Miss You Grandpa!

Well, I guess I’m finally ready to write about Grandpa. He passed away last spring. For many months I couldn’t even talk about him, but now I'm ready to write a remembrance.

Now, I tried to do a little Internet research on this topic, but when I typed in "eulogy by a dog”all I found was “eulogy for a dog!" Hmm, I wonder what that means?

Our Grandpa had lived a long, healthy life before we came along. But recently he'd had a couple of really difficult years. Kobe and I were quite distressed to hear he was diagnosed with “Barkinson’s!” What the heck is that? And more importantly, could Kobe have it since all he does is bark?  That beast is always yapping out the front window at passing dogs and anything else that moves. 

I didn’t know him in the prime of his life, when he enjoyed his own dog, Buddy (some sort of mongrel I’ve been told) as well as all the “granddogs.” Grandpa was a really smart, creative guy, with a wry sense of humor. Mark Twain would have referred to him as a “wag” – no pun intended.

Grandpa was my human’s father. Most importantly, he was a dog lover.  My predecessors Jessie and Russel had wonderful relationships with him.

By the time Kobe and I came along he was going through a lot. Our relationship was short but sweet; he appreciated us but couldn’t get on the floor to interact with us. But I know he would have loved to watch me and Kobe scamper around the living room in Midland.

To close, allow me to borrow a quote from the 2014 Dog Calendar Page -A -Day (by Patricia McConnell.)  He took my heart and ran with it, and I hope he's running still, fast and strong, a piece of my heart bound up with his forever.


Tootles, Barcelona 

My New Best Friend Tock

Oh, camping out in our pop-up was ever so much fun! For one thing, Barcie almost fell out of the camper. (She was found one night, dangling with only her front legs up on the camper bed.) They managed to scoot her back in. The little princess sucked up all the attention with that trick; then managed to work her way into the human’s softer bed. 

The best part of the trip is that I brought home a new little friend! I thought, “instead of BEING the pet, I’ll HAVE a pet!” My new pal is Tick, an American Dog Tick, who I wittedly named “Tock.” Tock was probably a resident of the campground’s woodlands who hopped on me during a walk.

Now I was very excited about having a new friend. But once discovered Tock was plunged into a baggie for identification. I do hope his death wasn’t too traumatic or painful.

I do not think that Tock was able to feed on me, but frankly I wasn’t paying attention. Instead I was just thinking about all the fun we could have together, having thoughtful conversations, taking long walks in the woods, looking for some of Tock’s friends. Now my dreams are all for naught. Maybe I should look for a tapeworm or flea next time.

Got Those Winter Blues

Dear Readers,

 

Like most of you I've endured all the winter I can take.  The temperature is so frigid I haven't even circled the block in weeks!

I've been trying to hibernate during this long cold and snowy season, but that is just wishful thinking. We have to go outside night and day to potty. The wind whistles around our ears, our skinny legs quiver while squatting in freezing temperatures. Kobe and I have stomped out a little icy arena in the corner of the snow heaped lawn.

We haven't seen the earth in months. Kobe and I want to suggest going on Spring Break, although frankly we lack both any jobs or school attendance from which to need a break.

 



But, just the other day I came across a great product. It's called the Porch Potty Premium. It's a box with a patch of faux grass where a dog can tinkle (see right).

A way to use the necessary at room temperature!

Now to alert the humans to this great idea. So, I tore out the page, chewed around the ad and dropped it at their feet. Without verbal communication skills I had to try  alternatives (pointed glances, snorting, cheek puffing and beseeching looks.)

 

For now we are stuck hopping over poopsicles and dodging freezing rain. Spring better be on the way!

 

Toodles, Barcelona  

 

Defending Barcie's Blog

I'm stepping up my computer security. Strengthen the password and lock my brother out. There will be no more hijacking of my blog! Yes, Kobe started out with a very charming article about the holidays. But it soon turned into a confession about ripping open Christmas gifts!

Goodness Gracious, nothing like putting your bad behavior out for the entire world to see. Kobe, you are giving whippets a bad name. Why, Mom's co-worker said that after hearing about your hijinx she would NEVER adopt a whippet. 

And furthermore, Kobe, I'll write what I like. This is supposed to be a clever narrative about my life, not a forum for naughtiness.  I'm not schooling the nation's dogs into figuring out how to access every morsel in the house. This is not a "how to" forum so every Tucker, Daisy and Harvey can learn how to jump on stoves and eat out of the pan. Uh, uh. 

You can be sure that my blog will be safe from intrusion from now on. Apologies to my human audience.

Holiday Eats & Treats

The holiday season just ended. For weeks beforehand I had been dreaming about big spreads and heavily laden tables:  clove-studded roasted hams, golden skinned roast turkeys, roast beef and gravy. Oodles of noodles, squash, green bean casserole, what have you.

Well, not at my house though. They are "vegetarians!" But, still there were lots of seasonal dishes, homemade goodies from our parent's clients and lots more. 


 Now, I tried my best to get into the Christmas spirit. Barcie and I lounged under the Christmas tree. We gazed up at the lights and made our little Christmas wish lists. Then I noticed, way up high in the branches was a delicious looking cookie, homemade. I happened to LOVE sugar cookies. What was it doing up there?  

But when I wrestled it onto the floor and took a couple bites, pthew! That is not a SUGAR cookie that is a SALT cookie! Even Little Miss Perfect (Barcie) tried one too.

Maybe I'd have better luck with a wrapped gift. I mean, if you are giving food as a gift, it must be edible, right? Soooo, I picked a package that smelled the best. (Hmm, Santa got my name wrong; it’s not “Debbie!”) 

I ripped off the bow, scratched off the wrapping paper and broke open the box…Since it was a plastic shell this meant I had to figure out how to crack that open, too. 

Finally, I was in the box! An entire box of Ferrero Rocher® chocolates! I eagerly gobbled my first chocolate; paper, foil and all. Scrumptious!!

Unfortunately, my fantasy of settling down with a box of fine chocolates was shattered when the owners stormed into the house. Supposedly, chocolate is “poisonous to dogs” or so they claim. After all my hard work!