Sunrise Walking

All this week mom and dad have been getting up at 5:30 or 6 in the morning in order to make themselves more into morning people after reading some article. I am not amused. As a luxury dog, I just want to stay in bed and hang out through the more mundane parts of the morning. However, I quickly realized that getting up early wasn't a bad thing at all! In fact, the article said that the best way to turn yourself into a morning person was to go for a walk first thing because the sunlight helps improve your body rhythm and gets you up early. Well, darn it if I am not a morning dog now! When I hear the alarm go off, I know to run straight downstairs to my box to get my lead!

This morning was especially nice as you can probably see in the pictures we took while we were out there. A beautiful Sunday morning after a pretty miserable rainy day. And since it was so early in the morning, mom let me off the leash with no restrictions to stay close! I got to run everywhere and see boats and birds and all sorts of fun rolling places.

As I perfected my eau d'Winston, in the newly cut grass of the meadow (apparently they cut the grass so the cows will eat the new shoots of grass, also it tames the meadow which is a very good thing!) I realized that I would soon be leaving my idyllic meadow to head to the snow bound tundras of North Dakota... mom and dad both wondered out loud how I would adapt to the changing weather.

But rolling through the meadow isn't the only way to perfect your eau d'Winston. As you can see the meadow was full of puddles even though the flood pond had receded a ways. I saw a bird and rain straight for it, and to my surprise, I ended up in chest deep water! However, when I managed to extricate myself, I realized how cool it was to run through the water at the edge! I always thought it was deep, but really I can just go through the water anytime! Mom says I better watch out or I am going to be spending a lot of time in the basement with Twag if I keep it up. I prefer to stay in the luxury of pillows and a bed so I think that I am going to stay out of the slough for a while.

On the way home we saw a squirrel!! We were turning the corner, when I just saw it in the middle of the road, and it froze, so I froze- but then it took off! Excited, I took off, yanking Mom around the corner (she almost dropped me, the camera, and whatever else she was holding), but when she realized there was a squirrel, she ran with me to chase it down! Unfortunately, it got up that tree in the picture before I could meet it, but I watched it from the ground in case it came down! As you can see, I also had no problems going into someone's yard to check out the squirrel problems.

Speaking of infestations- look what I saw!!! Crazy right? That cat was just brazenly hanging out on the street! I couldn't go get him because I am a good dog and I know I can't go into the road (or my parents shout pavement and I am in trouble). But i gave that cat a good staring down. It is ridiculous the problems we are having on our street....

So when I got back, I had to get a bath of course. But to my horror, I discovered I was using puppy and cat shampoo!!?!??! Now, normally I get the help to purchase the groceries, but I had no idea what an affront it would be! And to make matters worse, the cat is licking the puppy!!?!? What is that about? I am issuing a formal protest right now.

Eau de Winston

Springtime is here, and I have finally perfected my dog scent. And, actually, mom is not disgusted by it. And in a complete change of doggy policy, because of it, I am let off the lead far more often! It is win win for everyone!

So basically this is how it goes, to get a truly good scent you need to roll in stuff. Mom was never too pleased to let me roll in stuff because she thought I was rolling in the nasty. I used to, dead birds, goose poop, lady dog pee. But it wasn't quite right. But this weekend, after some amazing summer weather (21 degrees!!!) I finally got it right- wild parsley, clovers, bluebells, and dandelions! I started rolling in the parsley and clovers, and mom went over to inspect. Not seeing anything out of order, she let me off the lead! So like a crazy springtime dog, I was rolling everywhere! It was awsome!

I even have started to avoid the icky stuff and listen when they tell me to come back. So this spring has been awesome because I can run around the meadow free! Nice one for dog. (Its my favorite thing).

From Lilliput to Wonderland... The Giant Ball

Well, things went from the land of Lilliput to the Wonderland, or as some might say- the land of the giants!! This crazy ball is the ball that mom sits on to do work. I have never really been too interested in it, because it is like every other piece of furniture. But then all of a sudden, dad started bouncing it and I realized it was a giant tennis ball!!!

I love playing ball. I really do. This afternoon, we went to the meadow to fly kites with Jake and Ruth Anne. Dad brought my ball to play with, the red one with the string, and I ran around for a bit with it. But then dad and Jake got out this white ball with seams, and it was hard and they started throwing it to each other and catching it with big hands! It was awesome, I kept running back and forth between them to try to get it. I'll admit I got tired a little bit, but I was re-energized everytime one of them dropped the ball (mostly Jake, dad was awesome!!) and I got it from them and ran away. I was completely uninterested in my ball, seriously.

Anyway, so this giant ball comes along and I had to try to get on top of it. It didn't work very well, but you can check out the video to see how I faired. I almost managed it right at the end, but I think I will try again later. Mom is mad at dad for encouraging me because now she thinks I think I can play with the ball, even though it is her chair... well she is right! I'll get that thing yet!

Ever see that episode of The Office where Jim punches a scissors into Dwight's yoga ball while he is sitting on it? Well, I got four sharp scissors on each hand... hehehe.

Movie to follow...

Emergency Baths after Awesome Walks

Man- I had two great walks this past week, both of which ended up with emergency baths; which I guess is how you can tell a good walk from a bad walk- but still- emergency baths then make the walk not so much fun at all!

The first walk, Dad took me out for an early morning walk before work. We walked to the meadow and then started walking along the river, meadow-side. That is the side of the meadow where during the winter it looks like a lake. But since it hasn't gotten to that point yet, it was actually a pleasant walk. It was early, and no one was out (and the weather wasn't great), so dad let me off my lead! I ran around and played with birds and had a great time. Then the best thing of all happened; I found a dead bird!

A dead bird's head to be precise, the rest of the bird was about 15 feet away, and I found that too. So of course, I took the oppertunity to roll in the bird as much as I could. Dad didn't have the lead, so he had to chase me down, and that was fun too! So I rolled in dead bird and a little bit of poop, it was awesome. But as soon as I got home... into the tub! I couldn't believe it. And not only that, but dad washed me (he does a better job anyway) and then left me for work to add insult to injury.

A couple nights later, dad thought we should try again, and we went back to the meadow, back along the river, but I didn't get let off my lead. So we were walking along, and it got muddier and muddier (it had been raining all week); suddenly, Dad yells and I look back and he is up to his butt in mud! He had just fallen into some wierd bog hole. His shoes, his sweatpants, everything was soaked and muddy! So I said- "awesome!" and of course jumped into the mud with him... emergency bath 2 that night! Mom isn't going to let dad take me on walks anymore!

Although yesterday we went for a saturday afternoon walk in great weather and dad through my ball for me, but then I bit him in the hand by accident and made him bleed, so even though there was no mud or fowl, and no emergency bath; it wasn't a fully sucessful walk! Bad luck!

Photo: Emergency bath wrestle after mudballing; I am trying to kick dad in the head... I almost went chuck norris on him.

A Broken Spirit doth a Sad Dog make

So, picture this, folks. It was Thursday, and my Mom was taking me for a walk along the canal. I was having a great time--I met a schnauzer, I sniffed the breeze, I watched bicyclists go by. Then, I found a primo poop spot and managed, even though Mom was keeping a close eye and a firm grasp on me, to smudge a little bit onto my neck (on the white part, so it was especially becoming) and on my collar.

Mom seemed disgusted at first, but then when we got to a nice grassy playground, she let me roll around with all abandon! And I mean, for about 5 minutes (35 doggie minutes!!). I thought she had finally calmed down. We even took a new route home through the meadow, along a muddy cowpath, and I had some great-smelling stuff on my feet! I really felt like a dog!

Turns out, she was leading me like a lamb to the slaughter. I knew something was wrong when she didn't take me off my leash before opening the front door. And when she started gathering up my dog towels, I tried to bolt--but what could I do? I was still leashed. And so, I resigned myself...and had a bath.

I even tried to act noble, hardly trying to escape and mostly just standing there as she unrelentingly soaped me up and rinsed me off, soaped me up and rinsed me off, soaped me up and rinsed me off...but inside my heart was breaking! I had never smelled so good in my whole life, and in a matter of 5 minutes (35 doggie minutes) she destroyed all I had built.

What's worse, she even washed my collar and in the meantime I have to wear my ridiculous baby collar. I feel like such a loser. I'm just going to go lay in a patch of sun and try to dream my troubles away.

Woof!

How Refreshing!

Mom took me for an extra-long walk today, to University Parks! It was great! I got to trot along on my extend-o-lead, smell the flowers and the poo, and even made a new friend!

His name is Simba, and even though I'm twice as old as he is, he is already much bigger than I! His parents asked Mom if I was ok with other dogs, and she said yes, that I love them. Which is absolutely right! So I got to spend a few minutes making friends with Simba. We started with the classic simultaneous bum-sniff, but soon I was jumping in arcs over Simba's back and he was trying to pet me with his ginormous paws. It was great. Probably the best five minutes I've ever had in the park.

Unfortunately, Mom wanted to keep walking, so I had to say goodbye to Simba, but I sure hope I run into him again someday. Dogs gotta play!

Woof!

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!

Getting Back in Shape the Winston Bengfort Way

Like any star, I must care for my physique. That's why, after two-and-a-half weeks of recuperation, I'm back on the straight-and-narrow with my personal trainer (her name is Mom). Yesterday, we ran the canal, and today we ran to Wolfson and then walked back. I get water given to me from the trainer's cupped hands. It's both glamourous and grueling.

I even changed my diet. After snubbing the Science stuff I was on, the 'rents finally got the picture and got me some great new stuff, called James Wellbeloved. Delish! And I got some sweet little Cesar "A Little More Refined" wet food that gets mixed in every once in a while (Mom checked--Cesar is specially designed for people who obsess about their little dogs and it wasn't a part of that recall). Sometimes I get a nice cooked egg to keep the coat shiny. So yeah, you could say I'm working hard and looking good.

Anyway, if you'll excuse me, I've got some new toys that I've just got to destroy. A dog's work is never over! Woof!

Action shot!

Cricket Sunday

So Sundays are a lot of fun. Normally, we all get up as a family a little later, mom and dad will go to church (or not), and then in the afternoon- everybody comes over and I have so much fun with all my human friends who come over! Dad cooks meat, which I get a share of, which is great, and everyone loves me and wants to play with me. Sunday Roast Sundays are the best!

Since the weather has been getting nicer, we have also been doing outdoor activities on Sundays- flying kites, going for walks, and more recently- cricket.

Dad and his friends will put those sticks in the ground, balance a little stick on top of them and then throw balls and hit them back at each other for hours. Now this would be all well and good, except that I am not included. I have to be on the leash on the blanket watching, which is boring because I know I would make a great fielder! Its just crap. Anyway, so here I am on the sidelines watching, other dogs all over the park or the meadow, and I am strapped to the leash, what kind of crap is that?

Needless to say, cricket looks fun, and I am determined to play... someday...

Picture 1- I look on as Dad bats
Picture 2- A girl runs screaming from Dad's excellent batting...

Pooscapade

Well I finally got my aroma de chien all sorted out and perfect when I got the bath attack! It was awful! I haven't had a bath in a month or so, and everything on me was starting to smell good again. Then, the best thing happened when Mom and I were going for a run along the canal- I spotted (well, sniffed) a pile of new goose poo! Before my mom knew what was happening, I rushed into the bush, started rolling and rubbing my head in it! I smelled like a new dog!

Mom was disgusted, but really didn't notice that much. I was feeling great, smelling good, ready to go look for some ladies... when Dad got home. I ran, excited that he should smell my new parfume which is much better than any eau de toillette (unless something is in the toillette). Needless to say, I ran excited to jump on him, and ended up scraping against the wall leaving a trail of poo on it. Now, both Dad and Mom could see AND smell what had happened.

Instantly I was rushed up to the bath, mom even got in with me, held me down, and scrubbed me three times! It was awful, all that hard work. Dad washed the wall (he was dressed in a suit and tie because of his interviews).

Luckily, even with all the scrubbing, mom missed a spot in my ear! Dad now calls me stink ear, but they have let me have it there!

Running with Mom

I am a puppy athlete! If I am acting up, or I have too much energy, of if mom and dad know they have to leave me by myself for most of the day without a walk- Mom takes me running! Running is a lot of fun- it is a big game. Usually we run out to the meadow and around it, and then come back. I love chasing mom, or running around her, etc!

At first, the runs were mostly me next to mom or behind her trying to keep up, or trying to jump on her because I thought it was mostly a game. I learned to chase after mom if she started running- and in fact, when I was off the lead that is how she tricked me to come back to her to put the lead back on! Now that I have the hang of it, however, I tend to pull mom along- going to the end of my extendo lead trying to get her to run faster so that we can chase geese, etc! I always check back to see where we are going, but I think mom has to follow me more than I follow her!


Mom might prefer to jog- but I love to bound, it is a weird thing to look at, I don't just gallop along beside mom, I fully curl up my body and sort of spring along in a bound. It is all very much fun. I use my bound to chase other dogs and geese because it makes me get into a pounce position easier. Often I'll bound around the house like a maniac because mom taught me how to run.

Dad says there is only one downside- now if they are walking at the parks or something and I see a runner or a jogger, I immediately go after them!

Woof!

Picture: Mom and me rest up and have breakfast after a run.

Goody4Paws Puppy Graduate

Well I suppose I am the first person in the Bengfort family to graduate from an Oxford education. On Wednesday, I completed my puppy school! I am going to miss going to class and seeing all my friends- Mr. Darcy (who mysteriously disappeared for the last 3 weeks of class...), Molly the Dalmatian who always beat me up, Quincy who rode in a Smart Car (and I was her favorite!), Cocoa, a big chocolate lab who was scared at first, but soon came to the head of the class, Hettie, the dog that didn't want to walk, and Tilly- the stinking border collie who upstaged me at the end of the class taking the teacher's love away from me to her (Bitch! Literally...).

But has puppy classes paid off? Some might say it has- actually all the dogs were extra rowdy the last day, preferring to play rather than listen! But I think we all learned some important things. My parents probably learned the most about dogs. I still go through doors first, but at least I can sit, lie down, stay (sort of) and pay attention. I can kind of come (only if I want to), and kind of walk on a loose lead (especially with my harness on). But I think if mom keeps it up, we'll work some sort of arrangement out. I am working hard at being and becoming a good dog!

At least one person doesn't think puppy class has paid off- yesterday on a walk, dad got yelled at by an English lady who said he needed to train his dog better and more. (I may have jumped on her, and I wanted to play rather than come when dad was calling). Dad got chewed out- he didn't say anything, but luckily the lady's friend defended me saying I was just a puppy- and I am! I mean, I am 6 months on April 6, but that is besides the point.

One thing I am glad of- I don't have to ride in a car anymore on Wednesday nights! I hate riding in cars...

Woof!

Sunday Afternoon Walks and Roasts

Sorry about being sick and having my parents post for me the past couple of days. I don't know what was wrong with me, it seems like just puppy stuff, but I am feeling much finer now, and ready to rock! Especially after last night* when I got to sleep with my dad the entire night and well into the morning. Now I am feeling a little antsy, but alright. I got a new rawhide cigar and I am going after that! But it has been all excitement for me, and then bigtime downtime.

Yesterday, after all the puking, I got to go on a Sunday walk with my parents. Unfortunately, the plan was to go to The Perch, a pub in Binsey, across from Port Meadow to get Sunday Roast (The Perch allows dogs, as well as several other pubs in our area, which is really nice for me, even if I get really excited! I have already eaten there once!) We took off, and I got to wear my long extendo leash, but when that busted, I got put on my harness, which is also ok, because it makes me behave like a perfect gentleman!

When we went out the weather could have been better. As seen from the inside (and perhaps these pictures) it looked beautiful outside, blue skies, puffy clouds etc. However, we weren't more than two blocks from the house when it started spitting rain. Dad decided that we should go to the top of the meadow to view the weather, and when we got there (it was raining quite a bit harder, and horizontally) mom and dad decided that the rain would end fairly shortly afterwards. They were right, the rain did stop, but the wind continued- hard! I guess it is spring time gusts or something like that!

Needless to say we made it to the Perch without to much incident, I got to meet a couple of dogs, and hang out, and it was a fun walk- but when we got there we discovered we needed a reservation to get in! (I mean, a reservation to a pub?!) So we couldn't stop and eat, which made me very sad. However, one of the waiters gave me a dog bone shaped treat, so I got to eat, even if my parents didn't! So we headed back for home.

Along the way, we met another dog off his lead, whose owner wasn't very nice. Mom and Dad and I just stopped there to let the other dog meet me, and we were jumping around, but I was on my lead so I had to be well behaved. The other dog just kept running around. The owner started to yell at him, but he ran away from her. In the process, I went to play, but accidentally bumped into the other lady's legs, and she jumped back frightened and accused my dad of having a dad that attacks! (He wasn't too thrilled about that). Finally she caught her puppy and she hit him for being bad! Ha! If my parents hit me when I finally came to them, I certainly wouldn't come back the next time. It was sad, and I could tell my parents were annoyed by the lady. I felt bad, but what are you going to do?

Then we met some geese. That was funny because they cleared the path for us like they weren't afraid of us or me even! We just walked through, and then they came back onto the path again, like nothing had happened. A Dog should always get the right of way to a bird!

We went home, and I got food and water, then my parents went to another pub that was in town to get their Sunday Roast, which was good, we were all happy. The long walk made me really sleepy anyway, so I was glad for the downtime. It was a beautiful Sunday and a good day for a long Port Meadow walk. Who care if I jumped on Dad's jeans and got them all muddy, or the Perch didn't have a Roast available for us? You can't sweat the small stuff, I was just happy that we got a nice walk and it didn't start hailing until we got home...

Woof!

* I did manage to scare the jeebies out of dad. While Dad was watching TV I went to my kennel to start cleaning myself, and because I was tired. I guess I wandered off and got into the laundry room somehow. It was dark, and scary and I couldn't find my way out. Plus I wasn't feeling well, so I just sat there on my but with my legs splayed out, shaking. Dad came to check on me, he could hear my collar jingling from the shaking, but he thought I was cleaning, when he found me, he was very upset and picked me up and put me in a blanket and cuddled me for the rest of the night. Mom and Dad gave me water and food to help me recover, then I got to sleep with Dad! That was the best part, it is more fun to sleep on the couch or in bed than in my den!

Picture 1- Mom and I in the Meadow
Picture 2- Windy day blowing my ears around!
Picture 3- I see Geese!
Picture 4- Dad and I cross over a red steel bridge over the Thames, or in Oxford, the Isis

Treat Time

What a sleepy day- Friday is a fun day because Dad is done with work for the week, and so I usually get to go upstairs and sleep in the bed with them until late! It is a lot of fun.

After the sleep-in, and some breakfast- it is puppy treats time!

Puppy treats time consists of me getting treats for being cute. All I have to do is sit, lie down, and watch the treat like a hawk going back and forth until I get it! It is lots of fun and I get tons of treats, so many that I get full.

Then it is time to sleep- until it is treats time again.

The only thing is I haven't gone out on too many walks lately, they seem to be slowing down. I try to bolt out the gate and get to Port Meadow or something interesting and pull Mom and Dad along, but they get mad and stop and show me their hand which has chicken in it. So I take some chicken then start pulling again. But mom ends up getting frustrated and has to take me home before we even get down the block! What's the deal? I want to go to Port Meadow again!

Who knows, I do know that mommy loves treats time- she is always saying what a good boy I am and talking in a baby voice. So probably treats time will be soon!

Woof!

Weredog!

Wikipedia defines Werewolf as "A werewolf (also lycanthrope or wolfman) in folklore is a person who shapeshifts into a wolf or wolflike creature, either purposely, by using magic, or after being placed under a curse."

I take great exception to this- I mean, just a person shape shifts? Not withstanding that I think I am a real boy, I do understand that I am of the race dog, not a pink fleshy human. And I am closer to wolf than they are! I mean is it fair that a person can become a werewolf and not a dog?

For instance, I am intrigued by the full moon- I love it. When we go out to potty at night, I can see everything because the air is so clear in Oxford- there are so many stars and the moon looks SO big because it is winter and we are at a higher latitude. It is beautiful. On the one occassion that I was in Port Meadow at night, the full moon was tremendous as we watched the sun set and the moon rise. All the water sparkled, and it felt like I was in a different place.

Often I will sit on my mom's lap as she reads or writes her essays to stare out the window of the office at the full moon. People can walk by, cars can drive past, fireworks can go off- but the moon is the most important. The only thing that can distract me is another dog- and that is mostly just to make sure they are not a wolf, or a weredog. (Or maybe to see if they are a ladydog...)

I haven't howled at the moon yet- I don't really know what that means. All I know is that dad said I should howl when I see the moon. I think he said it jokingly when we were outside one night and I was looking at it rather than doing my business so he could go to bed. However, I have never heard a "howl" and I don't really know what one is. All I know is how to make the tuantaun sound I heard on The Empire Strikes Back. I did that at the moon, but it didn't seem very weredog to me.

There are no references to weredog in any encyclopedia. I suppose this is because wer comes from old Germanic English meaning "man" hence- werewolf is "Man -Wolf". A better term for what I aspire to be would be "Caniwolf" from Canine. This would actually be ideal for me: I want so much to be a wolf, but like I said before, English weather and the lack of kennel (den), food, and radiators would be crappy wolf times. But the night there are full moons there is beautiful weather, and I could be a wolf and run free at night, and then be a dog in the daytime, loved by humans. I would bite other wolf-aspiring dogs, but not eat them because I just want to help them. And rather than ravage virgins (??? What is this, it was in the encyclopedia, so I just repeat it) I would eat toast! It is the perfect solution!

My impression of the Caniwulf... the perfect solution to make a dog-wolf hybrid.

First Day of School

Yesterday night, was my first day of school... puppy classes, and although I was nervous at first, it was "smashing"!

It all started with a walk! Mom and Dad brought two leashes and so many treats! At first we were just walking where we normally walk, but soon I had no idea where we were. All sorts of crazy thing happened- a big red truck with flashing blue lights and a really loud shrieky sound sped by, terrifying me so much that I jumped into the back of mom's legs- unfortunately dad was holding the leash so all that happened was a big tangle, and they got mad at me! I don't know why they weren't scared. Then we saw a train.

2.2 miles later (seriously, we went to Botley- completely left Oxford by walking!) we showed up at this building that was dark outside. I was happy though because I saw another puppy! Her name was Cocoa, and even if she was a little nervous to see me at first, we made fast friends. Cocoa is one of the first dogs that mom and dad have actually let me play with! Then another dog called Quincy came, then another, then another!

I got to sit next to a Scotty dog named Mr. Darcy whose big head and stubby legs made him look funny... he was bad though because he peed on the floor, it was wierd- so much pee for a little dog! The teacher even used a broom to clean it up, and we all tried to attack the broom but we were on short leashes.

Um... I also sat next to another dog, a dalmation named Molly (yes a girl dog), lets just say I didn't like her very much. (Note from Dad- yes Winston got beat up by a girl...)

We learned all sorts of stuff like how to get a treat from a hand when its over our heads, and look at a treat in dad's hand, and run after a treat on a leash, and crawl under dad's legs to get a treat, and eat chicken!

My neck was a little red from straining to get to the other dogs, though, mom and dad were holding me back for some reason, and the linoleum was slippery so I couldn't get to them very easily.

Also, dad said funny things like "Smashing" and "How Lovely" in a loud voice, which made me laugh because he isn't English like I am.

Then we had to walk home, which really stunk, because we had to go 2.2 miles back. However, after only a mile, dad convinced a taxi thingy to take the puppy by paying the driver an extra 5 quid, which was fun because those things are scary when they go past you, and I was nervous on the inside, even though I have been in one before, but dad held me the entire way, and the driver person was happy I didn't go all over.

Hopefully mom and dad figure out how to get a car for the next puppy classes, but I think I am the head of the class (even though I tried to be the class clown, but Mr. Darcy managed to be that) so I am excited to go back, even if I have to walk.

Next week, I'm sure mom and dad will bring the camera to bring some pictures of me, but first, a picture of something I learned!

To Become a Wolf, or at least, To Get Toast

Hello, or should I say woof! My name is Winston Jacob Bengfort, otherwise known as Wraggles, Wrinkles, Winny, Win, bad dog!, Such a Puppy, Sit, Winston MacWraggles, Wrinkle MacWinston, Good Boy, or Come Here. why a dog needs so many names, I don't know- I suspect it has to do with my mom who seems to come up with a new one every day!

Today, after a long walk in the rain, I decided that I should start my own blog. For one, it keeps me out of the rain- and for two I am four months old! I feel like I should be doing something with my life other than just sitting around sleeping, and looking for food. And since I am an English dog with American parents, I figure that I am just as interesting if not more than those other dogs in the park. So here it is- the world from my perspective (or at least the world as viewed from behind my ears).

I suppose I should introduce myself a little bit first- since many of you who are reading this have yet to meet me. My two main ambitions in life are getting toast- the most wonderful substance in all the world! And to become a wolf. I have been trying to get my mom and dad to run with me like a pack, but every time I get about three feet away, I get yanked back by that dang leash.

Which brings me to an interesting subject- the leash. Do wolves have leashes? I think not! And yet, every time I see the leash I get so excited. I don't know why- I mean, I love walks as much as the next guy- a chance to see the worlds, meet other dogs, go to the park to eat cow poo, and jump on pedestrians! But when I see that leash, I go mad because I know that it will keep me from running into the road or jumping into mud or playing with bigger dogs and all those fun things.

I yearn for freedom. Every day that the kennel door opens when my dad wakes me up at 6 AM, I bolt out of it- not because I have to potty, or because I am going to get food, but because I am finally free! It is my den, however, so I do go back in and nap while dad makes coffee. I mean, have you tried to potty outside at 6 am in English weather? I don't think so. When mom closes the door to the office so she can work, I sit at the door waiting, watching, ready to get out. Just so I can sit at the top of the stairs and look down, because I can. (Then I run to tear something else up, or grab socks and hide under the bed!)

The point is, wolves are free- free to run, free to be in their den or not be, free to look out any window they want, and eat any socks they want... oh, speaking of looking out the window, what a nasty day it is outside! Rainy and dreary, and... English... maybe I'll just see if I can go beg for some toast!

Bark!