Ha! Evidence of my Stalker!

Well you thought I was kidding about my Italian Mafia friend didn't you? Well here he is! Stalking me. Waiting for me to surrender the hoof. Do you see those sharp little beady eyes staring a whole into me. He may not look like much but I tell you he is fierce!

Mom, send cow hoofs.... but don't tell Gino.

Day 6 - Some Call Me Speed Bump

Tummy rubs and cow hooves and deer antlers and treats. Sleeping in Sasha's room and going for walks and running after kids. Barking at strangers and looking at squirrels... these are a few of my favorite things.

But I have a few questions...

Why, when I am chewing a cow hoof that no one has wanted for a while, does Gino stare at me, standing uncomfortably close waiting... stalking me... willing me to stop so he can take it away?

Then, when he gets it and I get the other cow hoof, he wants THAT one? Or, if I go to check something out, you know protect the family and all, when I get back it's gone! I tell you this is madness! No self respecting poodle can live this way.

Well, I can. I figured out if I look real pitiful at someone they will talk to Gino about his selfishness and give me one. Works pretty well actually.

I am trying real hard to get along here and be a good role model, but it IS hard. Ali, well she is pretty cool. She only puts me in my place about once a day. Apparently, she is rather touchy about where it is o.k. to put your nose. The nice thing is I know right away if I did something wrong. You know how some girls are wishy-washy, well she doesn't do that which helps me out a lot. I just seem to have a hard time remembering the next day. I mean what if she changes her mind.

Gino, well who knows. He is what they call complicated. I am still figuring this dude out. Good thing we are not in a hurry. I mean we are getting along. We all go out together and nose touch... sometimes. So I do think there is hope for a friendship in our future as long as I obey the rules... or he obeys them. I forget which one it is.

Tonight was real good. The family went out to see a movie and when they got back they hung out in the den. I tried to casually make my move in for some attention. I saw an open spot next to Garrett. Ali was laying down nearby. Can you believe she moved over closer to him just to squeeze me out? I went back over and sat on my "spot".

Then Kelley sat down next to Ali and called me over! She was able to rub us BOTH at the same time! I am sure that takes concentration. I had a good 30 minute massage. It was awesome! I even fell asleep. Then people started laughing, apparently I make a lot of noises when I am happy. What's the big deal? So, I grunt? It happens and actually my family things it is pretty cute, I hope... Let me think, did I do this at home?

Day 5- MOM & DAD!!!

Today was a day just like any other day until... a knock on the door and there they were ...Mom and Dad! Sweet!!! I was so excited! Of course I had my bags packed and ready to go at a moments notice... just in case. But we just took the leash. I did look over at the dog bowls to help them remember but we can buy more. I'm easy.

We went outside and I was hoping for the kids too but that was o.k. They promised I would get to see them soon. We went for a car ride and a walk and it was FABULOUS. I know that is a big word for a poodle but I am educated and all. You know, I went to school and I graduated to hot dogs so that is good. I will do anything for a hot dog and cheese is nice too.

Anyways, it was back to Ali and Gino's home so I guess I will have to make the best of it. At least my people know where to find me so any time the doorbell rings I am going to be ready because that is two sets of family in one week! I have figured out that everybody comes to see ME. I am feeling the love.

Day 4 - Gate? No Problem.

Well yesterday I went through that gate thingy. Frankly, I was tired of seeing it. I'm OK, but my future as a stunt dog may be short lived. I really saw myself clearing that thing like Lassie over a fence but... no.

I thought they would take the hint but Garrett put me in the hallway AGAIN this morning. As soon as he shut the door I cleared the whole thing. He must have heard me though because he opened the door and found me on the other side staring at him wagging my tail. I was quite proud of myself. He rewarded me by letting my have the whole downstairs, except his bedroom. Guess he's one of those private types. I got to lie down in my "spot" unencumbered.

Anyways, Gino and I have done real good today. I think he tolerates me. Ali, well you know.

Tonight the doorbell rang. It was Gina and that man that calls me horsedog! They found me. People that love me and know me! I was the most excited by far yet. I was almost obnoxious but I held myself back. (No settle Mom) I kinda forgot that I am not top dog for a while and started acting kinda goofy. Next thing I know Gino is getting mad at me and Ali did not like some of the things I was doing to her. Being the amazing lady she is, she led me out of the room and snapped pretty sternly at me. I ran into the other room with Gina and horsedog man where I remembered I was no longer in Kansas.

Tonight it is all good. I get to sleep in Sasha's room again but with Preston too. We are going to stay up all night and play the Wii... Woo-hoo.

Day 3 - This Place Shows Signs of Hope

First I have to reflect on last evening AFTER my post. I was trying out hanging out with new peeps in the den while they watched t.v. I was doing good. I got some tummy rubs. (These people are so easy) So I am laying next to Ali when all the sudden I look up. What is that! Is that a dog on the chair? I had to go check this out. So being cool and all I casually walk over to the bookcase. Then after swinging around, I get in for a close look and it was Gino. Next thing I know he snaps at me and almost bit my nose off! I got out of there but he was following me. Good thing Stella was on the floor so I could get up close to her. I am telling you, that guy needs an appointment with that Quiet Dog Guy, Ceasar!

So again I spent the night in the hallway. When will these people figure out this is NOT my usual accommodations. I did test the gate thingy for height and strength. Hmmm....

The next day has been my best yet. I have been venturing out from my "spot" to the carpet and I am being really good about figuring out where I am supposed to go. Ali gets more beautiful every day and after two days of a food strike, I ate a whole bowl of food at dinner time! Kelley was so proud of me. My tummy has been a little off so I tried this white stuff she called yogurt. It was yum-oh! I guess it is a special treat since Gino watched me eat the whole thing.

Oh and Gino, well we are starting to get a groove going. I am so cute and all. Did I say Ali is beautiful????

The best part was when the whole family asked us if we wanted to go for a walk! YES!!!! I was so happy! Sasha was bothering me some because he was on this board with TWO wheels and he was getting too far away from me so I had to keep barking for him to come back. Stella did the same thing on her bike but she quit because she likes me. I set the pace and we all got some exercise. It was great! But the best part was I got the message through finally. I slept in Sasha's room. It was great! Good sleep by all....

Oh and Mom, remember how I used to not jump over gates....

Day 2

Well today was my first full day hanging out with my new friends (and I use the term loosely). Ali the Greyhound is really pretty with long legs and she's a blonde. She has been nice to me all day. She has shared her owners with me while I got multiple tummy rubs.

I have found "my spot" in the house. I like the cork floor in the dining room and then when I want a softer spot, I do not have to move far. Just two feet over is a carpet thing right in the middle of the floor. I am sure they did this just for me. Of course they keep calling me speed bump. Not sure what that's all about.

Anyways, back to the tummy rubs. They are the best! I found out that anytime anybody walks past me I can roll over and they always stop and pet me! Sweet!

Earlier today while I was laying down with my feet tucked under me Kelley told everybody that I looked just like a little sheep. How embarrassing!

Anyways, I told you yesterday about how Gino has issues. Well he still does. I have let him sniff me everywhere! I don't know what his problem is but he still is growling at me and showing his teeth. But then later he is fine. Foreigners! Go figure.

Anyways, I kept my cool. My family would be so proud of me. No one ever had to say "settle" to me. Only once today .... well ... twice technically, did I raise my voice to the little dude. The first time I was trying to play with him. Honest! I did the universal sign of play. I kneeled down and wagged my tail!?! He got all mental on me! Then later today there was what we call a cow hoof incident. (Someone should have told me Gino owns all of them ahead of time) Sasha gave me one so I thought we were cool. Then Gino came around to collect it because he likes them all in front of him and .... I lost my cool, temporarily! But, its all good.

I have been very calm today. Some think I am a little sad but I am just figuring out what is going on so I am observing a lot. Today, I heard a bird upstairs. I gotta figure that out tomorrow.

Day 1

Well I think I did pretty well. I got along with Ali and I think I behaved very gentlemanly. Gino, well what can I say, the dude has issues. It may be because he is Italian and all but I am gonna try real hard. We did get a few sniffs in without growling! I was quite proud of myself. I slept downstairs and had my own roomy hallway to sleep in. I was pretty good. I did wake up at 12:30 and was not sure where I was so I had to make a little noise. Garrett came and let me know it was cool so I went back to sleep.