I Embarrassed Myself!

Every day I get to do something new. Yesterday while on my walk I actually sneaked up behind a squirrel. When he finally caught on to me I was only about six inches away from him. He jumped a foot into the air and his little feet were already running before he hit the ground. I chased him right up a tree! He was chattering and swiping his tail back and forth at me.

Last week we went over to some friends of mom and dad's. They have a beautiful home but there was a big area of dark blue on their big patio. I was prancing around checking out the digs and stepped onto that dark blue thing. Suddenly I was wet and I didn't know how I was going to get out! I don't like being in water at all, and my attempts at doing the doggy paddle were failing fast. I really thought I was going to drown! Suddenly, there was mom, reaching into the water to get me out. I immediately shook the water off, sorry mom. I knew there was no way this was going to go by unnoticed, and I was right. I don't think I'll ever hear the end of that little mishap.

I finally caught a gecko the other day, or rather I caught his tail which came off in my mouth. I spit it out so fast! Not only did it taste horrible, the tail kept wiggling even though it wasn't attached to the gecko anymore.I still chase them but I don't go for the kill anymore.

I really love it here in Florida and mom swears that I've gotten smarter. Even when I don't have my leash/hearing aid on I listen to my parents. Even though I know there are a gazillion dogs all around me, I stay with my mom.

Yessiree, I do like this retirement living!

Jupiter Beach has gone to the Dogs!

I am one happy Cooper. Yesterday I finally got to go to a real beach where they actually allow dogs! I never knew such a thing existed, but Jupiter Beach in Jupiter Florida welcomes all dogs, even mutts, like I should talk.

Now I have to admit, the sand and the water were a pain. I got thirsty and tried to drink the water but OMG, I wanted to spit it right back out! It was salty and horrible. Thankfully mom brought me some real water! She brought me a blanket so I could lay down without being in the sand, but I was more interested in the shady areas beside Dad and behind mom. I had so much fun meeting these new dogs. I think if people got along as well as dogs do, there would be more peace in the world. That's my political stand, and I'm sticking with it.

I was very surprised to see how laid back and playful all the dogs were. Big ones were playing with little ones and some were just plowing into the water to fetch a tennis ball. Most dogs didn't have leashes but my parents consider mine a hearing aid. I simply don't hear them off leash, and I have no intention of learning that little trick. Once in awhile I manage to sneak out and I am off like a shot.

When we left the beach Mom rinsed my toes with water. I am a nail-biter and she saved me from eating a lot of sand.

I had fun, but it looked like the dogs off leash were the ones who were having the most fun. Maybe they should fence it in for hearing-impaired dogs like me...

I am loving being a snowbird-dog!

A Wide Open View!

One of my very favorite places to nap or to watch the world go round is on the back of the couch. I am not very big so I like being up high where I can see.  My usual perch is right at the big front window.

Since I have lived here there has always been a big spruce tree right out front, and it really obstructs (big word for a dog, eh?) my view. Well today brought big changes.

Dad cut down the tree and they carted it off into the woods.  I can see the entire front yard! See for yourself what a change it made.

The tree kept me from seeing a lot of stuff, and I am very happy to see it gone!

My Very Own Blog!

I can't believe my parents have consented for me to write my own blog (well, I can't write but I can dictate to my invisible friend, who can!) This not being able to write stuff is one of the negatives of being a dog, but in this dog-eat-dog world, ya gotta adapt. I haven't figured out what to do with things I see on the ground and would like to keep--I don't have pockets nor do I have thumbs to pick things up, so I guess I'll just keep mulling those things over between naps.

Yesterday I had a really bad day. First, I snuck next door to see if the cat was out. It was and it was hiding in the bushes. I charged right in and found out why dogs don't like cats. I thought I had long fingernails and fierce teeth!

One of my ears is itchy as all get out so mom's been trying to put her favorite home remedy, vinegar, in it. I saw her coming so I headed off under dad's bed to hide, but she caught me. To add insult to injury, my bladder chose that moment to let loose. Now dad keeps his bedroom door shut all the time, so I don't get to hide my toys under it.

Today, I got all excited when mom asked me if I wanted to go for a ride. Ride?! Well, duh! Of course I wanted to go for a ride! I was sitting up proudly looking out the front window in case any dogs were looking, and all of a sudden she pulled the truck right into the jailhouse! I scampered right into the back seat and tried to hide; I did NOT want to go back to jail. I prayed that my bladder would hand tough.

It seems like it was just days ago that she took me there and left me! I was in the wire cell on a cold cement floor for an eternity for a crime I did not commit. I don't even know what the charges were, but I know I was innocent. Just look into my eyes and you'll see for yourself. They gave me a bed, which came from home, and dishes, that came from home, and offered the same dog food I get at home. Hmmm. Preplanned, me thinks.

Eventually, mom came and got me and I thought I'd seen the end of that place, and when mom pulled in to the jail driveway, my past flashed through my single brain cell. I was doomed. She had to carry me in because there was no way I was going in there under my own power.  I remembered the same nice ladies that petted me and visited me, but I kept myself right under mom's legs. I was not going down without a fight.

Mom took me into a room I hadn't seen before and put me on the table. Yes, you heard that right, she PUT me on the table. That's a real no-no at home but everybody seemed fine with it. This pretty woman came in and petted me and got a little too personal, but I have seen shows on TV that do that right before they put you in the slammer, and it was over in a flash. Then she felt my ears and scratched them in a way that actually felt good--she could reach the real itchy spot inside. She left the room and came back to tell mom I had the good fortune of having both a yeast and a bacterial infection. Personally, I didn't think that was all that good, but, whatever. I don't have to understand everything.

So, the good part was that I didn't have to stay in jail! I was so happy to get back outside into the fresh air and man, did I ever have to pee! I'm so glad my bladder didn't let go all over the pretty lady; I don't think it would have made her quite so friendly with me if I ever have to come back.

Uh oh. It looks like mom is headed this way with AARRGGH!!!! Medicine!