I finally did it.

I've been wanting to check out Smudgie's crate for a while now...it looks so toasty and snug all tucked in under the stairs...so yesterday I made a break for it. It wasn't exactly what I thought it would be.

First, it's two sizes smaller than mine. Which means it's two sizes too small for me. It was quite a squish to get in. The part I didn't plan on was that Smudgie didn't want me in there...so he tried to come in after, and a bitey fight broke out.

That wouldn't be so bad...I like a good bitey fight...but I've never been trapped in a small crate when I had one. That was not fun. I tried to get out but my bum got stuck, and I dragged out the crate, and Smudgie was mad, and Mommy called me that word (Doofus) again.

I am not a doofus!

I'm just misunderstood.

And Smudgie stinks at sharing.

I'd totally let him share my crate, and there's room enough for both of us there. But he's not interested, and that hurts my feelings.

Take care all, and be open to sharing.

Rudy, squished and snubbed.

Now this is a cute site!

This is an excerpt from The Daily Sheepie, a newspaper I just totally made up from my own head...but it's a neat website, so I thought I'd share the address with you.

http://www.fodey.com/generators/newspaper/snippet.asp

Enjoy!

ReportoRudy

McNugget Update

Daddy finally came home. He DID bring McNuggets and they WERE for me. Yum Yum Yummy!

My only question is why did I have to share them with Smudgie? It's not like it's HIS birthday today too! He's already told me he won't share on his birthday.

Either way, it was a good day...and I do feel older and wiser.

Take care all...

Rudy, who is now TWO (sorta)

Where are my McNuggets?

It's dinnertime and Mommy's home, but no Daddy yet. I'm worried. Mommy says he might be late but he's bringing birthday McNuggets no matter what. Smudgie says Mommy's kind of lying...he says there will be Smudgie McNuggets, but none for me. Why does he torture me so?

Mommy sang this birthday song to me and then gave me my kibble. I think it was kind of cruel to make me wait LONGER to eat on my special day.

So, while we wait for the McNuggets to arrive I want to tell you about my grand adventure yesterday. Daddy thought it was funny, but Mommy was very upset.

I was out in Poo Corner when I noticed a board that was loose in the fence between my yard and the one belonging to the neighbours (Mommy calls them the Noisypants Family, but I'm not sure that's really their last name). So, I went to check it out.

Turns out I fit through just fine. So I went and checked out their yard. The snow was all smooth and crisp and I think my footprints really jazzed it up well. Then I checked out the end of their yard. Mommy says it's a "cliff" but it was just a really big drop to the river. I like to jump, so I headed down there. Then I checked out the river. It's frozen, so you can walk across it. You can't do THAT in Florida.

I mosied around, and then got a little lonely, so I walked along the river to our yard (I never get to go out in the unfenced part) and came up all three tiers to the stairway. I came up those stairs, and realized that I was trapped OUTSIDE of the fence to Poo Corner.

By now Daddy came out looking for me (Mommy was still at work). He called, so I ran up and down the outside of the fence. He came to another part of the fence and had to shovel out a section so he could open the "gate" to let me in. He said I was a doofus and laughed.

I don't think it was a good idea to laugh when he told Mommy the story later. She freaked.

She sent him out in the dark of night to fix the fence (he was NOT happy) and she went on and on about me getting out and maybe getting lost, and then Daddy admitted that I wasn't wearing my muzzle when I was out (big mistake...NEVER tell Mommy that) and she got even more worried that I could have gone after another dog and gotten into really big trouble. Daddy said it was all okay and that she should calm down, but she didn't. Then she said, "Rudy got picked up by animal control in Florida three times...do you really want that to happen to him again? We could lose him forever."

That really made me scared...and Daddy got pretty quiet. Then he agreed that maybe it wasn't so "funny" after all.

I don't ever want to go back to animal control ever again. They were nice to me and all, but I'm happy where I am and I want to stay forever. So I will try really hard not to go exploring when I see a chance. And I'm really glad that my Daddy fixed my fence. That was really nice of him. And it turned out that Mommy had already bought a piece to put up on the fence (she saw this coming) so it was there and ready to use. Mommy's really smart. (Maybe that's why Daddy says she's a SmartiePants all the time...but he doesn't always say it all that nicely...)

Anyway, that's my great adventure. I enjoyed it, but since it really upset my family I'll try hard not to do it again.

Take care all, and stay close to your family. They love you.

Vagabond Rudy

Everyone keeps saying "Happy Birthday Rudy!"

I'm not sure what it means, but I keep hearing it. Apparently there was supposed to be prime rib tonight, but Daddy's going to a new project today so there won't be time to cook it tonight (I don't get it either)...anyway, someone said there are Birthday McNuggets coming this evening.

I'm not sure what this all means...but apparently I'm something called "two" today. I'll have to get back to you later, but so far, there's a definite feeling in the air. I'm cautiously optimistic.

Take care all!

Birthday Boy Rudy

Mommy got a book made out of my blog

Daddy rolled his eyes and said it was a lot of money, but Mommy did it anyway. There's this website you can go to and they'll print out your whole blog, or just parts of it. So Mommy had my first year in Winnipeg printed.

It's full of colour pictures, and has all your comments in it too. I think it's really nice. She says we'll be able to keep it forever that way.

It's done by google blogger, and it's pretty cool. If any of you out there have pets that blog, you might want to check it out!

Take care all, and blog lots!

Writing Rudy

It's okay. I'm fine. Really. Sorry to be so much trouble.

Wow. Families sure do worry about you. It's kinda nice.

Thursday night Mommy was particularly generous. She was making dinner, and making potato salad for her friends at work, and Smudgie and I were her sous chefs. She didn't really let us help much...something about germs and dog hair. Sheesh. But, she did let us do a little sampling. And I'm always up for a little sampling.

We tried an ice cube, a small taste of celery (nice crunch but yuck taste), a piece of boiled potato, and of course, a nice big chunk of carrot. Now I wolfed mine down fast, hoping to snag Smudgie's piece too, and I would have, but Mommy guards him when he eats now, and won't let me. Mean, mean Mommy!

So, I was forced to eat only my own carrot.

It was all really yummy though.

At about ten we had second dinner. I enjoyed it as well. It was a good batch of kibble, well presented, nice flavour. No complaints from this sheepie.

Then, fifteen minutes later, during Big Bang Theory (I LOVE THAT SHOW!!!) my dinner all came back up, and so did the carrot. I thought Mommy would be mad that it happened on the ottoman, but she wasn't. She was upset, though. She was so scared. I don't throw up much. I'm not a delicate flower like little Smudgie. The only other time I threw up before was right before my emergency sock removal surgery. And that's what scared her.

It worried me a little too. My tummy hurt a little, and that reminded me of that awful day in October too, so I started pacing and whining. They cleaned up after me, and then Daddy stayed up and watched me until two in the morning, when I finally settled. They were both so worried.

The next day, Daddy went to the dentist and then came home and checked on me. I was fine, but my uprights wouldn't stop worrying. Mommy was at work, and Daddy was supposed to text her updates, but he didn't, so she was mad, and kept phoning for updates, which irritated him...which made her call more.

All this fussing over little old me.

But honestly, I'm fine. No socks here. But I did learn a very valuable lesson. If you don't bother to chew your carrot you won't actually get to keep it. It will come back and escape your tummy, which kinda feels yucky, and freaks everyone out.

So, let that be a lesson for all.

Take care all, and always chew your carrots well.

Rudy, who is slowly learning important things.

Did you hear what Smudgie did yesterday?

That Smudgie...he's pretty snarky to Mommy. And yet she always forgives him. Go figure.

Daddy made himself lunch yesterday out of leftovers. He shredded some pork and added BBQ sauce. We both thought it smelled heavenly. I have manners, of course, but my big brother doesn't. He jumped up on the bench and helped himself to some from the table. Daddy yelled. I ran. Smudgie ran, and of course Mommy giggled from the other room.

Later Smudgie kicked at the door to go out, so Mommy put a muzzle on him and sent him on his way. I waited nicely, got mine, and headed to Poo Corner to see what was new. Smudgie didn't even leave the step. He turned around and came right back in, glaring at Mommy.

Now this next part I didn't actually see...I was still snarfling at Poo Corner, but Mommy keeps bringing it up over and over so I know what I missed...

The second Smudgie was released from the muzzle he ran directly to the couch, jumped up, and threw up BBQ pork all over the cushion. Mommy was not impressed. Now I get that heading for the couch may have been excessive, but it's not like he could throw up with the muzzle on anyway. She really needs to let this go.

He's okay now...and so is the couch. But he hasn't learned his lesson. The uprights had tomato soup for lunch today, and I heard Mommy shriek, "Leave it!" right before he ran past me, heading for cover. Oh Smudgie...you really are your own worst enemy.

Take care all, and always keep an eye on your food so you don't lose your lunch.

Rudy, the reluctantly muzzled, and counter surfing restrained (for now)

Daddy took away the "not for peeing on" tree!

Yesterday all the pretty things that Mom said were for Christmas got stuffed into these big tubs, and today Daddy took the "not for peeing on tree" down into the basement (where I'm not allowed). I'll never, ever see it again. I'm sure.

Now I really regret missing the opportunity to pee on it.

Sigh.

Rudy, the arid.

Turns out I like the bed in the TV room.

I don't know what Mommy's complaining about...I like having the bed in the TV room. You can snooze on the couch, or the chair, or the floor, or the footstool, and the BED is in between all of them. One minor leap from the chair to the footstool (with a brief stopover on Mommy's bladder or Daddy's tummy, to springboard you further) and you're on the whole other side of the room, without any pesky walking needed.

I can sleep on the footstool and flop my feet on Mommy's face, and since their heads are at the top of the bed (where there's open space) I can even lick Mommy or Daddy's hair at any time during the night.

What's not to love?

Sigh...but Mommy seems to find fault with all of this. How is this fair? I'm happy...really.

So, I've decided to enjoy it while it happens. In the meantime, I'm glad Daddy's only working on the bedroom renovations a little at a time. The longer it takes him, the longer the TV room is the centre of my world.

Take care all, and try to be flexible with your sleeping arrangements.

Rudy, who will crash on your couch anytime!

P.S. If you want to help out Mommy's school (they need a new playground), please click on the link below and vote for them every day.

www.refresheverything.ca/westviewschoolplayground

False Advertising

Mommy and Daddy needed to do some "errands" today. They said that Smudgie and I could come along, and so we were very excited and happy and we jumped (well I did, little Smudgie needed a boost) into the truck and then Daddy turned the key and the engine thingie isn't working.

So he took us back OUT of the truck.

But we were supposed to have a ride! No fair.

He did take us for a short walk to the berm, which was cool, but here we are, back in the house, doing nothing. I'm pacing the computer room and writing my blog, and Smudgie's so unhappy he's avoiding all of us and hiding in his crate.

This is so unfair. How can they do this to us?

Take care all, and remember, there should always be truth in advertising!

Rudy, who does not like the old bait and switch.

Rudy's New Year's Resolutions

I have been told that it is customary to make promises about things you'd like to improve on for the upcoming year. So, I've given it some thought and here are my resolutions for 2010B:

I will not eat socks anymore.

I will not pee in the house this year, even one single time.

I will stop trying to steal Smudgie's dinner (but in all fairness, he doesn't complain so I really don't think he minds...but Mommy scolds me anyway).

I will not spread each and every toy in the toybox around in the living room before choosing my chewy ring (like I always do anyway), and when Mommy puts them all away I will not follow right behind and bring them all back out, over and over again.

I will snuggle more.

I will wag my bum more.

I will try not to be such a bed hog all the time (note: this does not apply to pillows).

I will try to be nicer to other dogs. Even Yorkies.

I will not jump on guests (as much).

I will try not to eat the mud out of the plant pots anymore.

Smudgie tells me that once you make resolutions you only have to stick with them for a few days...he says no one makes it to the end of the year. I will definitely try. I promise.

Take care all, and remember to stick to your resolutions.

Rudy, the Resolute

Well, the New Year didn't make Smudgie any braver.

We had a nice night last night. Daddy fell asleep early, and Mommy stayed up super late watching her Supernatural DVDs. I'm not sure why she still does that. She knows every line by heart...but she says that whenever something new happens in the current season you need to go back and rewatch it all. Mommy's a little weird that way...but I digress.

So, Daddy decided to put the bed in the TV room. He says he's renovating the bedroom, but even I know that's not going to go smoothly (sorry Daddy, but you know it's true). It was weird having them in the TV room, and it's hard to look out the window in the bedroom without a bed to snooze on while doing it.

So around midnight last night there were these big, scary sounds and lights across the street. Smudgie and I leaped into action. We sounded the alarm and ran back, putting ourselves firmly between our uprights and the danger. Daddy didn't want to get out of bed, but Mommy pointed out that a man sending his wife to face danger like this would end up being embarrassing for him when she told EVERYONE about it later, so he got up. I fell into line immediately. I stood at my Daddy's side, awaiting further orders.

Hudson decided he'd had enough. I knew he was a scaredy cat (yes, a cat!) but I had no idea. He bolted in front of Daddy with his bum and head tucked down low...he looked funny...and ran downstairs to his crate. He climbed in and HID from the danger.

Oh Smudgie, what were you thinking?

Daddy and I checked it out, and Daddy said it was something called fireworks. He said that it was bizarre for someone to do it when there was a serious wind chill warning. I agree, but the lights were pretty once you knew they were harmless. The noise wasn't too bad either.

So, Smudgie curled up in his crate and HID there for two hours. Then, when he decided to rejoin us in the TV/bedroom he insisted on curling up in between Mommy and Daddy for safety.

I climbed up on the couch (comfy!) and kept my eye on the door for the rest of the night, just in case. It's important to always guard the perimeter to keep your family safe and sound.

So, I am wondering...is moving the bed to the TV room one of those big changes Smudgie warned me about for the New Year? If so, I guess it's not that bad. Let's just hope that this is the end of the changes. I really liked 2010, and I'm hoping that 2010B will involve lots more of the same.

So, take care all, and Happy New Year (ish)...I'm hoping the 2010B thing will catch on.

Corporal Rudy, always at your service