We Moved!!!

Last night was our first night in our new home in North Carolina! It is very different but I like it. There is lots of grass and dirt and fun stuff. There are birdies and buzzies and I saw a cat across the street. I don't like cats, and I don't want it coming near us, so I have to protect the house again. I miss having a house to protect! North Carolina is nice.

While Mama and Papa were packing, I went to camp! I went to Miss Eva's farm. Mama said she told you about it. There was lots and lots of grass and fun friends to play with, and I even did something called swimming, which I didn't like very much. I ran and ran and ran and explored and jumped over the fence and it was so fun. I love Miss Eva's camp. On Wednesday evening, Miss Eva got my leash and took me and Oliver out, just by ourselves, and when we got to the fence, my mama and papa were there! It was nice to see them! I missed them, but I was so tired. Papa opened the car door and there was our stuff! So weird. Woobie and Bunny were there, and I was happy to see them, but the car smelled like our house and I didn't understand. But that was ok. I jumped in and Papa hooked up my harness and we were off. Here is a photo of me after a few minutes on the road.

We spent the night in a hotel in Pennsylvania. Mama was really tired after all that driving, and so was I! The nice lady at the front desk gave me treats, then Bunny and I went to bed. Papa brought my bed with us, and I was so happy! I curled up and went to sleep and it was nice to smell my mama and papa.

The next morning we were all up very early, even Papa! We hit the road again. After a few hours we stopped for some lunch, and I had a nice time curling up against my mama. I had water and napped and it was so nice.

Then we had to get back in the car. I don't mind the car, but I was tired of it! I like to walk around and be close to my mama, but she's driving so I have to stay in the backseat and be a good boy. Woobie and Bunny kept me company, but STILL. Then we stopped to pee in a place called Southern Virginia, and Papa told me we were almost there, and I got excited!

A few hours later, we were in North Carolina! We were in Raleigh. That is the name of my new city. It is very different from Harlem. There is more green stuff and people drive, and there aren't any big buildings around us. It's also much quieter, but that means there are no nice kids on the street to say hi to me. Mama and Papa left me in the hotel for a few minutes when we first got there-- that was nice because I needed some alone time with Woobie-- then they picked me up and said they had a surprise.

The surprise was a house! We have a house! They had showed me the pictures before, but I didn't know we had an INSIDE, too!!! I explored and explored. I sniffed a lot. We met our new landlords who are very nice. The lady is a doggy doctor! They were very nice to me. Here's me walking around with Papa:

Papa took me outside to my new backyard! It's all for meeee! We found a tennis ball and I ran after it and had so much fun! I sniffed every corner and explored all over.

After we explored, we went to dinner near our house. The nice lady brought me water, and lots of people stopped by to say hi. Another nice lady came over with her Great Dane puppy who was scared of me-- Mama said she was a recent rescue, and the lady said her old owners were very mean, so I didn't get mad at the puppy. That's very sad. I hope the puppy learns soon that now she has a nice mama.

We spent the night in the hotel, then in the morning we went for coffee. After coffee, Mama and Papa took me to a store called Phydeaux, and it was AMAZING! So much stuff to see! Doggies are allowed inside! I met a nice doggy named Bo. Then Mama and Papa got me treats and food and a new toy! Yay!

Then we went to our new house. We don't have a lot of stuff, but we have my bed! And Papa set up my crate in the bedroom, so at least I have my space.

We also have a porch! I like porches. I like to sit and watch the world go by. Mama and Papa and I had lunch out there yesterday, then it started to rain.

It is still raining. Because I am so tired from all the excitement, I haven't gone out much, just quick trips to pee. Mama and Papa have been buying things for the house, and last night they even cooked dinner, which was very nice. This morning, Mama and I got up early and went out to pee, then a few hours later she took me to the park near our house. It was very wet, though! We went on a few trails and saw some doggies and their owners, and I pooped, then we found a pretty garden to walk through.

So, that was our first day. We are still waiting for our stuff. Mama said it may take a while for it to come, but that's ok because we have each other and I have a new toy. I am looking forward to sitting on the porch a lot!

Quick Update from Mama

Avon sent me a message and said that since people are now reading his blog and he can't post, I have to do it for him. We are ALMOST on our way! There has been some serious stress around our horrible movers, so we hired new movers and hope to be on the road today or tomorrow. This put a major dent in our plans; we were supposed to have all of our things out yesterday and be on the road by 9am today, but that's obviously not happening. 

We are, however, managing. The moving process is never easy, and this is particularly stressful, but we have wonderful friends who have offered their assistance and their ears in so many ways and we are eternally grateful. Even the ones who send quick "thinking of you" texts are so appreciated. 

Avon, for his part, has absolutely no idea what's going on because he is at CAMP. He's staying in Pennsylvania at a farm where they board dogs, and judging from the photos, he's having the time of his doggy life. We are so glad we could send him there where he is out of the way of all the packing and not affected by this madness. If you haven't realized by now, Avon is a very sensitive doggy, and he hates it when we're upset, especially when Mama cries! The staff at Eva's Play Pups has been wonderful, taking great care of our buddy and being flexible with this craziness-- lucky Avon might get to spend an extra night on the farm. But we miss our buddy immensely and hope to see him and schnoogle him tonight. Fingers and paws crossed.

So, that's the update. More after we're on the road (or from Raleigh)! Please wish us luck-- WE NEED IT.

I'm Doggedly Devoted to Yoooooooouuuuuu

Yesterday was my last day at Doggedly Devoted, my daycare in Harlem. I love going there! I don't like it when Mama leaves, but I love hanging out with my doggy friends. Mama and Papa love it too. They like to take me to Wag and Wines, which are social hours for humans and doggies. For Thanksgiving, Ms. Megan and her staff-peoples made paw prints for our families, and for Christmas, Ms. Megan made an ornament that looks like me! And I get baths there sometimes. They are very special. I go on Mondays. For the past few weeks, Myla and I have spent hours and hours rolling around and chewing on each other's faces. It is so fun! But I had to say goodbye yesterday, and that was kinda sad.

The day started off so fun. Mama and I ran into Ms. Megan and Ms. Blossom on our way in, and I was so happy to see them! I love them. Especially Ms. Blossom-- I jump up on her a lot and she doesn't like that. I started trying to tell them how much I love them, and when they went in the opposite direction-- Mama said they were going home-- I yelled at them to please come baaaaack! They laughed and said they would see me soon. OK! We kept going until we got to daycare and I was so so so excited. Mr. Jacob took my leash and collar, but then I realized Mama was leaving and I tried to go after her. That wasn't fun. I hate it when Mama goes home without me. But after a few minutes I calmed down and went to PLAY.

Myla and Cole were there, and we ran and chased all around the playroom until we got so tired! There was a new doggy there named Jay-Z (Papa thought that was funny when I told him later) and he was cool too. Yay! So much fun! We got our pictures taken and I was having the best time. Myla and Cole had their picture taken with a sign that means they'll miss me.

Here's me playing with Jay-Z:

And here's me and Myla. Ms. Megan told her I was leaving for North Carolina and she told me it would all be OK.

Mama and Papa came to get me at the end of the day. Mama was sad-- she said she'll miss Doggedly Devoted too. I was so happy to see them, though! I went to the side of the building and I peed a TON. Papa says that was my last goodbye to DD. Then when we started walking towards home, we saw Mr. Christian! He works at Doggedly Devoted and he takes nice pictures and I like him. I jumped on him to hug him goodbye. Then we saw Ms. Blossom again! I jumped up some more, but Papa made me stop. But I love her! I wanted to kiss her more! She said she wants to move to North Carolina too, so I can't wait to show her my new house and my backyard and all my new friends. Thank you very much, DD!

One Last Weekend in NYC

Mama says I have become a very smart doggy. This is because I have learned the days of the week! Well, not really, but I know when it's the weekend, which is when Mama and Papa stay home and they don't go to work and we have so much fun. I figured it out because on weekends, I get treats from Mr. Arnold at the front desk, then Mama doesn't shower or put on her makeup right away. She stays stinky, like her pajamas, and we sit around. Yay!

This Saturday, Mama and Papa were BOTH awake-- oh boy! So exciting! But Mama told me she and Papa had to go see Great-Bubbe and Great-Zayde so they could get their car, so they weren't taking me to the big park to sniff butts. I was so sad! I love the big park! But then Mama opened the door and we went to see Uncle Roland and HE took me to the big park! Yay! So much fun!

I had a great time at the big park with Jackie and Uncle Roland. We played and ran and it was so fun. Uncle Roland's friend Miss Sue (her doggy is Benny and he used to hate me, but then he figured out I didn't care about his special ball so we're cool now) told me my new collar is very handsome. Oh, right-- I got a new collar! It got there on Friday and it is so nice. It has my name and Mama's name and Papa's name, and it buckles, and if I run off exploring and get lost, people will know my name and that they should call my family. Mama put it on me right away and I liked it so much I jumped up and gave her kisses. Thanks, Mama!

Anyway, back to my weekend. I was kind of jealous that Mama and Papa went to see Great-Bubbe and Great-Zayde, because Great-Zayde always gives me lots of yummy treats, but I understood. I got to spend the day with Uncle Roland, so that was cool. I was so sleepy after the big park, so we had a very quiet day. Jackie and I took over the sofa and the blankies.

Then Mama and Papa came home and it was so nice to see them! I love spending the day with Jackie, but I like to be home too.

On Sunday, Mama and Papa both got up early again-- and this time, BOTH of them took me to the big park! It was so fun! I showed Papa all around and took him to my favorite trees. I played with a fun puppy named Freckles. There weren't a lot of doggies there at first, but that was ok because I was there with my Papa. We worked on my sits.

Two Rottweilers showed up who have their dangly bits, so I had to be on-leash for a little bit. I don't like being on-leash at the big park because it means I can't run and chase, but Mama said I had to because I once got into a fight with one of those mean Rotties. Then Jackie and Benny came, and I was freeeee! We played and played! I rolled around a lot. I explored some too, but Papa didn't like that because he had to run after me. Uncle Roland gave me lots of hugs and told me he was going to miss me. I don't know what that means, but Mama said that after this weekend I won't be going to the big park anymore, and that was kind of sad. But I have had a lot of fun there. Here's me with Uncle Roland after I gave him lots of kisses and he smushed my face:

After the big park, we went out for coffee. Papa kept going into the store to get things, so I had to stand guard outside. When Mama and Papa and I are all out together as a family, it is VERY IMPORTANT to make sure everyone stays close, and when they don't, I have to watch them. That is my job.

I was so tired the rest of the day! I slept a lot. Mama and Papa went to Miss Kimberly's house and played with Brooklyn. I am jealous because Mama and Papa like Brooklyn a lot, but I know they love me and I am their very own special doggy, so that's ok.

That was our weekend! It was so nice! Mama told me I have to be a good boy and say goodbye to NYC, but that I will have lots of fun in North Carolina too. She also said that Uncle Roland and Miss Sue want to visit! I hope I see them soon. I will show them all around my new backyard, and Jackie and Benny will tell me all about the new butts they sniff at the big park.

Mama and Papa Throw A Party

My Mama and Papa have a lot of friends, so they decided to have a party before we move. Mama did not take any pictures, but she says that's because she was too busy hostessing and enjoying herself. OK, Mama, whatever. Pics or it didn't happen. [Note from Mama: It totally happened.]

We are very lucky in our building to have a community room downstairs in the basement. That means the people come to the room and not to our house. I like having people in the house, but this way Mama doesn't have to clean and I don't have to stay in my crate if things get crazy. So Papa went out and got disposable table cloths, and they got napkins and plastic forks and stuff and they took everything they needed downstairs. Mama said it was quite a spread. I don't know what that means, but Papa said it means there was lots and lots of food. Mama made dips! Mama loves dips. She made mushroom chopped liver and her famous guacamole, then she made potato salad with carrots and a corn salad with tomatoes. Mama also made food from North Carolina! She made pimento cheese, which is her new favorite thing, and lemon pie. Mama's friend Mr. Malcolm dropped off a carrot cake, and Mama got cupcakes from a famous place in Harlem. Papa made lots and lots of drinks, including something called punch, which took him a long time to put together but everyone thinks is delicious. I am not allowed to drink punch. This is not fair.

During the party, people came up and visited me! It was so fun! I met some ladies who also have Badass doggies-- Miss Danielle and Miss Janine. I saw Miss Kimberly, who used to live across the hall with Brooklyn, who Mama loves but is mean to most doggies. I went over to Uncle Roland's to hang out while he went downstairs, and he and Mama came up to visit with Miss Megan's puppy, Harry. Harry is 2 3/4 years old, and he is blond, and I don't know where his fur is but he is very cute. He pet me nicely while I stole Jackie's bone. He is a nice puppy. I like human puppies.

Mama came up with Aunt Mariann, and we went for a walk. Aunt Mariann is pretty and I like her. Then I came home and slept, and then it was all over. Mama's and Papa's friends came over to help them clean up, then they left, then Mama was TIRED. So was I! It was a very busy night. Mama was a little sad, because she will miss her friends, but she said it was nice to have such a good party to say goodbye.

This morning, I thought we would all sleep in, but noooo. Mama was up at 6:15am. She hated it. We brought cupcakes to Arnold at the front desk and went for our walk. Mama didn't want to go to the big park, so we both came home and napped. I am so beat! I didn't even go out again until almost FOUR.

I am looking forward to the next party! I like the excitement and the people, but most of all, I like it when Mama gets careless and spills food on the floor. Shhh. Don't tell her.

Tummy Troubles

I have not had a very good week. I was SICK. It was no fun. On Monday I went to daycare and I played and played (Myla and I chewed each other's faces for hours, THAT was fun!), then Mama came to pick me up. We had a nice walk home-- we walked through a movie set, which is where people make movies on the street! So cool-- and I went to sleep. Mama and Papa went to a movie in the park and all was fine.

But in the middle of the night, I woke up and felt so bad! I had to go! I am not allowed to go in the house, and besides, I don't like it to be yucky where I sleep and lie down, so I need Mama or Papa to take me out. Hooo boy, it was bad! So I woke Papa up and he took me out and... Mama said I should spare you the details. Then a couple of hours later I had to go out again. My papa is the best papa, because he woke up in the middle of the night and took me out again.

Mama woke up at the regular time and we went out again. I dragged her to the dirt patch because I like to poop on dirt. Mama said I must have eaten something yucky off the ground, and maybe she's right, but I like to eat off the ground! I find so many good treats on the ground! Sometimes I get a bone, and Mama and Papa make me open my mouth so they can pull it out-- this is NO FAIR, because it is MY BONE and I found it, but Mama and Papa say no. But usually I am too quick for them-- ha! I am a fast doggy. I find street treats and gobble 'em up! But this time one of them made me really sick.

But I was still happy. I saw Uncle Roland and got my butt rubbed, then the delivery guys came to pick up Mama's laundry, and I went out to say hi. I like the delivery guys. They are fun. They come with a fun scale that smells like people's stinky feet, and I love it! I like to sniff it. After they left, Mama went to her office.

I was ok for a little bit, then my tummy was waaaay hurty. I asked Papa to take me out again. When the elevator opened, there was my mama! Oh boy! She gave Papa her bag and took me right outside. She came home to spend the day with me! It was so nice to see her. But she and Papa tried to snuggle me a little too much, and when I'm not feeling well, I don't like to be snuggled. They listened, though, and left me alone until I was ready. Everyone is really nice to me when I'm sick. Mama tells them I'm not feeling well, and they say nice things and rub my head. I like that, but I don't like being sick.

Mama made me special breakfast with rice and chicken, but I don't like rice and chicken-- I prefer my kibble. (Note from Mama: His kibble is made with rice and chicken. Silly Avon.) I didn't want to drink anything either. I just wanted to sit with Mama. So we did. She let Papa go back to sleep before he went to work. Later in the afternoon, Mama took me AND Jackie out for a walk! It was too hot, though. I had to keep lying down. Jackie wanted to explore a lot but Mama wouldn't let her. I hadn't had anything to drink, but walking with Jackie made me feel better.

By the afternoon, I was so much better! No more tummy hurting! But I was sad, because a bad tummy means I can't eat, and oh boy, was I HUNGRY. But Mama said no. So I slept a lot and cuddled with Mama until she went out, then I cuddled with Papa when he came home from work.

I am feeling a lot better today! I am eating again, and drinking my water like a good boy. Mama tries very hard to keep me from eating off the street, but we'll see how that goes.

Mama and Papa Do Stuff In New York

Mama told me this morning that she and Papa have started crossing off things on their NYC Bucket List. I asked her what that means, and she said it's a quick way of saying you have a list of things you always wanted to do or want to do one last time before you leave a place. OK, that makes sense.

On Saturday, it was so pretty out! It wasn't too hot. Mama took me to the big park and I sniffed lots of butts, but we left early. I ran and ran, then I was sleepy-sleepy all day, so Mama and Papa figured it was OK to leave me at home and go to the Cloisters. Doggies are not allowed in the Cloisters because it is a museum. A museum is where they keep old stuff, and they want to make sure doggies don't pee on the old stuff. I would never pee on important things, but I know doggies who do, so I get it. The Cloisters are in a park called Fort Tryon, which is waaaayyyy uptown in Manhattan. It's so far uptown, it's past Harlem! I could never walk there, because I would get so hot and tired, so it's good they left me home.

The Cloisters is very pretty. Mama showed me! Here is a view from the gardens, where you can see the George Washington Bridge:

And this is what the day looked like. So pretty!

Mama was really happy she went. Then they came home and Mama took a nap (Mama says I take after her because I like naps too!), then they went to Lincoln Center to hear the New York Philharmonic. Mama and Papa love music and they like the instruments. Mama said she was sad, though, because her favorite cellist wasn't playing and she has a big crush on him. I don't get it-- if she LIKES him, why does she want to CRUSH him, but my mama is weird. Anyway, they heard some marches and things (I don't know what that means), then they went out for Mexican food. Mama and Papa LOVE Mexican food and talk about it all the time. I am not allowed to eat Mexican food. Oh, well.

On Sunday, Mama and I went to the big park again, and I ran into two other Badasses! That's what they call us doggies who came from Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue. I saw Allie, who I like even though she's very fluffy and has a lot of fur, and Watson, who is a CRAZY puppy. We ran and ran, then I went to eat some grass while Allie and Watson played. Then they left and it was just me and Mama for a while until the other doggies came. I played with a husky and I was so proud of myself! I played so nicely! We took breaks and wagged our tails and play-bowed like Ms. Megan at daycare always taught me to do. Then it was very hot, and I was so sleepy all day, so we spent the evening like this:

Mama also went to Brooklyn yesterday, to a neighborhood called Bay Ridge, so she could eat at a famous Lebanese restaurant. She went with Miss Mimi, who is Frankie's Mama-- he's another Badass. Mama said he is very furry and likes belly rubs. I am mad that my mama gave another doggy a belly rub, but I will get over it.

Tonight, Mama is going to Bryant Park to see a movie outside. Mama likes movies outside, but it is very hot and there are no doggies. Mama said that is a big part of her Bucket List, doing things she's been doing for years with her friends. I hope she has a good time! As for me, I'm gonna eat my kibble and then sleep. Mama says there is much more Bucket List stuff to come, because we only have 4 more weeks as New Yorkers!