Rudy's Blog

Just One Question

2012-01-10T14:49:00.001-06:00

Why do I call my Mommy and Daddy UPRIGHTS when they not walking properly? They should be on all fours, like Smudgie and me.

From now on, shouldn't I be calling them UPWRONGS???!??

Just something to think about.

Gotta run.

Take care all,

Rudy (The Thinker)

I am loving 2012 so far!

2012-01-07T13:38:00.003-06:00

Hi all.

I hope you are enjoying the New Year. Smudgie and I are having a great one. Mommy's been home with us all week (Smudgie says that can't last), and we've had two car rides already. (Smudgie also says not to get too used to it.)

And today, it finally snowed a little. I was starting to think that Winnipeg was going to let me down completely. For those of you who don't live here (and why don't you now that I think of it), Winnipeg is all about snow. Winnipeggers pride themselves on saying things like, "Yeah, well, that wasn't too bad a storm. We only got ten centimetres...that's nothing." Then they all go out for Slurpees, even when the thermometer thingie says minus forty.

I like snow. I like to play in it and roll in it and enjoy it. It started snowing yesterday, and ended this morning, and I heard it's less than two centimetres in total, but it's still awesome. I plan to eat it all up.

Yummy!

Other than that not much else is really going on here. Mommy's friends came over last night and Smudgie jumped on them. I sure didn't, but I did use the distraction to help myself to some jelly candies from the table. Or at least I tried. My Mommy has really good reflexes. She had Hudson by the scruff of the neck in her right hand and with her left hand she nose blocked me at the very same time. So no jellies for Rudy.

Daddy thought it was hilarious, so he rewarded us both with cookies and dragged us both back upstairs to watch really boring and silly movies with him.

So that's about it from here. I hope you are all enjoying the New Year so far. Take care all, and make the most of it. I think this is going to be an extra special year.

Rudy, who never forgets auld acquaintances...

Christmas Eve

2011-12-31T16:13:00.002-06:00

Hi All,

I just wanted to let you know I hosted my first, official HUGE family Christmas Eve. It didn't go as I had hoped.

Mommy and Daddy (and Auntie Brighit and Cousins Jzero and Vienna) set up these big tables and chairs, and I watched Mommy set them with fancy Christmas dishes and cups and pretties. It was so exciting. I could hardly wait to find out which seat was mine.

Well, guess what.

NONE were for me.

Smudgie and I got a LONG pre Christmas Eve walk and I was so happy....but it was a trap. Right after that we ate, peed, and got CRATED.

How unfair is that?

We heard all the people having fun but we were upstairs, and Mommy and Daddy put us in the middle bedroom instead of our usual room, and that made Smudgie really mad so he barked all night.

I was sooooo embarrassed.

At the end of the evening I got taken out for a pee and then brought back in to meet people. I tried so hard to be good, but no one remembered the Cesar rules. They all squealed and jumped around and paid all kinds of attention to me. So, what else could I do? I responded in kind. I jumped and made all kinds of noises, and then Mommy said I was being bad. Why can they do it and I can't?

I'm glad I peed first, because with all those people leaning over me I would have let her rip on the floor. Mommy and Daddy are pretty smart about some things.

Then I went back to my crate and it was Smudgie's turn. I hear he was worse than I was. Then we were back in our crates.

So we both barked.

Mommy kept shaking her head and apologizing to everyone. Finally Daddy came and put us both, loose, in the bedroom. So then we settled down. I don't know why they didn't just do that in the first place!

So, on behalf of Smudgie and me I would like to apologize to all for we did to make their Christmas Eve a little louder than it needed to be.

But we were both trying to be good hosts, that's all.

Anyway, I hope all my online friends had a peaceful and dog filled Christmas Eve, and now my brother and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all:

A SAFE AND DOG FILLED NEW YEAR!!!

Take care all,

Rudy, the Canine Baby New Year

Just sneaking on for a minute to say MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-21T12:04:00.003-06:00

I'm so sorry I don't get to blog very often anymore, but I did want to sneak in and wish all my friends all over the world a very Merry Christmas.

Take care all, and I'll blog just as soon as I can.

Ho Ho Ho.

Merry Christmas,

Rudy the Elf

2011-12-02T11:06:00.005-06:00

Wow, it has been a long time.

I'm so sorry. It's all Mommy's fault.

I love her and all, but she has been really busy....which is tough on us, because even though we spend lots of time with Daddy, he just doesn't do it right.

I wish she'd stay home more often.

Lots has happened in the last while. The tree is up and presents are being wrapped. Mommy says I can't poke about in the presents, which seems unfair, as I'm sure there are some there that say Rudy on them.

Smudgie's naked. And cold...and that means GRUMPY. Now he thinks it's okay to sleep ON me at all times. And if I wiggle at all he growls at me. HOW RUDE is that?

I still have my beautiful fur, but Mommy says that this weekend it will all be gone. She says someone named Karla is coming here to the house to make my hair go away. I don't think I believe her, but Smudgie's already grumbling. He says that once my hair goes away I will be cold too, and that will make me useless to him.

Nice, friendly, Christmas sentiment there pal!

We had to pose by the tree again, but Smudgie and I won. They took almost a hundred thousand pictures of us, but none worked out. I really like this one:

I think Daddy looks great, fighting with us in his long red underwear. Mommy wanted to put it on the Christmas card, but Daddy said NO WAY.

I know that he'll forgive me for putting this up here (and he doesn't actually stop in and read my blog) so I thought I would share it.

This is the pose that we all wanted on our annual Christmas card.

Well, I have to go. Mommy is home today (she took her personal day to hang with us) and I hear things happening in the kitchen. She probably needs my help.

Take care all, and ho ho ho!

Rudy with the red underweared Daddy!

I don't have much time.

2011-11-11T15:34:00.001-06:00

I better be quick.

Mommy's on a tear.

Right now she is putting up the Christmas Tree. Daddy is complaining and she's doing a lot of scolding.

Yikes.

Isn't it a tad early?

Mind you, I heard her say that she picked a special spot for the tree so that I would have something pretty to look at from my kennel during the day, so yay!

Oh oh, I see garland. Better run!

Take care all,

Rudy, the red nosed sheepdeer....

Hey there

2011-11-05T09:32:00.003-05:00

Hi friends.

I have been so cut off from the computer lately, and I think of you all often. It's making me sad that Mommy is too busy to even turn on her computer these days, so I don't get any time to catch up with you.

She did tell me that when she gets home from work she likes to spend her time with me and with Smudgie and that the computer would keep her away from that, so I guess I understand...but it's hard.

I've had a few grand adventures lately. A while back I ate some bark. I know better, but I couldn't resist. It upset my tummy and Mommy and Daddy took me straight to the vet where I got yummy barium again and people kept rolling me over on my back and taking pictures of my belly.

I don't know why they needed four different ones...I guess I have a really great belly.

Anyway, the vet sent me home and told Mommy and Daddy to watch me. (Don't they always?) A day or so later out came the bark. It was the longest, loveliest poop I've ever made. It even surprised me. Of course Mommy ruined it by poking it with a stick to see what was inside (how nosey is THAT?) but I thought it was quite lovely.

The very next morning the same thing came out of Smudgie, and no one even knew he'd eaten some too. He's such a baby. He screeched and wailed and wanted Mommy to do something to make it stop and she just stood there and said, "Sorry Hudson. I didn't put it in there and I am NOT responsible for getting it out." Then she told him to remember this very moment next time something stupid looks like a good thing to eat.

He won't though.

Neither will I.

We had some company last week, and I was the good dog. They all liked me. Hudson was crazy and kept getting in trouble. Tee hee hee.

Smudgie also got shaved which was hilarious. Now Mommy's sleeping in the TV room again because a naked Smudgie means a very aggressive heat and blanket seeking dog at night. Mommy wants nothing to do with that.

Preparations are now starting to get underway for a big Christmas Eve extravaganza. Mommy told Daddy that the dogs would likely be crated most of the night and locked in the bedroom because Smudgie's so bad.

How on earth is that fair?

I AM NOT BAD. As long as no one brings their dog I will be just fine, thank you very much.

Sigh.

Take care all, and try to convince Mommy that I should not be imprisoned on Christmas Eve. That's a clear case of guilt by association.

Rudy, a prisoner of conscience

I am so sorry I've been away so long!

2011-10-11T16:50:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone.

It's been so hard finding time to blog with Mommy's new jobs. She's been so busy that she NEVER leaves her laptop on, and so I just don't have the time to blog like I should.

Also, since she's so busy not much has been happening here.

I know that she shared on sheepiechat about my latest eating experience. I just want to state, for the record, that I KNOW I shouldn't have eaten that long strip of bark, but it was sooooo tasty. And let's face it DOGS and BARK just naturally go together.

It did NOT feel good coming out though. I should probably remember that.

And Mommy says that we will be eating bargain brand cookies from now until that four hundred dollar vet bill is made up. I hardly think that's fair. She is the one who insisted on all that yummy barium. I was just along for the ride.

We also had a Thanksgiving fondue this weekend. That was fun. I was the good dog, but Smudgie was completely out of his mind. He jumped on everyone, so Mommy made Daddy kennel us (well, Smudgie was kennelled because he kept jumping on the doors...I got the whole upstairs because I wasn't insane). Because of him we missed the really good and yummy stuff though. Poop.

After dinner I got to go hang with the people because I was calm. Smudgie was still shrieking and carrying on so Daddy made him sit a LOOOOOOONG time. I got all the attention. It was nice. And Grandpa kept patting me under the table even though Mommy kept telling him not to.

Well, I gotta go. Mommy will be home from work soon and I don't want to get caught. Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends! Gobble Gobble! Remember to be thankful for all you have. I am still very very thankful that I have a home and a family that will pay hundreds of dollars to make sure that the stupid things I eat come out of my body safely.

Take care all,

Rudy, a turkey who sure can tango

It's the weekend!

2011-09-17T09:29:00.003-05:00

Yay.

Finally a day with Mommy and Daddy both home. It's been lonely around here. Mommy's new job seems to be keeping her really busy. She leaves bright and early and actually gets home AFTER Daddy.

He comes home and feeds us, which is good, but he never does it right. There are no songs or dances. We don't prance around and play games. I miss my Mommy.

There's not much to report here really. It's pretty boring. I heard Daddy tell Mommy we're going to Bird's Hill Park tomorrow but I'll believe that when I see it. We went roller blading last weekend. That was cool.

Smudgie didn't go blading though. Mommy and Daddy took him to something called a show and shine. He says he walked for HOURS (I think he really did this time) while Mommy and Daddy looked at pretty old cars. Smudgie said that the people liked him a lot, but it was too much exercise for him. He grumbled a lot.

Gulpy went too. (That's our special water bottle.) Smudgie says he was so hot and tired that he finished off a whole gulpy AND drank Mommy's Coke slurpee. I can't imagine why anyone would want to give Smudgie caffeine. Although, now that I think about it, he is pretty lazy. Maybe it would help give him a little energy.

Anyway, that's about it for now. Sorry I haven't been posting lately, but life here is just plain boring.

I wish my Mommy would stay home like she did this summer. I miss her. And I don't want to complain, but Daddy needs to learn the songs she uses with us. Why would I want to take a pill without the special song? I wouldn't.

And Daddy's always mad that I spit out my pill. I don't for Mommy, because SHE knows the song. (Just a spoonful of cookie helps the medicine go down, the medicine go do--own, the medicine go down....just a spoon full of cookie helps the medicine go do-own....in the most delightful dog.) How hard is that to sing?

Take care all, and spend time with your four footed furry loved ones. They need you.

Lone(ly) Wolf Rudy

Flooring

2011-09-06T19:56:00.001-05:00

Hi there my friends. It's been a while.

I thought that I would let you know that the flooring in my house if almost, totally, completely done. (Apparently the insides of the closets still need to be done. I don't get it, but whatever.)

Smudgie continues to pout. He does not like the flooring one bit. He slips and slides. It's hilarious. I wish Mommy and Daddy had done this sooner. Seriously. I wish I had a video camera!

I like the flooring just fine. It's nice and cool and it sure works for me. Maybe I like it because I was such a good helper when it was being put in. I think it's that pride of ownership thing.

Anyway, I hear the squirrel mucking about, so I must go bark at him.

Take care all, and if you need a canine contractor I am your dude.

White Hat Rudy

Hi everyone.

2011-08-26T17:30:00.001-05:00

I know I should be blogging more, but it's been really boring around here. Mommy's back at work (although I keep hearing it's a new work), and I've been in my crate a lot.

Hudson's been boycotting the new floor, but I think it looks nice. It's really cool and relaxing to sleep on. I like it. I also found these things called "tools" to be quite fascinating. I am thinking of starting my own collection.

Well, this is short I know, but I've got to go sniff Smudgie's bum now. He's sleeping, and it freaks him out when I sneak up from behind. I make sure my nose is extra cold and wet first.

Take care all,

Stealth Rudy

Mommy Came Back

2011-08-20T16:55:00.002-05:00

I knew Smudgie was lying. Why oh why do I EVER listen to that little creep?

She came back last night and gave us pats and hugs and I was so tired by that point that Smudgie and I gave her some kisses and then headed up to bed. I hope we didn't hurt her feelings.

Today, something really interesting happened.

Cousin Jzero and Grandpa came over and they helped Daddy make the floor all fancy. They worked in my bedroom first, and almost got it finished. Daddy says they'll do three more rooms tomorrow. Mommy called Daddy something like "poptimistic" or maybe it was "schmopitimistic." Either way, I think that's a lot for one day...maybe they'll do some more next weekend.

Smudgie was terrified of the tools and noise and work (big surprise) and he spent most of the day hiding in his crate. But I wasn't scared.

I helped.

I inspected the pieces, gave licks of encouragement, and stood right beside the big noisy saw without running away. I even made sure the tools were being properly rotated by bringing some of them down to the livingroom every now and then. Just to keep things fresh. Mommy laughed every time she came to get them. Silly Mommy.

When everyone left Smudgie was still too scared to go in the bedroom but I wasn't. Mommy and Daddy and I all sat on the floor and I gave it another important test. I did the nap test on it, and it passed. It would have been nice to sleep a little longer but Mommy thought I looked cute with my paws all curled up under my head, and then she told Daddy, and he looked at me and he laughed and called me a goof and then I had to get up and move.

I'm very sensitive in that way you know.

So, they are coming back to see me tomorrow and they might even put down some more flooring. I'll miss the old carpet though. It smelled like pee, and I have always found that somewhat comforting.

Smudgie eventually did test out the floor, but he walked funny and kept his bum curled under. Apparently he's also afraid of floors. What a chicken poop.

Anyway, I should end this now. I'm hoping to get another round of napping in on my nice, cool floor.

Take care all. And have more floor naps.

ConstuctoRudy

MY MOMMY IS LEAVING US!

2011-08-17T10:18:00.002-05:00

I saw the pink flowered suitcase thingie. I know what that means.

She's leaving us again.

Hudson says it's forever.

He says it's because I was so much trouble this week. He says it's also because I peed on the globe light and now Mommy doesn't want to be here anymore.

He says it's all my fault.

I'm sorry Mommy. I'm sorry. It just looks so pretty when I pee on your globe lights. I'll try to stop. Don't go. Don't go. Don't leave me.

(I just don't get why Smudgie finds her leaving so funny. He loves her too, and he'll miss her, and he knows that DADDY never fills the water bowls so we'll probably die within a few days anyhow...)

Don't go Mommy. Don't go.

Why is this happening again? We need you home. Daddy doesn't do it right. Ever.

Take care all, and don't leave your family behind. It's not fair.

Rudy "I Pack Really Light and Would Love to Come Too" Patootie

My Family Takes Really Good Care of Me

2011-08-16T10:10:00.002-05:00

Why oh why do I doubt them?

Yesterday I wasn't feeling so well. Mommy immediately made an appointment for me to go to the vet. I was happy for the car ride, but I flipped out in the parking lot and behaved badly. Now they all think I'm a bad dog. Mommy says I need to learn to let this all go and try liking other dogs, and I know I should, but I just can't.

So I was rushed through the waiting room, and saw Dr. K. I don't know why I was so scared. He was so nice, but I dribbled pee when he first started checking me over. Why? Why did I do that? He was really nice. He petted me, and got down on the floor with me, and he really liked me. So what was I so afraid of?

He stuck a thermometer you know where, and even that wasn't as bad as it could have been.

I had a small owie on my tummy. He cleaned it up and put medicine on it and made it feel good. He checked me all over. He gave me some other medicine for my sore tummy and I enjoyed my dinner a few hours later, so that was a good thing.

Then these nice ladies held me in a wrestling hold and poked me with a needle. I didn't like it, but they patted me and kissed me and told me I was good, so it isn't like that was horrible.

Mommy says Dr. K is going to check my blood for illnesses you can get from woodticks, just to be safe. You may remember that Mommy and Daddy took one off my beautiful nose a while back. Dr. K wants to make sure that I was just limping because I overdid it when I went roller blading, and not that there is something bad that a tick put in my blood.

I feel a lot better this morning. I'm looking forward to Mommy putting more medicine on my tummy.

I have a great family. When I wasn't feeling well they took me straight to the vet, and they didn't even gripe that it cost three hundred dollars! Think of how many cheeseburgers that would buy.

Mommy always says that now that I have a family they will always take care of me and love me and make sure everything is okay for me. I've been here more than a year and a half and they still do all that for me.

It's awesome.

Take care all. Be good to your family.

Family Man Rudy

Mommy says Daddy is working late...

2011-08-10T22:07:00.002-05:00

I miss him so much.

I have been sitting at the window, waiting, since dinner. Now it's after ten and he's still not home.

Mommy told us he was working late tonight, but Smudgie says she's lying. Smudgie says he's never coming home and that it's all because I peed on Mommy's fancy globe light last night. Smudgie says we'll never ever see him again and that it's all my fault.

I'm not sure why that would make Daddy run away. Last night he laughed and thought it was funny. It was only Mommy who was unhappy and she's still here and feeding us.

So Daddy, PLEASE come home. We miss you and cannot go to bed without you to snuggle.

My heart is breaking in two.

I'm sorry I peed on the globe. I'll never do it again....or if you really liked it, I'll do it from now on. Sorry Mommy.

Daddy......

Take care all....and always come home to your puppies.

Rudy, the Bereft

Hudson Keeps Locking Me Out of the TV Room

2011-08-08T11:00:00.002-05:00

I don't know what to do about this. When Mommy and Daddy watch TV upstairs they go into the TV room, and they invite us. I stay for a bit, but then I usually like to go check out the bedroom. I look out the window, and sleep on the bed, and chew my ring. I feel safe knowing where my uprights are if I need them.

But then, after a brief nap, I wake up and I miss them.

So I head over the TV room to see them, and when Smudgie hears me coming he pushes the door closed.

That leaves me locked in the hallway.

Sigh.

I usually go to sleep outside the door, waiting for Mommy to take a bathroom break, or for Daddy to go for a snack, but it's so lonely.

Sometimes Mommy and Daddy notice that Smudgie does it, so they come, open the door, and invite me in. When they do that my heart sings. But sometimes they don't notice. And sometimes he does it while I'm still on the bed and so they check and I'm not there yet and then they don't check again when I am there.

Why is Smudgie so mean to me?

I kicked the door open a couple times and just walked in, and Mommy and Daddy praised me and said I was smart, but then Smudgie gave me "the look" and now I don't open it myself anymore.

So, I am spending way too much time in the hallway away from my family. Oh woe is me. Woe is Rudy!

Can someone please come by and make Hudson be NICER!?

Take care all, and always check your hallways for loved ones. It's not nice to feel left out.

Long Haul Rudy

I noticed I haven't posted any pictures lately, so here's one...

2011-08-05T19:27:00.002-05:00

This is my friend Rack. He destroys our garbage every night. Smudgie and I bark at him sometimes, in the wee hours. I know Mommy and Daddy appreciate that.

I overheard Mommy and Daddy talking a while back. They said that locking garbage cans would keep Rack from making messes, but then they said, "The little dude's gotta eat."

I think my Mommy and Daddy are good people. They even take care of Rack. And I know Rack's not cuddly like we are.

Take care all, and always care for others.

Rudy, Interspecies Social Activist

I was part of a Pack Nap today.

2011-08-05T17:39:00.002-05:00

Mommy always talks about Pack Naps, but this summer she hasn't been sleeping at all. I really admire her, though. Even on no sleep she's always pleasant and sweet. I wonder how she does that?

But today we laid down for a pack nap, and for the first time she slept.

She slept for four hours. It was cool.

So, a pack nap, as Mommy explained it, goes like this:

First, all dogs must get OFF the bed. That was my least favourite part.

Then the Mommy makes the bed all nice and smooth and pretty.

Then the Mommy gets in the bed while the dogs must wait. That part was hard.

Then, when you feel like the anticipation is going to make you explode, the Mommy invites the dogs to jump back up and find a really nice, comfy spot. Snuggling is strongly encouraged.

Finally, the Mommy wraps her arms around the dogs, and all three fall asleep together.

And that's just what happened, except Mommy never sleeps when we pack nap, but today she did, for four hours.

It was so nice sleeping all snuggled up in someone's arms. I was extra good. I ignored all the noises outside and didn't run to the window to bark even once.

When Mommy woke up I was still in her arms, but Smudgie had snuck down to the foot of the bed...he says he got hot. She forgave him though.

Then we celebrated by eating our dinner outside on the deck. It was like a picnic. Very very cool.

I hope we can pack nap more often! I think this might be something I am especially good at.

Take care all, and remember, naps are good.

Rudy, who wonders if he wore his special walking vest to bed....would it be a backpacknap? It might be good to bring snacks and water to the next one....hmmmm.

Mommy is my hero!

2011-08-02T17:57:00.002-05:00

She is so brave,

And strong,

And observant,

And she saved me!

Well, Daddy helped a little but she made him.

I had something called a "woodtick" on my perfect little nose. She saw it (I didn't even know it was there) and she organized the the extraction, and she coached Daddy, and then she put some special goo on my nose where the "woodtick" had been, and then finally she kissed me right on the nose.

The kiss was the best part.

Daddy was in charge of removing the tick from the premises. Mommy's not a fan of killing anything so he had to relocate it away from us.

Mommy patted me and Smudgie all over after. She says it's to check for ticks, but I think it's because we're so awesome.

Take care all, and watch for blood sucking little fiends.

Rudy "Tick Magnet" Patootie (but to be clear there were no ticks found on my amazing bum)

I really am my own worst enemy.

2011-08-02T11:25:00.002-05:00

Well, it happened again. Last night Mommy gave me and Smudgie each another cherry tomato, and I felt obligated to eat it, so I did, and guess what? Still yuck!

I decided to do less chewing and more "close your eyes and down it goes" so at least that helped a little. But I vowed no more. Never again. NO MORE TOMATOES.

So what did I do to myself today?

I went out for a pee, sniffed around the tomato plants and found a small green apple on the ground, or so I thought.

I brought it in and bit into it and it was HORRIBLE. It wasn't a little green apple at all. It was a little green TOMATO.

THE HORROR.

And Mommy laughed and laughed at me.

And since I bit into it I had green tomato juice in my mouth. I ran for a drink of water but even that really didn't help much. I can't believe I did this TO MYSELF. I went tomato hunting.

Later I tried to give it to Smudgie but he wasn't interested. He says the green ones are not for eating, and laughed and asked what I was thinking. He said even if I did think it was a little green apple, any little green apple that small would be too bitter to eat. How was I supposed to know any of this? He says he's older and wiser. Yeah, by what, nine months. Big whoop. I bet he doesn't know how to survive a gator attack.

So, the stinky little green tomato sits in the living room, on the floor, calling my name and giggling evilly. I know eventually I'll have to eat it. It would be rude to leave that mess for Mommy, but I must work my way up to it.

For now it just sits there, taunting, mocking, and laughing at me.

Can no one save me?

Take care all, and watch out for Killer Tomatoes!

Rudy, who would rather wrassle a gator right now

(Which, by the way, reminds me, my hero BILLY THE EXTERMINATOR is on TV tonight with a brand new season. I'll have to get past this tomato incident before I can relax and watch it. Maybe he'll have some tips for getting rid of tomatoes!)

How Do I Break the News To Mommy?

2011-07-31T13:26:00.001-05:00

I hate tomatoes.

There. I've said it to you guys. But how do I let Mommy know?

She's been watering these plants all summer, and yesterday the first "cherry tomato" was ready. She talked to me and to Smudgie and said that the first one would be for her and her alone and that she was very sorry. Hudson pretended to beg for it, but I knew better. No thanks. No tomatoes for me.

Today two more were ready.

And she picked them.

And she squealed and made us sit nice.

And then.

Ewwwww.

She gave each of us one.

Smudgie jumped around and pounced on his and carried on like he liked it (I'm sure he was just being polite), and then he actually ATE it.

I tried so hard. Really I did. But that little sucker tasted yucky. And it kept shooting out of my mouth when I tried to bite into it. Then Smudgie came over and TRIED TO STEAL IT. 'Sup with that?

So, I had no choice. I ate it. But it took ten minutes of really working hard to get it down and I didn't enjoy it one bit.

I even made the face. You know, my ooooooooo, that's gross face. Mommy and Daddy watched and giggled and said they love that face. So now it's looking like I'll be getting more tomatoes.

It's nice to be thought of, of course, but how do I get this to stop? How do I tell Mommy that I don't want anymore without breaking her heart? I could just give mine to Smudgie, but there are certain rules in the dog world and that would just be wrong.

So, if anyone has any ideas on how to let Mommy down easily I am open to it. Right now we are just being forced to eat little tomatoes, but there are big ones, turning light orange on the plants, even as we speak. What if she makes me eat a big one?

Help!

Take care all, and don't ever plant tomatoes. Nothing good ever comes of it.

Rudy, TomatoHater

Smudgie and I had Company Last Night!

2011-07-28T14:15:00.002-05:00

Last night was the best! We had company.

I loved seeing Aunt Brighit, and cousins Jzero and Vienna. I also got to see Leah too, and I'm thinking she'll be an honorary cousin too. Mommy never explained the details to us, but she was pretty nice. She didn't even get mad at me when I nosed her repeatedly during dinner.

Mostly I was a pretty good boy. Daddy makes us sit and be calm when people come in. I follow the rule and he releases me quickly. It's Smudgie who is kind of a jerk to company. He always wants to sit on their heads, and it turns out people don't like it.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank them all for coming last night. Smudgie and I LOVED having them here (so did Mommy and Daddy too). I'm sorry that Smudgie wasn't better, but he did seem to redeem himself a little later on when he showed everyone how cute he looks when he spins around in circles.

Mommy even put a video of him on youtube doing the spinning. You can find it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-4qqoThpFs

I don't know if you can just click there or if you have to cut and paste. I know I should be more tech savvy, but I think I've learned a lot already...not bad for a young sheepie.

Take care all, and drop by any time. We sheepies LOVE company.

Happy Host Rudy

I think I should get an allowance.

2011-07-24T19:09:00.002-05:00

Mommy was sorting money on the kitchen table. She has a spare change jar that it all goes into. She also puts in any paper money that Daddy leaves lying out (you'd be surprised how often he does that).

She left it unattended and went looking for something called "two nickels" to finish something else called a "roll."

While she was gone I checked out the money. I had to stand on the bench to see it, but I wanted to make sure she was counting it accurately. I always try to pitch in and be helpful around here. While I was there I started to think, "I could use a little mad money." That way, I could get my own McDonald's cheeseburgers from time to time, and not have to bother Mommy and Daddy.

So I thought I was being helpful. I carefully took a five dollar bill off the table (no sense in being greedy...I left the larger bills and rolls of coins alone).

She caught me. Red pawed (mouthed? teethed? lipped?)

She didn't get all that mad, but she did take it back and she told me that I would absolutely not be getting a weekly allowance. That seemed a bit harsh. She also said that now she knows who put all the shoes in the living room yesterday. Well, of course it was me! I never said it wasn't. Smudgie's been doing it for my whole life (since I got here) and it always looked like fun, so I decided to try it too, and you know what? It IS fun.

But Mommy isn't thrilled with my sense of initiative and entrepreneurial spirit.

So, here I am, completely tapped out and without an allowance. I think it's unfair. I'll have to spend some more time thinking this through, and coming up with my next strategy.

Take care all, and remember, dogs need cheeseburger money too! Or maybe just my own little doggiedebit card?

Rudy "Babyface" Patootie

I don't think Smudgie gets how lucky he is!

2011-07-24T12:27:00.002-05:00

Mommy was working really hard today, doing that housecleaning/purging thing she's been doing all summer. Daddy was "helping." He did some good stuff, I'm sure, but he also complained a lot about how she shouldn't throw things out. I guess he's going to build an addition to house all the stuff then?

I had to laugh. They did all this "shredding" and in the process they burned out the shredder. Mommy said that the shredder could go in the garbage then. Daddy got all mad and said that they should keep it.

What exactly is a broken shredder good for anyway? I don't get it.

But that's really not the point of my post.

In the middle of all this work, they took a break and let me and Smudgie out for a pee. Mommy said that I should go look at the riverboat going past our backyard, but I was more interested in the squirrel on the fence so I kinda missed it. Oh well.

So I went for a romp to Poo Corner and checked things out, and Smudgie peed as close to the deck as is caninely possible so that Mommy couldn't actually be mad. She laughed at him of course, and thought it was neat that he was, technically, following the "NO PEEING ON THE DECK" rule.

But then he wandered off into the wilder, grassy, untamed areas of the general "going out to pee or poo" area. I don't understand exactly why he pees in deck adjacent fashion every single time and then goes out to forage in the area Mommy wants us to use for peeing. Silly Smudgie.

Anyway, after a few minutes we both came in and I wanted to play, but Smudgie was biting at his front footie.

Mommy noticed right away and came over to help him. She figured something was poking his toes, or stuck in his pad, or something like that.

Hudson immediately assumed that she had come to torture, kill, or maim him (as if anyone has ever done anything like that to a sheepdog in this house!) and he ran away.

She chased him and he hid under the table and then he dove around the table and ran for the safety of the upstairs, but she cut him off at the computer room door, and managed to grab his dollar.

He squirmed and tried to get free. He tried to back out of his collar. He started making gagging sounds but Mommy wouldn't let go. With her other hand she reached for his footie, but he pulled it away. She made him sit, and then lay down. He was shaking and carrying on.

She held his footie firmly (but gently, I could tell). He continued to try to pull it away, but she wouldn't let him go. I believe she called him a '"doofus" and a "drama queen." I think both were fair quite frankly.

She took her hand off his collar, and used that one to take a large burr out from between his toes. She laughed and said, "It wasn't even really stuck you silly dog. What was all THAT about?"

Smudgie did give her a thank you kiss, but as soon as she released his footie he quickly backed away and escaped, keeping a safe distance.

Doesn't he get how lucky he is?

He has a Mommy (and Daddy) who love him enough to put up with all his nonsense, ignore his horrid behaviour, and take good care of him. I mean seriously, how lucky is he to have a family that will chase him through the house to take a burr out from between his toes that is only causing him discomfort in the first place?

Maybe Smudgie just doesn't get it because he's always had a family, but I sure get it. A family loves you and takes care of you, even when you're cranky. And I know what it's like to NOT have a family, so I really know what I am talking about.

So, on behalf of Smudgie I'D like to say an official thank you to Mommy. I appreciate my family so very much and I know how lucky I am, even if Smudgie doesn't get it.

Take care all, and remember to love your families. Not everyone is lucky enough to have one.

Rudy, Grateful Family Man

I need to talk about tomatoes.

2011-07-18T13:59:00.002-05:00

I'm a little confused, so please bear with me as I think through this.

It seems that Mommy has initiated something called "tomato" out on the deck. There were these six little plants at first, but as I was "noodling about" (as she puts it) on the deck I accidentally stepped on one and it broke. Frankly I think they should just make them stronger than that, but no one ever asks me about these things.

So then there were five.

Smudgie says that four of them are something called a "cherry tomato" which just plain sounds weird, and that I stepped on a real tomato plant so now there's only one of those left.

You can see why I'm so confused. I asked Smudgie why there were mixing cherries (a fruit) with tomatoes (a vegetable) and he said that they are both actually fruits, and then I just knew he was messing with me again. Sigh. How come I can never get a straight answer out of him?

So, twice a day (it's really insanely hot and sunny right now) Mommy goes out and gives these "tomato plants" a drink. What's up with that? I've never seen them use a straw, or open anything that even comes close to a mouth, but out she goes anyway. And then the mud in their pots smells REALLY good, but if I go over she says, "Leave it." And she uses that tone. You know the tone Mommies have that means, "the world will end if you don't listen to me." So I listen to her. Smudgie just snickers.

Now these giant plants (that I am to LEAVE alone) have these small green ball-y things growing on them. Hudson says those are tomatoes but I am not falling for that one. I know that tomatoes are red. I've seen Mommy carry a bag of them right out of Safeway (where tomatoes live) and they are always red. Nice try Smudgie. I wasn't born yesterday.

But my naughty little big brother says that when they start turning red Mommy will probably let us eat them. This makes no sense to me. First, how does something green just magically turn red? Secondly, these plants smell nothing like steak so why would Mommy think dogs want to eat them, and thirdly, why would she make us stay away from the plants and THEN offer us the opportunity to eat them later?

Sounds like some sort of elaborate undercover plot, and I will eventually get to the bottom of it. I just have no idea where to start.

Fear not loyal friends, I will investigate further and report back when I can.

Take care all, and keep a careful eye on the things that grow on your deck.

Rudy (in deep cover investigating Tomatogate)

Daddy has broken my heart

2011-07-14T10:11:00.002-05:00

I never, ever, EVER thought my Daddy would let me down, but last night he did and I am devastated. If it weren't for my Mommy I'd be completely inconsolable today. Thank goodness for Mommy!

Daddy had some things he needed to do before bed. The evil euphorbia plant fell on Mommy yesterday and she had it. She said it was time to stop picking that plant up and cleaning up after it, and get it out of the house. Daddy loves that plant, and wanted to save it. Frankly, it freaks me out. Plants should not jump off shelves on their own and make messes. It's just not right...but I digress.

So, Daddy cut off nearly all of the plant's arms. I guess that's so it can't scratch up Mommy again. She was not happy. She wanted it out of here. It's only about two feet tall now, and before it was six or seven, so I think she can take it now that it's little, but time will tell.

Then he wandered around the house, looked at the leaky toilet in the bathroom upstairs, and pronounced it "broken." This did not impress Mommy. She said she already knew it was broken (the puddle on the floor told her that) what she wanted to know was how to make it NOT BROKEN anymore. He says he'll think about it this weekend. Mommy made that sighing sound and rolled her eyes.

Then he called me and Smudgie up to bed and Mommy stayed up late in the TV room. We thought we were going for a nap. We had no idea that Daddy was going to bed. No idea at all.

Did you notice what was missing?

HE FORGOT TO FEED US.

Oh the horror!

He went to bed without our third meal of the day, affectionately called "second dinner." I laid down, my heart breaking, I knew my life was over. That's it. Starvation.

I had loved living here. I LOVED my family (even Smudgie) and now to be left to starve to death overnight. Oh no. OH NO.

Smudgie is a little more, shall we say, assertive than I am. When he figured this out (a little after I did, but let's not judge), he took action. First he kicked at Daddy, but Daddy was already sleeping and woke up just enough to say, "Go away."

Then Smudgie decided desperate times called for desperate measures.

He started scratching and kicking at the bedroom door like a maddog. Then he started barking with all his might. This got Mommy's attention so she came and got us. I thought we were saved, but she didn't get it at first. She took us out for a pee.

Well thanks Mommy. We did need to pee. When Daddy forgot to feed us, he also forgot our post dinner pee, but really, we weren't all that worried about the peeing part.

She told us to come back upstairs and I sadly, and obediently, went. But Smudgie wanted nothing to do with that. He planted his enormous bum by his bowl and would not budge.

Mommy looked at him and said, "Are you trying to tell me something?"

And Smudgie said nothing. He just glared at her.

So Mommy ran upstairs and woke Daddy up. He was grouchy. I know, because I felt obligated to follow her upstairs. Only Smudgeman was brave enough to stay parked at the bowls.

She asked him if he'd fed the boys (I'm a boy! I'm a boy!) and he thought about it a minute and said, "Bad word, I didn't." Well, again my heart fell. He seemed so matter of fact about it, and he rolled over and went back to sleep.

Woe is me. Woe is Rudy.

Then something amazing happened. Mommy looked at me and said, "Well Rudy, I guess I'll have to save the day and feed you boys." My heart leaped. And so did my body, right up in the air. Mommy laughed at me and said, "Dude, it's only fifteen minutes late."

So we came back downstairs (Smudgie still hadn't moved a muscle) and Mommy fed us.

SHE FED US.

SHE FED US.

DID YOU GET THAT? SHE FED US.

Mommy saved the day. She sensed our pain as we were wasting away, and she saved us both!

It was the best kibble ever.

Thank you Mommy.

Then she took us back upstairs and locked us in the room with the evil Daddy. We both vowed to never forgive him, and we won't, but we did agree there was no sense in punishing ourselves by staying off the bed, so we did go up and snuggle him, but we didn't really mean it.

So there you have it. Mommy saved our very lives last night. She's pretty good that way. And this morning we really showed Daddy. We woke him up for breakfast early. So there.

So all is well now...for the moment. But we'll be watching that Daddy guy very carefully from now on.

Take care all, and pay attention to tummies. They need to be kept full.

Survivor Rudy, who almost starved to death last night

This is not fair.

2011-07-10T15:24:00.002-05:00

My wonderful Daddy took me rollerblading again today. It was so much fun. I ran and ran and ran, faster than the wind. It was great. Just me and my Daddy and no rotten brothers.

I heard that Daddy doesn't want to take Smudgie blading anymore. All Smudgie does is bark like a maniac and bite at the leash...sometimes he even nips Daddy. So it seems fair to me that Smudgie shouldn't get to rollerblade then.

But...after my rollerblading he took Smudgie for his very own walk.

Did he stop to think that I like walks too?

Maybe I wanted to go for a walk.

Now, let's be clear, I'd never choose a walk instead of rollerblading but I'm saying a walk in addition to rollerblading. It's not like I ever get too tired to continue.

So, here I am, happy that I got to run, but sad that no one invited me on a walk. I think that this is just too unfair. All that, and a week of eating stinky blueberries. Sigh. Not good.

Take care all, and ever ever leave your favourite dog out of anything at all.

Rudy, the unwalked

Apparently it is Blueberry Season

2011-07-06T10:14:00.002-05:00

Mommy keeps giving us blueberries and Smudgie says that it will be months before that stops, so I've been forced to eat blueberries. I've even given up on dropping them on the floor and making stains because although Mommy yells when I do it, she keeps giving them to me.

So as I always say, "There's no such thing as bad people food." (Although blueberries come close...and I have to make the blueberry face when I eat them, which just makes Mommy laugh and give them to me more.)

There are so many indignities involved in being a sheepdog...but I guess having a family that loves me and snuggles and cuddles me makes up for those.

Well, I gotta go. There's this squirrel who runs across our deck every twelve seconds or so...I've been stalking him for weeks. I think today might be my lucky day, but I can't possibly get him if I'm on the computer, so I must sign off now.

Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Take care all, and watch for squirrels,

Rudy the Exterminator

Now this is AGAIN unfair.

2011-07-03T00:51:00.003-05:00

Woe is me. Woe is Rudy.

I love sitting on my Daddy's lap and usually Smudgie hogs it so I don't get a regular turn very often.

There I was, finally lounging on my Daddy and my mean little big brother with his enormous tushie climbs up, pushes me out of the way, and SLEEPS ON ME.

This does not count as a turn for me. No way. No how. Not fair.

And look how happy Daddy looks. Doesn't he SEE Hudson's big old head all the way across my neck? Yep, that beautiful bum you see is MINE, not his, so he's laying right across me.

The audacity!

Woe is Rudy.

Take care all,

Rudy, the ubersquished

Today I ate a blueberry.

2011-07-02T16:45:00.002-05:00

Yuck.

It was gross. I didn't want it but Smudgie sure did so I HAD to eat it.

Blech.

The only fun part was squishing it up really well and dropping it on the carpet repeatedly.

Mommy made the best screaming sounds.

Take care all,

The Rudyberry

Daddy says that in two sleeps....

2011-06-29T12:54:00.002-05:00

In two sleeps Smudgie and I will wake up to the longest weekend of the year.

Apparently Mommy will be on summer holidays and will be home with us for many sleeps. We are both very excited.

Yay Summer!

Take care all.

Rudy, who is also on holidays.

One more thing, and I've no idea if this will work or not...

2011-06-26T11:14:00.001-05:00

Check this out...

My first attempt at uploading something to Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W9QbG_OnPs

Take care all!

TechnoRudy

RollerRudy

2011-06-26T10:34:00.020-05:00

Hi guys.

I just got back from rollerblading, and boy are my legs tired. No wait, they're not tired at all. They feel great. They want to run. Yes, that's it. My legs were made for running and that's what they want...so Daddy, let's go again, right now. Daddy? Daddy? DADDYYYYYY!!!

Oh wait, Mommy said he's sleeping. We've been back less than three minutes and he's already snoring in bed. I don't get it. I do all the work and he does all the hanging on. Why oh why is HE so tired?

Sigh.

I guess that's it for today. I hope that there's a tomorrow that includes roller blading too.

There are some things going on here that concern me. The biggest is that we are DROWNING in these things called Rubbermaid tubs. They are everywhere. Thousands have invaded our dining room, and frankly there's not much dining going on in that room anymore.

Sigh again.

You may also notice that I've tucked in my Kong here. I figure if this is really just a funny way of packing and moving out and not letting me know I should be prepared. I love my Kong, and would definitely not be moving without it!

There's also a small issue with Mommy's plants on the deck. Apparently it's not okay to pee on them and kill them. How can that be? We pee on the weeds in Poo Corner and they are HIGH. But yet these delicate little flowers on the deck are apparently so dangerous that we don't dare pee on them. Well I, Rudy the Brave, do not fear them, and I will prevail.

I just wish Mommy would stop yelling things like, "Get off the step," and "Rudy, No!" and something about how much money the plants cost. Uprights, eh?

Did you notice the "eh?" I am truly a Canadian dog now. This Friday I will celebrate my second Canada Day AND I've even tasted poutine. Now that is something for a country to be proud of!

Well, I need to go friends. Take care all and remember, rollerblade whenever you can.

RolloRudy!

I am still here...

2011-06-25T19:31:00.002-05:00

Smudgie has recovered fully from his back injury and Daddy hid Mommy's laptop and I cannot hold that Xoompad thingie in my paws so I have been unable to post.

I will be back online just as soon as I can.

I miss you all.

Take care all and don't forget me.

Rudy, the disconnected

Just a quick observation...

2011-06-08T18:07:00.002-05:00

Hudson and I have been listening to the uprights whine all week that there is no food in the house.

We are tired of hearing about it, and would like to offer the following two suggestions:

1. You have legs, opposable thumbs, and cars. Go to a grocery store already!

2. If you can't bring yourself to shop, quit whining and eat kibble. We have a big bin of it, and can share. If it's good enough for us it MUST be good enough for you.

Whichever option you guys choose....just please, for the love of dog, QUIT WHINING ABOUT IT!!!!

With much love and respect,

Rudy, the Problem Solver

Oh the horror!

2011-05-29T11:03:00.002-05:00

It all started with a really long car ride. Mommy and Daddy had "errands" to do so we all got to spend HOURS in the big ugly truck. It was nice. I don't know why Mommy found the Princess Auto parking lot that bad. It was an interesting hour sitting and looking out the windows. Hudson even found a McDonald's wrapper under the seat and had a snack, but Old Greedyguts wouldn't share with me.

Then, we had a car picnic. I didn't get to go into Burger Factory, but it looks like a great place. And the food that came out of it was delicious! I got a piece of bun and three fries. Yum yum yummy!

Next we went to a place called Part Source, and that was the start of the trouble....Daddy put some boxes in the back seat with us.

Mommy went to Staples, which made her happy. She said that finally one of the errands amused her. Then we went to buy a gigantic hanging plant. I really liked it, but there was no room in the truck, so Mommy kept it on her lap all the way home, which sure didn't look comfy to me.

So what could go horribly wrong?

Daddy went horribly wrong.

He decided to cheat and blast through a light that was in the process of changing from yellow to red, to make a left turn. And that caused the boxes in the back to fall.

On innocent little ole me.

And I did the only thing I could...

I squealed and jumped into the front seat, landing with one front paw in the plant (sorry about all the flowers that came off) while the other paw was desperately grabbing at Mommy's ear. Then she started screaming.

I couldn't get my bum all the way over, so I was kicking Smudgie with my back legs and he was biting me back. Things did not go well at all. Jumping into the front seat seemed like the thing to do at the time, but when I reflect upon it now I'm thinking that I should have explored other options instead.

Then Daddy pulled over, and Mommy was holding her ear, and Daddy shoved me right back into the backseat and I was forced to sit ON the boxes that had assaulted me. And I heard Mommy start to tell Daddy it was all his fault for running the light and making the boxes fall which caused me to jump over the seat and wreck the plant and try to tear off her ear....and then a stranger walked up from out of nowhere and asked for directions.

Strange.

But he was very nice, and apparently from a place called "Victoria."

So Daddy gave him directions, and Mommy sulked, and he said that he thought we were nice pooches (what's a pooches?) and off we went. And then Mommy forgot to lecture Daddy about running the light after all, which is good, because it just makes them both really cranky.

And although the hanging plant is a little lopsided now, all is well. I've even decided to forgive the nasty box that fell on me.

Whew. What a day. When I got home I took a nice long nap to recover, and so did Daddy....which almost got him another lecture from Mommy.

Yawn, I'm getting tired just thinking about it.

Take care all, and always secure your cargo if you want to keep your sheepies in the back seat!

Back seat driver Rudy

Congrats to Mommy on her new job!

2011-05-23T19:53:00.002-05:00

I am not sure what a Vice Principal is, but she sure seems happy that she's going to be one in the fall.

Good stuff Mommy!

Take care all...

Rudy, who hopes to stay out of the office

Just for the record...

2011-05-21T07:46:00.002-05:00

Immediately after Mommy took yesterday's picture I twitched one little muscle and Smudgie bit me!

What a grouch!

Take care all and be careful where you fall asleep.

Rip van Rudle

How can this possibly be fair?

2011-05-20T19:37:00.002-05:00

That dirty faced rotten little big brother of mine fell asleep on me again

Hudson's been put on notice

2011-05-10T11:38:00.002-05:00

When my Grandma and Grandpa came over on Saturday night, I was pretty well behaved. I needed a little direction (they are really fun people after all) but I did okay.

My Mommy says that Hudson was an absolute jerk.

He jumped on our company, and cried, and climbed on their laps. Mommy and Daddy were really embarrassed.

So now we are living in the era known as "Operation Attitude Adjustment." The uprights have been pretty clear. I may have my issues, but I am respectful in the house, so this tune up is for Smudgie.

And he does NOT like it.

They have banned him from the couch, and they make him sit and wait for permission to do everything. He says he's looking into some sort of underground sheepie railroad to get him to safety.

I heard Mommy say that last night he was already being more respectful and that she's happy it's going so well. Now Daddy just needs to follow through she says.

It's kind of confusing for me. When I want to come up on the couch I always stand patiently beside Mommy or Daddy and wait for them to say either "okay" or "go lay down." And then I always do what I'm told. The rules for me haven't changed, but life is very different for Smudgie.

Take care all, and remember to be consistent.

Respectful Rudy

Just one question....about my uprights.

2011-05-03T19:04:00.008-05:00

How come when Mommy's sick she still takes good care of us, keeps the house clean, and carries on bravely?

And when Daddy's sick he curls up in bed and pretends no one else exists?

It's good for naps and all, but there's a definite difference.

I'm just sayin'

Take care all, and stay well.

Dr. Rudy

Now THAT was completely uncalled for!

2011-05-02T22:01:00.002-05:00

Mommy always insists we pee before we eat. She says it keeps us from "noodling around" out there, since we're in a hurry to get back to our food. Whatever. I just "noodle around" AFTER we eat, when we get sent out for a poo, but I digress...

So there I was, on the deck, good boy that I am, peeing on the tiniest little patch of leftover snow, right into a flower pot (I don't get why that bothers Mommy so much), when I heard her arguing with Hudson.

He always fusses and wants to eat first and pee later, but Mommy always wins. She just blocks the door, won't let him in, and repeats, "I said, go make a pee" over and over again until he does.

My medication makes me drink more and pee more so I was enjoying a rather long pee, while I watched the battle of wills. Finally, Smudgie gave in (he always loses, but never stops trying) and he stomped over to the very same flower pot/snow spot I was enjoying.

That rat.

He stood on the other side, lifted his leg, and PEED ON ME.

The horror.

And what could I do? I had to finish what I was doing so I just had to take it. Mommy yelled at Smudgie, but he just angled in so he could get me more wet. He was mad at Mommy, so why did I get peed on?

Sigh.

Well, Mommy cleaned me up, and gave me some extra kibble (pee on that Smudgie!) so I guess it ended up okay, but sheesh, do I LOOK LIKE A FIRE HYDRANT?

Take care all, and watch where you pee.

Rudy, who is still peed off

Snow...glorious snow !!!

2011-05-01T15:30:00.001-05:00

I just don't see why everyone is so down about snow on the first of May. I think it's swell. Yahoo!

Take care all and let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Rudy the snowdog

I got a phone call! My very first.

2011-04-26T23:50:00.004-05:00

I went to the vet today, and I would love to tell you it went well, but I got snarky and snarled at three different dogs in the waiting room. Mommy and Daddy were not happy.

Then Dr. Moffatt was bending my back legs back and forth and I didn't like it. Daddy thinks I was thinking of snapping. I really wasn't, but I was so stressed at the vet that who knows what was going on. Mommy noticed my ears going straight back so she grabbed them and massaged them. That sure confused me, and so I stopped to think about it and suddenly it was all over. He gave me a cookie and told me I was a good boy. Huh?

The vet said that my knee pops sometimes and that it's totally okay and that Mommy should stop worrying.

So I never even got an X ray. So I don't know if you can order one with cheese or not.

He told Mommy and Daddy that this special medicine to make me calmer would be cheaper from the pharmacy than the vet clinic and left to make a call. Daddy took me to the car and I snarled at another dog when we left. It turns out that Mommy knows the uprights who live with that dog. She says she taught the little boy AND worked with his mom.

Boy, is my face red.

Anyway, when we got home the phone rang, and a lady said, "Hi, this is Safeway Pharmacy calling. We were just wondering if this is the house where Rudy the dog lives."

My Mommy laughed and said, "Why yes it is, did you want me to see if he can come to the phone?"

Then she and the lady laughed, but NO ONE PUT ME ON THE PHONE!

What is up with that? Harumpf.

Apparently there are two people with the same name as Mommy and they were calling to find out which one I lived with. But still...the call was for me. Why wasn't I put on the phone?

I've been here for a year and three months, and this is my first call. There's no telling how long I'll have to wait for the next one. It's so unfair.

Take care all, and be sure to put through calls and take careful messages.

Rudy, left hanging on the line

And my second post of the day....go figure

2011-04-25T18:33:00.002-05:00

So I overheard Mommy and Daddy saying that I'll be starting ADHD meds tomorrow. I'm a little worried about this. I don't know what ADHD is, and I think I'm pretty awesome already, so I don't know why they would want me on meds anyway.

Hudson says it's because the meds will make me shrink. He says I'll shrink and shrink and shrink until I'm the size of a hamster and then he'll step on me and squish me.

He says it'll make up for all the times I've sat on him and all the times I've swatted him with my happy little tail.

I hope he's kidding.

Mommy and Daddy say that once the meds kick in I'll be happier and the world will be relieved. I don't know exactly how I feel about that either, but I think I'm being besmirched.

They also said that Dr. Moffatt will be checking out my hips. I think they are just fine. Does anyone else know a sheepie who can jump vertically more than six feet in the air? That's right...none.

I'll be getting something called an X ray. I hope you can eat them. I'd probably like mine with cheese. I don't know if you can order them like that, but I'll try.

When I asked Smudgie about it, he said that they shouldn't worry so much about my hips, but should be X raying my skull. I'm not sure it's really necessary to be quite so snarky about all this.

I'll have to be sure to sleep right on top of him tonight. That'll teach him!

Wish me luck at the vet tomorrow.

Take care all,

Rudy, looking forward to this X ray vision

Do you guys know about the Easter Puppy?

2011-04-25T18:26:00.003-05:00

Apparently he comes on Easter morning and hides kibble all over your house. Then, good dogs (and Hudson) do a kibble hunt and get to EAT all the treats they find.

It seemed like hours and hours, but Daddy says it was only about half of one. We found kibbles on the chairs and on the coffee table, and behind the flower pots, and on the shelves (just the low ones) and even on the piano bench.

I sniffed and sniffed and sniffed so hard that I almost passed out. Mommy says half the carpet it still stuck up my nose. Ha. Ha. Very funny Mommy.

The sad thing is that apparently this only happens once a year. That's all. Just once. And I think that I'm a little nervous that some dog got in when we weren't looking, but since he left things instead of taking them I guess it's okay after all.

Take care all, and hoppy Easter!

Love, Rudy Patootie who didn't have to wear any stupid ears this year. Hmmmm...

Happy Birthday Auntie Brighit!

2011-04-15T10:02:00.002-05:00

A little birdie told me it's your birthday. Have a very happy birthday! Be sure to save me some cake, or steak, or anything else that rhymes.

Take care!

Rudy, with party hat in hand

The Return of Evil Puppy

2011-04-09T09:15:00.003-05:00

This really isn't my fault. It cannot be.

A few weeks ago I was joyfully running and bounding down the hallway and my delicate little paw got tangled in an extension cord that lead to a fan in our attic. I didn't mean to do it.

I kept running and this made the fan come flying out of the little attic door, and it hit the hallway wall, bounced, and hit the stairway wall. It took chunks out of both...right in the same places that Smudgie used to eat the walls when he was little. Daddy was mad, but he loves me and he forgave me. So it should all be good, right?

Nope. Yesterday Hudson decided that since he could see and smell the drywall he should start EATING it again. Daddy is sooooooo mad, and Mommy keeps giggling, which doesn't help. So now Daddy says that I, sweet Rudy Patootie, started it all.

Huh? I do not see how an innocent faux paw on my part could possible cause all this trouble. It's Smudgie. All the way.

Sigh.

Take care all, and remember drywall is NOT a nice light snack.

Rudy, the Demolition Dog

Just a quick shaving update...

2011-04-03T19:57:00.002-05:00

I am now totally naked. It's not too bad, but my ears are cold!

Daddy has now started on Smudgie, and it is NOT going well. I don't think I'm helping. When he works on Smudgie I get all upset that I'm not getting the attention so I push my way in and bat at Daddy and then Hudson uses that opportunity to run away and jump on Mommy and then Daddy yells at me, which is, let's face it, attention.

Right now he has one naked leg, a drafty bum, and a really bad attitude.

Take care all, and be thankful you are not named Hudson!

Rudy, who just really wants another day at the Daddyspa

I Really Have Been Slacking on my Blog

2011-04-03T15:14:00.005-05:00

I really feel badly about not writing more in my blog. I'm not sure why it's been so hard to keep up. I promise to try harder from now on.

Things here have been crazy. My Daddy just accepted a new job, but he doesn't have to start there until May 2nd. He gets to stay at his old job until then. He says he feels he should get some time off in between, but Mommy keeps rolling her eyes and saying, "Get over it."

It's late Sunday afternoon, and all this past week Mommy's been home on something called Spring Break. I thought it would be more fun, but all she's been doing is stuff for her work, and running errands and going to appointments. I even overheard her say that it was a rotten break. And now, it's snowing and they're expecting two to five centimetres (I'll never understand the metric system...sigh) of snow.

Some SPRING break, huh?

There were a few bright spots.

The piano is back together but Mommy is still mad because the pedal squeaks. Apparently that was the one thing that mattered to her, and she makes sure to remind Daddy seven or eight times a day. He says the piano fixing dude (AKA PianoAndrew) is planning to come back for some fine tuning. We'll see who wins the great pedal debate.

And on Thursday, Grandma and Grandpa came over for dinner. Smudgie jumped all over them so I didn't and I came off looking like a good dog. I liked that. And Grandpa really, really likes me. It always makes me so happy to see him! When they came over I still had fur on my head and shoulders but nowhere else, so there were some inappropriate jokes about me being king of the jungle. Unnecessary to say the least. But now I'm totally naked, which really isn't better.

So that's about it for Spring Break. I did hear that it's all downhill to Summer Holidays now. Not sure what that means, but Smudgie did say the snow will go. I doubt it. There's still a bunch now, and this is Winnipeg after all.

Take care all...I'm heading out to eat some snow through the openings in my muzzle. Yum. Yum.

Rudy, naked but snow loving nonetheless

Again I don't get it!

2011-03-27T09:03:00.004-05:00

This man keeps coming over and taking apart Mommy's piano. She hasn't played it in weeks. Now it's in pieces, and clamped, and in the middle of the living room.

It's actually hilarious. Smudgie's afraid to even go in the living room. Tee hee.

The little part with the little hammers and brand new felt is on the floor, and it smells yummy and looks chewy, and every single time I get my teeth around it someone yells, "Leave it!"

If it's not for me to chew why is it on the floor?

Hmmmmmm?

Upright logic makes no sense to me at all.

Take care all, and remember, apparently pianos are not food. Harumpf!

Rudy, the piano tuna

She came back!

2011-03-21T06:32:00.003-05:00

Will wonders never cease?

Mommy came back yesterday, around lunch time. She came back with Uncle Garth and lots of bags of stuff. She went shopping in Grand Forks, but didn't bring back any new cutlery.

I'm confused, but I don't care....SHE CAME HOME TO ME!

When I told Hudson how happy I was he laughed and called me a doofus. He says he knew all along. Could he just have been messing with me? I'm not sure. Why would a sheepie be mean like that?

Take care all, and kiss your Mommy today.

Rudy, no longer semi orphaned.

My Mommy Ran Away!

2011-03-20T08:13:00.002-05:00

She's gone.

Forever I'm sure.

I knew that things were too good to be true.

Yesterday she left with Uncle Garth, and her pink flowery suitcase. (Mental note: If I EVER see that pink flowery suitcase again I will PEE ON IT!) She got into Uncle Garth's car and I never saw her again.

Sometimes she goes places with him and comes right back, so I wasn't worried at first, but when it was time for bed and she STILL wasn't home, and Smudgie and me had to spend a whole day with just Daddy taking care of us (the horror)...I KNEW something was horribly wrong.

Smudgie says I am such a bad boy that I made her leave. He says it's all my fault because yesterday when she cut our toenails I didn't fuss and kick like he did. He says she likes that challenge, and if I make things too easy for her she'll leave. And he says that's exactly what happened.

Oh woe is me! Woe is Rudy!

I woke up this morning, hoping she'd be there. But she wasn't. Smudgie was right. She's gone.

I'm pretty sure that it's been weeks now...maybe even a month. I think I may have been so sad that I slept an entire month.

Oh Mommy, why did you go? Daddy said something about Grand Forks, but I KNOW we have all kinds of really nice cutlery here already so there's no way you went looking for special forks for us. That would just be silly.

It was nice knowing you Mommy. I'll remember you always.

Take care all, and don't let your Mommies out the door, just in case.

Rudy, the abandoned.

My Brother is Mad at Me

2011-03-17T17:38:00.002-05:00

Everyone kept saying, "Beware the Ides of March." So, I did. I laid low, kept my head down, and waited for it to all be firmly behind me.

Turns out the "Ides of March" was Smudgie's birthday.

And I didn't blog about it.

So he's mad and he thinks I don't love him, and he's been grouchy and mean to me. Mommy says it's not so much that he's grouchy and mean about that. She says he's just bugging me because he loves me. I think he's grouchy and mean because he's a grouchy old fart now. Even Mommy and Daddy sometimes call him the CurSmudgeon.

So Happy Belated Third Birthday to you Hudson, and now could you please stop chasing me around with that green spray paint? I know you're just messing with me. There is NO RULE that says I must be tinted green today. I thought the "Ides of March" were on the fifteenth. There is NOTHING SPECIAL about the seventeenth of March. Just leave me alone.

Take care all, and beware of those wearing green today.

Rudy O'Patootie

If Daddy really doesn't want me to eat my fur, why does he stuff it under the couch?

2011-03-09T04:04:00.002-06:00

I'm just saying that anything on the floor is fair game, and I do have a habit of eating tufts of fur that fall on the floor, so why would he put it under the couch when he cleans out my brush? It MUST be a treat for me.

And then, when it makes my tummy all upset and I throw up on the new rug, doesn't that make it all HIS fault?

Someone please explain this to my Mommy. I never eat hair out of the garbage can (although to be honest, it's only because she got one with a secure lid so I can't)...but hair on the floor, in my book, is called a "snack." Why else would Daddy stuff it under the couch instead of putting it in the garbage? I'm so confused.

Take care all, and remember, under the couch equals treat for puppies

Ralphing Rudy

Pianos are kinda scary. Maybe Smudgie was right.

2011-03-06T10:49:00.002-06:00

For her birthday, Mommy wanted the piano fixed. Apparently they are supposed to be tuned every year, and we are at least thirty years too late on that one.

Some nice men came over, but me and Smudgie got locked upstairs. We barked and barked our helpful suggestions to the men, but I'm not sure they heard us very clearly.

Anyway, I heard something about fixing the cabinet, and that all the "felt" needed replacing...okay, I must admit, I know nothing about felt but it sounds tasty, so maybe we'll get to eat the old stuff.

Also, it needs tuning...I dunno...sounds okay to me.

Then he took all the "hammers" and stuff out and took it with him (the hammers and stuff, not the piano part that looks like a piano) to his shop to fix. It made Mommy sad. She says she'll lose whatever skills she's gained. I dunno. It all sounds good to me, and I think she plays very nicely. Mommy says thanks when I tell her that, but then insists on reminding me that, since I eat socks, my taste is in question. Harumph.

So, there we were (me and Smudgie, not me and Mommy), having a small bitey fight by the now empty, hollow piano, and Smudgie got a little big for his short little britches, and he barked at me.

And then the piano barked right back at him.

And he jumped, and he yelped, and he ran upstairs and hid in the corner behind the bed.

Poor Smudgie.

Daddy laughed at him. I heard him explain to Mommy that without all the piano "guts" Smudgie's bark echoed off the soundboard, and that's why the piano barked back. I guess it is kinda funny. But Smudgie sure didn't think so.

Now we're back to him being afraid of the piano again, which is too bad. He had finally gotten used to it, and Mommy really liked it when he slept by her feet while she played.

What a baby.

But, to be fair, ever since it barked back at Hudson I must admit I make sure to give it a little distance myself. No sense it taking any unnecessary risks after all.

Take care all, and keep an eye on your piano. You never know when it will strike next.

Rudy, who is not as high strung as Smudgie

Look what we made for Daddy! (and by we I really mean I)

2011-02-28T18:22:00.002-06:00

A free digital ecard by Smilebox

My brother's kind of a wimp!

2011-02-26T14:57:00.002-06:00

Daddy decided to do some trimming on us the other night. He did Smudgie first, and I was jealous. I waited patiently, wagging my bum, and pawing him occasionally just to make sure he knew I was waiting.

But Hudson fussed and wiggled and squealed and ran away and hid and carried on like a big old baby.

When Daddy was finished with Smudgie he'd trimmed around his eyes, and cleaned out his paw pads. And of course, Daddy had shaved a little on his bum. The uprights call it a "poop chute." They do it to me too, and I don't mind.

But Hudson minds.

As soon as they were finished he started skittering around, with his bum tucked all the way under him. He says that the draft freaks him out and that they should leave him alone. He was funny.

He even ate his dinner sitting down, all curled up like a shrimp (which is kinda funny since he IS so short). But since his bowl is up high, he had to stretch out his neck to reach. I thought it was about the funniest thing I'd ever seen...until...

Mommy put our muzzles on us (still yucky) and sent us out to do our business. I went out and was hanging on the deck, but Hudson needed a lot more convincing. He finally got up, ran out with his bum tucked way under, and then sat down in the snowbank to protect his newly shaved poop chute area from drafts.

I don't think he considered the fact that a snowbank is actually worse than a draft.

He sat down for maybe a second, gave out a gigantic yelp, and jumped straight up about thirty feet, maybe even a whole mile.

And I saw Mommy and Daddy at the window, laughing. Even I had to admit, it was funny.

Smudgie tried to run in, but they wouldn't let him in until he peed, so there was quite the disagreement at the door. Finally he peed, and they let him in, and he spent the entire evening constantly changing positions in the bedroom, trying to keep that little chute protected.

I, of course, handled it all with dignity and class. I like having a family that cares enough to take care of me...even if it means standing still for a bum shave. Hudson rolled his eyes at me, and told me (again) to stop complying with their every wish. Why does he have to be so bossy?

Anyway, I just wanted to share Hudson's latest indignity with you. Take care all, and guard your flank!

Rudy, with the happy (and well landscaped) patootie

So here's what I've learned about Louis Riel Day...

2011-02-21T19:07:00.002-06:00

Apparently, this is what it means:

-Daddies still go to work, and stay really really late.
-Mommies stay home, but spend most of the day working on report cards.
-Mommies do bake cakes, but then they lock them up to take to work...without sharing!
-Laundry is a big part of the day.
-The piano must be practiced with a vengeance.
-Big doggy brothers are still mean.

There is no special dinner, special walks, or other celebratory events.

Overall, with the exception of having Mommy home (which was nice and all), this Louis Riel Day appears to be much ado about nothing. Not even a heart shaped pile of kibble, or any mini chocolate bars.

Bah humbug!

Take care all,

Rudy Riel

Tomorrow Is Louis Riel Day...

2011-02-20T07:35:00.002-06:00

I haven't heard much about getting shaved lately. I'm cautiously optimistic. Right now Mommy is freaking out about having to do her report cards, and apparently the "site" is down, and she's going on and on about how they did something called an "upgrade" to the system last night so of course it wouldn't work today, and who in their right minds messes with things on the weekends leading up to report card deadlines.

Poor Mommy.

Anyway, I found a picture of this guy online. All I can figure out is that he has something to do with the history of Manitoba, and that he must have lived a very very long time ago, back when people existed only in black and white (kinda like sheepies when you think about it).

So tomorrow Mommy gets to stay home from work, and hopefully play with us, all because of this guy. Maybe he's not all that bad after all.

Take care all, and Happy Louis Riel Day...I hear things worked out well for him!

Rudy, with a little gallows humour

They keep talking about shaving me.

2011-02-17T06:55:00.004-06:00

I am afraid.

Very afraid.

I know it's wet and gross out.

And I know I'm pretty matted in my tummy...

But I was kind of hoping they'd forgotten about this shaving nonsense. After all, it IS winter in Winnipeg. How could they be so cruel?

Mommy keeps saying this weekend...something about Louis Riel Day. I don't know who that is, but I don't think I like him, all things considered.

So, I've been trying to lay low, but Smudgie keeps pointing me out to Mommy and Daddy. What a meanie. He even showed me this picture:

He says this is exactly what I'll look like after this weekend.

I'm shaking in my fur. Truly I am.

Help!

Take care all, and send sweaters...

Rudy, who is much too modest to prance around naked

My brother is so cruel.

2011-02-16T03:29:00.002-06:00

Hi guys.

I had a really, really scary experience last night and I didn't like it one bit. First, Daddy was supposed to come home early and take care of us, but he didn't, so I was trapped in my crate until what felt like midnight. Mommy had an appointment (to get pink dots on her nails....how silly) and she STILL got home and rescued us before Daddy even arrived.

What a great Mommy I have.

So after dinner, and a nice outing to Poo Corner, we headed up and watched some TV. All went well, until...

I decided to rest in the hall just outside the TV room. And that's when it happened.

My evil brother went to his corner, and pushed the door shut and locked me out. I was separated from my family for hours, maybe days, possibly even a whole month. And I missed the entire last half of Glee as a result!

No one noticed. No one came. No one cared.

I knew that this was the end. I'd had a family for a year, and really liked it, but a year is all I was destined to get.

I hung my head down, cried a tiny cry, and waited for death.

Then, just as I was preparing to go into the light (which I knew would show up any second) I heard a voice on the other side of the door. I was pretty sure it was the Grim Reaper, coming to collect my sad little soul so I could move on, but it did sound a little like Mommy.

It said, "Where's Rudy?"

Then it said, "Where is the big Bozo?"

Now I was pretty sure that a Reaper would be a little kinder than that. You'd think there would be a little more sensitivity than that. It repeated, and then I heard a second voice that sounded like Daddy.

I'm here. I'm here I thought.

Then there was this whole discussion of where I might be. Mommy figured it out pretty quickly that snotty little Hudson had locked me away. Daddy just kept making this laughing sound (clearly it was the sounds of joy that I was not yet lost forever).

It goes against my nature, but when they called, "Rudy, Rudy!" I came to the door and pushed it, just a little, with my nose. It opened a tiny crack, and I got the little black tip of my nose inside.

My brother was sleeping with his back up against the door, and that's when he showed his true colours for all to see. He leaned back, flopped over, and slammed the door shut, forcing my nose back.

Again, I was locked out.

Again, I started to sob.

I heard voices in the room, but they were fading. My world started spinning, and they seemed to be arguing about who had to get up to rescue me.

Finally I heard Mommy say, "Well, you owe them a huge apology for not getting home on time. You get your little tushie out there and save the Rudy."

And he did.

My Daddy opened the door, and made Hudson move, and I got to come back.

To my family.

Yay!

I was happy, but still so hurt. I curled up on the couch and sighed, not even making eye contact, but the best thing happened.

My Mommy and Daddy were on the bed watching TV. (Mommy says that since Daddy's painting the bedroom at a rate of fifteen minutes per weekend we'll be sleeping in there forever.) They both leaned over and called me. They wanted me. They called me up on the bed.

My heart swelled and I joined them.

They patted me for hours. And I stretched this way and that. My tummy got extra rubs and pats.

It was heavenly.

So in the end I was saved. And with all the patting I got, Smudgie was very jealous. He came up on the bed too, and I ignored him for months. Then I just couldn't stay mad anymore, so I let him bitey fight me. On top of Mommy. (I don't know why she doesn't enjoy that as much as we do.)

I asked him later why he did that to me. He laughed and said, "Get over it." I will keep an eye on him. He's really mean to me sometimes. But he's also my best friend. I find that really confusing.

Take care all.

And make sure you always know where your loved ones are.

Rudy, rescued again

I snuck out again

2011-02-07T06:35:00.002-06:00

Mommy says she doesn't trust me anymore. She's been watching me like a hawk ever since.

The hole in the fence was just too much to ignore. It took me a while to find it, but when I realized that fence board slides when you push on it I had no choice but to explore.

Now it's blocked, and again I'm in the proverbial doghouse. Sigh. I stayed out of trouble and I came right back...why can't Mommy see the bright side of this?

Take care all, and curb your wanderlust. It only makes the people who love you go crazy.

Rudy, the not so happy wanderer

I finally did it.

2011-01-31T18:03:00.002-06:00

I've been wanting to check out Smudgie's crate for a while now...it looks so toasty and snug all tucked in under the stairs...so yesterday I made a break for it. It wasn't exactly what I thought it would be.

First, it's two sizes smaller than mine. Which means it's two sizes too small for me. It was quite a squish to get in. The part I didn't plan on was that Smudgie didn't want me in there...so he tried to come in after, and a bitey fight broke out.

That wouldn't be so bad...I like a good bitey fight...but I've never been trapped in a small crate when I had one. That was not fun. I tried to get out but my bum got stuck, and I dragged out the crate, and Smudgie was mad, and Mommy called me that word (Doofus) again.

I am not a doofus!

I'm just misunderstood.

And Smudgie stinks at sharing.

I'd totally let him share my crate, and there's room enough for both of us there. But he's not interested, and that hurts my feelings.

Take care all, and be open to sharing.

Rudy, squished and snubbed.

Now this is a cute site!

2011-01-27T17:52:00.003-06:00

This is an excerpt from The Daily Sheepie, a newspaper I just totally made up from my own head...but it's a neat website, so I thought I'd share the address with you.

http://www.fodey.com/generators/newspaper/snippet.asp

Enjoy!

ReportoRudy

McNugget Update

2011-01-26T19:07:00.002-06:00

Daddy finally came home. He DID bring McNuggets and they WERE for me. Yum Yum Yummy!

My only question is why did I have to share them with Smudgie? It's not like it's HIS birthday today too! He's already told me he won't share on his birthday.

Either way, it was a good day...and I do feel older and wiser.

Take care all...

Rudy, who is now TWO (sorta)

Where are my McNuggets?

2011-01-26T17:54:00.003-06:00

It's dinnertime and Mommy's home, but no Daddy yet. I'm worried. Mommy says he might be late but he's bringing birthday McNuggets no matter what. Smudgie says Mommy's kind of lying...he says there will be Smudgie McNuggets, but none for me. Why does he torture me so?

Mommy sang this birthday song to me and then gave me my kibble. I think it was kind of cruel to make me wait LONGER to eat on my special day.

So, while we wait for the McNuggets to arrive I want to tell you about my grand adventure yesterday. Daddy thought it was funny, but Mommy was very upset.

I was out in Poo Corner when I noticed a board that was loose in the fence between my yard and the one belonging to the neighbours (Mommy calls them the Noisypants Family, but I'm not sure that's really their last name). So, I went to check it out.

Turns out I fit through just fine. So I went and checked out their yard. The snow was all smooth and crisp and I think my footprints really jazzed it up well. Then I checked out the end of their yard. Mommy says it's a "cliff" but it was just a really big drop to the river. I like to jump, so I headed down there. Then I checked out the river. It's frozen, so you can walk across it. You can't do THAT in Florida.

I mosied around, and then got a little lonely, so I walked along the river to our yard (I never get to go out in the unfenced part) and came up all three tiers to the stairway. I came up those stairs, and realized that I was trapped OUTSIDE of the fence to Poo Corner.

By now Daddy came out looking for me (Mommy was still at work). He called, so I ran up and down the outside of the fence. He came to another part of the fence and had to shovel out a section so he could open the "gate" to let me in. He said I was a doofus and laughed.

I don't think it was a good idea to laugh when he told Mommy the story later. She freaked.

She sent him out in the dark of night to fix the fence (he was NOT happy) and she went on and on about me getting out and maybe getting lost, and then Daddy admitted that I wasn't wearing my muzzle when I was out (big mistake...NEVER tell Mommy that) and she got even more worried that I could have gone after another dog and gotten into really big trouble. Daddy said it was all okay and that she should calm down, but she didn't. Then she said, "Rudy got picked up by animal control in Florida three times...do you really want that to happen to him again? We could lose him forever."

That really made me scared...and Daddy got pretty quiet. Then he agreed that maybe it wasn't so "funny" after all.

I don't ever want to go back to animal control ever again. They were nice to me and all, but I'm happy where I am and I want to stay forever. So I will try really hard not to go exploring when I see a chance. And I'm really glad that my Daddy fixed my fence. That was really nice of him. And it turned out that Mommy had already bought a piece to put up on the fence (she saw this coming) so it was there and ready to use. Mommy's really smart. (Maybe that's why Daddy says she's a SmartiePants all the time...but he doesn't always say it all that nicely...)

Anyway, that's my great adventure. I enjoyed it, but since it really upset my family I'll try hard not to do it again.

Take care all, and stay close to your family. They love you.

Vagabond Rudy

Everyone keeps saying "Happy Birthday Rudy!"

2011-01-26T07:06:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure what it means, but I keep hearing it. Apparently there was supposed to be prime rib tonight, but Daddy's going to a new project today so there won't be time to cook it tonight (I don't get it either)...anyway, someone said there are Birthday McNuggets coming this evening.

I'm not sure what this all means...but apparently I'm something called "two" today. I'll have to get back to you later, but so far, there's a definite feeling in the air. I'm cautiously optimistic.

Take care all!

Birthday Boy Rudy

Mommy got a book made out of my blog

2011-01-23T10:38:00.002-06:00

Daddy rolled his eyes and said it was a lot of money, but Mommy did it anyway. There's this website you can go to and they'll print out your whole blog, or just parts of it. So Mommy had my first year in Winnipeg printed.

It's full of colour pictures, and has all your comments in it too. I think it's really nice. She says we'll be able to keep it forever that way.

It's done by google blogger, and it's pretty cool. If any of you out there have pets that blog, you might want to check it out!

Take care all, and blog lots!

Writing Rudy

It's okay. I'm fine. Really. Sorry to be so much trouble.

2011-01-22T15:47:00.006-06:00

Wow. Families sure do worry about you. It's kinda nice.

Thursday night Mommy was particularly generous. She was making dinner, and making potato salad for her friends at work, and Smudgie and I were her sous chefs. She didn't really let us help much...something about germs and dog hair. Sheesh. But, she did let us do a little sampling. And I'm always up for a little sampling.

We tried an ice cube, a small taste of celery (nice crunch but yuck taste), a piece of boiled potato, and of course, a nice big chunk of carrot. Now I wolfed mine down fast, hoping to snag Smudgie's piece too, and I would have, but Mommy guards him when he eats now, and won't let me. Mean, mean Mommy!

So, I was forced to eat only my own carrot.

It was all really yummy though.

At about ten we had second dinner. I enjoyed it as well. It was a good batch of kibble, well presented, nice flavour. No complaints from this sheepie.

Then, fifteen minutes later, during Big Bang Theory (I LOVE THAT SHOW!!!) my dinner all came back up, and so did the carrot. I thought Mommy would be mad that it happened on the ottoman, but she wasn't. She was upset, though. She was so scared. I don't throw up much. I'm not a delicate flower like little Smudgie. The only other time I threw up before was right before my emergency sock removal surgery. And that's what scared her.

It worried me a little too. My tummy hurt a little, and that reminded me of that awful day in October too, so I started pacing and whining. They cleaned up after me, and then Daddy stayed up and watched me until two in the morning, when I finally settled. They were both so worried.

The next day, Daddy went to the dentist and then came home and checked on me. I was fine, but my uprights wouldn't stop worrying. Mommy was at work, and Daddy was supposed to text her updates, but he didn't, so she was mad, and kept phoning for updates, which irritated him...which made her call more.

All this fussing over little old me.

But honestly, I'm fine. No socks here. But I did learn a very valuable lesson. If you don't bother to chew your carrot you won't actually get to keep it. It will come back and escape your tummy, which kinda feels yucky, and freaks everyone out.

So, let that be a lesson for all.

Take care all, and always chew your carrots well.

Rudy, who is slowly learning important things.

Did you hear what Smudgie did yesterday?

2011-01-16T14:52:00.003-06:00

That Smudgie...he's pretty snarky to Mommy. And yet she always forgives him. Go figure.

Daddy made himself lunch yesterday out of leftovers. He shredded some pork and added BBQ sauce. We both thought it smelled heavenly. I have manners, of course, but my big brother doesn't. He jumped up on the bench and helped himself to some from the table. Daddy yelled. I ran. Smudgie ran, and of course Mommy giggled from the other room.

Later Smudgie kicked at the door to go out, so Mommy put a muzzle on him and sent him on his way. I waited nicely, got mine, and headed to Poo Corner to see what was new. Smudgie didn't even leave the step. He turned around and came right back in, glaring at Mommy.

Now this next part I didn't actually see...I was still snarfling at Poo Corner, but Mommy keeps bringing it up over and over so I know what I missed...

The second Smudgie was released from the muzzle he ran directly to the couch, jumped up, and threw up BBQ pork all over the cushion. Mommy was not impressed. Now I get that heading for the couch may have been excessive, but it's not like he could throw up with the muzzle on anyway. She really needs to let this go.

He's okay now...and so is the couch. But he hasn't learned his lesson. The uprights had tomato soup for lunch today, and I heard Mommy shriek, "Leave it!" right before he ran past me, heading for cover. Oh Smudgie...you really are your own worst enemy.

Take care all, and always keep an eye on your food so you don't lose your lunch.

Rudy, the reluctantly muzzled, and counter surfing restrained (for now)

Daddy took away the "not for peeing on" tree!

2011-01-16T09:25:00.001-06:00

Yesterday all the pretty things that Mom said were for Christmas got stuffed into these big tubs, and today Daddy took the "not for peeing on tree" down into the basement (where I'm not allowed). I'll never, ever see it again. I'm sure.

Now I really regret missing the opportunity to pee on it.

Sigh.

Rudy, the arid.

Turns out I like the bed in the TV room.

2011-01-12T13:49:00.003-06:00

I don't know what Mommy's complaining about...I like having the bed in the TV room. You can snooze on the couch, or the chair, or the floor, or the footstool, and the BED is in between all of them. One minor leap from the chair to the footstool (with a brief stopover on Mommy's bladder or Daddy's tummy, to springboard you further) and you're on the whole other side of the room, without any pesky walking needed.

I can sleep on the footstool and flop my feet on Mommy's face, and since their heads are at the top of the bed (where there's open space) I can even lick Mommy or Daddy's hair at any time during the night.

What's not to love?

Sigh...but Mommy seems to find fault with all of this. How is this fair? I'm happy...really.

So, I've decided to enjoy it while it happens. In the meantime, I'm glad Daddy's only working on the bedroom renovations a little at a time. The longer it takes him, the longer the TV room is the centre of my world.

Take care all, and try to be flexible with your sleeping arrangements.

Rudy, who will crash on your couch anytime!

P.S. If you want to help out Mommy's school (they need a new playground), please click on the link below and vote for them every day.

www.refresheverything.ca/westviewschoolplayground

False Advertising

2011-01-08T09:52:00.003-06:00

Mommy and Daddy needed to do some "errands" today. They said that Smudgie and I could come along, and so we were very excited and happy and we jumped (well I did, little Smudgie needed a boost) into the truck and then Daddy turned the key and the engine thingie isn't working.

So he took us back OUT of the truck.

But we were supposed to have a ride! No fair.

He did take us for a short walk to the berm, which was cool, but here we are, back in the house, doing nothing. I'm pacing the computer room and writing my blog, and Smudgie's so unhappy he's avoiding all of us and hiding in his crate.

This is so unfair. How can they do this to us?

Take care all, and remember, there should always be truth in advertising!

Rudy, who does not like the old bait and switch.

Rudy's New Year's Resolutions

2011-01-05T08:31:00.002-06:00

I have been told that it is customary to make promises about things you'd like to improve on for the upcoming year. So, I've given it some thought and here are my resolutions for 2010B:

I will not eat socks anymore.

I will not pee in the house this year, even one single time.

I will stop trying to steal Smudgie's dinner (but in all fairness, he doesn't complain so I really don't think he minds...but Mommy scolds me anyway).

I will not spread each and every toy in the toybox around in the living room before choosing my chewy ring (like I always do anyway), and when Mommy puts them all away I will not follow right behind and bring them all back out, over and over again.

I will snuggle more.

I will wag my bum more.

I will try not to be such a bed hog all the time (note: this does not apply to pillows).

I will try to be nicer to other dogs. Even Yorkies.

I will not jump on guests (as much).

I will try not to eat the mud out of the plant pots anymore.

Smudgie tells me that once you make resolutions you only have to stick with them for a few days...he says no one makes it to the end of the year. I will definitely try. I promise.

Take care all, and remember to stick to your resolutions.

Rudy, the Resolute

Well, the New Year didn't make Smudgie any braver.

2011-01-01T11:23:00.004-06:00

We had a nice night last night. Daddy fell asleep early, and Mommy stayed up super late watching her Supernatural DVDs. I'm not sure why she still does that. She knows every line by heart...but she says that whenever something new happens in the current season you need to go back and rewatch it all. Mommy's a little weird that way...but I digress.

So, Daddy decided to put the bed in the TV room. He says he's renovating the bedroom, but even I know that's not going to go smoothly (sorry Daddy, but you know it's true). It was weird having them in the TV room, and it's hard to look out the window in the bedroom without a bed to snooze on while doing it.

So around midnight last night there were these big, scary sounds and lights across the street. Smudgie and I leaped into action. We sounded the alarm and ran back, putting ourselves firmly between our uprights and the danger. Daddy didn't want to get out of bed, but Mommy pointed out that a man sending his wife to face danger like this would end up being embarrassing for him when she told EVERYONE about it later, so he got up. I fell into line immediately. I stood at my Daddy's side, awaiting further orders.

Hudson decided he'd had enough. I knew he was a scaredy cat (yes, a cat!) but I had no idea. He bolted in front of Daddy with his bum and head tucked down low...he looked funny...and ran downstairs to his crate. He climbed in and HID from the danger.

Oh Smudgie, what were you thinking?

Daddy and I checked it out, and Daddy said it was something called fireworks. He said that it was bizarre for someone to do it when there was a serious wind chill warning. I agree, but the lights were pretty once you knew they were harmless. The noise wasn't too bad either.

So, Smudgie curled up in his crate and HID there for two hours. Then, when he decided to rejoin us in the TV/bedroom he insisted on curling up in between Mommy and Daddy for safety.

I climbed up on the couch (comfy!) and kept my eye on the door for the rest of the night, just in case. It's important to always guard the perimeter to keep your family safe and sound.

So, I am wondering...is moving the bed to the TV room one of those big changes Smudgie warned me about for the New Year? If so, I guess it's not that bad. Let's just hope that this is the end of the changes. I really liked 2010, and I'm hoping that 2010B will involve lots more of the same.

So, take care all, and Happy New Year (ish)...I'm hoping the 2010B thing will catch on.

Corporal Rudy, always at your service

I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year's Eve, but I'm not sure it's such a good thing...

2010-12-31T09:35:00.006-06:00

Yet another holiday is now upon me and again I've no idea what's going on. Smudgie is his usual unhelpful self. He says that tonight we all stay up really late, and hug and kiss at midnight, but he won't explain it any further, and it makes no sense to me. I don't know why anyone would hug and kiss at midnight. Around here, I get hugs and kisses all the time.

But he says that tomorrow is a whole different year. Everything is going to change.

I'm a little concerned. This cannot be a good thing.

I LIKE this year. This is the year that I got to fly on a plane. I got to meet snow. I found a Mommy, a Daddy, and a (semi-mean) brother to love. I got a new house, and learned what stairs are.

I learned all about where to pee and where not to pee. I escaped alligators forever, got my unpleasant bum issues under control, found someone to trim my nails and take care of my fur, discovered the art of the pack nap, got toys of my very own (sorry about ripping them all to shreds), and tried all sorts of new foods. I discovered tummy rubs, bum scratches, snowball fights, ice cubes, carrots, and that whipped cream is tasty, especially when someone you love squirts it in your mouth.

I learned that it's okay to bark at the mailman...in fact, it's important to do so. He tries to invade your home about five times a week. I've fought him off successfully each time, by the way. I've learned that other dogs are not for biting (and I hope that one day I'll remember that all the time). I've learned that socks are not for eating (a really hard one to remember), and I've learned that a family is someone who rushes you to the emergency room and finds someone to save your life when you do forget the sock rule. I've also learned that a family may grumble about the bill that comes with the operation, but that they'll pay it and just be beyond thankful that you're okay.

This year I've learned that when I go outside (yep, that's the place) for a pee or a poo, Mommy or Daddy might close the door after me, but they will always be waiting there to open it when I return. And that as much as wearing a basket muzzle sucks, it really is to avoid very expensive and painful emergency surgeries again.

I've met all sorts of amazing people who care about little old me this year. I've got my family that I live with, of course, but I also have two full sets of grandparents who think I'm awesome. My Auntie Brighit and my Cousins Vienna and Jzero are amazing. They play with me, and laugh at me when I'm goofy. I have dog friends on the street here too (sorry about the growling...) and neighbour friends who actually like me. I even have a whole team of friends who care about me at the vet...and Mommy says that next time I want to spend time with those friends, just ask. She says we can visit anytime. A surgery is NOT required to go there.

I know that when Smudgie needs medicine that Mommy always pretends to give me some too, just so I feel loved. I've learned to sit when I'm told, and not to jump on people as much. I now have a microchip (whatever that means) and THREE different tags on my collar (did you hear that? MY collar). All three tags mean I belong somewhere...with someone. Yep, I BELONG!

And this was the year I learned to roller blade. There is nothing in this world better than that.

Until I got here I never knew how to blog. I didn't have any virtual friends, but now I do. My oes.org buddies are absolutely the best people on the planet. This has been an amazing year. I don't want to see it end.

What if this new year thing brings changes? What if I don't like the changes? What if it all ends? I am worried. Maybe someone should do something about this. If we all just refuse to participate maybe then we can all enjoy this year forever.

So, take care all, and be sure to resist. Let's stay firmly planted in 2010. Fight the New Year! Fight the New Year! Let's let tomorrow be January 1, 2010B. That has to be a better option. And if that Baby New Year guy shows up around here I'll bite him. You guys do the same at your houses, ok?

Rudy, the chronological warrior

What is Smudgie's problem?

2010-12-30T10:54:00.003-06:00

Yesterday Mommy and Daddy tried to do a little bum trimming on Hudson. He acted like they were removing his paws with a chain saw. What a baby!

I waited patiently, and sat nicely. I was hoping...hoping...hoping...that there would be a turn for me. And THERE WAS!

My Mommy and Daddy love me enough to trim the hair in front of my eyes. I sat really still, except for my flicking tail. I was so happy. Then, I laid down to enjoy the rest.

Daddy used the clippers to remove the hair between my paw pads. He said it would help with snowballs. I don't mind snowballs, because whenever we come back from walks Mommy's waiting with a bowl of warm water that melts them right away and feels really good on my feeties. I held each paw out for Daddy while he trimmed them all.

Then he did a bit of trimming on my bum. It wasn't horrible. I used to be afraid of anyone touching my bum, but that was when it was really sore. Dr. Skakun used to stick her fingers in there to try to help, but it hurt. Then she put medicine in. Yuck. But you know what? It helped.

So, anyway, my bum is nicely trimmed, and then Daddy cleaned up my tummy (he says if we keep it short it won't get matted). Then we moved downstairs and Mommy did the bum thing. I didn't really like it, but that medicine from before really did help, so it doesn't hurt anymore. It's not very dignified, but it feels better once it's done.

So, why doesn't Smudgie understand how lucky he is to have someone love him? I sure get it. When I was living by myself on the streets in Florida, I would have given anything to have someone brush me, or fix my sore bum problem. Now that I'm here I know exactly what it means when someone grooms me.

It means someone loves me.

And I'm good with that!

So, suck it up Smudgie. I didn't see you give anyone thank you kisses last night. I did. Even after Mommy squeezed my bum, I thanked her. Because that, my dear brother, is love.

Take care all, and appreciate the finer things in life, like those who love you, even when you fuss.

Dapper Rudy

I don't get this...

2010-12-27T17:18:00.003-06:00

Mommy was really happy to get these little card thingies as Christmas presents. I didn't get it...you can't eat them or play with them, although I do suspect I could chew one up in three minutes flat...anyway...

Today she went out (without us) and took two of these silly little cards and when she came back she had traded them for this big bag of clothes. (I still don't get the appeal...why doesn't she just grow out her fur like me?)

She giggled and showed Daddy all the stuff (he didn't even really look) and talked about Boxing Day sales and such. I felt so bad for her that I sat down right in front and I looked carefully at every single piece. I sniffed them all, and even batted one with my paw. It seemed to make her happy. She says she'll always show me her new clothes from now on. (I just don't know if that's a good thing or not.) When I got up and tried to rub up against her new jeans, however, she pulled away and made a not so nice remark about dog fur. Hmmmmm...I should think she'd be happy I'm willing to share my dog fur with her at all. It's really nice and soft and it's getting long.

Anyway, I must investigate these card thingies further. Is it possible to get one that can be traded for kibble? Or toys? Or that thing called Prime Rib that I often hear whispered about in this house, yet it remains completely elusive?

I guess I'll have to google this gift card thing! In the meantime, if anyone knows where I should go to obtain some, please let me know!

Take care all,

Rudy, who is currently cardless

So it seems Smudgie didn't lie!

2010-12-26T12:02:00.002-06:00

Santa came here after all! Yay!

He brought us toys and treats and treats and treats, and oh yeah...treats. Wow.

I don't understand how he got into the house without us waking up. We are ferocious guard dogs, who never ever let anything slip by, so I am a little surprised and uncomfortable about it all, but he brought great stuff, so I think I'll get over it.

He brought me this chewy toy made from recycled tires. I loved it. Mommy said the label said it was indestructible. Well, I scored a personal best on that one...four minutes was all it took me to chomp off a hunk...and then the uprights jumped up and took it away from me. What was that all about?

When Mommy and Daddy gave us a present to unwrap together, I think I forgot the true meaning of Christmas. I growled at Smudgie (I was so excited that I wanted the present all for myself). Mommy scolded me, and Smudgie ran off and TOOK my new ring for himself. I've been told. I'll try to do better. When I went to take my ring back, he GROWLED AT ME. So I sat down. Then he stared at me. So I laid down. Once I did that, he was okay with me again. I guess he really made things clear for me there. I'm sorry Smudgie. I just got a little carried away.

Mommy and Daddy made brunch for Grandma and Grandpa, and we all had a great morning. Then Mommy went away for a while, but we got to snooze with Daddy, so it was all good.

I've decided I'm definitely on board with this Christmas stuff. The toys are great. The treats are awesome (and Smudgie, with his little princess type tummy only threw up the one time)...

So, Merry Christmas to you all! I highly recommend it!

Take care all, and ho ho ho.

Rudy, Santa's little helper

Dear Santa,

2010-12-23T22:05:00.004-06:00

Hi there. It's me, Rudy. I'm not really clear on this whole Christmas thing, but Smudgie said that you're a very nice man, in a big red suit, who comes on Christmas Eve and brings us presents. Smudgie lies to me a lot, so if this is another one of his pranks I'll be pretty unhappy with him...but just in case, I thought I'd cover all my bases.

Smudgie also says that when you come down the chimney (Who knew the chimney wasn't properly secured in this house???? Has anyone told Mommy and Daddy about this????) I should remember not to bite you. I don't think I'd want to bite you...I hear you're really nice...but I'm glad Smudgie warned me, just in case.

He says that we can ask you for presents. He says his list is really really long and that he's already sent it to you in triplicate (whatever that is). If that's the case, I don't really need anything. Whatever you bring Hudson will be just fine with me. I always take his stuff away anyhow. It makes up for when he falls asleep on top of me and then growls at me if I move.

So anyway Santa, I just wanted to let you know that I'm not asking for anything for Christmas this year. I don't want to be greedy you see. Way back in January of this year I got the one present I'd been dreaming about my whole life...I got a family. And it's a pretty nice one if I do say so myself. My Mommy loves me soooooo much, and so does Daddy. Mommy cooks yummy food and sometimes lets me have a taste. She always tells me what it is before I eat it, and it's always good. Daddy takes us for walks in the snow and rollerblading in the summer. He's the best Daddy ever! I also have a big (little) brother. I had no idea that being part of a pack family would be so great.

I get to sleep on the bed, and have chewy rings to get my crazies out...and when I eat silly things, like socks, I have an awesome veterinary team to cut me right open and take them back out. (Note to self: Don't do that anymore...it scares Mommy and Daddy.)

So Santa, I just wanted to say hi, and tell you that I'm really really happy now, and I don't need anything at all for Christmas. I know that I didn't get my family until January of this year, but Mommy tells me that she and Daddy met a rescue puppy named Spock on Christmas Eve, and that he was their inspiration for starting their search for me.

And, since it took place on Christmas Eve, that probably means you had something to do with it, so thank you very much for that. I sincerely mean it. And don't worry about presents in the future. I'm very happy with the family I've already got, and can't imagine ever needing anything else.

Take care all, and especially you Santa!

Jingle Rudy

P.S. If you're stopping by to drop off stuff for Smudgie anyway, he really likes those Nylabone rings....so if you happened to add one to his list, and it isn't too much trouble....well, um....you know...

Is it true?

2010-12-22T06:48:00.002-06:00

Smudgie says that soon Mommy will be on holidays for Christmas. He says that she'll be home with us for two whole weeks. He says she'll ruin our napping schedule.

Is it true?

Two whole weeks with Mommy?

How awesome is that!

Maybe she'll enjoy it so much that she'll stay home forever.

Paws crossed.

Take care all.

Rudy, the Optimist

I want to sincerely apologize to my family.

2010-12-20T09:52:00.002-06:00

Last week Auntie Brighit, and my cousins Vienna and Jzero gave Smudgie and me some wonderful Solstice presents. One was a duck with a big black tail that can fly really far, and the other is a tugging stick with tennis ball in the middle.

I loved them both. I really really loved them both. (Even though only one was, technically, for me and the other was for Smudgie.)

Anyway, I loved them so much that I've torn them both to shreds. Smudgie says that's not how it's supposed to work, but I was just so excited. The duck's tail was the first to go. Sorry Mr. Quackers.

Later I shredded the tennis ball part of the tugging stick. The green part looked really tasty, and I thought it might be lime flavoured (it wasn't). So, I had to give it a taste.

I really, really want to thank them for their wonderful gifts, and apologize for loving them so much that they are in pieces. Mommy cut off the remaining pieces of the duck's tail (ouch) and hopefully I'll control myself better from now on.

Take care all,

Rudy, the appreciative toy terminator

I sure haven't been doing a good job on this blog lately.

2010-12-19T10:11:00.003-06:00

There's so much going on around here. I don't know where to start. The "not for peeing on" tree is all glittery and sparkly, and it's lit up all the time. Now there are lots of presents underneath it. It's really cool.

The ones that smell really good (and I've only sniffed, not torn into, honest), are the ones that Smudgie says are for US! He says that presents are things that people who love you get and give to you and then you get to keep them forever. I think this is a neat idea, and that we should do the present thing more often.

There's even a present for Daddy under the tree that says, "Love, Hudson and Rudy." I don't remember going shopping for it, but Smudgie says we went with Mommy. I guess I'll have to take his word for that...or maybe he said that HE went shopping with Mommy, in which case I think my feelings are really hurt...oh well...as long as there are presents it's all good.

Mommy's been out really late almost every single night this week. She says that's what happens when you're a teacher. I think she should stay home more, and teach ME things instead...like how not to pee in the house. I'm down to once a month or so, which I think is pretty close, but Daddy says, "Close only counts in horseshoes or hand grenades." I don't get that either...but he thinks he's funny.

Apparently Grandma and Grandpa will be coming for breakfast on Christmas Morning. I'm not really sure what that means, but I am prepared to share my kibble with them, if necessary. I'm a pretty generous dog, and besides, I can always steal Smudgie's if I don't have enough.

Well, I should end this now...I heard Daddy say the words "dog" and "walk" in the same sentence. This could be important.

Take care all,

And to all a good night...

Rudy, the red nosed snowdog

I guess it's been a while...

2010-12-06T09:00:00.002-06:00

Sorry I haven't been posting lately. Things have been really busy here. That pretend, but not for peeing on it tree, is still up, and these strange looking boxes and bags keep appearing underneath. But, none of them appear to be for me. And I know. I keep checking.

Every time I check (or Smudgie does) Mommy or Daddy keep yelling, "Leave it!" So, I'm guessing that's what the pretend, but not for peeing on it tree is really called. It's a "leave it!"

So, I think the "leave it" is really pretty and all, but how unfair is it that there's nothing for us underneath? Some of those boxes smell really pretty, and I think that if it smells good (or particularly bad) you should eat it.

Sigh.

I continue to be baffled by some of the strange customs around me. I'll have to keep investigating things. And I'll be sure to update you all on what I find out.

Take care all, and leave it!

Inspector Rudy

Welcome to Finnegan.

2010-11-28T08:01:00.002-06:00

Mommy and Daddy just told me that I have a new baby cousin. His name is Finnegan, and he's just a baby...eight weeks old. She also tells me that with my bad attitude toward others I'll never get to meet him. That seems unfair, but I'll have to keep working on my attitude I guess...or maybe hers.

Anyway, I saw his picture (and didn't even growl at it by the way) and he really is a cutie. And what a lucky dog he is...he gets to live with Auntie Brighit, Cousin Vienna, and Cousin Jzero. They are three of my all time most favourite people...and he gets his own family for Christmas. I'm sure enjoying my Christmas season this year...so far anyway...I just don't understand why everyone gets so nervous when I dig around in the presents. I don't even really know what presents are, so how can I possibly be doing it wrong?

Anyway, welcome to the family little Finnegan. Even though they won't let me see you, please know that I already love you (and so does your Cousin Smudgie).

There's nothing like a family for Christmas!

Take care all, especially little Finnegan.

Big Cousin Rudy

I am NOT a doofus!

2010-11-27T08:14:00.002-06:00

Mommy called me a doofus, and I just don't see how this could possibly be fair.

The other day Daddy was home really late and Mommy had to stay and have parent meetings at school, so I was in my crate a LONG time. I had an "accident." It wasn't my fault. It was theirs, but that isn't the doofus part.

When Daddy got home I needed a bath, and my kennel needed cleaning, and he did a pretty good job of both. Smudgie was mad that only I got to do downstairs, and I could hear him fussing. But, when I came up all wet, Smudgie figured out what the missed and ran away. Daddy couldn't even find him after that. Hee hee. It was funny.

So, then it was time to pick up Mommy. The truck was nice and toasty warm, and when we got there he took us inside the building, but we didn't find Mommy. When we finally headed back to the truck she was in there (magic I guess). I got to drink out of the water fountain at the school. It was just my size. Nice.

We came home, and our glorious snow is up to Smudgie's shoulders. Now, he's a shrimp, so for me it's just my ankles.

We came inside and snuggled for a while at the TV, and then we had dinner and went out for our pees. (Here comes the doofus part.)

I was still pretty wet, and it was pretty cold out, but I wanted to play in the snow, so I was mucking about (as Mommy always says) on the deck when I realized I was FREEZING.

I didn't know what else to do, so I curled up and laid down in the snow, waiting for death to take me. It was over. My new life and family began to fade.

Then, a miracle happened! My Mommy (who had been watching me from the door, and had been calling me in but I wouldn't listen), ran out (barefoot - she's awesome!) and grabbed me and dragged me into the warm house.

She put a blanket around me and hugged me and I warmed up really quickly! I was saved! I was saved!

As I was showing my gratitude with an enthusiastic face licking, she said, "Rudy, you doofus, when you feel cold you're supposed to come inside. The door wasn't even closed."

Frankly, I think the name calling was completely uncalled for. How was I to know enough to come in out of the cold?

Sheesh!

Take care all, and stay dry this winter...it could save your life.

Rudy Frost

I think they might have been trying to kill us both!

2010-11-21T18:38:00.007-06:00

Yesterday Mommy and Daddy tried to make me wear pretend antlers and sit nicely by the Christmas Tree (you know, the sparkly fake tree you're NOT allowed to pee on) in the living room. Then they kept pointing this device at us that looked like a camera, but who really knows for sure?

So, even though they tried and tried and tried, I managed to escape time after time. Someone must have been lurking in the background, with a real camera, as this is what I looked like:

I heard something about a Christmas Card and all that, but I didn't see one, so I made sure to never, ever stand still. I don't think it was my real Mommy and Daddy with the fake camera/weapon of doom, but rather some aliens from outer space, up to no good. The good news is that the aliens returned my Mommy and Daddy shortly after, but I do pledge to NEVER sit still when a "camera" is pointed at me. I will survive!

Trust no one and take care all!

Major Rudy

The snow is back!

2010-11-20T08:21:00.002-06:00

Mommy is complaining a LOT. She says that the big snowstorm made the roads horrible and that Daddy should drive her everywhere. Daddy does not agree.

I try to stay out of their differences of opinion. I just think we should all WALK...everywhere...all day long.

Snow, glorious snow! Oh, how I've missed you.

When Mommy came home from work (what exactly is that anyway?) she took me and Smudgie out in the backyard without any stupid muzzles, and we romped and pounced and played in the snow. I ate so much snow I was worried there wouldn't be any left for anyone else, but turns out, it just keeps on coming down.

I'm soooooooo happy. Bring it on!

Take care all, and I wish you lots and lots of snow.

Rudy Snowflake

There's a snowfall warning in effect.

2010-11-18T06:41:00.002-06:00

Mommy and Daddy are unhappy, but this must mean good things for sheepies, right?

Keep your fingers crossed for us...this could be good.

Rudy, who's in Snow Business.

Don't Tell My Daddy

2010-11-17T00:56:00.003-06:00

Smudgie fussed to go out just now...it's just after midnight here. Daddy took us out and fed us breakfast (well, fed me breakfast, Smudgie wasn't back in yet).

Mommy came down, and informed Daddy that it was the middle of the night. They argued for a bit, and then she showed him a clock. She stormed out to get Smudgie (I felt sorry for him) and he RAN into the house, right past his bowl.

So, once Daddy figured out what time it was they took Smudgie's bowl away....and now HE'S mad that I got an extra meal (third dinner as I like to call it) and he got nothing.

I knew it wasn't breakfast time yet, but I didn't want to hurt Daddy's feelings. I had to take one for the team.

I won't repeat what Daddy said when Mommy explained what time it was to him, but I really don't think any of those words were really called for. I sure hope I still get breakfast tomorrow.

What an odd night. I hope I get third dinner every night from now on. Thanks Daddy, and sorry Hudson!

Take care all,

Rudy, the midnight snacker

Good bye Malarki

2010-11-15T20:00:00.001-06:00

We're all so sorry you're gone. You were very loved and will be greatly missed.

Love,
Rudy, Smudge, and Family.

Mommy just told me really bad news.

2010-11-14T15:48:00.001-06:00

It looks like my cousin Malarki is very sick, and probably won't be okay. Smudgie and I are very, very sad, and just want to send out our love and our hugs to him.

You're a great little guy Malarki.

We all love you.

Rudy and Family

Sigh. Last night didn't go so well.

2010-11-14T09:32:00.003-06:00

I tried really hard to be good. But Smudgie and I still ended up in our crates. We did what Daddy said, and sat quietly, but then Grandma would toss us a treat, or Grandpa would call one of us and give pats.

That was exciting, so we came closer, and then we got told to go away. I'm so confused.

So, eventually, Daddy put us in our crates and we missed most of the party. Well, I got to watch from my crate, and the Christmas Tree lights were on, which was pretty and all, but still...

I'm very sorry Uncle Bob and Aunt Gail. I just wanted to give you a little love. Having a family is still new to me, and I was just so excited.

On a positive note, despite being really excited I did NOT pee in the house last night, which, if you knew me from before, is HUGE progress. So Mommy and Daddy said not to be too hard on myself. They still love me lots.

Now....here's the thing that's stressing me out today:

Mommy and Daddy have tickets to go see that Cesar Millan guy IN PERSON. I'm sure he'll say something that they'll decide is important and when they come home life will change dramatically for Smudgie and for me. I may have to give up chewing on the singing snowman ornament in the dining room, and maybe they'll finally get Smudgie to not stand in the kitchen licking the dirty dishes in the sink.

Oh woe is us!

Take care all, and don't listen to men named Cesar. It NEVER ends well.

Rudy, who really tries

Welcome Uncle Bob and Auntie Gail!

2010-11-13T08:55:00.002-06:00

I'm going to meet my Uncle Bob and Auntie Gail tonight. They apparently flew in from Ontario just to meet little old me.

This having a family thing is awesome. I never dreamed that I'd just keep meeting more and more and more people I'm related to! Yippeee!

My Daddy says that Auntie Gail doesn't like dogs jumping all over her. (Who doesn't like dogs jumping all over them????? Weird.) I will try to be really good. Rumour has it we're going to the park and later we'll roller blade. Smudgie says that Daddy wants us really tired before the big dinner party tonight. I don't get that, but I will definitely not say no to the plans ahead.

Families are awesome. I'm really loving having a family.

Take care all,

Rudy, a True Family Man

What a weird day.

2010-11-11T12:49:00.003-06:00

It started off really well. Everyone slept in and snuggled on the bed. For some strange reason Mommy and Daddy are both home. How cool is that?

So, Smudgie and I snuggled on the couch after with Daddy and watched TV while Mommy did some laundry and plunked away on that silly piano. Then, we all had to stand in silence by the TV at eleven o'clock. It was hard for me. They wouldn't let me wander and no one talked. I heard something about Remembrance Day, but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to remember, so I just tried to be as good a dog as I could.

After it was over, Mommy and Daddy talked quietly for a bit. I think it had something to do with the moment of silence stuff, but I'm not really sure. This is all new to me.

Then Mommy said, "Let the Christmas Season begin!"

Daddy went to the basement and brought up this big, funny smelling, pretend tree. Mommy said that it's not the peeing on kind. (Seriously? What other kinds of trees are there?) They put it together and hung all sorts of coloured lights and ornaments and stuff on it. I stole some of the stuffed animal type things, but Mommy kept saying no. What a meanie!

So now it's taking up one whole corner of the room...but the nice thing is that they set it up right across from my kennel. I can keep an eye on it all day long while I'm imprisoned in there.

But I should get back to my story, because then the sweetest thing happened.

Mommy pulled out a purple sock (she says it's a Christmas stocking, but I know a sock when I see one!) and she hung it on the front of the fireplace. She said it was Smudgie's Christmas Stocking. His very own. I was so sad that HE got one and I didn't.

Then Mommy brought out this beautiful off white sock with green leaves on it (she says they're called holly) and said, "Merry Christmas Rudy. This is your very own Christmas Stocking."

I've never had my very own Christmas Stocking before. I don't even know what they are...but I do know that even I couldn't get that thing all the way into my tummy. Anyway, she and Daddy gave me hugs and pats and then we all went over to the fireplace and there was a little nail on the mantle, and she hung my stocking up there too, right next to Smudgie's.

I have a Christmas Stocking. This must be just one more great thing that comes with having a family. A Christmas Stocking for little old me...and one that kind of matches my collar and everything, too.

Daddy says Mommy's crazy and that it's too soon for this Christmas thing. I don't know about that, but I sure am glad I didn't have to wait any longer for my very own Christmas stocking.

And then, just when I thought this day couldn't get any better....

Big fluffy snowflakes started to fall.

Merry Christmas to all!

Rudy (proud stocking owner)

I want to tell you about my Grandma and Grandpa

2010-11-07T06:39:00.003-06:00

Well, first off let me say, I think it's really cool to have a Grandma and Grandpa. In fact, I have two sets! It's awesome here.

Last night my Grandma and Grandpa came over for dinner. I really like them. I'm learning to not jump on them, and I must say that I'm doing much better than Smudgie with that. I'd love to jump all over them, but I know it's important to use my best manners when they're here.

I spent most of the night laying by my Grandpa's feet, watching him. He's so cool, and I'm pretty sure he really likes me. He smiles at me a lot and makes funny faces sometimes. He's neat.

My Grandma is cool too. She wants to feed me from the table, but Mommy (who can be kinda mean when it comes to this stuff) says NO. Keep trying Grandma. Where there's a will there's a way.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you how much fun I had yesterday with my Grandparents. I wish I hadn't fallen asleep at the end, but I was just so tired. Daddy took me rollerblading in the afternoon, just to tire me out. That wasn't fair, but it was fun, so I'll forgive him.

Well, gotta get back to my nap. That was a BIG day. I sure like my whole family. It still feels neat to say....I have a family!

Take care all,

Rudy, who is someone's Granddog!

IT SNOWED!!! IT SNOWED!!!

2010-10-30T11:26:00.002-05:00

OHMYGOODNESSIAMSOHAPPY!ITSNOWED!ITSNOWED!

Okay, I'll have to calm myself a little.

It snowed last night. Not much, and Mommy and Daddy say it'll be gone by tomorrow, but I don't care. It snowed!!!! That means that snow is NOT a one shot deal.

There will be more snow to eat.

More snow to frolic in.

More snow to track in the house.

More snow to roll in.

More snow to dig in.

More snow to hide between my toes and then jump on Daddy when he's warm.

More snow to love.

Yay. Snow. Yay.

Now, here are two snow related (non gleeful) points I must make:

1) There is no joy in snow when you are forced to wear a muzzle outside. I cannot eat snow that way, so Mommy please fix it.

2) It is not funny when Mommy lobs a snowball at my head. It wasn't funny the first time, and it wasn't funny the second time. Nor was it funny the fourteenth and fifteenth times either. If it hasn't gotten you a laugh by now, please, LET IT GO. It's not like this hurts me or even bothers me, but when the snowball hits my head it explodes and then I can't eat it.

Other than that....let the snow celebrations begin!

Take care all,

Polar Rudy.

A few things I've tried this week...

2010-10-27T22:14:00.003-05:00

Mommy cooked something called "Thanksgiving Dinner" on Sunday. She says we postponed it because of my surgery on the "real" Thanksgiving. I'm not really familiar with the concept, so I'm not really sure why the specific date matters.

But, oh, do I LOVE this Thanksgiving Dinner concept. Mommy cooked for two solid days. And when Mommy's in the kitchen that's where you'll find me (and Smudgie too).

I ate lots of carrot skin curls (and to think Mommy calls them garbage). I got to taste yams, pecans, whipping cream from a spray can (freaky, but yummy), devilled eggs, ham, garlic sausage, and lots, lots more.

She cooked a turkey for what smelled like months, and I even got a tiny taste of that, too. And then there was gravy on my kibble that night!

I hope we do Thanksgiving at least once a week from now on.

Take care all, and happy arbitrary Thanksgiving!

Rudy, who is so thankful.

I think the snow might really be coming...

2010-10-27T18:11:00.006-05:00

It got really cold and rainy here. We haven't seen the sun in months. (Smudgie says I'm exaggerating, but I don't think I am). Mommy hung out laundry on Sunday, and it's been raining ever since. That must be months, right?

Anyway, it's cold. My feeties feel chilly and Hudson's complaining about his delicate feet and hating the rain. Do you think? Dare I hope? Could it possibly be? Could there be SNOW on the way?

Please, please, please think snowy thoughts for me. I'd be so thrilled to see snow again. Mommy and Daddy say that snow is a bad word, but I can't possibly see how that could be true.

This picture is of my glorious snow, but it's from last year. Dare I dream that something so wonderful could ever happen again?

Cross your fingers for me, and take care all.

Rudy, aspiring snowdog