Wierd!

Just when you think you've seen it all, something comes along to surprise you. Mom and I were enjoying the true Wisconsin autumnal (isn't that a fun word?) weather, strolling through the neighborhood, checking in with our friends, and then running through the park. What did we come across? The weirdest thing! A man was sort of walking, but had to drag one leg because something had clamped on to it and wouldn't let go! We stopped, and the man was very nice, but the thing on his leg ducked away so we couldn't really tell what it was. And then it moved! I saw a little head, and put the rest together and thought it must be a little boy! But could it be? He dodged away from me - from ME Moxie T! I'm a kid-magnet! Whatever it was, it kind of rolled around the man's leg as we talked, and wanted nothing to do with either Mom or me. We enjoyed talking to the man, and suggested he go to our friends at Bark and Scratch to help him with the growth on his foot. I know they can help him, but I'm not sure how he'll be able to drive to get there...the thing was on his right foot, and from what I see Mom doing, humans need their right foot to drive. Good luck new friend!

Catch up 3

Hello! Can you believe it? Mom FINALLY agreed to a new posting! So much has happened that I'll probably forget some of it, but I'll share what I remember.

First - we met Colby and his mom and dad at the park. No, he's not a cheese. He's a handsome little cocker spaniel/lab mix pup. Mom, of course, gushed all over him. Me? I think he's okay but has a LOT of growing up to do. Can you believe it? He didn't know what to do when I finally broke down and flirted a bit! He ran away! Mom says it's because I scared him when we first met - like a growl and snap means I'm going to attack him or something! I just figure you have to let other pups know that you're in charge right away, or they'll try to get away with murder later.

OH! I nearly forgot! The people downstairs brought home a DOG! To STAY! Not only that, but a dog I'm supposed to share my yard with! Can you believe it? I'm supposed to be gracious and give way, instead of protecting my territory. It's very confusing, but he seems okay, so I'm going along with it for now. [Note from Mom/BJ: Logan is a wonderful gentleman who's getting more comfortable with his new home every day.]

Mom's been having people over more and more - talking about her company and her website and the pictures for the book she wrote about me. It really takes away from our time together, especially when she doesn't appreciate my warning barks about strangers being here! Something's got to give here... [Note from Mom/BJ: Something indeed - Moxie needs to accept visitors as part of life and work that keep her in liver biscotti.]

I'm sure - Mom says that's enough for now, she has work to do. This after I've waited more than 10 days to talk to my cyber-friends! WELL! I'm just going to have to open a Twitter account to communicate more often I guess. Now if Mom would just leave her laptop signed in so tomorrow I can get to the Twitter website....

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.

Feelings

I feel different. I don't know why, but I feel better. I have a little more energy, and when I jump up on Mom's bed for a good scritchy-scratching session, it seems easier than it did before. Mom says it might be the new collar Carolyn made for me. It is gorgeous! The brown leather complements my red fur, and the bling on it is snazzy without being too flashy. I may actually let her take a picture of me in it, but I have to think about that. Something about cameras still make me nervous.

Mom's been on the phone and the computer a lot, and doing a lot of cheering and dancing around. I catch 'Castle Course' here and there, so it sounds like she's making strides in setting up her business. I hope that doesn't mean less time for me. She's already gone all day most days, and I miss her. Doggy daycare is fun, but that's only once a week. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Oh, Mom asked if she could add some links - to Carolyn and some other places. I said sure - makes no nevermind to me. But you may want to check them out. Enjoy cyber-friends!

A Day with Mom

What a lovely day. Mom was only gone for a little while, running errands for Castle Course. Castle Course is the name of her new business. She says it's because it's her castle, of course! That's why she's been gone so much and on the computer a lot when she comes home. I asked her about my books, and she said she has to talk to some people about illustrating them because she's decided to self-publish, whatever that means.

Anyway, we had a nice leisurely walk late this morning (I let Mom sleep in cuz she was really tired), then a nice long time relaxing in the yard - for me anyway - Mom was doing chores. And joy of joys, I was actually on the front lawn when I saw Mark, our terrific letter carrier, coming down the street! Mom didn't even holler much when I trit-trotted down to see him. It was a good thing I did - he gave me a biscuit for each house we visited!!! That's lots more than I usually get! He was all smiles too. I don't think he has too many pups who will walk with him so nicely. Of course, I am also pretty cute, which helps.

When we took our evening walk, we went south of Center and around the block there. We saw a mom and two pretty girls riding bikes up ahead of us, but I didn't think too much of it until we got to where they were putting their bikes away, and the little one saw me. I thought she looked familiar, and guess what? SHE CALLED ME BY NAME!!! "Moxie!!" she yelled. She was so excited to see me again! Gosh that felt good! What felt even better was when she and her sister stroked my fur and admired me while Mom and their mom talked. Mom told her about the terrific Enderis Park Halloween and to watch the website for other stuff. The girls will love it!

So now Mom is going back on the computer, and I'm snoozin'. Happy dreams friends!

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.