It's a special day today!

Hello!  It's National Dog Day so it's time to celebrate how great us dogs are:

This might be an old picture, but I can still open my mouth that wide which is a good thing - just in case I get something BIG to eat - which I should today since it's National Dog Day.  All my Dad gave me was a whole banana - gone in seconds - thanks to my BIG mouth. 

Like I always say, every day is worth celebrating, especially if you're a dog or you have a dog in your family.  Make sure to tell your dog how much you love him/her - just like your dog lets you know how much he/she loves you.  I sure love when you visit my blog - especially on National Dog Day!

More Fun With Russell, the Puppy!

Russell, the Puppy, is my new best friend!  He loves to come play at my house.  We even have a routine.  First, we wrestle:

We love to roll around in the grass.  We even snack on this grass when we need a break:

All that playing makes us thirsty so we get some water.  Russell, the Puppy, drinks A LOT of water.  He's a very thirsty dog.  I always wait until he's done drinking to get my drink.  One time, Russell, the Puppy, tried to drink water from the bowl at the same time as me.  This is not acceptable or respectful so I had to correct Russell, the Puppy.  I chased him away from the water bowl and barked at him.  He needs to learn to wait for his turn.

Finally, we take a rest together:

 

Like I always say, wait to take turns when you need a drink of water.  Make sure to be respectful to your friends.  If your friend tells you that you made a mistake, think about what happened and see if you can learn from your mistake.  I don't think that Russell, the Puppy, will cut in line to get water again.  You wouldn't try to drink water at the same time as your friend.  That's because you're smart and respectful - just like me!  Keep up the good work by reading my blog because that makes me happy.  See you soon!

Check out this bench!

My Mom and Dad took me for an adventure in the car to visit my sister, Bethany.  Bethany lives in Boston.  I was so excited about this adventure because I got to go in the car and feel the wind in my face.  Then I got to go on a walk in a new place with lots of new smells and dogs.  Everything was very fun and exciting until... 

Here's an example of how a perfectly fun time can change in a flash.

We came to a bench that was different than any other bench I've ever seen.  After talking it over, everyone seemed to think it was a dog bench.  Then my family decided that I needed to sit on it.  Check me out on the dog bench:

Let me make this clear:  this is not a dog bench.  Why would my family think this?  If you ask me, this is a weird bench.  I only went on it because my family made me.  You can't even sit on this bench.  If I could have, I would have run in the other direction and sat on a regular bench.  See the bench in the back of the picture?  Now, that's a people and a dog bench.  Of course, I would much rather sit on my couch than a bench.  At least, my couch has cushions on it so it's comfortable.

Like I always say, some things just don't make any sense - see the bench I'm standing on.  Just because it doesn't make sense, doesn't make it a dog bench.  What does a dog bench look like any way? 

p.s. I got off that dog bench as soon as possible.  Also, if you can explain what this bench really is, please let my Mom know so she doesn't make me sit on it again.

Thanks for your help!

Meet my neighbor, Emerson, the Cat!

I'm so lucky to have such wonderful neighbors on my street.  One of my neighbors is a cat.  His name is Emerson, and he loves when I walk by his house.  Some times he'll come and roll on his back on the sidewalk - right in front of me.  Most of the times, I'll walk over to say hello to him, but I always keep my distance:

As you know, my family got me when I was older, but they've figured out one of my secrets:  I'm afraid of cats.  I admit it:  I think cats can hurt me, and I don't want to get hurt.  I'm getting braver around Emerson, the Cat, but that's because he's always nice to me - even then, I still approach slowly without making eye contact.

Like I always say, play your cards safe, especially around cats or dogs you don't know.  You don't want to get hurt - that's a smart decision to take care of yourself.  People always ask my Mom if they can pet me.  She never actually asks me; she just says "yes."  That's because she knows that I'm a well-behaved and gentle dog when I'm on my leash.  If you want to say hello to me, I would be so happy, especially since you read my blog.  Just remember my excellent advice:  be careful and stay safe, around unknown animals or people.  Ask an adult first to make sure it's o.k.

My cousin, Lulu, the Puppy, came to my house!

This week I had a very exciting visitor, Lulu, the Puppy, who is my cousin.  Lulu is always happy to see me, and I'm always happy to see her.  We both LOVE to sit on my front lawn:

What I especially like about Lulu, the Puppy, is that she gives me my space.  Other dogs have to jump all over me, and I don't mind that once in a while.  I usually like to have some personal space.

Like I always say, you don't have to be in someone's face to spend time with them.  You can have a fine time just being around each other and hanging around.  Just make sure that you're on the same page as your friend. 

p.s. Can you even see Lulu, the Puppy, in this picture?  She kind of blends in - unlike me - I'm big so I'm easy to find.

Meet Russell, the Puppy

I have a new friend and neighbor:  Russell, the Puppy.  Russell, the Puppy, loves to come visit me in my front yard where I am usually sitting.  I'm sitting and waiting for excitement, and Russell is sure full of energy.  Plus, he's always excited to come see me.  First, we chase each other:

Even for an older dog, I can still wrestle with the best of them.  Of course, when push comes to shove, I can always put Russell, the Puppy, in his place:

 Don't worry!  Russell, the Puppy, was fine; I would never hurt him.  I just wanted him to know who was the BOSS!  After all, I'm older and bigger.  Before I know it, Russell will be a REAL dog, and he might be bigger and stronger than me.  I have to take advantage of my strengths - while I have them.

After all our playing, Russell and I rested together:

Doesn't Russell look cute learning against me?

Like I always say, be open to having friends of all ages.  You can teach younger kids important lessons - just make sure to teach them in the right way - by being kind and respectful.  If you're older, you need to set a good example.  Even if you play a little rough, just make sure you're friends afterwards.  It's always fun to make and meet new friends.

Casey, the Dog, and his Mom Come for a Visit!

Casey, the Dog, is my neighbor, and I always like when he comes to visit because I've known him for quite a while.  I especially like when his Mom, Lisa, comes over because she gives me treats.  There's one sure way to win me over, and that way involves treats.

 

As you can see in the picture, I know exactly what to do to get my treat:  I sit up tall and straight, and I smile and look at the person.  In this picture, the person is Lisa - those are her feet.  For some reason, she doesn't want to have her picture in my blog, and I totally understand that since I don't want my picture in the blog either.  Of course, try telling that to my Mom - she doesn't listen to me any way.  By the way, that's Casey, the Dog; just in case you forgot.  He's always happy to come for a visit.  My Mom even gave him a squeaky toy - that's the sure way to Casey's heart; he sure loves squeaky toys.

Like I always say, the way to my heart is through my stomach so make sure to bring me treats if you ever come to visit.  I'll always be thankful, too.  Plus, you might get your picture in my blog - like Casey.  Also, if you want to make someone happy, find out that special way to their heart.  It's always a good idea to keep your family and friends happy.  Here's another way to my heart:  reading my blog.  Thanks for checking in today! 

p.s.  Thanks again to my friend, Lisa, for always giving me treats!