The Daisy Diaries

It's a dog's life for me!

[daisysdogblog]

I'm alive

Sorry it's been so long everyone.  We had so much snow, and I had to help us get out of it.  It takes a lot of pee to melt that much snow, but I did my best.  Turns out I really like snow.  I like climbing over snow mountains.  Mommy doesn't let me do it to often.  I'm working on this.

The big news is that I'm a foster big sister.  My little sister is Kelly.  She's as tall as me, but she's very little otherwise.  Mom says I should share some of my things with her, but I just cannot share my rawhide chips.  The toys are fine, but I really live my peanut butter flavored rawhide chips.  Also, Kelly had a rough start when she first got here.  She was pretty scared.  Now she doesn't feel well, so I'm looking out for her.  Yesterday I ate the whipped cream off Mommy's shake to make sure Kelly didn't get it and upset her tummy.  For some reason Mommy didn't see that as helping. I do like cuddling up with Kelly on the couch.  It's nice to have a doggie friend to play with in the house.  Mom said we might get some more tugging toys at the store today!  Yipee!  Toys!

[daisysdogblog]

This is from the Super Bowl party at day camp.  I think they really captured my essence.

[daisysdogblog]

Snow, Snow, and More Snow

We had more snow.  Lots of more snow.  Mom said we had another foot.  It looks more like lots of foots to me, but I have no idea what a foot is... at least when it measures things.  Regular feet I know...

The snow is now over my head, and I really don't like that.  I can't see what's going on anymore.  That's one thing I don't like about this.  The other thing I don't like is the wind.  It is very cold on my butt.  I have a jacket and boots, but my butt is still exposed.  Mom and Dad just don't understand how uncomfortable it is for me, and they insist I still go outside for potty.  Joke's on them - I make them wait a minimum of 30 minutes before I will attempt any potty maneuver.  They have taken to offering me cheese treats when I do go potty.  We're still in negotiations on how to handle all of this.  They are on the right track though.

Mom just told me there will be more snow this weekend.  I don't know where they will put it all.  Maybe there's a magical place beyond where I can see that the other snow can go.  I will just have to trust that the humans can handle this because I'm not taking my paws out there to help!

Tomorrow's my 3rd birthday.  Mom's got stuff planned out for me.  We went to the doggie store and bought a new treat toy for me.  I also got a special peanut butter cake.  It smelled pretty good, so I'm sure it will taste yummy.  I'm taking a special treat to the humans at camp, and Mom said I can have a puppy ice cream there too!  Yippie!  We took a special treat to the humans at the vet's office today.  It sure made them happy.  I'm really looking forward to tomorrow now.

[daisysdogblog]

Snowmageddon

Mom made this picture for me because I am not impressed.  She thinks she's funny, and it makes her laugh, so I let it go.  She is so weird sometimes.

So, this was my first real snowfall.  We've had some snow before, as you will have seen in some previous posts, but this is the real one.  I had to get dressed up to go outside!  I'm not just talking about my jacket.  I got boots!  I wasn't too sure about them at first, but I like them now.  They keep my paws warm and dry.  I also get a good grip, so I can run around.  Since cars weren't allowed on the roads yesterday, I could go out with my 30' leash.  This meant lots of running around!  I could bound through the snow, which I only really did to and from the door.

I'm still not keen on doing my business outside in this stuff.  I keep trying to put it off, but I eventually have to go.  Mom has been really nice about taking me out every time I ask.  I try to hold it in, but it's just so hard.

I hear there's more snow coming.  I'm really excited.  The humans?  The look more like the picture Mom posted of me here.

[daisysdogblog]

These are some pictures of me and the snow from yesterday.  As you can see, it's about coonhound high out there.  I'm also stylin' some boots from Muttlucks.  They work great!

[daisysdogblog]

Yellow snow

You may have heard about my previous encounter with snow.  It had just started falling, and there wasn't much on the ground.  I think this picture says it all.

Snow is not my favorite thing... until now.  Did you know you can make it change colors?!?  I made mine yellow.  I also tried to make it brown, but it only sort of worked. The best part of snow, so far, is digging in it to uncover smells.  I feel like a wolf on the track of a snow rabbit when I bound through the snow and dig into those smells.  Mom didn't bring her camera, so I can't show you all the fun I had outside, but I'm working on drinking more water so we can go out again real soon!

[daisysdogblog]

It was a magical day

I love Christmas.  I needed to take a few days to recover from all the fun, so I'm sorry about the delay in my blogging.  I got to see my extended family again.  This time I got to meet Auntie's dogs.  We mostly got along well.  There was one foster dog, and he was in my face too much, so I didn't really like that.  (He has a forever home as of today, so I don't have to worry about that any more.  I am happy for him though.)  There was one other dog who tried to claim my Kong.  Mommy stepped in before I had to get angry.  I don't mind sharing my food, but don't try to take my food source.  Mommy said I became like the Hulk.  I have no idea what she's talking about.

Here's a picture of me with Dave, the foster (with glowing eyes) and my cousin, Harini.  Daddy's in the picture making sure Dave doesn't get too close to me.

For Christmas dinner I got some prime rib!  It was amazing!  Grandpa cooked it just the way I like it - cooked.  It was juicy, so I kept licking my lips.  Uncle D cut it up for me so I didn't eat it in one big gulp, and then Mommy and Daddy took turns feeding me the pieces.  Then I got the au jus!  Prime rib, hand fed, and juice!  It's a doggie dream!  Let me tell you, it was real hard going back to kibble the next morning.  I stared at Mommy with a look that said, "You have got to be kidding me."  She wasn't.  I ate my kibble.

The gifts were awesome too.  Above you can see me in my new sweater.  Grandma E made it for me.  It's a little snug right now, but they have assured me it will stretch out and get more comfortable.  Mom says I'm only wearing it inside so it doesn't get ruined.  (My coat will be for outdoor use.)

Mom and Dad got me a new harness, and I'll talk about that one later.  Leave it to parents to get you something practical for Christmas.  Speaking of which, you can see a bag with pink trim in the background of the picture.  That was also a "present" from Mom.  It has my name on it, but it's to hold all my stuff when we go on trips.  It sounds more like a present to Mom, but it makes her happy to have stuff with my name on it, so I let it slide... plus she gives me treats.  :)  

I also got homemade cookies and other treats from Grandma J.  Auntie gave me a stocking full of toys.  (I'm trying to take the snowman's nose off right now.)  My other aunt and uncle gave me a new ball to play with outside.  That's good because I've nearly destroyed the other outside ball I have.  Let me tell you, I never knew family could be like this!  I even have my own ornament for a tree.  I hope Mommy puts one up next year.

Additionally, I found out you are not supposed to eat ornaments.  If they don't want me eating them, why do they shape them like bones?  Likewise, if I'm not supposed to drink the tree water, why is it left accessible to me?  Humans are confusing.

Mommy and Daddy did leave for a while, but Grandma and Grandpa J watched me.  Grandma snuck me cookies!  They even got my blanket out for me so I could be comfortable.  I rewarded them with snuggles and snoozing.  I also stole some cheese off the counter, but I don't really want to talk about that right now.  They love me, and that's all that matters.

After a long car ride back, we finally made it home.  I was so happy to be home again that I did a major happy dance.  I was leaping and twisting in the air.  Humans are always surprised at the joy of being home, but when you've been on your own and then a foster, having a place to call your very own home is a big deal.  There's always a little fear that you won't go back or they will give you up.  When they prove you wrong and bring you home again it's just so wonderful.  Being loved is an amazing thing.  Being loved after you ate the good cheese is real love.

Anyway, when I was done with my happy dancing, I went to lay down on the bed... and then I passed out.  Mom seems to like taking pictures of me sleeping.  She thinks it's really cute.  I don't understand the fascination.  I don't watch her sleep... or do I?  Ha ha, she'll never know!

It's good to be home humans!  I'm looking forward to many more Christmases!

[daisysdogblog]

You know I'm all about that gift

Sometimes Mom has me go with her to Buddy Dog.  That's the Humane Society where I was adopted into my pack.  Honestly, I don't really like going there because I'm scared I'll have to stay.  There's a part of me that wonders if I've been a good enough dog when we visit.  Mom and Dad always tell me I get to come home, but I still wonder. So, why do they have me go.  One of the reasons is to see all the people who helped me get to adopted.  They are all so happy to see me, and that lifts my spirits.  I never get too far away from the door, so they have to come to see me, but I do really like it.

The main reason they want me to go is a lesson in giving.  They want me to learn that it's good to give to others.  This last time Buddy Dog needed bedding.  Mom said they were running low on blankets.  Well, I can't have that!  I know how much I love my blankets, and the thought of other dogs not having them...well... that's too much.  Mom went a little crazy and got them toys too.  I pleaded with her - I like toys so much!  She sat me down by my kennel, where we keep my toys (although I sneaks as many out as I can when she's not looking!), and she had me look at all the toys I already had.  Then she asked me, "Did you have any toys when you were in the shelter?"  I had to hang my head; I had none.  "Did you want to play with a toy?"  I could only sigh because the only thing I wanted more than a family and more food was a toy of my very own.

After a quick sniff and pee outside, I was ready to bring in the toys, blankets, and even some wet dog and cat food.  (Wet food is a real sacrifice for me people.)  I realized I have everything I've ever wanted... and then some.  There are doggies and kitties still waiting for a home.  They are still waiting for a place where they are warm, safe, and wanted.  We can't give them everything they want, but I can make it a little better for a little while.

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday - no matter which one you celebrate.  I hope the Holiday finds you warm, safe, and cherished... oh, and I hope your tree doesn't faint!  I've been hearing stories about fainting trees at camp, and it sounds dangerous!

[daisysdogblog]

I'm so ready for Christmas!

Bring on Christmas!  I'm so excited!  No, really, I'm so excited about Christmas I can hardly keep it to myself.  Mom was wrapping presents the other day, and I helped... by showing her what it would look like Christmas morning when it's unwrapped.  For some reason this did not please her.  Instead of appreciating my masterpiece, she rewrapped the gift.  I don't know what she was so upset about - it's the gift I am giving Daddy.  It's not like I unwrapped her gift... and then ate it!

This is my picture from camp.  We had a holiday party there.  Some of my friends are Jewish, so we have a holiday party instead of a Christmas party.  It doesn't matter to me because all my friends know how to have fun!  They're a great group of dogs.  We all got our pictures taken, and then those pictures were put on an ornament.  They're supposed to go on a tree, but Mom and Dad didn't put one up this year.  Something about just moving into the house and worrying about me taking it down.  I dunno.  They did put it up on the fridge next to my one for Halloween.  Mom made my outfit for me.  Turns out I wear an adult small in T-shirts!  They just need to be shortened and have the belly area brought up.

Here's a view from the back.  Mom and Dad thought it was real funny.  The humans at camp thought it was adorable.  Mom did a pretty good job at the hand stitching.  I know she feels bad that it wasn't better, but, hey, it's her first attempt.  I think she did quite well... plus, hand stitching just means it was done with love.  I don't even try to pull this one off because I like it so much.

We're heading to be with family, and there are new dogs in the family for me to meet!  Hooray!  I love other rescue pups.  I'm so happy knowing that other dogs have found forever homes.  I know I'm super lucky.  This has been a really hard year for me, but so many blessings have come my way.  I was cold, alone, and starving.  When I was picked up, they say it was a very dangerous time for me.  They don't tell me what that means, so I imagine it was pretty scary.  Then Daddy Jim came along and gave me lots of love and food.  He helped me get better.  I came up north, and more people came into my life to keep me strong.  Then, finally, I met my forever family.  Every day I know love, warmth, and a full belly.  I have friends (human and dog) at camp.  I am surrounded by toys, and I have an endless supply of treats and rawhides.  I don't know about you, but this sounds like the very thing called a Christmas miracle. I hope you, dear friend, find a miracle in your life... better yet, be a miracle for someone else.  Making someone else happy makes your own tail wag with joy.  I know there are lots of dogs and kitties at the humane society waiting for their forever homes too.  If you can't take one home, stop by and say hello.  Bring by a can of food, a toy, or a blanket to keep them warm.  I'll talk more about this in another post, but, for now, I leave you with warm hugs and soft snuggles.  Merry Christmas everyone!

[daisysdogblog]

Things I do not like

There are not many things I do not like.  I pretty much line everything.  Here's the short list of things I could do without.

Baths

Kisses on the snout (I'm looking at you, Mom)

When my parents leave me

Waiting for food and treats

Snow

Mom and Dad made me take a bath today.  I always fall for their trick, which is giving me a treat.  Today it was a piece of cheese.  They said it was for my own good, and they said I smelled awful.  I disagree.  I smell like I dog.  For some reason they thought that was the problem.  Parents just don't understand.

Now I smell like a mixture of grapefruit, chamomile, and blueberry muffins.  Let me explain.  My shampoo is a grapefruit and chamomile blend.  It's supposed to clean my fur without stripping oils.  (I have no idea what that means, but it seems to make Mom feel better about using it.)  Then, because I have dry and itchy skin sometimes, they follow up with a conditioner.  This one has Maine blueberries and oatmeal in it, so I end up smelling like a blueberry muffin.  Everywhere I go I smell muffins!

At least they feel really bad about the whole thing, and I get a few more treats out of it.

[daisysdogblog]

I know SANTA!!!

I just came back from meeting Santa.  I can hardly keep my wits about me.  Mommy and Daddy have been telling me about Santa and how he brings presents for good dogs, and I know I've been good this year.  Santa was so nice to me.  He scratched behind my ear and told me how good I am.  I mean I know it, but it's so awesome to hear SANTA tell me he knows that.  How does he do that?!? I posted my pictures here.  Try not to be too jealous.  Ask your mom to take you to see him too.

[daisysdogblog]

Call me Piddles

I've been struggling with accidents since Mom and Dad came home.  Mom said sometimes people struggle with this too.  As an ambassador for human/dog relations, I felt this was an important topic to discuss in the open.

Mom is making me wear a diaper.  I hate it.  It makes me feel old and out of control - plus, it's not exactly comfortable.  I wear it though.  Why? Because I get to do more things with my humans, like sleep on the bed with them.  I may not like the diaper, but I hate losing control of my bladder more.  The feeling of not being able to control any of it and peeing inside the house, when I'm not supposed to at all, is way worse than wearing a diaper.

Now, Mom cleans me with a baby wipe.  I understand humans can clean themselves without licking.  I am very confused by this, but I'll talk to Mommy about it.  Since I need to lick in order to clean, and Mom says that could make things worse, Mom cleans me right up.  Mom must really love me to do this!  I feel better because I'm clean, and I don't smell the stinkies anymore.

Humans, it's not so bad.  I know my situation is temporary because it's caused by illness, but I want you to know I am having more freedom during my illness because of ... what's that big word?... incontinence support items, like diapers.  Instead of being in a kennel, I can sleep on the couch or bed with the humans.  Break free from the kennel and wag your tails!

[daisysdogblog]

Home again, home again

I returned home on Tuesday, but I needed some time to rest and settle back in to my routine.  I'm starting to get there.  There were some things to overcome when we got home.  One was I was so scared I had an accident on the bed.  Mommy and Daddy weren't mad at me at all, which made it easier.  They got most of it cleaned up, and we need to do one more deep cleaning.

Then I had to go to the vet today.  I was smelling funny, and I kept needing to lick in a place no one wanted to see me lick.  The doctor poked me in places I really didn't like, but Mommy was there with me and gave me cheese treats.  I still didn't like it.  They think I have an infection but it was caught before it spread.  I have to take pills for the next 2 weeks, but Mommy got pill pockets, so it's at least fun to take them.  Mommy keeps making me stop licking, so I try to be sneaky about it.

Otherwise life here is good.  It's good to be home with my humans again.  I'm catching up on sleep.  Mommy said I was a favorite at boarding according to my report card.  I'm so thankful they thought so.  I do try to be a good girl.  They said I really love to eat, which is totally true.  They also said I'm very talkative - I just have so much to say!

Mommy and I will start training again once I have adjusted to my medication.

[daisysdogblog]

O, Parents... where art thou?

I saw the suitcases again.  The last time those things came out Mom and Dad went away for a very long time, and I fear it's happening again.  They didn't come last night or the night before.  I'm hanging out with my friend, Amanda, and she's awesome, but she's not Mom and Dad.

Amanda's been about giving me treats, so that makes her extra awesome.  She even took me to camp so I could run around a bit.  She took me in my new coat so I would stay warm - and look oh so stylish.  She even lets me cuddle next to her on the couch.

I just really miss Mom and Dad.  I hope they come home soon.  I'm lonely without them.

[daisysdogblog]

Training day

I was beginning to doubt Mommy's conviction about training for a 5k.  She said she needed special paws to wear outside.  She finally found 2 to wear.  I honestly thought she was stalling.  Then she wanted to wait for me to get my special shirt.  That finally came in.  Today we had some great weather, so we finally got down to training.

I may not be the best coach.  I kinda prefer sniffing to running.  Don't get me wrong, running is super fun... I just really, really, really like to sniff.  The place Mommy took me has all kinds of new and fun smells.  It was hard to stay focused when I need to put my mark on every leaf pile.

Mom also was not pleased that I had to poop early in our training.  I couldn't help it.  When you get this body moving, this is what the body moves.  Like a good human, she cleaned up after me, and we picked up the bag on the way back.  I really hate it when humans feel like they can ignore this... it gives my mommy and daddy a bad rap.

It was a super good training session though.  I was huffing and puffing by the time we got to the car.  Mom had a tray in the car, and she gave me some water in it.  It's so nice that she thinks ahead for me like that.  She also took me through the Dunkin' Donuts drive through.  I got an egg sandwich on English Muffin.  So yummy!

Now, I'm ready for a nap.  This coaching thing is hard work!  Here are two pictures Mommy took from our day.

[daisysdogblog]

Daddy Jim!

I was pretty upset with Mommy yesterday.  She MADE me take a bath.  I really don't like baths.  Mommy and Daddy soap me up real good, rinse, and then the put this conditioner on me that smells like blueberry muffins.  They say it's good for my skin.  All I know is that I have to wait in that awful bathtub a little longer.  So, that's how my morning started.

When they came back, I just knew something was up.  They were acting different.  I can't quite put my paw on it, but something was different in the energy in the room.  Then Mom got all excited about someone at the door.  She made a real effort to let me know there was someone at the door.  *smh* like I didn't know already!  Please... I'm a dog with supersonic hearing.

Daddy Jim came to visit!  Oh my dog, it was wonderful!  We hugged, and cuddled, and he just petted me.  I didn't even know where to sit because I was so excited.  He stayed for lunch and he convinced Mommy to give me some too.  Mommy makes a really good pot roast!  She finally figured out how I like my carrots!

He stayed for a while.  I gave him an early Christmas present - a picture of me so he never forgets me.  Then it was time for goodbyes.  I hate goodbyes.  I watched him drive away, but it was just too much.  I dragged Mommy around the corner of our house, and I sat in the middle of the road as he drove away.  I barked and barked so he would hear how much I will miss him.  I really hope he heard me.

I moped around for a while, and I kept looking at the door... hoping he would come back in.  Mommy and Daddy said he will come back soon to visit.  I'm a little sad, but I'm so lucky to have so many family members who care about me.  I am one very lucky girl!

[daisysdogblog]

Daisy after a day at camp and a quick vet visit.  A well earned sleep.