LIFE MAY BE SHORT LIVED

Gpa put up stakes to safeguard any further digging - OH GMA I am so sorry - I just couldn't help myself!

It's been a tough day in my backyard and Gma - well, she's been on the warpath - she said we had an agreement that she wouldn't plant any flowers in the flower beds and I could run through them chasing whatever I see. And she's been pretty good about not getting upset when I eat the tops of the Iris and lay in the middle of a nice soft bush. She did say something about NOT getting in the tomatoes and something about flowers on the deck (in big pots) but I don't remember what she said. While they were gone this am I thought I smelled a bone in some of the pots and set out to find them (Gma put bonemeal in the dirt-guess that was a mistake). I dug out all the flowers and most of the dirt trying to find the bone and they got back about the time I had the tiny flowers/dirt scattered all over the deck. All of this happened AFTER I got in trouble earlier for rolling in the compost pile (don't think I get to come inside today - sounds like another bath day).

How do I explain I just want to work along side them?

WOW - I didn't think she was ever going to quit yelling at me (I hung my head trying to let her know I was sorry and I sat very still while she took my photo in the middle of the mess). Gpa put some kind of a cage around some of the plants after they replanted them and the others went outside the gate where I can't get to them. I wonder if I can stay out of the tomatoes?

SPRING SNOW - Mt Hood

One more

Mt Hood photo - this is the kind of snow Gma/girls hiked through on a beautiful sunny dy. The creek here was clear/beautiful from all the melting snow.

LIFE IS GOOD

Iit's been a while since I gave you an update on my life 'at home' G&G have been busy catching up since we got home from AZ. Gpa & I mow the yard a lot, and G&G take me to the dog parks to run - we went to the large forest out by the freeway (1000 acres) the other day and even tho I couldn't go into the river (it was too high) I found lots of mud puddles to run through/roll in - Gpa kept saying 'SCOUT'!!! I don't think he was very happy but I just couldn't resist. Gma gave me an 'ouside hose bath' when we got home (that was COLD)

I spend HOURS lying in wait in the back yard ckg out the squirrels new nest - they still taunt me as they run around the big pine tree but now.....they are somewhere in that tree with the flowers- I run up the side of the fence to see them. I try hard not to bark but.....sometimes I just can't help it (but then Gma puts me in the house). I jump so fast Gma has a hard time getting a clear picture but you can see how I 'climb' the fence (Gpa sez I'm going to knock it over) I also stand straight up on that little shelf and I'm so 'tall' now I can almost see over the top of the fence.

My biggest challenge is at night time when I hear some kind of animals on the other side of the fence (Gma sez racoons) - If I wait long enough I'll get them -- I really don't like to come inside at night

I also got to go to my master's house a couple of times while G&G mowed the yard/cleaned up - I spent the entire time running around the shed and jumping up the tree to reach the bird house. I can sure jump higher than I did when I lived there.

I'm having fun being 'off-leash' and having such a nice yard to play in and I help Gpa a lot while he's working and then we take a break to kick the soccer ball.

live is good

hiking in snow drifts on Mt Hood

Gma had a wonderful mother's day outing (on Sat) with Tanya, Terri and Kealy after Tanya made lunch for everyone. Gma wasn't too sure when she saw how deep the snow was but we took it slow and Terri gave Gma her walking sticks to catch herself going up/down the drifts. Tanya 'fell' into a crevic caused by a tree covered with snow but with the help of walking sticks we got her out and she only had one small scratch. Gpa asked us all if we went prepared to 'spend the night' if needed - hmmmmm. looks like maybe Gma might have been ok but those bare legs sure would have got cold. We went to Mirror Lake (Mt Hood) - the hike took 3 hrs - many folks turned around/didn't go that far. Gpa & I stayed home

. Gma sez it was a glorious day!

Wow - these are some mighty nice looking women don't you think!!!

A day at the beach

WOW Gpa & I had a great time running on the beach at Cannon Beach and Hug Point yesterday (Sunday 4/19). I could have run all day. Lots of people said how good I was and so well trained but I didn't pay them any attention - it was just Gpa, me, the frisbee, the ocean and the beach - yeah (and Gma cheering for me).

Gpa & me chasing the frisbee in AZ

OCEAN - OREGON COAST AND HOME

and then I could smell the sea air as I was riding in the Jeep with my head out the top window and the cool ocean air blowing in my face!!! and yes - we hit the sand running and I ran and ran and ran up and down the beach. It was wonderful!!!

And now -we've been home since 3/28 and I have my favorite security 'blanket' (ball) to carry around the yard. I lay it at the door so Gpa will know I want to play and its fun to have the freedom of the back yard to run in. G&G also took me to thousand acres park the day after we got home - WOW - it is good to be back and have all that area to run at will. I am having a hard adjusting to not taking care of G&G tho - they leave me in the back yard when they go place now and I'm used to watching over them every second of every day but I'm adjusting and love watching the squirrels, cats, birds in the back yard.

Gma sez we were gone 135 days and Gpa & I drove 3,350 miles in the RV (with me watching the road all the way) and 3,345 in the Jeep when we went out exploring. The desert is fun to explore but I sure do like the green trees/grass and water in ORegon.

I heard my master's voice on Skype today - I think I hear him say he'll be coming back soon. In the meantime I'll keep taking care of G&G and Casey when he comes to visit.

whoops - pics attached (Swimming in Co River)

and then it happened!!!

First we just watched everyone play in the water and I ached to join them. and then .....YEP - Gpa took off my leash and threw the frisbee into the river and I got to go swimming - YEAH!!! The river was strong and I had to work hard to get back to shore but I did every time and begged to do it again. Gma didn't even fuss when I was covered in sand (guess she was glad to see the water too).

This was in Parker Dam AZ - March 14-22 and I didn't want to leave this place.

After Parker we got caught in a wind storm in Barstow CA and the awning almost blew off the RV - I was so scared as we sat in the parking lot for 5 hrs waiting for the wind to quit (I got on the bed beside Gma and just shook). But,,,,,,, I think we're headed home:) Yep - we stopped at Bakersfield CA and I found the same orange trees we saw way back in November.

swimming in the Colorado River

On the road again - traveling home from AZ

I knew something was different when Gpa started putting things away in the RV and then we said good bye to friends, got in the RV and started driving again (3/14) When we stopped in Parker AZ I couldn't believe my eyes - WATER oh my I was excited. Gpa said it was the Colorado River and even tho I had to be on the leash by the RV I got to lead the way when we went hiking on top of the mt. and I ached to go swimming.

We climbed to the top of the mt, I got one of those sharp things in my foot but Gma took it out and then we hiked some more.

We stayed there for 7 days and I just didn't want to leave.

another park bully

whoops - forgot to mention that I tangled with another bully at the playground yesterday. He was chasing every dog in the park including me - I came running to Gpa as fast as I could with the bully close behind and he kept coming at me as I got closer to Gpa. when I thought he was going to attack Gpa ----- I turned, snapped, growled, showed my teeth and he yelped/ran the other way and didn't bother me again. (there were about 50 dogs playing in the park and all of them bigger than me on this day - I don't like black labs!!!)

living the good life with Gpa

Giving Gpa his morning 'love' (hugs/kisses too). These humans love special attention (and so do I). NOTE MY NEW CURLY COAT- and it turned a beautiful shade of deep reddish brown and glistens when I'm in the sun. I'm also getting a bit thick through the middle (they say I'm gaining weight) and lookin good!!!

Things are different somehow - I think we're getting ready to leave this place (Gma sez in 6 days-14th). I'm riding in the car much better now and don't get as anxious cause I'm with G&G - they seem to know what they're doing most of the time so don't need my help. When we're in the Jeep I do stand behind Gpa and watch to make sure he stays on the road. I still drool all over the windows and outside of Gpa's Jeep cause he leaves the windows open so I can smell the world as we go by. I've mostly learned NOT to bark (don't like the time out room or the water they throw in my face). It's really hard tho when new people/dogs move in every day and I'm now the 'in charge' dog to watch out for those things. My favorite thing every day is to go running in the dirt/dust/desert here in our park. I run like a deer, check out all the ground squirrel holes, play hide & seek with G&G as they hide behind bushes and then Gpa throws the frisbee and I catch it almost every time. Yesterday we drove to the dog park and I tried to say goodbye to friends I've met but didn't see anyone I knew. I had fun playing with a little girl (about 5) who threw the ball - she didn't throw it very far but she was so excited when I brought it back to her.

Gma probably won't write again until we get back to Oregon. they say we're going to a place by the Colorado River - I hope I get to go swimming.

go bevesOregonBeaverha

Gpa loves to have me wear his Oregon Beaver hat - I tolerate it - we watch TV together.

Dom - are you there?

Dom/Shayda - are you reading about my adventures?  G&G bought me a package of 6 brightly colored balls.  But - my favorite is the one you gave me - it no longer has a whistle, is soft,  yukky from chewing on it, has a hole, doesn't bounce, and falls great behind the couch when I'm trying to irritate G&G/play hide/seek.  Gma  got tired of getting it out so left it there for a long time and I laid on the floor and cried/whined with my nose in the corner of the couch - she finally gave in and got it for me.  I pick it up in my mouth and throw it in the air to catch it and play with it between my feet rolling it all over the RV.  Did I ever say thank you?  It's just the best toy!

playground bully

uh oh!  I got in trouble today.  we went to the playground and  had fun running/playing with other dogs -   Then, I was playing ball with Gpa and very intent on the ball when 4 new dogs came running up behind me to play and surprised me and I turned on them with all teeth showing, growled  and took them all on.  Whoops!  they quickly left once I showed them I wasn't anyone to fool around with - Gpa wasn't very happy with me.  He was glad he didn't have to break up a fight that I almost started.   A little later 2 of the dogs returned with tails between their legs to try and play again - this time we played/had a great time and they knew I was the alpha dog (for now).  I just don't like to share my Gpa when we're playing and don't want to be messed with and I really don't like it when other dogs approach G&G and get attention. 

rest after an exhausting day at play

REST after running all day - 1st we went to the desert just outside the park where I like to chase the frisbee - I'll run as long as Gpa throws it.  Then we went to the dog park where I tried to play with all the dogs there.  Most weren't very friendly today but I ran around like a 'child in a candy store' gma sez and had fun anyway.  there were so many balls in the field I would pick one up then drop it, then go get another.  After I calmed down a bit Gpa threw some of the balls and we played for a long time.  I was sooooo tired when we got home I slept the rest of the day. 

My favorite place to rest - at first Gpa and I share the couch but we don't fit very well that way so little by little I push him out of the way so I can have the whole couch.

G&G say I'm a pretty lucky to have so much love.

SNOWBALL FIGHT W/GMA

Yes - a snowball fight with Gma here in Arizona!!  We went to Madera Canyon today and went 4-wheeling into Box Canyon.  We found snow, lots of muddy roads and gma threw snowballs while I caught them in my mouth.  They let me out of the Jeep to run ahead on the dirt road and lead the way and I kept looking back to make sure they were following.  I got really tired.  We saw strange creatures - brown, black and red things eating grass (cows) who left a lot of cow pies on the ground which I tried to roll in but Gma got real cranky about that.  Then, when we were coming down the mountain and I was in the car again we saw 4 large animals jump across the road in front of us - oh my I wanted to run after them and cried/whined but they wouldn't let me out - Gpa sez they were deer.  they ran away fast.  We saw more as we drove out of the canyon.    When we found a nice big area of snow  Gma & I got out and played - Gpa stayed with the Jeep cause he still can't walk very good.  One thing I know I don't like is riding over cattle guards - they scare me and I try and hide under Gma's feet in the front seat but when they won't allow that I just lay in the back and shake. 

when Gma sez sit/stay I do so she can take pictures of me - I really liked being in the mts today

They did soften a bit the other night when we had wind/heavy rain and I climbed up on the bed with them for the night - every time the wind blew I climbed higher in the bed until I was lying in between them and snuggled under the bedding and shook.   It helped to be close to them.  when the wind stopped they made me get down on my pillow up

AZ tidbits

we're having a rainy day in AZ so Gma wants to catch up with news.  I had so much fun at the dog park yesterday where I met more dogs 'like me' - their masters say I sure am beautiful and so well behaved (I try to do my best when G&G show me off).  They also say I'm really smart and G&G agree.  Gma gave me a shower the other day so I couldn't help but prance around the park to show off.  Here at our home I greet 3 favorite friends out walking every day - Spike, Vegas and Lucky.  

G&G were gone a long time the other day and since they got home Gpa seems to walk really slow and keeps his foot in a bucket of ice water and Gma takes me walking (they said he hurt his leg while playing in the SR Olympic Basketball tournament).  Gpa's team  of 70'yr olds played  against last year champs (they were 60).  I don't think he'll play any more basketball this year.

They are both busy cutting up pieces of wood and folks say they make some nice things.  I found the perfect stick in the desert the other day but Gma took it and put some of her carvings on it (a butterfly and a hum-mule/bird).  the wood is the one with holes in it).   Gpa made a nice Indian from cotton wood bark (they just won't let me chew on any of this wood).   They are busy getting ready for the wood carving show that will be on the 14th of this month.  Gma finished her rose and they are experimenting with wood coasters that look like quilts.

Oh Oh - I got to go pick out a really nice frisbee at the dog store the other day and while I was waiting in the car to go play......well, I just couldn't resist chewing on the edge . Gma gets really cranky when I do these kinds of things.  She shakes her finger at me and sez no no no no - I hang my head and then give her my front paw and a hug and she sez "its ok I love you anyhow"  I've also learned a new trick - 'sit pretty' (sitting on my behind with legs up for a treat.  Humans really like it when we obey their commands so I do my best.  I've also learned to put away my house toys so G&G don't fall over them (I have 4 favorite balls I like to chase inside the house and I really enjoy dropping them behind the couch when we play but put them in 'my' bucket when we're done.

We are have having a great time here in AZ - I get to sleep on the couch, use my 'pillow-up' to sleep at night at the foot of G&G's bed but when they're gone I use it to sleep on their bed (it's much softer than the floor).  When they sit outside cutting up their wood, I sit with them and people stop by to visit. I also get to lay out on the patio by myself and enjoy the sun.   I especially like to lay on the couch with Gpa - sometimes I have to push him out of the way cause he takes up most of the couch and doesn't leave me much room.  I also sit in Gma's big chair to look out the front window and watch people/dogs walk by.  there is only one dog here who doesn't like me (a big black lab) and I walk out a long way from his RV spot - he still barks when I walk by.  And there are so many smells to ck out every day with new dogs (and their masters) coming /going every day.  G&G went to watch the miniature trains yesterday (there were 11 trains all running at the same time).  they said I would have really liked it but I'm not allowed in that part of the park.   That's ok - its a lot of work just keeping up with this side of the 'dog' area.   so , until our next adventure - bye