Car Rides

I always get anxious when Mom looks like she’s getting ready to go out—am I coming too? Where are we going? And for how long??

Sometimes it means a shift of guard duty for me, but sometimes it means I get to ride around in the car with Mom! It’s so much fun to watch the scenery pass by from an air conditioned car. Occasionally, I’ll roll down the window and get a whiff of whatever smells we pass by. I can see why other dogs love sticking their heads out of the window so much!

I usually like to sit in the passenger seat, or in the space below the passenger seat so I can lie in the shade. Half the fun of driving somewhere is hopping out of the car and trying to figure out where we are: Stanford? The bay lands? (gasp) Jack’s house??

Other times I like to sit right in on the driver’s lap with Mama. Luckily I’m small enough that I don’t get in the way when she’s steering. It’s fun to sit in the captain’s chair, I can’t wait until my next car ride!

Squirrels!

I admit it. I can’t help myself. It’s like an instinct. I see one scurrying across the back fence and — boom! Like a rocket I’m on the attack!

Trouble is, I never seem to be able to catch one. I’ve even tried my best to climb trees to reach ‘em, but no dice. Five years now I’ve been at it (probably longer, if you count my pre-forever homes) and still I’m coming up empty.

When I’m out on a walk, I really, really try to keep myself in check. I know She’s not happy when I take off like that, but... geez... what’s a guy to do? Those bushy-tailed rats don’t belong in my realm. I see one and... bam! But so far, to no avail.

Still, I keep trying. Like I said, it’s an instinct. And just you wait, one of these days... I’m going to catch one!

First Walk of the Morning

            The first walk of the morning is always a treat!

            After a restful night, I have a spring in my step that can be hard for my peeps to keep up with! They are still sleepy, sometimes in sweats, but not me. Up and at ‘em, says I!

            I have my favorite spots to water on our block. God help the dog (or biped) who crosses me! I don’t welcome outsiders to my territory!

            There are a few exceptions. My buddy Archie, who lives around the corner, and my pals Ewa and Jack. But in the early morn, we usually run into construction workers – some who bring their dogs to the job – and other walkers, who I try not to let bother me, and… squirrels!

            Those squirrels! It’s pure instinct to pounce on them but so far, I’ve never caught one, not even when I try my best to climb the trees they are scaling!

            After a brisk walk, breakfast is a treat.

            As for the rest of the day, who knows what may come my way?

Spring is here!

Spring is here, spring is here, spring is here!!

I love spring! There are so many colorful flowers and the weather is so nice, not too hot or too cold; I think it’s my favorite time of year! I always take a little extra time on my morning walks to smell the fresh flowers, and this time of year, they’re especially potent. Of course, it’s easy for me to enjoy all the different smells, I don’t have any allergies. That’s not true for all the people I live with though, they have to start taking allergy medicine so they’re not sneezing all day.

If you need springtime allergy medicine, don’t be afraid to get some; I want everyone to enjoy the nice weather as much as I do!

Outside!

Lately it seems like the weather has been getting warmer, and it’s been raining less. I get kinda stir crazy if I’m inside for too long, so it’s important to enjoy the good weather while it’s here.

If I’m not going out for the day, I like to lie in the warm tanbark in my back yard with the flowers. Sometimes it’s so peaceful that I fall asleep! I can’t rest too long though; there are a lot of squirrels and birds that come by now that we have a bird bath, and I have to keep the house safe.

I don’t know why everyone feels like they need to run around all the time, but I think everyone would feel better if they slow down a little. I know people are pretty busy, but take some time to smell the flowers!