Start of a New Year

Happy New Year to every pup and their mom and dads. My mom started the new year off with something she hasn't done in over 12 months - she actually drove her car this morning! This is another step for mom to feeling "normal" again and it also means she will be able to take me to the park when she wants too. Mom has also been very busy trying to get a photo of me and Jackson together but seeing how I don't like IT near me, this has been no easy task. She did finally get some - with Dads help and some cookies. Do you like Jackson's new sweater? For some reason he doesn't have a nice warm coat like me so he has to wear a sweater to keep warm - what a WUZ! And do you see him jumping up to try and steal MY cookie from MY dad! As soon as I stop being scared of him (ummm I mean his sharp little teeth) I am going to have to teach this young whipper snapper a thing or two.

More gfawing

Jackson's mom went out yesterday and bought him a set of booties so his feet wouldn't get wet when he went out - WHAT A WUZ!!!!! He stood there in his new booties too scared to move and when he finally did he looked like a duck waddling! I have never laughed so much it was just so dog-gone funny. As for Maggie and Mitch mistakingly calling me queen of the house, you have adding insult to injury by now calling me the femine version of my name Riley - my name is Reilly. It is just lucky I have a soft spot for you two, so I forgive you :)

Gfaw gfaw

Chuckle chuckle tee hee - Jackson called mom GRANDMA today!!!! For some reason she didn't seem very impressed. It is pouring down with rain here today and Jackson has stepped up "one" in my opinion as he doesn't like getting his feet wet either and any dog that dislikes water as much as I do can't be all that bad - that being said he still has a long way to go before I will accept him as part of MY family. Oh and I must point out to Maggie and Mitch that I am KING of my home not queen!!!!! Please, it's bad enough that humans think I am a girl but my furry buddies doing the same - sigh!

Meet Jackson

May I present the latest addition to our family. Meet IT - oopps I mean Jackson. As I mentioned before he is a miniature wire haired dachshund of about 7 months of age and weighs 8 pounds. Now even though he has the tiniest legs I have ever seen, don't be fooled for this little guy can move. He is like a speeding bullet, he runs around like crazy! As you can see in the photo, his tail never seems to stop wagging either! Mom can't help laughing at him as he has of gray fur on his head that looks like a little mowhawk (what ever one of those is). She says this will get more pronounced as he gets older. He is a spunky little guy and not at all phased about me - I on the other hand am certainly bothered by him and this constantly wanting to play business. It is kind of fun and kinda scary too - and can you believe it MY DAD called me a "wuz" because I keep running away from Jackson. I mean to say - who knows what damage those sharp little teeth could do!

What a day

What a day I had yesterday. First I had a bath, then I got blow dried all over. After that mom trimmed the fur on my feet, around my little boy bits and under my tail. THE INDIGNITY OF IT!!!!!! Then mom cut my toe nails and dog oh dog did she feel bad when two of them started to bleed. They bled for nearly hour and mom was getting quite worried. Now admittedly it was my own fault as I tugged my foot just as she went to cut them but we are not going to let her know that are we. Mom put some gauze and a sock over my foot after she cleaned it all as I was leaving little bloody footprints on the carpet. Of coarse it finally stopped but I had to take advantage of the situation and kept giving mom my best "you hurt me" look which also means "you had better make this up to me by playing" Isn't it wonderful how expressive our eyes can be and what we can get when we use them to our advantage :) This morning I am just fine but I will remember that trick next time I want something. Oh, mom did put styptic power on my toes (which is suppose to stop bleeding) but it didn't help at all.

Merry Christmas

They were forecasting a little dusting of snow for last night but sadly we didn't get any. Oh well, it is cold and I love the cold so I can't complain. I do want to wish every doggie and their humans a very Merry Christmas, have a wonderful day and don't forget to share with us some of that yummy Christmas dinner - it is Christmas after all and we deserve a treat. Also don't forget to be thankful on this day, I know I am. My mom is home this year instead of being in the hospital and is getting better with each passing day. My dad comes home to me every night now (instead of travelling with his old job) and we play every night and I get lots of cuddles. I have a new house with a huge yard that I can run around in and we have a beautiful park just 10 minutes away. Santa gave me everything any cowspotdog could ever want and I am happy!!!! Blessing to all and have a wonderful Christmas day.

I don't like IT

"She who is hardly seen" (dad's human daughter) recently moved in with us again. On Saturday Dad and she went grocery shopping but instead somehow ended up at the humane society and the next thing you know there is small furry thing wandering around MY home. His name is Jackson and he is a miniature wire haired dachshund of about 7 months of age. Mom was a bit upset as she had been wanting to get me a sheltie brother or sister and now she won't be able too, but at the same time she is glad that Jackson isn't in that bad place anymore. Dad said that although the people worked really hard there, it smelled bad and the cages were quite small. Anyway, this little thing has been following me around, stealing my cookies, running underneath me and I don't like IT. I have been growling at it and trying to get away from IT, but it just doesn't seem to take any notice. "She who is hardly seen" has gone to Tennessee for Christmas and took IT with her but when she gets back Mom will post some pictures. Mom is a little worried about me though, as I got myself very stressed out when IT was here and that upset my tummy and I got a bad case of the jelly poops. Hopefully I will get use to IT being here eventually - just so long as IT stays away from MY Dad.

My house

As most of you know, I have a new house and here it is. Mom finally got the camera out and took a photo - yeah mom! We had a very quiet weekend and didn't do anything at all. It was bright and sunny but also very very cold but as you can see, no snow for us. Mom is still contemplating over getting me a buddy, we have found one that we think will be perfect but it would mean a 14 hour round trip drive to go and get him and mom is not sure she can handle that. The other thing is mom would prefer to get me a sister but there just doesn't seem to be many girls available at the moment.

I have a twin !!!!

The picture on the left is of Bing - a happy and I must say rather handsome six year old. The picture on the right is me - also a handsome 3 year old. Bing also has a spot on his back like me but doesn't have the one on his tush like I do. It is amazing though, he has the same flop down ears, the little white fuzz around the nose the same brown on the face and the same kind of look in his eyes. I bet his mom and dad love him just as much as mine love me - how could they not? Do you have a twin somewhere in the world?

In other news Mom has been thinking about getting me a friend and has been checking out Puppyfind. She was quite sad to see the number of older dogs for sale (4-6 years old) that are no longer 'useful' for breeding. She doesn't understand how you can keep any doggie for that long and then just sell it, don't they deserve to be loved and cared for what they provided? These are not just puppy mills she is talking about either but well known and reputable breeders as well. What are your thoughts on this?

Out exploring

What a busy day I had yesterday. First I had a bath and a good brushing, then I got my nails clipped and then when I was all handsome off we went in the car exploring. Dad had found a new State park for us to go and look at and it was okay but certainly not the greatest. The lake was very brown and muddy looking and there wasn't any good walking trails but I enjoyed sniffing around anyway. We did come across a huge white goose that honked at us loudly, I don't know what it's problem was but it sure seemed to have a lot to say about us being there.

After the park we went on a drive and we saw some of the cutest Shetland ponies. Mom says they originally come from the same place I did. We also saw some of the most beautiful horse ranches and Dad says we will have to drive through there again in spring when it is all lush and green again. Poor mom found the car ride a bit difficult as we were driving through the Ozark Mountains and the roads were up and down and up and down - she ended up feeling a bit sea sick (ga-woof ga-woof) It was good to get out though and we enjoyed our day.

Hearth and home

You may be wondering what I am doing laying in front of a fire seeing how I don't like heat, but don't be fooled. Look at what I am laying on - nice cold tiles! My new house doesn't have vents on the floor for me to lay on so I had to find some other way to cool down and this is one of the places I like. Pretty Miss Katie also asked if I had lost weight while my mom was so sick and the answer is YES - nearly 8 pounds!!!! It wasn't due to fretting or missing my mom though, just a case of not getting the treats I was use to getting. The vet is very happy with my new weight as she said I was getting a little a chubby! I prefer to think of it as cuddly. Anyway, my new weight has made my zooming around the yard ability so much faster and every evening Dad and I go and play "skitchum" in the back yard. Skitchum is when you run around like a crazy thing, barking happily as Dad tries to touch you as you go flying past. Mom is still slowly improving and getting a little stronger each day. She can even get down the back step now and come out into my garden with me. We hope everyone has a very happy thanksgiving - try to relax and just enjoy being with your families. Talking of family, it is with a sad heart that Dad's mom, our only remaining Grandpawrent passed away last week. Dad was very upset as he had been planning to go and visit her for thanksgiving but life over the rainbow bridge called and she had to go. Be at peace sweet Elsie and know that we love you.

My new favorite place

My wonderful Dad has discovered a new place for me to explore. It is a huge park that has this pawesome lake, lots of walking trails and trees everywhere. There are also lots of ducks and geese for to bark at. There is a camp ground in the middle of the forest and lots of areas for kids.





In the middle of these trees is a huge fort that the kids can play on. If you click on the photo's you can them to see them better. Mom enjoyed just sitting at a picnic table and resting while dad took me on a walk.


Mom is doing much better and is able to walk a little ways before getting tired. Thankfully there are lots of good places to sit around the lake and Mom enjoys the quiet and the smell of the forest.





I must admit I am enjoying our new home and even though it's not as cold here (we are averaging mid 60's) I like it because we can go for more walks in the park.

Cold rainy day

You all know how I hate to get my paws wet so I thought today that I would fill you in on what has been happening. Back in late August mom had to go back into hospital to have a skin graft to try and help the wound on her stomach heal and of coarse it didn't work - in fact it made things so much worse. Mom got really really sick. She had a hole in the bowel which caused a major infection and then just when she was getting over that she developed ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) She was on a ventilator for two weeks and Dad says we nearly lost her a couple of times. She also had to have a bowel resection done. It was a very scary time and then on top of that the place Dad was working were making it hard for him to stay there. His job required 90% travel and Dad just couldn't do it with mom being so sick. So he found a new job and there is no travel involved which means he comes home to me every night!Mom is doing better but it is still a struggle for her as she has some problems getting enough nutrition, especially the protein she needs to help her wound heal. She also had to spend 3 weeks in a rehabilitation hospital learning to walk and talk again due to being in ICU for a month and being so weak. The one good thing is the medicine they gave her when she was on the ventilator affects short terms memory and she has no memory of what happen in August and September. She didn't forget me or my Dad and that was the important thing. I will take some photos of my new house as soon as the sun comes out again.

Hello everyone

So much has happened the last few months. We are all doing fine and now living in Arkansas and mom and dad have just bought me a new house with the biggest yard! I will write more in a few days when I have my big computer set up, typing on a laptop is hard for paws.

I am still here

Do you know I am now 3 years old? It was my birthday a few days ago (on the 19th) and although we didn't do anything exciting I did get lots of packets of my favorite treats. You would think on ones birthday that you would be allowed to eat as many as you want - but NOOOOOO Dad said it wouldn't be good for me.

As for the Mom, she is doing okay - not great but she is hanging in there. We are still waiting for when she can have the skin graft and it seems like every week the doctors say "next week". Sadly, she has been in a lot of pain and it hurts even for her to pat and cuddle me. That is okay though because I much prefer to cuddle with my Dad anyway.

911 - Flashing Lights and other things

I am sorry it has taken me so long to come on and leave a message but yet again things haven't gone well for the mom. Two weeks ago in the early hours of the morning the mesh they had used on moms stomach to hold the wound together just suddenly gave way allowing her bowel to come out. Dad and I were terrified!!!! Thankfully dad kept his head and called 911 and within minutes an ambulance, the fire brigade and the police were there. There was a lot of noise, flashing lights and LOTS of people but they knew what they were doing and took FANTASTIC care of my mom. I was so scared for my mom and just wanted to be by her side but dad said I had to stay out the way and he shut me in the spare bedroom - can you believe that! Anyway they got mom into the ambulance and rushed her off to the hospital with more lights and noise. Dad let me out and said he had to go to be with mom and we started heading for the door and then he stopped and said I couldn't go with him. "BUT it's my mom and she needs me me" I whined. Dad gave me a hug and said it would be okay. He was right of coarse, mom went straight into surgery and they repaired the wound again (they said it had become infected and the mesh just lost its strength). They have used a different kind of mesh this time and in a few weeks they are planning to do a skin graft to add support to the wound but sadly this has also set mom almost back to square one again.

Thank you for the ideas on the itchy problem, dad took me to the VETS and it turns out to be a garden allergy - not sure exactly to what but something in the garden. They gave me some medicine and it is working really well - no more itching.

Doing fine

Mom has her surgery yesterday and it went okay. She is on bed rest for the next three weeks but if this 'plug' thing works she will be able to start drinking and eating again. It will be a slow process, clear liquids, then soft foods and there is lots of things she will never be able to have again, but she is so looking forward to being able to have a cup of tea again and some watermelon. I like that too so I will be happy to taste test it for her.

In other news, I seem to have an allergy to something and it is making my nose and face very itchy. I have been driving the mom crazy with my scratching. Dad has bought some allergy shampoo so we are going to try that and see if it helps - if anyone has some other ideas on how to ease it, we would love to hear about them. It is only my face that is itchy so we need to be careful because of my eyes.

The great cowspot hunter

Woofitty woof - I caught my first critter ever today!!!!! Those pesky ground squirrels are back now that the weather has warmed up and I caught me one and then left it right by the bathroom door for the mom to find. For some reason though, mom didn't seem overly happy with my gift, especially when she had to dispose of the little body. There is just no pleasing peoples sometimes!

Still going well

The mom is still home and doing okay. She does have to go in next Tuesday for some tests and a day surgery (they are going to put a 'plug' in the hole in her stomach which will hopefully stop it leaking) Mom has also been outside a few times, she gets tired really easily so we don't get to play but we enjoy sitting outside together. Thank you once again to Miss Katie and her mom for the wonderful cards they send each week - mom has saved everyone and will be sending Katie and her mom something special as a thank you. I hope every doggie is enjoying and spring this side of the world - I know I love being able to go outside and bark bark bark.

An update

Mom is still at home (she did spend one night in the hospital while they removed a stint from her esophagus) and she is doing SOOOOO much better now. She is still VERY weak and gets exhausted easily but she starting slowly to be more like my old mom. She said to tell everyone a VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU for all the wishes and prayers you have been sending her way and that they mean a lot to her.