Report Cards are Stinky

I don't exactly know what those are, but I know I don't like them. Mommy's been at it since the sun came up (and on her birthday no less!) and we're not allowed to go bug her. I mean, love her, play with her, sit on her...you know.

So we've been trapped upstairs all day with Daddy. All he does is nap and type on his computer. This is so unfair.

What are report cards anyway? And how can they possibly be that important? And why does Mommy look so sad she could cry? And why didn't anybody tell me it was her birthday? I didn't get a chance to get her anything. And right now I just want to go jump on her and make her happy, but DADDY WON'T LET ME!

I just don't get it.

Rudy, the confused

I forgot to tell you.

The uprights did manage to finish shaving my brother. I think he still looks funny. He doesn't want to spend quite as much time outside now as he used to, and seems to be interested in this thing they call spring.

What do you think? He's kind of short and funny looking now, isn't he? Just don't tell him I said that or I'll get a well placed bite in the bum for sure! (And in other news, did you notice our favourite multi squeaky cow in the picture! We've even left one or two squeakies inside it.)

Take care,

Rudy Sassoon

So I heard the uprights talking and I'm concerned.

I overheard the uprights talking about the weather and about spring. Apparently the "weather forecast" (sounds like fiction to me) says that it's going to be melting soon. They seem to be referring to the snow I love so very much.

Seriously!

What is life without snow?

I heard a discussion about mud, which sounds like fun but I don't think you can eat as much of it as snow. I don't think it's all crunchy and melty at the same time like snow. Whatever will I do?

I love standing on the snowbank and looking over the fence. Once that melts I won't feel tall anymore. And what if the alligators come back? Do they migrate to avoid the snow? Will we be completely overrun with them? And what about squirrels? Right now there's one pesky little guy who hangs out chittering at us. Will all his friends come back and be underfoot?

I'm too young to never see snow again! How unfair. Can't they at least make snow a yearly thing? I think I'll have to write an angry letter to someone. Who's in charge of this stuff? I must do some googling on this matter to figure it out.

Maybe I'll ask my Grandpa. I'm going to meet him for the first time tonight. Daddy says we're going for a big walk this afternoon to tire me out so I won't jump on Grandpa. I think it's nice that Daddy still knows how to dream big.

Well, gotta go. If anyone knows who I should call or write to to correct this snow melting atrocity, please let me know.

Take care all.

Rudy (Spring Chicken)

P.S. This is a picture that Mommy showed me to try to calm me down. These are some lilies that will bloom in our yard later this year. Please note the complete lack of snow on them. Where's the fun? You can't eat the lilies. I plan to try of course, but I'm sure they won't let me. How on earth can this be a substitute for the snow I've come to love? Oh, woe is Rudy!

Just a quick update this morning.

I'll type quietly. I'm sure many of you are still sleeping...

Daddy decided that I should get another chance at some freedom last night, so I got the bedroom, hallway, and computer room. Now some of you may remember my "indiscretion" with the computer room carpet last time. (I genuinely believed I was doing something nice for the uprights by letting them sleep and not waking them when I needed to pee. I'm still sure my heart was in the right place, if not my other parts.) Well, I thought I'd let you know that I've tried hard to learn from my "mistakes" and so last night I fussed and woke them up when I had to pee instead of using the carpet.

Apparently, they really think that's better because they praised me to pieces for it.

Note to self: If it's gonna get me that much love and attention, I'll have to wake them frequently at night to get some love. Who knew they'd think that was a good thing?

Well, gotta fly here. Have a great Friday all.

Take care,

Nocturnal Rudy

And the attention NEVER stops!

I know that a lot of my friends online don't live in Winnipeg (seriously, you all should...awesome snow, and no alligators!) but I wanted to announce that little old me....that's right...me...Rudy was featured in the Tuesday, February 23rd issue of the Winnipeg Free Press. (Oh yeah, Hudson was kinda in there too, but the headline only mentioned ME!)

I was prominently featured in the pet pic of the day section. I can post the picture that they used here, but you'd have to track down the actual paper for the rest of the write up. Mommy wrote it, and since I don't have opposable thumbs (yet) I can't open the paper to get to it. I think it really features my best side. I do have an especially nice (and wiggly) bottom. If you look really closely you'll notice that my stubby little tail is quite blurry. That would, of course, be because it never stops moving.

Anyway, I'm thinking that maybe I should start prepping for future interviews. I'm sure Oprah will be calling any day now. I'm also thinking of developing a behavioural issue, just so I can meet that Cesar Milan guy. Mommy, Smudgie (Hudson's nickname, which is only slightly cooler than the Rudy Patootie thing Mommy keeps calling me...sigh...) and I watch the Dog Whisperer all the time. Mommy says if we watch carefully we'll learn to behave better. Ha Ha. Very funny. Hudson's been watching it for almost two years. Hasn't helped him one bit. Did you know that while Mommy made dinner tonight Hudson stole a candy wrapper from one counter, a grocery receipt from the floor, and an entire plum from the kitchen table. I bet he wouldn't have liked it once he tried it, but Mommy sure looked funny chasing him around the house to get it back.

Well darlings, I must take a nap now. Have to be fresh for when the rest of the papparazzi come calling.

Take care all,

Rudy (media darling)

PS Believe it or not, last night's soup was yummy. I licked a bowl. Today I didn't get any of the dinner, but while Mommy was cooking I got one bean sprout (one?!?!?), a water chestnut, a piece of bok choy, and one matchstick carrot. I liked it all, but I'm a big dog. We've got to do something about the quantity. The coconut rice she cooked smelled heavenly.

Sorry I missed you all yesterday.

Mommy went out for dinner with "the girls" and that meant we boys stayed home with Daddy. It was very, very stressful for us. Daddy doesn't do it right. Any of it.

So we paced, and whined, and barked at every little thing that went by, hoping Mommy would hear us and come right home. But she stayed out until just after ten. On a school night. Seriously. What was she thinking?

We jumped and rejoiced and carried on when she finally came home. Apparently it took her thirty minutes to drive home from her friend Sheri's house (four blocks away) because it's slippery and she hates winter driving, but at least she eventually made it home. I should have gone out and gotten her, I guess. I pretty much have this winter thing covered. How hard can driving really be? My legs will easily reach the pedals.

When she got home, we were so exhausted we collapsed to sleep. Mommy crawled into bed and discovered that someone had barfed in it (it was wet and icky and we'll go with barf as the alternative is worse). Then while she was changing the bedding, she stepped in a wet spot on the floor. Daddy insisted we must have knocked over our water bowl, but Mommy thinks I peed.

I'm not confirming or denying anything. No one can prove a thing.

So, it was forty five minutes later when we all went to sleep (finally). Ten minutes after that Daddy grumbled something about not having any room on the bed and left. The three of us had a wonderful sleep on the bed all night long, until five in the morning when I cried at the door to go out. (I figured that would go a long way toward convincing Mommy that it was the water bowl and not my bladder that caused the problem earlier in the day.)

So again, I'm so sorry I didn't talk to you all yesterday. I was too pooped to type. Gotta run now. Mommy's making something called African peanut soup. It smells superyummy and I'm sure she needs my help.

Take care all,

Safari Rudy

(I've always wanted to see Africa....but I hear they have something called crocodiles, which I hope aren't anything like alligators, but I suspect they are....so maybe I'll stick with the soup.)

A brief message on behalf of Floyd

It seems I was mistaken. Floyd is not a squishy, squeaky elephant. He is, in fact, a squishy, squeaky rhinoceros. My bad. I wish to sincerely apologize to Floyd for any accidental besmirchment of his character, race, or species. No offense was ever intended.

And now, if we're good Floyd, I shall commence biting you and ripping out that which makes you squeak.

Take care all,

Big Game Hunter Rudy

I really impressed the uprights.

Last night they went for dinner at their friends' house. I was a little hurt not to get to go, but apparently they have small children who run and shriek a lot. Sounds like a blast to me, but Mommy and Daddy said it wasn't a good idea.

So, for the first time ever, they left me in the bedroom with Hudson instead of trapped in my crate. I was so excited. I didn't know what to do. We played a bit and barked out the window. The uprights left the blind closed so we only had a small window to look out of. I think they did it so we wouldn't throw our whole bodies against the glass. Mommy doesn't trust the window. Daddy says it's fine. Mommy won, of course.

They were gone for days, weeks even. (Hudson says it was about three hours or so, but what does he know?) I did my very, very best to not pee in the bedroom and guess what? I succeeded. They were so happy with me when they got home. They cheered. Daddy bragged to Mommy that he knew it all along and Mommy called him smug and stuck out her tongue.

I am Rudy the Great! Rudy the Dry! Rudy the Bladdermaster! Yay for me. I am hoping this is the start of increased freedom. Mommy says we have to take baby steps on this, but I'd rather go by leaps and bounds. I guess we'll have to wait and see what the future holds for me.

Take care all.

Rudy (dry as the Sahara)

Today was absolutely awesome!

Okay, I am loving this car ride thing...even if they do insist on strapping me down.

So, we had to do something called "errands" today, so on went the embarrassing halters, and into the dirty truck we went. I immediately jumped into the front, and Daddy wasn't impressed so we played a fun game while he wrestled me into the back seat and hooked me in. It was so much fun. And then, while he was snapping me in Hudson made a break for it. Mommy got him, took him out of the truck and made him go in through the back again. She was NOT impressed. I love jumping into the truck, but my brother will only put his front feet on the seat and insists on having his bum lifted. I guess it's not his fault. He is bossy and short.

So, we headed off to this place called Lorenzo's. It took hours to get there. (Mommy says that Daddy's route is "ridiculous.") After we went through a drive thru. Now, if you don't know what a drive thru is, you really aren't living life to the fullest. You drive up, tell them what kind of food you want, and they GIVE IT TO YOU. If only they spoke dog. I tried. I really tried.

We dogs had to wait, unfairly tied up, in the back seat, but Mommy did give us each a pickle (yummmmmmy) and one French Fry. (Note to self...there should be more French Fries.) Then we drove back to that Safeway place.

Once again Daddy brought us to that wonderful bench. People stopped and visited. All kinds of people. This time it was much warmer and the people didn't come as close. It turns out that snow + warm = mud. And oh my goodness, did we have muddy paws. What fun.

When we went back into the truck with our muddy paws we played the catch me game again. We got all four seats completely muddy. Yay for us. I'm sure there's a spot for us in those Olympic Gamey Thingies. I think Daddy's entering the Olympic Swearing Event. I'm not sure why he was so cranky. He must just be tired.

Then we went to visit Auntie Brighit and Cousin Vienna. We wanted to give them some (really yummy smellling) flowers because they're so sad because they miss Cousin Winnie. Daddy said he'd stay out in the backyard with us, but they invited us in. I got to explore their house, and meet my Cousin Arthur. He growled at Hudson a few times (who wouldn't?) but he seemed to like me.

They had these things there called cats. They have many cats. I think about a hundred. The cats really weren't all that into me, but I sure loved them. I even ran down their basement stairs to go back and visit one. (Remember when I didn't know what stairs were? That's a lifetime ago now.) Cats are like small dogs, who are really cranky and communicate by hissing and trying to scratch you with their claws. Very strange, but I'm sure in time I'll figure it all out. We've all been invited back for dinner in the future, so I must have been a pretty good boy.

All three dogs (no cats though) went out to play in the backyard. That was fun. We saw people walking by and heard other neighbourhood dogs barking. What a good day.

I still LOVE this place. What amazing wonders there are in Winnipeg. When I got strapped back into the truck I fell fast asleep. What could be better than a day like this?

Well, there was one thing to finish it off just right. When we got home Mommy gave us a new squeaky elephant. I think we'll name him Floyd. I've no idea why. He's not soft, but he's really squeaky. Mommy's hoping he'll last longer than the other toys. It's good that Mommy still dares to dream.

Take care all,

Rudy, globetrotter

Just wanted to point out...

Well, it seems no one is keeping track of my accomplishments, so I need to let everyone know about this myself. I have not PEED in the house since the wee hours of Thursday, February 11th. Here it is more than a week later, and no one has thrown a parade for me. What gives?

While we're on the subject, I haven't pooped in this house since January 27th. Doesn't that warrant a celebratory prime rib dinner? Uprights, I know you know what that is, so don't go pretending you don't.

Where are my accolades? Where are my treats? Where is my parade down Portage and Main? And what is Portage and Main anyway? (I heard about it on TV...sounded important...something Winnipeggy...)

Now, onto other business...

I know my crate is big, but is it really necessary for Hudson to run INTO my crate before I get out of it? When Mommy comes home from work and lets me out (so I can pee OUTside), Hudson always runs into the crate before I can get out. Now I know my crate is pony sized, but so am I. There just isn't room for two.

No matter how hard I try, his enormous bum blocks me and we both end up trapped. Any advice? I growled once (not really, but I faked it by making the sound and curling my lips) and Hudson just put on his e-brake and became an even more immovable object. Brother, you need to move. After being in that crate all day my bladder is screaming, and it takes all my concentration to make it to the door without letting go.

I want to get to the two-weeks-without-an-accident point as soon as I can. I'm sure there will some sort of medal ceremony for me then. I just know it.

Rudy, forever holding his pees

Some more sad news

I'm very sad to hear that my cousin Winnie passed away Thursday evening. I didn't get a chance to meet her, but I heard wonderful things about her. She lived with my Auntie Brighit and Cousin Vienna, so she was a very lucky (and very loved) dog.

We all send our love and sympathy to her brother and best pal Arthur, and her whole family, too.

Sheepie hugs to all.

Rudy (and Hudson, and Gordon, and Tracie)

Here's a Hudson Story for You All

So yesterday evening, as Daddy was making and eating his dinner (Mommy ate at six and Daddy was late, but I heard that he "called" to tell her that so it was all okay and she wasn't irked that she had dinner planned and he just didn't show...whatever that means), Hudson decided to do a little counter surfing.

Now I'm not against counter surfing myself. I've done my fair share, but I know better than to do it in front of Mommy and Daddy because (a) you get hollered at and (b) they never let you keep what you get if they actually see you anyway...but I digress.

Hudson decided to do it anyway. Silly, silly boy. And of course as he's sniffing about Mommy and Daddy get really quiet. I know they're going to get him good.

His nose zooms in on the toaster. It's on, and there's some really yummy smelling bread inside (Mommy made it on the weekend. It has something called sorghum in it, and flax, and amaranth, and sunflower seeds...very strange if you ask me, but apparently it has something to do with "allergies.") Anyway, Hudson's nose was right on the side of the toaster and he was just about to lift his front legs off the ground (I could see his back muscles begin to tense) when, out of nowhere, THE TOASTER POPPED.

I nearly peed on the kitchen floor (not on purpose or anything). It was SO funny. He jumped and ran out of that kitchen so fast I think he nearly peed on the floor in terror.

And the uprights laughed. And they laughed. And they laughed and laughed and laughed even more. Hudson was NOT amused. But I sure was. I still snicker when I think of it.

Aren't big brothers supposed to be big, strong role models? Poor Hudson. He sulked for quite a while after.

Take care,

Rudy ROTFLMBO (rolling on the floor laughing my bum off)

Not everything is for eating?

Mommy and I don't agree on this. I think that if it smells good, and goes down, it's for eating. Mommy says that there are some things that aren't. Have you all heard this before? I think she's making it up to ruin my fun. And just because you throw it back up (on the bed, while the uprights are sleeping) doesn't mean that you shouldn't have eaten it in the first place. It's just one of those things. Besides, throwing it back up just means I can enjoy it all over again, right? Or maybe it's a good way to share with Hudson.

Things Mommy "Claims" Aren't for Eating:

1) Large wads of dog hair
2) Small wads of dog hair
3) Socks
4) Mommy's shoes
5) Daddy's shoes (they are way stinkier)
6) The rubber plant stems
7) The rubber plant leaves
8) The rubber plant mud
9) Any and all other parts of the rubber plant
10) Berber carpet (but it's soooo cool when it unravels)
11) Tags on blankets and beds
12) Kleenex and other paper products

As you can see, she's completely unreasonable!

A dog cannot live on kibble alone (and cookies, and apples, and carrots, and snow, and bananas, and the occasional taste of prime rib...)

Take care,

(Starving) Rudy

Guess why I stayed in the shade...

Check out my fangs. I'm a vampire! May I bite your neck?

Count Rudy

Do you know who Mr. Mugs is?

Today Mommy told me why she first fell in love with Old English Sheepdogs. It seems that it all started when she was six years old and in grade one.

They had these things called "readers" back then, and they used them to teach kids to read. My Mommy's reading group read Mr. Mugs books. She says she always paid careful attention in school and fell in love with Mr. Mugs.

He had many great adventures in those books. He was kidnapped once (yikes), went to school (I'm in), and even rode on a rocket (I'm on the fence on this one). My Mommy said she wanted a Mr. Mugs her whole life, but her mommy said no. (In Grandma's defense, she's been really nice to me, so I'm sure she loves sheepies.)

I'm really glad that Mommy read these books when she was little. Imagine what their household would be like if she'd been raised on Curious George? Now THAT would be a very different home. Mommy has a Mr. Mugs book here at home, and in honour of the sheepie who started it all for her (and for us) I vow to never, ever chew that book. Cross my heart. After all. He IS a jet pet! Ya gotta respect that.

Take care,

Rudy, bibliophile

So Today's Valentine's Day

I'm not really sure about all of this. Mommy gave Daddy a "prime rib roast" for Valentine's Day. He seemed to like it. She said she'd cook it tonight, and make a nice dinner. Seems like a lot of work to me. Wouldn't he rather just curl up on the floor by the fireplace and gnaw on it directly? I would.

My brother Hudson and I made Daddy a sheepie mug. Mommy helped us choose all kinds of great pictures of sheepies who have lived here over the years. There were lots of me and of Hudson, and some of Portage, ThePas, and BRANDON (I never got to meet those guys, but I hear they were all great). Daddy really seemed to like it. He said it made his eyes tear up. Mommy had to go pick it up for us, because apparently this place called Costco isn't dog-friendly. How much does that suck?

This morning Mommy gave Daddy a card. He looked pretty stressed. Apparently this isn't the first Valentine's Day he's forgotten about. He promised to do some grocery shopping and that's where he is now. I have this sinking feeling he'll not think to pick something up. Poor Mommy. She sure forgives a lot. If I had a credit card I'd buy her presents every single day.

Anyway, Happy Valentine's Day to all. My brother and I wish you all lots of hugs, kisses, and LOVE.

Take care,

Cherub Rudy


(This is the sheepie photo wall at my house. My picture isn't up there yet. Mommy says we'll take lots of pictures in the next little while, and choose the very best one to add. From the top down they are ThePas, Portage. BRANDON, and Hudson.)

Hi Friends.

Sorry, there won't be much to blog about today. We got some sad news. A sheepie friend across the miles (Lola) has passed away. Our hearts go out to her family.

Take care. We're all thinking of you.

Rudy (and his whole family)

Around here toys seem to be dying at an alarming rate.

Hi friends.

I refuse to believe that this is ALL my fault.

But...apparently before I arrived Hudson had all these wonderful stuffed toys. Now, they are dropping like flies. Mommy's thrown away two completely, and I've posted a picture showing some "parts."

In the top photo you can see (clockwise, from top) a stuffycow's leg (Bessie still has three more by the way), a mallard's wing (Quackers can be seen, single winged, reclining under a dining room chair in the picture below), and a reindeer's ear (Daddy threw out his antler before I could take a picture of it, but honestly, what do reindeer really need ears for? Blitzen does just fine with one. What's the big deal?)

Anyway, it seems that now that Hudson and I love to play tug of war there are a few casualties. That's really just how it goes. I mean, I don't WANT the toys to get hurt, but sometimes these things happen. We also ripped the squeakers out of three toys this week, and Mommy always takes them away immediately. It's so unfair. Doesn't she get that it's primal? Here we are, great hunters, and we tear apart our prey, and our MOMMY TAKES IT AWAY. Sigh. I can't catch a break.

She says they make these things called ropes for tugging, and she's constantly trying to get us to pull on those, but come on...if she WANTS us to do it then it MUST be a trap. So, no ropes for us.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my pain with you. The only good part of this is that Mommy does love buying us new toys, so the supply will probably never run out.

Take care,

Rudy (the stuffed toy slayer)

In Defense of Cupid...

After watching last night's Supernatural, I feel the need to defend Cupid. Turns out he was innocent after all. Poor guy. Someone ought to go out and buy him a sweater. Maybe I'll look into that.

I must admit that the first few minutes were pretty gruesome. I bite my brother all the time, and we're nothing like those two. In the immortal words of Dean Winchester, "Monsters I get. People are crazy." And those last few minutes...Dean...his pain. My Mommy cried, and I was right there with her. I guess she was right. A great show.

Anyway, I must go now. I just have one question...what's this Valentine's Day thing they are all talking about on TV?

Take care,

Rudy (Will you be my Valentine?)

PVR Alert

I just wanted to let everyone know that tonight's episode of Supernatural is supposed to be a really good one. Cupid is apparently evil. Not sure what that means exactly, but I bet Hudson has some insight.

Take care all,

Rudy (a lover, not a fighter)

I Think I Did Something Wrong, but I Don't Know What

My uprights read the survey I put up, and rolled their eyes at me. Mommy said, "Okay, we'll give you a little more freedom tonight." So, she left the bedroom door open and gave me the space that Hudson gets during the day.

Hudson (the almost naked dog) snuggled on the bed all night. He's cold. I enjoyed my space and checked it all out. But...

In the middle of the night I had to pee. I thought it would be rude to interrupt everyone's sleep, so I went into the computer room and peed on the area rug. I chose a corner no one would notice, tucked under the last stair.

At five o'clock the paperboy walked down the street and we had to make sure he didn't even think of coming into our driveway. We fended him off, and he didn't try to attack this morning, but the battle woke Mommy and Daddy and Mommy decided that after all that excitement we could probably use a pee.

She got up to take us, and Hudson pretended he didn't have to go and stayed in bed. I peeked ahead, and was very relieved to see it had soaked into the carpet enough that you couldn't see it anymore. What a considerate dog I am...I didn't wake them up and I didn't leave a mark.

Then there was a shriek.

I have no idea how she knew.

She was jumping around, saying a bad word, and mumbling something about going from a nice, warm bed to a cold, soggy foot.

I've no idea what I did wrong. I just wanted them all to have a good sleep. Sigh.

Take care friends, and I guess the lesson here is don't try to do nice things for others in the wee hours of the night.

Rudy, the confused

XXX OOO ; )

I just wanted to say a quick hi there to my sweet friends Daphne and Lola. I can't stay online long...apparently my brother has strained himself barking and so we're being locked in the bedroom tonight to "nap" with Daddy so Hudson's voice can rest. If it doesn't get better by tomorrow he'll be going to the vet, but they think it's just strained. (He coughs when he barks, but is fine otherwise.)


Anyway, I wanted to send a little kiss to the girls, and while I'm at it, to all my new friends online, in real life, and even those completely in my own head. (Those in my head, please remember to whisper....it's crowded in there.)



Take care all!

Cassanova Rudy

Update from Rudy

Hi guys. I just read my "guest writer" Hudson's thoughts. I feel so bad to hear that he was that upset with me. I had such a good time at obedience yesterday, and although I feel terrible for him, I can't help but be really proud of me.

First, I got to ride in that really nice truck. The same one that picked me up from the airport where I first saw snow. That was very exciting. I got to ride with Katie. She's a Havanese, and she sure bosses me around. I think it might be because they dress her in pink a lot. She has to make sure everyone still takes her seriously. And I do. I may be a LOT bigger than she is, but she is a lot tougher, so I always do what she tells me to.

When I got to obedience all the dogs and people were really nice to me. This time I was a lot calmer than I was last week. I think maybe Mommy and Daddy shouldn't have taken me that first week. I was still adjusting. I'm not complaining, but I know I didn't make the best impression on the instructor lady. In fact, Mommy tried to teach me a command called, "Pee on the mean lady's foot" but I'm sure she was only joking (I hope) so I just pretended I didn't understand. I think that might be why Daddy "strongly" encouraged Mommy to stay home with Hudson this week. He knew things might be better if Mommy took another week to calm down.

This week I felt way calmer and more focused, and I did my very best. I walked nicely on the leash and didn't even pull Daddy. I did sits and stays pretty well, and even did some downs. I don't like down/stays. You might miss some action you know. But I did try to do couple to make Daddy proud.

The instructor lady (the one Mommy thought was mean to me last week) was really impressed. I don't know exactly what I was doing that impressed her so much, but she told Daddy someone had probably shown me before because my behaviour at class indicated I had had "show training." He asked me about it, but I told him, "Sorry Daddy. I've started my new life here, and what happened in Florida stays in Florida." So he'll just have to keep on guessing. I like to be mysterious.

After obedience, Hudson did play with me (so I think I've been forgiven). We hung out with Grandma, Mommy, Daddy and Katie for a while, and then after Grandma and Katie left we all stayed up late to watch the Big Bang Theory. I love that show. I felt bad that Penny and Sheldon didn't get to go to Switzerland, but I knew right from the start that it should be Raj. I was so happy for him. He's cool. If I actually got to know him in real life, I'm sure we'd be great friends.

Take care all.

Rudy, closet science geek and all around great dog

Hudson's Comments

Mommy said that some people were asking to hear from me. I don't often have much to say. I enjoy looking out my window, and chewing up things I shouldn't. That doesn't leave much time for writing. I'm also not much of a typist, but I will give it a try because I actually have something to say right now and I want everyone to know it.

Daddy and Rudy just left for obedience without me. I am really, really angry. How dare they? When I am done writing this I plan to bark all night long and whine at Mom.

It is not my fault that they didn't finish shaving me last night. Why didn't Daddy sit on me to hold me down? If I had known that I'd miss out on obedience tonight I would have let them shave me. I just thought it was like any other time they shaved me. It's my duty to give them a really hard time.

I'm a dog of few words. Right now I'm just really really ticked. So that's my word for today...ticked.

Now, I must go kick doors and bark and whine at Mommy. I will not let this unfair treatment go unnoticed. I actually liked Rudy until tonight. Now I'm not so sure...

Hudson, the Ticked

My Crate

I have one final thing to share today. This is a picture of my crate. I flew all the way from Ft. Lauderdale in it. I find it roomy and comfortable, but the uprights complain it was build to hold a pony. The chair it is beside is a high back, wingback chair (I've no idea what that means), and Mommy tried to get Daddy to sit in it to show the scale, but he said his hair was funny and wouldn't pose for something he knew I'd put on the internet.

Apparently, it's too big for the bedroom, and the airline charged EXTRA because they thought is was "only extra large" when in fact it was "jumbo." I don't know what everyone's so bent out of shape over. It's only money. Anyway, must mosey upstairs now. Hudson's shave continues and there's much left to mock. I don't want to miss a moment.

Take care,

Rudy (King of the Road)

Okay, I got the pics.

I never thought I would say this, but I actually feel sorry for the guy. The humiliation! I guess a good brother would keep his secret, but this is just way to humourous to keep to myself. It's not like you guys are going to tell anyone, right? It's just between us. (By the way, the white stuff on the blue wall is, I'm told, from when Hudson destroyed all the walls in the house. They've been fixed and sanded, but Daddy refuses to paint them while Hudson still has teeth. I imagine that is still up for discussion here. I don't think Mommy's on board with that plan.)

Take care,

Rudy, professional photographer and papparazzi

Keep this a secret...

My mission for today is to get a picture of Hudson to post here. Daddy started shaving him yesterday, and Hudson is being especially uncooperative. Daddy's only been able to shave random parts of him, and it's so funny.

The uprights claim they'll be finishing him today, but I cannot imagine how it could possibly ever be okay again. Poor Hudson. He's so unhappy (and funny looking). Tee hee hee.

I've found the camera. Now I just have to figure out how to push that tiny little button with my big, handsome paw. Stay tuned. I will not let you down friends.

Take care,

Cub Reporter Rudy

Hey...do you guys know what a grocery store is?

Just a quick post here. Today I had a most interesting experience. Mommy had to go "grocery" shopping. We went to this place called "Safeway." Daddy strapped me into the seatbelt so I didn't have any real fun on the way there, but once we arrived he took Hudson and me to sit OUTSIDE this grocery store thingie. (On the way there we met Auntie Suzanne's parents, and I am so ashamed. I got really excited and barked. I hope they don't think I'm awful. I just couldn't control myself...so Daddy controlled me. He took me to the other side of the parking lot until I calmed down, and then we headed over to the store.)

So, the deal is, Mommy went in and came out with tons of bags, but I didn't get to jump in any of them because Daddy put them in the back of the truck when she was done, and tied me to that stupid seatbelt again. I tried to wiggle out, and ended up crouched on the floor on the ride home, with the seatbelt holding my halter at my shoulder. I must plan for my escape next time...but I digress...

While Mommy was in this "Safeway" thing, we sat on this bench thing, and all kinds of strangers came over to say hi. Hudson says that this is what they usually do if the weather's not too bad. I think I like it. We both got pats, and smiles, and everyone talked to us in babytalk with really high squeaky voices. Boy, did they sound funny! Uprights sure can be goofy.

The bags smelled good, and when we got home Mommy gave me (and Hudson too, I guess) a new toy. It's a cool squeaky skunk. We named him Steve. I wonder if all those bags were filled with toys, and, if so, when do I get the rest? I guess we needed a new one. Apparently before I came Hudson's toys never got ripped. I'll have to post later about all the "parts" I've collected since I've been here. In my defense, it's all Hudson's fault. I lay my whole self flat on the ground, and he drags me around by the toy in my mouth. I hardly think it's fair to say this is MY fault.

Back to the important issue. One of my many new missions is to explore this "grocery store" thingie. Next time, I'm going in. I'm working on my plan right now.

Take care,

Rudy, (Secret) Ninja Grocery Store Assassin
(Tell no one.)

Early Morning Strategic Defense Plan

The Paperboy.

The horrible, murderous, evil Paperboy

In the very wee hours of the morning (about an hour and a half after my brother Hudson's favourite time to throw up, when Mommy and Daddy have finally fallen back to sleep) he comes. An evil presence lurks in the darkness on my property (and make no mistake...I may be a newbie, but I'm all in. This IS my property and I must defend it). I must save my family.

Fortunately my brother understands this as well. I imagine he's been fighting off this interloper completely on his own in the past. We watch carefully in the window, allow him to walk most of the way up the driveway, with an obvious weapon in hand (Mommy has called it a "newspaper" before. I'm not sure how those work, but I am certain they are deadly) and then, we spring into action.

In our strongest big dog voices (well, mine is a big dog voice, my brother tends to yip like a Yorkie) we bark, we snarl, we puff our chests and throw ourselves against the window. The evil paperboy is scared, he drops his weapon of certain destruction into the mailbox, and quietly retreats. It's sooooooo gratifying to be able to save my family.

To thank us for this service, the uprights yell encouraging words from the safety of their bed. They say grateful things like, "Enough!" and "Shut up!" I especially like it when they add, "He's been gone for ten minutes now. Get over it." There are some words too strong to print here, and I do wish they wouldn't use such language, but I do understand that things are different in the heat of battle. We're all brothers in arms (paws) after all.

And then, since Hudson and I are waaaaay too excited after battle to sleep, we jump all over Mommy and Daddy and one of them gets up and rewards us with a hearty post-skirmish breakfast. I just wish the bad words were over by then.

So, here I am, just after six am (whatever that means) on a Saturday morning, having saved my family AGAIN, tummy full, bladder empty (outside of course), back on the bed with my Daddy, enjoying that inner peace that comes from doing something really heroic for one's family. Sigh. I'm so glad to be able to give something back.

I did hear something concerning this morning though. Right before we came down for our victory chow, my Mommy said something about how she only subscribes to the Saturday paper during the school year. Apparently when something called summer comes, they "upgrade" to daily delivery. She put her pillow over her head at that point, made a comment about never getting any sleep, and said another bad word.

What could I do? I was so worried about her I jumped on her head, sat on her chest, and licked her until she got up. I'm pretty sure that being able to serve breakfast cheered her right back up. Sometimes I let the uprights do stuff for me, just to let them feel valued and important. I must be sure to continue that tradition. It seems to help them a lot.

Take care,

Master Sargeant Rudy (at your continued service)

All my new friends are so generous!

Mommy came home late today, but Daddy didn't go into work until eleven and took my brother and I for a great walk before he went, so time passed pretty quickly. When she came home from work (and, getting pink and white polka dots painted on her nails - I know you can't see me rolling my eyes, but trust me, I am) she had a big blue bag with tissue paper in it. At first I thought the tissue looked yummy, but imagine my surprise when she told me it was for me! And that it was more than just tissue paper!

My Mommy works with this really nice lady (I'm going to call her my Auntie Kathy.) who gave me a present. Isn't that about the nicest thing you ever heard? It turns out my Mommy was talking about me at work for weeks before I even arrived. Her students (she teaches grade four) all really want to meet me, but she says that might be a little much for me, so we'll pass on that for now. Even they have been thinking of me. Wow.

Anyway, there were treats in the bag. Lots of yummy treats. Mmmmmm. Mommy says I can't eat them all today. I guess that makes sense. I've also agreed to share a few with my brother. After all...he does let me play with all his toys. (He must have fifty of them. And I've only torn up three so far, but that's a story for another post.) I've been really happy playing with Hudson's toys, but guess what! Now I have my very first all mine toy. (Of course, I'll let Hudson play with me with it, but this is my very first just-for-me-all-mine-and-no-one-else's toy.)

Life is so good now. I hope it's always like this.

Thank you so much Auntie Kathy. You totally rock!

Take care,

Rudy, Master of Toys

I nearly forgot to tell you about meeting the legendary Dr. Moffatt...

So, last week I got to meet my Grandma and go the the vet. I didn't want to go at all. The van ride was fun, but there was no big back seat, only single seats, and I don't fit on those, so I had to sit on the FLOOR. It wasn't too bad. My Grandma's really nice.

When I got to the door of the veterinary office I said, "Uh uh. No way." But my Mommy doesn't seem to listen to me when I do such things, and so suddenly I was inside. Everyone was very friendly, and my Grandma came in too, so it wasn't so bad. Then they made me climb up on a scale thingie, and I heard them say I was 60.4 pounds. I'm hoping that number makes them all think I need more cookies to eat, but so far the cookie count has remained pretty steady.

There were lots of dogs and people in the waiting room. It was kinda fun. And so many people who work at the clinic came to love me. I was in Heaven! They stroked and patted me and told me I was handsome, and best of all, they showed their affection for me with cookies. It was cookiepalooza in that office. Yum. I think I like it there after all.

We waited for a while, and I was a very good dog. I only got into a disagreement with one dog, but she wasn't all that friendly. Everything was actually going fine until my Grandma pulled back on my leash (I think she was just being protective for me) so we both snarled a little as we said goodbye.

Then, we went into this little room. I immediately put my front paws on the counter and looked out the window. Mommy didn't think this was appropriate and made me get down, but I cannot figure out why. I had a great view of the parking lot from there.

After a few minutes Dr. Moffatt came in. He sat down and I climbed up and gave him a great big hug. He laughed and hugged me back. He liked me! He really liked me! He checked me out from nose to tail and said I seemed to be in excellent shape (why thank you very much). He also said that he didn't think I was a year and a half old. He said he'd bet I was closer to a year. Mommy said that made more sense with my maturity level. I'm not sure what that means exactly, but I'm certain I was besmirched.

He also said he was going to spare me the thermometer up the butt treatment since I'd only just arrived and the stress of the trip could cause a different temperature anyway. I don't care what his reasoning is...anyone who opts NOT to stick something in there, is good people in my book.

We left with some powder for my food for next week. I don't know what kind of flavour it is, but I'm hoping for lobster (or that prime rib thing...maybe pork roast?). They said something about it being a follow up to my worming medicine (from Florida). I'm not sure what that means, but I sure hope they don't think I'll be eating worms. (Yikes, what if the powder is worm flavoured?!?!?)

Anyway, we drove back home in Grandma's van. (Mommy wasn't allowed to drive until the vertigo cleared up. She says it's okay to tell everyone that this past Friday was her first "good day" and that she's been pretty much symptom free all this week. She's supposed to try wearning herself off the medication now, but refuses to. She doesn't want to have another "lost week." Whatever THAT means...) After we got home I played with Hudson and had dinner. Then we all watched TV.

It was Supernatural night, and Mommy really loves that show. I actually think the episode (5.12 Swap Meat) couldn't possibly have been their best, but if Mommy really loves it, I'll give it another chance. (She says this week will really be awesome - a mythology episode and some angel guy named Castiel is back.) She did not mention any dogs, so how good could it possibly be?

Anyway, that's enough for now. It's dinnertime somewhere, and I think I'll go bring that to Mommy's attention.

Take care,

Rudy, happy vet client and online TV critic

The tortures never end around here.

So yesterday was my first day "alone" while the uprights went to work. I was so unfairly crated, but there was one very important bright spot...my Auntie Brighit and Cousin Vienna came to play with me. I love them so much!

That meant that today was my official first all day crating, and I did great...really great...honest...except that my Mommy is truly and completely evil.

Now I know nothing about cooking stuff, but I think I heard her say the words "pork roast" and "crockpot." Whatever that meant, together they made the most mouth watering smell all through the house, all day long, and I COULD NOT GET TO IT.

I'm pretty sure that's animal cruelty.

When my mom got home and let me out, instead of going out to pee (and boy oh boy did I have to pee) I went straight to this crockpot thing, and it wouldn't give me even a single taste. Not one morsel.

Mommy rushed me outside, where I peed a little, and then insisted on going back to the kitchen to sit by the counter to stare at this miraculous invention. My brother, Hudson, must be used to it, because he went right past me and went straight outside. So, I let Mom drag me back out again, where I finally humoured her and finished peeing. (It should be noted that, barring any disasters, today will be my second official day without an accident in the house. Yay for me.)

I got kibble for dinner. The uprights got the yummy smelling food. How is this fair? Well, then again, once all the food was put away Daddy did slip each of "his boys" (I'm someone's boy!!!!) a little taste. It was waaaayyyy better than kibble.

Hopefully I'll soon figure out a way to use the crockpot myself. Then I'll show them all. I'll share a little with my brother (he's okay deep down inside) but not one taste for them.

Take care,

Iron Chef Rudy

OBEDIENCE??!!?? Are you kidding me?

Hey guys. It's me again. Didn't write anything yesterday because I had the most unbelievable experience last night, and I was so tired after I just needed to bite my brother and sleep sleep sleep.

They put me in the back of the truck, BELTED me in (oh, the humiliation) and took me in the dark of night to this place called obedience school. I had so much fun trying to chase the other dogs and meeting the people. I think, however, I was supposed to be doing something else. At least, that's what I'm guessing. All these bossy people kept waving treats in front of me (okay, treats are good), and telling me to "sit" or "heel" or whatever.

I can "sit" now. I guess, but "heel" is just plain unnatural. I had great fun pulling my mother all over the room. Finally the instructor insisted Daddy work with me as he's "stronger." I watched my brother act out through the whole thing. Now I see why they call him evil puppy.

The instructor made my Mommy a little mad. She said a few times (with a bit of a sneer), "Oh yeah. We have to start from scratch with this one." My Mommy says she's really proud of all I've learned already. In just five days I've mastered stairs, lots of the indoor rules, and I almost never mess in the house. I've even gone to Poo Corner to poo. At feeding time she makes me do a "sit, stay" and wait for the "eat" command before I devour my food. She's right. I've learned lots already and I am very smart. I think that silly lady is wrong. And, if I really need to start from scratch, why didn't she have us work on beginner stuff? Huh? I seriously doubt "finish" is a command you start with. It seems, just by the word itself, to be something you'd do at the end.

I'm looking forward to next week (my Mommy is not - she said something about people who "instruct" but have no "teaching skills") so I can show that lady just how wrong she was.

I'll keep you updated. Take care friends.

Rudy, the obedient