It's New Year's Eve and I'm quivering already!

Today is something called New Year's Eve. I remember last year when this happened. It was really difficult to get a good night's sleep. People around here went crazy! Shooting shotguns and firecrackers and blowing car horns. 

It was bad enough Mom and Dad stayed up so late. I'm used to being in bed with Mom around ten o'clock for her reading time. This staying up past midnight makes me yawn. It sounds like it's going to happen again tonight.

But there's really good news, too! I saw Mom put two steaks in the fridge. I love steak! I love steak almost as much as giblets! I get steak four times a year! 

All I need to do is cozy up to the dining room table between Mom and Dad, sit like the good dog I am, and wait for the steak! And if I sit up and be "handsome," I'll get even more. Mom calls me a beggar when I do that but I think she secretly likes it because it always makes her laugh. 

And then tomorrow we're having pork! 

I love New Year's! I'm quivering already! 

I just hope I don't start to drool before the food is on the table. 

Merry Christmas

Mom said I had to pose for a nice picture for Christmas day.

I was a bratty dog and didn't cooperate. It didn't matter.

Mom PHOTOSHOPPED me sitting in front of the tree.

I'm Deuce. You'd think I'd remember Mom can out-think me. 

Merry Christmas!


PS. Mom says I only look like I'm wearing a green halo. She says I wasn't an angel when she wanted pictures. 

I wish I had thumbs

Mom and Dad have been uber busy since Thanksgiving. Especially Mom. She looks after Dad and me, and now she has to look after her stepfather and his house. The other night she fell asleep at seven o'clock. I wasn't ready for bed but I went with her because protecting her is my job. 

She's been sorting through Grandma's things. It started out because of a plumbing leak at Grandma's house. She had to move a lot of plastic storage containers so she decided to just "handle it right now and be done." I'm not sure what that means but it took a lot of hours and Mom took a lot of clothes and fabric somewhere. I went along to help once, but I think I just got in the way. I wanted to help but I don't have thumbs. I can't hold open trash bags or carry them for her. I don't think that's fair. 

The funny thing is, Mom loves my paws. She's all the time saying, "look at your feet!" when I come back from being outside. I can tell she's not angry so that must mean she loves them. 

I remember when I was really, really little she always played with my toes. Come to think of it, the first thing my vet said to me was "look at the paws on that one!"

So I guess I have really good paws even though I can't help Mom carry stuff. But I'm thinking having thumbs would be pretty cool.

I'm a lucky dog

I'm a really lucky dog. Mom and Dad wanted me before they even met me. Mom says the way things fell into place for them to find me means we were meant to be together. 

I have a crate I only sleep in when I want to, although sometimes when company comes I have to go inside and wait until everyone is sitting down to greet them. That's difficult. I don't have a lot of patience, but I'm Deuce! I can do it. Mom fusses about my crate. Well, it's all my stuff on top of it that bugs her, but I NEED my stuff. 

Dad's a little different. Dad doesn't fuss about much. In fact, he spoils me worse than Mom does. Dad lets drink from his water bottle, which makes Mom cringe. 

I don't get it. I give Mom kisses. What's the difference? 

Dad and I are home all day while Mom works so we get out a lot. His chair can go four miles per hour but I'm still a lot faster. We go in and out the lane a couple times a day, even when it rains. We love getting outside in the fresh air. We play Frisbee and ball a lot, but not in the rain. 

Mom keeps my treats in sealable jars on the kitchen island. Dad keeps a stash for me in the stand beside his chair. I can hear the drawer handle jiggle from anywhere in the house. 

I love riding in Dad's new pickup and he takes me with him almost everywhere he goes. Except when he has to go to a doctor. I have to stay home but I don't have to stay in my crate. I can sleep on the couch when he's gone. Mom put a special quilted cover down for me. Mom says I'm a money pit but I'm worth it. 

I saw on television that this is the time of year to be grateful for things called blessings. I think that means to be aware of the people who love me. Mom and Dad love me a lot. I'm a very lucky dog. 

The best thing about Thanksgiving is GIBLETS!!!!

Thanksgiving has just become my favorite holiday!

I'd heard Mom and Dad talking about Thanksgiving so I knew it had something to do with food. Lots and lots of food. I love food! I have a new favorite food! But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Monday morning, Mom got the turkey she bought out of the freezer and put it in the refrigerator. I knew it was in there, too. Yesterday morning, Mom got the turkey out and did a bunch of stuff to it. I didn't see it all because I was napping with Dad. By the time Dad and I got up, I could really smell turkey roasting. I love the smell of roasting turkey! 

Then Mom put some broth over my breakfast and I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Then she asked me if I wanted a giblet. I didn't have a clue what a giblet was, but I figured if Mom cooked it special for me it had to be good. 

Then she gave it to me and I KNEW I'd died and gone to heaven! I love giblets! Giblets are the best! I want giblets every day! I'm probably going to dream about giblets from now on!

Mom has the giblets in a little bowl. She cut them up into little pieces for me. I knew they were on the counter. I could smell them. Every time Mom got up to do something, I watched her with my X-ray vision. I see all and miss nothing. My telepathy must not be too good, though. I tried and tried to send a message to her to give me more but she put the bowl in the fridge. That was a real bummer. 

I won't give up trying to convince her to give them all to me, not until I know the bowl is empty.

I'm Deuce. I'm going to stare at Mom until she cooperates. 

Can I say "I told you so?"

Yesterday was pretty interesting and not in a good way, at least at first. 

I have a really big yard to patrol. I take this job very seriously. Mom and Dad depend on me to let them know when deer are in the yard, and to keep an eye on Dad when he's outside. 

Well, he went outside WITHOUT me, so how was I supposed to accomplish that?

It's autumn and that means lots and lots and lots of leaves are everywhere! I like leaves! Leaves are cool! They fly around when I run through them! I love the crunchy sound! But too many leaves can smother the grass so Dad rides the mower around to chop them up. 

Yesterday, Dad went out to do some chopping and he left me inside. I did not like this and I liked it even less when the mower stopped running and Dad was stranded out in the middle of the yard. I could have been there for him! I could have kept him company until help arrived! 

When the mower wouldn't start, he called Mom. Mom said she tried to call a few of the cousins but no one was home so she left her job and came home to help Dad. She got me to come outside, too, which was the right thing for her to do. I needed to keep an eye on them! 

Once Mom got Dad back in his power chair and the mower rolled back in the shed, she told Dad he needed to take us to Sonic for dinner because she needed to go to the grocery store and hadn't stopped. Mom confessed she was out of dog food!

What gives here?? Okay, I know Dad needed help, but he left me inside the house. Mom really should have stopped at the store on her way home. Dad could have lasted another ten minutes. It wasn't that cold!

And why was she out of dog food? I might starve! I'm a Lab and we really like our dinner. 

But it all worked out. Dad was safe. Mom got to go to the store and got not only my dog food (and a new kind of treat), she got a turkey. And the best part is we all went to Sonic and we each had a hamburger! Mine was plain. Theirs were loaded with stuff like pickles and lettuce that I don't like. 

Dad, next time you go outside, you'd better take me with you. 

I do look like Jett!

Greenbrier Smokey Jett - first snow 2003

Mom was looking through some old pictures and she found one of Jett she thought she'd lost. It's of him when he saw snow for the first time. I hope Mom doesn't misplace any pictures of me. 

Hey, I remember snow! Snow was fun! And cold! But I'm older now and I can handle the cold better. 

Mom tells me secrets sometimes and she told me she didn't think she'd ever love another dog the way she did Jett, but then I came along and I'm special in my own ways. I know I have some big pawprints to fill, but I can do it.

Jett was a Lab like me. Mom says even though I look like Jett, she can tell our pictures apart. She says my soul shows in my eyes and she'll always know it's me. I guess it's a good thing to have a soul, whatever that is. Mom says Jett was a lot more laid-back and easy-going than me, not that it's a bad thing. It was just the way he was. I'm more energetic and outgoing. It makes me who I am and Mom likes that. She told me I should always be myself because that's the best way to be a happy dog. 

Maybe it would be okay if Mom misfiled a picture or two of me. That way she can be happy and think about the good times with me when she finds them. 

Greenbrier Smokey Deuce - fall 2017

Another picture of little 'ol me

Mom thinks I'm very handsome. She likes to snap my picture. She took a bunch of them while we were walking last Saturday. 

Here's me in my orange safety vest. I turned around to see what was taking Mom so long and sure enough, she took my picture. 

I'm Deuce! I should have known!

An early November walk

Yesterday was a really nice day. Not too hot, not too cool. Just the kind of day Mom loves and when
Mom is happy with the weather, I get to go on long walks through the woods. 

I knew we were going. I overheard her talking to Dad. Then she put my orange safety vest on me. It's the proper fall style, or so she says, but it's a lot tighter than it was last year. I am full grown now. But it wasn't too tight, and orange looks really good with black fur, so it was okay. Mom wore orange, too, even though the hunters are not supposed to be anywhere near where we were. Mom says some of them deliberately ignore the markers so it's better safe than sorry.

First off, Mom didn't let me get in the creek. I knew I couldn't because she didn't slip off my collar. That was okay. The water is pretty cold now. When we got to the top of the first hill, there were walnuts everywhere! They look like balls but they taste nasty. Mom wondered if she should come back after our walk and gather up a bag full. Like I said before - people are nuts. 

Mom took a video of me just being me. She wants to remember me forever so she likes to do that. She doesn't care if they don't look professional. They're for her and Dad although she shares a few of them from time-to-time.  

I really like walking with Mom because she lets me run around and sniff whatever I want. She doesn't think it's bad that I mark my trail or that I lead the way. It's my walk, too, so she thinks I should enjoy it. 

The water at the headwater of the creek was cold, too. I walked through it but didn't get too wet. I saved that for on the way home. And today I learned I have to be careful and not swallow dry leaves. They stick to the side of my throat and make me cough. I do not like that.  

After we got home, Mom and Dad worked on one of the mowers while I played with an old Frisbee. It started to get chilly so we all went inside. Mom fixed dinner and we all settled down for the evening. It was a good day to be Deuce.

The long ride

Mom had vacation days she said she had to use or lose so she took a long weekend. I like having her home for five days straight. I get to do a lot of interesting things when Mom is home with me and Dad. Today was great! Dad wanted to go for a drive and I got to go along! We took the new truck.

I was pretty excited to get to go along. We packed a cooler with lots of water and a bowl for me. We drove across the Potomac River, and then the Shenandoah River. I could tell from the way they talked Mom and Dad had been across those bridges quite a few times. They knew where they were going but it was all new to me. 

We stopped at a Sheetz and had a smuffin for breakfast. Mom said folks will think I only ever get to eat people food but the truth is my parents are pretty careful about what sort of people food I get. Real protein, like eggs and bacon, Mom doesn't worry about. I know they're really, really good! After breakfast, Dad found a side road so I could get out and tinkle. Mom made me use my leash, which I didn't like. I wanted to explore but she said 'no' and she's the boss. 

The road led up this big hill to a place called Ashby's Gap. Mom and Dad like it because as soon as you get to the top, the view of a valley, to the right, is pretty spectacular. Mom wanted to take a picture but it wasn't safe to pull over. 

I got a little bored and made myself comfy. Sure the mountains were pretty, but see one and see them all. I tried to take a nap, but I couldn't. I was really glad when Dad made a right turn and I sensed we were headed home. We were gone almost four hours and even though we stopped every hour just in case I had to pee, it was a long time in dog minutes. 

Going for a long ride with Mom and Dad is okay. I think it's better than being left home alone. Mom said we all learned a lot about how we can travel together. I think that means I'll get to go with them more often. I'm good with that. 

The red fox

Saturday morning started out with a boom. Seriously. A big boom! The neighbor down over the hill fired a shot at daybreak! Dad said it sounded like a black powder muzzleloader. The deer hunters have a black powder season so lots of the neighbors have those guns. 

Mom and I woke up to the big boom. Mom muttered something about idiots but since she wasn't talking about me or Dad, I went back to sleep for a bit. When we finally got up, Mom took me straight-away to the door like she always does. I knew as soon as I stepped outside something was wrong. I smelled it and pushed Mom back inside. She didn't know what was going on and fussed me for almost knocking her down. 

I growled and growled so she started looking out the windows and that's when she saw it lying in the yard beside the patio - an injured red fox. Mom opened the bathroom window and the fox tried to get up and run but it couldn't. Its hind legs were paralyzed but it was still strong enough to drag itself a few feet and hide under the hostas. 

Right away she told me it had been shot. Mom went into the bedroom and told Dad he had to get up and put the fox out of its misery. I had to think about that for a minute and I'm pretty sure she meant the fox was in a lot of pain and it made her sad. It made Dad sad, too. He got up and didn't even put on his pants before he loaded the rifle. He said we couldn't let the fox suffer any longer than necessary. 

Dad's a really good shot. 

Mom and Dad used the backhoe on the John Deere to bury the fox. Even though they don't like having foxes around, they were still sad they had to put it down. They're kind of angry with the neighbors, too. They say if you load your gun to hunt, you'd better know how to make a clean, quick kill. They say it's wrong to let any animal suffer. 

I agree.

There were sticks everywhere!

Yesterday, Mom, Dad, and a bunch of people cut down a tree. I got to meet cousin John. He's pretty cool. I like his red polka dot hat. 

The tree that needed cut was a big oak. Like, really big. Mom rented a big lift and put Uncle Mike on it. Uncle Mike is fearless. He went up so high - all the way up as far as the lift would go. They didn't ask me if I wanted to ride along and I'm glad they didn't. I would have been scared. At least I didn't have to run away and let them all know that. It would have been embarrassing. 

Most of the time I had to watch from in the house. Mom and Dad worried a log might fall on me and they may have been correct. Things falling from the sky isn't something I know to watch for. I got to go out and greet everyone, and then watch while they got the equipment positioned. Then I got to go back outside when Uncle Mike was finished cutting. Best of all, I got to eat lunch with everyone! Mom fixed me two plain hamburgers! I did do a lot of running yesterday. It's hard work keeping an eye on Dad when he's on the John Deere but I'm in really good shape and can run beside him. 

I found a bunch of really good sticks while everyone worked. Mom and Aunt Donna played fetch with me. The guys - not so much. They were focused on getting the job done, but Mom knows it's important to make me feel like one of the pack. 

Today me, Mom, and Dad are going to burn a brush pile. There's a lot to burn, too. I'd say it's a waste of perfectly big sticks but I know I can find more. 

I just hope Mom fixes something good for breakfast. I burned a lot of calories yesterday!

The little round red thing

I love my ball! I love it soooooo much!! I'll do anything Mom says if she offers to play ball with me. She tries to be sneaky and call the ball the "little round red thing" but I've caught on to her.

I'm Deuce. I know!

It was a beautiful autumn Saturday so Mom and Dad decided to cut down a few trees along the lane. I was worried at first. Whenever they want to play outside with power tools, I end up left inside. Today was different. This being almost two years old is really paying off!

Turns out the trees they wanted to cut down were small ones. Dad got on the John Deere and Mom used the battery-powered chainsaw. She didn't need the big Stihl for these. I don't know much about trees, but Mom said if they cut down the small maple, cherry, and poplar trees, then the little oak tree would have room to grow big and strong.

We were outside for a couple of hours. I ran around in the woods and had a good time while they worked. I know how to stay aware of which way the tractor is moving and to keep wide. When they hook a chain around a downed tree to drag it, I know to stay to the rear. I didn't know how to do that last fall.

But the best part of the day was when Mom played ball with me. I love the little round red thing.

The big, bad kitchen floor

Mom's not happy and when Mom isn't happy, ain't no puppy happy. 

I don't know why, or maybe I can't remember why, but I'm afraid to walk across the kitchen floor. It doesn't make any sense. I used to run through the kitchen all the time. Now it scares me. 

Mom is trying to be patient with me, but she knows there's no reason in the world for me to be afraid. It's only the floor. We all walk on the floor.  Heck, I sleep on the floor. The floor doesn't move or anything. It just lies there. 

I wish I knew why I got frightened. I'm Deuce. I'm a big guy, not a baby. So why am I behaving like a little scared puppy? It's sort of embarrassing. 

Mom's being patient with me and helping me work through it. She puts her hand on my shoulders and tells me it's okay. Once I take the first two steps into the kitchen, I'm better. I can do it.

But you know what's really confusing? Sometimes I forget I'm scared and trot right through! 

No wonder Mom told me I'm behaving like an idiot. 

A big change

Today was very different for me. First off it's something called Labor Day. It sounds sort of fishy to me because a lot of people are on a holiday but Mom and Dad know things I don't. 

The day started out okay. Mom fixed me breakfast. She fed Dad, too. I'd better mention that. Breakfast is important. Then they got ready to go away. I was not happy because when they go away without me, I have to go in my crate and it's boring. But today was different. Mom said I could stay loose in the house! 

I was good all day. They left at eleven in the morning and didn't get home until six in the evening! I really had to pee but I held it all day long - just like the good dog I am. Mom told me she was sorry they were gone so long, but the place they went has no concept of how valuable time is or how important it was to her to get home to me. I think she was more stressed than I was that I had to hold myself for awhile. 

But that's not the strange part of the day. They left in my truck and came home in a different truck. Well, you know I barked like a big dog at first because I didn't know it was them. Mom came into the house and got me lickity-split and showed me how to jump into the new pickup. The back seat has a door on each side! I can jump in from Dad's side and that is so cool. I like it! I bet Dad likes it, too, now that he won't have to go around to the other side to let me in. It'll be a lot easier for him when it's just the two of us. He still needs to put on a set of running boards to make it easier for him to get in and out, and then the truck will be as good as old Silver. I wonder what Mom will name this blue truck?

Mom fixed dinner and then we all went for a ride in the new pickup. I had plenty of room to sit and I can see out the windshield better now. Plus, my windows go up and down! I like that, too. The back seat is what Mom calls a split seat. She says it's a one-third to two-third split. The smaller seat is perfect for me! I might get to sit there when Mom is along. 

I liked the old truck but I'm learning that things change. The new blue truck has made Dad really happy so I'm happy, too. I wonder where he'll take us tomorrow? 

It's still dark outside

Mom is on vacation today. She's awake but she won't take me outside to play ball. I know it's still dark, but I can see really well. If she throws my ball, I'll hear it land and be able to find it. If she'd get me a glow-in-the-dark ball - problem solved!

Hey, Mom! Get thee to Amazon! We're missing valuable play time!!

Why no picture of me? Oh, yeah. It's dark. 

What's an eclipse?

Mom and Dad talked about something called an eclipse for a couple of days. I didn't get it. The sun and the moon do their things. The sun shines and I wake up so I can play and eat. The moon comes up, it's bedtime, and Mom and I go to bed. But parents are a little crazy sometimes and they seemed to think the moon passing between the sun and the earth was a big deal. 

The big deal for me was Mom came home to spend the afternoon with me and Dad. She fixed sandwiches to eat on the porch and that was a good thing. Like, really good. I love ham and cheese! 

While Mom and Dad sat outside, I snoozed inside Mom's office. She left the door open so I could go in and out through my fancy screen, but the deck boards were a little hot for my paws. Inside was better. 

Everything was normal for awhile. The nutsy squirrels were running around, the birds were singing. I even heard a hawk. But then it got really quiet. I didn't hear anything except the rooster who lives down the road. Mom and Dad talked but they almost whispered. It looked sorta different for being in the middle of the day. I thought about coaxing Mom to play Frisbee in case I had my times mixed up and it would be bedtime soon, but then everything went back to normal. 

Dad said it was all over and he was ready to go back inside where it was cooler. Mom said okay and they came inside with me. 

I don't guess I'll ever understand the excitement about an eclipse. Mom says it won't happen again in my lifetime so I'm really glad we got to share it as a pack. 

Riding along on a Friday night

I got to ride in Mom's Charger tonight! It was great! Mom put my old blanket across the seat and off we went! Dad rode shotgun.

They call it riding shotgun because in the old western movies the stagecoach driver always has someone with him for protection. That's Dad. He protects us.

Anyway, Mom had to go to town to get something called "shock" for the pool. The water got a bit of a green tinge to it and Mom did not like that at all. She's never had that happen before but she knew what to do. Mom knows a lot.

I was surprised when she said I could ride along in her car. I don't get to do that very often. It's okay. I like Dad's pickup a lot better. I have to sit or lie down in the car. I can move around better in the truck. But I do know how to behave in her car. I'm old enough now to know when to be a good dog and this was the time.

We went across some back roads and I got to look out the window at everything. That was cool. I even got to bark at some dude on a mower. Dad was playing with his phone and when I looked between the seats to see what he was doing, he took my picture. I was really studying the phone! You can tell I was! I'm curious about all sorts of things and what's important to Dad is important to me.

What I didn't like is when Mom got out of the car without me. I hate it when she gets away from me. I can't protect her if she doesn't take me with her. I was really glad she wasn't in the store very long. She went in, got what she needed, and came straight back. I let her kiss me on the head when she got back in the car. 

It was a nice outing but I was glad to get home. We left before I ate my dinner - my fault, not Mom's. I could have had my dinner earlier because it was in my bowl, but I decided to wait. So while Mom put the Shock in the pool, I chowed down. I was hungry!

I'm Deuce! I'll sleep good tonight 'cause my belly is really full. 

Let's talk

It's time for me to have a serious conversation with Mom and Dad. 

Yesterday was Dad's family reunion. I had to spend a couple of hours in my crate. Ok, I get it. They worry I'll get bored and do something they won't like to entertain myself. It could happen even though I'm pretty much all grown up now. I know a lot of things and I know chewing up the throw pillows and digging in the trash can are big no-nos. 

I don't like it when Mom and Dad go away without me. Sure it hurts when my people don't include me, but I understand. Sometimes they just have to go take care of business. 

They said they were going to a family reunion. So how come Mom came home smelling of hound dog??????  I did not like this. 

And I get it that Dad wanted to spend some time with Uncles Bob and Jim playing poker and losing money. (He could have bought a whole big bag of Grillers with that money!) Mom says it's bonding time and I get bonding time is important.  So how come Dad came home at one o'clock in the morning smelling of two different mixed breeds????  Did he think I wasn't going to notice???? 

There had better be some good compensation for this. 

My feelings are a little hurt. Mom has apologized to me. She said if she'd known dogs were allowed, I could have gone along. Dad is still sleeping and I'm going to ignore him until he apologizes, too. 

I'm a good dog. I don't pee on human things. I don't bark much. I don't, nor have I ever, snatched people food off the table. I listen to what Mom tells me. I'm polite and well-behaved when Mom says the situation calls for it.

I'm Deuce, and I'm family, too. 

Walking is good!

The rain is gone! I'm so happy that first thing this morning I could go outside and not get wet! I know I'm a Labrador Retriever and we like water, but rain is not water. Rain is rain. It falls from the sky. Water is in the creek. That's the fun stuff!

Mom was happy the rain was past, too. I knew when she got her straw hat, the one she sprays bug repellant on, we were going for a walk. I love to go for walks with Mom!

We live out in the country so we have lots of places to go where we don't see cars. Mom knows all the best roads and paths, and where the best spots in the creeks are. We were out for almost an hour and didn't see a car or a person until we got back to our road. I didn't have to go on the leash once and I think that's a good thing. Being more mature is starting to pay off with extra privileges. 

Mom took a video to show Dad how I keep an eye on her when we're out alone. I always look back to make sure Mom is where she's supposed to be. And when I go to her and sit, I get a treat! 

When we got back, Cousin Dave had Bella with him. I think I scared her because I got all excited and wanted to play. I ran around and around and she wouldn't join me. Maybe some day. She's younger than me, you know. 

I was pretty tuckered when I got home. I stretched out on the floor beside Dad's recliner and took a quick nap. I did earn it, after all. 

I'm Deuce. Helping Mom get all her steps in for the day is what I do. 

Rain, rain go away

I think the fun Saturday I hoped Mom and I would have is a bust. It's been drizzling all morning. Mom says it's dreary. That may be so, but it's also very boring. It's Saturday. Mom is supposed to do fun stuff with me on Saturday. 

I asked her as nicely as I know how to take me for a walk but she said she needed to check the radar. I wasn't sure what "radar" was code for, but now I know. 

I do not like radar. Checking the radar means I don't get to go for a walk. Radar means more rain is coming. 

This is going to be a long day. How many naps can one energetic pup have in a day? I guess I'm about to find out. 

The end of the free range puppy

It happened just like Mom and Dad said it would. They installed railing on two sides of the sunroom porch. I'm staring at the deer through bars. It's the end of the free range me. 

Mom's rolling her eyes at me. She says it's not that bad but she's tall enough to look over the bars...er...railing. Does this look like my happy face? 

I guess having railing isn't all that bad. I can still see the deer but they can't see me. Or maybe they can but since I'm behind bars they're not scared of me. They forget I'm descended from wolves. 

It could be worse. Mom and Dad could put railing up on the center section of the deck. Maybe I shouldn't give them any ideas. That section is only a couple of inches off the ground. I'd have to be really careless to slide off that part. And the part of the deck at the front door is only about a foot or so high. I jump on and off there all the time. Watch out for the rose bushes, though. They're sort of thorny, if you know what I mean.

Mom says that by Saturday morning I'll be used to the railing. She says she'll take a treat jar outside for me while she has her coffee. We'll just see about that. 

I'm Deuce. I know a bribe when I hear one. 

A Saturday Morning Stroll

It's been raining for days and days and days and days. Rain is sooooo boring! I've been stuck inside except for really short trips to do my "outside" activities and few rounds of Frisbee and ball between showers. Did I mention I've been bored? 

Anyway, it was cloudy this morning. Mom said it wasn't going to rain and we were going for a long walk so I could burn off some energy. (I think she was antsy, too, but don't tell her that.)

Mom has a special little purse she takes on our walks. It carries her cell phone and treats for me. She got it ready, sprayed on some bug repellant, and off we went. 

First off, we saw cousin Dave out in his yard checking to see if the grass was dry enough to mow. We said hello and moved on. Then I jumped into the creek above the dam cousin Chris built. The water is really deep now! After my swim, me and Mom went into the woods. We went a bit farther than we usually do and it paid off. We saw a spotted fawn! 

I wanted to run up to it and sniff it all over but Mom said no. She said it was so little I'd scare it so I listened to her. She tried to take a photo but it ran away before she could. She said it was okay because she already had a baby photo in the file she could use for my blog. It was pretty cool to see a newborn fawn. I'll try to remember I shouldn't chase the babies. 

When we got home, Dad wanted to go to Lowe's so we all jumped in his pickup and went. It didn't take us long because Dad knew exactly what he wanted. 

I was really tired after that. I stretched out under Mom's desk and took a nap while she worked and Dad mowed the grass. Maybe we can go for a long walk again tomorrow. That would be great because I might get to see the fawn again. 

Dogs know about freedom, too

And I thought it was noisy on New Year's Eve! Boy, was I wrong. Saturday night was the worst! 

So humans here have this thing called the Fourth of July. Independence Day.  It happens every year but I'm not sure I remember anything about it from last year. Of course, I was just a little guy then.

Mom was going to buy me a special collar for what she calls "the holiday weekend." It would have been okay with me. Maybe next year.  

Anyway, this Independence Day is a Big Deal where I live. The neighbors light up firecrackers and have parties with bonfires. The dragstrip has fireworks that are really loud. They echo off the mountain but that's better than the firecrackers that make annoying popping sounds. 

I wanted to run and go see what was going on but Mom and Dad said I had to stay in the yard. They're both happy I'm not scared when I hear a loud BOOM. What's to be scared about? It's only a noise. Noises are to be investigated.

Mom says it's important to remember a lot of people fought hard to make sure we can live free. Mom told me those people had dogs who worked hard to protect the homesteads and the livestock. She says if we weren't free, there's a chance we couldn't be together. That would make me sad.

Freedom is a fine thing. We all need to be diligent and protect it so we can all live together. Be the pack. That's the best way.

Mom's fencing me in

Mom and I have a more-or-less private deck just outside her office. She likes to relax out there when Dad is watching sports she doesn't care about on the patio. It's a little tiring for me - I have to run back and forth around the house to keep an eye on both of them. 

The patio is on the other side and end of the house! They couldn't get any farther apart and still be attached to the house. Parents!

Mom's deck is a nice, quiet place, especially early on a Saturday morning before the sun rises over the mountain. In the evenings, we can watch the deer sneak through the yard. There's a problem with chasing them, though.  

It takes too long to go down the steps. The deer see me move and are gone in a white-tailed flash. I don't stand a chance of catching them unless I jump off the deck and therein lies the rub. 

Mom is fencing me in. 

It seems I worried her by behaving as though I was going to jump off. She says it's way too high and I'll land on my nose and break my neck. I don't know - my neck is pretty strong and Mom has always said my head is hard. Anyway, she and Dad went to Lowes without me and ordered railing for along the far end and the front of the deck. 

Mom says it'll be nice, that I'll be safe. I guess Mom is right but somehow I get the impression I'll be staring at the deer through bars. You know. Like jail. 

I'm Deuce! I'm a free spirit! Don't fence me in!

Love those pearly whites!

Mom says I have great teeth. Even the vet said my teeth look good so I'm not sure why Mom thinks we need to do anything to them, but you know how Moms can be. 

She says we need to keep the pearly whites white so that's all there is to that. There's no point arguing with her. She's going brush my teeth. 

I guess it won't be all that bad. Mom never does things to hurt me. Smart money is on me getting a good treat when she's finished. 

Mom calls me a money pit. I'm not sure what that is but I think she means she spends a lot of money on me. 

I'm Deuce! I'm worth it! 

Snatch!

Sometimes a guy has to do what a guy has to do. 

Especially if Mom and Dad aren't ready to play. 

Was that a quick snatch, or what?!

Not your typical Friday night

I had a big day! It wasn't my typical Friday. Mom started the day off by taking me for a longer than normal walk. I got to take my ball along so we played ball while we walked. Then Dad did the mowing so I had a nice afternoon nap on the bed.

As soon as Mom got home, we turned around and went back to town - and Sonic! I have really good puppy parents. They got me a plain hamburger - no ketchup or other things that might upset my system. It was really good! For the record, I'll eat a hamburger whenever I can get one. What's not to like about meat?

Dad took the long way home and I got bored so I lay down instead of watching out the window. Back home, after we all got out of the pickup, Mom and Dad took me for another walk. I really like it when we go as a family. We don't do that often enough. Mom says it's her fault because she's bushed when she gets home from work. She always plays ball or Frisbee with me, though. Between both Mom and Dad, I get a lot of play time which keeps me svelte. 

But I think Mom tossed a little shade my way. She put an old sheet down over the bedspread because I drop fur on the bed. Hmmmm. I thought Mom loved my shiny black fur. What gives, Mom?

I'm Deuce. I'm a Lab and shedding is what we do. 

It wasn't toooo bad

Mom took me to the vet this morning. For the record, I do not like going to the vet. 

The ride to town was okay, I guess, but as soon as Mom opened the truck door, I knew where I was. I peed right then and there. Right on the parking lot. That's my commentary on the whole thing. I'm a Lab. If we can't chase it, play with it, or eat it, we PEE ON IT. 

Mom called me ornery like it was a funny thing and then convinced me I had to go inside and get it over with. So I went inside. 

And three women mobbed me! Seriously, I know I'm handsome. I'm Deuce! But three of them?  

Then they wanted me to sit on the scales. Um.... no. I didn't like that idea because the scale moved when I put my paw on it. So these three Amazons who said I was soooo handsome and soooo good just picked me up and put me on the scale. Am I some threat to society or something that they had to dog-handle me? They didn't even give Mom a chance to explain it to me so I could do it myself!  I would have figured it out because Mom never makes me do anything that would hurt me. Maybe next time will be better. Anyway, I weigh eighty pounds now. I'm not a pup anymore. I'm full grown! 

Mom took me into an examination room with a bench so you know I jumped up and lay across Mom's lap to protect her. The vet came in and tried to make nice with me by giving me some sort of organic dog biscuit. Yeah. Right. Like I was going to eat THAT. Mom had Grillers in the pickup so I decided to hold out for those. 

I got three shots to prevent distemper, kennel cough, and rabies. I guess it wasn't as bad as I remembered. I was still a little guy when I had the other shots. That makes a difference. 

I was glad to get home. Dad and I played a little Frisbee and then Mom took some pictures of me. It was all good, but I'm sorta sleepy now. Mom says I'm "lethargic" and I need a nap. Sounds like a good idea to me. 

My special screen door

We had a big day again today. Mom and Dad worked in the yard and I was with them every step of the way. 

We played Frisbee, pulled weeds, and burned a brush pile. Last year I was younger and they didn't allow me anywhere near a fire. I had to stay in my crate. This year I got to play in the woods nearby AND carry sticks to Mom. 

Mom always thinks about things I need. Now that we're in our new office, we have an outside door. If I need to go outside for 'you know', Mom can let me out right away. Well, apparently I was being a bit pesky by running in and out. I love sitting on the porch but then I'm not beside Mom. It's difficult to make up my mind sometimes.

That all changed today. Dad bought a fancy screen and Mom put it up today. It's pretty cool. It's two panels and the way they stay together is with magnets. All I have to do is push a little bit and it opens! Mom doesn't have to open the door for me now. I can do it myself. How cool is that? But I can only go in and out through the screen when Mom is in the office. 

After Mom and Dad got everything done they wanted for the day, it was nap time. Well, I took a nap. They watched a couple of episodes of Heartland. After supper, Dad drove us to this place that has ice cream. I had a puppy cup of vanilla and it was so good! I hope we get to go again. 

On the way back, Dad stopped so I could get in the creek and splash around for a couple of minutes. The water was really cold and I didn't play very long. 

It was a really busy day. We'll all sleep really well tonight.

Mom's writing today

Mom's on vacation this week which means she's home with me and Dad. I really like that. She said today was her "don't bother me I'm writing" day. 

I was a little worried about that idea. Sometimes I'm a bother even when I don't want to be. But Mom said it was okay for me to keep her company if I planned to be quiet and nap. So I did.

Then Dad came to fix the door because it was sticking in one corner. Too much damp weather caused it is what he said. After he fixed the door, he took a picture of me under Mom's desk. Mom really liked it because she never gets to see me under her desk from the front. 

Mom says I'm a good dog and she likes that I want to be with her. I like she wants me to be close to her. 

I'm Deuce. Helping Mom write is what I do.

I'm so tired of rainy weather

It's been raining for days and days and days. I'm so bored I don't know what to do with myself. And what's even worse, Mom's on vacation. If it wasn't raining, Mom would take me for long walks in the woods. She said I'm old enough now that she would take me back to the old pond. We can't go if it doesn't stop raining! 

The grass is wet when I go pee. It's so wet I slide when I catch the Frisbee or the ball. I've landed on my butt a few times because my paws slide out from under me. I do not like that. 

I went out on the porch and it's all wet. I looked up and the sky is not blue. I'm so tired of rainy days. 

I'm Deuce. I need the sunshine to be at my best.

No! No! This can't be right.

I heard Mom tell Dad I had an appointment with the vet next Friday morning for "booster shots." This is NOT a good thing. I hate needles. Mom had better have something good planned to make up for this. 

If I close my eyes, will this go away? If I can't see it, it can't hurt me, right?

It's all in a dog's day

It's been a busy week. Mom went to her day job office every day. I wish she could stay home with me, but she says she has to work in order to keep me in Frisbees and kibble. I like it when she can work from home. She doesn't get to do that nearly enough.

While Mom is away, Dad and I stick to our routine. I like to go back to bed with him for a little while so we can talk. Well, he talks and I listen and then we get up. Dad lets me out again if Mom reported I didn't do all my outside activities. After coffee, Dad gets dressed and we go out together to play Frisbee. Dad sits in his fancy chair and we walk out and back in the lane so I can check on everything.

Before lunch, we do Frisbee again. After lunch we Frisbee and walk. This is my third walk because Mom and I walk before she goes to her pesky day job. Then it's nap time. (Oh no! I wasn't supposed to tell Mom about our nap time!) After that, Mom comes home and it's always a surprise as to what the evening brings. We might play ball, or go for another walk, or even go check out how cold the water is in the creek. We did that last night.

I like my routine. It's good to know what the day will bring and it makes going for rides with Dad more special since they don't happen all the time. Mom says her spring vacation is coming soon and we'll do fun things like go down to the aqueduct to swim. It'll be great to have Mom home even if it will bust my routine to smithereens. That's a new word Mom used. 

Dad says this summer I'll be able to help him outside more. Last summer I was just a little guy and had to stay in my crate while he mowed and stuff. Dad says as long as I don't wander off on my own, I can hang out in the yard with him. I'm good with that.

I'm Deuce. Keeping an eye on Dad is what I do. 

My new spot

Mom moved her office to the sunroom and it's working out pretty well. This past week she got a three-piece rug set for me. Well, it was to decorate the office, or so she says, but it works out really well for me. She said my toenails would be hard on the pine floors. I didn't understand why, but if Mom says so, that's good enough for me. 

The big rug is under the desk and chair and that makes it perfect for little 'ole me. I now have a nice cushy spot to nap while Mom writes. She even tickles me with her toes sometimes, if I'm lying the right way. 

Anyway, Mom took a picture of what she saw when she looked down to check on me this morning while I was napping. I'm glad she did because now I know to be more careful with my tail! 

PS. Mom says this is our 100th blog together. I wonder how she knows that? 

We have a new office

Mom decided to move her office to the sunroom and I think it was a great idea. The sunroom has windows for me to look out and keep an eye on those skanky deer. The windows in Mom's old office were too high. I had to put my paws on the window sill to look out and Mom did not like me to do that. 

Anyway, Mom leaves the blinds up so I can stretch out in front of the door and have a good view. 

It wasn't much fun when Mom was moving furniture. She was a real bear. It must have been hard work maneuvering all that heavy awkward stuff in and out of doors. I wasn't much help at first. I got in the way and ended up in my crate for an hour. Then I understood - stay out of Mom's way when she's carrying stuff, sliding stuff, flipping stuff, and rearranging stuff. 

Another thing I really, really like is I can rest on Mom's bed and keep an eye on her. The sunroom was built on to her bedroom for her to have a private room. Last night I tried to get her to turn off the computer and come to bed, but she ignored me. So I took a nap on her pillow.

Mom says she needs to get a rug set, whatever that is, and then she'll be all settled in. Dad has to fix a piece of moulding that got broke - I did not do it.

I hope Mom likes her new office. I think we'll have a lot of fun watching all the critters and sitting on the porch. And of course writing, but I'll leave that to Mom. 

Maybe it should storm every night

It's been a really busy month. I've been doing all sorts of dog stuff - playing Frisbee, chasing my ball,
going for walks, barking at deer and stuff. Cousin Dave even brought Bella to meet me! I knew she was up on the hill - we talk back and forth a little bit - but that was the first time we met nose-to-nose. She's smaller than me, and her fur is longer, and she's pretty. Mom says I need to look in a mirror because I'm rather handsome myself. 

I didn't sleep too well last night. I heard Mom and Dad say we might get a thunderstorm. I wasn't sure what that was, but I know now. We were a snuggled down in bed - me, Mom and Dad - and all at once there was a bright light and a bang and the whole house shook! 

Well, right away I jumped up and barked. My job is to protect Mom and Dad at night. Mom woke up and told me to come lie down beside her on her pillow, that it was only a storm. I trust Mom and if she's not worried, I'm not worried. I put my head on the pillow and rolled onto my back so Mom could rub my belly. I love it when she does that! 

She whispered to me about the storm, how I was a really good boy to ignore it. I think she whispered so Dad wouldn't wake up but it tickled my ear. 

Maybe it would be okay if we got a storm every night. It would give me a reason to cuddle with Mom. I mean, I'm all grown up now. I'm the big dog on the mountain. Cuddling is for pups, right? 

Maybe it's okay during a storm and Mom is awake. After all, she needs me to keep her safe. 

A snake is not a turtle

One day last year, when I was just a pup, Mom and I saw a turtle while we were out for a walk. It was pretty cool. Mom told me how when she was growing up she saw turtles all the time. Now - not so often.

Today, Mom looked out the window and told Dad to grab my collar and not let go. I didn't like the sound of that at all. Then Mom ran outside to see if she needed to put a bullet in the gun, and I liked the sound of that even less. 

It turns out Mom saw a big snake, and if it had been a Copperhead that near the house, she would have killed it. A Copperhead snake is poisonous and could kill me. (I don't think I'd like that.) Anyway, it was a Black snake and Mom took a picture of it and then chased it away. 

She said Black snakes eat mice and moles, and while it might bite me if I annoy it too badly, it won't kill me. (I don't like the idea of anything biting me, especially on the nose!)

Mom said it was ready to shed its skin and I should leave it be. Shed its skin? Really? Snakes are stranger than turtles! 

I'll be on the lookout for the snake this summer. Mom says if I see it, I should bark. I can do that. 

I'm Deuce. I have the loudest, biggest, badest bark on the mountain. Everyone WILL hear me.

Riding in Mom's car

Mom and Dad really do listen to me! They were sorry they left me home alone this morning and they took me for a ride in Mom's car! I even got to stick my nose out the window before we got on the highway. 

IN MOM'S CAR!!!!

I don't get to ride in Mom's car much. I go along all the time in Dad's pickup, but not the car. I had so much fun!  Well, I didn't like having to wear a harness and be hooked to the seatbelt, but it didn't hurt me to tolerate it. We went all the way to Clear Spring and back!

I saw cows, horses and this ugly thing Mom called the Easter Bunny. It was standing outside of Denny's Restaurant waving at everyone. I might have bad dreams about that. It didn't look like any bunny I've ever seen! It was as big as a person! 

Mom says we can go for a drive in the car again soon. I'd like that. I just hope the Easter Bunny isn't out again. Talk about something to creep out even a brave dog like me! 

I'm Deuce, and I know creepy when it waves at me. 

Dog logic

This morning Mom and Dad have to take Mom's car in for an oil change. Has it been six months already? I really wish I could go with them, but they haven't said a word about taking me along. I'll just lie in the sun and be a good dog. Maybe if they have to step over me, they'll decide I can go with them.  

The Before and The After

I love, love, love to play Frisbee. The thing is, I'm a little hard on the equipment. Mom gets me a supply of perfect flying discs, and I just can't help myself - I ruin them. I have quite the collection if I must say so myself. Mom took a before and after photo to show it off for me. 

It's not like I mean to do it. It's just they make a really cool snapping noise when I bend them. I have to work really hard to get it to happen, too. Like really hard. 

Besides, I only do it when... well, I'd better not blame Mom and Dad for making bad throws. They might get angry and not play with me. But I only chew the Frisbee when they make a bad throw. It's frustrating! I need to catch the Frisbee before it stops moving! Catching it in the air is best, of course, but when it rolls on its edge works, too. As long as I get to it before it stops. That's the important thing. When it stops it ruins the fun and I get pissy...er... frustrated. So I try to teach it a lesson. Frisbees are stupid things. 

Mom and Dad clean the old Frisbees and throw them until they just won't fly. Mom says she might try putting them in a slightly warm oven to see if she can get them to flatten out again. It sounds to me like she doesn't have a lot of hope that will work. 

She looks at me and says it's a good thing they only cost a dollar....

Snow day!

It snowed again and this time it snowed a lot! Mom came home from work on Monday and said we'd probably have a snow day tomorrow. I didn't get it. I'd seen snow and it was no big deal. How could snow prevent Mom from going to work? 

Well, now I know! Sometimes a lot of snow can fall and build up on the ground. And it can snow for hours and hours. I'm glad Mom didn't try to drive through all that. Staying home with me and Dad was a lot better. 

Mom got up at her usual time because I'm on a schedule. I go outside to pee at six o'clock every morning. Mom took her phone along to get a video of me the first time I saw this much snow. 

It was so much fun! Mom threw the Frisbee but I didn't take it back to her right away. Digging in the deep snow was too cool. And Dad said sometimes the snow is even deeper! I can't wait! 

I knew I was being bad when Mom told me to bring her the Frisbee and I didn't. I tried to pretend I couldn't hear her but I could. Mom tried to be firm but she was laughing under her breath at me. I deserved it, though. I finally did give her the Frisbee and she put her phone away and we played for awhile. Then we both had cold feet so we went inside. 

It was fun to have Mom home all day. We watched it snow and went in and out all day to play. After it finished snowing, the wind started to blow and Mom said "no" to playing more Frisbee. That was okay because I was getting tired! I slept really good that night. 

Mom says it'll be months and months before it snows again. I hope I remember snow until then. 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZZPvS92dFQ&t=12s

I glow in the dark!

I'm a black dog so when Mom and I go outside after dark, I disappear. Apparently, I've worried Mom a few times, so much so she got me a fancy lighted collar. 

The blue glow makes me feel prancy. When I go around the corner, I can see better, too. It mostly shows me things I'd like to pick up off the ground and taste, but Mom doesn't like me to do that. 

Anyway, Mom and I walked out the lane and she didn't have to call for me to come back at all. I went up into the thicket to see if a deer was there and she said, "I see you. Don't go any farther." So I didn't. 

Then Mom took a couple of pictures, one with flash and one without. I look like an alien dog! Pretty cool, if I do say so myself.