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.....