Dog Birthdays: More excuses for humans to humiliate us dogs

Well, today is my birthday! At least that's what my mom the ventura dog trainer says... It was actually anniversary of the day she and my dad adopted me from the animal shelter. I'll never forget it...They were so cute, sitting there in the yard of the facility, concerned looks on their faces because they weren't sure if they were going to find a cute dog like yours truly here...

Once I bounded out of the house with the tennis ball in my mouth, that

all changed! Both my mom and dad got these smiles on their faces that were wider than the UPS truck is long! And they were giggling - having fun...they immediately said "We'll take him!" And here I am. That was Father's Day, 2003...That was the smartest move they've ever made - mine too. 

We started the day with playing Garbage Truck Monday - not moms favorite activity, but I sure enjoyed myself - until she locked me in the closet to manage the situation. It's not that she was mad at me, she just doesn't want me running amok, getting upset, jumping up and down on things...I could easily hurt myself. Mom knows, and teachers her own dog training class

students and private dog training students that if you don't have time to train, manage the situation - which she did. It wasn't a time-out! I got my Tricky Treat Ball and played with it while in the closet...not too bad for this older and wiser dog. 

Anyway, we later mom and I took a road trip to met up with some of my pooch pals over at Kimball Park for walkies...Chief, Ferris, and Gutterball were there...along with their humans. We strolled around the park, meeting and greeting others, eating chicken and other tasty tid-bids. Mom's friend Miss. Kathy brought a birthday meat cup-cake... It was yummy...we all shared although I would have liked to guard it. 

After walkies Mom, Miss. Lisa and Ferris met dad over at Portola Starbucks for snackies. Ferris and I practiced our down-stays while chewing on our bully sticks. Mom was smart to teach this behavior in her Manners Class - so us dogs knew what to do when we were out in public. We were behaving so well - got lots of compliments from other humans around. 

We then spent most of the afternoon working on our dog behavior advice column, then went for an evening stroll with dad, and finally a nice birthday dinner. I had my birthday broccoli, Tricky Treat Ball (with my candle that Miss. Kathy gave me as a reminder of how older I am), and finally some vanilla pudding - that I had to share with dad. YUM! 

As you can see from the pictures, mom had me wearing this silly hat - at least every time I had it on my head she gave me yummy high value treats - mostly chicken and pork tenderloin. I love my

 little green hat...And I love that mom and dad made this day very special for me. I had a great celebration.

I wonder if mom is going to have broccoli on her birthday? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder. 

Ho-Ho Road Trip!!!

I love the holidays! Or as we dogs like to say, the "pawlidays". Mom and dad are home more than usual, which means more play-time for me! It's kinda rainy out, and I see those big containers on wheels that mom and dad put their clothes in when we leave town...I think they're called suitcases. Anyway, I also see mom loading up some of my things in my overnight bag - which means only one thing: ROAD TRIP! 

Yep, I was right... Into my little car seat, all strapped in safe and sound...Mom still doesn't understand why there aren't laws that require us pets to be secured safely while riding in automobiles... Hopefully someday a law will be passed! Until then, mom and dad use their common sense and try to set examples for others. 

Anyway, in addition to safety, mom also provided my bwanky to keep warm, my kitty toy, and my chew bone. She likes to keep me safe, but also provides enrichment too...keeps me from getting bored and barking "are we there yet?" I know I look kinda uncomfortable in this picture, but trust me... everything was great! Sometimes this expression even gets me treats...hmm, mom must be learning, because this time it just got my picture taken. I'll keep trying.

Today we went straight to our destination: Pismo Beach! What a great place. The Cliff's Resort is really doggy friendly - everyone greeted me with their cute squealy voices - which always makes me happy...you can tell just by my body language and vocalization....wiggly-waggly and high pitched squealing with excitement.

It was quite chilly out, but the sun was shining, so once we got our hotel room lined up, mom

and dad and I took to the trails and the beach... I love exploring - especially after a nice rain... the smells are heavenly! It's a shame you humans don't have the acute sense of smell us dogs have. Maybe as you evolve yours will get better. 

You can see me running up the side of the cliff, looking around, sniffing, and having a grand ol' time. Dad had my tennis ball, but I wasn't into chasing as much as investigating my surroundings - after all, this is new territory for me...and "new" means more motivating than the usual stuff. 

After we played around in the sand, we went back to hotel, walked around, talked with others...the sunset was really pretty - mom too a picture of it, check it out. 

After picture time and socializing, we all went and played one of my favorite games...tee-hee-hee...mom and dad call it "hallway ball" - hotels are great for this...not that I'm suggesting you do it, cuz you might get in trouble. But hey, what a great place to run like a maniac playing fetch! Plus, I'm more of a sprinter, unlike my herding breed friends...so a little goes a long way with me - especially if it's a really long hallway. We got a few rounds in, until I was nice and tired and wanted to go back to the room for nappies...and my dinner.... 

Mom and dad didn't stay in the room for dinner, they were allowed to go into the restaurant, unlike me... So, they left me with my favorite toy - my Tricky Treat Ball...giving me something to do while they were gone. They came back just a short time later and brought me delicious snacks...turkey and roasted veggies! I could still smell prime rib on dad...how come he didn't bring me any of that? 

Anyway, we decided the night was still young and went up to the nice lobby in the hotel...I guess you humans like mental activities too - mom and dad played something called Backgammon - as you can see, I was helping mom out...The fireplace was on, the couch was comfy, everything was really nice...a good "pawliday" for everyone. I wonder where we're going next? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

It's MOMS birthday...still!

Wow, what a great day we've had... you saw from my previous post that today is mom's birthday. We spent a lovely day out and about. Had so much fun I ended up needing a bath. Mom always says you can judge how much fun your dog has had by how many times you have to bathe them! 

Well, mom is right indeed because I've needed about 5 in the last week! Good thing she and dad make bath-time and grooming fun! I know in this picture my body language might "say" differently, but trust me, the treats, like the water, were flowing nicely - which always makes for fun "association" learning... 

Once I was all "fresh as a daisy" we got dressed and headed south

to our friends the Goren's: Bonnie, Isaac, and Miss. Valerie. Mom and Miss. Bonnie have been friends since mom was born! YIKES! That's a really long time... Anyway, they wanted to throw mom a fun party - so we all met up at one of moms favorite stores - Trader Joe's - thats where we get lots of our yummy food...(hmm, I gotta figure out if they deliver)... After we picked up lots of goodies to throw on the grill, we headed to Bonnie's house where we also met up with some other of moms and Bonnie's friends, April and Randy. They have dogs too - I met them at one of my moms parties at the studio. 

The evening was complete with lots of laughter, a great meal  and fun socialization! The Goren's have kitties, but they didn't want to come out and play with me...oh well, gave me more time to "stay on my place" and have hors d'oeuvres. Check out this photo - this is the same behavior mom has me do at home while she is cooking dinner. She tells me "go to your place" which is what I do. It's the best choice for me... either I sit on my place, or I get locked out of the kitchen... hmm, only took one time for me to figure out what the best choice is. 

I did try and sneak in a spot at the dinner table. I think everyone was done with their meal, because they let me sit there. They were laughing too, saying I was cute. Didn't get me very far because I didn't get anything else to eat. But sitting there was fun. I guess I was pretty tired because mom kept saying how I was falling asleep at the table. Well it was a long day! 

We had lots of fun with Bonnie and her family. You can tell by this photo of me on the chair... That's me "digging in my heels". In other words I didn't want to leave! I'm even sticking my tongue out! 

Being at the Goren's is what I definitely call "positive reinforcement"! They have a company called "Adventure's 4 Fun" and I'd have to agree, that visiting with them is a fun adventure! I know mom and dad had a great time too, although they were okay with going home to our own place. They kept talking on the way home about about how much fun it was. 

Mom really appreciates her friends - says they are like family. She also said this was a great birthday! I wonder what we're going to do next year? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Happy Birthday to MOM!

Wow, what another fun day it was today! Not only is it dia de los muertos, but it's Mom's birthday today too! She decided to take time off from her studio and teaching today, so she could spend it with me and dad just celebrating all day. Fine with me! We get her all to ourselves - which means "road trips for Poncho!" 

First mom decided to go run and exercise with her friend Hilary. (It was way too early for me to go...I'd rather sleep in)... Then, after she got all cleaned up, mom, dad, and I loaded into

the car and heading north! The first stop was at one of our favorite coffee joints for beverages and snacks... You can see me here trying to figure out how to drink out of that long green thingy...that's going to be a challenge for me... 

Anyway, after we rewarded ourselves with yummy treats (just like dog training classes isn't it?) we hit the road again...this time we walked around some lovely areas - I was the only one who was sniffing around, but mom and dad were enjoying themselves too - I could tell by their body language - relaxed, smiles on their faces, laughing...

Then mom and dad stopped at one fabulous place just for me: the beach!!! Wahoo! I thought it was moms birthday, but this was a great present for little ol' me! As you can see, I was thoroughly enjoying myself. Once again mom used "real life" rewards to reinforce the behaviors she likes... I walked nicely on leash, and to reward me she let me go and roll in everything I wanted to roll in! Mom was even giving me the "thumbs up" for rolling as well as I was... She giggles a lot when I'm gettin' the stink on. Interesting how me getting my stink on is rewarding, or shall I say positively reinforcing for mom!

Dad played the same sort of game. We'd practice me running to him when he called, and in turn he'd throw the ball for me! How much fun is that?! 

After we wrapped up our time at the beach, we headed back home... Unfortunately, post-beach time means only one thing: yep, bath-time! But hey, it's always worth it... not only do I get to roll in stinky stuff, but mom and dad make bathing fun - lots of treats during the bath, followed by throwing the ball around while I have the zoomies! I'd say that's lots of positive reinforcement! 

Now I'm all clean, and according to mom, smelling fresh, I wonder what else we're doing to celebrate? I wonder, is she is going to wear a birthday hat just like she makes me? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Run like the wind MOM!

What a day! We started off really early today... A nice rainy, chilly morning... Mom AND dad were both in their running clothes... Hmm, early morning on a weekend, both mom and dad dressed for running, could only mean one thing: RACE TIME! 

Yep, off to Santa Barbara we went... At first they weren't sure if they were going to bring me, but I decided that for them - I got up early too. Sometimes I prefer to just sleep - but it was windy this morning, and you know from other posts, that I'm not a big fan of the wind...yep I was licking my lips and trembling a little bit - that's the first sign. So mom and dad gathered up my rain jacket, and sweater vest, blanket, and treat bags (different levels of motivation), water, and my poopy bags - cuz ya never know what we have to prepare for, and off we went! ROAD TRIP! 

I hung out in the car with proper ventilation, water, and my bwanky while mom and dad went and did their thing. Dad finished first... then we cheered when mom came across the finish line! I'm so proud of mom! She did a great job... 

I still don't understand why you humans run like you do, but you're not really going after anything... You're not chasing something and wanting to kill it or eat it.... or move it across the pasture...Anyway, we hung out for awhile, said hi to some other people and their dogs, then headed south. 

But wait! Guess what??? We didn't go home right away... We got to stop at one of mom and dads favorite places so mom could get her reward! Starbucks!!! PLUS, and this is the best part - we had a play-date with moms friend and rockin' Web marketing therapist Miss. Lorrie!

 I love seeing her...she calls me her boyfriend :-) I'll be her boyfriend anytime she wants! 

So we hung out, had tea and snacks...and lots of good conversation. Then south we headed once again! But wait!!! You're right, we didn't go home yet.... nope, we decided to stop off at one of my favorite places: the beach! It was such a lovely afternoon.... The rain had made all 

the wonderful smells come out...and for a dog, that's like a bakery or candy store for you humans.... 

OMG! Just fantabulous! I didn't know what I wanted to sniff first. Well, mom and dad are really cool about me just going about and sniffing away... as you can see by these pics. 

(as long as I'm safe of course. I don't go into the rocks or anything, I just stay around on the sand. But my favorite thing to do is roll in all my favorite smells. Just roll and roll and roll...gettin' the stink on! Mom and dad allow me to do this too. They figure its part of my normal doggy behavior, and that I need to do it and get it out of my system... plus, they figure I'm small so I'm easy to bathe. So why not? 

After I got my stink on I got to chase the ball...that's always a fun time. Then it was back in the car and home we went. Mom kept coughing in the car and saying how the odor that was coming off of me was making her eyes burn. Hello? She just finished a race! Even though I thought she smelled great, I'm sure dad would think otherwise! 

Anyway, once we got home it was into the bathtub for me... Not so bad though. Mom gives me treats while we do the splish-splash routine~ some nice association and positive reinforcement training here... Then I get the zoomies and run around the house. Then they throw my ball in between being dried - more fun associations with bath time, and rewards for me! See? You don't always have to use food to reward us dogs! Rolling, sniffing, and ball time! All good motivators for us! 

I'm exhausted! It was a long day, but it was SO much fun! I love road trips with mom and dad. I wonder when we're going again? I wonder when moms next race is? Or dads next race? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

I "LOVE" tennis! Just like my dad!

Today was another great day! Why? because dad was playing tennis in Santa Barbara...one of my favorite places to go...My mom the dog coach had to work first - she was teaching one of her great doggy workshops at Ventura College... I believe on teaching us dogs how to walk on leash, greet you humans politely, and come to you when you call us... Well, as soon as she got home, we all headed to SB... Mom thought it would be a good idea to visit some of her friends while dad played tennis... They live near where dad was playing, and she wanted them to meet me, and vice versa... Wow! What nice people they are... plus, they're really good dog trainers too - although they probably don't realize that :-) 

You see, mom taught me this really cool behavior. She also teaches her students and their dogs this too - it's called "go to your place"... Which is the cue for me to go and sit or lie down on a little mat or rug. It gives me something to do, plus I stay out of the way...mom thinks it's annoying, getting under her feet and all. 

So we went to Linda, Jim, and Stevie's house....wow, really cool place. Huge yard for me to run amok in!!! Plus they allowed me to run around inside too - Well, as soon as Miss. Linda started cooking dinner, oh boy did I know what to do...mom taught me well, right??? You betcha, I went right over "to my place" just like at home... and Miss. Linda caught on really quickly - although she rewarded me much better than mom! She gave me all sorts of cheese samplers (she was making something called "macaroni and cheese") Man-oh-man-alive was I one lucky dog or what??? She also kept saying how good I was, and how cute I was.... all that positive reinforcement - let me tell you, mom had to drag me outta there to go home... Oh, and before you start to worry, please don't - Miss. Linda was very careful with me being so close to the stove and whatnot - she was watching out for me, making sure I was safe the whole time... 

Dad had fun too - he and his friend won their match... plus I got some ball chasing in after they were finished... Mom had a successful day with her workshop - plus she and I had fun and the Brinkman's... all in all a great day... I wonder when we're going back to visit? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Too bad for Mom but yippee for me!

Mom had a change in schedule today - but it was good for me... Means I lucked out by getting to go on a rockin' road trip with mom and dad... The wind wasn't so bad for me today, so we went out and about....had a really nice long walk and romp on the beach - I got my sniff-time and ball chasing in...plus met some nice doggies who were also out with their families... but the best part of course were the snacks.... not my snacks mind you, but mom and dad snacks...

They weren't allowed to bring me into the place, but they always bring me something... First I had spoonful, then I got to lick the containers! I got one from each mom AND dad! Plus, the containers were bigger than my head! Mom always said to never eat anything bigger than your head...but she never said anything about the size of the container. Phew, good thing for me. I wonder if mom or dad ever lick the container? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

I lOVE being an "errand boy"!!!

Dad and I just got back from running errands together - mom feels kinda bad that she sends us out, but I think dad enjoys our time together... Why? Well first we get to go play on the field, (we also practice our training skills that we learned in moms classes). Then dad will hit the hardware store, or Costco, or Trader Joe's for mom...but the best best best part is dad will usually find a "treat" for us to share :-) I LOVE THAT! See? dad likes his 'rewards' just as much as me! Positive reinforcement works for all animals ya know - that's one thing I learned from mom...  

Check it out - dad decided to send mom a picture of what we were up to... tee hee...not sure if that was the smartest thing he could have done...I think she called dad "naughty", but that's okay, mom has been known to stop for "treats" herself... I wonder what mom and dads favorite treats are? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Summertime FUN!

I can't believe summer is just flyin' by! I know I haven't been hanging around the computer much. Thank goodness my mom the dog coach doesn't pay me by the hour! I've been out and about spending time having fun with mom and dad doing various fun summertime things... We've gone to the beach, the parks, the fields, friends houses, play-dates with other dog friends, and my favorite --- sharing and ice-cream with dad! I know it's not the best thing for me... but mom considered it a summertime-once-in-awhile special treat. 

Gotta go now. Time to go play some more! Hope you all are enjoying your summer too! 

It's DAD's DAY too!

Hey Dad, just wanted to wish you a Happy Father's Day! Thanks for taking such good care of me... I love our trips to the field where you let me run around...sniffing and rolling in things - just letting me be a dog... I also love when you take me with you to Costco - the hotdogs are soooo yummy...(I know, don't tell mom)... And then there's the ice-cream too! Yum! Also, thanks for buying me all the fun new toys, and playing ball with me...you know tennis is my favorite - just like your favorite too!!! Hmm, what else...oh yeah, there's the yogurt time in the evenings... I like when you let me lick the cup out... You're really special...thanks for being such a great dad! I love you... Poncho

Happy Birthday to ME!

It's my BIRTHDAY, it's my birthday, we're gonna party like it's my birthday!!!! And what a great day it was... Poor mom, she had to work today - she was teaching some of her awesome classes... I think she was working with puppies and grown up dogs like me... Dad and I stopped by to help her in between classes... but we mostly played. 

Dad took me to the field not once but two times... lots of running around. Good exercise always makes me nice and happy (mom says it's good for me cause I'm much more quiet in the house and car - this is something she teaches her students too)... 

Anyway, dad and I also went to nana Mae's house for lunch. I got to visit with her dog Tiger. But I mostly ran around the house...dad didn't give me any roast beef - said I had to wait until dinner. 

Mom finally came home - we went out for a car ride around town - then home for my special dinner. I got fresh grilled steak for my birthday - today I am 7 years old. Mom said that it was five years ago today that she and dad heard about me, and met with me, and took me home... it's been a really great life here with mom and dad...they really love and care about me. 

I love them so much, I even like to humor them and wear the stupid clothes they put on me... I feel like such a dork. Mom laughs a lot, so I guess it's a good thing? I wonder why humans are so obsessed with putting clothes on us dogs - something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.... 

First in my age (and species) category!!!

Mom and I had such a great day yesterday! She headed up to Santa Barbara for another race (dad got a hat, instead of mom getting a t-shirt). Dad and I met up with her a little later because he was going somewhere else, and mom wanted to run with me! Turns out she entered me in a race too!!! 

First I got to play around Palm Park - checking out other dogs and people, sniffing lots of interested things that dogs like me enjoy - even had a nice belly rub from some of the other runners... Then, dad and I walked around while mom ran her race...when she got back dad took off to do what he finds really reinforcing - some game they call tennis - I like tennis too - but I play it differently. I just go after the ball and bring it back...

Anyway, then mom and I did our little race together. It wasn't that long - but it was fun! It was just for kids! Some of my moms friends did it with their kids too...Since I was the only *fur child* (that's what mom calls me sometimes), I was first in my age and species! Mom gave me lots of kisses - she was really proud of me. I don't know why, after all isn't running (and chasing things) a normal behavior of us dogs?

After the fun run mom and I went to meet Miss. Amber and Miss. Jill... they're the ones helping mom with her new web site! I really like spending time with them - they give me belly rubs too, and get all giggly cute with me... We got to hang out at the Starbucks (I call it Starbarks!) in Montecito - they're so nice to let us dogs hang out there.... I rested while mom and Miss. Amber and Miss. Jill worked on their project. 

Anyway, I hope I get to do something like this again soon...because I was nice and relaxed for the rest of the day. I think mom appreciated that. She say's in her dog training classes to her students: "A tired dog is a happy dog...and a happy owner." Hmm, I wonder what she means by that? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder. 

Photo Op Rockin' Road Trip!

It was picture day for me, mom and dad today! Headed north to one of my favorite places - Summerland Beach Park... We met Miss. Jennifer there for some picture taking. Mom needed some photo's for her website - but she wanted some of our little family too, so we all headed north for the fun. 

Miss. Jennifer has her own company - Jennifer Foster Photography - She is really really great!I know because she took some photo's of me before... You can check them out on moms blog, moms website, and at moms office (the studio as she likes to call it). After the park Miss. Jennifer took us to her house because she has a couple of really cool dogs too, and a really nice yard - great for picture taking...mom wouldn't allow me to run around because we had to take care of business...Mom is pretty smart and responsible because she knows I probably would have run amok smelling and rolling in all sorts of fun stuff... But the picture taking was fun...can't wait to see them! 

In the meantime, check out Miss. Jennifer - this one is of me and her when mom was first opening her really cool dog training studio - as you can see, I'm having fun with Miss. Jennifer... even though the studio wasn't even finished yet... it is now though - come check it out. You can take your dog to a class, and see all the great pictures too... you might even want to schedule a session with Miss. Jennifer too! 

This dog is ready to race!

Wow, another great road trip! Mom and dad took me on a great road trip today... Headed south to visit their friends in Camarillo Nancy and Gordon...and their puppy Kona - mom knows them from her one of the puppy classes she teaches. I guess mom and dad wanted to check out their beautiful yard and the landscaping...but I got to check it out too! And boy oh boy was it great! Lots of pretty places to run around - great smells and everything. 

The cool thing mom found out was that Nancy and Gordon's human son Charlie is a race car driver!! Check out the great photo - he's standing in the center podium - #1 !!!  

I love driving too, as you can see from the picture dad took.

Charlie lives and races in Europe right now...but maybe some day he'll take me on a road trip...that would be really cool. Something tells me mom wouldn't allow me to ride in any car going that fast...even if I was wearing my seatbelt or in my car seat... Hmm, how to get into a race car...something for this inquisitive canine to ponder. 

Now this was a fun road trip!

Wow, mom and dad really came through! They made up for yesterday by taking me out for lots of playtime... First thing out of bed dad whisked me off to the field for a nice long romp and ball chase. Then we went on a few errands together. After getting home mom made me breakfast (in my Tricky Treat Ball - which is always a fun time) - then we all went out together. This time we headed south - I was such a good boy in the car. Mom was great at paying attention too, because she let me know...I love hearing her say I'm a "good boy" (sometimes she throws in a treat too). While mom was inside some store, dad took me for a little walk in a nice grassy area - lots of nice smells for me to stick my nose in. Then we headed back home...But the real fun was when when mom asked if dad wanted to stop for a hotdog! OH BOY! That means I get some too - cuz dad always shares with me!!! And I was right, the picture proves it!. I think I heard them say again how they wanted to make up for the dull road trip they took me on yesterday...it was more about them yesterday, but it seems to be all about me today. Which in my book, is great for this inquisitive canine. (*Note: I am wearing my comfy harness/seatbelt, it's just difficult to see in the photo's)

Road trip bad...Making up for it good!

That road trip stunk! And not in a good way...So yesterday, we were all packed and ready for a trip - mom had all of my things she usually takes when we go somewhere for longer than a day... Extra food, my Tricky Treat Ball, Bully stick, toys, those silly plastic bags she like to carry my poopy in (humans are weird that way). And of course the usual suspects: my crate, leash, harness, license, and lots of water. Plus she and dad had some pretty clothes so I guess they were going somewhere fancy. If you know me by now, you know I like road trips...so I was pretty excited - especially since we were heading north! My favorite! 

Well, without ranting too much - we ended up coming home last night...yep, just one long day where I barely got out of the car to play...sure my car seat was comfy, and I got to potty, and they fed me, and gave me water...all of the necessities - just like Muttlow's Hierarchy - but this road traveling pooch ended up playing lookout all day and night! Ggrrrrrr... and booorrrrrrring! 

I hope they had a good time...because for me it wasn't all that great...I guess it was better than being stuck at home. Plus, I heard them saying they were going to make it up to me by taking me out a lot today...And so far I think they're following through. Mom and I spooned this morning in bed - and now I see dad getting the car keys along with my leash and treat bag! Alright! We're going out!!! Woo-hoo...This inquisitive canine is outta here. Hope you all have a great Sunday too... 

Sunday Drive

ROAD TRIP! I love going to Santa Barbara with mom and dad... Started out kinda rough with mom in a "mood" about sitting in traffic... I only barked a couple of times before we got to the freeway, but she got "that look" - and that tone of voice, plus that word "crate" and I knew if I didn't put a sock in it I'd end up making the ride all cooped up... So, I decided to follow the plan and keep it quiet... got to look out the window (harnessed in of course); then stopped at that lovely park in Summerland... pretty crowded with lots of other fellow canines - and I must say, the other dog moms and dads were quite responsible by keeping all of us on those dreaded long strap things...makes it hard to run off, but I guess they want to keep us safe - and not break the laws... Nordstoms was great as always - we didn't buy anything, but it was still fun to walk around... lots of humans said hello to me... I keep hearing this word "cute" - not sure what it means, but they all have a smile and sound giggly when they say it... I'm pretty sure mom likes when people say it too - mostly because I can read her body language...relaxed, then kisses me on my head... not like when I'm barking in the yard at trucks.... speaking of, oh boy! tomorrow is GTM (Garbage Truck Monday for those who don't know me) better rest up now because tomorrow is a big day! Lot's of trucks to be dealt with! nice way to end 2007...

woofs,

Poncho