We've had a lot going on

We've had a lot going on, even though it's been hot, hot, hot. I've had to stay on my paws to keep up with Mom. She's been all over the place - in the garden, in the woodyard, on the tractor, using the weed whacker, mowing grass, and making videos. It's been a challenge to keep up with her! 

And speaking of making videos, she made one of me! And I look GOOD! You should check it out!

See for yourself what a good dog little Deucie reall is! 

And she did it anyway

Sometimes a guy just likes to sneak off in the middle of the day and snap a nap. Like today. Mom was canning cherries - BORING! Why won't she can steak? That would be so much better! Anyway, Mom was busy in the kitchen, so I put myself down for a nap. 

I always keep an ear tuned in on her when I nap. She has this nasty habit of sneaking out the patio door without me, so being a light sleeper, I listen. Well, I must have really dozed off because I rolled over and Mom was on the bed with me. And do you know what she asked me? Get this! She asked me what I was doing.

Seriously? Wasn't it obvious????????

Then to really be insulting, she tapped me on the shoulder. When I looked up to see what she wanted, she took my picture. 

She KNOWS I hate it when she does that. 

Lucky for me, I'm fast. I turned my face away in the nick of time. 

I bested her this time, but I know she'll get me next time. She knows how to be sneaky. 

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We walked in the rain

Rainy weather doesn't stop Mom from taking me for a stroll. She has a big umbrella and off we go - unless it's what Mom says is it's pouring buckets. Then we wait. 

I'm not real fond of rain, but when it's only a drizzle, it won't stop us. Mom knows I have a favorite spot in the woods for my afternoon outside activities and she makes sure we walk past it, rain or shine. 

Any time Mom and I walk is a good time. She tells me I can walk beside her under the umbrella, but I almost never do. That thing is really weird over Deucie's little black head! 

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And it was fun, too!

 

According to Mom, getting dirty isn't much fun. I disagree.

Yesterday, Mom and I went out to work in the garden area. Mom wanted to run the leaf blower, transplant some baby strawberries into the new Greenstalk, and tidy up inside the little greenhouse. And where did this leave me, you ask? On my own.

On my own. So I acted like the dog I am. Why did this surprise Mom? 

I don't get it, Mom. You should have known I'd play in the dirt. It's spring! I've been cooped up like a chicken all winter, so get over it. 

And you did wipe me down with a cold, wet rag, so be happy you got your revenge. Just remember I'm Deuce and I'll do it again if I want to. 

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I had to keep an eye on Mom

I worry about Mom. She does things like ride around on the tractor when no one else is around. Dad used to keep an eye on her, but now it's up to me. 

It's only February, but we've had two days that were warm. Mom said it was 58F yesterday, and it's going to be 58F again today. I don't know what that means, but I know the ground is still cold when I lie down, even in the sunshine. Anyway, Mom said it was warm enough and she went to work. I went with her, of course. 

Yesterday, she picked up all the downed sticks around the shed, the tractor park, and the greenhouse. I helped! Well, I did until she stopped giving the stick back to me and put it in the bucket of the John Deere 1023. After that, I took my stick a respectable distance away from her. 

Today, Mom finished moving a stack of maple firewood. Boring. Mom hired a guy to come in and cut down a big oak tree and she wanted to move the maple firewood out of the way. She said the stack isn't pretty, but she can't see if from her office window so she doesn't care. That is what we'll burn first next fall, so it'll work out. 

Did I mention it's boring when Mom does some of these things? I had my Frisbee and we played a little bit, but mostly I relaxed and watched her. I know not to run in front of the tractor when it's moving because I get yelled at for that. So I don't. I wait until it's parked before I come close to see what Mom's doing. I'm Deuce and I'm pretty darn smart about the tractor. 

I'm glad we got the job done and came back inside. The ground is really cold on my paws, and now that I'm nine years old, I'm not as tough as I used to be.  But I can still keep a close eye on Mom and keep her out of trouble.  

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Happy 9th Birthday to me!

Today is my ninth birthday. I'm not sure what that means, but Mom told me so it must be important. She calls me an "old man," but I still feel like a pup. Mom and I were outside yesterday, burning the brush pile, and I had a great time playing in the snow! 

Mom tried to convince me to pose for a picture, but I was having too much fun. I ran and ran and finally she'd had enough and made me go inside. I suppose I was misbehaving just a wee bit because I went down over the hill where she couldn't see me. In my defense, there was a deer hiding in the thicket. I could see it! 

I don't know if we'll do anything special for my birthday or not. It's awfully cold outside again today. And with snow everywhere, Mom says we can't take the car out. We'd have to go in the pickup. Maybe being nine is why it's not so easy to make the big jump into the back seat these days. I used to sail right up there and now...not so much. Mom made me a step but it's in the shed and the shed door is frozen shut. This cold weather ruins our fun. 

But there is some good news. Mom got PORK CHOPS out of the freezer! I bet I'm getting pork for my birthday dinner. This is a good thing. Can I have a ninth birthday again tomorrow?

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2024 was a long year

I haven't been blogging much this year. Dad went away and I've missed him. I know he had to go. I even know when he left because...well, I cried out to him. Mom got a little freaked out when she understood I knew, but she knew, too. That's just the way it is. But I remember being a little guy and sitting on his lap all the time before I got too big. I miss that.

It's been really cold here, like January cold. Mom and I go out several times a day for short walks, going in and out the lane. We don't want to go too far because my paws get too cold. I'm not a spring chicken any longer. We play Frisbee some, but if I misjudge, a whack on the snoot by a cold plastic disc hurts. If that happens, I snatch the thing and head for the door so Mom knows I'm done with it for now. 

Mom has a toasty fire burning in the woodstove, but it's down in the basement and I'm not allowed down there. The big bed is a lot softer, anyway. I like to snooze on the bed when Mom is at the computer. I can keep an ear on her. 

I'm really glad Thanksgiving and Christmas are over.  Mom had to go to all these different dinners and I had to stay home alone. I did not like this, especially when she left me alone after dark. What gives, Mom? I'm a good dog and you leave me alone in the dark? At least I always had dinner and a quick walk first. But I still didn't like it. 

My birthday is next month, and I'll be nine. I don't know how I'm supposed to feel about that. Mom asked me if it was time for us to get a puppy, but I don't think it is. Maybe when I turn ten will be the right time. I have a lot to teach a puppy about how to be a good dog. 

So I've been busy taking care of Mom. It's good we get to spend a lot of time together. Since it's cold, I get to go for more rides. Mom tells me I'm worth the cost of a bit of gasoline for us to go out around our loop and see what's happening in the neighborhood. 

Mom's looking forward to the New Year, but it doesn't mean a lot to me. Dogs take each day as they come. We don't really plan ahead, and that's okay. I know me and Mom will be together for a long as we can be, and I know a puppy can't really replace me. Mom will love the puppy for whom he is just like she loves me. I'm good with that. 

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It's MINE and I know it!

I'm a special boy! Mom has been making food for me for the last few months. We used to get The Farmer's Dog, but Mom said that got too expensive. I don't really know a lot about money because that's her department, but I guess $100 for two weeks worth of Deuce food must be too much.  Mom makes me a chicken dinner with real chicken thighs that only costs about a dollar a day. 

A few days ago, Mom left me ALONE at home while she went to Sam's Club. I did not like this. I never like it when I have to stay home alone, but I'm a good dog. I don't tear up the furniture or anything. I just go take a nap on the bed until she gets home. 

Mom came home with several big packs of chicken thighs, and she put them all in canning jars and processed them! And they are ALL FOR ME!!! The house smelled like chicken when she was canning all that. YUM!!! And there is broth, too! 

She said she'll open one jar at a time and make my chicken dinners. She could leave the veggies out and I'd be okay with that, but she said no. It's the best of both worlds. A little kibble to crunch and lots of chicken for protein. I can't wait until she does beef! 

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It'll never fly again!

Do you know the very best thing about retrieving a Frisbee?  Sometimes you do not have to give it back! 

Mom buys me knock-off Frisbees a dozen at a time. I love flying discs! If Mom throws them just right, and she does almost all the time, I can snatch them right out of the air. I have great eye to fangs coordination. Mom agrees. 

A few days ago, Mom had to water her garden so I went along so she could give me a quick spray to keep me cool. Then we played Frisbee for a few minutes, but it was hot so Mom wouldn't let me run too much. When she said I'd had enough exercise for such a hot day, she gave me the Frisbee and told me to "have at it."  WOOFFFFFFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I knew what that meant!

I found a shady spot beside the garden and went to work while Mom watered all her plants. I know a good dog shouldn't boast, but that is one Frisbee that will never fly again!

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I was a rebel!

Mom and I took a little stroll to see if the wildflower seeds sprouted. Some have, but Mom said there are a lot more that should sprout if the sun ever shines again. I hear ya, Mom. All this rain is making my paws feel soggy. 

Usually, I'm a good dog. If Mom says not to do something, I pay attention. But it's spring and the grass is tall and tender from the rain. It's quite tasty! 

The problem is Mom told me not to eat the grass. 

Really, Mom? 

So I just sampled a few little pieces, and don't you know she snapped a picture for evidence. 

Busted, again!

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I impressed my vet!

Mom and I have had a time of it this past month. Dad was in the hospital and poor little Deucie had to spend some time alone. I did not like this. Now Dad is in for some needed rehab and I'm still being left alone! But Mom has a plan!

Mom tries to make it up to me every evening. I get treats. I get brushed. Mom feels guilty she has to leave me alone but I know she has to keep watch over Dad to make sure he's getting what he needs. 

As luck would have it, my annual checkup was this morning. I was born in January, so my checkups happen in March. I have a new vet and I think I like her. She scratched my belly so maybe I'm in love! 

I checked out A-Okay! Ears, eyes, teeth = all good. She used a flea comb on me and didn't find a single "hitchhiker." That's because I do not have fleas. If I had fleas I couldn't sleep on the bed with Mom, so I do not have fleas! 

The vet said I weighed ninety-three pounds and then she felt my sides and was impressed by my muscles. She should be. I'm an athlete! Just ask the local deer have fast I can run. Mom told her that walking season is here so those extra three pounds will go away, but the vet said not to worry. I'm a tall country boy with lots of muscles so it's okay if I'm a bit over the breed standard weight. My vet has some common sense! She knows it's almost walking season and I'll lose those pesky winter pounds.

My new vet also signed a paper to certify I've had all my shots and I'm healthy. That piece of paper will get me in to see Dad and that's a good thing! I miss Dad and Mom says he misses me, too. So Mom will take me to see him and he'll be home before we know it. I can't wait! 

After all, Dad spoils me with more biscuits than Mom does. 

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It's about time I'm showcased!

 Finally! Mom took the videos off the trail cams, and I'm a star! Well, I'm always a star, but you know. Now the camera proves it! 

I have to give Mom a bit of a pass. Not much, mind you. Dad's been sick and she's had her paws...er...hands full taking care of him. I sure hope he gets better soon because I miss our afternoon trips to the mailbox. Anyway...

Mom and I went to get those little blue thingees out of the trail cams. Mom calls them SD cards, so okay. Whatever. There was a short vid of ME walking in the snow.

Snow is cold on my paws, but I'm tough. Mom puts boots on her, um, feet. That might make her a weenie, but don't tell her I said that. 

The west forty is full of really neat smells. Even in the snow, I know who's been in my yard. Deer, foxes, raccoons, opossums, more foxes, skunks, and even a coyote. I really, really, really don't like that a coyote has been here. He's worse than the foxes. 

It's still early February, but Mom says we're going to work in the woodyard today. I'll be able to wander around, within reason, while she works. That's a good thing in little Deucie's world. 

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I'm a little worried

It snowed yesterday - a lot! I didn't like going outside to do my, you know, "outside activities" because Mom didn't go with me. She told me I was a big dog and I shouldn't need someone to hold my paw when I have to pee-pee. 

That's not the point! 

I need someone to go along and tell me I'm a good boy!!!!

It snowed all day. Mom and Dad just hung out inside. The good news there is I got eggs for breakfast and a bit of spaghetti for an after-dinner snack. 

Snow can be a lot of fun, but what if Mom doesn't take me for a walk? What if she doesn't take pictures of me playing in the snow? Does being eight mean you worry more about stuff? 

I'm a little worried being eight will change things. I mean, Mom got me SENIOR dog food for some of my snackies. SENIOR!! It's crappy, too. I don't like it much. 

And then there are those chewies for my joints. Flavored my black ass! Nasty flavored is what they are. And I know Mom is going to make me eat all of them. 

We're going to be outside in the snow a lot today. Or at least Mom is. I have to be careful not to let her know my paws are cold or she'll make me go back inside with Dad. I won't like that because I need to keep an eye on her when she's on the John Deere 1023 tractor. 

Maybe I can convince Mom to do a little walk around the yard to get pictures of me and then I can go inside with Dad. We can watch Mom through the window. 

Yeah, I think that's the plan. 

I think being eight means I'm more of an independent thinker, but then again, I worry about stuff a lot more. 

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I only got a little wet

It's really good to be a dog in the country! I can go for walks and not have to be on the leash, and I can play in the creek. It's not that I mind being on the leash. It's like a tangible connection to Mom, so it's okay. She can't get away from me when we're sharing the leash. And what Labrador Retriever worth his pedigree wouldn't like playing in the water? 

Mom really likes it when I jump in the creeks and splash around. She whoops and yells and tells me to "go for it" whatever that means. And she takes a lot of pictures of me. 

But the best part is I can just be a dog. Yeah, I'm still on watchdog duty in case someone else is on the trail, but I can relax and enjoy being on a walk. Mom knows this and lets me be me. All dogs need a good Mom like that. 

Just remember that even a good Mom (or Dad) is going to laugh at you if you stick your head under the water. And it's also a sure thing they will take your picture. 

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It was really noisy!

I like peace and quiet. I can hear lots of things rustling in the woods when it's quiet. I know when a squirrel gets too close to my den and when the deer are trying to sneak through the back yard. I'm Deuce. I hear everything.

But a few days ago, it got really noisy here. I didn't like this, but Mom and Dad acted like it was no big deal so I had to just put up with it. The tree-trimmer people were here and they made NOISE. 

I'm a little unclear why Mom and Dad thought it was okay to have them cut down a tree, make noise, make a mess, run a skid loader all over MY woods, and use this chipper thing to clean up the mess. I didn't like any of it, but hey. I'm the dog and they don't listen to me.

I stayed on the porch with Mom and Dad and watched until the chipping started. It hurt my ears so I ducked inside. I could still hear it but it wasn't as bad. When it was all over, I walked out with Mom and sniffed everything. 

You know what? It wasn't all that interesting to a dog. But Mom is right about one thing. The local squirrels are not going to be happy those trees are gone. 

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It's too hot to play ball

This summer has been a scorcher! I'm getting by, but only because Dad takes me down to the creek every day so I can get my belly wet. And I'm not supposed to talk about Pinkie, but when Pinkie hits the water, I REALLY cool off. 

It's even been too hot to go for long walks since some of the smaller creeks are dry during the summer. Mom doesn't like it if I can't wade in, cool my paws, and get a drink. I don't like it, either. It's no wonder the deer come our way in the summer. We have water for them. 

Dad knows that even though it's hot, I like to play with him a little. I won't chase the ball too many times, but I'll give him a chance to make a couple of throws. 

Mom was over in the garden the other day and took a quick video of me chasing the ball and taking it back to Dad.

See how shiny my black fur is! I'm Deuce, and I'm looking good! 

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In the garden with Mom

Sometimes Mom worries me. She gets these notions to do something odd and all I can do is follow along and keep an eye on her. Take today, for example.

Mom checks her garden every day, and this morning she harvested some cherry tomatoes and a handful of green beans. That wasn't so bad. I get that it's people food. But then Mom sat in the lawn chair she keeps in the garden and talked to me about her plans for next year's garden. She says talking to me helps her think. 

I do my best thinking when I'm not barking, but hey. Humans are strange. 

Mom wants to do a few things differently in her garden next year. I don't care. She's not growing me any steak so it's not important to me. But since I'm a good dog, I listened while she talked. 

I like Mom's voice so I guess it is kind of nice she talks to me, even if it's not about steak. 

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I need a sidecar!

Sometimes being a dog feels like being a second-class citizen. Mom and Dad try to keep me happy and well-fed, but there are days that is not enough. Take for example those days one of the parents is working with the John Deere 1023. 

I'm allowed to be outside most of the time when Mom and Dad are working. I know to stay out of the way of the tractor. I'm a smart dog and I learn stuff! But it would be sooooo much better if I could ride on the tractor, too!

I love to go for rides! Riding is fun! When I ride along to places I have the back seat all to myself! And best of all, LOKI does NOT get to go along. Stupid cat. 

Look at that face! Don't tell me it doesn't make you feel guilty. I've cultivated that look for over seven years and it has served me well. 

So here's my suggestion to the parents - get a sidecar for the tractor. I mean, come on! Dad's pretty smart. He can figure out how to make one. Mom's got deep pockets. She can fund it. Think of how little Deucie will feel when he can ride on the tractor. He'll be a very happy Deucie! 

C'mon, folks. How difficult can it be to grant a good dog's wish? 

***(Mom to Deuce: Nice try, baby dog, but that's not going to happen.)***

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Busy, busy, busy! I'm tired!

Mom and Dad have been uber busy which means I've been uber, uber busy! Do you know how difficult it is to keep an eye on BOTH of them when they won't stay in the same spot??? It's HARD!!! There's only one of little Deucie. I need a clone! 

A clone, Mom, not another puppy. You hear me, right? 

Dad's been busy working on the old Husqvarna mower and the old log splitter.  He was making progress on both, but then moved his shoulder in a way it's not supposed to move and it hurt! He had to take it easy for a few days, which was okay since it rained. Rain means both my parents are inside and easy to keep track of. 

Here's a picture of me watching Mom when she was on the tractor. We need a doggie sidecar. 

Mom's been working on her garden, using the weed whacker thingee (too noisy for me!), and mowing the grass. She could be anywhere at any time and that makes it tough to keep up with her when I'm trying to watch Dad. Yesterday was a perfect example. 

Dad was working on the old mower so he was only rolling in and out of the shed. Easy peasy. But Mom? What's a watchdog to do? Mom was on the X370 mower, on the John Deere 1023, making and mixing her soil mixture for grow bags, in the greenhouse, over to the patio, to the fire ring, back on the tractor, back on the X370, in her office, in the garden, back to her office, back on the tractor, and FINALLY she fed poor little me! 

You know, Mom. It wasn't fair to give me dog food, even if it is The Farmer's Dog, and then fix Stromboli for you and Dad. My belly was already full when the people food came out of the oven. I know you tricked me and I won't forget it. 

I sure hope things slow down around here soon. I've only had one decent car ride in a month. This is unacceptable. I keep trying to tell them it's time to go, and they do listen, but do they go get the car keys? Noooooooo. 

I don't know what the plans are for today. Mom's at the computer blogging for me but after that, she hasn't given me any clues. Maybe after yesterday, she'll take a rest. She does that on any given Sunday. We'll have to wait and see. Whatever she does, if she and Dad stay together in the same spot, I'll have an easier day. 

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Where have I been?

I can't believe a whole month has passed since Mom and I had time to blog! We've been soooo busy in the yard, the garden, on the tractor, and helping Dad, we just haven't taken the time. 

This spring has been fun with Mom home. I'm outside all the time and I love it! Two of my balls are outside now, and when Mom walks past one she gives it a toss. I'm playing ball a lot! We also play Frisbee a bit, but Mom is very careful about that. If I start to jump and land on my back legs, Frisbee time is over. 

I've been for rides, too. Sometimes Dad rides along with Mom to town just so I can go, too. I love Dad for that. We sit in the van while Mom goes into a store. It's only on fast trips, though. We never have to wait long to head home.

Mom and I took one walk with Sadie and her parents. Don't you know she ran away from her dad and got into big time trouble. She had to go on a leash for the rest of the walk while I was able to roam out front. It was GOLDEN, baby! Mom says I shouldn't be like that, that poor Sadie can't help herself. Ha! Neither can I, Mom. 

I'm still on The Farmer's Dog diet. I love, love, love it! I'm feeling a lot better, too. I have a lot more energy. I really like it when Mom fries an egg and puts it on top. I know I'll be getting a lot of exercise that day when an egg happens.  

So everything is okee-dokee here. We're just busy. Oh! And did I mention the deer? There are deer everywhere! Mom counted and the herd is at eleven right now. I don't count. I just run them out of the yard. And the fox got hit by a car. I didn't see it, but Mom said it was pretty smushed. It's a lot quieter at night now. Loki goes outside more, too. I mean, he knew when the fox was too close and he stayed inside. 

It's almost my bedtime, so that's all for now! 

I'm Deuce and I'm helping Mom and Dad this spring! 

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