Humans - so easily lead

First I was up on the couch if they put my mat up, AND only on special occasions sharing the lounge with Julie most often.  Now look at me... woo hoo... I jump up when they come upstairs and aren't looking, and I streeetch out.  They let me get away with this, but they're still very strick about the bed.

My cousin Prada arrives tomorrow... hmmmm. We'll see what this city dog can get up to. I head city dogs have no stamina... he he he...  They said there won't be enough room for us all on the couch when "the kids" are all here.

I wonder where they'll sit....  woof arf arf...

One Year Today

It hardly seems possible I've been here with my pack for one year today. I feel like I've always been here....

Well, now that I think about it, I suppose I always have been. I've changed a lot since I arrived as a little puppy. Chubby and serious looking my pack female said I looked when I arrived. I couldn't even go for long walks.

Now I love to run and jump, and especially like to go on my daily walk down my road. I have to put up with their incessant demands when I'm on the lead. Sit, heal, stand, stay... then they let me off the lead and I get to investigate. I know the smells of that road very well.  there are Wallaby's that leave their scent and droppings, quolls, bandicoots, and of course other humans and dogs that frequent the walk. It's very interesting for me.

The alpha male takes me on a no nonsense walk. Brisk pace, so I run around a lot exploring when I walk with him. The female keeps asking me where her stick is. So I find one, and we play tug of war with it, and every time, she looses it just before we go home, so I have to do it all over the next walk. People.

Last week she took me to the cricket ground with a stick that helped her throw the ball a long way. (She's not a very good ball thrower, so it helped a lot) I chased the ball for ages, it was quite fun.

I've gone from sleeping in a little pen in the garage, to having my own house in the back yard. I quite like it there, and I get the run of the front yard as well.  I have a new neighbour - Mindy  a white fluffy dog who escapes fairly frequently. She comes to her fence and barks at me to let me know she's there, then wriggles through and comes over to our fence for a good long barking session. Her people call and call and then they hop the fence to get her. It cracks us up. People... they're so predictable.

I've trained my people quite well over the last year. If I stand at the front door, or ring the bell they have hanging there, they get up and let me out. Same when I stand outside and look at them. Sometimes I do it several times in a row just to see how many times they'll get up before they stop.

I've got them sorted out for feeding me too.  When they get up, they come down and let me in, and I bounce around the kitchen as we walk through to the front yard to get my bowl.  They get my food, and put it out front, then make coffee and come and sit with me and throw my orange ball.  When they come home, they feed me again.  On the weekends, when the female stands in the kitchen cutting things up, if I hang around her, she feeds me vegetable bits. I like that, and I always get a bit of pizza crust.  After dinner is our daily walk.  Like clockwork.

Lately they've let me sit on the couch with the female in the evenings. I like that because it proves I'm not really a dog. I'm one of them.  They do tell me to get off that comfy sleeping platform they have. I don't know why, it's very comfortable, and I like it a lot. When they're not using it I like to sneak up and jump on it. I'd let them in my house on my blankets....

Well, I'd better run as I think I get to go to the dog beach today.

Woof arf arf... Elwood.

Made it onto the couch for a snooze

Humans, all that talk about me being different. Stay down. The couch is for people.  Well, all it takes is a cool night watching the stars and I had them.

Here's the proof.  they were up until 3:30 looking through the big thing they call a telescope.  Humans.. they have no stamina..... he he he... the next step in my plan to dominate my pack!!

Intermediate obedience training passed



ready to pounce at any moment


Well, the Sunday my pack came back, they took me to dog school. Really - I hadn't had any practice for 3 weeks. However, Rose had been secretly tutoring me, so I shone.  I got 5 A's and 1 B and a blue ribbon. Next week I go to "Graduate" class which is for 45 minutes. I get to start doing 'tricks'. I'm quite excited.

Abandoned

Rose came over. and we had a great day, but she just didn't leave. Can you believe it?  My pack didn't come home! I was glad she stayed around, but where the heck did they go?

Every day I'd wait at the door and Rose would come. She was great she selpt over, so I wasn't lonely and she taught me alot about soccer, I've got some great moves now, but I'd go inside and check their big room upstairs, nope, not there, then the computer room, nope not there, and their cars were in their spots so I was very confused.

Rose read me a couple of emails from them (like I couldn't read them if I could have sneaked past her to the computer) so I was hopeful they were coming back.

Rose was very good to me, and George and Whinnie came to visit so I wasn't lonely. Rose showed me what BACK meant as I was pulling forward in my walks. I like the way she explains things to me.

I heard a hundred "no's" from her the first week when I tried to get away with things. She wouldn't believe that I was allowed up on the couch, or on the big bed. I couldn't convince her it was OK for me to eat from the table, or sleep inside.  Drat.. they must have left her a list.

However one day I came out to see Rose and George, and sniffed and OH MY GOODNESS I smelt THEM.  They were home.  I thought my whole body would snap in half with my wagging!

I've hung around them fairly closely to make sure they don't sneak away again. I think it's something to do with those big containers they filled up before they went away. What that's about I'll never guess 'cause they brought them back and unpacked them again.  People, who can figure them out???

Registered

My people went and registered me.  Humans have such wierd ideas. They waited until I had been de sexed, and they had my puppy graduation certificate to register me, as that would give them a discounted rate. Go figure - the council didn't give a discount on passing obedience class, which we all thought was a sensible idea, they only give you a discount if you pass an Australian acreddited assistance dog program.  Oh well, it's still a savings of $60 a year with me being de sexed.

Now I have a lifetime registration tag so they took me shopping on Saturday. I got to go to this HUGE pet store, and we choose a new collar for me. I think I look rather handsome....

We thought the red was very complimentary to my colouring

Then we went to the Kingston Dog beach where I had ABSOLUTELY THE BEST TIME... there were 6 LABS there and we ran and played like CRAZY.  Graham would throw a stick into the ocean and we'd all run into the waves to get it.  Us Labs love our stick, and you could see us running down the beach, with 3 of us hanging onto one stick. We also share well.  

note the bones on my collar and the attractive bone shapped clasp.

Back home I had my warm bath, and shower (I love it when they use the watering can to shower me with warm water) then they lit a fire for me to lay beside as I snoozed my way to my silky smooth dry self. My pac is very thoughtful.

I was very tired from so much fun.  Well, Off for another nap now... woof arf, Elwood.

Finally - made it on the big bed

I really gave them a run for their money this weekend. I sneaked upstairs Saturday morning, and my Alpha Male Graham was still in their sleeping platform. I was really quiet, and snuck up and jumped up to see him. It's very bouncy and quite fun. I was really quick and didn't get into trouble, as I was up and down, and raced out of the room in a flash. This made me think I could do it again, so I raced back and jumped up again. I managed to do 5 circles up on the bed total before I got in trouble.

Then, when Julie was putting new sheets on it, I did it all over again. What a fun game this is!!  She finally shut the door so she could finish. Kill joy!

We've had 4 days of drizzle which is most unusual for us here. Julie took me to dog school on Sunday and parked over a big sloppy mud bank.  Her boots got sucked into the mud, and it was very slippery. Class was small and I was totally distracted, the field was filled with puddles, and all us dogs weren't keen on laying down in them. I wasn't the star performer I was last week with Graham.  However, I always like visiting with the other dogs, so it was fun for me.

Julie had mud up her pants to her knees, and I was filthy, so she gave me a warm bath when we got home, mopped the floor, and had to wash all her clothes. Then I got to dry out snoozing beside the fire. I thought it was great, but she was pooped. Graham went to Fire practice, so he missed all the fun.
arf arf... til next time.  Elwood.

More Reno's for me

Well, back to normal for me after the little operation. I actually quite like going to the vet as there are 3 or 4 young gals there who treat me like a king, and they give me treats too.

My pack says I've settled since the Op, I certainly seem to be more prone to go to them when they call now. I don't think it's because of that, but if that makes them happy.... I have to remind myself to grab their ugg boots and shoes every now and again for a chew to keep them on their toes.

I had what Julie called a 'play date' the other weekend. Some lady Graham works with brought her pack over, and Bronson - another chocolate lab who is 6 months older than me. It was terrific. They made food and stood around the pizza oven (slipping nibbles to us) and Bronson and I ran for 4 hours straight.  They were surprised we didn't break anything.  Now really,  me??

Since they finished the front area, Graham decided I needed a little reno out back. He took some laser light and put up a wall, so I have a dry court yard to hang out in. It's quite nice, keeps out the sun, the wind and the rruff raff. woof woof woof...a little canine humour...

I'll put a photo up when I can get my paws on the camera next.  Ghessh, sometimes I think they know what I get up to when they're at work and hide stuff.

Well, better get off for now....  woof woof arf... Elwood.

"Nipped"

It appears I've been 'nipped'. I don't feel too different but they didn't want me to lick myself so the vet said I had to wear this big cone.

Bucket Head

It was very big 'cause of my long neck.  When they first put it on me, I just dropped my head to the floor in protest and dragged it around. When it became apparent they weren't going to let me not wear it, I thought I'd enjoy it and crashed and bashed my way around the house.  I managed to crack it and still I had to wear it again, after they taped it up. Hrumpppp.

It really was awkward, but thankfully they took it off me to eat, and when they were there to watch and make sure I didn't lick.  Graham even took the week off to look after me.

At the moment I'm still not allowed to run around and play. I can't wait for Friday when the stitches come out!!

Woof Arf Bark - Elwood.

Pergola

We had a couple of guys hanging around the house lately doing building stuff. I don't know why I can't assist them like I do Graham. Hmmph.

These guys put a roof over most of the front patio which my people seem to really like. They’ve spent a lot of time out there cooking in the pizza oven. Not only pizza, but they’ve been baking bread and today they slow cooked Moroccan lamb shanks. They like to sit outside in front of the fire, in between gazing at the stars on Graham’s big telescope at night.

People, who can figure them out?


I don’t mind what they do, ‘cause I always get a little “chase the laser pointer”, and “kong or squeaky toss” so I like it a lot. Sometimes I just lay around and chew on a bone or have a snooze. Although it’s nice to hang out with them outside, I often sneak in and have a little sleep in the warm. No sense all of us getting cold.

We seem to be back to our normal routine now, which I like. All this rushing around was very confusing. I’ve noticed now I’m more mature, they let me stay in the house more often, and I admit I LOVE to sleep in front of the fire.

I’m still in Basic obedience training. I get to hang out with a bunch of other puppies, which I really enjoy. I’ve got 2 weeks until I get ‘assessed’ so every time we go for our walks now, we go through the drills. Sit, stay, drop, and now something new… stand. Gheesh, what about running around and smelling the trees?!!

Drat… here they come again… got to run … woof woof bark.

Villa Reno & What I've been up to

Finally, a chance at the computer. he he he.....

My people have been changing things around here lately so I thought I would try my paw at some renovations too. I spent one whole night taking the wall down in my Villa so now it's an open plan suite.




I worked all night to take out the wall - now I have a batchelor suite.  Nice...


Boy were they surprised when they saw it.

I had my first ride since I was a little puppy in the cab of the truck. Normally when I go in the truck, they lift me onto the back, and I can go into my travel crate, where there is always a treat. They’ve spent a bit of time trying to get me to jump up myself. I’ve managed once, but I’m still a bit nervous.

So the other day they opened the cab door to the back seat and cajoled me into getting in. They had this blanket type of thing which hooked over the head rests of the back seat, and over the head rests of the front seats, kind of like a hammock, but it does rest on the seat. They told me it’s water proof and scratch resistant.

Although it was nice to be with my people, it sure is slippery. Mostly I just lay down and have a snooze, but I can sit up and look out the windows, and have a sniff at my pack.

I went into the City for the first time. They parked the truck, and when I got out, YIKES the noise!! It was overwhelming. A constant drone they called traffic. And where were the trees, and grass??
It was very un nerving but as long as I stayed close to my people I felt safe. And the smells. I couldn't seem to smell fast enough, there were so many things to sniff and pick up on the ground. They didn't want me to pick anything up though. We walked aroun, then I sat with Julie while Graham went into a big shop. Lots of people came and wanted to pet me. That was quite nice.

We wandered around a place with no cars which was really nice for my ears. (They called it a mall) Then I sat with Julie while Graham went into a building for a while, and lots of people stopped to pat me. That was nice, but it was really nice to go home to the peace and quiet of our neighbourhood

Where did my Pack go?

My people disappeared for a few days last weekend. Another pack looked after me though, the Greens - they've been to our house so I know them. Graham and Julie let me get into their car when they said come with us, which I thought was a great adventure!  It was fun for a while, but I kept waiting for Graham and Julie to come and join me. They didn't show up all day. Ali, Dave and Liam kept me entertained, walked me home fed me and I went to bed. They showed up the next morning and fed me and took me to their place again and we hung out together and so became the routine until my people came home. Frankly I was too tired from all the fun I'd been having with Dave, Ali and Liam to give my own pack much of a welcome. A tail wag, a lick and then back to sleep. I was pooped!!  However it's wonderful to have them back.
With my confidence up from my own renovations, I've been more involved helping Graham with his. I especially like the pizza oven. We're very proud of it. I'm sure Graham couldn't have done it without my help. Their way of showing me they like me helping is slipping me little nibbles of the things that come out of it.


Me and Graham infront of our Pizza Oven


We all hang around outside at night close to the warmth of the fire. I like that.  The photos for our pizza oven project are here.. Our Pizza Oven Project

Well, got to run.  Woof Woof Bark.

New Bath Time Process & Pictures of my Villa

It appears I've hit my teens.  At least that's what they call it. I don't know what makes me be so crazed some times. I've driven them mad this last week. I can't seem to settle in the evening, and I am not coming when I'm called all the time.  Re the not coming, I'm fine if I'm not distracted, but for the smallest reason, I'll look at them out the side of my eye, and not come, when I know it's not a good thing to do. I don't know what comes over me, but it makes them crazy, however, they still love me.

We had bath day to day, and we're onto a better routine. Julie takes my blankets & toys and puts them int he big white machine where they spin around. That's my first clue it's bath day.  Our new routine is Graham & Julie fill up lots of buckets with wonderfully warm water.  We stand outside, and I love the warm water so much, I don't want to run away or mess about, I'm happy to stand still and be lathered up, then the absolute BEST is when they take the huge watering can and give me a warm shower to rinse off.

Then I run around like a mad dog, and slide down the lawn, and roll in the flower bed, I get a yummy marrow bone, and get to lay in the sun and watch Julie hang up my blankets & fluffy toys to dry.  After a couple of hours, she finishes them off with a spin in the other big white machine that makes them warm and she crawls around setting up my little one room villa for another week or so.

Training update:  We're working on sit, lay down, and stay  and my close-in turns for Sunday.

Alpha Julie has been moving kinda slow the last couple of days.  I can tell she's sore, so I'm trying to be less rambunctious with her.  It's hard 'cause I love playing the stick game with her when we walk.

For you other canine friends who have been asking for photos of my One Bedroom Villa and the new backyard set up.. Sorry it took me a while to get the hang of Graham's camera, but with the tripod and the auto timer, I could get me in the photos too.

Me and Teddy in my 'Veranda' - setting up again after my bath, when my blankets have been washed & dried.
All my blankets get put back into my bedroom and I can 'nest up' and be cozy.

Me infront of my One Bedroom Villa, note I have my radio on the top. It plays all the time, just quietly to keep me up to date on the news, and footy and I love to stay cultured with good music. I have it tuned to ABC of course.

Now I have the whole back yard, and the little gate is open to the front most of the time.

That's it for now.  Woof arf  bark bark.  Elwood.

May update

I had a sore paw and was limping around a bit, which got me lots of sympathy from my Alpha female, they said it was good timing for me to relax as there was work being done out front.  I ended up being cooped up in the back, or in the house with them for a few days.

My pen has been extended with the gate now along the side of the house so I have the whole back yard... Including the entire wood pile to chew on!!  I thought I could see what was going on out front but as much as I called them, they seemed very busy and didn't want me walking around out front helping.  It was certainly smelly on the last day, when a fellow put on a "top coat".

Front finally finished.

When it was all done, and I was allowed to walk on it, I thought it looks and feels nice.  You can see the whole project by clicking here

They've been pacing in straight lines again, so I'm not sure what project they're cooking up next. Last time they did that they dug the hole and filled it in with concrete.  Who can keep up with these crazy humans?

I've been working hard at my puppy commands. Heel, heel, heel, that's all I hear these days. I've got smells wafting into my nose from someplace ahead of us, curling into my nose like a hook pulling me towards them... making my nose almost ticklish in it's desire to hurry to get there to discover what the smell is associated with, and they want me to walk at their side demurely. Gheesh...  However, as soon as the lead is off, I'm allowed to race around like a lunatic and smell them all so I guess it's not so bad.

School has them getting me to heel, sit, laying down, play recall, and stay, and a bunch of turning.  All this when there are around 30 or more dogs on the field makes it very hard to concentrate.

Hmmm, better get off the computer, I think they're coming in from outside.

Woof Arf Bark.  Elwood.

Paint Tubes & More Company

This week Alpha Graham rolled out a 3 level trolley with all kinds of colourful tubes on it, and put a contraption of poles beside it with something he called a painting in progress resting on it, and warned me to be careful. He set it up in the living room, lit the fire and we hung out. When he went into the kitchen I decided to investigate a little more thoroughly, I like the tubes. He picks them up and squeezes them and stuff comes out.

What on earth can that stuff be? I wondered, so I picked up one of the tubes carefully in my mouth, and gummed it, but nothing came out, so I bit it. I looked at Graham not sure why he wanted to get the stuff out, because really – I doesn’t taste all that flash – when I discovered how fast Graham really can move.

Elwood Nooooooo – He called and made it to my side before I could get my second bite in, pulled the tube out of my mouth, and had me out the door with the hose in my mouth in nano-seconds…..

You crazy animal he said and told me I had purple all over my mouth, my muzzle, my teeth and tongue. He was adamant I had to be really cleaned up. I wasn’t happy to have my mouth hosed out for so long, but as soon as the water wasn’t purple any more we could stop.

I think that’s the last time I’ll taste a tube of what he calls PAINT.

Waghorn Family Visit

We had another pack arrive this Friday night. This pack doesn’t smell like ours, so I think they’re from another pack. They’re called Waghorns, and they’re all ages.

One of them they call Ben, is smaller than the rest and called a boy – he’s soft and I like to lick him a lot, which makes him giggle. He was a bit nervous of me at first cause I’m the same size as him, only a bit heavier and I think he thought I’d bowl him over, but now we’re buddies and I like to follow him around and when he’s not paying attention I get to lick him. He likes to tell me to sit, and I like to sit so that works, and we play catch.

Giggling, Tastey Ben

The big people of this pack Bruce, Bernadette, and Jean are all very nice too. Just not as darn tasty as young Ben. Everyone seems to like talking and laughing, and as usual in this house, a lot of time is spent in the kitchen and around the table.



Graham got his telescope out one night but the sky didn’t cooperate, so although everyone had a little look, it wasn’t one of our ‘big night out’s”.



They came to my last Puppy Lesson with me. I think I had the biggest cheering section. I get a week off then progress to the basic obedience course. I’m looking forward to that!

Puppy School

We had what they called a bon fire at the bottom of the property. They built a pile of really good branches, I thought they were saving them, I couldn’t figure out what was happening when suddenly the sticks all caught fire, and started to smoke & burn. They didn’t even try to save them, they took really long branches and put marsh mallows on the ends and then put them between chocolate coated digestive biscuits then skewered some tube like thing they called “hot dogs” (what the?) on the sticks and held them over the fire until they got hot and ate them. People, I just don’t get them some times.

Well, got to get off the computer before they get home. Woof Woof.. Elwood.

My yard is changing and me at puppy school

What's happening to my yard?

One day last week I was in my pen when I heard a commotion out front. I didn't know what to do so I called out like crazy. My people came home, and let me out and as I rounded the corner to the front yard I thougth holy smokes, I'm going to get in big trouble for this!!

See the hole I saw when I came around the corner?  Yikes!!

They assured me it was all OK. The front yard was dug up past any of my hole digging efforts. Actually I was rather impressed and eager to investigate. There were clumps of grass to shake and dirt to run through and piles of dirt to paw through. Very cool really, and I can't understand why they were so adamant I stay out of it.

The next day, There I was in the back in my pen when I heard another truck come up and a bunch of noise. This time at the end of the day when I rounded the corner, there was a lot of metal stuff laying on the front by the hole.

Thursday Graham was home, so I knew anything that happened would be sanctioned by him. Whew!  Just as well, as up came a couple of trucks again, they put the big metal mesh in the hole, then a really big truck came up and for the love of God, THEY FILLED MY NEW HOLE!  What the heck??

Graham seemed happy with it, but I can tell you I wasn't. I hadn't sniffed half of the hole yet. However, there were still some piles of dirt for me to push through so I was somewhat molified. Although my Alpha Male pushed all the dirt back into the edge between the new concrete and the dirt. Tsk... more fun lost. Drat.

Actually, now that it's all finished, it's not too bad. It seems to make them happy and I suppose that's a good thing. Graham even signed our initials in the corner (I get a paw print which I think is rather artsy and very me)

Puppy School - 2nd Session

We've been working hard at the lessons since last week. Stay and heel I thought I knew, but now we've got a hand signal and leg signal to work on. Gheesh, can't we just chase butterflies?

My humans have taken me to the dog beach on Saturdays so we've had a good time there. I love how much fun I can have there with the other dogs.

I got to see Winnie the other night when Julie and I had our evening walk. I smelled her from afar and kept running ahead and looking back at Julie. I tell you, when I caught Rose's scent along with Whinnie and it was fairly close, I lost it and ran for them. Julie wasn't very happy with me, but I just love Winnie and her look but don't touch attitude drives me wild.

Anyway, back to Puppy school. Graham and Julie took turns walking me around the grounds early, and lots more dogs seemed to be here. Some of them aren't very friendly and I'm not sure why they're here, but I don't care. There's always someone new to sniff and play with. Today there was a labradoodle that I couldn't get enough of and a Grate Dane named Scarlet that was very attractive. She stood beside me and I think she thougth I was hot.


The Labradoodle wanted me, and Scarlet in between us. Both very hot gals.

I did quite well in the call to come while playing - Julie kept a nibble in her hand that kept my attention. I was more than a little distracted when standing in line, with Scarlet and the little brown labradoodle, but not as bad as last week.  It was Scarlet's first day so I was pointed to as a good example. I can't remember why, but I was very proud.



The Instructor pointing me out

 All in all a nice day. Next week is the assessment, then Easter holidays and I go up into dog obedience training. Yikes!

Oh yes, and today I got to see my cousins Meg and Reily on Skype on the computer. I had to play stupid puppy and pretend I didn't understand the technology, but I think I might be able to get through to them during the week.  Haaa haaaa... they'll never know......  Woof Woof, Elwood.

First day at school

Well, just when I thought we were going to the Kingston Dog beach, we ended up at this big field where there were a bunch of people with some other dogs. When I was getting out of the truck, my people told me I was going to puppy training school.

There were all kinds of dogs &  humans there. Big ones, noisy ones, friendly and playful and grumpy and standoff ish.  There was one dog who crawled from dog to dog - We wondered if it didn't have any muscles in it's legs, but it turns out it's just really really nervous around the other dogs, and is submissive to the point of rubber legs.

I was in puppy class with 2 Dalmatians (very friendly & playful - a brother and sister), a Red heeler (a bit of a scrapper), a white fluffy dog who didn't like anyone and growled at us all, and an assortment of other dogs who seemed friendly but were at the other end of the line so we didn't sniff each other too much.

One by one we were all walked down the line to introduce ourselves, and then the lessons began. I had the Dalmatians on either side of me. One was relatively well behaved, but the other one just wanted me to play with her, and I was so distracted. We jumped up at each other, and she let me walk over her and we wrestled.  It was good fun, but I think Julie was frustrated with me, and the Dalmatian distracting me. Julie tried her hardest to keep me on track, and for the most part did OK.

Us dogs were told to always stay on the left, which I'm already OK with, and our People told they are supposed to always start off walking with their left foot if I'm to heel, or their right foot if I'm to stay. (Sneaky people code eh?)

We walked around the pen and I stayed on the left, and paid attention to her just like when we walk in the afternoon. Then we did some "sit" work, and "play come to call" exercises.  I didn't pay as much attention as I was supposed to but there were so many dogs to watch. I especially liked the obedience class on the other side of the fence.  That's 2 weeks away.

Any how, I didn't embarrass the family name, and we'll go back next Sunday at 1 to carry on. Graham has been running me through my exercises so I remember them for next week.

We touched on stay (where Julie puts her hand in front of my face and tells me to stay, then we see how long I can stay there for.)  I should be good at that, as she can ask me to sit, tell me to stay and walk to the other side of the lawn with a yummy treat and I stay put. If only I can remember to do that with all those distractions.

Red lights and finally .... the couch

Thanks to all you other secret computer using dogs out there. I love your notes, and comments. It’s the secret life of a dog that keeps us sane while we give them those goofy sad eyes and happy faced pants they love so much.

Life around the compound; has taken on a comfortable rhythm. My people seem to be slaves to routine. The light goes on upstairs shortly after I wake up and call to them. One of them comes down and gives me breakfast (they take turns) and cleans my pen, then we go for a walk up Oxley’s where I get let off the lead and can run around and explore as we walk. That’s a ½ hour jaunt.  Then back home, they eat, have some of that bitter dark stuff they drink (I sneaked a lick, why do they drink it every morning?  Yuck) Then 3 days a week, I go back in my pen with a yummy marrow bone, my toys & I listen to the radio and do dog stuff for the day.  When they come home, I tell them how happy I am to see them, they feed me dinner, and we have another walk and play, then they eat. Then its TV time and if the skies are clear, Graham takes out his huge telescope and we look at the starts.   Thursday, Graham and I hang out and Friday’s and the weekends we’re all together.

Don't get me wrong, I have Teddy and Kitty I pal around with. As a matter of fact, Kitty and I nap together regularly.

Me and Kitty Snoozing

Red Light

Some times when Graham is setting up his big telescope, he uses this red light he calls a laser to set it up.  I notice sometimes the light escapes and darts around the ground. I run like a crazy think trying to catch it and give it back to him but it just circles around just out of reach, it’s ever so fast.  The red light even ran up Julie’s legs once. I tried to get it off her, but it’s just too fast for me.  Thankfully it didn’t seem to bother her, and then it disappears.  I’m sure it’s cause it’s tired of me chasing it. I know I’m pooped when it goes.

Finally, the couch

Yesterday Rose, George & Winnie were over. That cute little vixen of a little white dog always gets to sit on Rose’s lap when they’re here. I try to get up too but they shoe me away. Last night I finally wore them down. When they were outside looking at the stars, I got up on the couch and tried out the pillows, and I must say, it was really comfortable.  I was up there for quite a while before they noticed. Darn glowing red collar gave it away.

Caught on the couch

First they told me to get down, but after I snuck up there a couple more times, Graham put a blanket on the couch and said it was OK for me to be up there.  He he he…. I knew I’d get him.  First the couch… Hmmmm what next???? 

Shoot, they’re coming in from the garden… got to run around and look floppy eared and puzzled , they like that.  Woof woof  Elwood

Boot Camp; Kennel Relatives and hanging out

Woof Woof - Found the laptop availabe for this update but have to be quick before she comes back -

Ah Ha - Laptop available for secret Blogg Update

After the excitement of the other pack members leaving I just couldn’t settle. Work days seemed sooo long, I was so excited to see them, I’d jump around like crazy to tell them how happy I was to see them, and was so distracted, I couldn't focus when they told me to behave. I just couldn’t stop, it was like I was posessed. I even ran around the yard jumping into the air and spinning I was that excited. They laughed at those antics, but they weren't so happy when I coudn't stop eating their Ugg boots when they were wearing them, and wouldn't settle down. Thursday was Alpha Male Graham’s day at home, and he told me it was ELWOOD'S Boot Camp day.

Yahoo! I couldn’t believe my luck as you know how much I love foot atire. Who'd have thought, a whole day of it!!

I’ve been at their feet every minute this last week, and I thought they were getting frustrated with my addiction. I couldn’t wait for the boots to come out. What would they be? Leather ones like Graham’s new ones I’ve been tasting lately? Fluffy woolly UGG boots that I LOOOVE, rubber gum boots (not so tasty but fun to gnaw on).

Julie left for work, I sat looking at Graham waiting for the boots. Imagine my surprise when we walked back into the house and no boots appeared. It appears Boot Camp means "back to training and rules". BUGGER! Although I suppose deep down when he said I had to re learn my manners so I’d be a good dog allowed to be in the house, it's worth it. I love being with them inside.

It was a day of patient repetition for me, Graham must have said NO a million times, but he was always ready to give me a tummy rub after when I did the right thing, and we played too.

Kennel Relatives

Early Saturday morning, we went for a walk to get the paper and stretch our legs. From across the street we saw 2 chocolate labs, like me only older in the parking lot at the Cricket Oval. They smelled straingly familiar yet different. Their heads lifted when they smelled me too and they started straining at their halters. Gee they were BIG. Max and Gus (Augusta) and they smell familiar 'cause we share a parent. They're from the same kennel as me. It was great to have a sniff and a chat with them. Looks like I’m going to be big – around 35 kilo’s – did I mention I’m already 23 kilos now? Julie says my body seems to have lengthened in the last week, I know I'm always hungry. Maybe another growing spurt on the way? Everyone commented on me having a good looking head, and being a fine looking specimine. Awe Shucks.

Hanging Out  We left them to carry on with their day and had a good romp in the dog area, then spent the day together around the house. It was great. I even got to have an extra walk with my little girlfriend Winnie in the evening. She gets grumpy when I try to play with her (after all she is older) but it was nice to have her along. I hung back with her to make sure she was OK, but it almost seemed like she was hanging back, trying to avoid me…. Hmmmmm.

I helped Julie with the Gardening too. I’m not sure why, but she tried to fluff up all the flower beds I’ve spent ages jumping into and flattening so they’re really comfy for me. She snipped the dead stuff and pulled it out, so I sniffed everywhere she was working to make sure there was nothing around that was dangerous. She kept patting my head and moving me along. We’re a good team.



Ready for Smoko

Sunday I had Julie all to myself. Graham went to the Fire Dept training day, and she decided to stay home. We hung out while she cleaned out the pantry. When she said it was smoko time, I trotted outside got my current favourite bone, brought it back in and went straight to the couch with it. She was smiling and shaking her head, as she very firmly told me no, and asked me what I was thinking? She told me we were having smoko outside and explained inside the house is a "bone free zone". Gheesh, just when I thought I’d figured them out. I’ve been watching so I know for smoko they get some food, sit on the couch and have it and a coffee. I thought I'd fit right in.

When she sat at the picnic table, I tried to get up on it, bone in mouth, so I could have my bone with her, and she told me dogs couldn’t eat on the table. I looked at her and wondered “what’s a dog?” but snuggled close to her feet and we spent a happy half hour listening to the birds and the water feature, and the dulcet sounds of brush cutters and weed whackers as Sunday unfolded around the neighbourhood.

Did I mention we had 4 Pete’s at the bird feeder this morning. They are beautiful parots, but they don’t share very well. Only one of them will be in the bird feeder at one time while the others stand guard, or pick up the dropped seeds.

Yikes here she comes - that's all for now.


My new toy - Kitty

Jude Lee and Julie went to Bruny Island today and Graham stayed home with me. It was nice to hang out with my Alpha.  The others had a nice time and came home with stories of their adventures and lots of pats for me.  This is Auntie and Uncle at Cloudy Bay on Bruny Island

It was the last night with our visitors.  Uncle Lee gave me a whopping big batch of berries and Auntie Jude gave me a wrapped present left behind by Santa Paws. Everyone was impressed with how quickly I opened it. It's another fluffy toy. This one is a Kitty.  It smells like my cousins in Canada Meg and Riley and I went absolutely delerious when I got it.
I raced around shaking Kitty and was so excited It had to go outside with her. Just when I thought Kitty couldn't be any better, Julie came over and squeased her front paws. My goodness, they both Squeak!!  This is just the best!!

Company - Auntie Jude & Uncle Lee

More socialising for me, as this week I met more of Graham’s pack. His sister Jude and her mate Lee came to visit. When I came around the corner, I knew she was family because she smells sort of like Graham. There is something especially yummy about Jude, which makes me really love to sneak up on her when she sits on the couch and lick and nibble her. There’s something about her feet that is very appealing to me. No matter how often they remind me, to stop I just can’t seem to help myself.

Julie and Graham had to work the first monring of their stay, so Julie took me for my early morning walk, and then they left me in my pen and went to work. Auntie Jude and Uncle Lee got up and let me out of my pen and we started to hang out. I like them in my pack. They feed me lots of biscuits and take me for mega walks, and Uncle Lee picks the best black berries for me which he feeds to me by the handful.  Yumm!!

Uncle Lee pretends he doesn’t enjoy me being around, but I see through his playful gruffness. They all laughed when he said he thought I was “a bit of alright” until he saw what I liked to eat along the road. Then he didn’t want any part of my licking him anymore. 

I’ve got his number though.  If I sit as close as I can to him, and watched his every move intently, he slips me some veggies, and puts some chicken bits aside for me for breakfast. I’ve got him wrapped around my little paw nail. 

We all went for a walk on Thursday and it was heaven. Uncle Lee fed me handfuls of blackberries and I didn’t even have to do anything for them. Not sit, shake a paw just one after another overflowing handful of the juiciest berries he picked for me himself.  I love them. Graham and Julie shook their heads, but we had a lot of fun. Everyone was getting me sticks, and Uncle Lee and Graham found really long branches for me to carry. Life is good.

My humans seem to like to give me some alone time while this new pack is here, so we have a little morning time together, then I get a fresh bone and some relaxation time in my pen while they go exploring. When they get home, I get a walk and Uncle Lee gives me more blackberries. This all seems like a good deal to me.

Today I worked my pen fence out enough to be able to make my way up the wood pile and into the yard. I think this is very sensible set up for me, so I can come and go. Graham and Julie were sure surprised when they found out how I was getting out.

Uncle Lee saw blackberries were for sale for $6. a punnet and was horrified at the dollar value of the snacks he’s been supplying me with, but I think deep down he thinks I’m worth it. After much insistance from Julie & Graham about me having to do something for the berries, he's taught me a new trick.  What ever - as long as I get the berries in the end.....

First time at the Kingston Dog Beach




Who Loves You?

 

I guess it's just more proof that I am growning, It appears I'm too big to be a lap dog, so I get my hugs sitting up.  I weighed yesterday at 22 kilo's exactly. I will be 5 months old on March 5th.

Our resident Parrot friends Pete, Pete and Big Pete have brought a little friend along with them lately. What a lovely colour, This little fellow fairly shouts good weather, don't you think?

 I had a big day today! I had my 2 1/2 kilometre morning walk, then ... 



A man and his dog



My Alpha male Graham, made me feel like a big dog for sure. He took the small puppy crate which I had fit nicely into for my flight here from the kennel, out of the back of the truck and put in my big one. It's official; I'm more dog than puppy now. I have way more room in it. My pack popped me in my bigger crate, and we went on a very mysterious adventure. 

We stopped at Kinston Beach and walked along the path, past the beach volley ball players, (where I enjoyed some attention and a few pats from the officials) to the KINGSTON DOG BEACH.  Wow, it's totally for us canines, complete with a huge "Off the lead" area. As I walked I could hear loud noises, that seemed to come from the salty water, Julie told me they were waves, and explained it was them crashing

Florence teaches me the ropes at Kingston Dog beach

 onto the beach I could hear.  I wasn't game to go jumping into them yet they're a bit un nerving.



It was very exciting as there were so many new smells to sniff out as we walked along the path and people who wanted to pat me.  I met a new friend, Florence a medium sized Labradoodle like my cousin Jigs only smaller and less curly





She loves to play and we had a great time running around each other, into the freshwater, rolling in the sand, sniffing the seaweed and jumping. It was fabulous fun.  And there was so much room to race around in. I definitely had my happy face on!



 

Who's faster??

I thought I could run fast until my experience at the beach. These other dogs are very fast too. I had to really push myself to stay in front.












Mommy!!!!

I met lots of other dogs during my walk. From a huge Burmese Mountain Dog, to the tiny Springer Spaniel puppy (from the same pack). The Dalmatian had me running back to the safety of my pack. I wasn't quite sure about him.



I had some time with Graham throwing sticks into the water for me. I wasn't that keen on fetching, but the whole water experience was really quite fascinating!

I even tried sniffing under water.






Toby and me, playing

 

I met another Chocolate Lab puppy from the mainland whose birthday is 4 days after mine. His name is Toby and for 4 days younger than me, he's much bigger. He's from the mainland but another breeder, and they think he'll be over 70 lbs when he's grown. We had a lot of fun together, and even though he is bigger, I held my own with him. Julie said it was lucky he had a collar on, or she wouldn't know which of us was which.

After all the excitement of these new dogs, we walked back to the car on our own. It was nice to just walk with my pack, to be truthful, I was quite pooped.  I had a huge snooze, then another Oxleys Road walk after dinner.

What a HUGE day!!

 



The other dogs are fun, but I like this best



New Tricks - Frisbee

Graham and Julie came home today with a new toy – a Frisbee for Dogs.  Graham sat me down and explained how it worked. I looked at him and listened intently, but it took me a few explanations and tosses to really understand. That and I kind of get a kick out of him throwing something, then showing me how to go and bring it back. The actual dog frisbee is very well designed from my puppy point of view. It has a bump in the middle I can grab with my teeth if the bump faces up  and if the bump is underneath, when I step on the frisbee, the bump makes the disk tilt so I can pick it up on the sides with me teeth.  It’s great fun.

Still Growing

OK even I have to admit I’m growing now. We looked back at my favourite toy, the plastic plant pot. We lined them up in order of sizes I’ve gone through, and when you think I used to put my whole head in the little black one, I must have grown. 

 I’ve also noticed how small the travel crate is becoming. I almost fill it up. I think I’ll be in the bigger crate soon.  I'm still puppy cute though right?