Lost Weekend Part 2

The warm feeling stayed with me all weekend, even when I came home, got sick that night, and Mom had to take me back to the doctor place. She was really scared, which made me scared. They did the thing where I had to lay on a table and this machine kind of buzzed again, but since I'd been through it before, and nice people were petting and talking to me, I was okay with it. They let me go back in the little room where Mom was, but only for a little while. Then it was back to my spot.

A little while later they poured some stuff down my throat, then waited, and then did the buzzing machine a lot of times. After that, it was really boring until Mom came to visit! YEA!!!! We even went out for a walk! Oh I felt sooooo good! And I really wanted to go home with her, but she explained the doctors wanted to be very, very sure that I was absolutely not sick anymore. Then she gave me a big hug, and I went back to my spot. *sigh* It wasn't until the next day at suppertime that they finally let Mom take me home. Thank goodness I'm still here! And thank goodness for whoever sent the warm love hug too. That kept me from feeling afraid, and even made me a little less lonely.

SNOW!

I know some of you won't agree with me, but I LIKE snow! It's nice and cold, easy to dig, and WONDERFUL to ROLL in! Mom says I'm making doggy snow angels, but I say it's my own version of twist and shout - I just don't need to bark because my whole body is dancing in the snow!

Now what I canNOT figure out is why Mom thinks I get all the exercise I need from being outside when she shovels and pushes that noisy machine around! We actually don't go for a walk after she's done that! She just says "That's enough Moxie, time to go in the house." and in we go! Maybe I HAVE relieved myself in every way possible, but that doesn't mean I got any EXERCISE! Let alone a chance to catch up on what the other pups in the neighborhood have been up to. Sheesh! Would someone please tell mom that I need to have my walks even when she shovels? Thank you.

No way!

I cannot believe Mom did this to me. She knows I'm quite miffed, and agreed to type what I tell her even if she doesn't like it.
So.
Mom threw a big party yesterday to launch her website (Mom's note: www.castlecourse.com) and you remember how excited I was that Neighbor Henry was going to take me? Well, that was BEFORE I found out what a party is like! It was LOUD. And there were all sorts of people and smells that I'd never smelled before, and I wanted nothing to do with it. Mom wanted me to at least walk through the room with her, so I did, at the fastest walk she's ever seen me do! I went straight to the back door, but no luck, she wouldn't let me out. Soooo, back through the crowd, lickety split, to the front door. Thank goodness Henry caught on and got me out of there.

Mom and I talked last night, and again tonight. She had the good sense to apologize to me, and then she explained that this is what it means to be a Canine Celebrity. Ewwwww! I had NO IDEA. So we talked some more, and finally came to a compromise. Evidently some celebrities also don't like crowds, so they hide away in their mansions and villas (whatever they are). Mom said they're called a recluse. Whatever! As long as I don't have to go to noisy parties anymore, I'm for it. So now I guess I'm Moxie T, Canine Celebrity Recluse. Harumph.

Whoa! It's a new year!

Mom just told me that I forgot to wish my cyber friends a Happy New Year. Living in the moment as I do, I don't know what a year is, much less why it matters that it changes. Nothing changes as far as I can see, except that Mom was home a LOT for a while there. That was grand! And there were people I hadn't seen in a long time, great food, and one crummy day that Mom made me stay overnight at doggy daycare. Don't get me wrong - I loved the day, but she's supposed to come and get me at the end of it! I was scared because the last time this happened days came and went and she didn't come. This time it was only one night - whew!

Mom said I could also tell you that her small business is set up, and she's going to have something called a website launch party on January 31. You're all invited! Oh - it's from 2p-4p at Vino 100 in Wauwatosa. I'm not sure it sounds like a fun event to me, but you humans may enjoy it. Not too long after that Mom says the first book about me will be available. Harumph. I'll believe it when I see it. And I'll tell all of YOU when I do!

So Happy New Year and whatever else is supposed to go with it....

Holidays

Whew, what a topsy-turvy time it's been! And Mom is still at it. People coming and going, crazy schedules, and yet it's been fun too! Mom's either been home with me or we go to the grandpups together. And there's even more people when we're there! Mom's litter-mates were all here at the same time - I can't remember the last time that happened. But then, you know I live in the moment. Right now Mom's up in the middle of the night. I couldn't believe it when she woke me up and asked if I had anything to say on my blog! I mean, where was she when I was UP? I was telling her all sorts of things, but noooooooo, she just kept doing her own thing. Well, okay, so maybe all I was telling here was that the people downstairs were coming in, or going out, that a car went by, then someone walked by with another dog, then I just wanted some good scritchy-scratches, and after she spent WAY too much time at the computer, I wanted some good night treats! I guess that doesn't make for good blog copy, eh? Well, she may be wide awake, but I'm not, so I'm signing off. Happy dreams!

Expanding our friends!

Well, I was left all by myself, all day, on a SATURDAY! Saturday is supposed to be OUR day - mom's and mine! I know - we had a nice long walk this morning, including the off-leash park, and the downstairs neighbors let me out when they got home in the late afternoon, so maybe it wasn't so bad. And I guess I DID sleep on the bed much of the day. And when Mom got home, she fed me, and took me for a good walk. Then she gave me lots of great scratches while she explained that she'd been on a trip to Chicago, and met new friends for us in someplace called Naperville! She even said she'd found some Christmas presents for me! Ooooooooh boy! I'm excited now! New friends AND presents! I guess it WAS a great day! Happy dreams, cyber-friends!

AAACK! Camera! Pictures!

You will not believe what Mom put me through yesterday. She KNOWS I hate cameras, but she let this lady into the yard with the biggest camera I've ever seen! That thing could not only steal a piece of me, but swallow my whole spirit! I avoided it as best I could, and CLEARLY communicated that this was NOT something I wanted to do, but darned if the lady wasn't really nice and very patient. And then Mom brings out the most incredible treats. We sat and talked. The lady (Mom says her name is Caroline) complimented me profusely, and knew just where to scratch on my back, so I let Mom talk me into doing a few of my tricks for her. Well then I got into the tricks and treats, and by the time I wound down, I finally heard the clicks that said she was taking my picture! And I was okay! I was still me! I was also still kind of nervous, but she and Mom brushed me and talked to me, and it dawned on me that Caroline's taking pictures was just another way of admiring me - and you KNOW how I like to be admired! I'll have to think on this a while, but maybe cameras aren't so bad after all. Do you like them? How do you feel about having your picture taken? Please let me know - I need some help understanding this.

WAg Fest & New Friends

By the time you read this I'll be SOUND asleep, but I shared it with Mom and asked her to puhleez post it tonite. (If she doesn't do it tonite, she'll forget.)

Saturday Mom tood Granddog and I to Wag Fest in Brookfield. It was a perfect day to be outside, although the pools they had scattered around the grounds were a welcome break from the sun. Thank goodness Mom didn't have me try the lure course again. She finally figured out that I have no interest in chasing plastic bags around a field.

We strolled, ate, drank, visited, and of course, I was greatly admired. Mom put my 'Diva' scarf on my harness (bright yellow with copper print - it goes wonderfully with my coat), so people were especially impressed. Granddog had Mom get my fortune told. The gypsy was quite correct - I do like to dress up, including my Halloween and Christmas collars with the special trim.

Granddog got tired about the same time I did, so Mom took us both home. What a great day though!

Tonite was a totally different story. Mom asked if I wanted to go for a ride (duh, is Lassie a Collie?), and I said YES! But she didn't tell me we were going to visit some wonderful people, and that's exactly what we did! They had a nice house with lots of good smells, and two wonderful children who thought I was 2C4W (that's too cool for words). They were noisy at first, but I forgave them because their noise was excitement at seeing ME. Jumping Bean, the little boy, could barely hold still long enough to give me treats. The little girl, Charm, was just bewitching. She learned to scratch my back, how to tell me when to sit, and then got them to take me outside! She took the leash and we ran up and down the driveway, walked around the grass (there are some things dogs have to do on the grass, you know) and she showed me their backyard. Then she would just look at me and smile that charming smile, and I just melted. I told Mom that we HAVE to go back there, both soon and often!

Oh, I almost forgot, the kids have parents who also appreciate my type of dog. Where other people see aloof, they see classy and tidy. They don't want one of those dogs that jump up on people and slobber all over them. Obviously my kind of folks!

Life just keeps on opening doors and offering new experiences. I sure hope you have some of the same. Happy Dreams cyber-friends!

Uh oh

Mom's gone back to school. One night a week, that is. *sigh* Another night alone. And now she wants me to try some of her homework! Just because I have a blog doesn't mean that I want to actually learn to write you know. But since she does the typing for me, I'm kind of stuck.

I'm supposed to give her a six word memoir. Right. After she explained what a memoir is I just stared at her. Six words to describe my life? I have to think about this. She said not to for now - just say whatever pops into my head. I can write another one after I've thought about it. OK, I told her, if you think it's so easy, YOU do one. Wouldn't you know - she had. Here's her first thought: People-pleaser no more. Happy me.

That's it? Huh. Okay. Here's mine: Lonesome puppyhood, miserable youth, happy adult. Hmmmm, I'll think on it some more and try again. Good night friends.

Where is everybody?

Mom and I have walked north and south, and have seen very few of our friends. No more baseball games with the Tosa Staff, I haven't seen the huggy sisters in weeks, and only saw my Touchdown Trick friend once. I miss them. Luckily I saw some of my pup friends on Saturday and Sunday morning in the park, but now I hear that people don't know we're allowed to be off-leash in the morning and are complaining. *sigh* Mom said she sent a comment to the blog explaining the agreement. I hope it helps.

Do you ever feel like things have changed over-night? That's how I feel right now. I'm confused, and a little sad. Mom says it's the pending change of season and school starting soon. Why does that make people act differently? Why can't they come out and romp and play whenever we come by? That's what dogs do.

This is a lot to think about. I'm glad that I have mom. Whenever stuff confuses me I know I can count on her to give me a hug and a rub and a scratch, and we're both happy. I hope you have someone who can do the same for you. Take care cyber-friends.

MT

Week in Review

Ahhhh, this is the way life should be. Walks in the morning. Walks in the evening. Good food. Good scritchy-scratchy sessions. Doggy day care. Mom and me in a good routine.

This morning I woke up and felt less stiff. In fact, I was able to jump up on mom's bed for the first time in months! Sometimes that's the only way to get her going on a Saturday morning. I know mom's been adding something to my food, cuz it takes her longer to make and there's extra good stuff in it these days. Whatever - I eat good and feel good!

When we run into people on our walks a lot of them complain that it's not hot enough. Silly people! It's great for me! And it's warm enough that mom doesn't take forever to get ready for our walks (in winter it is unbelievable how many things she puts on!). That's definitely warm enough for me. I really like not getting worn out by the heat in just a few blocks, so we walk a lot farther.

I had to laugh at mom this morning though. It's cloudy, and anyone can smell that it's going to rain, but after our walk she filled up her watering can from the rain barrel and watered the vegetables. Then the trees. Then the flowers. Then the raindrops started. HA! But I enjoyed laying on the grass watching her work and the people walking by. It's a nice way to start the day.

So enjoy the day, regardless of the weather. That's what I do!

Catch up time

Sunday night. Even though mom left me for a long time today, we enjoyed a nice morning and evening walk. Mom's worried about my front left paw/leg though. It's starting to give out on me when I least expect it, and then it fixes itself. We almost missed our walk this morning because of it! Fortunately it started working again in time to get to the park and spend a few minutes with two handsome goldens, out for an early morning run. They might have been on their way out of the park, but we squeezed in a bit o' fun before they actually left!

We were so early the other pups weren't at the field, and since neither of us had eaten yet, we didn't wait around for them. Mom mixed up something fantastic with gravy and crumbled up chicken, and some other flavors, and, well, just YUM! Trust me, I slurped that bowl clean before she turned around! Thanks mom!

Back to catching up though - yesterday our former neighbors came to see us! That is, Neighbor Joe brought his daughters. Neighbor Sue was having coffee with another friend. Those two little girls were really something! They know from dogs, they do. I got some good scratches around my ears, and on my neck, and the littlest one followed me around for a bit. She said the water in my pool was icy cold! Can you imagine? What good is a pool if it doesn't cool you off? Anyway, it was very nice to see them again. Even though they didn't remember me from when they lived here, they're old enough to remember me now - and they promised to read mom's books about me!

Oh, back to today. Mom spent a lot of time standing at a tall, skinny table with her clothes this morning. She said something to me about 'becoming a billboard for Moxie T', and held up a shirt with some stuff on it. I didn't know what that was all about, but whatever it was, it worked! When she came home she said it caught the eye of a human who, get this, actually knows McGruff!! You know McGruff - the big, strong, crime-fighting dog? Oh man, I would LOVE to meet HIM one of these days. Mom said that this human might visit my blog. If he does, and he reads this, maybe, just maybe, he'll say something to McGruff, and then maybe they'll call mom, and, well, you know, maybe I WILL get to meet him!

Mom and I spent some nice quiet time in the yard and on the porch, just enjoying each other, the weather, and our neighborhood this weekend. We really like it here. It's quiet, and then all of a sudden some kids will ride by on their bikes, or some moms and dads with kids on trikes and scooters come by a little slower. Mom says a neighborhood isn't really a neighborhood without kids. Considering how much they like me, and how much fun it is to bark at them when they come by, I guess she's right.

I hope you have kids in your neighborhoods too. And I hope you had as nice a weekend as we did. Happy dreams.....