Mopping Supervisor

Well, this is a surprise. Mom, I didn't know you were going to be mopping.

Good thing I came in when I did. How could you mop without me watching?

So far, so good, Mom. Little close to my water bowl, though.

That's better. Don't miss the spot where I sit to eat. It was a bit dirty this morning....

Whew, finished! I approve, both the job and it being done.

Now, how soon until the floor is dry? I don't like how wet my paws get when I walk on it!

Tips For A Stealth Garbage Run

The most important rule of a secret run down the alley to find garbage is To Not Get Caught.

I'm talking to you, Olive Badger.

The second rule is to not get greedy. Do not stick your head so far into an eggnog carton that you can't get free.

Again, Olive Badger, this is for you.

Third rule, and this is crucial. After you are rescued from the carton, have been bathed and dried off, but not yelled at because a carton stuck on your head is traumatic enough, lie on the couch and look sad and shamed.

Do not run outside and run down the alley looking for more garbage!

Honestly, Olive!

Dog Yoga

I have heard of Dog Yoga, and I've got to say, I am a firm believer in it! I became aware some time ago that I was done growing tall, and only getting rounder. I still wasn't quite tall enough to get everything I wanted off the table.

So I started stretching and doing some dog versions of yoga.

And wouldn't you know it? All of that has paid off! I am able to stretch my back and and neck and even my tongue to help clear the table.

My family is so lucky they have me here.

If you come over to my house, and see me doing Downward Facing Dog, please don't disturb me. I'm meditating on all the goodies I am now able to reach.

What Are You Doing, Mom?

Why are you outside Mom? Why do you have a bag and the little shovel?

Oh. I see.

Having three dogs does mean there is a lot more mess to clean up.

But Mom, you have two big kids in the house. Don't you pay them an allowance to wash dishes and clean up the yard? They should be out here!

Well, I guess you are right. Leah is sick and David has a friend over. Still, Mom, you are too nice. You shouldn't be doing their job for them.

What's that? Do I know anything about the garbage in the ivy? The wrappers, the boxes, even a mocha cup? Um, not that I want to say.

Mom, it's a good thing you are so nice. I shouldn't even complain about how nice you are. After all, I am on the receiving end of that undeserved niceness more often than not.

I Have A Little Shadow

I have a little shadow, she does everything that I do.

If I lie on the couch, she's there with me.

If I go outside, she's there too.

If I bring my toy to Mom to play, my shadow races with me.

If I jump up on Mom's legs to beg for scratches behind my ears, I can guarantee my shadow will be following suit.

Mom says I should be flattered that my little shadow wants to be just like me.

Hmm.

As far as I can tell, little shadows, in the form of little dog sisters, are quite annoying. There is nothing flattering about a copy cat!

Or copy dog, as it is.

A Taste Of Freedom

A taste of freedom tends to make me go crazy.

Let me explain. I have a collar that beeps at me if I get too close to the 'invisible' fence. I know that, and even if I am not wearing my collar, I stay in our yard. But yesterday, well, I was in the mood to explore.

Mom did not know I was gone until the other girls started to bark frantically. When she peeked out the window, she thought she saw an old lady across the street petting a cat. A cat with tri-colors like a Beagle.

I assure you, Mother, I Am Not A Cat.

I knew the jig was up when Mom opened the front door and called my name. I leaped off the neighbors retaining wall, ran across the street (without looking both ways for traffic) and burst into our house with barely contained frenzy. While Mom was chastising me, I raced around the downstairs rooms, jumping on furniture, then leaping off, running so fast I was sliding as I tried to turn.....

I went a little crazy.

When I finally calmed down I knew two things. One, freedom is intoxicating. And two, Mom needs her eyes checked.

A cat. As if!