A Busy Month!

I know I haven't written in a long time and I am sorry. We have just been so busy! It has been a very crazy month. First, after we got back from New York (and Virginia!), Mama got sick. She had a very very bad cold and I had to take care of her. It was hard work, taking care of my mama. I had to make sure she stayed in bed, but she wouldn't listen so I barked at her a lot. Mama didn't like that. Then she was feeling better but SHE kept barking-- my mama has a very loud bark. But she is mostly better now.

It was also a crazy week because it was very snowy! We did not expect all of this snow in North Carolina. First it was icy and hard to walk. Here's a picture of me in the park near our house. I did not enjoy all the crunching and the lack of dirt spots where I could poop.

Mama had to work from home for a lot of days and Papa's classes were cancelled. I liked having them around, but I know it was hard for Mama because she was still busy with work. I wanted to go outside a lot, but our back gate blew open and froze that way, so Mama and Papa kept me inside. They said I would run out if they let me into the backyard. I guess they are right-- I like to run around and smell new things.

But then we could close the gate and it snowed! It was such pretty snow. Big and fluffy. I got to run around in the backyard and it was so fun. I ran and ran in big circles and I got so tired. But then it got icy again, and I didn't like that.

Mama and I couldn't take our long walks for a while. With all the ice and Mama being sick, we lost out on our exercise. Last weekend we went to the doggy doctor so they could test my blood and my poop (I am OK-- Mama says this is routine) and they told me I gained 5 pounds! Mama said I am fat. That is not nice. But now that the weather is warmer and it is lighter at night and Mama is better, we can get back to our long walks. We walked over 6000 steps three mornings this week! It makes me very sleepy. But I am not fat. Look at my shadow! That is not a fat doggy.

In the middle of all of this, Mama went away for work. She had to stay away for the night, and I missed her. I got to go to daycare while she was gone and I saw Mr. Josh. I had a very good day. Then Mama came back and she brought me a present! She and Papa stopped at Phydeaux on the way back from the airport and brought me Froggy. He is squeaky and I love him! I didn't let Mama take him from me.

Last weekend it started to get warm. It is very nice when it is warm! Mama and Papa went to a brewery, which is where they make beer, for a big party. They decided to leave me at home because it would be so crowded, so I rested. They met lots and lots of doggies, though! Mama said I would have found some nice friends, but there was too much commotion there.

This week, it has been very busy. Papa has been on spring break, but he still has to study. Mama has concerts all weekend and lots of rehearsals, but she took me to the office with her yesterday! Oh boy! She didn't expect to be very busy but she was, so I sat with her while she worked and I visited with all of her co-workers. I especially love her boss, Mr. Steve. He is so nice to me. But it wasn't as fun as it usually is because there were no sunny spots-- it was very cloudy. But I did what I could and looked out for everyone in the office.

So now it is Saturday and it is rainy. Mama slept much later than usual today, and we didn't walk for very long because it was so wet. We are looking forward to resting and enjoying the day. I'm going back to sleep now.

I got to be a part of it again! New York, New York!

On Friday, Mama took me for our walk and then starting packing things up. That was weird! But then she put on my leash and grabbed a bag with my stuff in it and I got very excited! I jumped right in the car like a good boy. We picked up Papa at school and we were off! I asked where we were going, and Mama said we were on our way to New York!

Oh boy oh boy oh boy! I missed New York lots and lots, even though I like North Carolina very much. Along the way, Mama and Papa took me out of the car to pee and poop, and it got really cold. But I slept and watched the world go by. It was almost 10 o'clock when we arrived-- I recognized our old house! But we didn't go there. We went to Miss Sue's. Miss Sue is very nice and she is Benny's mama-- Benny didn't like me at first, but we sniffed and he remembered me and we were cool. Then Mama put my leash back on and I was so confused. We just got here, I said. I am tired! Where were we going?

We went to Uncle Roland's!!!!! I saw Jackie!!!! It was so great! I missed my friend so much. She told me to come in and we started playing and I had a wonderful night. I snuggled on the bed with Uncle Roland and he was so happy to have me there. I slept on his blankies and it was so great.

The next morning, Miss Sue left very early and Benny took care of Mama and Papa.

Then Uncle Roland came by and we all went for a walk. It was very nice, but New York is cold! It is much colder than North Carolina. I had to poop on the snow. I didn't like it-- it made my paws too cold.

After our walk, Uncle Roland took Benny home to take care of him for Miss Sue.

There were so many things to adjust to in New York! I don't ride elevators anymore, but I remembered to sit in them! I sat a lot in Harlem, because that's where I first learned to sit.

Mama and Papa had a very nice day with their friends, then Mama came home to walk me. They went out to their favorite bar and saw Mr. Marcio who made them drinks and was very happy to see them. Everyone was happy to see my mama and papa! But a lot of people were sick and couldn't make it out, but Mama said she understood and it was ok.

Mama and Papa went to all of their favorite spots in the neighborhood. It was Valentine's Day, so Papa got Mama flowers from Mr. Franz and they were so beautiful! Mama cried. They also went to the coffee shop where Papa used to work, and they went to their favorite restaurants. Every place they went, people were happy to see them and they got free drinks and lots of hugs.

Sunday was fun too! I slept in the sunny spot a lot. Miss Sue has nice sunny spots.

Mama went out singing with her friends while I stayed and kept Papa company while he worked. Here is a picture of my mama singing loud:

Then she came home, and Uncle Roland came by! I was so happy to see him again! I gave him lots of loves and rubs.

They went out to dinner and had a very nice time. I was so tired! There were so many New York smells and different things that I forgot about. It was exhausting. So I was happy to have a night in.

On Monday morning, we were off again! Mama took me for an extra walk with Uncle Roland and Jackie and Benny. I peed a lot-- there is much more stuff to pee on in NYC than in North Carolina! Then we were back in the car and off again!

The weather was very nice and Mama is a good driver and there was no traffic, so we got to Washington, DC very fast. Mama was so happy! But I was miserable. I had twisted around in my harness and was very uncomfortable and I had to pee! So did Mama. We stopped in a town called Lorton so we could all pee and eat and I could readjust my harness.

Then it started snowing! Oh boy! I missed snow, but I don't like it when it's falling, just when it's on the ground. Mama said we had to get moving. The roads got very bad, though. They expected the storm to come later, but it decided to surprise everyone. I do not like surprises unless they mean I can see Uncle Roland. But Mama took it very slow.

Right around Richmond, VA, the snow got very, very bad. I could tell Mama was upset! She was having a hard time driving. She saw a sign for a La Quinta Inn and pulled off the highway. My mama is smart, you see-- she knows La Quinta takes doggies. So we went in and they had a room and we settled in for the night. I had to poop bad, so Mama took me out in the snow. That was ok, but it made my paws cold and wet! Mama and Papa walked to the Subway and got sandwiches, and they made the best of it. Mama texted her boss to tell him she was stuck, and Mr. Steve was worried! He told her to be careful but that it was ok. He is a nice boss.

This morning, Mama woke up very, very early and took me out. I didn't like it! I peed but made her take me inside right away. Then Papa cleaned the snow off the car and Mama went to warm it up and we were off again! This time, the roads were ok, but it was still slow. We made it home at 11am, and we were all so tired! But Mama had to work and I had to poop, so we were very busy. The weather here is ok but it was very, very icy. Papa's classes were cancelled and so was Mama's rehearsal! It is very bad. So we are staying put and resting and recovering from our long trip.

It was very wonderful to see my friends and be in our old neighborhood. I miss them a lot, but I also missed my backyard and my bed and being in our house with my mama and papa. Next time, I'm gonna make everyone visit me!

Brrrrrr!

It has not been very exciting around here. Well, not for me, anyway. But it IS cold! This morning Mama and I went out and she had to wear a wooly hat and she put on my sweater because it was so chilly. I walked on the grass and it was cold and crunchy! Mama said it is frozen. Mama walked on some leaves and they went crunch crunch crunch. The last time it was this cold for our walk, we lived in New York! When we lived in New York there was always salt on the ground when it was cold, and that salt burned my paws and it wasn't fun. In North Carolina, there is no salt on the ground so I can walk and walk and walk and even if it's cold, it doesn't hurt my feets.

But we were out for a whole hour and when we came home Mama rubbed my paws with lotion and gave me blankies to curl up in, so I am warm now. She took off my sweater and will wash it because sometimes I get pee on it, but it will be nice and clean and soft. Mama also turned on the humidifier, and that is nice because it keeps my skin from getting too dry and it means Mama won't shock me when she pets me. I don't like getting shocks-- they're hurty! Last week Mama touched my tail and I yelped. Mama is very electric.

Things have changed, though. Mama has been very very busy! She likes her new job a lot, but it means she works hard. Some nights she comes home and has to keep working. A few weeks ago, I kept trying to play with her, but she had to work until very late. I don't like that, and it makes Mama sleepy, but she enjoys it.

She has also been traveling a lot, but just for the day. This means she gets up very early and gets home very late. Yesterday she woke up and got dressed and I saw her-- I thought I was late! Oh my goodness! So I came out of my crate and waited like a good boy, but she left without taking me for a walk. That was weird! I was confused, and I asked my papa what was up. Papa woke up and took me out and told me that Mama was traveling for the day but she would be back later. That was OK.

Then Papa drove me to daycare. Oh boy! I saw Mr. Mike and Mr. Josh and got so excited but I had to be a good boy while Papa checked me in. "Paaaaaapaaaa.... lemme go iiiiiiin!" Then one of the nice daycare ladies took my leash and I was off! I had so much fun! I ran and ran and got so tired-- I totally forgot that Mama was away. Papa picked me up and I fell fast asleep, and when we got home, I went to bed on the sofa.

A few hours later, the door opened. It was my mama! But I was so sleepy. I lifted my head up and she gave me kisses, then I went back to sleep. Mama came over with her cocktail and I put my head in her lap and it was so nice to have my mama back.

Today it is sunny so I might go outside and lie in the grass in my favorite sunny spot, but it is so cold I might change my mind.

Boys' Week

Things around here have been very nice but very quiet. Papa went back to classes on the 8th and Mama went back to work on the 5th. They both said it was a nice, relaxing break. Mama took me to the office last Friday and I had such a good time! I explored and played with my toys and get a chest rub from Miss Rachel. Mama's boss came in after we did and I was so happy to see him! I jumped and gave him hugs. He hugged me too. I like Mr. Steve! Mama says he wants a doggy and he likes having me around.

Last weekend was kinda quiet, but on Sunday afternoon, the big blue suitcase came out! Oh no! It smells like my mama and when she takes it outside, it means she's going away. And she did. I was very confused. When Papa came back from taking Mama to the airport, he said she went on a business trip and she was going to spend a week in Saratoga Springs. This was my face when he told me that:

Mama gone for a whole week??? What were we going to do????

It wasn't so bad. Papa played with me and took me for my walks. Papa likes to sleep late in the mornings, but I made him get up early and take me out to pee and poop. Sorry, Papa. We didn't do 5000 steps every morning like Mama and I do, but that's ok.  On Tuesday, Papa took me to daycare-- this was very special, since I usually go on Monday. I saw Mr. Mike and Mr. Josh and lots of my buds, and I ran and ran and ran and got so tired. I didn't miss Mama too much while I was at daycare. I also didn't scream when Papa dropped me off because I know Papa can take care of himself and he doesn't need me so I can just go in and have fun.

On Tuesday night, after Papa picked me up, it got cold and rainy here! Papa told me the weather was very dangerous because they expected the temperature to drop which meant the roads would be icy. Papa's Wednesday morning classes were cancelled! I woke up at the usual time, but then Papa opened the door and I looked outside and said NO WAY. I didn't go out to pee until I really had to. It was nice to curl up inside and sleep and stay warm.

We had a very fun boys' week. Papa took very good care of me! We played lots and lots and he went to Phydeaux and bought me special treats. We snuggled too. It was weird being without Mama, but it was fun to hang out with Papa.

On Friday the weather was back to normal. It was so warm and sunny out! Papa opened the back door and I ran out and found a great sunny spot.

We were having a very nice week. I missed Mama sometimes, but not too much. Then Papa went out for the evening with his friends and I hung out. A few hours later, the door opened. I figured it was my papa, but it turned out to be my mama! She was back! I was so happy to see her! I couldn't believe it, so I jumped on her and licked her face, and she tasted like she always did. She rubbed my butt and chest a lot and told me how much she missed me and how much she loves me and I was so happy to see my mama.

I helped Mama unpack and then we went to lie down on the sofa. Mama said she had a bad headache because it is very dry in Saratoga Springs and the airplanes make her head stuffy. Mama liked Saratoga a lot and she said I would like it too, even though it is very very cold right now. Mama said she will go back in the summer where they have a famous racetrack and she will see the horses. No thank you, Mama, I will stay here-- I hate horses. They are weird and I have to bark at them to protect my mama and papa. I would rather stay here in North Carolina and hang out in my backyard.

It is so nice having Mama back! She got into bed and I did too so I could keep her company. Papa came home late and they talked a lot and I listened some and went back to sleep. Mama woke up this morning and took me for a short walk-- she says she still doesn't feel great-- and it is so nice to be back to normal. My plan for this weekend is to hang out and snuggle my mama lots and lots.

Holidays and A Holiday!

We are very tired in my house today. We just drove back from South Carolina, which isn't anything like North Carolina, and it is gray and cold and yucky out. I have been saying hi to all my toys-- I missed them very much! But I had so much fun.

It is the holidays! Mama said I get two holidays-- Chanukah and Christmas. This is cool. It means I get lots of presents. Mama didn't get me anything for either holiday because I get stuff all the time, but Grandpa and Laura gave me a ducky, Bubbe and Zayde gave me a penguin. It was such an awesome few days! I had so much fun!

Then a few days ago, Mama and Papa packed bags and folded up my crate. It was very distressing! I thought they were leaving me! But we got in the car-- Mama put my crate blankie in the car-- and we drove and drove and drove... it turns out it was Christmas and we were going to see Aunt Bonnie! And we stayed at the beach!

I had never seen the beach before. Mama likes the beach a lot and she sent me pictures from their trip last year, but this was all new to me. I got my first look at the beach from our hotel room. It was very cool.

My favorite part of the whole trip was sitting in the sunny spot and watching the people on the beach.

The beach itself was ok. I like the sand and the smells. I like the reeds that wash up and the seagrass and the fun doggies who were out on their walks. But the ocean is SCARY! It rushes up and tries to get me. I didn't like that too much. But Mama said that was ok and we stayed further back. Here I am exploring!

Mama and Papa had Christmas dinner at Aunt Bonnie's and Uncle Andrew's. They said it was very nice and delicious but they missed me. Doggies are not allowed to go everywhere. I spent a lot of time in the hotel room in my crate, but that was ok. I hung out in front of the window and with my toys. Mama and Papa even gave me a bully stick!

We didn't stay in the hotel the whole time, though. We went out to eat too. I sat on patios and drank water and lots of nice servers said hi to me.

One day, Aunt Bonnie came to see us at the beach. I like Aunt Bonnie a lot. She has two doggies-- my cousins Roscoe and Marley. Marley was a scaredy-dog and didn't want to get out of the car, but eventually she came out and we sniffed and said hey. She was cool. Then Uncle Andrew came by with Roscoe and we all went to the beach. Roscoe is big and in charge and kind of wary of new doggies, so I let him sniff my butt and he decided I was ok. We all walked together on the beach and it was so fun. I tried to get Marley to play but she snapped at me, so I just walked, which was fine.

Mama and Papa took me to downtown Charleston, too. It's ok. Mama and Papa like Charleston a lot because it is pretty and old and there's very good food. It was nice and all, but it had too many horses! I don't like horses! They are big and weird. I barked at all of them! I warned Mama when I saw them coming and I yelled-- "Stay away from my mama!" Mama and Papa tried to make me stop, but it is my job to tell them when there is danger.

We saw nice things in Charleston, though, like this house that's named after me! So cool.

Mama and Papa went out to eat a lot in Charleston. I did not go with them, but Mama sent me this picture of a big vegetable plate at a cool restaurant called Husk. It was for Papa because he does not eat meat. They were both very happy.

On our last day, it was very foggy! I couldn't even see the beach from my spot.

So we got in the car and came home. It was a long drive, but I was very sleepy so I didn't mind-- I just curled up in the back with my blankies. Now we are home and I am so tired! I snuggled with all my toys and on my sofa with Mama and Papa and went to sleep. I miss the beach, but it is nice to be home.

Big Changes for Mama-- and Me!

Mama started her new job on Monday. It was very exciting! But it was also very tiring. Not only did Mama have a new job, she also had a Christmas concert to do on Tuesday, so it was a very busy week. On Monday, we got up and took our long walk, then Mama started doing things she hasn't done in a while, like putting on makeup and nice clothes and doing her hair. Then she LEFT. I was very confused! I am used to having Mama around.

On that first day, though, Mama came home in the afternoon! Yay! I can deal with that. She said the office didn't have Internet yet and she had to do a phone meeting, then she was done for the day. It was nice to have her around. Mama said it was good to have a slow first day and that she liked her office very much. On Tuesday, though, my mama was gone ALL DAY. She left from work to go straight downtown to do her concert. It was distressing. But Papa came home in the afternoon and took me out for a walk, and I liked being home with him. Mama got home late at night and I was so excited to see her! I miss my mama when she's not here.

On Thursday, Mama took me to daycare. I didn't like when she left me, but I had so much fun with all my daycare friends-- we ran and ran and ran and got so tired. Then on Friday, Mama got up extra early. We went on a shorter-than-usual walk-- turns out Mama had to take Papa to school early for his finals. He has been very busy. Finals are extremely important, so Papa works hard when he's at home. That's ok. I hang out with him and watch and make sure no one bothers him. But back to Friday-- after she came back home, Mama showered and had breakfast and got ready and then she got out a bag and put Rhinococerus and Bunny in it! She got my travel bowl! This was exciting!

We went to Mama's office! Mama works in a very nice office that is wide open with only three other people. When we got there, it was empty, so I explored. After I checked every nook and cranny for cats (no cats! Yay!), I settled on the nice rug in the sunny spot by the front with my toy.

It was so nice. Mama's co-workers started to come in and I liked them very much! Two of them have doggies and the third, Mama's boss, has human puppies but wants a doggy too. They rubbed my belly and said nice things to me. It was so fun!

Mama and I left at lunch and went to run an errand. Mama had to pick up the new bag Papa got her for Chanukah, and she took me into the store! I met a nice older doggy named Rae. We sniffed and said hey, then Mama and I chatted a bit with the nice ladies, then we left and went home. It was so fun! I came home and fell fast asleep. Papa came home later and took me for a walk, then we slept some more. Mama and Papa went to a dinner at the synagogue, but when they came home, they snuggled with me on the sofa.

This morning, Mama and I walked for a long time-- 6600 steps!-- and now I am very tired, but it was a very good week. Even though there are changes and there is a lot to get used to, it is a very exciting time for all of us.

I'm Thankful for My Family!

Last week was a very important holiday-- Thanksgiving. Mama and Papa told me it's a time for family to get together and eat a lot and say nice things to each other. Mama and Papa told me they are thankful for me. I am thankful for them, because they give me treats and blankies and they make sure I don't have to go back to the shelter.

On Thursday morning, we got all our stuff together. Mama put my food and treats in a bag, and she packed my favorite toy! Oh boy! I jumped in the car and Papa strapped me in and we drove off. We went to Greenville to see my grandpa and his wife.

The last time we went there, I had to patrol for cats, but this time, I only looked around for a little bit-- the people were very busy doing stuff and I figured they were ok. I met my Aunt Bonnie! She's papa's sister and she lives in Charleston and she's very nice. She wasn't feeling well, though. She gave me lots of rubs and called me "Budders", which I liked. I had fun with her.

Besides that, I slept a lot. It was very nice. There was a fireplace and it was so warm, and the rug was comfy, then I curled up in a fun chair.

I spent a lot of time on the sofa, too, getting rubbed by Papa and Grandpa. Papa said the men in the family should have special time, and I agree.

Then the family had dinner, then Mama and Papa and I got back in the car to go home. Mama had to sing in a concert on Friday, which is why we couldn't stay over with Grandpa. That's ok, though, because I don't think I would have had fun with those cats. Mama got up early on Friday and had rehearsal, then she sang at night, and Papa and I spent the day together.

Saturday was very relaxing. Mama had another concert but not until the afternoon, so we had a relaxing morning.

The weather was nice, so she let me sit on the porch for a while.

On Sunday, we had a visitor! Her name is Miss Angel and she is a doggy trainer! Her job is to tell mamas and papas how to fix problems with their doggies. Miss Angel liked me a lot-- she said I was a very calm, well-trained doggy. Mama is worried because I am too attached to her and when she leaves me places, I scream, and it makes me very distressed. Mama doesn't want me to be distressed. So we are working on building up my confidence. I am used to bothering Mama whenever I want attention, but since Miss Angel has been here, Mama won't let me bother her. I have decided it's more fun to play with my toys, so that's ok.

On Monday, Papa took me to daycare, which was so weird! But he is ok without me, so I didn't scream when he dropped me off. I cried because I wanted to go in! I had such a fun day.

Yesterday, Mama took me to the vet for a shot. She let me ride in the front seat. I cried a little, but Mama said I was a very good boy. Then she had to go someplace called Trader Joe's, and she left me in the car. I didn't like that too much, but I had my rhinoceros to keep me company so I was ok.

It was a very tiring day! I went to my bed and curled up with my toys and slept a lot. Mama said it is good because we have a very busy weekend ahead. I wonder what we will do! I'm sure I will tell you all about it, whatever it is.