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.