I think I have a new favourite TV show

Billy is my hero.

If you haven't seen his amazing show, it's called Billy the Exterminator. Mommy says his hair is ridiculous (I don't think it looks all that different from mine frankly), but I love him.

This dude removes unwanted pests from homes. And the coolest thing.....HE GETS RID OF ALLIGATORS (including ones that are much bigger than in this picture). Now, to be fair, he gets bitten by stuff a lot. I'm not sure why Mommy and Daddy find it so funny. After all, to me he is a superhero. Do you laugh at Superman when he's weakened by kryptonite? I think not.

But I digress...this Billy guy will come to your house and get rid of your alligators. How cool is that? And, sadly, he sets them free in the wild (I think shackled in a closet far, far away is more fitting, but we can't all be perfect). He also does all the other critters that can bug you (be afraid Smudgie, be very afraid), but the thing that makes him especially special to me is that he FEARLESSLY GETS RID OF ALLIGATORS. I repeat....HE FEARLESSLY GETS RID OF ALLIGATORS.

Once the uprights are fast asleep I'm putting this dude's number on speed dial. (I'm sure I'll find out shortly after that that there's a rule against it, so I'll just remember that it's better to ask for forgiveness than for permission.)

Take care all,

Rudy (President of the OES Chapter of Billy's Fan Club)

EVEN MORE RULES

Mommy has added even more rules. I cannot believe it. Here are the "new ones." They are as unfair as the old ones...

-Toys must remain in the house. I am not allowed to take them out in the yard and leave them in Poo Corner. What if they want some fresh air? It's cruel to leave them inside all the time.

-No biting Smudgie's ear. He went to the vet and had a skin tag (whatever THAT is) removed, and it needs to heal so no biting. I think it's just something Smudgie made up to keep me from having fun.

-No sneaking up on Mommy and slipping my paws under her feet and then yelping when she steps on me. I think this is ridiculous. Maybe she should watch where her feet are stepping. And perhaps wearing shoes in the house is unnecessary. I know I manage without shoes just fine.

-All dogs must swallow the last mouthful of water instead of slogging it around and dripping all over the house every time they take a drink. Okay, I get this one in theory, but good luck with enforcement Mommy.

-No inviting strange dogs to play by acting like a ferocious beast. Apparently it upsets them and makes people think I'm aggressive. I have no idea how to ask to play nicely, and Hudson gets me, so I think the problem is the OTHER dogs. I'm really just the sweetest guy.

So, I'm still planning some sort of uprising, but I'll wait to uprise when there's something yummy on the counter to reach, or something like that.

Take care all, and any advice on how to overthrow this dictatorship (while still maintaining the good parts of it) is most welcome.

Rudy, the REALLY Oppressed

Yikes, they keep adding new rules here! What gives?

I have been a good and patient fellow. I like it here, and want to be a good doggie citizen, but they've gone crazy with all these new rules. Frankly some of them are downright ridiculous. Here are just a few I've been recently informed of:

1) No eating socks. Now I know it was suggested earlier, but I thought it was more of a guideline than an actual rule. Nope. RULE. (No fair.)

2) No eating all the buttons off Mommy's dress pants. In my defense, I only swallowed two or so. The pieces that were left over could easily be glued back into almost two full buttons. And who ever heard of needing four buttons anyway? That's just plain excessive. And I doubt it's environmentally friendly.

3) No stepping on the uprights' heads while they sleep. Well if that's the rule, shouldn't their heads be neatly put away? Maybe in a drawer? It's my job to stay on top of things while they sleep. How can I do that if I can't stay on top of their heads?

4) No stealing the yarn while Mommy crochets. Do I really need to even dignify this with further explanation? It just seems there are far better uses for Mommy's attention than yarn. Enough said.

5) No digging around in and eating the soil from the almost dead anyway potted plant. A dude's gotta eat! The paprika added a nice, earthy flavour, so thanks for that. Imagine my horror when the paprika was replaced with something that looks the same but burns my delicate little tongue! What is this cayenne stuff anyway? And can you really just buy this stuff legally? I think not. Perhaps a phone call to report this controlled substance is in order.

6) No table surfing during dinner. Look, I behave pretty well when people eat at the kitchen table, but I think the dining room table should have different rules. Besides, that's where the really good food goes. Once again there was something called Prime Rib and once again I didn't get any. Now I've never complained about being left out of the spinach salads, but yesterday's dinner should have been shared. Seriously, there were even leftovers. That means there was plenty for me.

7) Apparently we don't kennel both dogs evenly. How fair is that? It seems the rule is that if you try to ruin dinner for the uprights you go to your kennel while your brother gets to stay and hang out under the table. I don't think this is fair at all. I call foul on THAT rule. (Although a shout out goes to my Grandpa who couldn't take my barking and dragged my ginormous kennel into the dining room, with me inside, so I could at least WATCH the dinner.)

8) No peeing on the deck. I know I've shared this before, but I really thought this rule would fade away quietly. Nope. They MEAN it. Where is the fun in that? These uprights seems nice and all, but I'm seeing a definite tyrannical side.

9) No swallowing toy parts. Look, if you're not going to let me eat dirt, or people food, or socks, what's left? As I've said before, A DUDE'S GOTTA EAT! If I had a steady supply of this Prime Rib stuff I'd probably give up on the other "supplements" I require.

So, that's just a few for now. Can you believe this?!? Yes, I get lots of love and tummy rubs and my own special spot on the bed, and regular kibble, and walks, and car rides, and company, and trips to puppy school, and toys, and brushing, and snuggling...that's all good stuff, but they're ruining it with all these rules.

I think I'll be writing a letter of outrage! I just have to figure out where to send it. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Take care all, and remember, when it comes to rules...less is more.

Rudy, the Oppressed

Spring Break

I overheard the uprights talking. Something called Spring Break starts soon. Mommy and Daddy are still at work now, and Smudgie's snoozing in the bedroom. I hope they don't catch me out of my crate.

I don't know what Spring Break is, but I think I might like it. All Mommy's talked about is laundry, but I hope it's more exciting than that.

My snow is nearly all gone now, which makes my heart really sad. Apparently the weather forecast says it will be really really nice next week. I hope that means more snow and NO ALLIGATORS. I will keep you posted.

Take care all,

Rudy (cautiously optimistic about spring...)

So where is it going?

The uprights are in bed now, and already most of my snow has left me. How does this work? Why would the universe torture me like this? I think it is so cruel.

What's next? Alligators falling from the sky? Tiny little sabre toothed bunnies hiding in my blankets? A kibble shortage?

Oh woe, thy name is Rudy!

I must go to bed now and brood.

Take care all, and if you can, send snow.

Rudy, the deflated

It's back! It's back! IT'S BAAAACCKKKK!!!

I thought the snow was gone forever. There was absolutely none last night when my little brain went to sleep. The river thingie even broke up last night. Turns out there's running water IN MY VERY OWN BACKYARD. But even that pales in comparison to what happened while I slept...

Someone snuck into my yard and brought the snow back!!!!!!!!!!!

WOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, Mommy and Daddy aren't all that thrilled. But Smudgie and I sure are. We rolled in it and played in it and ate it. We ate and ate and ate. And there's still more. Now some is even falling from sky, just for us.

Oh happy day! Oh happy day! Now if we can just get Daddy to keep his promise to walk us this morning. In the glorious snow.

Life is grand.

Take care all!

Rudy the snowdog

Ok, I'm back and I'm still blushing...

So first of all, it turns out the vet was very nice. Except...there are just some places fingers do not need to be. Yep, she put her fingers in my bum. Not fair.

When she checked me out she decided that I had a problem with something called my "anal glands" and the next thing I know...yikes. Apparently they have been "expressed" and I should be okay. I do feel better, but one was really swollen so I have to be watched carefully in case of infection. Yikes again. I must admit, now that it's over and I've had a cookie, it wasn't that bad, but I did fuss a lot when she worked on the swollen one. Daddy rolled his eyes a little when Mommy made the appointment, but it turns out she was right. I think my Mommy is always right. At least she has been for the entire time I've known her. More people should listen to my Mommy. She knows stuff. (Yes Daddy, she asked me to write that.)

Anyway, I was good in the car and pretty good at the clinic, but I did bark at a few dogs. I met another sheepie. Her name was Muffin. I'm sad to say I barked at her. I just wanted to play, but I know I sound ferocious. I need to work on that.

So, all's well that ends well. And we'll not be talking about my end again anytime soon.

Take care all,

Rudy, with a spring in his step

PS...Remember how I keep telling everyone that I HATE being called Rudy Patootie. Now you know why!

I'm a little nervous.

Mommy's taking me to the vet today, to meet Dr. Skakun. I hear she's really nice, but I plan on being nervous anyway. Hopefully they'll give me lots of treats while I'm there. They did last time. I haven't met her yet, but when I do I hope she likes my wiggly bottom. When in doubt, wiggle. That's what I always say.

Anyway, I'll have to report back later. I'm supposed to be locked away in my crate, but I snuck over to the computer before my amazing Auntie Brighit caught me, so I could let you know. I'll have to tell you the rest of the details later. (Smudgie gets to go to obedience AGAIN. I have to miss my turn because of my appointment. It's okay I guess.)

Take care all,

Rudy the Adventurer

Today was pretty uneventful

Mommy and Daddy left me in my crate today. It was almost as if it wasn't Saturday. They think I don't know the days of the week, but I do. They spent the day helping Uncle Garth and Auntie Shawna move (I don't think Mommy was all that helpful, but maybe I'm wrong...)

So, I didn't get my usual Saturday stuff, but there was a good long early morning snuggle with Mommy. Hudson and I had a slow motion biteyfight. We flopped backwards a lot, and each of us fell off the bed at least four times. It was big fun.

I'm kind of in the doghouse right now, and I don't really know why. Apparently I was doing well with the whole "housebreaking" thing (why on earth they would WANT me to break the house is unclear), but on Thursday I pooped in the living room. They don't know why I did it, and I'm not telling, but I just don't understand what they want from me. I go outside whenever I can, but I don't know how to ask to be let out.

Which brings me to last night. I was down by the bushes, enjoying a nice pee (not on the deck, you'll notice) and Daddy came out and started calling me. What's a good boy to do? I stopped what I was doing and came running. So, around midnight, when Daddy was fast asleep and Mommy was up late in the TV room watching something called "Glee" I had no option. Since I hadn't finished my peeing earlier because of Daddy, I just peed in the bedroom later.

It appears this is frowned upon.

Daddy woke up and yelled. Then I was cast out into the cold, dark night and told I couldn't return until I peed. (Um, don't they get that that's what I just did. By that time, I'm good, thanks.) Then the evil steam cleaner came out. Daddy was really unhappy.

Well, sure enough, when they came home around dinner I wanted to play with Daddy, so I held my pees again. And Mommy took me out, but I wanted to go look out the window to see if Daddy was back so I didn't pee, and then half an hour later I had to and didn't know how to ask, and....ooops. Let's just say that Mommy's not happy with me now either.

I get that I'm doing something wrong, but for the life of me I can't quite figure out what it is. If only I could figure out how to let them know I need to go out. I am a good dog, and I don't want to mess in the house, but my uprights don't seem to hear the thoughts in my head when I need them to.

I'm so confused.

Take care all,

Rudy, damp and befuddled

Hudson here again

I just needed to let you all know that, as much as I love my brother Rudy, he has some bad habits that really need to change.

1)Just because Mommy says no peeing on the deck does NOT mean that we should stop peeing on the deck. And pretending to be all outraged about it, but still doing what she wants us to do doesn't count. We need some canine solidarity here.

2)Just because I don't bite him for sitting on my head doesn't mean he should sit on my head.

3)While I believe whole chicken breasts ARE for swallowing in their entirety, I KNOW that socks do not fall into that category. Daddy found a sock at Poo Corner yesterday, and I KNOW it did not come out of my bottom, so Rudy, Dude, you need to stop. That stuff can actually kill you. I know I make jokes about not liking you, but I really, deep down inside, DO.

4)The wiggly tail stub thing needs to stop also. If the "uprights" as he calls them can easily tell his moods he has nothing to hold back from them, and nothing to use to manipulate them. Keep that thing still. And, by the way, stop hitting me with it in the nose at night. It's irritating.

5)And lastly, I come to this most irritating issue. Last night my Mommy and Daddy decided we should all "sing." I know that they haven't done any singing since ThePas passed away. I've heard he was a great singer, and it's been two years since a group sing occurred. Last night they decided to try it again. I HATED IT. It was weird, and creepy, and I am way too cool to do any ridiculous singing. Rudy, however, jumped right in and howled and howled with this silly little girly howl. I've never heard anything so high pitched. And he wagged that ridiculous bottom over and over. I came really close to having to bite him. Now that HE joined in the singing, Mommy and Daddy keep chasing me around, trying to get me to join in.

I am way too cool for that.

Not gonna happen.

So Rudy, stop being that kind of dog. Stop being so happy just to be alive. Stop doing every single little thing that Mommy and Daddy ask of you. You are ruining it for the rest of us. For me, and for all future puppies that may join us. Just stop. Just say no. Or do what I do, roll your eyes and walk away.

Stop the insanity Rudy!

Hudson

My snow is gone.

My snow is gone. And I think Mommy's lost her ever lovin' mind. Now that the snow is gone she thinks that Smudgie and I should stop peeing on the deck. Now Smudgie tells me that before I came she had made him stop peeing on the deck, and that he only started up again because I was. So apparently, NOT peeing on the deck is the plan.

I don't like the plan.

Yesterday I balanced on my little tippy toes and peed completely in a flower pot on the deck. The uprights laughed at my pose but did say that they were impressed by how much Rudypee one nine inch pot could hold. They also said they were sure I had killed that soil forever. Yeah. Sure. Fine. Whatever. Haha.

Today she took Hudson out first, and I could hear her snarking at him. He went off the step but peed on the ramp, so apparently that wasn't good enough. When she got me out of my crate I ran around looking for him, and she brought me out and right down the deck stairs and I peed in the bushes.

I didn't like that as much as the deck. But Mommy screamed and hooted and told me I was a very good boy. Hudson glared at me and rolled his eyes, but she never catches him.

So I might go off the deck for Mommy. She's tough after all. But I am confident that my Daddy won't enforce it, so I guess I'll only pee on the deck half the time.

Have you ever heard of a more unreasonable request? No peeing on the deck. Honestly. They should be grateful I agreed to stop peeing on the BBQ cover. THAT was pushing it, but I gave in because I do really like it here and I do not want to do anything to ruin things. But I just can't abide the whole no peeing on the deck thing.

It's cruel and unusual punishment.

Take care all,

Rudy, the displaced

Just wanted to show you my footie!

Even my footies agree...puddles completely and totally rock.

Puddles and birthday wishes...

Okay, I love snow...and I'm sad it's going, but turns out when snow goes puddles come. I'm not sure how that works exactly, but puddles are awesome.

They are deepest in the middles, I've checked. And they are cold and squishy and they splash. Oh, the splashing. It is fantastic. My brother doesn't appreciate them the way I do - and I always thought that puddles were just made of water, but it turns out the really good ones are made of both water AND MUD! And, because of that, they stay with you for a long time. You can even bring the mud back in your fur, and then lay on the family bed, and in time all those little mud pieces will fall on the bed and you can keep them forever. How cool is that?!

Puddles, puddles, I love puddles. I must write a song. Puddles are great. The deeper the better...

...oh yeah, and Mommy suggested I mention that today is Hudson's second birthday. Happy Birthday Smudgie.

Now, my mind must return to the glory of PUDDLES.

Take care all,

Puddle Jumper Rudy

Just a little shameless self promotion...

It's way past my bedtime. The uprights are fast asleep and I snuck out of the bedroom and headed down to the computer. I just thought I'd let everyone know that my Grandma and Grandpa came over on Saturday night again, and Hudson and I were perfect gentlemen. We hate that leash thing Daddy does, and making us get quiet and submissive, what's up with that? But once he sets us free we join the group in a very nice way, and that means we get to be a part of things.

So I just wanted to share and yay for us.

Take care,

Sir Rudster

Big sheepie hugs and love

Cousin Aurthur passed away yesterday. We are all very sorry he's gone. We know that he's now with Cousin Winnie, and that's a good thing, but we send all our love and hugs to his uprights. I know he's going to be very, very missed.

Take care Auntie Brighit, Cousin Vienna, and Cousin Jzero. Our thoughts are with you.

Rudy (and Tracie and Gordon and Hudson)

The weather here is very different from Florida

I am trying to embrace the idea that seasons actually change (gasp) but the other morning I woke up to something horrifying. We've been having something called fog. That means that you look out your window and nothing is there. I don't know where they take all the stuff, but it's just gone. The outdoors looks like white smoke everywhere. They bring the stuff back in the afternoon, but you never see them moving it. Freaky.

This particular morning the yard looked like this:













Can you imagine? Mommy says it's something called hoar frost, and it happens when the fog does something called condense on the trees and stuff. I'm glad there are no alligators here. Could you imagine if they got all frosty? Sure, that might look cute, but I bet they'd be even crankier! And I checked, this frost stuff does not taste like frosting. That's a cruel twist of fate.











So, my brother and I have decided that until the yucky weather is over we will spend as much of our time as we possibly can, in our all time, most favouritest spot of all...right on top of Daddy in the big chair in the TV room. Look at us. Can you tell I really love it here?

Things sure are changing fast.

There is not much snow left on my deck, and the "river" is starting to look wet already. Mommy says that's weird. She also says something called break up is coming. I hope it's not painful. I also hope it doesn't mean we all break up. I really like this place and this family.

My Mommy showed me a picture of my cousin Jzero wearing a funny hat and holding an important piece of paper. It looked like a yummy piece of paper to me. Everyone is really proud of him. Good job. And if you need any help with eating that paper, just give me a call. I'm always ready for a snack.

We may have a ghost problem here. I'm hoping it's a regular ghost and not an alligator ghost. Those can be fierce. The garage door opened all by itself. Of course Smudgie and I barked to alert Daddy (Mommy was up late watching TV) and he got grumpy on us for waking him up. Sheesh. Eventually he looked out the window and then grumbled about having to go back down and close it. Apparently we can't win. Although we did get an extra pee break and a cookie to lure us back up to bed.

That's about all I have to share for now. I'm really trying to fly under the radar right now. The uprights are still a little upset about the puddle in the living room incident from last night. I was hoping that would all just pass quietly, but I hear Mommy told all her friends on sheepie chat, so that is definitely something I'm sure I'll never hear the end of.

Sigh.

Take care,

Rudy (undercover investigative reporter and canine paper shredder)

Just sending a little love out there.

My Mommy just let me know that my cousin Artie is very sick. I only got to meet him once, and he was awesome. I know this is a very hard time for my Auntie Brighit and my cousin Vienna, and the whole family, especially since they just lost cousin Winnie. We just wanted to send all our love, support, and hugs their way.

We all love you all very much.

Rudy (and family too, of course)

Hey. I almost forgot. I have two pictures to share with you.

This is a picture of me on my bed. The uprights think it's their bed, but we all know the truth. Look, I'm even sending you a kiss.

And this is what I'd look like in jail!

Take care,

Rudy (Prisoner # 549530-3432)

I thought snow was way better than alligators.

Now I am thinking they may both be connected. Here are some of my ponderings, now that my nice fluffy snow is all melty and squishy. There are some definite connections:

Ways snow is just like alligators...

1) Alligators sneak up on you and grab your leg when you're not looking. Snow banks give way and grab your leg(s) when you fall through and you never see it coming. (THIS IS NOT AS FUNNY AS YOU SEEM TO THINK MOMMY. YOU ONLY LAUGH BECAUSE IT'S NOT YOUR LEG.)

2) Alligators ignore you when they're not interested in you. Snow can lie in wait for MONTHS until it shows an interest in taking you down, too.

3) Alligators are pretty smart. The same, I now realize, can be said for snowbanks, too.

4) Alligators like water. Turns out...snow IS water. Hmmmmm...

5) The word "alligator" has nine letters. So does the word "snowbanks." Freaky!

6) Since you never see alligators and snow together at the same time, how do we know for sure they are different at all?

7) Snow is not warm blooded. Neither are alligators. I think I'm on to something.

8) My bratty brother once tried to push me into a snowbank. I'm pretty sure he'd try the same if there was an alligator around.

I'm sure there are many more. I'll post them as I investigate this further. If anyone has any to add, please let me know. I'm sad that my beloved snow is now turning on me and melting. And even worse is that some of the melty bits end up hard and slippy too.

I'll have to hit the books and do a little more investigating into this spring thaw stuff. I'm hoping the alligators aren't on their way here. Do they migrate? Yikes. More to worry about.

Take care all,

P. I. Rudy

Speaking of Sam...

This is a picture of the legendary Sam. His name is Sam Winchester Roadrunner. He's my Mommy's muscle car. He's getting a paint job this spring. It's very important to her that everyone know this is NOT my Daddy's car, nor do they share it. It's hers. And apparently that makes her cool. I just don't understand why she won't let me have a ride.

Take care,

Rudy Roadrunner (beep beep)

I AM A GOOD BOY! I AM A GOOD BOY!

You may remember from yesterday's post that Grandma and Grandpa were coming over for dinner and I promised not to jump on them. I tried really hard, and was afraid I might oops and do it anyway, but I was good. I was very good. And so was Smudgie! (That's Hudson's nickname. I don't know if I'm allowed to use it yet, but I'll give it a shot.)

When they first came we were both crazy. Mommy had to be a little bossy. She wouldn't let them even look at us. (I thought that was mean.) All the uprights moved into the kitchen and Daddy stayed with us, on our leashes, in the entrance way. He waited until we both calmed down, sat, and then laid down. Apparently this is what he learned from Cesar Milan. It was soooo hard. But when we were both settled he took off our leashes and we all walked, calmly, into the kitchen. Then we got to say a very calm hello.

And that was that.

We were both calm all evening. We got to lay on the floor by the dining room table while they ate (sharing was minimal, but fortunately Grandma drops stuff), and later we moved to the living room where we hung around while they played canasta. (The men won, and apparently Grandpa was a little smug about it, but it looked like everyone had a good time.) We didn't even jump on them when they were leaving. All in all, we were two very civilized dogs.

Grandma and Grandpa complimented us a lot. They were very impressed. Grandpa really liked me. He smiled a lot, and petted me, and wouldn't tell me to get away when I tried to lick the ice cream cake (and other stuff) on the table. But Mommy and Daddy made sure that my table surfing fun did not continue for long.

So, I AM a very good boy. Grandpa said I had a wonderful personality, and they both really liked my stubby little tail, too. They made a few alligator jokes, but I think those were in good fun.

So, yay for me! And yay for Smudgie!

In other news:

Hudson seems to be doing really well. He hasn't pooped today, but yesterday's and the day before's were both really good (whatever that means). The chickenfarts have passed and the uprights aren't sure how much longer they need to officially worry. So far so good. Hudson's already trying to snarfle other stuff, so he's over it I'm sure.

Mommy's finished her stinky report cards, so we actually got to hang out this weekend. That was really nice, and she was much happier.

Daddy gave Mommy her birthday gift today (her birthday was last weekend). It's a lot of funny looking boxes and stuff. Apparently when all of it is hooked up it will be a stereo for her classic car, Sam. I haven't seen Sam. He's locked up in the garage and we've both been told he's a dog free zone. He's something called a 1974 Roadrunner. We'll see. Mommy wasn't too sure about the stereo until Daddy explained that when someone obnoxious pulls up beside her blasting rap music, she'll now be able to turn her stereo up to 3, and her music will completely overshadow his. Then they laughed and he said, "Yep. This cool dude with his bass set to blast and his gangsta rap will suddenly hear nothing but 'dancing queen...young and sweet...only seventeen....'" and Daddy did the Dancing Queen dance. I wish someone had taped it. It actually made Mommy burst out laughing. Now she really loves her scary stereo parts.

And finally...another first for me...

The uprights seem to feel it's important for me to pee and poo when I'm on a leash. I've been really good about going outside, and I always poo in Poo Corner, but apparently if I do it on the walk, Daddy bags it (there's this funny looking fire hydrant bling on my leash with little baggies in it), and then it gets thrown away. It cuts down on having to scoop the yard. I don't think it's that important, but since I'm riding the glory of being such a good dog yesterday I threw them a proverbial bone. I pooped on my walk.

There was much rejoicing.

Uprights really are strange and offputting.

Take care all,

Rudy (Official Good Boy)

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Today my Grandma and Grandpa are coming over for dinner. My Grandma's birthday was yesterday, but we're celebrating today. Mommy will be cooking all day, and the house will smell sooooooooooooo yummy.

I was thinking that, as a gift to her, I'll try not to jump on her quite so much. Hudson told me that, a summer or two ago, he jumped on her in her driveway and she fell down, right into a bush. He still feels really bad (so does Daddy, he was there at the time). I pledge to not knock her down at all, as a special birthday present.

And, for an update on Hudson, so far he seems to be okay still. He's making these really stinky chicken farts, and it really makes the uprights' faces get all funny. I don't think it's all that bad, but I am a dog. I like sniffing poo, so maybe human standards are a little different.

Well, I must go and rest up. Daddy's assignment for today is to take us on a "monster walk" to tire us out before Grandma and Grandpa get here. I don't know exactly what that means, but it does sound kind of scary. I'm okay with vampires, but there are lots of other monsters I don't think I care to meet. Maybe only friendly monsters are invited to this walk. I hope that's how it works. If they are scary, hungry ones, I may have to push Hudson into them and run away. Sorry. I've been through too much in the last few months to lose it all by getting eaten by a monster. Hopefully, it won't come to that.

Take care all,

Rudy, reluctant monsterfacer

I think Hudson really did it this time.

Mommy came home with two pieces of fried chicken for her dinner. They smelled wonderful. Hudson grabbed the bag and pulled it to the floor. The container popped open and we each grabbed a piece.

Mommy grabbed me and removed the chicken leg from my mouth immediately (pout) and then went for Hudson. He got the breast, and I've never seen a dog do this. He swallowed it in one gulp before she got to him. It was like he was a snake. Even an alligator would bite it first.

The uprights are very worried. They called the emergency vet. No one knows what's going to happen to Hudson. He might be fine, but since he ate it bones and all he might get very sick. He could end up in the emergency room. He has to be watched carefully.

So now Mommy doesn't want to go to work tomorrow, but has to, and plans to come check on him at lunch, but is very worried, and can't even sleep. So far, Hudson seems okay.

Could all my friends keep their fingers crossed for Hudson? Mommy and Daddy are really worried. I had no idea that eating a piece of chicken could be such a dangerous thing. And Mommy feels really bad that she didn't get to Hudson in time.

Take care all (and Hudson too).

Rudy (Hudson's worried brother)

How do I explain this to Hudson?

Okay. To me it seems simple enough. I spend the day in MY crate. He gets the upstairs. It's not really fair, but apparently I'm not trustworthy enough yet. OK. Fine. I don't like it but I'll deal with it.

But when Mommy comes home and lets Hudson out they come to get me next and that silly brother (with his enormous bum) climbs into MY crate and won't let me out.

We wrestle, push, roll, and bite until we both fall out in a heap of fur, teeth, and wigglebums. There is no dignity whatsoever in it. And worst of all Mommy rolls her eyes and laughs at us.

Does anyone have any Hudson repellent? I don't know how to make that big (but lovable) oaf stop it!

Rudy (the squashed banana)

PS...Aaron, if you're out there (and you remembered this web address...impressive) Mommy told me you enjoyed my blog today. I hear you're cool too. I send a big sloppy doggie kiss to you pal!

The Uprights and the Quadrupeds are Having a Difference of Opinion

Our position is simple. We LOVE our special window. It's nice and high (second floor) and we can see every person, dog, car, truck and bicycle that goes by. And, we need to show our appreciation for this by barking maniacally and throwing ourselves against the window. What's the big deal?

The uprights are worried that eventually the old window pane or glass will give out and we'll fall two stories down to the driveway, so Mommy's been doing the Cesar Milan thing on us for two days.

Yesterday it worked really well on Hudson. He stopped reacting to the window completely after only seven or eight minutes. I was too freaked out by his good behaviour to say or do anything, so I just laid down on the bed too.

Today we decided to give it another try. We started barking again and Mommy did the "owning the area" stuff. Hudson laid down (yikes) and submitted, and I just paced around, not knowing what on earth to do. Then a really exciting SUV drove by (it reminded us of Daddy's, except it has no rust and all the sections are painted the same colour, and it's not dirty, and its parts work, and it has an antenna, and it appears to start just fine), and WE HAD TO BARK.

Hudson jumped up. Mommy jumped up. I ran around the room, confused, barking at the air, and then the most awful thing happened. Hudson knocked the entire water bowl over on Mommy's foot.

She shrieked. We both ran. A wet sock flew in the air across the room and made a squashing sound when it landed on Hudson's crate. Sheesh.

And now for some unknown reason the bedroom door is closed. When Hudson scratched at it, Mommy said a bad word. She shouldn't do that.

So, apparently we're spending the evening in the TV room with Mommy and Daddy.

Uprights can be so unfair.

Take care all...

Rudy (the displaced)

Well, isn't this interesting?

So, it's Monday night. Obedience night. Guess who just left with Daddy, Grandma and Cousin Katie? Not me. That's for sure. What gives?

Apparently now that Hudson's shaving is complete he gets his turn every second week, which means I get left behind. I'm so sad.

On the other hand I just came back from my first ever solo walk with Mommy. She took me out right after they left. That was kind of nice. Usually I go with Hudson and Daddy and Hudson's so crazy that I get riled up and chaos ensues. This time Mommy took me just with my collar (no embarrassing halter) and we just walked together. It was nice. I didn't pull (except when she forgot to stop at a yellow snowbank...I guess she doesn't understand the sniffing rules completely yet). I think we could get used to this.

It wasn't that long a walk. Apparently the really nice weather today melted lots of stuff, and then when the sun went down things froze back up. It made things a little slippery for Mommy. I even stepped on a frozen puddle and went through. It was a tiny bit scary, but even more exciting. It was like being adrift (well, one paw's worth anyway) on the open sea. Not like the ocean back in Florida of course...this was colder, but still no pesky alligators. So overall, a win win kind of thing. In fact, very pirate like. Arrrrrr! Or should I say Grrrrrr!?

Now we're going to snuggle on the couch and watch TV. That doesn't sound too bad. Mommy even said something about cookies.

Well, I'm off. Take care all...

Long John Rudy