Hold on, I'm coming!

Doo, doo, doo, morning walk.  It's a little chilly, but I don't have my sweater on.  It's nice out!  Hmmm?  What do I hear?   "Rooo, rooo!"   It's Dora!  She has something to tell me and she's calling me.   Wow, she is so happy to see  me!   Dora is my special friend, but she is really, really happy to see  me today.  She puts up her paws to kiss me (she's a little short, haha).  Oh, no!  She had something bad happen to  her.  Not my Dora!!  Some other dog got loose when she was with her Mom and he hurt her!   She said a man helped her out and her Mom cleaned her up, but she was scared!  Gosh, Dora, I would have come to your rescue!  You're my BEST friend! I would protect you!

 Dora WAS calling Harry, from quite a distance away.  She was all over him when we got up to her - happy meter going like crazy, she stood (as best she could) on her back legs to hug him and give him kisses. She body bumped him, too.  So cute.  Her Mom told me a dog, that oddly looks like Harry, ran out of his house and just went for sweet Dora.  The mailman, of all people, intervened until the owner of the dog took him back inside.  Dora's Mom checked her and thought all was well until a bit later when she noticed blood on her white fur.  She had been bitten!  She cleaned her up and used some antibiotic.  Dora is about the sweetest dog you will ever meet and Harry's special girlfriend.  I think he did a good job of comforting her!

He's so hard to see.....

Even though I'm a lucky boy and I have a great home, I still get scared sometimes.  That bad stuff that happened to me when I was a pup comes back to scare me.  I still get afraid of flashing lights.  The big monsters outside have flashing lights, and some of the little monsters, too.  And cameras.  I don't like cameras.  Mom and Dad are always trying to get pictures of me, but I don't like it one little bit.  

There was a special time this week and my hooman sister was here for awhile.  They tried to get a picture of us together because my Mom and my hooman sister helped me with  my book.  Mom was holding on tight, but I'm pretty strong!  I'm ALL muscle!  Mom was laughing, but the picture came out kind of funny because I look like I have magical light up eyes!  If those awful cameras wouldn't flash, I wouldn't mind so much.   Sorry, Mom.....

Harry has always been a reluctant photo subject.  I've tried and tried - but most pictures of him have to either be from far away or on a bright, sunny day (so there isn't any flash) or done surreptitiously with a zoom lens.

He is a mighty strong dog and impossible for me to hold when he really, really wants to get away.  I have many pictures of empty spaces where I tried and failed to catch him off guard.  For instance:

That streak to the left is his tail as he fled the room.

And this is him at his food bowl ........

I swear, he WAS there just a second ago...........

Oh, well, Mr. Spotter - we will try again in a couple of weeks - and I'll probably be just a successful as I was this time.  The spooky eyes are sort of a nice touch, though.   Devil dog!!!

Woot!  Mom is happy!  She got some big news!   And, she got a mini ME!  Yep!  I have a look alike.  He's kind of cute.  (haha, so am I)  Let me show you!

He has two perfect round spots on his back, too, just like me!

"The Amazing Canine Adventures of Harry Spotter"is now available for special order at Barnes & Noble stores.  It is also available for Nook users.  And he can be located via the Barnes & Noble web site.....www.bn.com.

With the holidays approaching, the book is also offered for a discount price by contacting me directly at junivolz@gmail.com.  Ten dollars, free shipping and a bookmark!


 

No one will suspect I'm afraid.....

I know I'm a lucky dog to have my forever home.  But sometimes, I still get scared.  Like the little toaster monster.  It used to scare me.  I don't like it  much, but I got used to it....yumbers stuff comes out of it!  Haha.  

It's different outside of my house.  I can get REALLY, really scared there.  Those pesky acorns keep startling me, especially when they hit the side of a house.  They are LOUD!  All I want to do is run back home, where I feel safe.

Then one time a car outside on the big road made a loud and scary sound.  Mom AND Dad had to keep me from running.  I can't help it.   It just happens.  

After my afternoon walk - it's just a little walk, not a big one - I get a small treat.  It used to be a dental stick.  But now I get something else.  A little bit of peanut butter with something small inside.  I love peanut butter!  Hmmmmmm.  Those acorns aren't bothering me too much anymore.  I don't know why.  Sometimes, like yesterday, I just keep walking.  We all went around the big, big block!  It was fun! 

Our neighborhood is very quiet.  We are an enclosed community and the most noise comes from the main road that is outside our boundaries.  Once a car backfired and Harry tried to bolt for home.  It took two of us to keep him still until he calmed down, sort of.  Then, with the arrival of Fall, the acorns became a problem.  If they hit the siding or the gutters, the sound is sharp, loud and startling.  Walking Harry had become a challenge once again.

So, he now gets a natural supplement once a day to help calm him down.  Chamomile, B vitamins and other natural substances, delivered in a pill dipped in peanut butter.  He has been taking them for two weeks and it seems to be making a difference.  Yesterday was the first time in weeks that he actually wanted to embark on our longest route around the neighborhood.  And that was in spite of acorns popping down around us!  Since the weather is still nice, we want him to get out and get exercise while we can!

Wait! Come here!

I learned something.  It is very important!  And, guess what?  It makes my Mom really, really happy!  And that makes me happy and then my happy meter goes and goes!  Want to know what I learned?  When she says "Come here!"  she wants ME to show up!  And I do!  Everytime I do it, she tells me what a good boy I am, and I get extra pets and sometimes a hug! It's amazing how happy it makes her!  And Dad, too!  Haha - then we are ALL happy!!

I know what "wait" means, too!  When I wait, I look at Mom until she says "Ok" and then I know I can walk again.  Hey, I'm a pretty smart guy!

One of THE most important things to teach your dog is for them to come to you.  Harry finally "got it."  I am totally delighted when he comes with the first command and make sure I praise him and give him lots of pets, kisses and hugs. Positive reinforcement works wonders.  He has "wait" down pretty well, too....another important command -"wait" or "stay"...whichever you choose.  Mr. Smarty also knows "go home."  When we are within sight of our house and  I am sure there are no cars nearby, I tell him to "go home" and he merrily trots himself to the front door, happy meter wagging all the way!  Good boy!

Saturday in the Park!

Oh, boy!  Did I have a big day!  I got all excited because we got up extra early.  I took my morning walk in the DARK!  Then we climbed in the car!  We spent the day in a big park and there were lots of people and lots of dogs!!!  It was kind of cold in the beginning, but then it got warmer.  I got to sniff noses with a Sheltie and and Golden and a poodle and all  kinds of different dogs!  Everyone was friendly!  And so many people were talking to me and petting me!  Wow!  I got soooooo tired, I jumped back into the car to take a nap!   Mom and Dad must have been tired, too, because we went to bed early, but I didn't mind!  I was happy to see my comfy bed!

Allaire State Park's open air market is a long day for the people who are there as "vendors."  I underestimated how chilly it was in the morning and was quite frozen for a couple of hours.  Luckily, the day warmed up as the sun rose higher in the sky - there was not a cloud to be seen.  A lovely, fall day.

I would like to express my deep appreciation to all the nice people who made donations to "Almost  Home Dog Rescue of NJ" and a big "Thank You" to the people who bought books!  Each "Harry Spotter" book sale results in a donation to them also!  It was a successful day -
all three books were bought ("Astoria Story" and "KittenCat") - and I am most grateful!!

Yeeeeooouuuuch!

Oh, boy! No monsters day!  The big rain is over and it is cool outside......we're all going on a big walk.  Yay!   Doo doo doo........I smell a kitty.....where are you, kitty?  Dum dee dum......oh, there's a chippy.  I wish I could catch him.    OW!  Yikes!  Sorry, Mom, I almost knocked you over.  That hurt!!!  Something hurt my foot!  I can put it down and I can walk, but it feels funny.   

 

When we get  home, Mom looks at my paw - the back one....she is pressing and stroking.  There's nothing there, but it still hurts.  Just let me lick it for awhile.......Then she comes with a wet cloth and wipes it all over my foot.  That's kind of nice.  It still hurts, though.

She rubs my tummy......I fell asleep.  

Oh, boy.  It doesn't hurt anymore.  I'm all better now.  I guess I better be careful where I step - there's all sorts of things on the ground now, especially after that storm!

There was a hurricane offshore.  We had lots and lots of rain and high winds.  Some branches came down, and a whole bunch of acorns fell, too.  In the middle of a perfectly pleasant walk Harry leapt into the air and bolted for the street.  It was all I could do to stay vertical and get him under control.  I think he stepped on an acorn.

I examined his foot and couldn't see anything wrong - no pine needles or thorns....I wiped it down with a facecloth and warm water, in case something was lodged somewhere.  He was still limping after his breakfast and fussing with it, so I lulled him to sleep with tummy rubs.  Since the ground is now pretty much covered in round and pointy acorns of various kinds, that is my best guess.  Perhaps he bruised his paw a bit.  He seems to be walking normally now.  A nice nap helped him a lot.
 

I sing the song of my people.....

Dooo, dooo, doooo, dum dee dum........morning walk time!  The days get hot, and the afternoon walks are not so much fun, but the mornings are nice and cool!  I can't wait to get out there!  There's lots of little chippies around.  I wish Mom would let me chase them!   Oh, hey, there's a squirrel.   Haha, he doesn't know I'm here.  I'm going to sneak up on him, yes I am.  I don't know what comes over me, but I can't help it.  I just can't help it.  Slowly......slowly........perfectly.....quiet......my happy meter is totally still and sticking straight out.......up goes my paw.........soooooo close............Grrrwooof!  There he goes!  They are SO fast!  Mom won't let me go after HIM either.  

Oh, well.....there's my Dora - sweet Dora.  Her happy meter is going like crazy and she's calling me!  Kisses from my girlfriend, Dora.  Izz okay, Mom, it's always a good walk when I get to see my special friend!

 

Being a rescue, we were told Harry was a  hound mix, with some possible pointer in him.  After our encounter this morning, I did a little research and I'm beginning to think he is ALL pointer, English Pointer, to be exact.  This was not the first time I have seen him point.  He was perfect - he looked just like those paintings you see of pointers on the hunt.  (I do not endorse hunting, it's just that he looked the part in every way!)  Sleek, shiny fur, 58 pounds, athletic body, friendly demeanor - and, he points.  It is built-in instinct.

He crept up on the unsuspecting squirrel with incredible stealth and then went into "pointer pose" - tail straight out, in alignment with his sleek body......then he raised his left paw (Harry is left pawed, like me!)  and the silly, unconscious squirrel found himself within about 4 inches from Harry's face - eye to eye.  They locked gaze for a few seconds and I braced myself to prevent Harry from lunging.  Squirreley took off like a lightning bolt.  I know Harry was disappointed that I didn't let him give chase.

Luckily, his little Basset Hound girlfriend was right around the corner.  Dora greeted him with her "Roo roo!" and gave him kisses.  She looked so happy.  Why shouldn't she be?  She has the heart of the handsomest boy in the neighborhood!

Dog day!

We went for a big ride and spent the day at the Dogfest!   There were dogs EVERYWHERE.  There were really big dogs and really small ones.  

And some really funny looking ones.

Some dogs got pushed around in wheely things.  I guess they were too hot to walk anymore....It was kind of warm.  Mom gave me some ice cubes to cool off.  We had lots of fresh water for me and for everyone, too.

Some dogs were wearing silly costumes!

 Some of the dogs got up close and personal with me - but EVERYBODY was friendly!

 

And my pal Sparky was there with my foster Mom.  Sparky is still looking for his forever home - he's a really nice guy! 

It was a big day and a long day.  I missed my morning nap and my afternoon nap.

The best thing was getting home.  I was super tired!  And I got doggie ice cream, my very most favorite thing! 

The annual Dogfest, sponsored by Almost Home Dog Rescue of New Jersey, Harry's alma mater.......it was warm but there were lots and lots of dogs.....and one skunk!   We were all super tired when we got home.......ice cream sounds like a really good idea, Harry!

Monster in the house.....

I love my breakfast.  I have my breakfast after my morning walk with Mom.  Sometimes I see a friend, like Rudy.  I saw him today!  After breakfast, Mom and I go back to bed for a while and have a nice nap.   Then when she gets up, I have a SECOND breakfast!  It isn't much....just a nibble, but sooooo yummy.  I know the sound of the toaster and I can't wait for it to pop up.  Oh, boy!

But Mom and Dad did a terrible thing.  A really, really bad thing.  They brought a monster into the house!  I hate it!  It's in the kitchen and I don't like it AT ALL.  I don't even want my second breakfast.  I'll just stay in the bedroom, where it's quiet and safe.  The monster BEEPS.  I hate beeps.  I'm mad at you Mom.  How could you bring a new monster into the house?

Well, the monster comes out every morning now.  If I wait until it's done screaming I can still have my second breakfast.  I guess it's not THAT bad.  Second breakfast is yumbers.  Even better than before......

You know what?  I kind of got used to the new monster.  Mom tells me when it's going to beep, so I don't get startled.  Then it goes away for the rest of the whole day.   Izz okay.  I kind of almost like it now.  Sorry I got mad at you, Mom.

Harry clearly had his nose out of joint for an entire week, all because of a new toaster.  We had no idea it would beep.  Our old toaster was so old that things either didn't toast or got burned, and it took forever.  And if you knew something was burning, you had to bully up the lever to make it stop.  We really needed a new one.

The new one has an LED display and lots of settings.  It toasts quickly and evenly and has a "cancel" button so you don't have to shove the levers up.  The only unfortunate thing is that it beeps when it's done.  Twice.  Beep-beep.  Just like a truck backing up.  Harry disappeared from the room immediately and gave me the cold shoulder for days.  After a few days, though, his desire for a toasty bit of English muffin outweighed his hatred of the toaster.  As in the old days, I started warning him in advance and it worked.  He stayed with me today - although he looked as though the saddest thing that could ever happen in the entire Universe had happened to him.  SO dramatic.  I guess he figured out that the new toaster is here to stay.  Good boy!

You had a bad day....

Oooohhhh.  I had to go to the dogtor.  I was really scared, 'cause I stayed there by myself.  I got real upset when Mom left.  The dogtor made me sleepy.  When I woke up I didn't feel so good.  I started to cry.   This nice girl came in and wrapped me in her lap and pet me, but I still didn't feel so good.  My mouth hurt.  And it felt all smooth inside. 
 
I was happy when Mom and Dad came to take me home, but I was dizzy.  I tripped a couple of times and couldn't make my feet go where I wanted them.  Hmmmppphhh.  Boooooo.  I do not like that feeling at all.  I wasn't even hungry, I just had a nibble.  I feel awfully grumpy.  I don't know what to do - I want to feel better.  I don't like this!

I felt better in the morning.   Now Mom brushes my teeth every night.  I feel ok  now and I'm eating again and not tripping over my paws.  I saw my friend Dora this morning.  She always makes me happy.   I'm glad that the not so good, terrible, horrible, very bad day is over.

Harry had to have his teeth cleaned by the veterinarian.  He had a lot of plaque in the back of his mouth and wear and tear.  Tooth infections can be very serious in dogs.  I have a dental care kit for dogs and have started brushing his teeth every night.
 
Poor Harry was dizzy from the anesthesia and grumbling about it all evening.  His displeasure was very evident - it's a good thing I didn't know what he was saying, but his tone got the message across loud and clear.  What a relief when he finally allowed himself to fall asleep.  In the morning he was fine, his old, normal self - with nice, shiny clean teeth!  We will do our best to keep them that way!

Turn down day......

Mmmmmph.  Hmmm, hmmmm.  Oh, me!   Mom is sick.   Mom is sick.  She isn't getting up.  Dad is going to take my morning walk with me.  Nooooo.  I want Mom!  And it's raining!!!  I don't like it when it's raining!  Monsters in the sky!  I'm scared!   And I'm worried about Mom.

Ok, back inside.  Dad gives me my breakfast.  He give me WAY too much food.  I can't eat all that!   I'm going back to check on Mom.  Mom?  Are you up yet?  No?  Hmmmmm, mmmph. I'll just lie down next to her and put my head on her leg.   Maybe that will help.

And I'm sad 'cause my friend is moving away.  Daisy!  She was my very first friend here.  She is always happy to see me!  She's so cute and fluffy!   I'm going to miss her! 

This is definitely not a good day for my happy meter.  It hasn't gone at all.  In fact, my tail is stuck between my legs.   Hmmmmph.  Oh, me!

Yes, little Daisy and her Mom are going to move - we are all sad about that but hope that they enjoy their new home.

 

I caught a "stomach bug" - and could not get out of bed for an entire day.  Harry pretty much insists on taking his morning walk with me, but he was such a good boy and went outside, anyway.  Even in spite of the occasional thunder and the rain, which we know he does not care for at all.

 

He stayed with me on the bed and whimpered from time to time.  Poor fella.  Izz okay.  We all have a down tail day now and then.  Don't worry, Harry - things will get better.

 



Doppleganger

Yay! Suppertime!  Ok, now we go for a big walk!  Doo doo doo, dum dee dum.  Oh, there's the lady around the corner.  She's my friend, I like her.  Lemme go in for a sniff......Hi!   Mom talks to her awhile.  Hmmmm, I hear my name.   I wonder why?

Ok, Mom, let's keep going......oh, there's Beau!  He's my friend!  Hey, Beau, how ya doin'?  I hear my name again.  Beau's Mom and my Mom are talking.  Why are they talking about me?

Oh, boy!  There's my friend, Daisy!  Hi, Daisy!  This is fun, the three of us sniffing and wagging!   And Daisy's Mom is saying my name, too!  I'm a popular guy! 

Now it's time to keep on walking....all the way around the big block...heading home and another lady starts talking to Mom.  I want to get home and have my treat.  Why are they all talking so much?  Why do I keep hearing my name?   I didn't do anything.........this is funny.  C'mon, Mom, let's go home!

 

 

Hey!  That looks like me!

 

 

I was driving home from the gym and caught a glimpse of a woman walking a dog that looked just like Harry.  I was momentarily alarmed.  Did he get out somehow?  How could that happen?  Who is that?..........Harry?

Once home, there he was, safe and sound.  He had his dinner and we went out for our evening walk.  We first encountered our neighbor around the corner.  She asked, "Who was that walking Harry?"  I said, "You saw that, too?  That wasn't Harry!" 

Then, further down the block, we ran into another neighbor and her little guy, Beau.  "Who was walking Harry?"  Nope, NOT Harry.  I had no idea who it was.

Then little, fluffy Daisy and Mom walked up.  "Someone was walking Harry earlier.  Who was that?" Oh, my goodness, this was getting really silly.  Did the whole neighborhood see the woman and Harry's doppleganger? 

As we continued on our walk, yet another neighbor stopped to chat.  Well, you know how THAT conversation went........

No one has seen the person or the look-alike dog again.  It must have been someone visiting.  But it certainly proved to me that Harry is rather well known in his neighborhood!!

The Howling

There was a chill in the air and a misty fog settled over the creek and the rolling hills. The air was still and silent.  It didn't feel like May.  It was as if time had been suspended and we were trapped in an old, faded photograph. 

I was working on my computer, where I can look out the back sun room windows.  This gloom continued to hang on through the day. 

Then a low moan was heard.  What was that?  I looked outside, but only saw the mist.  Again.  I could not tell where it was coming from.  Then the low moan rose up and up, like a scene from "Hound of the Baskervilles" when Basil Rathbone played Sherlock Holmes, in spooky black and white.  A shiver ran up my spine.

Harry?  

Harry Spotter has the most rich and varied dream life of any dog I have ever met.  Yes, it was Harry howling in his sleep.  (He has never howled while awake, yet.)  It must have been a doozy because he woke himself up, shook it off, stretched and....went back to sleep.  I'd love to know what goes on in those dreams.

There be monsters about....

Oh, no. Nooooooo.  I can hear them!  Monsters are coming!  C'mon, Mom, we have to hurry back inside!  This is bad.  This is very bad.  The monsters are right in front of my house.   I hate them and their noise.  Why won't they go away? 
Now I'm scared.  Brrrgggggg.  I'm afraid to go outside.  Please, Mom, please don't make me.
Ok, I'm a good boy and I do my business, but I want to go home, right away, right NOW!
I'm going to curl up in my bed like I used to a long, long time ago.  Suppertime?  Nope, I'm not hungry.  I'll just stay right here.  If I stay here, I'll be safe.  Go away, monsters.  Go away.

Alyx Weaver

                                                                                                                                Copyright 2014

 

Our sidewalk was crumbling.  We live in a condo community and so, the sidewalk repair crew was making the rounds of the entire place.  They started early in the morning, just about the time I walk Harry every day.  He was not happy.  Between a giant tractor and the cement machine, breaking  up the old sidewalk and replacing it - it took an entire day.  Harry was beside himself.  Just like when he first came to live with us and he was afraid of the garbage trucks and just about anything else on wheels....he refused to eat.  He was trembling all over.  I brought him his dinner in his bed.  As long as I stayed with him, he ate, reluctantly.  Getting him outside was practically impossible even after the trucks and tractors had left.  He was like this for several days........it felt like torture.

But, eventually, all the work in the neighborhood was done and things went back to a nice, quiet normal.  And Harry ran into a couple of his buddies, Beau and Bandit, and that helped him feel better.  Our boy is back, tail up, happy meter on!

Happiness Overload!

Mom and Dad go out and leave me home, sometimes.  Izz okay.  They come back with stuff and some of that stuff is for me!   And I get to play with my special toy, too!  It has treats in it and I have to get them out! 

They were gone for a long time the other day.  A long, long time.  Then I heard the car.  Oh boy!  They're home!  And then Mom walked in the door.  Oh boy!  Oh boy!  She's home, she's home, she's home!  My happy meter is going full speed!  I'm going to run into the bedroom for a tummy rub!  Up on the bed and YELP!!!!  Ow.  Uh-oh.  I hurt my leg.  Now Mom is worried.  She's checking my paw and leg and everything.   I hurts to walk a little.  I can't put my foot down all the way. 

So she took me just for a short walk, then she gave me something with peanut butter.  I like peanut butter.  She told me to lie down and I did.  Guess what?  The next morning I was all better!  I guess I better be careful when I get really happy!  Snorfle.

We had to get our plants for the coming season and wound up going to two different nurseries.  They were crowded and it took a long time.  Harry went wild when I walked in the house.  I had never seen him get so excited.  He was leaping and prancing about like a small gazelle.  Then he went tearing down the hall to the bedroom.  I knew what that meant - he wanted his tummy rubbed.  I followed as quickly as I could, but just as I entered the room he landed on the bed and let out a loud yelp.  Very loud.  Oh, geez, did he strain, sprain or break something?  He just looked up at me with his big, brown eyes looking sad.  I gently handled the leg and pressed here and there - he didn't yelp again and I could move and touch him.  But when he tried to walk he limped.  So, he must have strained a muscle.  Alright, just a short evening walk for him to do his business.  One baby aspirin wrapped in peanut butter and rest. 

Happily, he was totally fine in the morning.  Those happiness overloads can be hazardous.

Strike a Pose....

Ahhhhh, mmmmmm.  My couch. I love my couch.  I get so comfy resting my head on the side.  Then I streeeeeetch out, stick  my feet over the edge a little and relax my tail around them.
So nice.  Hmmmmm.

After sleeping all night I have to stretch then, too.  So I roll over on my back and wiggle around.  It feels good!  My collar jingles a lot when I do that.  Sometimes I do that after second breakfast with Mom.  It makes her laugh, haha. 

Our walks are getting longer and longer cause it's warmer outside.  I  really like it when I see my friends, but even if I don't it's fun to sniff around, tail up, and leave them messages, so when they walk they will know I was there and thinking of them!

I love my tummy rubs, too.  Mostly just Mom, but sometimes I get a double tummy rub from Mom and Dad - it feels so good.  Ummmmm, oooohhhhh, ahhhhhh, mmmmmmm.

I think it's time for me to take a nice nap on my couch.  See ya! 

Lately we have noticed that Harry's body language has changed.  In fact, the whole neighborhood has noticed that he is much calmer and more relaxed.  He used to curl up in a tight a ball as he could.  Now he stretches out, waaaay out, with his legs behind him and his tail plopped out full length.  He knows the words, "tummy rub" and goes running to the bedroom, up on the bed and splays himself out - "Ready!"   And he makes little cooing noises when we massage him.   

Instead of walking around the neighborhood with his tail between his legs, he lopes along,  la-de-da, happy meter up in the air...keeping his eye out for any of his buddies. 

Every morning he is downright hilarious - he does what I call the "wiggle worm."  He lies down on his back and scoots around with his legs flailing around in the air.  If you ever watched Seinfeld and remember the episode where Elaine "danced" - that's what he reminds me of.  Always worth a chuckle.  It's so nice to see our boy so relaxed and happy.  He STILL does not like his picture taken so ......just imagine he looks somewhat like the dogs above.

Time for the Dogtor!

Oh, hey!  I went to see the dogtor the other day.   Haha....he has a fake cat in the yard, but I didn't get fooled THIS time.    And his door beeps when it opens, but Mom warned me, so I wasn't afraid. 

The dogtor looked in my ears.  Yep, I have 'em.  And my eyes - I've got them, too.  He squeezed me all over and lifted my tail.  It was between my legs.  I was a little nervous.  Just a little.

Then he held something up to me and looked at it.  It only took a little while.  He did something to my spot, I don't know what, but that didn't take long, either.  And a lady took my blood!  I didn't even feel it!!  Even though he did all that stuff, I like the dogtor.  He gave  me a biscuit and told the people in the waiting room that I am Harry Spotter!  And I got ANOTHER biscuit! 

I get something extra in my suppertime now.  Every day.  It's tasty, I like it! 

It was time for Harry's semi-annual physical.  His vet always has humorous signs hanging outside. Harry was a little hesitant to enter, but not terribly.  The big clue was his tail pressed firmly between his legs.  The veterinarian checked inside his ears (all clear) and his eyes (healthy) and used his cell phone to do an EKG.  Imagine that!   He just held the phone up to Harry's chest and voila!  Healthy heart.  Harry needed a vaccination and had to be checked for heartworm -particularly important for him because he is a survivor.

It seems Harry has a bit of an allergy problem, evident by his licking of his forearms.  Because he is white, his arms have a pinkish hue from his excessive licking.  The doctor recommended adding Omega 3 oil to his food everyday - Harry is a food hound and happily ate his dinner and even went back and licked the bowl clean a second time. When offered a biscuit, our good boy sat and raised his paw. 

The doctor had a couple of people in the waiting room and introduced his "celebrity" patient, Harry Spotter! A great exam - all is well!

 

Don't ever leave me.

It's only Dad.   Mom didn't come back.  Hmmmmmmph.  Mmmmmmmph.  I don't know what to do!  I can't sit still.  Where is she?   Oh, there's a car outside!  Maybe she's in it!  Maybe she's coming home!!!   No.  It wasn't her.   I'm so sad.  Why did she go?  Did I do something wrong?

Dad is nice to me, but it isn't the same.  He doesn't nap with me in the morning.  He gives me tummy rubs, but not as much as Mom.  He doesn't sing to me.  I miss her soooo much.

She's been gone for sooo long!   Everyday she isn't here.  I can't stand it.

Dad went out again.  He gave me extra biscuits and my toy.  I like my toy, it's fun!  I'll just sleep here till he gets back.  Sleep on my couch.

There he is, the door is opening.  Wait!  Wait!  Mom???  MOM???  Is it really you!!! I can't even MOVE!!!!  My insides are shaking all over!   MOM!!!   YAY, you're home!   You love me! 

Let's go for a walk!  Don't talk to that lady, come home, get in here and stay with me!  Don't you EVER leave me again!!!!!

 

 

I had to go out of town - in February - in the  middle of back to back snowstorms.  Not only do I hate to fly, but I got stuck in a blizzard in Washington, D.C. We were on the runway for 2 entire hours.  It was torture.  Took off in the blizzard.   But then I missed my connection and had to spend the night in a hotel.  Coming back home there was freezing rain throughout the northeast.  Not only was my flight delayed, but my connection was cancelled.  Another night in a hotel.  After spending two hours in a ridiculous line to find another flight.  Luckily my husband found me a room before they were all gone since hundred and hundred of people were stranded.  Then the airport (Charlotte, NC) started closing all businesses, including food.  On my way out I grabbed a sandwich and a coke from one small kiosk that was still open.  Good thing I did, too.  Had to spend TWO nights in a hotel as there were no flights back until Tuesday. 

 

So my 7 day trip became ten.  Poor Harry, I missed him so.  He just looked at me, his body was trembling all over and he was whimpering.  Then he let me have it, barking like he was yelling at me!!!!  Don't worry, sweet boy, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon!





Sweet Dreams till Sunbeams Find You....

This is great!  This is so great!  It's such a beautiful day and the sun is shining!  And it's nice and warm, just the way I like it!   I'm running around with my friends - all of them!  What fun!  Rudy is here and Daisy and Dora and Reggie!  Wow!   We're all just running around and having fun!  Our people are over there and they are smiling!   This is perfect!  I'm so happy, I am so, so happy!

We were just sitting in the living room, watching TV.  Harry was sound asleep on his couch, which sits in front of our couch, but across the room from the chairs where we usually hang out.  I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye.  This was something new.  This was something wonderful.  Harry has twitched, boofed (barked) and howled in his sleep, making us wonder if he was having puppymares.  This, however, brought a smile to my face.  His tail was wagging.  He was having a happy dream!  Finally!  At last he has had enough good experiences to have a happy dream!  Good boy!  We love you so.  Keep that happy meter going!

Get out!

I love my pack.  That's my Mom and Dad.  I stay with them all the time.  If they are in the big room, I go there and snuggle on my couch and look at them.  If they are sleeping, I'm in the bedroom cuddled up in my bed.  And we always walk together. 

Sometimes they go away out of the house.  I don't like it.  I don't like being all by myself.  But I do!  I like some of it!   I always get special treats when they leave me.  I used to get biscuits.  So I would take one to the bedroom and enjoy it in there.  Then I'd go to my couch and, guess what?  MORE biscuits!  Oh, boy!!  Then I'd sleep with my happy tummy until they got back.

Now I have something new!  It's EVEN better!  It's a toy!  Mom puts little tiny treats in it.  They are smelly and tasty. Yummm.  I have to get them out of the toy.  It isn't easy!   But it's fun!  Mostly fun when the treats fall out!  Sometimes I have to bop it around all over the room!  Ha!  

So I don't mind when Mom and Dad leave 'cause I know what's going to happen.  Oh, boy!   A biscuit AND my special toy!  Go on, get out of here!  Hurry up!  I can't wait!

We will never know what Harry's tiny puppyhood was like, but this boy does not know what to do with toys.  Throw a ball and he looks at you.  Give him a pull toy and he drops it.  The closest thing to a toy he has are old dirty socks, and he isn't much interested in them, either.

Determined to introduce some sort of play into his life, I found an "interactive" toy by Kong.  The top screws off and the bottom is weighted so it wobbles and goes back to being upright.  Treats are placed inside and the dog has to nudge it with nose or paws to get the treats to fall out of the small opening.  I had to get on the floor and show Harry what to do.  I wasn't sure if he "got" it until we had to do grocery shopping one day.  Whenever I leave him, he gets special treats.  It's a trick I learned long ago from a dog trainer.  This way the dog anticipates with joy rather than sorrow or anxiety that you are leaving. 

My first clue was that Harry got visibly excited when I took the toy out.  I bought tiny training treats to put inside.  I gave him a biscuit and he ran for the bedroom, as usual.  I left the Kong toy by his couch in the living room and crossed my fingers.  When we came home, the toy was all the way across the room and empty!  He did it!  Good boy!  A second time was also successful, with the toy winding up in the dining room.  And a happy boy who looks forward to his play times!

Talking in my Sleep

I'm all alone!  This is scary!  I'm so scared.  How did I get here?  I keep walking and walking down strange roads.  No matter where I go, I don't know where I am.  It's dark.  What if monsters come after me?  What will I do?  Mom?  Mom, I miss you!! I lost my way......walking, searching............there is a big moon up in the sky.  Maybe if I call it, someone will find me and take me home.  I want to go home!!! Please, somebody help me!! AROOOOOOOOO!  AROOOOOOOOOOO!

 

 

 

It was a strange sound.  Sing-song but melancholy.  Where was it coming from?  Oh, my goodness, it was Harry!  He was sound asleep and his body was twitching all over.  He was having a puppymare.  We have never heard him howl when he is awake, but this was definitely howling.  I wonder if his days as a lost boy sometimes haunt him in his dreams?   Izz okay, baby, Mom is right here, you are safe and sound.

Ruff Night

It's cold!!!  I have my new sweater on to help keep me warm.  But bedtime came and Mom and Dad went to their bed and pulled up the covers.   They don't know there's something in my bed!  I can't sleep in it.......mmmmmmpppphhhh.  So I jump on their bed and they squiggle around so I have some room.  They are so squiggley they bother me.  I can't get comfortable, so I jump down.  That thing is still in my bed........I'll walk around a little.    Guess I'll jump up on the people bed again, maybe they can hold still this time.
Nope!  Dad always turns over or moves his legs.  He IS annoying.  I'll jump down again.
Walk around some more.........
Finally, Dad gets up.  See???  See???? There's something in my bed!  It's a toy.  I have lots of toys.  I don't know why.  I don't know what to do with them.  Yay, Dad!!!  He took it out of my bed!  NOW I can finally get to sleep all snuggled up in my own bed with nobody moving around to bother me.  Ahhhhhh.

The temperatures are frigid.  So glad Harry has his sweater for days and nights like this.  Off to bed to get cozy under the covers.  But Harry is restless.  Up and down, up and down.  His collar jingles when he jumps and walks around.  Oh, he's up again. Jingle, jangle. Now he's down. Jingle, jangle. What is going on?  My husband got up and found one of Harry's toys in the middle of his bed.  It hadn't occurred to him to just pick it up and take it out.  Harry, as a pup it seems, was never played with and he has no idea what to do with his pull toy, his ball, his Frisbee, his cushy toy, nothing.  This was his little green soft toy.  He seems happy to have them but he never actually does anything with them.  Once the offending toy was removed he was able to settle down and sleep through the night.  And so were we!