Be the Boss!

Although I miss him, I think I like it when Daddy travels out-of-town leaving me home with Mommy. You know why? Because then I'm the boss! If you're a dog reading this quick thinking about your rawhide bone-you need to know this. HOW? Read more.

My Luxating Patella

Remember a couple years ago when I wrote about my luxating patella? In 2007, I found out I had a Grade II luxating patella in my right hind leg. At the time we were faced with the decision as to whether I should have surgery to correct the issue. The choice to have surgery or not presented itself with certain risks and there seemed to be no win-win situation at the time. Not to mention, the surgery itself is expensive and rehab was going to be very challenging. At the time, my parents decided to wait to have the surgery and see how my leg progressed. Many dogs can have Grade II patellar luxation and be just fine. Others digress to have Grade III and Grade IV, both of which require corrective surgery.

Hearing this diagnosis has done nothing to change how I play. I still run hard, play rough, and jump off the back of the couch. During each trip to the veterinarian, my parents wait with baited breath for an update on my leg hoping it has not progressed to Grade III or Grade IV. Last week I went to the veterinarian for my annual visit, during which we finally heard the news we were waiting for.

Interested in hearing more? Check out my new digs!

Sink or Swim?

Now that the weather is warming up and school is out for the summer, it leaves more time for planning cookouts, pool parties, vacations and everything in between. There will be, however, one activity in which I may not be participating.

Swimming! First off, I'm not a fan of water. This is proved whenever I take a bath. However, during a trip out to the country, I went swimming-that is, if that's what you call it- with my uncles and my Mom. Since then, my parents debate over whether I can actually swim.

This debate may never be solved as I won't allow myself to be put into a pool for an experimental swim. Imagine my delight then when I came across this video (although I feel terrible for this pug). Pug's can't swim....or can they? My disclaimer: This video is incredibly stupid. I haven't blogged in a long time and was compelled too after viewing the video.

The Big Day

When you see your parents take down curtains, photos and other wall decor or start emptying out closets, know that your life is about to change. I've been through this once before, but this time it was different. It was unsettling, scary and tiring. Instead of spending my days napping and occasionally barking through the window at children and geese, I spent my days wandering the newly-created maze as my parents stacked more and more boxes in the living room.

I've seen them pack their suitcases for vacations and trips to the country, but this was different. This was bigger. They were taking everything. Were they going to take me? Anytime my parents left the room I followed. Anytime they tried walking out the door, I tried to follow.

Then, one morning, I knew my dreaded day had come. My parents woke up early. I knew after spending the night on the floor with my parents that the time had come. But, I didn't expect to be left out. Mommy took me to doggie day camp and I cried and whined the whole way there. I wanted to go on their trip too. When the lady at day camp took me I lunged for Mommy, hoping to charm my way into getting a free treat, but it didn't work. I played with the other dogs, but I couldn't help but wonder, "When will they come back for me? Or will they?"

Early that evening, my parents came back for me and I couldn't have been happier. Instead of taking me back to my home they took me to a new place. When I first walked in I ran down the stairs to the basement, then I ran back up the stairs and then up the other flight of stairs to the second floor. I ran all over our new home and found all those boxes my parents packed up the week before.

As I investigated my new surroundings, I realized it wasn't totally new. I had been here the night before with my parents. They brought me to visit the night before so I wouldn't be totally freaked out when I got home. I guess they just tried to protect me from all the chaos that went on that day by allowing me to have fun in day camp.

My parents started unpacking boxes and moving around furniture as I explored the new area and barked at children playing outside. Although we moved to another apartment, this one is much bigger. With extra floor space, four small flights of stairs to run up and down, and a large grassy area outside, I have a lot of extra space to run and play.

I think I'm going to like it here. Now, if only I can get my parents to settle down and leave the boxes and paint cans alone for awhile. I need attention too, you know.

Obviously, I've taken a two month hiatus without telling anyone. I've missed blogging and I miss reading all of your comments and stories as well. I can say I'll do better, but really that is up to my typist to determine.

Over the past two months quite a bit has happened and I plan to catch up on everything.

For starters in December I had a very crazy Christmas and met my Mommy's cousin for the first time ever. Recently, it snowed a lot. Leaving us with tons of ice, snow and a snow day. Also, Daddy traveled recently for a very long time or at least it seemed like it. So, it was just Mommy and me and I'll tell you about that later as well.

I won't leave you in the dark very long. I'd write about it now, but my typist is waiting on pictures.