December 24, 2012 -- HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE!

The house is in an uproar!  Mamaw and Poppy are runnin' around and bumpin' into each other. I'm followin' her as close as I can - they're sprucin' up and packin' bags so I know they're headin' out - if Lil Red is leavin' I am makin' sure I'm on the bus.  Just found out we're headin' for MI - gonna see Big Dan and his gang for Christmas.  Sure hope we don't get run over by Santa and the Red Nose Reindeer since were both traveling on Christams Eve.  I think the Navy "Dude" will be home from "under water" boat train'.  I am not sure how far away MI is but I think it's goin' to be a long ride!  Speakin' of rides - I am not sure I like Mamaw's Lil Red coupe or not (of course she insists on takin' it!) - the back seat sits so low it's hard for me to see out - maybe I will need a sittin' stool!

Well we're on the "road again" - it's kind of snowin' and blowin' so Poppy is goin' mightly slow at times and then racin' like the wind to make up for lost time when the road is clear - at the rate we're goin' I might be an old dog by the time we get there!  We've made a few stops for all of us to do our "thing" (these old folks need 'em more often than me) plus takin' on a little chow.  The roads are clearer now so Poppy has the little red wagon flyin' along pretty good.  We just got a text message from Dan - we will be arrivin' in Kalamazoo shortly.  I am "pooped", hungry and my bladder is screamin' so we aren't gettin' there none too soon.  Well we're at big Dan's - another safe trip but sure took a long time - glad we are here - now the family fun begins! 

I'll blog later to let you know if I fooled Santa Claus this year about my misbehavin'!  Wait I think I hear somethin' - sounds like skiddin' sleigh skates, jigglin' bells and tiny hoofs - yep I beieve old St Nick is comin' - I better "hide" or he might not leave me a doggy gift!  Yep I was right - Santa was here!  Woe is Miss Scarlett - everyone has opened their gifts and there wasn't nothin' for me - I guess I know my naughtiness finally caught up with me - Mamaw warned me more than once this year.  Or maybe Santa stopped in WDM and "dumped" my presents there - now I will have to "suffer" that long ride again to find out if I got my gifts at my home.  The "waitin' will be long and terrible 'cause we are not havin' Christmas at home until New Year's Day with Reggie, Mike and their broods.  I don't know if I can make it but I'll try my best!  I'll let you know if I fare better at home.

DECEMBER 15, 2012--KAOSS; THAT'S WHAT IT IS AROUND HERE!

Everybody is so darned busy around here, I don't get no attention. Well, guess I got a little. Had to go to see Miss Jessica at the Ashworth Animal Hospital cause I got yeast infection in my floppy ears!!! Yeast infection--I thought you got that on the other end. Anyway, it's daily drops and ear cleanin. I only put up with it cause she gives me a treat when we are finished and I sure do love those new treats I have to have now--they are salmon.

Poppy has worked his fanny off--gettin our Christmas Letter ready to mail, working (and he says its really busy right now.) He keeps tellin me he has to work so I can have these good eats. He had to go to a Christmas Party too, and take 10 gifts with him. He gives em to "his girls" he calls em. Mamaw didn't get to go so we just vegged out and loved each other.

Mamaw has been finishing the Christmas shopping, her aqua therapy, labels for letters, cookin and cleanin. When she gets home from her therapy she says she is just exhausted! They make her exercise in the water and this week they added weights!

They went up to Iowa Falls to watch our granddaughter, Emily's last horse show. They couldn't find anybody to let me out to go potty so I had to stay at home. It got late so I had to hold my legs together...Was glad when they walked in the door and she took me out. And to top it off, Emily won all the prizes...Poppy and Mamaw was just bustin at the seams...

This week, Poppy asked Mamaw to come into his office. I wondered why--suppose she did too. She doesn't like to bother him when he is working. Anywho, he showed her a little red sports coupe and he wants them to go drive it.  Well, they did...I thought it was a pretty hot little car for Mamaw, but Poppy was just delighted. They even let me in the car so I "could inspect it." Poppy went back to see what kind of trade he could make on her Lexus. Now folks, who in the world would want to trade a Lexus off for a little red coupe?
Poppy said it was on her Bucket List. God forbid...

Goin to Christmas dinner at Miss Betty's tonight. That's Poppy's sister ya know? Mamaw has been cookin maidrites for a crowd all afternoon and it sure smells good! I don't get no more treats that you folks get to eat cause of my allergies. I itch and Mamaw says we gotta get rid of that...so--NO MORE.

November 28 & 29 (WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY--NO PLEASURE TRIP THIS TIME...

Oh Boy...rush, rush, rush...Poppy got on the phone to find a "pet friendly" place for us to stay in on Wednesday night. Then he was on the phone again to see if Gwen and Bill Gasperi would allow my kennel to sit in their heated garage for the wake and again on Thursday for the funeral and luncheon.

By now ya know we are goin to be "on the road again" to Mason City for our friend John Hunchins burial. For a couple of days Mamaw and Poppy have been really, really sad and they just keep sayin, "I can't believe he is gone." Well, I'll have ya know I loved Johnnie too--and he loved me. And needless to say, it was a pretty long drive there too!

We had no time to play around when we got there--Mamaw had to change clothes and get around for the wake. I asked if I could go to the wake too, but she said, "Oh no Scarlett--I know you would be a good girl, and that you'd like to grieve along with us, but people wouldn't understand. So off I go, along with my kennel and I know the drill...I accepted that and was a very good girl cause I know Mamaw and Poppy needed me to behave. Hey now--I can behave when I want to.

Back at the hotel, they left the TV on for noise but I heard everything...and I was nervous too! Somebodies big feet kept stompin and there was just constant noise. I didn't sleep good at all--neither did Mamaw. About 4:00 a.m. Mamaw got up to take some kinda pill and came back to bed. She cuddled me and made me feel safe so we slept then for a while. Then when ya get up you know it's a different kinda day cause I knew I didn't have my deer yard to smell around and I'd sure miss that. But, Mamaw was great; we just walked around and around till my pooper would work for us.

It was time then to get around for the funeral. Same drill...kennel and I to the heated garage...Mamaw and Poppy was goin to the funeral. They was gone a long time; guess they had lunch at the church too, but I was a good girl again...(Miss Gwen left a note for them sayin, [QUOTE] Took her for a walk & let her play in the yard before I left! Have a safe trip! GWEN [END OF QUOTE])

On the way home, they talked about the tribute Poppy had given at Johnnie's wake. Mamaw tole him he did "a good job" cause he didn't even use any notes. Mamaw says he's terrific at stuff like that...I can tell it's gonna be a time of grieving around here for a while.

Half way home, Mamaw felt bad about all the "kennel" time for me and so she asked Poppy if he would drive the rest of the way home and she let me be in the front seat on HER LAP!! And how wonderful it was to sleep in OUR OWN BED--WITH NO NOISE...

Monday, November 26, 2012 -- STILL MISSING IN ACTION!

We had Miss Paige comin and goin from our house Wednesday thru Saturday. We was eatin our dinner when she walked in the door. I like that gal a whole lot too! Well, when we finished our meal and Mamaw went to clear the table, she dropped a paper towel. I got to it quicker than she did and I ran like hell with it into the living room--ya see, I wanted to show Miss Paige what I could get by with. Last time she was here I was an angel--honest. Well, I ATE THE WHOLE THING! Mamaw was so disgusted with me; and she made a big deal out of it in front of Miss Paige but I didn't care...

Thanksgiving Day Poppy got up and almost stepped in some evidence of my belly ache. And when Mamaw got up he tole on me. She said, "Oh great--this IS NOT the way I wanted to start my day." I kinda slinked outta the room and out of her sight. She gets so put-out with me I can't hardly stand the look on her face. She got that cleaned up and later there was more evidence showin...oh my God--I thought she was gonna blow her stack.

They got invited to go to Thanksgiving dinner at Miss Vicki's house so when they got ready to leave Mamaw said, "Poppy, I'm not goin anywhere unless Miss Scarlett is in her kennel." I knew I was dead meat when Poppy went to the basement and came up draggin my kennel. I tried to avoid the darn thing, but she grabbed me and literally shoved me in and locked the door! Guess I was busted for sure! So whose laughin now?

They came home and Mamaw right away said, "I'm so glad I made her go to her kennel Poppy." Cause she opened the door and there was a big wad of the paper towel I tried to hide under my little pillow--more evidence. That Mamaw--she somehow finds out every time what I'm up to--do ya think she has eyes in the back of her head or what?

The rest of the weekend went better for me. I still had some of that awful paper towel and it was hard to get my poo out and dropped onto the ground. Not sure that was such a terrific idea after all--but I did show Miss Paige what I could do--and get by with too.

Good news and bad news this weekend though. Our bestest friend, John Hunchins lost his battle with cancer on Saturday morning and Notre Dame WON leavin them with a 12-0 record. Ya outta see em when they watch a game--all dudded up in their Notre Dame clothes and serious as all get out.

Beyond that, my big pigs ear is still missin. Mamaw has been busy lookin for it and so have I but where did I put it? I need somethin to chew on. This mornin Mamaw was in the closet lookin at my nummy numbs and I smelled A BULLY WHIP! I snatched it outta the bag and headed for the bedroom. "Scarlett, that's supposed to be Mr. Dallas' Christmas present, you willy nilly." She didn't take it away right away--but after an hour here she came with her little broom to make sure I was gonna be willing to part with it. What else could I do?

Life has its little ups and downs...I fear more downs than ups this week...

November 15, 2012 -- I CAN'T QUITE FIGURE OUT WHAT'S GOIN ON AROUND HERE!

I been feelin a little blue lately. Monday morning--for the 2nd week in a row--I just didn't think our schedule was right. I like my routine to be the same... and I don't like change. I think I figured out that there is no more Rene' and Friends! When Rene' went to Dallas' house--I wasn't invited. Mamaw says that's cause Dallas is havin one-on-one training, and she reminded me that they aren't doin the daycare and boarding any more. That's why I'm thinkin I'm blue. Guess that explains why I find myself gettin bored.

Well, Mamaw has figured it out so the other day when she was OUT, she bought me my very favorite thing--a big pig's ear! And it cost almost $6...when she took it outta the sack, I nearly fainted I was so excited. She handed it ta me and I grabbed that ear and ran like hell to the back of the house! I chewed on that thing until my jaws was sore and then decided I best not leave it layin around--Dallas comes over and wants everything I own! And Mamaw might get mad at me and take it too...so I HID IT! Went lookin for it and I can't find it. Mamaw goes around and looks for it--Poppy goes around lookin for it--and course me too. Trouble is; I hid it so good even I can't remember where it is.

Mamaw has started her darned water therapy at the Y and she's goin to be gone a couple afternoon a week. I hate that...I wait and watch; wait and watch; until I'm so tired I gotta take a nap for heaven's sake! She went yesterday--Poppy and me talked about it while she was gone and we both thought she was gonna be in big trouble when she got home so we just decided to stay outta her way. When she walked in the door, she was happy! Me and Poppy looked at each other and couldn't believe it! Maybe this is goin to work out okay after all...we'll see.

An hour after she got home, Becky called and said they was goin up on the hill and play. When she asked if I wanted to go--BOY WAS I READY TO GO!!! I smelled deer all the way up but knew I'd better not get too far ahead of Mamaw--she doesn't like that. I'd go about half a block, stop and look back; yep, she's still comin. I was really good bout that cause I know it's important to her. When we finally got there (Mamaw's kinda slow right now--hope that dumb therapy helps her with that) Maggie, Howie and Dallas was all there waitin on me. We ran and played a lot. Mamaw has a bag packed with all kinds of stuff we canine's like and she takes it with us when we go.

I played but spent some time smellin the deer up there too. I know they sleep in one spot cause I roll and roll all over it. Mamaw made me stop doin that and tole me that is uncouth (whatever that means.) Aunt Mary has an appointment at Wolfe Clinic to get a shot in each retina, so that means she "needs a driver" -- that would be my Mamaw. When they talk bout that I just cringe...and know they'll be gone a long time too. So I spend time gettin all the lovin I can before they leave me. And when she gets home, I smell her up one side and down the other; tryin to figure out where she's been and what's she's been doin.

November 7, 2012 -- I'M IN SERIOUS DO-DO HERE

Monday rolled around and not ONE NAME (i.e. Rene') was mentioned! It's gonna be a very long day...

The days are really screwed up now. I go out when it's light in the mornin and out when it's pitch black at night. Mamaw went over to Scheels and bought a hat LED light so she can find my poo. I don't really like the darned thing cause it is so bright!

Well, las night, just as soon as Mamaw opened the sliding glass doors downstairs, I could smell them! Three deer was in our lawn...I headed out for them cause I could smell em. Mamaw on the other hand, turned on her new LED light and still could not find me. Well a cause I was runnin and chasin em out of our yard! She said all she could see was three big white cotton balls jumpin up and down. I don't know how long I was gone, but by the time I worked my way back to where they had pooped all over the yard--I had rolled in it. Don't ever do that...talk about big, big trouble! I wasn't listenin to her and she got madder and madder and finally picked up a long, heavy stick and chased me. I gave her a damned good run for her money too!

But then--she caught me. She had gone back to the house to get my leash and grabbed me by the collar, set me down, and hooked me up. This wasn't lookin very good to me...In the house we go. She strips me of my collar and my red scarf and I thought I was gonna die! She tole Poppy there was shit all over em and she has to clean em. I was just dyin to get to Poppy to get some protection from her awful temper but she was havin none of that either!

She hauled my a** downstairs and shoved me in the kennel...BUSTED!

Today she's been on the computer lookin at shock collars for me. I heard her say she doesn't really like what the Internet was sayin about em. It hurts when it shocks the dog--cause what else would get their attention over their instinct? I'm worried--pray for me??????
http://www.scheels.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?urlRequestType=Base&catalogId=10051&categoryId=&productId=125735&errorViewName=ProductDisplayErrorView&urlLangId=-1&langId=-1&top_category=&parent_category_rn=&storeId=10151

October 22, 2012 -- RENE' BURST MY BUBBLE!

It seemed like such a nice Monday morning--Rene' and Friends day! I'm always on my best behavior when I know I'm going to Canine Craze...I wanta get there as early in the day as possibhle and stay until 4:30-5:00 in the afternoon. I was finished eatin, doin my duty and there at 7:15 a.m. The rule is they tell the Mom's and Pop's that they need to make sure their dog has already pooped and is ready to go. So, we just do it at home and then we don't have ta worry when we get there.

It was a great day of fun and games as always. When Mamaw came to pick me up she looked so sad...I coulda cried. She took me to the car and we headed home--my window down half-way so I could get some air.

On our trip home Mamaw said, "Oh Miss Scarlett, I just read a notice that Canine Craze Performance Center isn't going to have the daycare or boarding service effective Friday, November 2, 2012." Rene' is just gonna do the training sessions from now on...

I hang my head as she shakes her head to and fro--trying to comfort me. We are both beyond disappointed! Then she says, "Well, don't despair, you can go next Monday--but that's the last day. We'll talk to Becky and begin to set up 'play dates' for you and Dallas--it's gonna be okay."

It was a sad time for all of us. Poppy was just as shocked as the rest of us was. They talked about maybe sendin me to a 6-week training session but she don't know how that works. She thinks we should just think about it and after my last day she will talk to Rene' and see just what that training is. She don't want to pay for the stuff she has already taught me...and I don't wanta have to go through all that again either!

Then they got all gussied up (ya know--Mamaw with all her jewelry? And she fixed her hair real nice; even Poppy said so.)  She tole me they was goin to somebody's house to support some political guy--and I had ta stay home feelin all sad and everythin...

I was sure glad when they got home. Mamaw felt sorry for me and reclined on the loveseat with Poppy, watchin the last debate. I climbed up on her lap and just took in the heat of her body and her gentle touch...maybe things are gonna be okay after all...

The popcorn was good too...

October 16, 2012 -- I HEAR WILLIE NELSON SINGIN "ON THE ROAD AGAIN"

Monday mornin and no Canine Craze for me--I just don't get it! What is wrong with Mamaw anyhew? She and Poppy are goin from one end of the house to the other--busy as hell. Did she forget to take me? What will Rene and Friends think? Will they miss me? Or call the house to see where I am? I am upset!

When all of a sudden, Poppy is haulin a suitcase to his car--and his golf clubs. Where is HE goin? Things are just a mess around here today. And then--Mamaw went to THE CLOSET and hauled my bag out! I'm thinkin a road trip--but nobody is sayin a word about it. Suddenly Poppy comes upstairs haulin my kennel and I think I know that I know.

"Wanta go for a ride," Poppy asked? Do bears sh** in the woods? Course I wanta go. We have ta go through the same routine every time--no differences. I have to sit, get hooked up to my leash, go outside and pee; then she opens the back door and I know I'm supposed ta jump in and stay on the towel. I do what SHE says...every time cause I don't wanta be left behind.

And we are off like a herd of turtles...I can't begin to settle down till we're just ridin...I like to see what's goin on outside and Poppy opens that big opening in the roof and I get all those smells. I tell ya, it's yummy. It's a long ride where we're goin today Mamaw said. We goin to see John and Carol Hunchins. They live on a golf course in Rice Lake, IA and are our  "bestest friends."

Doggie Stops

Along the way we stop so I can pee again so I don't haveta hold it forever and ever. I appreciate this too! We stopped at the Boondocks this time and when I went with Mamaw to pee, we saw two different places to go. One said CITY DOGS and had a firehydrant for that purpose and the other one said COUNTRY DOGS and it was a tree stump. I didn't haveta ask which one to use cause I'm a prissy little girl and the tree trunk just did not appeal to me.

I just loved it when we got to the Hunchis house and Mamaw let me outta the car. She led me to their yard and it was so puffy and nice on my paws! And the smells there were just Awesome! So she let me off leash so I could get the full benefit and I was in hog heaven...I ran and ran so fast my floppy ears was stickin straight back; it felt wonderful and I felt so free.

We're in the house, havin a wonderful time with our friends. I was good--really super good--everybody said so. Mamaw sat on the big couch and I jumped up and threw myself across her lap. Nothing better...trust me. We talked and talked and they had a sandwich. I GOT NONE. OMG--then IT happened! Mamaw asked Poppy to go to the car and get my bag with all of my food, treats, water and their wine. They was gonna celebrate with John cause he had an operation and is all better now. So she brought her most expensive bottle of wine to share...and then Poppy came back in the house. He said, "I don't think that sack got put in the car." Oh-oh--no food or treats for me? You got it--NO FOOD FOR ME. Carol opened a bottle of their wine and filled their glasses. They're enjoyin themselves while I'm worried about what I'm gonna eat? I am stunned! did ya hear me--STUNNED! They just keep havin a great time.

After a while, John said he thought we should go for a drive and get me some food. I tell ya--I coulda given that guy a humungous hug and kiss. Course that meant I was gonna have ta go into my kennel and WAIT. Okay Scarlett--make a decision; what's it gonna be? I relent--and get in the kennel. It seems like they was gone an awful long time and I was sure happy to see em walk in the door and let me out. In Mamaw's hand is a sack with some food for me.

Well, we spent the evening eatin--and boy did I eat!!! It was good too. We sat and watched some TV and I was content just sittin with my Mamaw. It was a lovely evening. And at bedtime, she let me come downstairs with her. I feel too warm...and can't relax. Mamaw thinks I'm bein a pest so she cons me into goin back upstairs and makes me go to my kennel. I'm busted!

Miss Carol wants to take me outside to go potty cause Mamaw is still sleepin. I look at my poppy with my eyes and say to him, "Poppy, what do I do now? Should I go with her? She's gonna make me go outside without my family." Poppy indicates that it's okay so I got to pee. Back inside I go downstairs to wake my Mamaw and she's up and gettin ready...I'm happy bout that too. We go upstairs and she feeds me and gets fresh water for me. I grubbed the food up and felt wonderful. They have breakfast AND I GET NONE. Course that's cause nobody picked up my sack and put it in the trunk. John was goin to work so we hugged and said our goodbyes.

Before we leave, I'm back outside enjoyin the golf course. Again I run and enjoy myself. I gotta tell ya--we don't have grass like THAT at home! She let me enjoy my runnin around and enjoyin every bit of the outing...cause it's time for us to leave and head home.

The drive home was very nice...I like listenin to Mamaw and Poppy visitin about stuff. It seemed like we got to the Boondocks really fast. We head back to the toilet place and I see the stump and the firehydrant again--did my 'thing' and got back in the car for the rest of the trip. It felt really good when Mamaw said, "We're home Miss Scarlett." Nice two day trip but love gettin back home to my usual routine.


Our tree looked so beautiful I gotta share photos for ya...









Right: Becky, Dallas and me playin in all those pretty leaves...


Left:
This is what our tree looked like when we got home.





Till next time ya all!

October 3, 2012 - SHE'S A SMART GIRL SAYS CANINE CRAZE!

It's been hard on me lately. Mamaw has that bad hip and bad knee and just doesn't get around very good. Poppy says she's supposed to rest more than she does. Poppy and me can see how much it hurts her to move every time she insists but it's hard to hold her down.

This week she's been in and out of the house haulin her 2 ice cream buckets of water to make sure "her blooms" keep bloomin. And today was our very last BEST day of the week so she watered trees and bushes and everything. She got her scissors out and was cuttin those long vines she loves so much so she could get her plant inside that she doesn't want to lose. She's gonna keep takin out all those sheets to cover "her specials" to keep as long as she can.

When Poppy took me to Canine Craze on Monday, Mamaw was havin trouble gettin around. But when he came to pick me up all of a sudden, she had ghosts out in the flower bed and her scarecrow down on the lower level deck. Tellin ya right now--I ain't happy bout it either. That huge ghost just flops around in the wind and it scares the he** out of me! Wonder how long she's gonna let THEM stay out there?

The Canine Craze Report Card says I'm still in Kindergarten but the message was, "She is such a smart girl." If that's the case, why didn't they promote me to First Grade Skills? I don't get it--do you?

Poppy went back to the doctor on Monday--we still don't know anything. Guess he has to go see some kind of a specialist. Me and Mamaw--we worry...

They did go out last night. Mamaw called it, "Date Night" and didn't feel bad at all just walkin out and leavin me to myself. She said they haven't done that in a long time and she needed a date so Poppy tole her he'd be her date. They came home laughin and havin fun so I guess they had a good time.

When they went to bed, I was finally able to settle down and sleep myself. I just can't relax and really rest till everybody is home and safe.

September 28, 2012 - OMG; THINGS ARE CHANGIN AGAIN!

I'm sure ya all think I make up this stuff, don't ya? Well, take a look at this...

 

It's pretty obvious that "Renne and Friends" think I'm in kindergarten! I can do lots of stuff, you just ask Mamaw...I sit, I shake, I sit up (and that ain't easy with my stubby little tail), I roll over, I give Mamaw the high-five and NEVER EVER MAKE A MESS IN THE HOUSE. I'm feelin just a little depressed and I been actin out a little bit. Mamaw's mad at me today--I can't stand the noise when SHE leaves the doors open and I hear stuff and BARK! Isn't that what I'm supposed to do? But no, she locked me out of the office today. Well, that's cause Miss Becky is still gettin all of her remodelin done and people are just comin and goin all the time. She tole me to hush up.

 

Mamaw was a little concerned about what Miss Rene is doin too, so they talked about it. Now she's tryin to convince me that everythin will be o.k.--I don't think so!

 

Mamaw says I don't have the skills that Canine Craze wants to teach; that's why I'm in kindergarten...Rene thinks it's time for all of us to get down to brass-tacks and learn some really important stuff, so I guess that's what I'm goin to be doin every Monday from now on.

 

I tole Mamaw it's unfair though--my friends go more often than I do. She said, "Miss Scarlett, we are not going to be judging you on how they are doing. You will learn, you're smart, so don't pay attention to all that peer pressure. Turn it off...and let's start learning.

 

 

 

 

September 21, 2012 - CAN WE HAVE SOME QUIET HERE?

We haven't heard yet who won the CHALLENGE at Canine Craze. Mamaw sure hopes it's me cause I sure do love goin there and seein my friends.

The house has been so noisy the last few days...Miss Becky, next door, has had people in paintin for over a week. And then here came those men with the noisy saws and stuff. Mamaw says Becky is gettin a new hardwood floor now. I wish they'd hurry up and get out of here. Mamaw says I can't bark, or run to the garage door or anything to let her know they're drivin me crazy! My ears hurt and I hate it. I been campin out on her bed cause it just upsets me to no end. I member when we was gettin "a face lift" here and it took a long time too. Don't know why people can't be satisfied like we are about things anyway. I kinda think humans are a different breed of KAT.

Poor Dallas--Becky has him locked away someplace. I haven't seen him out and around for some time. Cause when he goes out--I want out too. I tole ya didn't I that Dallas comes to Canine Craze and plays too? But he likes to pounce and wrestle--not me, Mamaw taught me to be a lady and lady I am.

It's been so cold here at night that Mamaw goes through her routine each night before bed. She's bringin plants in the house for God's sake! I have ta wonder what Poppy's a thinkin...cause we think they belong outside. Then she grabs sheets and goes around and covers all of her stuff that's too big to haul in. Me and Poppy--well; we look at each other and wonder WHY?

Mamaw is havin a hell of a time with her IPod--she lost her music and now can't get it to work right. I hear her talkin to herself but I'll leave that alone....and stay out of her way too!

September 11, 2012 --WHAT A BUSY TIME OF YEAR!

It's tough to keep up on stuff around here...wayyyy toooo busy and I can't figure out how it got this way. Well for one thing...we had a HUGE BIRTHDAY PARTY for our little Miss Ella. She was the BIG "1" on Sunday so we had a party to attend!!

It started out with a very long drive--3 1/2 hours or so...
but no way was I going to stay home for this! We were "ON THE ROAD AGAIN" by 7:00 a.m. It was sure purty though. The weather was nice so I didn't have to pant too much and we had some good music. When we got there, the house was all decked out for a birthday and Miss Ella was so adorable. And there was lots of people...so I went to my kennel and shared the bedroom with the cat, Dale. I hear oh's and aw's and all sorts of sounds coming from the rest of the house and knew they was havin a great time. I want ya to know they didn't forget me though, I have "outside" time too. And after all the presents was opened, I got to join the party. It was such fun. Once when Mamaw, Poppy and I was outside, we saw wild turkeys cutting across the neighbors lawn. I got "on point" but then decided I better stay right where I was...if I chased em I might get lost. I gave it up--Mamaw said we didn't need any drama to ruin the day!

It was a long trip home too, but I slept through that. I was so happy to be able to pee and poop in my own yard!...and I was hungry so I ate, pooped and went to bed.

Monday morning I didn't want to get up but when Mamaw asked, "Are you gonna go see Rene and Friends today or..."?  I hopped off the bed and got my nummy nums, and was ready to go. When we got there things was different.

Rene had put white fencing to make us go where SHE wanted us to go. There was two big hoops--one said START and the other said FINISH. Mamaw followed the line and made me lay down at the start--and when she let me, we walked up to Rene where it said finish and I had to sit like Mamaw asked me to while she handed my leash over to Rene. Rene said, "Good job Scarlett" and gave me a treat. Then I was off to play with my friends...I love Mondays...I still don't know what THAT was all about for sure. I think it's a contest cause they video taped it so I'll have ta let ya know later--ya'all come back and see me, ya hear?

I gotta show ya a couple of pictures. Miss Ella is QUEEN FOR A DAY. And " Tigger 2" was one of our presents. She loves him...makes me smile.

                                          



September 3, 2012 - (Monday) LABOR DAY

It has been a terribly boring day for me. Poppy had to work...Mamaw is still fighin that awful BURSITUS, so we STAYED HOME--IN THE HOUSE all day. The only thing that helped save my life is Lori and Bri stopped by for a little visit. I was so durned excited, I jumped up on the couch and walked all over them; Mamaw scolded me and tole me down. Knew I had to mind or she'd get right after me...

I was kinda disappointed that we didn't call "Rene and Friends" to see if I could go there today. Poppy said he bet they were closed, but how do they know if they don't make a phone call. I sure miss not seein all my canine friends today so guess you could say, "I got my shorts in a wad."

The Canine Craze gave Mamaw some literature about how we could win a years' free Puppy Dog Care--she'd sure like to win that for me she tole Poppy. It's gonna be filmed on a certain day. They're gonna see how well-mannered we are in certain situations; then they will choose 3 to review and choose from. I think it would be nice too, cause it's kinda expensive, but Mamaw and Poppy say it's really been good for me. I would really, really like it if Poppy didn't have to work so darned hard so I could be involved there.

Our neighbor got home from the nursing home yesterday. She's been there a long time and Mamaw keeps in touch with her. Well, Mamaw went shoppin today and came home with some beautiful flowers and Baby Breath and put a really nice bouquet together. She called to see if we could come visit for 15 minutes but Janet already had company so she thinks we should try again tomorrow--just hope the flowers don't die before she can deliver them.

August 1, 2012 --TODAY I GOT MY OWN SWIMMING POOL!

The day started out HOT, HOT AND HOTTER. Poppy was on the golf course before 7:00 a.m.--Mamaw was up and carryin those heavy buckets of water--tryin to save all them flowers she insisted on buyin this spring and summer. She's runnin her legs off and Poppy and I believe she's doin the best she can...could sure use a good rain and some cooler weather about now.

She got around and got really busy dustin the furniture in the basement--I jumped up on the bed to watch and make sure she did a good job--always does. Poppy says she's the "fussiest lady he's ever met." When she got done with all that, upstairs we go...

And, into the shower she goes! Then she gets into her closet and pulls some pretty nice clothes out and I KNEW SHE WAS LEAVIN ME. She thinks givin me that "special chew thing Becky got me" was just going to make everything okay. Well...I finally had to give up when she said, "Bye Scarlett--errands to run and then I'll be back."

I heard her come home but the garage door didn't go up. I sat at the door and waited and waited--and guess what? She came up out of the basement and just walked right back out to her car and off she went again. Good God--WHAT NOW?

Poppy came home and went to the basement and out the sliding glass door and ran water into a big, blue thing till it was full. Hummmm...I'm just dyin to go out to see what THAT'S all about. I didn't get to find out then.

Oh, I hear the garage door goin up, up, up and in walks Mamaw. She looks tired...she is tired! Poppy hops up to help her get the 'whatever' she bought in the house. She got it all put away and just fell into her chair to rest a while.

Low-and-behold, then she got me hooked up with my leash and grabbed a big towel and tole me we was goin outside. Well, I needed to go out; don't ya know? Poppy came along behind with the camera--oh dear--another photo op? Down we went--out the big doors we went--and she tried to force me to go into that big blue thing with water in it...! I got my nails trimmed over that one.

She could see I was scared shitless....yes indeed. She picked me up and she stepped into the big blue  thing. I was just hopin she didn't drop me. Then we got out and played with my new frisbie thingy (available at Walgreens) until again she picked me up and stepped into the big blue thing. This time, she put my back legs in--then my front legs--and asked me to SIT! Hey, it wasn't bad. Well we worked back and forth for about 20 minutes and I heard Mamaw say, "Okay Poppy--I think that's enough for today." THANK GOD! Back to the couch...I'm not complaining the next time s!he goes on errands cause maybe this was punishment--don't know.

 This big blue thing doesn't taste very good...the water is WARM! (Yep, I had to see what THIS IS)

My back legs are in--and Mamaw is "hangin on to me real tight

I like this best...THIS KISS; THIS KISS...

I was just happy when our dinner was over and we could all just RELAX

July 23, 2012 – LIFE SUCKS!

Up and at it EARLY! I just know this is ‘Renee and Friends’ day, nobody has voiced it yet—BUT I KNOW THAT I KNOW.  Poppy got my nummy numms around for me. Poppy calls it my filet mignon…ya think? I know one thing—it sure tastes good—and then I’m hooked up and out the door. I love it when I get back in the house and he’s tryin to unhook me…can’t stand still cause all I’m thinkin about is runnin fast as I can back to the bedroom and jumpin on the bed with Mamaw! A little later, she’s up too…getting stuff around; yet not saying a thing about my day. It wasn’t long after my Poppy took me out that she hooked me up and  took me outside…I JUST KNEW!!! And a course I was right—she reached inside for her keys and the camera and we were off to see the Wizard. On the drive over I questioned Mamaw about her day…she tole me that the water filter man was comin to see if our filter was doin the job; the carpet measurer is comin  too and then she’s gotta go get her adjustment. Says she’s gonna be busy all day and she seemed pre-occupied so kept my mouth shut.

The rest of the week was just horrible I can tell ya…Mamaw is sooo sick! I’m doin my best to just lay in bed with her and not ruffle the covers. I can’t do my personal hygiene in there either…she’s being grumpy about that too. Poppy had to take care of me cause she just wasn’t able to. I’m afraid she’s gonna get addicted to those pain pills; Poppy tole me he’s keepin his eyes on her. It’s a good thing too—she just slept and moaned a lot. Sometimes I needed company so  I would go out on the couch and cuddle Poppy. And sometimes he would just go to the bedroom door and look in at her; all sad and everythin.

Finally on Saturday Poppy said he just had to go try to earn a livin so Mamaw and I was gonna be on our own. She did get up for awhile and then went back to bed and back and forth like that. She had to have Miss Jessie come in the afternoon to let to me out. I sure do like that lady—ya know she’s the one tole Mamaw about those treats I can’t live without. We got through the day okay…

Sunday she had to cancel her wine tasting with her friend, Susie. She was afraid she just might have another “blow out” so they’re gonna do it when Mamaw feels better. Needless to day—no walks.

Such a crummy week, I'm gonna post some photos from this weeks' day at Canine Craze...enjoy...

Here are a couple of my 14 friends I play with...small to medium; all sizes and shapes. Don't ya just love it?

2nd photo: Me and my next door neighbor--bestest friend, Dallas. Now he's a tackler and I don't like that...I LIKE TO RUN!

3rd photo: Dallas "Friending" a little guy.

 

http://caninecraze.com/daycare/

im

 4th photo: It goes to show ya that we bigger ones and littler ones can play "nice" with a problem. Sometimes we play so HARD we gotta take a rest.

5th photo: And more friends.

July 16, 2012 – ANOTHER VERY HOT WEEK

Our whole schedule has changed with all this heat. I’ll give ya the ugly details if ya wanta know.

Early, early on Monday, all it took was Mamaw saying, “Time to go see ‘Renee and Friends’." and I knew we were on the go. It was really hot already so I didn’t even want to take time to do my duty but Mamaw usually wins. I rammed in that door so fast I nearly lost Mamaw. Had a terrific day with 14 of those friends. I wonder where the other one is; ya know, the one that was there just one time? Hope I get to see him again sometime…I liked him.

I asked her what she does while I’m gone all day. She tells me she works in the house but mostly runs errands. She seems to have lots of them. I was sure glad she didn’t leave me with those darned scrunchies to hold my ears together. She says I have “stinky” ears cause they are heavy and beautiful and they don’t get any air. Now, what the heck is she talkin about? I asked Poppy and he said, “Miss Scarlett, we just gotta do what Mamaw says.” She sure expects a lot out of us!

Anyway, she gets this STUFF from Miss Jessica, my personal vet, to help dry them out. And everytime we have to do that, she says, "Miss Scarlett, your ears are both a blessing and a curse." It's a rinse to help dry my ears--she squirts it in each ear and then takes a cotton ball and goes clear to my toes to get the bad stuff out.

She had to go to the dentist to get her teeth cleaned and she made the comment to Poppy that it sure hurts the checkbook without dental insurance. She left the house pretty spiffy and came home with a big smile.

Our James, grandson, graduated from his Naval Basic Training on July 20^th. Mamaw was kinda sad—yet happy that day. She stayed in touch with Daniel and kept lookin at facebook to see the pictures. She was sad cause she couldn’t be there to see him graduate but happy that he had completed that part of the race. Mamaw says the race will continue for him—maybe for years to come.

Saturday Mamaw left pretty darned early in the day. I acted real sad cause I JUST KNEW SHE WAS LEAVIN ME. And Poppy had to work so I wondered if I was goin to have to be ‘tied’ down. She took her shower and got all duded up (with all that jewelry and stuff), smelled really, really good and left. Whew! No kennel…but I knew I’d best stay out of trouble.

She was gone so long I did finally move around the house lookin for a new chew bone or something. She hides things from me and I decided it was time to snoop around.

July 9th, 2012 – CAN WE SLOW DOWN…JUST A LITTLE!

Last week was every bit as busy for us as the week before. I don’t know what’s up—do ya think Mamaw is tryin to kill us or have we just been so bad she’s tryin to get even?

I went to Renee and Friends—that’s what Mamaw calls it now. It was a perfect day…cool but they make ya work too! There were 15 of us and I like em all but some of em just bark and carry on like they haven’t had any schoolhousin or booklearnin. I just shake my head like I see Mamaw do when she thinks something is goofy. I got the QUARTER BACK report card again so suppose that’s what I’m always gonna be.

Mamaw has been gone quite a lot. She had her massage and therapy and comes home just full of love for me. Sometimes she gets the ice pack and lays on the couch with me. I get as close as I can and she caresses me…yummmm. She also went out to a party AT NIGHT—when she’s supposed to be home to make our supper! She called it a Thirty-one Bag party. It’s named after Proverbs 31. Proverbs 31:10-31 NIV - Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character ...

Then she was off to Wolfe Clinic to catch up with an old friend she hasn’t seen since 1958. Her husband has to have his eyes fixed there so that will give them HOURS to talk—that’s what she tole me. She came prancin in the middle of the afternoon…

 

From there it was time to get those crazy water jugs out again…She’s been haulin 8-10 every day to water flowers and plants she’s got everywhere outside. She’s been doin that throughout all of this hot weather and she says she is tired. But she tole Poppy she was sure gonna get her fill of waterin stuff. She promised him she wasn’t goin to do all of this next spring and supper—Poppy and I just look at each other with that ole question, “Does she really mean that”? We’ll see…

July 4, 2012 – WHAT A HOT, HOT, AND EVEN HOTTER WEEK!

Do ya ever have one of those weeks where ya can’t even take a deep breath? This has been one…Mamaw has been on the go—without me. She says it’s because it’s been so dang hot but I’m not quite sure about her motives…

We were surprised that LuAnn would be workin on the holiday but she was. I couldn’t wait to get to her—I have my “faves,” you know? She gave me a terrific bath with oatmeal shampoo and reported that my hair was just gorgeous. She cleaned my ears, clipped my nails and brushed my teeth. (She even put just a little fu-fu on me to make me smell pretty.

It just seems like everywhere I go, I get a report card. LuAnn gives me one also. And know what she said in comments? “Perfect Girl! See you next time…happy 4^th.”

Later in the day, Mamaw and Poppy took off for John and Judy’s house for a BBQ. I knew they were gonna be eatin in glory but I didn’t get an invite. I was glad they didn’t stay too long cause Mamaw didn’t sign me up for the party at Canine Craze. When they walked in the door before dark—I knew—they planned to be home with me when all the noise started. I was so happy about that! I was a very good girl all night and just cuddled close to them, thankin God I have such a terrific family…

And Mamaw—the very next day our nephew, Dennis came in a pretty nice pickup with a top on it and hauled all kinds of boxes out of our basement. She has been workin down there for a whole week, diggin for what she wanted hauled out and burned. In no time he was finished with all that hard work and we all visited for a while. Mamaw even made a pot of coffee—and she doesn’t even drink it—go figure!

I heard her talkin to Poppy about hatin to go to the Oak Hill Cemetery near Jefferson, IA on Saturday cause it was to be the very hottest day of all! She tole me right up front, “No Scarlett—don’t even entertain the thought of going out in this heat. You are staying home”! And that was that—she got “duded up” and grabbed her umbrella. I looked at Poppy—he looked at me—and she said, “I can open the umbrella and hold it over my head to keep the sun off my head.” Made sense to us—and that’s good cause sometimes what she has to say is questionable; ya know?

Well, anyway, she was goin to the cemetery to attend HER HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEART'S memorial service. Poppy asked her about that and she just said, "Let's just leave it alone--I got a personal invitation from his widow."

It’s been too darned hot to cook so Mamaw has been doing some different stuff. For one thing—she hates that I sit under the table with my chin between her knees just waitin and waitin. So she bought some really super treats she uses while they eat to keep me laid out on the floor. They’re called SNAUSAGES IN A BLANKET and boy, are they good! Anyway, she cuts them in bite sizes and as long as I stay flat on the floor and don’t beg, she feeds em to me along the way. So far, she says I’m doin good.

That’s our week in a nutshell. Oh, Poppy—it was so hot he didn’t golf much on his days off, but just rested and I would lay beside him and nap…It’s a wonderful life.

July 4th --WHAT SOME OF MY FRIENDS ARE DOING TODAY!

Went to the PetSmart today to see Miss LuAnn. Got a bath, ears clipped inside and ears cleaned, nails chopped off and 2 TREATS! Love that Girl...

Wanta show you what some of my friends are planin on doin with all the noise we got to look forward to...

Please don’t be cruel to your pets today…you know we depend on you to keep us safe…

Think before you make a bad choice.

For every decision…

there is a consequence.

Everybody please be safe!

July 2, 1012 -- IT'S PARTY TIME...NO SCARY STUFF EITHER!

Canine Craze wants you to know they will be open July 4th and have planned a party for "just us" so they can go to the party's and firework shows and we'll be safe and sound--havin fun with our 'friends.' And if you are new, it don't matter EVERYBODY CAN GO!

Well, not people a course...

Canine Craze Performance Center

• (515) 421-8874
• caninecraze.com

3101 104th St, Ste 3, Urbandale, IA 50322

July 1, 2012 - MAMAW IS A REAL SCREW UP!

I tole ya that Mamaw has been “fit to be tied” over the mess she made of my blog. I felt like yelling at her but she was hurtin enough already so I tole Poppy we just better keep our mouths shut to be safe! So for 2 days she's walkin the floor, talkin to herself and prayin…2 DAYS OF THAT.

June 29th, she got up and just didn’t know which way to turn but she had work to get done so as she worked—she cried—and prayed. She had to go have that special therapy session she’s been goin to make her feel better. And rain, it rained kats and dogs! And she got our Deb down to the Federal Building to get a transcript of her Income Tax papers. She got home and she was really tired…I thought maybe she was gonna lay down with me cause it’s been a long day. But nope, she got Deb on her way home and started fussin again about my blog. She talked out loud to herself and all of a sudden I heard her say, “Eric Hoddenbagh .”

All of a sudden—no more tears! She got on her computer and looked him up. She sent him a message tellin him what she had done and they talked back and forth that way for a while. Eric said the sooner we fix it the better…he got busy, busy, busy. Can’t ya just hear his fingers on that keyboard? Well, they got it almost ready to get things done and then Mamaw said, “I will call you—just a moment. I want to make sure we are on the same page. It took about 20 minutes or so and Mamaw broke out in a big smile and she hit the Refresh button (F5) like the man told her to--and saw the results! I heard her say to him, “I LOVE YOU ERIC…just don’t tell your wife.” She’s happy as a lark now…

She says Eric is very, very smart and does good work. We wanta give ya some information about him cause it you ever have any computer problems, you should contact him.

Key Business Solutions  For computer management, repair, web site design, hosting and domain registration. (AND don’t forget he can fix blogs that are screwed up too)

www.kbsia.com or https://www.facebook.com/hodcc

Wednesday, June 27, 2012 – Canine Craze ROCKS!

I know when it’s daycare day cause when we get up cause our whole schedule is different. I try ta stay out of the way until Mamaw says, “Are you ready to go see Renee, and play with your friends”? I’m in the car in a FLASH. It was an awesome day too…my friends are always happy to see me too. It’s good—but  exhausting! My report card today told Mamaw—well, tell ya what I’m gonna do. I’m gonna show it to you cause I am so proud  myself!

This is what my REPORT CARDS LOOK LIKE!

  As you can see for yourself, I’m doin a great job. I think Renee loves me…and I sure do love her. Notice that today I was a Defensive Tackle AND Quarterback.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE…

On running plays their job is to push into the backfield, and either disrupt the running back’s or make a tackle in the backfield. On passing plays they try to push up the middle and either put pressure on the quarterback or to try to deflect passes.

If there is only one interior lineman on the defensive line, he is usually called a “nose tackle” rather than a defensive tackle.

QUARTER BACK…

The football abbreviation = (QB) and it means the backfield player whose position is behind the line of scrimmage usually calls the signals for the plays. It was pretty apparent she was pleased with that!

When Mamaw comes to get me in her Lexus, she has that huge window open and has rolled the windows down a little so I get all of the smells and a nice little breeze too. Ya see, we don’t walk in the morning before I go cause she and Poppy think that be too much stimulation. And (keep this a secret), they are so right. I just want to get home, hop out of the car, pee, and hang out on the loveseat till Poppy comes home to give me my belly rub…what a great day!

The only other excitement around here is that Mamaw has bugged Poppy about how bad her eyes have gotten so he had her come in for an eye exam. Yep—new lenses. Hope she stops complaining now…

 See ya all next post...watch for it!

June 13, 2012 - NEAT STUFF GOIN ON AT CANINE CRAZE

I want all my 'friends' and their owners to know about all of this neat stuff available at my VERY FAVORITE PLAYHOUSE. Look at this!

So Many Choices: Kathy Unplugged

Presented by Kathy SdaoOnline registration opens June 1, 2012!

October 6 – 7, 2012
Dog training is an activity designed to elicit, modify and control the behaviors of dogs. It
requires cognitive skill as well as physical skill and it obliges trainers to make seemingly
endless choices about methods, tools and priorities. From the initial choice of how
to “get” the desired dog-behavior to occur, to later decisions about how to integrate
the learned behavior into the dog’s repertoire and daily life, the trainer must consider
practicality, expediency and the dog’s emotional welfare.
We trainers aspire to make the best choices possible. And so we continue to educate
ourselves, by studying the science, by watching great trainers in action, by brainstorming
ideas and then trying them out with our own dogs, and by discussing concepts with
our colleagues. This workshop will include all these activities. We’ll combine lecture
segments about the practical application of SMART (See, Mark and Reward Training)
with plenty of dog-training exercises, demonstrations, games and time for questions.
Think of this workshop as a chance to participate in a two-day “trainers’ think tank.”

If you have any questions about this seminar or how to register, please send an e-mail to 

seminars@caninecraze.com

We look forward to seeing you on October 6!

Sincerely,

Tammy Lorch, seminar registrar

Canine Craze Performance Center

seminars@caninecraze.com

515-222-1112

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from the best of the best ~ join us as Kathy shares her secrets for training success in a rare visit to central Iowa!

Monday, June 11, 2012 – I JUST CAN’T WAIT TO SEE RENEE!

It’s a Monday, so I know I’ll see Renee today and all my ‘friends’ too. I got my nummny nums and got my poopin done, but we didn’t leave for the Canine Craze. Mamaw can be tricky but I didn’t think she was really doin that but…time passed and all she did was work, work, work. I got tired of followerin her around so I just plopped down on my blue spot that belongs to me and me alone! I must of fallen asleep cause fore I KNEW IT, there was Mamaw standin over me with my leash and she said, “We better get over to see your friends now. On the drive over it was so hot that Mamaw had that huge top window in her car open and the sun felt good on our skin. When we went in the building, I heard all kinds of racket—and I knew we were LATE!

Renee came out from behind the desk to get me and took me back to the back. When she opened the door all my friends were already there! Well, that was different; before I was always there FIRST. I kinda sat down and maybe even pulled back a little to see what was going on. Then I decided I better just put up or shut up, so I went around and greeted each of my friends and before long we were playing. It was very nice…

When Mamaw came to get me, the others were barking and clawing at their cages and whining—me, I wasn’t raised that way and so to make my Mamaw and Poppy proud, I kept my mouth shut.  I was sure happy when I got to see Mamaw! She always smiles and says, Hi Scarlett, did you have fun with your ‘friends’? Then when we are in the car, she rubs me under my chin ALL THE WAY HOME. Now—I really love that!

When we got home, she always looks at my report card to see how I did. Today, I played with 15 friends and today I was a Quarter Back. The football abbreviation = (QB) and it means the backfield player whose position is behind the line of scrimmage usually calls the signals for the plays. It was pretty apparent she was pleased with that!

I asked Mamaw what she had done all day and she tole me that she had to have ReSet do a treatment on her. You know, that unorthodox method she is usin to get well? And she IS getting well. We walk almost every day; and sometimes 2 times a day so I keep encouragin her to keep it up.

And my Miss Dodi has a birthday on Saturday, the 16^th. We don’t get to see her though…she’s busy. But Sunday, the 17^th, she and Judy Swanson went to the Home Show where they got to look at all kinds of new homes and, Poppy would say, “Get ideas.” Course Poppy had ta work again. When he got home we just relaxed and watched the rest of the golf game…nice to cuddle.