Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas!!!! This is my first Christmas with my family. I got a new set of dishes. But not just dishes. They sit on a platform so I don't have to bend down so far when I'm eating or drinking water. That was very thoughtful of my family. I also had all sorts of treats and biscuits in my stocking. Yes, a stocking! My family put up a stocking for me. This is the best family ever!!!!

Later Uncle Ray, Aunt Colleen and cousin Ryann came over for dinner. I behaved myself while they ate. Okay, so there was a good reason I was so well-behaved. Grandma gave me a bone from a previous prime rib dinner they had. Yum! It was the most delicious thing ever! My first (and hopefully not the last) bone at my new home.

After dinner, auntie, grandma and mom took me for a walk. Auntie ran with me several times. I loved that!!!!! I love to run. But auntie tired me out! Usually I tire out grandma when we run but this time I was the tired one. Towards the end of the walk I didn't want to run anymore but auntie wanted to keep going. Phew! I was pooped when we got home and took a good long nap. I sure loved running though. I hope auntie comes back to run with me some more.

Vampires, Werewolves and Mummies, Oh My!

On our walk on the 23rd we saw Parka in his yard. Later grandma and papa went out for a little so I stayed home with mom. I cried because I missed my grandparents. Mom tried to comfort me but I like it better when my whole family is home. How do I know what kind of dangers they encounter when they are out and about? They could meet up with Godzilla or King Kong! Or they might be abducted by aliens! Attacked by vampires, werewolves or mummies! It's a dangerous world out there.

Later mom made spaghetti and grandma gave me some tiny meatballs. They were yummy! Thanks, grandma! That night grandma gave me a little taste of something she called peanut butter. It was delicious! Wish she had given me more!

Grandma also washed my blankies for me. That was very nice. I would do it myself but it's hard for a dog to do laundry so I appreciate her doing it for me. They smelled so nice and clean when she took them out of the dryer.

It's finally Christmas Eve!!!! Our neighbor brought over some cookies for my family and a bag of treats for me! Wasn't that nice of her? Yes, it was! My first Christmas present!

This is a Naughty Dog Production

We finally found out the name of the Great Dane on Dec.19th. His name is Randy. I love that name!

I've been trying to be extra good these last few days before Christmas. I don't want to be on Santa's naughty dog list!

Okay, so I can't be good 24 hours a day, can I? On the 21st my people had some shopping to do so I was left home alone. I was actually very good while they were gone. You thought I was going to say I got into something or chewed something up, didn't you? Fooled you!

At dinner, though, mom was having a piece of sourdough bread. It was sitting on the table looking so lonely . It looked all buttery and sourdoughish. Yum! Sourdoughish is too a word! Look it up in Mia's Dictionary! Anyway, it was too good to pass up so I went for it. Mom was too fast for me though. She got to it before I could. Darn it! At least she shared with me.

On the 22nd we had company. Mom's friend and co-worker, Paula, came over with her 3 kids (Madeleine, Corbin and Phillip). They all loved me and gave me scratches but Phillip especially loved me and spent most of the time with me. I hope they come visit me again! They were so nice, well-behaved and great dog-scratchers.

Cats!!!!! My mother warned me about them!

On Dec.12th we went for a walk and saw a neighbor. She came out to show us her new puppy. The puppy's name is Sadie. What a pretty name for such a cute puppy. Sadie is a yellow lab.

On Dec.14th we saw Dash and his dad during our walk. I was very excited to see Dash. I think Dash was a little intimidated by me because he peed on his dad's leg. Sorry. I just love Dash so much. :)

Later that day we went for another walk and I saw 2 women in a neighbor's driveway. I had to take grandma up to meet them. They said I was beautiful and said they couldn't believe I was at the shelter.

On a walk on Dec.16th we saw what I thought was a cat friend. It hissed at me! Can you believe that? Later on the walk I saw another cat and tried to chase it but grandma wouldn't let me. That night when mom came home from work. I jumped up on her. She loves that!!!!

Unattended Sandwiches and Sleeping Experiments

On Dec.9th I saw the Great Dane on my walk. Grandma even took me up to the fence so we could sniff each other. He sure is nice! On the walk back to the road I was so excited that I pulled grandma down the slope and she fell down on top of me. Neither of us was hurt.

At lunch grandma left her sandwich unattended. :) I stole half of it but she got most of it back. It was yummy!

The next day the Great Dane was waiting for me by the fence. We went to go visit him then were careful walking back to the road so we wouldn't fall.

Later on the walk we saw Amy coming home from school. As soon as her mom's car stopped, Amy got out and came running over to say hello. I gave her 3 smoochies! Then we got near Dash's house. He was a little reluctant to come see me but he finally did after I squeaked for him. Have I mentioned that I love Dash?

That night I conducted an experiment. My people don't mind me going on their beds. I do it every night while they are watching television. But I wondered what they would do if I stayed on their bed when they went to sleep. I was there for 2 hours while they slept and they never once complained!!! The experiment was a success! I'll have to do that more often. Their bed is very comfy and warm.

Happy Anniversary!

It's Dec.3rd. Do you know what that is? It's my 3 month anniversary at my new home! Yeah! And there was much rejoicing!!! I love my home and my family.

I also got my first Christmas card today. Well, it was addressed to all of us but it did have my name on it! It was from mom's friend, Liz and her dog, Cleo. I haven't met Cleo but mom says she's a very beautiful and sweet Australian Shepherd. I asked mom if she had a picture of Cleo we could put on my blog but she couldn't find one. I'll try to get one for a future posting.

What a great life I have! Sunday morning it was sooooo cold. Do you know what my grandma did for me? She warmed my blanket on the heater then covered me with it. This is the life!

On Monday grandma took me for a walk early. We met a black and white Great Dane. We were instant friends! He was very nice.

I didn't like what happened next. My family dropped me off at the vet's office! I had to stay there overnight. They finally picked me up on Tuesday afternoon. I don't know why I had to stay there overnight. I was very happy to finally see them. I howled all the way home.

Smoochies for Everyone!

On Nov.29th we saw a neighbor lady who I've met before. She again said that I was beautiful. Thanks!!!

Later papa grabbed grandma and gave her a smoochie! I wanted a smoochie too so I put my paws on their cheeks to get in on the action! They seemed to like that because they keep trying to get me to do it again. Haven't they read that I am not a performing monkey?

The next day grandma and papa were smooching again and I put my paws on their chests and woofed. Later grandma and papa had raviolis for dinner and papa asked me how many I wanted. I woofed and cried and grandma says she swears that I said "I don't know." She can't be right... I'm sure I said "all of them."

On the first day of December I jumped up on grandma when she and papa got home from the dentist. She loved that! Hasn't she been wanting me to do that? Later mom said her back was hurting and grandma was using some wooden thing to run down mom's back. I don't know what it was but I had to go see to make sure grandma wasn't hurting mom. Yes, I'm curious! And gotta protect my family.

Thanksgiving and 2nd Thanksgiving

On Nov.25th we met another neighbor on our walk. Actually I had met this lady before. She petted me for a while and said I was pretty. She also said she would take care of me for free if my people ever needed her to. No offense but I hope my people never have need of her. I don't like to be away from my people.

The next day I met a cute black neighbor dog named Oliver. He was very friendly. He jumped over his fence and we played for a while. I like Oliver. Yes, his mom said I was beautiful.

That day I had my first dinner invitation! My Aunt Colleen and Uncle Ray invited us to something mom called Thanksgiving Day. I'm not exactly sure what it is but I liked it a lot. You should have seen all the food!!!! Turkey and stuffing and smashed potatoes and green beans and rolls!!!!! It was all so delicious! And I behaved myself too (I remembered that Christmas is near). I didn't put my paws on the table. I didn't even sit near the table!!! I lay down next to papa. I also was nice to my cousin Ryann's cats, Butters and JJ (a.k.a. Gilgamesh). I wanted to play with them but I don't think they like dogs. They stayed away from me.

We had what mom called a 2nd Thanksgiving Day on Friday. I guess my family didn't have enough leftovers from my aunt and uncle's. There was a ton of food again!!!! I loved 2nd Thanksgiving Day!!!! And I am thankful to have been adopted by this wonderful family.

Blossoming Flowers

On Nov.22nd I tried to get my papa to give me some of his breakfast. I put my paw on his arm but he didn't seem to get the message so I put my front paws on the table. My people said "manners, Mia". Oops! Guess I'm not supposed to put my paws on the table. I'll try to remember that.

When mom was sitting in her chair putting her shoes on, I went over and put my paws on her arm. I was just trying to speed her along so I could go for a walk. I'd tie her shoelaces for her if I knew how.

The next day my people had to run some errands so they left me home alone. When they got back, they said they met a dog like me that was named Fortune. That's a cool name! They said Fortune wanted to go home with them. He probably wanted to meet me!

We went for another walk the next day and grandma introduced me to the neighbor's daughter and grandkids. They said I was beautiful. Halfway around the block we met another neighbor who said I was a pretty dog. Her daughter was just getting out of the car and said "I want to pet her too." Everybody loves me!!!

Then we came across a couple more neighbors and stopped to talk to them. The lady said that I am not the same dog my people got from the animal shelter. She said I had blossomed! I think that's a compliment. I don't know what blossoming flowers have to do with a dog though. As we were visiting, Dash and his dad came by!!! I was so excited to see Dash. I ran up to sniff him and wanted to play with him. But he shied away. Did I come on too strong? I can't help it! I really do love Dash!

Faux Birthdays and Rainy Days

Well, Nov.16th must have been my birthday! I was lying down on the tile relaxing and it was dinner time. Grandma served me dinner where I was lying down!!! Talk about service! They better watch out or I'm gonna get spoiled.

On the 17th I saw a small cat on our walk and started to chase it. Yes, I pulled grandma along with me. I didn't catch the cat though. When mom got home from work, I ran up to her and jumped up to give her a hug. She seemed to like it and tried to get me to do it again. Sorry, mom... I am not a performing monkey! You'll have to wait for the next spontaneous moment.

The next day some guy came by to give us more propane (don't ask me what this is). He said I was lovely. Now that's a new word!!! I like it! He also said he had seen another dog like me the day before but it was a male and much larger than me.

It rained on Nov.20th. I love the rain!!!!! I must take after my mom because she said she loves the rain too. Grandma didn't seem to like the rain as much as I did. She got soaked. I did get to go for a walk in the afternoon. I got to meet the mailman. I've always heard other dogs say that they like to chase the mailman. I don't understand why. He was a very nice and said I was pretty. Why would I want to chase someone that says that?

Pez's bed or mine?

On Nov.12 mom had to go to work. Bummer! I like it when she's home. We went for a walk and I saw some black birds. I wanted to chase them.

That afternoon the neighbor lady and her granddaughter came by to deliver some candy we ordered from the granddaughter (she's a Girl Scout). The lady said I was beautiful. Definitely a pattern there.

My Aunt Laura and Uncle Paul came to visit on Nov.14th to celebrate my papa and mom's birthdays (today is mom's birthday). they brought their dog, Pez, with them. Pez is a fox terrier. I'll put up a picture of Pez with this posting.

Pez growled at me a few times. What's up with that? I'm a friendly dog and welcomed her to my house. I get along with everyone. And this is MY house. We got into a little rumble later but didn't hurt each other. That's okay. I showed Pez who's boss. When they brought Pez's bed into the house, I took it over as my own (see picture). What? You think it's a little small for me? I like to curl up into a small ball. It's comfy and warm.

The next day Auntie Laura and Pez joined us for a short walk. Pez and I shared smells on the ground so I guess we are friends now. I hope so. I would rather be friends with my cousins.

Thank you soldiers, sailors and veterans!

On Nov.8th we met the daughter of a neighbor. Her name was Lisa and she said I was beautiful (are you detecting a pattern here?). She also said she was glad my people had rescued me from the humane society.

When we went down one street, I saw a couple of ladies talking and dragged grandma over so I could meet them. I always like to meet my neighbors. One lady had a little girl who kept hugging me and said I looked like a wolf. Now does grandma understand why I want to meet everyone? Look at how many compliments I get. And the scratches and smoochies. It's a win-win!

Nov.9th was my papa's birthday. In the morning I jumped up on the bed and gave him birthday smoochies!!!

It's Nov.11th and my mom is home because it's Veteran's Day. Mom says to thank a vet. I don't think she means the doctor kind of vet. Seriously though, thank you to all members of our military and our veterans. They sacrifice a lot to keep us safe and sound.

He sees you when you're sleeping (or sneaking out the door)...

On Nov.3rd while on a walk my people introduced me to some guy named Marty. He said I was beautiful. Everybody says that so it must be true! He asked mom if I was good with other dogs (well, duh, why wouldn't I be? I love everybody). So he brought out his yellow lab, Summer out of his truck. Summer and I became fast friends. Some kid came out of a house around Marty's and asked if I was a wolf or a husky. Everyone thinks I might be a wolf. Wolves are very pretty animals so it's an honor for people to think that I look like one. We also stopped by to talk to Gypsy and her human. I've got to keep in touch with my friends every day.

I admit I was a bit naughty on Nov.5th (hope Santa wasn't looking). Papa went out to the garage and left the door open just a tiny bit. Yes, I slipped out the door! And I would do it again!!!! I went running down the driveway and up the road and met up with a large brown pit bull. He was very friendly. Papa and grandma came running down to get me. The pit bull tried to follow me home but grandma chased him away. He was just trying to be friends! Later grandma called Dash's folks to tell them about the pit bull and they said it was the same one that attacked Dash.

Smoochies, Rubber Tummies and Eggnog (these are a few of my favorite things)

The day after Halloween we went for a walk. We saw Teddy's mom who had a different dog with her. This dog's name was Lily (you know, like on the Munsters). Lily was very friendly so I gave her a smoochie.

The lady said that I was beautiful and should be pulling a sled! Well, I admit that I am strong enough to pull a sled but why would I want to? I have it so easy at my house. I don't have to do any work at all. Well, unless you call giving my humans smoochies and hugs work. I don't!

Nov. 2nd is my 2 month anniversary at my new home. I sure like it here. My people are so good to me. They love me so much. Did I mention that I get tons of scratches and smoochies and rubber tummies (tummy rubs)? I heard grandma telling mom that she can't imagine life without me any more. :) That made me very happy. She also said that every day I do something cute or smart or funny. I don't do it on purpose. I'm just being myself. But I am cute, cuddly and adorable not to mention smart. I won't even get started with my sense of humor!

We went for a walk and met Dash's dad. He said Dash is fine. I'm so glad to hear that but I wish I could see for myself.

Later that night grandma gave me a little taste of something called eggnog. It was so good!!!! Have you tried it? You really should. It is wonderful!!!! Grandma said that my predecessor, Hobbes, loved eggnog too but I went wild over it. Oh, I almost ate the paper cup it was in. Yes, it was that good! You really need to try this drink they call eggnog but I don't suggest eating the cup (especially if it's a glass cup).

Oatmeal Baths and Halloween (whatever that is)

I had my first bath on Oct.27. Grandma used some oatmeal conditioner that smelled really good. Now I can be just like my mom with nice smelling fur. No! My mom doesn't have fur!! You know what I mean. Grandma told mom that I behaved very good during my bath. I am a good dog. Gotta be good... it's getting close to Christmas and I hear Santa is checking his list. Twice!!!!

I also tried to nibble my papa's hair. What can I say? My humans have good smelling hair. So it must taste yummy, right?

We had lots of company on Oct.31st. They must have all come to see me because they all pet me and said I was beautiful. Most of them were kids and they were dressed in unusual costumes (even for humans). Then grandma gave them candy. As I've said before, humans are strange. Oh, yeah, grandma also said something about it being Halloween but I didn't understand what she meant.