An Ideal Solution to Animal Overpopulation: Human Accountability

Did you all hear that horrible noise yesterday? It was an intense banging sound mixed with a side-order of grumbling and a dash of whining. This intense display of human communication was coming out of my certified professional dog trainer mom. It seems she came across yet one more article on the issue of the overpopulation of animals in our country. The focus of the Santa Barbara Independent pet related article was actually on the "Chihuahua Explosion" in California - being part Chihuahua myself, it kinda hit home for me.

It obviously hit home for my Ventura dog trainer mom because of how she was behaving: eyes rolling towards ceiling, speaking loudly at the computer asking it questions like it had an answer, grunting a few times and burying her head in her hand - if it wasn't in her hand, her head was against the wall - not a good thing. Being an inquisitive canine I have learned that these cues my mom is exhibiting predicts yours truly needs to take charge. It's all about great teamwork ya know!

Anyway, the "straw" in the article was about "blaming Hollywood" for our increase in Chihuahua's in California. Okay, I agree with the fact that anytime a specific species or breed of animal is popularized via the media then yes, there seems to be an increase in the general population of that animal. So yes, "Hollywood" does have some influence. But to place the blame directly on "Hollywood" is a complete cop-out on the main issue: irresponsible breeding! Now hold up, before all of the comments on the right to breed dogs come flowing in, allow this inquisitive canine to elaborate.

Let's look at this from a more schematic approach: Flowcharts! (Mom and I love flowcharts - they're so handy!) But we're going to work backwards.

• End result: Millions of shelter animals killed every year!
• How did the animals end up in the shelter?: Humans didn't want them, humans can't afford them, humans didn't mean for their dogs or cats to procreate, humans weren't paying attention to what their pets were doing. (Hmm, see the "human" trend?) And the "humans fault" list goes on and on...
• How did the animals end up on the planet?: Humans breeding willy-nilly, humans leaving dogs and cats intact giving him or her the ability to make more of themselves. (Uh, not spaying and neutering!)

Yes, spaying and neutering animals is beyond important. Us non-human animals don't consider the long term consequences, like where are our offspring going to live and how are we going to support our kids? Nope, we just go for it whenever we can - because that's what our DNA says to do. BTW, you humans aren't much different. It's just us dogs and cats aren't able to don a condom before the dreaded act - darn the lack of opposable thumbs!

To me and my dog training mom, we believe folks need to go beyond spaying and neutering - there needs to be a complete crackdown on the world of breeding! Yes, there are responsible breeders out there, but unfortunately the irresponsible ones have ruined it for everyone else.

If pets are considered property then we should be treated as such. Meaning, if a human is going to run a legitimate business selling items to the public (ones that can cause harm to others) then these people need to jump through hoops to make it legal: permits, business license, insurance, written procedures and guidelines, quality assurance etc.

It's not legal for mom to sell the baked goods she makes here at home, so why are humans allowed to make animals and sell them? I mean, if running a prostitution ring or meth lab isn't legal, then breeding animals to make money or because the dog or cat "is cute" shouldn't be legal either.

As for which animals society should be allowed to breed? How about breeding for functional behaviors all of you humans seem to want, as opposed to "jobs" that we're no longer needed for! (Talk about being outsourced!)

Hmm, I wonder if you humans will ever learn from your own behavior? I wonder if humans will ever hold themselves accountable or if they will continue to place blame on others? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Dog Laws: We Don't Need No Stinkin' Badges... Uhh, Yes We Doo-Doo

As a law abiding canine, I'd like to send a BIG click-treat to all you law-abiding humans. My mom the rockin' dog trainer and I were out and about, training for my upcoming 5K, and I had to you know what...(#2, do my business, etc.) Anyway, this really nice lady complimented my mom for cleaning up after me. 

Wasn't that nice? She and I both don't understand why, considering it's a law! Yep, just like littering is against the law, so is not cleaning up after us doggies. I can't believe there has to be laws for this - I would think common sense would dictate that you humans wouldn't want dog doody left all over the place... I guess some people just don't care. What a shame. 

Well, in honor of us dogs, you humans have created an annual holiday from April 20 - 26, called "National Scoop the Poop Week"! You can read more about it on the Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists (APAWS) website - they're the ones who came up with it. I say, not such a bad idea. 

Speaking of dog laws, there are a few others I'd like to bring up. Why? Because, as a dog, I like to be kept out of harms way. These laws were created to protect us poochies, not to make you humans nuts: 

• Collars with ID's: Mom says she still doesn't understand why many dog guardians don't have collars and ID tags for their dogs. Humans always carry their own ID and wallet on them. They also have special ID tags just for human children. So why not help protect us dogs?

Mom, being a great dog trainer and responsible dog mom, likes to explain to her dog training class students and private dog training clients that dog collars are like wallets, and that they should only be used to carry ID (doggy license) - they can also be used to match an outfit, but carrying a license and name tag with phone number are the main reasons. All dogs are required to have one in California. 

• Leashes: ugh, as much as I hate them, I know they're a law in our town of Ventura. Unless it's specifically written for all to see, us dogs need to be on leash when off of our own property. It doesn't matter if your dog is well-mannered, it's a law! Even if you can drive really well while under the influence, it's still illegal to drive drunk! 

You should probably check out your own local dog laws so you can remain a law abiding citizen. This is one resource mom uses for our laws: Dog Law. They have some great information on everything from leashes, tags, and for when we bark too much. 

And finally, requiring dogs to be restrained with seat-belts, with or without car seats! Oh wait, that's not a law! How silly! 

Hmm, I wonder when they're going to create that law? Something for this properly-secured-in-his-car-seat inquisitive canine to ponder. 

This Dog Agrees With You Humans: "It's not you, it's me."

I don't get it, really, I don't. "What" you ask? I'm talking about the whole "breaking up with your dog" situation. I've heard that old song, "Breaking up is hard to do." But I guess when it comes to many of you human-folk deciding you don't want a dog any longer, you just decide to end the relationship and "break up" with us... And when you say "It's me, it's not you." I believe it! And, I completely agree... it is you! 

Before a person decides to bring home a dog or cat, or any pet for that matter (or having a child), or making other type of long term commitment, please allow me a moment to ask you a few questions. These were similar "before you adopt" questions my dad and my mom the dog trainer asked before bringing me home: 

• Do you honestly have the time? It takes more than a couple of ten minute walks around the neighborhood...especially if we're young and energetic. 
• Are you willing to rearrange your current schedule and lifestyle to make the time for a pet?
• Are you financially able to take care of the most basic needs of a pet? This includes food, health care, shelter, collar, bed, license, legally required vaccinations? Multiply these items by days/months/years, depending upon the item/service and lifetime of the pet. Remember, this doesn't even include the "fun stuff" like training classes, toys, treats, an extra bed, crate, car seat, etc... 
• Are you able to adapt to any other changes that might occur throughout the lifetime of your pet? What if you have to move? Change jobs? Get married, divorced, have human kids, take a vacation? 

My mom has received a few phone calls and emails about people having to re-home their pets because they can't seem to handle them any longer - they basically want to "break up" with them. Don't they realize that us domestic animals aren't creatures they can just kick to the curb? We're not furniture that can be stored in the garage either... 

Please, for the sake of humane treatment, think about the responsibilities before bringing a pet home... and once you make that commitment, stick with it. If you're frustrated with the situation, do all you can to educate yourself about solving problems, before you end up creating even more. 

I wonder how humans would feel if us dogs "dumped" them? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Someone Get the Number of That Train: ouch my eye!

Mom always says "Horseplay leads to tragedy." And oh brother is she right! We weren't even "horsing around" together, my friend Nico and I... we were just running to our moms... the problem was, we were so focused on what we were running towards we didn't see each other coming... and right then outta nowhere, kaboom! Nico hit me like freight train! Ugh! I know she didn't mean to do it...things like this just happen... 

I yelped like a little girl (come on, it hurt like crazy!) and the next thing you know my eye was killing me! Mom totally jumped in there to make sure I was okay...she knows that getting hit in the eye can be dangerous (ask her about the Speedway race she went to). Just like you humans our doggy corneas can get scratched easily - especially since eyes like mine stick out a little further than some of those other breeds - and if it's not taken care of, I can get an infection - and believe you me, that is not a good thing. 

So, off to The Animal Doctor we went... even though mom knew I'd be fine, and we could probably wait it out, it's best to be safe and just go in to have my eye checked... an infection is much worse to have to treat...Thank goodness Dr. Wilson and her staff were still at work - they said to come in so I could get checked out... You can see me sitting on moms lap, waiting for the staff. I always love seeing them...and it appears from their giggly voices that they love seeing me too - plus they said I did a really good job by staying still and being cooperative. Well shoot I had just been there a couple of weeks before for my annual...

As you can see from the cool picture mom took, Dr. Wilson was doing a very thorough job of checking me out. Great news! I only had a contusion, no scratches or major damage. They gave me something to make the pain go away...then home I went. Mom and dad were relieved, and they felt so bad for me that mom actually gave me my dinner out of a bowl!!! Can you believe it??? Besides my veggies she never feeds me from my bowl...only my interactive toys (which is much more entertaining for me anyway). She didn't want me straining my eye and running into walls or anything. She was smart cuz I couldn't open my eye anyway. Luckily I can still use the keyboard... 

I wonder if mom would put a cold steak on my eye for the pain? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

It's a brand new year!!!

Wow, where does the time go??? I guess it doesn't really matter since I don't really have to be anywhere at any specific time...All I know is it's New Year's Day 2009! A brand new year!

This smart dog decided to start 2009 off the right way and slept in while mom and dad headed to Santa Barbara for some race...Yep, I changed my behavior...did something different. Instead of getting up with them, and practically begging to head out the door with them, I decided to stay home all tucked in nice and comfy burrowed deep in the bed - talk about "positively rewarding"... what fools they are! It was freezing outside! Mom said it was 35 degree's! Yikes! No thanks! "Have fun" I said... wake me with snacks when you get home...which they didn't do...bummer... instead we hit the road for another fun-filled day! 

Yep, all safe and sound strapped into my car-seat, with my kitty toy and bully stick. But this time we headed south! Mom and dad were wearing the type of clothing they use for when they go running... Hmm, I wonder what was up? Well, talk about something different, this time we went for a hike! That's right, this lucky dog got to go back to his "roots"! I could just feel my doggy dna oozing with delight! Back into the wild, smelling all of those wonderful aromas only found in nature: dirt, earth, foliage of every kind, excrement everywhere, leftover aromas of dead animals (they had been snacks for other animals no doubt)...ahhh, heaven on earth for this canine! 

Can you believe it? This was probably the first time mom and dad have ever taken me on a real trail for a real hike! You could tell mom was kinda nervous...she decided it would be best to keep me on leash :-( I know I know...but she wanted me to be safe. She knows I have a pretty intense predatory drive (my nemesis and favorite prey animals are E.J. Harrison, FedEx, UPS, and mail trucks), so mom didn't want to take a chance that I'd go after something, even if it was something small like a mountain lion... Trust me, although mom can run, and she's in pretty good shape, compared to me she's not that fast... 

Although I was on leash I still had a great time... Turns out we were 

meeting lots of our friends... a few of them brought along their dogs too...so it was a great time to be had. Mom tried to hold the leash but I was bolting up the trails...she couldn't believe I could scale the rocks so quickly, with such great ease and elegance. Hello???? I'm a freakin' dog! That's what dogs were meant to do... plus, I'm vertically challenged (short) and have "four paw drive"....makes hiking really easy. Anyway, because dad was clipping along at a nice pace, she handed me off to him... it was great!!! Geez, and she calls herself a runner...

Anyway, once we got to the top of the mountain we all took a little water break... Mom and dad brought some pieces of cucumber for me (I'm not a big drinker unlike the Labra"dorks" that were with us), and wanted to make sure I was hydrated, so I ate some cucumber - great snacks and quenched my thirst. Then we headed back down the mountain and home...They couldn't believe I was out there for almost two hours! Yep, me, the dog who doesn't like to take many walks in the neighborhood was going full force the entire time on the trails. Well, it was different, much better surroundings - plus I saw friends I hadn't seen in awhile... maybe I could go with moms ultra-runner friends...they could probably keep up with me. 

I was pretty tired once we got home... I had to have another stupid bath :-( I was smelling so good too! I rolled in some stuff that I thoroughly enjoyed, but mom didn't agree. Anyway, once bath time was over I just hung out on my mat in the kitchen until dinner was ready... I was hungry, but I was pretty tired too - nothing like a good round of exercise to help me relax...I didn't even care about barking at anyone walking by - so you know I was tired... My mom the dog trainer always says "A tired dog is a happy dog, and a happier owner." Check out the photo...mom kept giggling at me - couldn't keep my eyes open, barely kept my head up! But never too tired to skip a meal!

What a great way to begin the new year! I hope that 2009 brings you and your families lots of yummy snacks, enjoyable walks, fun stuff to roll in, and lots of positive reinforcement throughout the entire year! 

I wonder when we're going hiking again? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

The gift of love...

Tis the season, right? That's what I keep hearing mom talk about. You humans celebrate by bringing dead tree's into the house, hanging stuff all over them, wrapping lots of goodies and rewards in paper, then giving these things to each other. Okay, well it's gonna take me awhile to figure that one out...I mean come on, tree's are good for sniffing and peeing on, so why would you want to bring it into the house...? Is it a present for ME?  

Anyway, the one thing that keeps sticking in my head is the whole idea of giving one of ME or some kitty or some other "pet" to someone else as a "gift". Hello? Can't this be kinda risky? I know some of my former roommates were "gifts". They ended up where I used to live, before mom and dad adopted me... in this nice ladies home called a "rescue". 

Well, maybe I can help. These are some questions this inquisitive canine would want answered before someone decides to give someone else a furry friend. And hey, since it's the holiday season, I think I'm gonna call it:

Poncho's Top 10 Things to Ask Yourself Before Gifting A Pet This Holiday Season:

1. Does this potential pet owner, and all persons living in the same household, really want a pet? Is anyone "on the fence" about bringing a pet into the home? It's important that all humans be on board about changing the family dynamics. 
2. Why does this person/family want a pet? Is it for the family companion? Service work? Protection? Because you think they should have one? 
3. Does this potential pet owner, and everyone involved, have the time to devote to a pet? Some pets take more time and attention than others. Us dogs need physical and mental exercise every day. Plus, we enjoy these activities with our family members and friends. 
4. Can this person/family afford a pet? Besides the expense of food, shelter, licensing, required vaccinations, there's also the chance of unforeseen issues such as illness, accidents, or hereditary problems which can result in expensive procedures and treatments. 
5. Does this person/family live in a place where pets are allowed? All shapes sizes and species? If this person had to move, would the pet be able to go with them. 
6. Is it the right time to add a pet to this person's/family's household? Are there any other stressors that may be impacted by the addition of a new pet? Illness of family members? Marriage? Divorce? New baby? Moving? 
7. What if something happens to the person you give the pet to? Will there be others to help out? Can other arrangements be made?  
8. Does the pet you want to give to this person/family match their lifestyle? Do they travel a lot? Camping? Airplane? At work all day long? Live by themselves? Roommates? Other animals in the house? 
9. Is this person physically capable of taking care of the specific pet? Animals need to be picked up, carried, placed in cars and carriers. 
10. Is the person/family able to commit to the lifetime of the pet? Dogs can live to well over ten years, and cats even older. 

I hope I've helped stimulate your mind in making an informed decision about giving the gift of a pet this holiday season. Us domestic animals appreciate being placed into loving and attentive, responsible households, and hope one day there is a shortage of pets because everyone wants one of us. Until then, I'll keep on asking my questions... 

Speaking of... I wonder what mom and dad are going to get me this holiday? A new toy? Leftover turkey? A romp at the beach? A belly rub or two? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Good friends and good times...!

I've been having lots of fun with my friends Elaine and Genae. They live next door. They're my mom and dad's friends too...but I'm getting to spend lots of time with them - especially since mom and dad are spending more time out and about on the town - working and whatnot.  

My mom the dog coach makes sure that if she and dad aren't available, they make arrangements for other people to take good care of me. Not that I can't be alone - but mom says because I'm a "social animal", if they need to leave me for a longer time it's better to have others come by and take care of me. She says it's not very fair to a dog to leave them locked up in the house all day without any mental or physical stimulation. 

So it's great that Elaine and Genae are our friends. They're SO much FUN! They come over and play with me, rub my belly, talk to me with those cute voices that make me smile inside...and they give me treats! I love when they come over. 

Genae and I get along really well - we both have lots in common. I love my mom and dad. She loves her mom and dad. I like to play, she likes to play. I like sports - ball, chase, tug, Flyball, agility - and she like sports - soccer, running, junior lifeguard, swimming, bike riding - but her favorite is ballet! She's really good at that. She gets to practice all the time - and now she's going to be learning all about something called the "Nutcracker" - not sure what that is, but I think it happens around the holidays - something tells me dogs aren't allowed at the show. Maybe she can show me pictures. 

Anyway, Genae and her mom Elaine have been coming by to play...and I've been having fun. It makes it a little easier when mom and dad aren't able to take me with them. I wonder when Genae is going to come over again? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder. 

Mom and Dad got smart!

So dad and I spend a lot of time walking around a certain special field here in Ventura - near to where my mom teaches her great dog training classes. Well, it seems that mom and dad aren't too keen when I run off to check other people while they're playing some game called "baseball"... dad gets really nervous because I want to run into the middle of the game to say *hi* and maybe chase the ball... Well I guess I'm not supposed to do that. Hmm, I don't know why, but whatever. 

Dad finally got clever! He now has me on a really long (and obnoxious) leash... I can still run around and sniff, roll in things, say *hi* to others that are walking around...I just can't run into the middle of places that might hurt me. 

Mom and dad say it's for my own safety - whatever that means... At least I still get to go and run around...and be a dog. I wonder if I'll always have to wear this? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder. 

"Kibble Hunt" for this predator!

Wow! What a fun day! My Mom the dog trainer and I played a new game today... I'm not sure why...something about a human holiday where moms, dads, and other adults hide eggs for children to go and find. I totally get the "hiding" part - I'm a predator after all, and love to go and find stuff with my nose. But why eggs? Why not dog treats? Well, I guess mom feels the same way I do because she went out in our backyard and hid lots and lots of my yummy kibble - plus she threw in some extra treats too! YUM! and FUN!!! She called it my "Kibble Hunt" - I recall her doing it before... about this time of year. Check out the pictures she took - There's one where I'm waiting...not too patiently, but trying. The others are a few of the easier places she set out some yummies for me to find... 

    

Mom really likes planning these types of activities for me. She said something about me keeping busy while she worked... I get so focused I forget about all of those trucks and people going by - don't have any time (or care) to bark at them... Hmm, maybe that's why mom likes to play this game...something for this inquisitive canine to ponder. 

You can ask my mom the dog coach more about this type of activity, as well as other enrichment opportunities for your dog - just email or give her a call... You will learn all about this kind of stuff in her classes, workshops, and play-time lessons... 

Ready, and ACTION!

Wow, mom might be in the movies! And a documentary at that...which means it's important. Jennifer and Graham are journalism film students at the Brooks Institute here in Ventura. They feel very passionate about the "culture" of us canines, and want to help promote spaying and neutering to help the over pet-population...(oh brother do I know about that... I come from the Animal Kind Rescue animal shelter in Studio City California...I had lots of friends there... unfortunately, they aren't around any longer)...

Anyway, Jennifer contacted mom for an interview...she and Graham showed up at the studio today with all of their fancy equipment...pretty lights and a big camera. Asked mom lots of questions - about me too. She always gets that giggly mom face when she talks about me... She talked about pet responsibility, dog classes and socials, training methods, and some great tips on how to be the best dog mom or dad ever! 

We had lots of fun... Jennifer and Graham are very nice people - they are working really hard. I hope they get to show their movie to lots and lots of folks and that everyone else believes in what they're doing...just like me. After all pet responsibility is very important. 

It's nice they want to take the time to help inquisitive canines like myself. Check 'em out in this picture - they're really cool... PS: Jennifer and Graham - remember me when you receive your first award!!! 

 

The Animal Doctor says my dog behavior was top notch...and so were my teeth!

Today mom dropped me off so I could have my chompers cleaned. Ahhh, clean fresh breath, pearly whites, healthy gums, and a raving report from everyone at The Animal Doctor. That's where mom takes me for my check-ups. Dr. Shelly (Wilson) is my doctor...plus she owns the practice. Dr. Kris (Finch) works there too - she is really nice. Dr. Kris always stops to say *hi* whenever she sees me, and sometimes takes care of me if Dr. Wilson isn't around. And the rest of the staff? They're really awesome too. They take such good care of me. Mom always has a hard time leaving me when I have a procedure, but she knows they're always watching out for me really carefully...plus they give me cookies and allow me to give them lots of kisses. I love the ladies ya know. 

The first thing the The Animal Doctor does when I have my teeth cleaned is give me something that makes me really tired. Then I go to sleep while they clean them. I guess this is a good thing... less stressful for me, plus Dr. Wilson says she can do a much more thorough job if I'm sleeping - otherwise I might get kinda upset...(and you know since I'm a dog I have to tell them in my own doggy language...and you humans don't like that). 

I also ended up getting a regular check-up...saves mom time taking me back and forth... Mom and dad got the report that I'm healthy, and my teeth are in great condition...and the best thing of all, I only got "snippy" once. But the doctors and staff said they totally understood...I guess they were playing with me, then surprised me with one of those icky sharp thing you give medicine with. Yikes! Mom said they're called "needles" and no one really likes them...including all you humans. Check out the photos mom took of my gorgeous teeth! Thanks to all my friends at The Animal Doctor! Now I can show off my pearly whites to everyone! 

                                   

Good thing I only have to go once a year... unlike mom - she goes twice a year. I wonder if she gets to sleep while they clean her teeth? Hmm, 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. 

Awesome You Tube dog filled day for my mom!

Mom had a fun party today - for all of the new puppies. I'm not invited because it's for the youngsters only, but that's okay cuz dad and I got to go have our own fun! We stopped by afterwards because moms "dream team" came for a visit too, and they wanted to see me - and I wanted to see them. 

Miss. Lorrie, Miss. Michelle, and Miss. Amber were all there - they're all really nice and pretty and smart - I love hearing their giggly voices - really tells me they like me. I've met them before when they came down for meetings with mom... There were some other folks with them - Mr. Wil (Lorrie's hubby), and Miss. Anne - she's another dream team person thats gonna help mom - and Miss. Jill (Amber's friend who is another computer type wizard)... We all had a fun time visiting. I got to pose with the group for some photo's - check 'em out. From left to right: N8, Michelle, Lorrie, me and mom, and Anne - Miss. Amber had to leave, but I'll bet she can do something with her talents and photoshop. 

Nathan (N8) is Michelle's son - he is really cool. And oh boy is he talented. He is an awesome videographer - and is working towards becoming a big time director! He was cool enough to take video of mom and the puppies for her website - and ya know what? He edited some of it already, and posted it on You Tube! How cool is that??? Check it out - My mom on You Tube - 

I'm so proud of her - maybe someday she'll have me on there with her. 

Later on dad took me for some more fun at the field for some running around... Then mom fixed me a nice salad with my dinner. Yes, I really eat my vegies. 

 See?

During movie time I got to sit in dad's lap while I ate my Bully stick.  

Geez I love those! Keeps me happy, busy, and that endorphin rush I get from the chewing is really pleasant...helps me rest comfortably - can't you tell? 

By being in dad's lap (or moms too) while I chew my high value stuff has really taught me I don't have to guard my things - I really trust that humans don't want what I have... at least mom and dad...Hmm, who would have thought that? I'll still watch out for others, after all, I am a dog right? But I will certainly communicate with them with my body language if I'm not happy - they just have to pay attention and "listen", right? I'm glad this inquisitive canine has learned. 

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... 

Those animals learned...

Well, mom and dad were finally paying attention... Dad was eating pizza, mom was spending time blogging on her site, dad got up from the table to get something (leaving that delicious pizza for me to investigate)...but gosh darn-it they finally learned... As soon as they heard me hop up onto the bench where dad was sitting, they both pounced on me...just like I did to the pastrami sandwich yesterday... Oh well, I knew they'd learn eventually...I won't give up though, not this inquisitive canine. 

May I borrow the keys?

Alright mom! Thanks for the new license! Guess I'm all legal now here in the county of Ventura. Got my new tags and as you can see I'm asking to borrow the car so I can go cruisin' - Ya know, I hear the ladies like a dude that has his own wheels and can drive... Hmmm, I guess that's an issue...Maybe I can go get my friend Dodger or Rummy - they're pretty cool lads - plus their legs are longer and can touch the pedals. Or, maybe just for safety I'll ride in my car seat and enjoy the sunshine and the smooth ride while mom chauffeurs me around town...It's good to be the king. Too bad people don't take the time to teach us dogs to operate a vehicle - man oh man would we make the best designated drivers or what??? Something for you inquisitive folks to ponder...