I'm in trouble (again)

I've put on weight!  My mom (who works hard to stay at her "fighting weight") says I'm turning into a fat American dog. 

So, I'm now on a "diet" (fewer treats, less generous dog food portions) and more -- much more exercise. Yesterday we walked (very fast) for more than an hour. Every time I turn around, my mum pushes me outside. "Run around! Chase squirrels!," she orders. "Burn up some calories!"

I know my mum still loves me, even if I'm a bit heavy. But I'm starving!

Grace

MY SPECIAL DAY

Today is my 6th birthday. A bit of history (in case you've already forgotten): I was born in St. Louis, MO on March 2, 2004, the first in a litter of six.

Six months later, I met my new human mum (Liz). (My first human mum -- "Mum#1-- is Carolyn, my breeder. She's a lot like the Dog Whisperer -- cause she has a magic touch and heart, when it comes to Airedale Terriers.) 

My day started out with my barking and waking up my mum. She bounced out of bed, headed down to the kitchen and let me out to do my business. Then she fed me my birthday breakfast (Bil Jack for adult doggies -- as usual) while singing the birthday song. It's a family tradition, or so she told me. I can't sing, so I just wagged my tail.

For my birthday, Liz gave me two new chew-proof tennis balls. I just hope she doesn't make me wear that stupid pink "birthday girl" ribbon. 

Uh, oh. Too late. 

Grace

MY HUMAN MUMMY (PART 2)

I always wondered why my human mum spent so much time tapping away at her computer. Yeh, I know she edits my blog. (Grammar and punctuation are not my strong points.) But what else was she doing? Why did she spend so much time staring at the computer screen? Perhaps she was ordering doggie treats for me. Maybe she was looking for an Airedale Terrier play group. 

One day, I decided to find out. She had left on her early morning swim, and I knew she'd be gone for a couple of hours. So, I sneaked into her office to look for clues. 

I climbed up on her big swivel chair (and nearly lost my balance). I sniffed around a huge stack of file folders. When I placed my paw on the pile, it toppled to the floor, scattering papers everywhere. What luck! I put on her reading glasses, jumped down and dug in.

I was so absorbed in my task, I lost track of the time. Before I knew it, I heard her footsteps on the stairs. I had to think quickly. So, I lay down and pretended I was asleep. Within seconds, her familiar smells filled the room and she was standing right over me.

"Gracie, why are you wearing my reading glasses?" I opened my eyes, stretched, sat up and tried to look adorable and innocent. Was she laughing or crying? I couldn't tell.

"Come on. Let's go downstairs and have some yoghurt."  (We both love yoghurt.)

My human mum is one cool lady, if I must say so, myself.

Grace

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS REVISITED

O.K. Here it is the end of January, and I'm already sliding a bit. Well, more than a bit. I still haven't figured out how to brush my own teeth. I still stare at humans, like, all the time. I could go on and on, but I'd just get depressed. I've even developed a new -- and irritating habit -- trying to climb up on my mum's lap.

I can't help myself. Maybe I need to see a shrink.

Grace

MY HUMAN MUMMY (PART 1)

I'm one tough dog. I have to be. First off, my mum is a bit of a klutz. About a month ago, she stepped on my tail. Did I yelp? No. At least once a day she trips over me. It's not like I blend into the background. She just gets distracted. At least that's what she tells me.

My tactic:  When she looks dazed, I stay clear of her.  If she's walking fast (which is just about all the time), I retreat. Fortunately, I have pretty quick instincts, except when I'm sleeping.

My human mum and I, Skyline Drive, Virginia

Grace

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS (Part 2)

1. Learn how to brush myself (so I don't look so scruffy).

2. Learn how to brush my own teeth.

3. Try not to eat so quickly (unless I'm starving).

4. Let my mother sleep later than 5AM (except when I really have to go).

5. Be kind to all animals, humans included.

6. Get my mom to walk me more often, no matter the weather.

7. Do not stare at humans, except when they're eating.  
8. Be a loving friend to my human mom and dad.
9. Learn how to bark in Greek.

Happy New Year

My New Year's Resolutions

1. Love my human mom and dad unconditionally (duh).
2. Perfect "sit" and "stay." (I'm out of practice.)
   
3. Only beg when encouraged.
   
4. Look loving and adorable, even when I'm feeling grouchy and mean.
5. Only bark at strangers (not family members and friends).
   
6. Act in a friendly (not rough) manner with smaller dogs.
7. Stay in shape.
   
8. Find doggie playmates (to ease boredom).
9. Avoid staring at humans when they're eating (unless the smells are driving me crazy).
10. Obey my mum (unless instinct kicks in).

Grace Sylvia Hall

December 31, 2009