I Love My Human

I love my human. She's the best thing since dog crack was invented. (FYI Natural Balance food in a tube is some serious dog narcotic. My mind runs on all cylinders when that stuff comes out!! Oh my gosh, I can just taste it now...I'm drooling all over the computer, but I don't care right now. It's a mind-stimulating, out of this world treat I would do ANYthing for. I literally dance for it!)

Wow, off topic already. Sorry! Back to Britni. I love this human. She takes me to the park, beach, hiking, running, all over the place, and I can't get enough of her. I follow her everywhere, including the bathroom where she sits on my water bowl and I proceed to jump on her lap.

I wish she wouldn't leave me for long periods of time, which she calls work. It's the WORST! I give her the saddest look in the morning when she gets ready. She gives me treats when she leaves, but it doesn't sustain any hope or happiness. My life falls apart when she leaves.

And then, she comes home. And I go off the chain!! It's the type of feeling like I'm on doggy crack without the treats. My mind and body unfold with intense energy I have built up all day long while I wait for her to return. I don't bark or talk much, but when she comes home, we definitely talk to each other with loving affection. I'm telling her I missed her all day, but her noises are just random phrases that don't make any sense, yet I don't care. I don't blame her for not being able to speak dog. She is only human, you know.

Regardless, she makes it up by loving on me at all other points of the day. I'm typing with one paw while the other is up for her to scratch. I definitely do have the life. Don't you wish you were so lucky?!

Running with Humans

We all know it. Humans are as slow as turtles when they run. Britni sometimes tries to race up the stairs, down mountains and on the trail. I like to let her think she could win, but only for a split second. I could never let a girl win.

Yesterday, I got to run free from the chain of obedience! She said it's rough running with a leashed Aussie, but I sort of did that on purpose. Hello freedom!

There were so many good smells and new things around the path and I couldn't get enough. Sometimes something REALLY good would catch my nose and I'd bolt. It unnerves mom and sometimes I get into trouble, but all I want to do is check out the smells!

Britni typically let's me run free these days, which makes her a smart human. I run 4 times more than she does since I run back and forth and all around, while she plants her feet in a straight boring line. She doesn't have me pulling her, I get more exercise - it's a win/win I think! Some day she should put a tracker on me to see how much more I run than her. I'd probably embarrass her, which is likely why she hasn't yet. Silly human.

Welp, off to chase some squirrels!

San Francisco Puppy!

Mom moved us to San Francisco away from the death valley of Phoenix! It's so much cooler here - wow, that's a serious plus. We get to hike, I learned to swim, I also learned that digging in the sand is most spectacular! The sand between my toes is most intriguing as I hear it's good for the coat. Typically, I dig when mom puts sand back into my hole as I'm digging it out (rude!), but also when I need to pick my stick back up out of that crap. Who wants a mouth and nose full of sand?!  It makes the most sense that if I dig far enough, the stick will be easier and cleaner to grab - I've yet to find that point though.

But, I have to say by far the best part is I've fallen in love with the little human, Bjerre. I was most interested in her at first because she was just my size and she ran around a lot. Prime herding target! I learned to follow her up and around play structures, locking her down and kissing her face raw (so many hidden goodies all over), sitting next to her at the dinner table, and cuddling in bed! This little human is the best for kissy time because she lets me lick her face forever!

I love when Britni takes me to the coffee shop where she posts up to work. The Peets in Concord, CA is our favorite. I lay there looking handsome and cuddly, and it's like I'm a super star! Little and big humans alike talk about me or want to pet me. The little humans are my favorite because their faces are easily kissed. Some parent humans get grossed out (I'm not sure why), but most think it's pretty cute. I once played with a little girl and her golf ball for over an hour. She'd bounce it and I'd bring it back to her over and over again. Plus, she loved my kisses. I think all little humans are the best, and even if they're just out of reach, I'll bounce up to kiss their faces. :) Woof!

During one of my hikes, I came face to face with a huge, ugly beast. Mom called it a bull. We both put our heads down at each other before mom called me off. I wanted to herd it so badly! I was so angry at her for 1.3 seconds, but then I ran off to find a squirrel or five to chase so I was happy again. I did find a wild pig hiking once. I chase that ugly thing for a mile before I turned back around for mom. I was in a bit of trouble after that, but seriously, who doesn't want to chase bacon!?

I learned a bit of agility and obedience when we first came here. Agility was my FAVORITE! I was so excited I never knew how to slow down. I could bolt faster than any other mutt, but sometimes I went ahead of myself and missed a command. Who cares!? I loved it. I wish Mom had more time to do agility. It was THE best. She said she found a place in the city when we move - hopefully we get to go!

I've had so many adventures in this new place. Concrete jungle, beaches, woods, grasslands. There's always adventure out there!

Where's Celest?

Every night, I know when it's time for bed - Mom picks up the old bird and we walk up the spiral staircase together. That's just how it goes. I won't follow her any other time she walks up there, unless Celest is in her arms.

Tonight was no different. Yet, Britni told me I was going to have to follow her without Celest this time. But, I just couldn't. Where was Celest? I didn't care where she was before, but now I do. I started looking around, sniffing spots she was at earlier this morning. Mom was laying on the floor with her before we left today, so I started in that room. Then, I sniffed the spot mom fell asleep sitting with Celest in her arms last night. Yet, no Celest anywhere.

Finally, I ended up walking ever so slowly up those metal steps with Britni. Something was wrong, and I held my head low. Once I got upstairs, I checked between Mom's hordes of clothes. I sniffed all over the bed, and looked out the window. I checked the down comforter, too, once Mom put it back on the bed from washing the sheets. Not there either. 

Mom keeps making noise and salty water runs down her face, so I lick them and lay next to her.

Every so often, I move to the window and lay down with my head in the window sill looking out - maybe I'll see her.

I have a funny feeling though. Celest won't be back any time soon. I miss you, sister.

Best. Hike. Ever.

My human and I went hiking last week at Superstition Mountains on the Flatiron train. It was such a great climb that I was able to frolic and play for hours! So many other humans and little humans wanted to pet me, but what they don't understand is that I'm on a mission - The mission if you poor souls dare to accept, is to beat my human to the top...and back down :) It's a piece of cake, but sometimes she gives me a run for my money. Regardless, I don't have time to be prim and proper. Get out of my way, people!

Trained Dad

I'm in such a frenzy I can't even hold it in. My old dad has come to visit me! He's so well trained that every time I bring the ball to him, he throws it. Even at night hehe Good boy! I'm not sure how long I'll be able I keep this up, but until then, I get the never-ending exhilaration of chasing a ball!

Grooming is Not for Me

Who does Britni think she is?! I am not a princess so I don't need my paws groomed, nails trimmed, or fur brushed. I really HATE my fur being brushed. I make her follow me everywhere around the house to even attempt such a thing. I bounce, then love up to her so she doesn't get mad (ego stroking - it's a real winner), and then I just constantly move like I have ants in my pants. Brushing is SO not OK in my book. I also won't lay down AT ALL to let her groom me. Why would I succumb to such torture?!

So, I torture her back with my moving and lack of laying down. I laugh on the inside while I strategically think how I can get out of the mess I'm in. No freakin' way will I let her pin me down. I'm too fast. Duh, stupid human. But, I will be good enough to let her trim my paws or cut my nails. Treats help, so maybe she's not as stupid as I'm leading you on to believe.

But NO amount of treats will make me patient or still enough to be brushed. No way.

Camelback Mountain

This is the best place EVER!

First climb!

The first time Brit took me here was a bit unnerving, but only for a split second. There were lots of people and other dogs, and I wasn't used to that. Yet, I found my zen when I realized I could jump and climb all afternoon. It was awesome! She said I climbed like a champ, but who wouldn't love the outdoors and serious amounts of treats.

Camelback at night - look at my booties!

The second time was EVEN better. The no-leash bonus! However, this time I had to wear booties. At first, I thought they were incredibly embarrassing and I stumbled a bit. I still earned major treats, but I was able to push on and jump like a kangaroo at my own pace! I still stuck next to my girl by hoping a few boulders ahead and wait. Other people or dogs? Pah, I couldn't care less. I just cared about beating Britni to the top. Of course, I sure did with ease and dignity - well, she couldn't hear me talking crap that I won, so it doesn't count.

Hanging at the top.

The third climb was my favorite so far, more because we raced like crazy bees from one flower to another in a race against time. The booties were invisible to me this time, and I got lots of compliments. I guess they're cool. After sitting in the shade for awhile and me visiting other dogs near me, it was time to really race.

Mom kept me off leash and started hoping and running down the mountain. Hell yes!! Such a fun game! I was a little hesitant to go ahead of her at first, but then I learned I could find better routes for me to beat her so I zoomed ahead. I may have gotten ahead of myself, but it was so great to just run and be free. The best yet!

Krazy Kats

The first moment I strolled in the door, I knew I wouldn't be alone. An old Sheltie named Celest greeted me, but I don't even think the old bird did it on purpose. She can't see past her own nose any more. I also saw two crazy cats jet quickly away from the front door. Score! Great chasing targets.

 

Playing the first night home.

OK, I wasn't always full of it, and still honestly, quite scared of them. They're like sophisticated aristocats with trucker mouths. I grew up with an attack cat, so I knew better than to mess with these two. Just imagine - two bullies pinning me to the ground or backing me up in the corner. No thanks!

 

Khali and Blaze showdown. 

Khali (the calico, queen bee) learned to mess with me early on. She's also super boring because she won't run for me to chase her. And, sometimes when Britni throws my ball her way, she'll stand up and just give me the laaazy eye. Refer to Feivel Goes West for that one.

Khreep kat also tries to steal my girl by sleeping next to her or laying on her lap. I'm not a jealous type, but I get the creepy crawlies thinking about the infectious diseases the could be spewing out of every cat pore.

Th fun cat is Bagheera, the furry black dork of a cat, who runs every time I walk in the door. I now get in the ready position when the door opens into my home because I know there's a furry black ball to chase. I mean, I wait at the door too for Britni to come home, but like clockwork, those cats are always waiting for her as well. Baghy is becoming a little more comfortable with me around these days, but I still own him like a gang boss to his minions. Booyah.

Now a days, I still get all jealous, (what?! not jealous - I mean protective!) when a cat comes near my girls. Seriously, there's no need for a cat to be near her. Ever.

Car Rides

I've heard other hounds like car rides - sticking their tongues out in the wind and catching every bug up their noses, protecting the family by barking at any stranger or dog on the sidewalk, and blissfully enjoying the adventure of where they could be going.

Not me. Cars are noisy, robotic monsters that will eat me alive. I get vertigo and think I'll fall off the face of the planet, never to chase another ball again. As long as I'm confined in a metal box (or crate), I know I'm safer from the terrible beast.

Well, my new mom's car isn't big enough for a crate. What the hell? Trying to kill me already? So, my first ride was like riding the world's biggest roller coaster - I was more scared than a cat in a bath.

That didn't stop Britni, though. I learned quickly that car rides were AWEsome! I could be traveling to the dog park, the jungle gym of boulders (Camelback Mountain) or visiting new friends. I got lots of jackpots (big time bonus of treats) and lots of love'ns from my momma too. It didn't take me long to learn that those crazy, car mutts may have been onto something.

In the Beginning...

I know. I'm adorable.

With the many adventures ahead of us, I thought I'd keep note of some of them. Maybe other four legged friends can live vicariously through me, or maybe inspire humans too.

So how did my scribe and I come to be?

She had initially seen another puppy that excited her to be ready for another dog. She messaged my first mom about the puppy, but she was spoken for. Apparently, I'm too small for the show ring - whatever that means - so I was in need of a good home. My daddy is a national champion in the Aussie show world, and I have to admit, he's the man. My first mom was sad to see me leave, but in the end, I had found my girl.

First ride without a crate. A bit scary - thank God for her!

I met her after spending a month with two new Aussies, Pirate and Kiah. Pi is like my brother from another mother. He's legit! We played constantly. I miss him. Kiah, she's like a crazy bitch with menopause (well, maybe just old and grumpy) - she's insane. Sometimes she'd play and other times she'd get on my case, so I stuck with Pi.

So, I like toys. Big deal.

The first time I met Britni was when she came to Pi's house for a glitter, light-filled fest. They call it Christmas - I call it play time with little humans, lots of extra toys and new furry friends. Pi went bazerk when he saw her! What the heck, dude? But, if that human was one of his favorites, she was going to be my favorite too. I quickly learned she was quite the human and followed her around the house whenever she'd leave a room. She knew my weakness: my armpits. Woah baby - scratch me there and I melt.

HOMEWARD BOUND!

After Britni got back to the desert from her travels, I flew on a plane. First of all, I'm a people dog. I do not like being away from my people. Secondly, loud noises are so not cool. So, needless to say, I freaking HATED it. I was skeptical of everyone, even Britni, until she started talking to me. When I heard her, I knew I was OK and was beside myself to have a familiar sound in my ears. I licked her face until it was raw (I'm sure of it), and was excited to be on solid ground - until she made me get in a car...