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

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?

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...

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!

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,

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?

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.

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.

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...

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