech inside some doors.  The gave me some stuff to put me to sleep and then I had what they called a myelogram/CT scan to see what was happening with my back.  The next thing I know was I had to spend the night there.

SHE said they took a little bit of something behind my tongue to see how bad it was (a biopsy).  They decided not to operate on my back.  We have to wait a few days to find out how bad it is.  The neurologist said she thought it was squamous cell carcinoma.  Too big a word for a dog like me.  I heard her tell my mommy to feed me soft food.  YEA.  That means SHE'll cook for me all the time.

I'm not supposed to go on walks for a while and I can't jump on furniture, so SHE can't leave me alone unless SHE locks me up in the study, where there's nothing to jump on.  AND I don't have to go to the groomers today.

I hurt again and I can't jump up on things.  SHE seems very worried, but I'm fine.  SHE gives me a pill in a yummy treat and that helps, but there's something wrong with my back leg.  I can't feel it and I have to be very careful.  SHE won't let me go upstairs anymore, but I like sleeping on the futon.  I can just walk onto the bed.  It's also a good place to rest when SHE goes out.  I hate going to the doggie doctor.  I shake and shake and breathe so hard I get the floor all wet.  The doctor is very nice though.  She doesn't hurt me at all and is very gentle.  The doctor says I'm a very stoic dog. SHE says "gentle-gentle" all the time to me, especially when she picks me up.  I'm not supposed to wiggle when she says this, but sometimes it hurts.  SHE says we're going to see another doctor today.  NO.  I don't want to.  Help!

Acadia's Sand Beach

I got to run on a beach for the first time in ages.  I think maybe since we left California.  Beaches have so many wonderful smells.  I do like smelly seaweed, but SHE wouldn't let me roll in it.  I also think the sand is fun to walk on.  It's easy on my legs.  SHE and her friend Jane (I like Jane, she gave me a McDonald's hamburger today—plain, nothing on it) took me on a nice long drive to a place called Acadia National Park.  I got to walk a bit and that was nice.  It was sunny and not really cold at all.  The stone stairs down to the beach were pretty easy for me to manage.  I think because they were so nice and deep.  I didn't worry at all about going down or up.  I would like to have a beach like that near where we live.

I like long drives when SHE lets me sleep on her lap.  Sometime I look out the driver's window and sometimes I sleep on my chair and sometimes I go into the back to see if maybe there's some food.  The McD's lady gave me a dog cookie as a treat.  That's because I lean very far out of the car window so they know I'm here and it often leads to a cookie.  It's a good trick.  Bank tellers sometimes have dog treats too.  Advice to my dog friends.  Always stick your head out the driver's window to let the drive-through people know you're there.

Now we're home and I have to eat kibble tonight.  You'd think SHE'd know by now that I hate kibble.  Maybe I'll nap first.  It was hard work being with humans all day.  I never really got to nap all that long.

Photo is from http://www.acadia.ws/sand-beach.htm

Hooray for Hiking!

I love hiking. The first time SHE took me hiking was in Wyoming where we met. We went on a path near a very cold mountain stream on a very hot day. Now I don't like water much and NEVER go swimming, but I needed to cool off, so when we came to a safe place that had some rocks to keep me from being swept away, I went in and put my tummy in the water. Boy did that feel good. Of course I got all sandy, but I really doubt I needed that bath to get rid of it. I'm sure it would have just fallen out. SHE was worried it would fall out on her bed, so she dumped me in the tub. Then SHE grouched because of all the sand she had to scoop out of the tub.

Anyway yesterday's walk was great. It was cold, so I didn't get too hot. SHE put an orange sleeve over my collar, but nobody could see it. I don't see why anyone would mistake me for a deer anyway. Most people seem to think I'm a tiny sheep. I don't believe in going off trail. I might get lost. It's hard enough keeping track of where SHE is and sniffing all the good things a dog can find on a trail. This used to be a road to an old farm. There are stone walls and a broken down shed in some places. Nice people gave the land to Maine so dogs like me can have nice walks.

I Am Not A Pumpkin!

OK, that really was going too far. SHE dressed me as a pumpkin and then paraded me all over town. Now I must admit I liked all the attention, but really, does that woman have no shame? No self-respecting dog would dress in orange and green and look so fat. I think I look much better in my basic black dress. It's much classier. In addition, that dumb hat kept falling over my eyes. SHE finally took my ears out of the holes and pushed the hat back so I could see. A nice lady at the restaurant gave me some water and I got the eat the rest of the kid's hamburger, so it wasn't a total loss. The picture is of me sitting on the deck of the restaurant waiting for food, or some action. Humans can be pretty boring at times. All there was to do was watch the gulls.

After we ate we walked over to where the pumpkin boat races were being held. The kid got to sit on his dad's shoulders to see what was happening, but I got to sniff all the great smells on the ground. They had this monster pumpkin in a truck and there were lots of people milling around and dropping bits of food on the ground. That part was fun. Then we all walked home and took naps. I didn't have to wear my costume for my nap.

My Comfy Bed

Here I am in my comfy bed. It is sitting next to my human's desk, where she spends lots of time. For a while we got to snuggle on the couch where I could flop on the computer to make her stop working and pay attention to me. I don't think that's going to work here, but I'll figure out something. SHE complains that I won't go for long walks any more, but I do love sleeping on soft beds.

Doggie Lasagna

SHE made me some doggie lasagna for dinner tonight. Boy it was good. SHE hasn't made it in forever and it's one of my favorites. It has turkey and cottage cheese and some tomato sauce and some cheddar cheese and pasta. Yummy! After I ate I went outside for a little while and sat on the grass. I noticed there was some water coming down from the sky and looked up. It was fun trying to catch the water on my tongue. Now it's time for a nap.

Reverse Sneezing

Well I've been home for two nights now. It's so good to get to snuggle in a big comfy bed. I gave her lots and lots of kisses when I was picked up. The day SHE picked me up I had an attack of reverse sneezing. I feel as though I'm about to collapse and I start shaking all over. I just can't breath. SHE has been putting her hand over my nose to make me breathe through my mouth and that does work, but it takes a while for me to stop shaking. The doctors think I have an allergy and this usually happens in the Fall, so it may be true, but I don't like it one bit. SHE thinks it also has something to do with stress and I do get stressed when I'm not with her. Anyway we were on our way to see the vet when I had another attack. We were in the car and she had to stop to help me. The vet said the best way to stop it is to hold me head down and smack me in the ribs. Is that any way to treat a dog? I get scared enough. I still sneeze, but no reverse sneezing since yesterday morning. I'm supposed to take something called Benadryl to see if that helps. I do love being home again.

She Threw Me in the Hoosegow

I'm in lockup and I don't know why. SHE and I had a good snuggle this morning before we got out of bed. I've really been a good doggie, so why did SHE do this to me. SHE said something about having to go on a trip, but I've always stayed with friends before. I don't know why we don't know anybody here yet who would like a nice snuggly dog like me for a week or so. I can even get along with cats. SHE brought my comfy bed that I like to use while we watch TV, and my squeeky moose. If SHE thinks that will make it ok, she's mistaken. I'm trying to figure out how to get on the good side of the people here. Maybe they'll let me go home. I'm pretty sure I know the way.

Oh, I got this message out by way of a very nice boxer. I had to give him one of my treats.

Haircut

My new groomer is very nice. She let my hair dry naturally and she uses scissors instead of clippers. I really like the store where I had it done. The front part has lots of wonderful goodies for dogs (and cats). They even have homemade dog cookies. Most of them were much too big for me. SHE was looking at dog clothes. Fortunately I got her distracted. SHE said she was looking for a Halloween costume for me, but I really don't want a dress with frills and a matching hat. I think my little witches cap is just fine. We've used it the last two years. Maybe she'll forget about the dress and I can just wear the cap. That's bad enough. the problem with Halloween is all the kids who come to the door think I'm the cutest thing ever and I think they're frightening. Not only that they seem to want candy.

I'm pretty brave

Some of you may know that I fell down the stairs a couple of days ago. First of all the stairs are wood and my paws slip a little on them. It wasn't a problem when I could only go up and down slowly, but I'm feeling so much better. The doctor gave me some medicine that I'm taking every day and I feel like my old self again. Anyway SHE had gotten dressed to go out and I refused to be left behind so I raced down the stairs and slipped and ended up rolling down the last half. I just missed knocking her down with me. I'm a pretty brave dog and just got up. Of course SHE felt so badly that SHE let me go with her. It was just a short trip and I stayed on the floor of the car. SHE made us sleep downstairs that night, but really, I'm ok.

I Won!! Nah, Nah, Nah

If your read my companion's blog, you'll see that I won. I don't have to eat kibble any more except as a little snack if I feel like it. It's taken me seven years to get her to see the wisdom of this course of action. But I won! Yea!

Let's get this over with

I'm not sure I like this moving around so much. Yesterday we drove to our new house so she could put some stuff in it. We didn't get there until night so we spent the night. I didn't really like sleeping on an air mattress. SHE kept me awake by tossing and turning, so I snored as loud as I could to let her know I was really awake too and marched up and down the bed trying to find a comfortable spot. Then she got me up at 5:30 in the morning to drive back to the old house. I got some good zee's on the drive. Then because she had so much to do, I had to stay at home all day. Not fair.

Oh boy! Something is going on. My human is packing up everything in the house as fast as she can go. I'm not letting her out of my sight. The only bit of sanity was when we went over to the church. The ladies were having their Summer Fair and were serving lunch. Everybody said hello to me and I sniffed around to make sure I knew everybody. There was a strange dog there. Kind of looked like the one that bit me two years ago. Didn't like that dog at all. I asked her to leave. I don't know why SHE gets mad when I growl. I got a hot dog. SHE only let me have only one, but I know there were more in the kitchen.

They really spruced up the yard at the church while I was gone and they put in this funny pole with a whirly thing on top. SHE said it was a wind turbine. I made my usual tour of the grass and went over to see if there was anything new in the neighbor's yard.

Happy July 4

Happy July 4! I'm staying with my friend Pat and am living in the lap of luxury. Don't tell my human I'm having a great time. She thinks I mope the whole time she's gone. I only do that for a little while, just to be sure she's really out of here. I love sitting outside on the grass under the tree. I also like the back yard. The grass is very soft with lots of room to explore. Pat's son did the landscaping.

Feeling Better

I'm no longer on my meds.  I still can't jump up on to the couch, but I refuse to use the steps. I bark at her and she will pick me up most times.  SHE's not too bright, I just don't understand why she doesn't understand the difference between "I want to go out, I want a treat, and put me on the couch."  I know what I need.   Mostly I sleep on my own little bed on the floor. 

I Hurt

I hurt a lot.  I can't get on and off the comfy bed so I spend a lot of time on the floor.  I've asked my human to bring my little doggie bed home from the office, so I can sleep on it.  I don't do stairs either and our bedroom is upstairs so she carries me, which I hate, but it's better than being alone.  Last night we walked over to the Thai restaurant and back (it's about a block).  It's an easy walk and we went very slowly.  I like the little Greenies "pill pockets" our friend the deacon gave us.  I take my aspirin that way and now I get another one for my new medicine.  SHE says I have to go on a diet, but I'm not very hungry right now anyway.  Thank you for praying for me.

Beware of the Dogs

My human put a poem about nasty dogs in her blog.  SHE apologized to me, but she knows I get very nervous around mean dogs.  One of them bit me a few years ago and it hurt very bad for a week.  If one of them comes around me first I growl and then I hide behind my human.  Sometimes I find out they really aren't mean at all.  I have had some nice big dogs as friends.

My Church

I'm a bit tired out right now.  We went to a parade and then we walked over to the church for a party and then walked back home.  I thought maybe people would like to see the inside of my church.  It was taken when they had just finished putting in new light fixtures and someone wanted a picture of them.  They hadn't noticed that I was sitting in the middle of the aisle.  

My Loot

Here's me with my "loot" from my party.  That nice little tin is now in the office at church and is filled with goodies for me. 

I Can Too Blog

SHE is trying to teach me to use the computer so I can do my own blogging.  The problem is my paws are too large for the keys.  It's a nice place to get warm, though and I know how to irritate my human.  All I have to do is plop down on it.  Then she has to scratch my ears and give me a backrub.

Finally, Me at My Party

O.K.  I finally got my human to download the picture of my party guests and me.  They're a nice bunch of ladies who know how to treat a dog well.  And I do mean treat.  I have a very nice understanding of words and "treat" is among them.  When these very nice ladies come to the church I sniff their handbags to see if there might be something good in them.  My friend the Cheese Lady couldn't be at my party, but she makes sure I get cheese on the Sundays that she does the coffee hour.

I also like the people at the early service.  They have their coffee hour before we go into the church.  They make really good stuff.  One of the men brought me a whole bag of dog biscuits for my birthday, even though he didn't come to the party.  It was such a big bag I decided to share with the dogs whose people come to our food pantry.  I also gave them some dog food.  I prefer people food, myself.  My human says I'm a "foodie."  I think that's good, isn't it?

It's My Birthday

Hi everybody.  Today I'm 11.  It's also Cinco de Mayo. My human will post pictures of me after my party.  We're going to have Mexican food of course and we've invited people from the church to come and share.  I love my human's chile con carne and the enchiladas with chicken and cream cheese aren't bad either.  I wonder what we'll have for dessert. I hope there's some cheese too.  I love cheese.  Actually I just love parties, except when there are a lot of children.  They think I'm a plush toy. So why did SHE put up a picture of kids celebrating Cinco de Mayo?  Humans, go figure.

On a Sunny Afternoon

This is me relaxing after a hard day of watching humans play dominos.  I also got to visit with another  human friend.  She made me scrambled eggs, but I wasn't very hungry that morning.  I was real glad when I found my human waiting for me after such an exhausting day.  SHE was very tired too, but I made her laugh by licking her face.  I don't know why she makes faces when I do that.  It was good to be able to run around my own yard yesterday afternoon.  I went into the woods behind the house and then walked the perimeter to be sure we didn't have any intruders.  It was so nice and warm that my human and I ate our supper out on the deck.  Last night was very noisy.  The frogs are making an awful racket when the sun goes down.

One of the Family -Eva

This is Eva.  The first time I met her she was a puppy and she and her human came to Wyoming to visit us.  It was my house and she tried to take over, but I wouldn't let her.  We were just beginning to get that all sorted out when they left.  Now when I go visit, she knows that I'm the boss and she leaves me alone.  If she doesn't I just hide behind my human.  Eva and Zephyr love to run around the yard.  I get tired watching.  They did show me how to eat the avocados that fall off the trees.  They are yummy.  My human's daughter took all these pictures of my family.

Two of the Family-Zephyr and Wisp

Here are Zephyr and Wisp.  They live with the kid and my human's son and his wife.  I've never met Wisp, but my human has and SHE says I'd like him except he also likes to sit in her lap, so maybe not.  Zephyr is ok. I can boss him around.  He's very fast, but easily bullied, even by a small dog like me.  They have another dog, Eva, who lives there too.  Her picture comes next.  They also have two cats, but I won't bother with pictures of them.  They hide when I come to visit and besides one of them stole my bed.

One of the Family- Oso (may he rest in peace)

This is Oso.  Remember I told you about him in my last post.  He's not here anymore, but this big lion of a dog is probably catching squirrels and raccoons up in doggie heaven.  I'm sure he thought I was a squirrel.

One of the Family-Bear

This is Bear.  She lives with my human's daughter and her husband. Oso used to live there too, but he went on the long sleep and Bear is now alone with her humans.  She's a lot bigger than I am and the last time I visited, Oso (who was even bigger) was still alive and the two of them ganged up on me.  Not much fun thank you.  Bear's human takes great pictures.  I'm trying to get my human to take more pictures of me.  SHE, however, never remembers the camera.

Loons and Walks and Snacks

It's so nice that spring is here.  There's no more snow to pee on and the ducks and loons are returning.  SHE pointed out two loons on the open water at the edge of the pond but my hair has grown so long I can't see through it very well.  We are now walking to church instead of driving in the car.  It's nice to find out where all the other dogs in town are peeing and to sniff out how they're doing and I make sure that I leave my calling card as well.

I get tied up while SHE goes into the Post Office to pick up her mail, but lots of people I know stop to pet me so it's not lonely.  Today it was so very windy, though, that the rope on the flag pole was banging and making me nervous.  We stopped at the book store and it was open so SHE could order a book.  I don't know why SHE didn't let me snoop around more.  I love to snoop.  You never know when a stray dog biscuit will show up.  I got one at the bank.  All we need to do is go to the drive-up window.

I like to hide dog biscuits around the house so when I feel like having a snack I know where to find them.  I especially like the sofa, but sometimes they fall in between the pillows.  If I work at it long enough SHE gets the idea and comes and retrieves them for me.  You know SHE's not very bright.  SHE doesn't seem to be able to smell where I put them.  Humans really need a lot of help.

I'm Famous

SHE found this photo of me on MadPriest's blog.  Good likeness don't you think.  Hooray!  I'm famous.  Hope they don't eat the potato chip.  Hey, I like potato chips.  Maybe they'll send it to me.

Izzie's New Hero

From BBC News-Australian canine castaway found.

Sophie Tucker - named after the famous US entertainer - vanished as Jan and Dave Griffith sailed through stormy waters off Queensland last November. But unknown to her grieving owners, the plucky dog survived a long swim across shark-infested waters to an island. There she lived on a diet of baby goats until being found by visiting rangers.The Griffiths were amazed to hear of the discovery and have now been reunited with their pet."She surprised us all," said Jan Griffith. "She was a house dog and look what she's done, she has swum over five nautical miles, she has managed to live off the land all on her own. We wish she could talk, we truly do."

Comment:  Now that's a brave and smart dog.  I wouldn't mind having her as a friend.  I only hope she doesn't think I'm a baby goat.  SHE sometimes confuses me with a baby sheep and calls me Lamb Chops.

Going to Meetings

SHE took me to one of her meetings today.  It gets to be pretty boring.  I sit under the table and snore. The best time is lunch, although I really didn't like the left-over fried rice.  Wandering around the church yard was fun, although I picked up some burrs which SHE didn't remove until we got home.  Of course she didn't notice them until we were in the car on our way home.  I'm letting her write this while I take a rest on a quilt.  I'm all combed out (except for my tail--which we fight about) and feeling good. 

Dogs in Church

SHE showed me the picture of all the dogs in church from USA Today and I approve. SHE laughs a lot when she goes to this Mad Priest's blog, BUT (love that word) sometimes she finds something really good like this. I liked this picture the best. Now that SHE's a priest and all I don't get to sit with her and get hugs.  One church we were at a very nice lady let me sit with her.  She also brought me treats.  Then some of the other ladies brought treats in their handbags.  SHE didn't know all this was going on for a long time.  I made the mistake one Sunday of crossing the aisle when she was looking.  Then the jig was up.

Time to Hit the Trails

What a fantastic day for being outside.  SHE let me run around the church yard while she talked with the ladies running the thrift shop.  There are now patches of grass showing up in the snow.  I was finally able to walk over to the neighbors and sniff around.  Haven't been able to do that since last December.  Can't wait to get on the trails again.  This is me hiking in Wyoming.  There are good trails here too, only SHE hasn't brought her camera along.  I like having my picture taken.

I want my own blog

Just to let you know a little about me.  My name is Isabelle (Izzie, for short--and I am).  I'm nearly 11 dog-years old. Church is fun.  I sleep through the sermons, snoring when they go on too long to let her know it's time to stop.  I test out the cheese at coffee hour.  Most of it is really good, except I don't like American cheese and I don't like Provolone.  I like some cookies, but they don't let me eat chocolate, which I really do like.  As you can tell I'm really into food.  I don't like walking through puddles and I don't like getting wet, but I love long walks and mud is wonderful.  If it's really smelly I think rolling around in it is one of the best things ever.  I asked if I could have my own blog since SHE keeps talking about me and I'd rather talk about myself.