I'm a Therapy Dog

I went for my first ever visit to a nursing home last Wednesday. I had so much fun! They let me walk right in with my Mom and Dad. First we went to visit the people in the Altzheimers wing. Everyone was so happy to see me. They all wanted to pet me. I did my tricks and made some of them laugh. I love that. The nurses said I was the highlight of the day. I don't know about that, but I did get some yummy treats.

We also visited the Rehab wing. These people are only staying there for a little while, then going home. I saw lots of machines and exercise equipment. I tried to use the treadmill. Everyone liked me there, too. There was even one guy who knew that I was an Australian Cattle Dog. He was really excited to see me. I liked him too.

The staff said I could come back any time. I think I will take them up on that! If you get the chance, try being a Therapy Dog. It is a good time for you, and a wonderful thing for all the people who are in the hospital, too.

Missing in Action

Yep, that's right, I've been missing in action. I have had nothing to say, and nobody to say it to.

Life has been pretty dull around here. My mom is getting ready to have hip surgery soon, so she's not walking much these days. That means she is BORING! She doesn't run me in agility. I have to wait for Beth to come by. That only happens a couple of times a week. We haven't been to any trials, not even on Memorial Day weekend. Mom judged then. She was gone for four whole days. I had to stay at home. How is a guy supposed to get any titles or ribbons?

Things are looking up though. They tell me I am going to be a Therapy Dog. I am not sure what I have to do yet, but I think I will be going to a nursing home, or a hospital, to visit people who are sick, or not able to go outside. Mom has been working on my tricks, so I guess I will have to do them in public. I think it might mean lots of good treats for me, if I do well.

I'll keep you all posted on what happens with that.

My favorite game

I had to show you a picture of my favorite toy! I love this thing. My mom puts a tennis ball in it and we go into the yard. We can play "throw it, catch it, run for it" for hours. Today, we played until my tongue was hanging down to the ground. Then I went for a dip in the baby pool. I think every dog should have someone to play ball with. My mom is the best! I know she loves me because she likes to play with me.

Nice Weather

It sure has been nice out for the past few days. I have been able to play ball in the yard with my mom and the other dogs here. Beth has been coming over to work me on the agility equipment. That 's always fun. They even put the baby pool out for us to splash in. That is everyone's favorite. Sometimes it is good to be a dog!

Checking In

I've been doing nothing lately. That's right, nothing! My life has been very boring. It's cold outside, my mom isn't feeling well, and my dad is spending way too much time working with the Border Collies and the sheep. They give me a Booda Bone and expect me to be happy with that. Jeez, they don't know me very well. Granted, I love Boodas, but don't they know I wnat to do stuff. I want to go to work with my mom, but she keeps taking Tubbs or Rookie. I want to play with the sheep, but dad keeps taking Tubbs and Rookie, not me. What's a guy to do?

My Friend Tubbs

This is a photo of my good friend Tubbs. He is a purebred Border Collie. Tubbs came to live with us last June. He is what my mom calls a "rescue" dog. He couldn't keep living in his first home, we don't know for sure why, but he couldn't. One thing for sure, he wasn't starving! Tubbs weighed 55 pounds! That is huge for a Border Collie as small as he is. Anyway, my people were supposed to rehabilitate him, and find him a new home. He found a home all right, ours. Not only that, he herds the sheep better than I do. Anyway, he is a lot of fun to have around. He likes to play with me, rough, which is what I like best.
You know what? Tubbs isn't fat anymore. Now he weighs just 32 pounds. He really doesn't look like the photo now. He isn't fluffy, and he never is lying around on the deck, like he was in the picture. He is never in one spot long enough to lie down, as he is always on the go.

It is just amazing how good food and exercise can make a dog healthy!

Humiliated

My mom got these pictures back finally. Look what she did to me! This was a "Halloween Costume" so she said. It is SO wrong. In my humble opinion, no dog should ever be made to wear clothing. We already have beautiful fur coats. This costume is an absolute abomination!

You know, at that pet superstore where we work, they sell all sorts of clothing for dogs. They have little dresses (Moe says "never" would she wear one of those). They have raincoats! Imagine, raincoats for dogs. How embarassing! Thank goodness I don't fit in a purse. My mom would probably put me in one if I did.

Humans, I will never understand them.