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

Do green eyes make me special?

Mom didn't have to go to work today. I love, love, love days when she's home with me and Dad. We got up early and took a long walk. We've had so much rain this summer that the creeks are really deep and running fast. It's okay, though. Cousin Chris has a small dam and it's safe for me to hop in the water. 

Our walks can take us across a couple of creeks depending on which way Mom wants to go. The way we went this morning, one creek flows across an old dirt road. It's wide and not too deep, except for one spot Mom stayed away from. But not me. I hopped right in the deep water. It was cold on my belly so I didn't stay there long. I was splashing around and Mom took my picture. Look at my eyes! How cool is that? I didn't know my eyes could do that. 

I'm Deuce! I'm a super dog!! 

I love being a country dog. I think I'd be sad if Mom and I couldn't walk into the woods. In the woods, I can run free and sniff everything. Mom says I should confess I pee on everything, too. Of course, I do! I'm a guy dog!

So after Mom took me for a walk this morning, she and Dad left me alone with that skanky cat Loki for three and a half hours. I heard them say they hated to do it, but Dad had a doctor's appointment in Baltimore. Baltimore must be a long way down the road. Mom said she doesn't mind the highway miles but driving in the city is annoying. Anyway, after they got back from the city, they took me for a ride to make it up to me. We went down to the produce stand and we got a watermelon. It's in the fridge, chilling. Watermelon is good! Come Saturday, I'm going to get frozen treats, I just know it! 

It's late now and I'm ready for bed. Mom says I can go in without her but I won't. I'll stay right here beside her chair until she's done telling the story of my day. After all, being with Mom is what I do best.

Wearing the snowflake collar

Mom likes to take my picture with her phone. Sometimes it just doesn't work out so well. She wanted a picture of me in my new-to-me snowflake collar but I was antsy and wouldn't pose. 

Mom told me this collar used to belong to Jett and that not just any pup would be allowed to wear it. She put most of Jett's things in his grave with him. She said there were two reasons for doing that. One, they were his things and they belonged to him. And two, a new puppy deserved his own bowls, toys, and collars. Mom kept the snowflake collar as a keepsake. 

She had the collar on her desk for a few days before she let me wear it. I thought she was going to put it away again, but then she said it was now mine. Mom told me it just proves I'm special. 

Of course I'm special! I'm Deuce! 

Thanks, Mom!