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. 

Deuce's Day, Greenbrier Smokey Deuce, country dogs, dirty dogs, The Hideaway, Greenstalk, black Labrador Retriever, black Lab dog, dog with a blog, rural living, gardening, homesteading

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. 

Deuce's Day, Greenbrier Smokey Deuce, rural living, country dogs, black Labs, a writer's life, Labrador puppies, special dogs, dog with a blog, New Year 2025, love dogs

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!

Deuce's Day, black Labrador Retriever, grass, evidence, sneaky dogs, good dogs, country dogs, rural living, country lifestyle, dog with a blog, blogs about Labs

Ask me how happy I am

I'm not having any fun at all! This has been awful! No good dog like me should have to endure this!

It all started a while back when Mom noticed a bump on my left hind leg. It was tiny and Mom and Dad told me not to worry about it. But then it got bigger and Mom started to take pictures of my ass.... er...my leg. Then Dad got sick and Mom forgot about my bump. After Dad left us, Mom zeroed in on me like an A10 Warthog flying a mission. I knew that I was in trouble. 

Yesterday, we got up early and Mom suckered me by offering to take me for a ride. Yeah, Mom, I'll remember it for a long time. Early morning rides with no mention of the dump? I'll pass. She left me at the vet's office and the vet did horrible, terrible, hurtful things to me! 

I was sooooo glad to see Mom when she came to retrieve me that I forgave her everything. Home never looked so good! I forgot how bad my leg hurt and how wimpy I felt and ran inside and jumped right up on the bed. It hurt a bit, but my spot is my spot is my spot. I needed my spot. I didn't need that pain pill Mom gave me.

Never trust a vet. That pill messed with my mind. I cried and panted and shook for hours, and Mom held me the entire time. I even threw up once and she didn't scold me at all. Mom promised she wouldn't give me those pills again. I'll get baby aspirin even if they might not work as good for pain. At least they will not make me see horrible visions that aren't real. 

Mom says the worst is over now. My breathing has cleared up and I'm not wheezing. Mom said I had to clear the gas from my lungs. Ya think? Mom also says she won't do this to me again unless there is absolutely no other choice. 

I know Mom had to do it. She only wants what is best for me. She cried, too, and I'm sorry for that since Dad's not here. Dad would have made it all better.

It's time for me to be strong for Mom and get over it. My leg will heal, and in a couple of days everything will be fine. My surgery will be a thing of the past and we can get on with summer. I might even have a scar, not that anyone except me and Mom will know it's there. 

And I know Mom won't forget her promise to me. 

Greenbrier Smokey Deuce, Deuce's Day, A10 warthog, black Labrador Retriever, dog surgery, good dogs, bad vets, country lifestyle, rural living, dog with a blog

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! 

 Deuce's Day, Greenbrier Smokey Deuce, black Labrador Retriever, Labs, country dogs, dog walking, rural living, country lifestyle, a writer's life, dog with a blog, balls, dog videos

Loki is soooo annoying!

I'm in a spot of trouble and I don't know why. Just look at the smirky expression on Loki's face. He plays all innocent-like and Mom falls for his act. I know better. 

Mom says I have to play nice with Loki, but that cat is an IDIOT!!!!!  He jumps at me all the time and I don't like it. Mom says he's trying to play with me and that's just the way cats do it. 

I DO NOT CARE! I don't like being smacked in the face! Yes, he keeps his claws in. Yes, his little paws are furry and soft. It doesn't matter to me. I DO NOT LIKE IT!

And I'll tell you something even worse. Loki has begun to sleep on the bed with the pack every flufffing night! Even Mom doesn't like this because he sleeps ON her feet, but she says he's a cat and there is nothing we can do about it.

Nothing? 

I'm Deuce, and we'll see about THAT!!!!

Deuce's Day, Greenbrier Smokey Deuce, black Labrador Retriever, dog with a blog, cats and dogs, Loki, pack living, rural life, country lifestyle, a writer's life, KC Kendricks

It's raining and I'm sooooo bored!

Mom is wandering around the house saying, "rain, rain go away and come again some other day."

I feel ya Mom! This is day three of rain and this dog (me) is bored out of his little black skull. And what's worse is I took all three of my balls outside and Dad won't go get them. What gives, Dad? Don't you love little Deucie any longer? 

There has to be mail down in the mailbox, but neither parent will walk me down to get it. Mom won't even put me in the car and drive down because she doesn't want my wet paws on the seat. My paws are my paws! It's not my fault! 

And this morning I had to go outside to pee-pee all by myself! Mom didn't even come along and hold the umbrella over me. I do not like rain! 

Mom is all happy because her garden is getting a good soaking and is the grass. It makes no sense to me. The grass is going to grow and she and Dad will have to mow a lot. Mom says the bees have been on the clover enough and it's time for them to head to the garden. 

Yeah, I know I'm going in there with Mom now - not! 

I guess I'll go take a nap on the bed because there is nothing else to do. A bored dog is not a happy dog, and that's me today. 

Mom's right. Rain, rain, go away!

Deuce's Day, black Lab, Greenbrier Smokey Deuce, rainy days, bored dogs, a writer's life, Labrador Retriever, dog with a blog, dog whining

It was the almost perfect dinner!

My favorite time of day is dinnertime! I know. You're surprised to learn that. But you know - dog. Dogs like to eat. I like to eat. 

Mom made my dinner really special today. I get The Farmer's Dog for dinner and I like it. Today was the beef dinner, which is my number two fave. I'd rather have the pork daily, but Mom says I need a little variety. I disagree, but again - dog. My opinion only goes so far in this house. Mom rules. 

So today was beef. I got part of the beef pack and a handful of kibble because I like to have a little something to crunch. Chewing keeps my teeth and gums healthy, you know. But then Mom showed me more than a little love - she put a fried egg on top!  I love eggs! 

My plate might not look very appetizing to a human, but to me, the Number One Dog around here, it was DELISH! 

Deuce's Day, black Labrador, Labrador Retrievers, The Farmer's Dog, country lifestyle, dog food, eggs, good dogs, rural living, a writer's life, dog with a blog

I heard what Dad said!

The truth will come out! 

I heard what Dad told Mom. He thought he was being sneaky when he whispered, but hey. Dog. I have DOG HEARING. Dad, I heard you. 

And Mom? I heard you say, "bad daddy," but you LAUGHED. You don't think he was bad at all! Why must you encourage him? 

I'm a good dog. My parents tell me all the time that I'm a good dog, so why this treatment? 

It seems that after Mom and I went to bed last night, Dad got himself a few cookies and did not bring me one! 

Mom made these cookies for all of us! Well, not Loki but only because the cat is too stupid to like cookies, but that doesn't change a thing. These are cookies without any chocolate! They're for Deucie, too! 

Really, Dad. I think my feelings are hurt. I think you need to get me TWO cookies right now to make up for doing that. 

Now, Dad, or I'll bark in your ear when you're taking a nap. 

You've been warned.

Deuce's Day, black Lab, Labrador Retriever, a writer's life, puppy parents, country living, rural lifestyle, cookies, homemade cookies, cookies without chocolate, dog with a blog

I missed all the excitement

Sometimes it's good to be the dog, and sometimes it's not. Yesterday was a "not" day. There were big goings-on in my front yard and the parents trapped me in the house. I didn't get to keep an eye on them. They heard me barking, though, you can bet on that. What happened is this -

There are a lot of trees in my yard and Mom and Dad monitor them. When branches break, the parents drag them to a brush pile and when it rains, they burn the pile. This is fine because I get to assist. We all sit in the pickup with coffee and snackies and watch the fire. Yesterday was different.

Apparently, some trees can get so big they could fall over and crush the den...er...house. Mom and Dad don't want that to happen. They called a guy called a tree trimmer to come and cut down two big maple trees that were no longer healthy.

How can trees not be healthy? I don't get it. I didn't do it, either! I don't think I ever peed on either of those trees! 

Anyway, the guy came and cut down the trees. I could hear the chainsaw and I barked. And when the big limbs hit the ground, I barked louder! And when the trunks hit the group, I bitched a fit!!!!! What were they doing out there????

FINALLY Mom let me outside so I could check it out and then I did pee on the trees. On the very top leaves, too! 

Mom calls all the mess in the front yard "carnage." I call it a good thing. It's going to take a lot of brush burning to clean it up and that means a lot of snackies for me and a few naps in my pickup. 

I'm Deuce and I know when I just hit the jackpot! 

Deuce's Day, Greenbrier Smokey Deuce, Black Labrador Retriever, black Lab, country dogs, tree trimming, spoiled dogs, a writer's life, good dogs, rural lifestyle, smart dogs, dog with a blog

My "new" van is here!

I have a new ride! It's red! I like it!

I've been wondering what happened to my truck. It's been missing for a few days and now I know it's because Dad sold it. I sure hope he doesn't want to sell me. I'd be sad. 

Seriously, I know he never would because Mom would put a hurt on him. I'm her furbaby and that's all there is to that. 

Anyway.... I have a new van and I think I like it. It's really easy to jump into. Mom and Dad put the back row of seats down into this compartment, then did the same thing with one of the seats in the second row. I have gobs and gobs of room! 

Dad said it's a 2015 Town & Country, which is not exactly what he was looking for, but this van only has 39,000 miles on it. I'm not sure about that. A mile is a long way to walk so I can't even imagine doing that thirty-nine thousand times, but Mom agrees the mileage is "good."

Have I mentioned that the parents have some odd ideas? 

I guess it's okay that Dad sold my truck. Dad is going to take us to McDonald's for supper in the van. I love Mickey D's! I can have my very own puppy burger! I think he really wants to drive it and that's why we're going, but it doesn't matter. It will be fun! 

And maybe he'll stop at the ice cream place on the way back. I'll have to be sneaky and let him know I want him to turn in there. 

I'm Deuce. I know I can convince him. Convincing Dad is my superpower! 

Deuce's Day, Greenbrier Smokey Deuce, black Lab, Town & Country, ice cream, simple country pleasures, a writer's life, rural lifestyle, good dogs, dog with a blog, black lives matter, Retrievers, 

It's not nice to tease me, Dad

 

Dad is really good at putzing around in his shed. Putzing is like puttering. Or "working on a project" only he knows about. We did that today. 

I'm not sure what he's working on but it involves 2x4 lumber and a lot of noise. I usually don't pay much attention, but then the magic happened! Dad opened the doors on MY truck! So of course I jumped right in! 

And that's as far as I got. 

Dad had no intention of taking me for a ride. He just messed around with the running board and left me sitting there like the good dog I am. Then he took my picture and sent it to Mom and now it's on a blog post. 

That's the way things work around here. 

Black panther spotted in my yard!

 Mom thinks she's funny with that blog title, but she's not far off. Loki is black and slinky, and he is a nasty feline. And he does catch mice and moles, so that's a good thing. 

He's a strange little cat, though. He's like one-tenth my size and yet he attacks me, which is pretty brave of him. It annoys me to no end. How would you like it if he bapped you in the face all the time? You wouldn't. He keeps his claws pulled in which is the ONLY reason I haven't taught him a serious lesson. 

Mom and I go outside every morning and take a little stroll so I can do my outside activities. This morning, Loki walked along. He behaved so it was cool. When Mom stopped to take pictures of the daffodils, Loki hopped up on a stump and acted like a big dog, er, big cat. He thinks he's the king of the mountain or something. Of course, Mom had to take his picture. She took one of me smelling the flowers, so it's okay. Having a picture of Loki on my blog every once in a while is not so bad.

It's a good thing to stop and smell the flowers, especially for Mom. I'm with her all the time and I know she's always busy taking care of me and Dad, and even Loki. She said maybe tomorrow we'd get to go on a long walk, maybe take the pond loop again. I'd really like that and she'd get to see if the old, abandoned homestead still has daffodils bloom in the spring. 

And no, I did not tinkle on the daffodils! 

I'm Deuce and I have a little couth. 

It's been quiet lately

There hasn't been much going on in my world except for the rabbit under the front porch. I know it's there. I've seen it. It's a wily thing. I'd play with it but it won't come out when I'm in the yard. To be fair, I'm about ten times its size so I guess it is scared of me. 

Mom and Dad are working on putting down new flooring in the bathroom. I DO NOT LIKE THE NEW FLOOR. Mom tells me it's the same material as the old floor but it looks way different to me. Last night, after we went to bed, Mom threatened to get rubber booties and make me wear them. I didn't like the sound of that. She sounded pretty serious about it. 

Mom said the vet sent her a postcard about me. I don't like the sound of that, either. Mom said I was going to get needles again so I'd better prepare myself. Has it been a year already? 

Spring is really here. The grass turned green. Mom sprinkled grass seed on all the spots I tore up last year playing Frisbee. Now I know why Dad always throws the Frisbee up the hill in the backyard. I can't slide going uphill. Parents are tricky. 

The deer look nasty right now. Mom says the word is "scraggly." They're shedding their winter coats. Hey! So am I!! You should see Mom's face when she empties the vacuum cleaner! She says she sucks up a Lab every time. Mom loves my shiny black fur. 

I've got to strike a pose. Mom's coming at me with her cell phone and that means pictures of little 'ol me and I'm not even out of bed yet. 

Deuce likes pink

I overheard Mom and Dad talking about my favorite Frisbee. Apparently, all the work I've done to perfect the edges for my teeth has been a bad thing. Putting fang slots around it has made it fly crooked. 

It doesn't bother me at all that it doesn't fly straight. It still flies. I can still catch it in the air. I like the pink Frisbee. I mean, guy wolfs can like pink, right? Besides, the blue one doesn't fly as far. It goes out and then falls. It doesn't float like the pink one, which is really disappointing to me. 

Mom says next time she goes to the pet store she'll get me a bunch of new Frisbees, even pink if they have it. 

I'm worried they won't be the same as my first pink Frisbee. I hope Mom keeps it for me. 

Look at those muscular haunches!

Mom. 

Really? 

Instead of taking a picture of my butt, don't you think it would have been better to help me get my ball out from under the file cabinet?

(No, son. I told you I needed to get some writing done and to go pester your dad.)

Hey! I'm really getting muscles! It's from all the running and jumping I do, isn't it? I can jump pretty high to catch a Frisbee. Why don't you take a picture of that? 

(Because you see the camera and pose instead of catching the Frisbee, you little hammy knucklehead.)

Mom! Get my ball! 

(ahahahahahahaaaa! In fifteen minutes, son....)

Mom!!!

I'm so stylish for fall!

Fashion isn't just for girl dogs. I have a sporty new vest for long walks with Mom. Now, I ask you - am I not handsome in orange? Isn't orange the new black? I am firing on all four paws! 

I wasn't sure I'd like dressing up to go for a walk, but Mom explained the woods are full of nutjobs with rifles. She says just because they have a license to hunt doesn't mean they know the difference between a deer and a goat, or even a black dog. So between now and Christmas, I'm wearing orange. 

Mom's wearing orange, too. She says she's a little embarrassed to wear Dad's Baltimore Orioles windbreaker, but she will. I thought she liked the O's. They must have sucked this year. I know Dad yelled at them through the television plenty of times. 

But back to more important stuff - ME! 

It was a great day to go for a walk. I got in the creek every time our path crossed it. I even went down the big hill to the bottom where the cold spring bubbles out of the ground and becomes a different creek that flows into ours. It was a long way down, and even longer on the way back up to Mom. I don't know if I'll do that again even though Mom said I could. 

I was really glad to get home and get a snack. I ran so much Mom gave me an extra cup of puppy chow. Keeping me trim is important, but I'm still a growing boy. I just hope she doesn't take that cup off my dinner portion. Maybe I shouldn't give her any ideas, huh? 

Mom & Dad keep track of me

One of Mom's friends sent her an email to ask about my collar. It's very special. It has my name on it, so it really is mine! mine! mine!  It also has a global positioning device (GPS) on it. 

I didn't like it at first. I thought Dad didn't trust me, but now I know it's not that at all. Mom and Dad really love me and don't want me to get lost in the woods. But I won't get lost. 

When Mom and I walk in the woods, I mark my trail. I can find my way back home by scent if Mom wanders off without me. 

Maybe we need a tracker for her. 

Pumpkin & Peanut Butter - YUM YUM!

I'm getting to be one seriously spoiled puppy. Mom says I may be the last dog she ever has, so spoiling me is okay. Yesterday, she was doing a lot of cooking for the freezer and she didn't forget me.

I don't really understand why she made all that stuff to eat later, but I guess she knows what she's doing. 

I'm a Labrador Retriever. I say eat now! 

Mom bought a pumpkin that she chopped into smaller pieces. Then she put the smaller pieces in the oven to roast. When the pieces cooled, she made pumpkin puree. 

Pumpkin puree is good. Like, really good. Mom is pretty smart so she mixed about 2 cups of the pumpkin puree with a big scoop of peanut butter, added a little splash of milk and some honey, and made me pumpkin and peanut butter frozen treats! I love, love, love frozen treats! 

I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! I got to lick the bowl! And the spatula! Then last night, before bedtime, Mom gave me one of the biscuits. It wasn't quite frozen solid, but it was soooo good. Dad even tasted it before I got it. He said he could see why I'd like it, but he'd stick with pumpkin pie. 

So now I have more questions. What's pumpkin pie and can I eat it?  

A new noise after dark

Mom and I went outside after dark last night. We do it all time. Being outside after dark is fun. Mom tells me about the stars. I don't care about most of it, but I pay attention when she talks about Sirius, the dog star. Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky, and is part of the constellation Canis Major. Mom says it just goes to show part of the reason dogs are so important. 

I didn't feel very important last night. Actually, I'm a little embarrassed to have to admit it, but I was scared last night. I heard a really eerie sound. I ducked my head, tucked my tail, and trotted toward the house until I remembered Mom would be out there all alone with whatever was making that noise. I might've been scared, but I couldn't allow Mom to be outside by herself. 

Mom didn't seem to be frightened by the sound. She smiled!

"That's a screech owl, baby," she told me. (I love it when she calls me 'baby.' It makes me feel like a puppy again.) "You won't hear many of those calling to their mates over the course of your lifetime, and you'll probably never actually see one. But I like to stop and listen whenever I hear them," she said.

Then we went out on the sunroom porch and listened to the owls call back and forth until they stopped. It made Mom happy, and I'm not scared of owls any longer. 

I'm Deuce, and I keep Mom company outside after dark.