A Family Excursion

Today was Awesome!! Right now, my buddies Jake and Ruth Ann are in France watching guys running over dogs, I mean, the Tour de France, so Mom and Dad and I had borrowed a car from some friends for various runnings around and because they left to "go home" (wherever that is--this seems like home to me!). But we had to drop it off today, and because Dad's city bike broke, we decided to make the long walk home an excursion for the whole family!

We dropped off the car at about 4:35 and set out. It was a beautiful sunny day today and let me tell you, I was pretty happy to be outside. First we walked up a giant hill, then along a high, grassy strip of land, through a neighborhood, a shopping center, and a whole different meadow than yesterday. And I got to walk through Mom's college! I was very proud of myself.

By the time we finally got back to friendly territory, though, I'll admit I was pretty pooped. I tried to dive into the veterinarian's, but Mom and Dad drug me home instead (what can I say--I really like the treat's Jo the nurse gives me!). When we got home it was after 6:15--we walked for almost two whole hours! Even Mom and Dad admitted that they were pretty tired by the last thirty minutes or so.

I tried to bring home a nice souvenir by rolling in some poo along the way, but all that got me was an unceremonious dunking in the bathtub (my second this week, so Mom wasn't happy either, but she only washed my poo spot this time). Now I'm just going to crash downstairs with Dad and watch a bit of the Tour de D0g-Rolling highlights on T.V. and think back on our awesome family excursion. Woof!

The Duck Strikes Back

One of my favourite things to do on runs with Mom is terrorize the ducks that sleep on the end of the canal. Fun for me, fun for them, I thought. Until yesterday.

Mom and I were taking the long route to Fiddler's Island, and I had been sending every duck for at least the last half mile scurrying for cover. And we ran past the next batch, I slowed down because one duck hadn't moved, and I wanted to get a closer look. Mom had just kept running, but I was on the extend-o lead so that was fine. I got closer and closer. The duck just kept looking at me.

Suddenly, with a flutter of wings and a low hiss, the duck leapt into the air and hovered just above my head like a kung-foo movie star! Mom looked back at this point, her mouth dropping open, and yanked me to safety. I was ok, just a little startled and confused. Whatever happened to the natural order of things?

Which leads me to believe that either 1) this duck had a nest nearby or 2) this duck is half duck, half Jackie Chan. Probably the result of some illegal laboratory testing. How do you like those reasoning skills?

Woof!

Bring your doggie to work day

I wish. I keep trying to accompany Dad to work, but he somehow always manages to slip out and leave me with my ultra-boring mother. Today, when she didn't deliver a promised walk promptly, I was forced to destroy a brand-new roll of toilet paper to express my frustration. (I got a nice long walk in the end.) But that doesn't mean I'm not ready for the day Dad decides to take me with him.

As you can see here, I even dress to impress in colours to match my dad. I mean, he could probably take me with him and no one would think anything of it. I would blend in like the perfect accessory.

I guess until that day comes I'll just keep building up my range of colour collars and keeping my coat nice and shiny. A dog can dream, can't he?

Woof!

Whoops, caught with my eyes closed!

My Fantasy Football

My new friend Marrissa and I go after the Football like a shot!

The Fourth of July was yesterday, and my colonist parents of course put up a serious rukus- but not as much of a rukus as I managed to put up! It was a good day all in all, especially because they took me to the Merton Sports Grounds with them for an American Style BBQ and Fireworks, but most importantly- American style football!

I was let off the lead to roam around, and in order to impress my parents, I didn't go to crazy on the many people that were there, I just ran around wagging my tail at some, and jumping on those that said hi to me, gave them a lick and moved on. I stayed pretty close by, although, this one time I followed this bearded guy around the back of the building and mom had to chase me down... Needless to say, the guys started a game of pick up football, and that is when I really learned to love Cornwallis' folly.

I would run around between the players following the ball. As soon as one of them dropped it, I was off like a rocket with it! Five grown men hot on my heels- and I love the attention. I managed to get my tooth stuck in one of the laces by accident, and those guys aren't exactly gentle (my dad had to come in and defend me at one point, I may look like a big dog, but I am just a puppy!) but I'm ok, because it was so awesome. I made the brand new football look like a worn and ratted old thing! So much fun! I even got some meat from the BBQ.

Later on I was chauffered home so that I could sleep off the excitement, it was too much for a puppy to handle! I heard that my parents stayed and set off fireworks, and woke all of St. Catherine's College by singing a cat howl version of the national anthem. What do you do? I was so pooped, I haven't had that much excitement in a long time!

Woof!

Back from the Clink

Well, folks, I'm safely back in the arms of my so-called "loving" family. Who knew the "resort" I was promised would be all bars and concrete!

No, I didn't get to meet other dogs, either. They kept us all in solitary confinement unless we brought brothers or sisters along. And I'm an only child!

Even worse, if I didn't eat my food, it got picked up! I'm used to just snacking all day. And now my parents have been doing it too...they may have been "bad habits" for them, but not for me!

Sure, we got some time outside everyday, but not enough. My figure is a wreck! I was out with the personal trainer for a midday run between showers, and let me tell you, I need it!

I did manage to get some special treatment by putting up a stink at bedtime. To think, these people didn't even let me sleep in their bed! I demand the lap of luxury at all times. One of the ladies had to compromise and crawl into my cell and pet me to sleep. Still, I'm not entirely impressed with the standard of service.

I tried to keep myself angry at my parents, but I was just so relieved to see them that I simply couldn't resist giving them some kisses between reproving nibbles. Three days in a giant kennel! The nerve!

Woof!