My life as a Pug

2008-11-02T10:04:00.002-05:00

Today I am very excited!! First, I get to go to Puppy Boot Camp to learn how to show my mommy and daddy that I am truly the best dog in the world. The way

my pug eyes see things, if my daddy can go to Daddy Boot Camp, then I can go to Puppy Boot Camp. They like to see me do some tricks and I get to play with the other dogs that go to learn new dog tricks, too. Plus, they give us a lot of nice treats when we do wicked good :):) Later on, I heard daddy say that he "reserved" the TV for tonight. That can only mean one thing!! My favorite football team must be playing a football game tonight and we are going to watch our beloved Patriots together!! I don't get to watch too many games with daddy these days because sometimes he has to work and other times he has to study for his school. I wonder he gets treats from his teachers when he does wicked good like me?!?! All I have to do today is go to Puppy Boot Camp conserve my energy, because tonight is a tough game against the Colts.

GO PATS!!

playdate with Vinny

2008-10-14T09:18:00.001-04:00

playing with my brother Skippy

2008-10-14T09:03:00.001-04:00

busy bee

2008-10-13T12:07:00.005-04:00

Well, I should apologize for my vacation. I have had writers block, or rather, writers paw. I have been keeping quite busy, though. My latest endeavor was helping daddy put together the crib for my little sister. Daddy got frustrated many times, as the directions were not as clear as they could have been. Good thing I was there to straighten things out.

The one thing I did not expect...to be the crib tester! But I don't mind. Someone had to make sure it was safe for baby girl. Daddy is too tall to fit, and mommy...well...mommy is just too big right now. Her belly does make a great pillow, though!

2008-08-21T11:21:00.001-04:00

those mean kittys!!

2008-08-20T10:45:00.002-04:00

I figured out where the cats go to get away from me. There is a thing called a "doggy door" on the door that goes from the kitchen to the garage. Well, I finally figured out how to climb through it and follow the cats out into the garage. They are being quite mean, though. I do not know how to get back into the house. I think it is through the same door, but I just don't know.

So there I was, chasing the cats around the house in my usual fashion, when they bolted out the doggy door. Out I went too. Then, in the blink of an eye, they ran through the door again and back into the house. I was stuck! I could not go back through the door. I sat on the garage floor by the doggy door and wimpered and cried until mommy and daddy opened the door and let me back into the house. Wouldn't you know, the cats were sitting right there on the other side of the door laughing!!! It was a setup! They knew I could not get back into the house, so they lurred me into the garage because they knew I would be stuck out there! I cannot decide if the cats are mean, or just really smart...

baby tester

2008-08-08T13:13:00.002-04:00

Lately I have been living up to my nickname of the "test run". You see...mommy and daddy always joke that getting me was a test run for when they have kids. Lately I think they have been taking it a bit too literally! Mommy came home with this hiking backpack for my soon-to-be sister, and they came up with the bright idea that I should test it out. In I went! I have to say...I LOVED it!!! I was so high I could see all the way into the treat jar in the kitchen! I wonder if I can convince them to buy a second one so both the baby and I can each have a pack to ride in!

This baby carrier gets "two pugs up!" (get it! two thumbs up?!?!?)

Green Eggs and What??

2008-08-06T00:19:00.002-04:00

I was performing my daily surveilance of the perimeter today, mostly to check on my brothers Bailey and skippy and to check for any wayward Dingos, and I saw a new book in what is becoming my sister Grace' room. I am no stranger to literature, but this book was an entirely different genre to me!! Now, I love a good story, among my favorites are Casabarka, The Wizard of Gus, The Dingos of Wrath, and The Silence of the Pugs; however, this new novella really opened my eyes. The title of this great work of fiction is Green Eggs and Ham and let me tell you now, this Dr. Seuss fella is onto someething!! The Sam-I-Am character has such depth and complexity. The twist in which the disgruntled main character, who would not eat the green eggs and ham with a mouse or in a house, he would not eat them here, he would not eat them anywhere, turns out he actually WOULD eat them with a mouse in a house. Imagine, he would eat them HERE and THERE!! He would eat them anywhere!! An incredible read!!

Grace will be very lucky to have this story read to her every night, if only daddy wouldn't trip up over the words all the time . . .

camping I will go.....

2008-07-04T10:45:00.003-04:00

Wow! What a vacation!! Mommy and daddy packed up the car last Saturday and off we went. Way out to Cape Cod. I love Cape Cod! I got to sleep in a tent, go to Provincetown (where dogs can go ANYWHERE, even in the stores!), I went on so many walkes with my friends Austin and Colleen (they are humans..but small ones like me). Colleen even shared her camping chair with me. That's me, sitting in it in the picture. It was the perfect size for a pug.

My mommy and daddy are really big readers, so I picked up the hobby, too. One time while mommy went up to use the bathroom (I suggested she use a tree, but she didn't like that idea), I took her book and read a few pages. She never would have known had daddy not snapped the picture of me. Busted! She wasn't mad, though. Now she wants to start a book club with me! ha ha...

At one point during our vacation, this picture of me was taken. I must have alot of tequilla because I don't even remember drinking! Turns out, I wouldn't remember drinking because I wasn't. I dozed off for my usual afternoon nap, and was so sound asleep that I was set up! I slept through the whole thing!

lounging with the cats

2008-06-20T12:39:00.005-04:00

I know, I know, it's been awhile since I have updated you on my life. Well, mommy and daddy successfully made it home from Italy and we have been spending so much time together. I think they missed me as much as I missed them!! I have been spending my days snuggling with the cats, especially Skippy, as he is sooo fluffy he makes for a good pillow!

They're back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-09T06:39:00.002-04:00

I hear that mommy and daddy are back! Today (Monday), is the day that daddy is coming to get me!!! I am so excited, I cannot sit still. Ruben (gandma and grandpa's kitty) and I are the same age, so we have been playing all the time. We play tag all throughout the house. When I get home, I can play with Skippy and Bailey, though. They are not as much fun because they are older, but I chase them around anyways.

Yipee!!!!!!!!!!Daddy's coming to get me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

oh! the agony!!!

2008-06-01T05:57:00.002-04:00

Oh how I miss my mommy and daddy so!! I was surfing the net and I saw the email my mommy and daddy sent yesterday to grammy and grampa. How could they be having so much fun without me, their first-born Pug?!?! I could have very easily fit into mommy' bag, and even more easily into grandma Whiting' big black bag. Oh, how the sorrow overcomes me. Grandpa won't even let me sleep on the bed, I have to sleep on the couch. It isn't all bad, I get to watch animal Planet with surround sound!! Mommy and daddy, if you are reading this, please come home!! I will be good, I have lots of slobbery kisses for you, I will even stop eating Skippy if you come home soon!! I miss you and love!! Oh, don't forget some Italian dog treats, too!!

and they're off!

2008-05-26T08:14:00.004-04:00

Well, as you can recall from earlier blog entries, mommy and daddy are off to Italy for their honeymoon. I was devestated when they told me I could not go with them, not even in their carry-on. I am over that now. I had not realized I would be staying in such a nice place! I am staying with my grandma and grandpa who live in a house surrounded by woods and they let me roam around off my leash and explore! I have already mapped out the property and marked my territory around the perimeter, to let other animals know who is boss. I am a good pug, though, and always stay within sight of someone and if they cannot see me, they are sure to yell out my name.

The sun has been shining as I lay lounging on the outdoor furniture. I will have to speak to mommy and daddy about buying me one of these fabulous chairs. I could nap here all day! Grandpa lets me snuggle on his lap when he is outside and we work on our tans together. Although I have noticed it is a bit easier for him, given the fact he is not covered in fur.

Even though it is really nice here, I still miss my mommy and daddy! I hope they are having fun!

A Wonderful Day!

2008-05-25T17:48:00.003-04:00

The wedding of my mommy and daddy was yesterday (May 24). I was such a good boy! In the morning I ran around the yard and helped daddy and his best men set up the yard for the reception, then we all got dressed and headed out to the church for the ceremony. I got to walk down the aisle with daddy, but when he took his place at the front of the church to wait for mommy, I had to sit with family. This is me, with my great grandma. We were intently watching the ceremony. It was so nice! I do admit, I felt a little left out, so when Brie was doing her reading for the wedding, I sneezed. Quite loudly, actually. Everyone laughed. "hey, the attention is on me for a minute" I thought. I then sneezed a few more times. By this time, daddy was bright red trying to hold in his laughter while mommy was up there laughing very hard. Good thing it was a small wedding and everyone present knows and loves me so it was great!

getting ready

2008-05-20T08:16:00.002-04:00

Wow! what a week! Mommy and I have traveled down to my grandma and granmpa's house to get ready for the wedding. We have been gardening, decorating, and look at me! I got to help grandpa build a fire pit with his tractor! He was so nice to let me drive! Even though things are going great here, I sure do miss daddy! He is coming down on Thursday with my other Grandma. Then we will all be together again!

Spending time with daddy

2008-05-11T16:29:00.003-04:00

Though it was mother's day, I choose to spend the afternoon with daddy, napping under the hammock. Mommy was busy planting flowers and stuff and she wouldn't let me help her. Probably because I kept trying to lift the flowers up with my mouth to move them. She didn't like that too much. It was so nice under the hammock! The sun was shining, yet it was nice in the shade. I had a huge bowl of water and even a tennis ball! Life is great!

my debut

2008-05-07T09:01:00.002-04:00

17 more days until I make my debut as the ring bearer in my mommy and daddy's wedding. I am sooooo exicted! I will be the best ring bearer ever! I put little kids to shame. I suppose it isn't fair, though. Everyone is suppose to be looking at the bride (my mommy), but all eyes will be on me! I have the most handsome shirt and pink bowtie. I match the groomsmen. I can't wait!

enjoying the sunshine

2008-05-01T09:47:00.003-04:00

I took a moment this morning to sneak outside and enjoy the sunshine. Mommy recently arranged the chairs to look nice with the plants and it was the perfect place

for me to enjoy my morning, before they went to work.
So here I sat, reading about the Patriots, though I would have prefered the Red Sox, seeing as how it IS baseball season. I wonder if daddy could take me to a game. I would LOVE to go to a SOX game. I could get one of those foam paws people wave, or even a hot dog...wait...hot DOG???? oh no!!! maybe I should not go to a game!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The best way to spend a rainy day

2008-04-29T14:44:00.001-04:00

The best way to spend a rainy day? Curled up on the couch with mommy!

5k run

2008-04-27T18:50:00.004-04:00

Today was the big day! Mommy and daddy had arranged a 5k run for a bachelor and bachelorette party. I knew it was going to be a great idea when they said I could come with them. We got up this morning and off we went! Once we arrived, I notice a car pull up right next to us...it was grandma and grandpa!!! I had no idea they were coming too! Then I ran into my friends Dotty and Nola (both are humans). Everyone said hi to me and then they were off to run their race. Unfortunaly I had to sit in the car for the half hour it for everyone to finish, but then they happily let me out to play with them.
"Sorry Gus, but you can't quite run 3 miles yet." mommy told me. I was happy in the car for a bit, though. It was a cool and cloudy day, perfect for a nap.
After the race mommy and daddy handed out medals to all their friends, and guess what??? I got one too! I even had a fancy shirt on that stated "my mommy and daddy are getting married". I am sure all the other dogs were envious!

Look! There go mommy and daddy (and their friend Nola!). Daddy wore his 'super groom' t-shrit, while mommy had on a pink tank top that said 'bride to be' and she wore a veil!

what a fun morning

2008-04-24T13:40:00.003-04:00

It was a great morning! First, mommy and daddy did not have to get up early for work today. Hooray for sleeping in!!! I stayed curled up by their feet as long as I could, or at least as long as my bladder could. Once I got up for the day, mommy took me outside to do my business, while daddy put on the coffee. It was so beautiful out! I dilly-dallied for as long as I could before mommy started to get a little frustrated with me.
"come on, Gus, go potty. Mommy is standing outside in her pj's for the whole world to see. Lets try to make this quick" she said.
She was right. She did look pretty silly in her pj's, so I went potty as quickly as I could.
After a yummy breakfast, I was surprised by daddy asking me if I wanted to go to Petco.
Petco? I thought, we just went there the other day. It's my lucky week if we are going again!
With mommy and daddy both dressed, we headed out the door for the 1 mile walk to Petco.
Once we were there, I realized what they were up to...I was in for a nail clipping. This time, though, I didn't wiggle around like I usually do. I beleive the fact that my balls are gone has made me behave a little better. Who knows. (I guess the fact I got neurtered was a good thing, I am sad to admit). I got a treat when we were done, though, which made everything all better! Soon after my pedicure we headed back home, where I settled onto the couch for an afternoon nap!

Dingos!

2008-04-20T21:29:00.002-04:00

Daddy got me a new dingo bone from Petco! I love to chew on them, especially in bed (mommy and daddy don't like that, though). My newest treat is I can dance. This is a picture of me dancing for my dingo bone....don't I look good?

what nice weather

2008-04-19T13:42:00.002-04:00

It has been soooo nice outside! Mommy and daddy have been so good to me. First, mommy took me on some really long walks a couple of days in a row. I walked a whole 2 miles!!! I may have passed out cold and napped the rest of the day, but I still walked 2 miles. And then daddy...let me tell you what daddy did...he offered to take me for a walk. I thought no walk could be as great as my long walks with mommy but I was wrong. Daddy walked me all the way to Petco!!! He even let me pick out a few treats from the treat bar. I was in heaven! Oh Oh Oh! I almost forgot! The other day mommy went to the store to get stuff to cook for her and daddy, but she had a surprise for me! It took awhile, but once I sounded out the letters on the box, I figured out it said "frosty paws"
"huh, " I thought. Yes, I was curious. Mommy took one out of the box, took the lid off a little round container and placed it on the floor for me. I sniffed it. I pushed it around a little with my snout. Out came my tongue, and......lick!
Oh yipee! Oh yipee! It was peanut butter flavored doggy ice cream!!!! Best treat I have ever had. I did not stop licking until the cup was empty!
I love the warm weather!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My new outfit

2008-04-14T16:47:00.004-04:00

I got a package in the mail today!!! It was my new wedding outfit! I love it so much more than the tux I outgrew. Now I match the bridal party with my snazzy pink bowtie! What do you think?

birthday parties are so much fun

2008-04-13T09:40:00.002-04:00

A few days ago I attended my cousins (Ally-4 years old, Abby-2 years old) birthday party. We had so much fun. When I walked in the door, I was instantly the center of attention. I did not mean for that to happen, as the center of attention should be on the birthday girls, but what can you do? I am just so adorable! After running around for a bit I settled on the couch with mommy and daddy to oversee all the festivities (and try to steal a few crumbs). Mommy did give me a treat, though. It was hard and orange and tasted like it was healthy. I later learned it was a baby carrot. It was pretty yummy! After the cutting of the cake, we all got to play a game...pin the tail on the donkey. Boy was I glad it wasn't pin the tail on the pug! First all the human kids went. They all cheated. The peeked out the paper blindfold that came with the game. No wonder they all got the tail on the right spot! Next they let the adult humans go...finally when mommy and daddy tried, it was my turn. I guess since I got neutered I am now considered an adult, otherwise I guess I could have gone when the kids went. Oh well. They put the blindfold over my little pug eyes, spun me around and with a little help from mommy and daddy, I successfully pinned the tail on the donkey! All the kids loved that I could play too!

Daddy's just as bad...

2008-03-31T00:01:00.003-04:00

I thought mommy was bad by wearing her wedding dress around the house while daddy was at work...I am sad to admit...daddy is just as bad. This is a photo of daddy's suit for the wedding. Want to know how I know that? Let me take you back to Saturday night...
Mommy and daddy pop open a bottle of wine with dinner. Once they finished their dinner, they went upstairs. When I finally dragged my little pug butt up the stairs to join them this is what I saw-
Daddy walking around in his wedding suit, and mommy prancing around in PJ pants rolled up to her knees and her wedding shoes on her feet, veil trailing behind her! They were being so silly!

I would have joined them in my dog tux, however, I outgrew it!

Surgery and recovery

2008-03-30T10:54:00.003-04:00

Sorry I have not written in awhile. I have been recovering from my surgery. Don't worry...I am doing just fine. Let me take you back in time a couple of days.....

Monday night-

Where is my food? All the food in the house was missing. The water, too.

"Gus," everyone kept saying, "you cannot have anything to eat or drink after 6pm. Doctors orders."

Doctors orders??? I thought to myself. Whatever that means.

Tuesday- Mommy's alarm went off soooooooo early. I did not want to get out of bed, but then she said the magic words,

"Gus wanna go for a ride in the car?"

BOING! My head shot up, I then stood up, and ran all around. I love to go for rides in the car! Strange that it is so early, though.

We went outside and got into the car. I had never been in the car so early in the morning. It was still dark out. I was still sleepy, so I proceeded to take a nap while mommy drove.

After what seemed like a blink of an eye (I was sleeping, I guess it really took about an hour), we were in a parking lot outside of a big building. We got out of the car and headed inside. Once inside I recognized where we were...A VET!!!!!

Oh no! Gotta get out, gotta get out! I sniffed around looking for an exit. Mommy talked to one of the ladies telling them why she was there. Then she said the words no dog wants to hear. Neuter. Oh no! not my balls! Mommy picked me up to comfort me while she continued to talk to the lady. I started to shake.

"It's ok, Gus. They are going to take really good care of you. Mommy is not leaving you. I will be back. It's ok." She kept saying over and over.

" You can head in to one of the rooms on the right. Any room is fine. Then someone will be in to see you." the nice lady said.

We walked into a room. Mommy tried to put me on the exam table but I would not let her. I wrapped my paws around her neck and held on. She must have known I was scared because she kept holding me, petting me and comforting me. Soon a man came in and wanted mommy to sign a consent form. She tried to put me down again. This time I took my paw and got it tangled in her sweater in order to stall. She got it untangled, though and put me down. She signed, off came my collar, on came a new one.

Hey, wait! why is the man holding the leash and not mommy?

"Be a good boy, Gus. It's ok, mommy will be back tommorrow to pick you up. " and with that said, mommy started to walk down the hall as the man tried to get me to walk the other way. Tried is the key word. I put on my four-paw breaks and strained my head to look to where mommy was going. But she was gone.

I was brought back to a spot that reminded me of my crate at home, but without the fleecey blanket and snuggly pillow. I was sad. I missed my mommy and daddy.

*Everything that happened after that was a blur. I went to sleep with my balls, I woke up and there were none.*

Wednesday- I napped on and off throughout the morning until a nice lady came in to get me.

I wonder where I am going now? I thought. She carried me into a room and guess what?!?!?!?!? MOMMY WAS THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She handed me over to mommy and I was so happy. My tail kept wagging and wagging and wagging. I knew she would come back! Just like she said she would!

The nurse gave mommy instructions and told her my stiches were absorbable and I would not have to come back to get them removed (that was nice to hear). We walked outside so I could pee and then got in the car. We sat in the parking lot for a bit while cuddling.

"Gus, I missed you so much," mommy kept saying.

I missed you, too, mommy.

"Gus, wanna go see daddy? We might be able to make it to his work in time for when he gets there."

Of course I did! When she saw my tail wag she took that as a yes, so that's what we did. Unfortunatly we were not going to make it in time, so we stopped to get coffee (one for daddy too!) because he said he could sneak out in a half hour or so to see us. When I saw daddy-it totally made my day! Both my parents were so happy to see that I was ok, and I was so happy to see them. (If you ask me...i think they are a little attached. Their lives seem to revolve around me. Not that I am complaining!)

Mommy and I then headed home so I could rest. I headed into my crate (where I love to nap...the door is always kept open so I can go in and out as I please). I spent the rest of my day recovering from my ordeal.

a trip to see great grandma

2008-03-22T11:04:00.005-04:00

I took a trip to Rhode Island with daddy and grandma to see great grandma at her nursing home. I was so excited when I found out. Grandma thought I should dress up in my red polo shirt, because LM (aka great grandma) can see me better with the red shirt. It turned out to be chilly out, so I was happy to have the shirt on.

When we got there, daddy walked me into the building. All the nurses said "hi" to me and greeted me with a pat on the head. I sniffed about, until I came across some familiar faces...LM and Lydia!!! I climbed the chair, put my paws on the table, and greeted them.

"Hi Lydia and LM!" I barked. Lydia said hi and LM turned to look at me.........

"Hey!!!" she said, "it's that cute dog with the curly tail!" after she realized who I was she was all smiles! And she LOVED my red shirt! I am so glad grandma picked it out for me.

Daddy and everyone sat around and talked, while I took turns sitting on everyones laps. I said hi to all the patients that love dogs. I think I made their day. They all seemed kinda sad until I gave them some pug kisses, then they were all smiles. Mommy and daddy keep talking about getting me certified as a pet-therepy dog at their hospitals...I think it would be a great idea. I love people and the more people to pet me, the better!

Soon it was time for me to go home..."Bye, everyone! Love you!" I said on my way out to the car to go for the long ride home.

A day at the park

2008-03-18T11:09:00.002-04:00

I was soooo happy! Nothing makes my day more than when mommy asks me if I want to go for a ride in the car, and then she adds the words "we're going to the bark park so you can play with your friend Buddy!"
We jumped into the car and headed down to the park. My only thought was...it is kinda chilly out and mommy is wearing workout clothes. She will freeze her little tushy off.
We arrived at the park and Buddy wasn't there yet.
"Come on Gus! We will wait for Buddy inside the park" mommy said. So out of the car we jumped and headed into the park. There were so many doggys there and they were all my size! Once inside the gate, mommy unhooked my leash and let me run free! I was sprinting from one end of the park to another! I got some other dogs involved in a game of "chase the puppy" and "tag". We all would run and run and run while our parents stood around and talked about us. I made sure to go up to every human there and say "hi". They all loved me! I got free head pats all around!
"Gus! Here comes Buddy!" I hear mommy say. I glanced over and saw Buddy and his mommy walking towards the enterance to the park. hmmmm, I thought, she is wearing workout clothes too.
Once inside, Buddy ran right up to me! We recognized eachother like we had never been apart. We played and played and played, until our mommy's said, "ok, boys, time to go in the car"
wait, wait, why are we going in the car??? I thought
"Gus, mommy and Nola are going for a run around the park and then we will be back to play again." turns out there is a 1.6 mile loop around the bark park through the woods and mommy and her friend were going to run it.
"Be right back!" mommy yells as she takes off running.
Pretty soon they are back. It was like a blink of an eye. Actually, after a long drink of water I fell asleep, so it seemed like a blink of an eye.
Here comes mommy..."Gus, you are going with Buddy in the park. Nola will keep an eye on you. Mommy's going to run one more lap" she handed me off and took off running again.
Once inside the park Buddy and I played some more, but I kept getting distracted. I would walk over to the edge of the park where the fence was and look for mommy. I would play a little, then go back to looking for mommy. Oh! how I missed her so!
What's that I see????? I see a pink shirt coming towards us! It's mommy! It's mommy!!!
"Hi Gus!!!" she shouts, as she gets closer to the fence. She walks over to the gate and I followed her the entire way. We played for a bit longer and then headed home. I was so exhausted that I fell asleep as soon as the car started to move.
When we were home and I saw daddy I told him about my fun day at the park. He says we will go back again soon. I can't wait!!!

helping daddy study

2008-03-14T12:45:00.002-04:00

The other day daddy was studying really, really hard for his test. I helped him. While glancing over his notes, I realized how hard nuring school is. I am smart and all, but I am afraid a pug could not handle the courseload school has. I will just stand by daddy and support him while he finishes school. Whenever he sits down to study, I make sure to lay on his lap so he cannot get up and do something fun. He is stuck right under me with nothing to do but read his notes. When he graduates next year I hope I can attend his graduation with mommy and grandma. I am sure if it is indoors they could smuggle me in in a napsack or something. Oh! I know!!! mommy can wrap me in a blanket and just pretend I am a baby...school officials will not even know! Until then I am daddy's support. His rock, if you will. When mommy is at work, I am here for him.

my new friend

2008-03-13T10:08:00.002-04:00

"Gus, wanna go to Petco? Wanna go for a ride in the car? Buh-byes?" I hear mommy saying.
"Come on, Gus, lets go buh-byes!" daddy chimmed right in.
Yipee! I get to go for a ride in the car!!!!! My favorite!
After a short ride we pulled up to Petco. I was so excited! We went inside and walked around a bit, then headed towards the dreaded grooming door.
Oh no! I thought, not my nails! But I was too late. Already in the door, daddy scooped me up and told the lady I was in dire need of a nail clipping.
"It says here in his chart that he needs to be held to get his nails clipped" the lady said
"Yeah," daddy replied, "he is quite a squirmer"
"All pugs are like that" the lady stated.
Did you hear that???All pugs don't like to get their nails clipped! It's not just me! It's genetic!
So daddy proceeds to hold me in his arms, while mommy pets me and tells me it's ok. All the while the lady is clipping my nails, one paw at a time.
In the photo above, I saw another pug at the groomers. Well, at least I thought I did. Turns out it was my reflection!

D-Day

2008-03-10T10:39:00.002-04:00

I just overheard mommy talking on the phone. It wasn't good. D-day is March 25th. D-DAY!!!! As in D-balling. I am getting neutered! I hate to think what that means but I am certain I have an idea. This is not my idea of fun, but mommy and daddy seem to think it is a good thing to do. I am scared! I am terrified! Maybe grandma will hide me while she is visiting and I won't have to go! Daddy....listen to me daddy.....we are boys, we need to stick together! Don't let them take my manhood!

AASI

2008-03-10T09:11:00.003-04:00

I would like to tell you about my new club. I am the charter member. The cats have joined me as well. It is AASI. Spelled out, it is Animals Against Sleeping In. That's right. Animals Against Sleeping In. Mommy and daddy were not as happy as I thought they would be. I was jumping around in bed, trying to get them to play very early this morning. Then I chased a kitty around the bed.
"Gus! Calm down!" they would say. I was so full of energy I could not stop though. Eventually mommy and daddy gave up on sleeping in and daddy took me outside for a walk while mommy made some coffee.

cook in the kitchen

2008-03-04T10:47:00.002-05:00

I awoke this morning to see daddy was feeling much better. I made him his dinner to take to work tonight. Yum! I learned how to cook from watching mommy. I was going to make stir fry (daddy's favorite), but found it difficult to cut the peppers. I decided on spaghetti. Boil water, add the noodles, stir in the sauce. An easy meal for a pug to make. I wish I could east some spaghetti, but mommy says only my pup food is good for me. With the occasional treat, of course! I have to admit, I do eat the kitty food on occasion. I can't be at fault for that, though. When the cats walk away from a perfectly good meal because they are done, someone has to eat the leftovers! Don't want to waste them.

My mission

2008-03-03T13:10:00.002-05:00

My mission for the day is to make daddy better. As I stated in my previous blog entry, my daddy is sick. When he finally awoke from his nap, mommy made toast, while I gave daddy a back rub. A "pug massage", if you will. Daddy seemed to enjoy it and if I keep pampering him maybe he will get well enough to play with me!

Oh! poor daddy!

2008-03-03T10:23:00.002-05:00

Daddy has come down with what seems to be the flu. He came home from work last night not feeling so well. Before he got home, mommy and I got the bed all set for him. We put a bottle of water on the nightstand, along with some meds and a bowl, just in case. I fell asleep next to daddy to keep him company. Halfway through the night he got up and made a run for the bathroom...and started making all kinds of scary noises. I did not know what to think, so I barked and barked at him. This woke mommy and she came running too! As she stood there rubbing daddy's back I continued to bark. Finally daddy went back to bed. Mommy went downstairs to lay on the couch and watch tv. I was a bit confused. I spent my time going back and forth between mommy and daddy. I could not decide where I wanted to sleep. Morning came and mommy went to the store to fetch gatorade, ginger ale, and some other stuff for daddy. I made sure he took everything he was suppose to. I was like a guard dog taking care of daddy. Whenever he made a move, I went and got mommy. I am sad daddy does not feel good.

Sunday morning

2008-03-02T10:32:00.003-05:00

Too much snow on the ground to poop outside

2008-02-25T17:46:00.002-05:00

I was in my "office" this morning reading up on the Red Sox. Looks like spring training is going well. Terry Francosa has reached an agreement on a three year, $12 million contract extension with the Red Sox that takes him through the 2011 season. I don't know too much about baseball, but $12 million could surely buy alot of milkbones. I am hoping to get a Red Sox baseball jersey this spring once the season starts. After all, my middle name is Yastrezmski.

Interesting...

2008-02-25T10:41:00.005-05:00

As I was surfing the internet this morning I came across some interesting information. I see here that mommy and daddy have booked their honeymoon. I also see that they only bought 2 plane tickets. Maybe they are planning to hide me in their luggage. Maybe they are taking me as a carry-on. Maybe I am considered a child and can just ride on their lap. I hate to think of the alternative...maybe they are not taking me with them. I know mommy and daddy had talked about me staying with grandma and grandpa while they go on their Italian adventure, but I did not think they were serious. Until now. I was looking forward to seeing the Coloseum, dipping my paws in the fountains, chasing the pigeons in Florence, barking love songs at mommy and daddy on a gondola ride in Venice. How can I do all of that if I do not have a plane ticket? I suppose I could sneak into their luggage. I love grandma and grandpa, but I would miss my mommy and daddy so much. Especially since the online tickets say they are going for about 2 weeks. 2 WEEKS!!!!! Can you believe they would leave the love of their life for 2 weeks!?!? Let me tell you...if this is true, and a plane ticket was not purchased for me they better bring me back lots of souveniers...and I'm talking treats, not a doggy shirt that says "my mommy and daddy went to Italy and all I got was this t-shirt"

A ride in the car

2008-02-20T09:07:00.003-05:00

"Gus, wanna go for a ride in the car?" I hear from the other room.

"Yipee! I love to go for rides in the car. I wonder where we are going?" I thought.Mommy, daddy and I piled into the car and off we went. It was a warm day (compared to what the temp has been lately), so daddy opened the window and let me hang my head out so I could feel the breeze in my face. I loved it!

Soon we pulled up to a store and daddy got out.

"I will wait for you in the car so I can hang out with Gus", mommy said to daddy. Off he went. He got further and further away, until he went inside.

I waited. I waited some more. Even more. Where is daddy and why is he taking so long??? All I could do is sit there and stare at the store enterance and hope he would come back soon. I love mommy, but daddy is 'The best daddy' of all time! I barked at a few pedestrians, all the while looking for my daddy to emerge from the store.

a kitchen re-done

2008-02-18T12:41:00.004-05:00

Before picture

Mommy and I were very busy today. She was re-tiling the kitchen floor (not real tile, but the peel and stick kind). She had blocked me from coming into the kitchen, but when I would not stop barking and whining she eventually let me in. I sat right next to her and watched. I felt as though I should do something to help her. As she lay the tiles down, I waddled over to them, and lay down on top. I know she pushed them down good so they would stick, but what's a little extra weight on them to help them stick even better?!?! I have to let you in on a little secret, though...the new tiles were nice and cool and felt "oh so good" on my belly. That is one of the reasons I kept laying on them. They were so nice and smooth. Later on in the evening mommy put my food bowl back out on the floor. I tried so hard to keep my food in either the dish or my mouth, but failed miserably. I got it all over the new floor. I ate up all the pieces, though, so I left the floor nice and clean. Daddy had not seen it yet, he was at work. I was such a big help to mommy!

After

One smart kitty

2008-02-15T11:25:00.003-05:00

Hello! It's me, Bailey. Gus is still in bed with mommy sleeping so I logged onto his website to chat with all of you. I see him do it all the time and thought it lookied so easy even a cat could do it, so here I am.
Life has been busy since Gus came into our house. When he falls asleep I sneak over to cuddle with mommy and daddy. I need to be careful, though, because if Gus sees me he gets a little jelous and runs right over to chase me away, then proceeds to lay on their lap himself. At night it is much easier...I wait until he falls asleep and starts to snore, then I can hop onto the bed and cuddle with everyone. Once he is snoring he is usually our for the night. By morning we are all on the bed (Gus, Skippy and I). We get along pretty well. Gus is a bit younger than us so he gets playful and we(the cats) just have to growl a little and he gets the point.
Sometimes we run around the house and play tag. We used to be able to outrun Gus, but now that his is 1 year old he has gotten bigger and quicker. Gus still tries to steal our cat food in the morning, but we have a system. Gus sits there, a couple feet away, and watches. He watches umtil we walk away and then he finishes off our plates. We need to make sure we are compeltely done eating before we walk away. No litter-box breaks for us mid-meal. When you come back the rest of the food is gone. I tried Gus's food one day just for kicks. It wasn't that bad, actually. I have no idea why he has to try to eat ours if his is yummy.
Oh! I have to go. I hear Gus moving about the house.

Dog Show on TV

2008-02-13T09:05:00.003-05:00

Last night the dog show was on TV again. It was the toy group this time. Grandma called to tell us and guess what??? There was a pug! I am so much cuter than he was. I should have been on tv. If it was me, I would have gone all the way to the final round. Heck...I might have even won!

pasta thief

2008-02-12T19:06:00.000-05:00

Mommy made daddy a nice dinner. As I sat on the floor and watched her cook, I pondered how I could manage to get some too.

I wandered out to the living room and sat on the couch for a bit. Then it came to me.

"Will, dinner is ready" mommy called.

Daddy came down and got a plate full of pasta and set it down on the coffee table. Mommy then asked if daddy could come cut the garlic bread for her. It was at that moment I had to make my move. Daddy got up and headed to the kitchen.

I could hear them talking in the other room. I got off the couch and waddled over to the coffee table where my feast awaited me. I got up on my hind legs and enjoyed a tasty pasta dinner! When I heard mommy and daddy coming, I sat down and looked at them with loving eyes...

"Gus! Were you eating my dinner?" Daddy asked. I was certain I had gotten down before they came in. How could they have known I ate some of the pasta????(see photo below...it was white sauce on the pasta)

Lounging with my brother

2008-02-08T12:37:00.000-05:00

Skippy is a very big kitty. He is my brother. When I was first brought home by my mommy, I was intimidated by Skippy. He was HUGE! But then I grew and grew and grew. I soon caught up in size and now we are about even. I have gotten faster, too, so when Skippy and I play tag in the house, I can keep right up with him. I have perfected my kitty-chasing abilities. When the cats run down the stairs I stay close to them, then I skip the last few stairs and fly in the air to land on them...it usually works. I tackle them to the ground, they never see it coming. But then we are up again...running down the hallway, back into the living room, around the coffee table, and back into the kitchen...until the cats go through the doggy door to the garage. That seems to be their safe zone. I have not figured out how to go through there, so once they go through our game of tag is all over.

napping on the couch

2008-02-06T09:18:00.000-05:00

All curled up with my mommy and daddy.

It's my Birthday!!!

2008-02-03T11:54:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me! I am 1 year old today. I spent my morning watching "America's cutest puppy" on WE TV. It was a marathon! I sat there and watched episode after episode after episode. Unfortunatly I have not seen a pug make it into the top ten so far, and we are the cutest breed in my eyes! I did see a few cute girl pups, though.

A couple of days ago I recieved a package in the mail. Mommy and daddy made me wait until my birthday to open it. It was from my birth mommy, pug Lola. It was this GREAT scrapbook! (it is in the picture with me). The note inside said if I was smart enough to write my own blog I should be smart enough to scrapbook. It was perfect! I will let mommy help, though, because she is really good at it.

Oh! I will write another entry later, my show is back on...this time it is "America's cutest puppy" in California. I think I see a pug in the crowd!

UFO

2008-02-01T10:34:00.000-05:00

While visiting my cousins, I saw somethinng strange. It was a UFO!!!! First, it was on the floor, then, it rose up and flew around the room! I was so scared all I could do was bark and try to catch it!

Car ride!!!

2008-01-30T09:27:00.000-05:00

Mommy had Monday off, and she had lots to do.
"Gus, wanna go buh-byes in the car?" I hear her say from downstairs
Yipee! Yipee! I was so happy! I love to go for rides in the car. It was a beautiful sunny day. Cool, but not too cold. It was perfect!
First, Mommy had a dentist appointment. As we drove there, I stood in my "car-ride" stance...as you can see in the photo. I love to stand in the passenger seat with my front paws on the center console so I can look out the windshield. I barked at every pedestrian (one of my favorite games), although now mommy has to wash her windows because of the amount of spots on them due to my sneezes!
Mommy had her teeth cleaned while I took a nap in the car. Before I knew it, she was back!
"Gus! Mommy has no cavities! aren't you happy?!" She exclaimed.
"Sure, ok, mommy" I replied, "But what's a cavity?"
Soon we were back on the road. We were off to the wedding photographer to pick up the engagement photos mommy and daddy had taken at the beach. I was even able to get in some of the pictures! The people were so nice the day we took the pictures...I will have to make sure the day of the wedding I am in alot of photos, too. I am, after all, the ring bearer.

Next stop...the town hall. Mommy ran inside. Then she was back...

"Gus, wanna come inside???" She said.

Wow! I can go inside the town hall? A public building...and I can go in??? I wonder if mommy made up some story about me being her seeing eye dog or something. I wasn't sure what was going on, but I was happy.

In we go...mommy was carrying me like a baby. We go into an office...

IT"S GRANDMA!!! Grandma works here! That is how I got in.

"Put him down and let him run" Grandma's boss says.

So down I go, running around. I was sooooo hyper! They even gave me a tennis ball to play with. I had a blast!

One of my favorite girls

2008-01-24T09:14:00.000-05:00

"Hi, Abby! Want to come snuggle with me?" I said to her.

"Sure!" she replied.

and we snuggled happily, ever, after!

(I make a pretty good pillow!)

Confessions of a Petco Pooper

2008-01-22T12:44:00.001-05:00

Spa day! Spa day!

I awoke on Monday morning all excited about my spa day. We got up and headed out to Petco. Once we arrived in the parking lot, daddy walked me around a bit to make sure I did my business outside before we went in. I was successful. We then headed inside.

"So Gus is here today for the spa package?" I hear the lady ask.

"Yes he is" mommy replied.

They proceeded to hand me over to the nice lady. "See you soon. We will call when he is ready to be picked up."

They then walked out the door.

"Mommy! daddy! Where are you going??? You are not going to stay here with me???" It hit me that they were not coming back inside right away. They have never left me at the spa before. They usually hang around while I get a nail trim. They never leave...uh oh!

"It's ok, Gus, they will be back in a couple hours when you are ready to go home." the nice lady told me.

I was still nervous. So nervous my belly ached. I was given an oatmeal bath, and they put me by a nice warm dryer until I was dry. Then they put me on a table so I could be brushed, my nails could get clipped, and my teeth could be cleaned. Uh oh....

I then assumed the position...right there on the table...and took a big poop. Yep...right on the table. Oh I was so embarassed! The nice lady cleaned it up.

"I'm really sorry....really! I am just so nervous!" I barked to her. When I was all done, they put me in a cage near other pups while awaiting the arrival of my parents.

ding ding

I look up as the door opens. It's mommy and daddy!!!!! They're here! They're here!

The lady retrieves me from my cage and brings me out to see them.

"Gus was a little nervous, " she told them, "he pooped a bit on the table".

"Oh, Gus" daddy said, "are you ok, buddy?"

"yes, daddy, I am fine. Just a little nervous is all" I replied.

On our way out, I did it again...right there in the Petco grooming area.

OOOOOOOOOOOh the embarassment!

"That's ok, I can clean it up" the nice lady said again.

We walked outside. I assumed the position again, and ...you guessed it...Pooped!

I was quite the super-pooper. A Petco pooper, you could say.

Mommy and daddy are laughing so hard..."Gus, are you finished yet?" they asked. I assumed the position again...nothing. I am completely empty.

We go home and I am fine. Come to think of it...at the groomers, I did not get a fancy bandana or bow. Was it because I was a poopy boy?

doggy spa

2008-01-20T10:40:00.000-05:00

I overheard mommy and daddy talking the other day. Daddy made me an appointment at the doggy spa for tommorrow morning! I get to get a bath, brush, nail trim (yuck!), I even think I get a bow or bandana to wear afterwards. I love to go to the doggy spa! All the girls there love me and are so nice!

naptime

2008-01-18T11:30:00.000-05:00

"Yes, I AM comfortable, thank you for asking!"

interesting chair

2008-01-16T20:46:00.000-05:00

Very early this morning.....
"Ha! ha! ha!" I hear daddy laughing.
All I am doing is sitting on the bed. What is so funny???
"Gus, get off mommy!" he laughs.
I continue to sit where I am. It is comfy. What is up with daddy and why is he laughing so much?
I glance around. I wonder where mommy is. I look around the room.
I hear a muffled voice..."guuuuuuuuussss...ggggggget offffffffffff meeeeeeeee"
I stand up.
"ah!" I hear mommy breathe.
Turns out I was sitting right on her head! On her face, to be exact. No wonder daddy was laughing so much. It must have looked sooooo funny!
Good thing I wasn't gassy!

snowboard adventure

2008-01-16T09:08:00.001-05:00

Daddy and I spent alot of time on the computer researching the perfect birthday gift for mommy. Daddy came up with a brilliant idea!

"I know, Gus! Mommy always said she wanted to try snowboarding, and I love it, so I think I will take her snowboarding!"

"Great idea, daddy! I love the snow!" I replied.

When mommy came home I was so excited, I just blurted it out.

"Mommy! mommy! Daddy wants to take you snowboarding for your birthday!" I barked, while running around the living room.

"Oh yeah, Gus? That's fantastic! I have always wanted to try to snowboard. I am so excited!" mommy said.

When daddy got home he told mommy his plan.

"Honey, I want to take you snowboarding for your birthday. I will get you a lesson so you can learn" daddy told her.

" I know, Gus told me! I can't wait!" mommy said.

Daddy looked at me...

"Gus, you spoiled mommy's surprise!" he said with a laugh.

I take after mommy...I cannot keep a secret!

The big day finally came. I sat perched at the door waiting for the magic words...

"Gus, time to get in your crate."

Those are not the words I wanted to hear! What happened to 'Gus wanna go for a ride in the car'?

"Gus, sorry buddy, but you can't come snowboarding with us. We would love it if you could, but dog's aren't allowed"

"But daddy...daddy! I could rent children's ski's. I only need 4 of them. One for each paw!" I told him, hoping to convince them to take me along.

In the back of my little pug mind, I knew daddy was right. Dog's cannot snowboard or ski. At least not yet...anyway........................

Duck Hunting

2008-01-11T11:15:00.000-05:00

As I approached the top stair I glanced down...I knew what was downstairs. It was hiding behind the living room chair. It was green, brown, and gray with a yellow beak. I was going duck hunting. I slowly made my way down, one stair at a time. Slowly.......slowly..... the duck is still in it's same spot. I get to the bottom step. I make a quick dash to the coffee table, hoping my prey has not seen me and flown away. Just my luck! The duck is still there. I crouch down low and shuffle over to the chair. Pow! I pounce on it as though I am a real hunting dog!

"I got it! I got it! I caught the duck!" I yelled.

Wait a minute...the duck is not moving. I have been tricked! This is not a real duck! It is a stuffed toy made to look like a duck!

Oh, well, I still had a great time on my duck hunt!

Oh my Llama!

2008-01-08T10:58:00.000-05:00

I was watching "Animal Planet" this morning and I saw a Llama! I wasn't too sure what it was at first, so I ran up to the tv to get a better look. Usually when I watch tv, I curl up on the couch with mommy and daddy. Until a doggy appears. I jump up, run to the tv, and uaually balance on two legs while barking up a storm! I was intrigued by the Llama, that is why I had to balance myself on the tv stand. I stood there for a good 5 minutes just looking, with the occasional growl.

Surprise visit

2008-01-06T21:25:00.001-05:00

There I was, all curled up on the couch for a lazy morning, when I hear mommy say,
"They're here!"
Who's here? is all I can think.
I ran to the door. I see a car. I bark. Mommy opened the door and I ran outside. (without my leash!) I ran as fast as I could and stopped at the red car. Out came grandma and grandpa!
"Hi Gus!" Grandma said.
"AARRRF! Arrrrrr!" I hear grandpa say from inside the car. He loves to tease me like that. It's how we play.
Once we were all inside the house I was just so happy to see them I was running all over. I was acting like mommy when she has lots of coffee. On the couch, off the couch, on the couch, off the couch, into the kitchen, back in the living room, grab the ball, almost fall down from running so fast, and finally laying down to catch my breath.
"ha ha ha ha ha", I pant as I settle down.
After a short nap I notice a smell. Yum! I thought. I wonder what that is? Mommy and grandma were sitting on the couch and it was coming from them. I climbed onto the couch, then up onto the back of the couch (one of my favorite places to lay).
Sniff, sniff... It's not mommy.
Sniff, sniff... Ah, ha! It's grandma! I get in for a closer sniff. She has the yummiest shampoo I have ever sniffed!!!!! I got right up in her ear and licked it. Then I licked her hair. Over and over and over I licked it.
"Gus!" she laughed,"stop trying to eat grandma's hair!"
"But grandma, your hair smells so wonderful! I just want to lick it! It is good enough to eat!"
After my persistant "hair sniffing and licking" I settled down.
Boy, do I sure love grandma's shampoo!

Happy new year!!!

2008-01-03T21:07:00.000-05:00

Wow! My first New Year's celebration. I even got to wear a fancy hat! I cuddled on the couch with mommy and daddy as they spent the afternoon watching movies. Then the clock hit 8:30pm...
"It's new years eve and we are sitting home," I hear daddy say, "when did we get OLD?"
"You're right", I hear mommy respond. They both headed upstairs and changed.
Oh no! I think, They are putting on their shoes! I try to think fast. I grab a shoe and try to hide it.
"Gus, give me back my shoe." mommy said
"Ok, we are off! Gonna head to Applebees to split an appetizer and have a glass of wine. See you soon, Gus!"
"Come on mommy! Come on daddy! Stay home with me!" I pleaded.
"Don't worry...we won't be out too late."

MOMMY MAY NOT FORGIVE ME FOR THIS NEXT PART.......
At 1 am mommy and daddy finally returned. Daddy went to brush his teeth and when he came back in the bedroom to see mommy, he took one look at her and said, "are you ok?"
Next thing I know mommy is dashing for the bathroom. I am right at her heels. They go inside and close the door. Didn't sound too nice in there. Eventually they came out and went to bed. I think mommy is sick. The next morning mommy is still sick. Daddy is up and about, getting movies for her and gatorade, too (he is such a good daddy). He made her toast at one point, but I stole half of it(he he he). I was a good dog. I kept mommy company all day. Every time she got up to go be sick I sat right outside the bathroom door and waited for her to emerge and go back to bed. One time I even pawed at the door to see if she was ok.
Later on, when she was better, we all went to play in the snow. Mommy put on her new snowshoes and walked down the street, while daddy had a snowball fight with my friend Connor (their neighbor). I chased some snowballs, until I ran into some snow that was a bit over my head. I have learned to love the snow, seeing as how it is all over the ground.

One sick pup

2007-12-30T10:40:00.000-05:00

A couple of days after I went to the dog park I started to not feel so good. I was coughing, sleepy all the time, and not my normal self. Mommy and daddy got very worried about me.

"Gus, you are not acting like your normal puppy self" mommy said. Daddy agreed. Mommy started to do some research on the internet to see if pups can catch colds. Turns out they cannot.

Tuesday night, mommy and daddy decided 'better to be safe than sorry', so they took me to the vet. Lucky for me there is a 24-hour vet right around the corner. The vet said I was in good health. Mommy didn't like him much.

"He is acting totally different than usual. He is never this lethargic and he has such a funny cough" mommy kept telling him.

"Has he been around other dogs?" the vet asked

"yes, he was at the dog park on Saturday" Mommy replied

Turns out, the vaccine for Kennel Cough doesn't last a full year, so that is probably what I had. The doctor prescribed me some antibiotics for 10 days. Funny, I don't remember mommy and daddy giving me any. However, twice a day they have been giving me special treats, and they hover over me while I eat it. I think I have been tricked! Maybe I have been taking my meds.

48 hours after I started my antibiotics, I feel like a new pup! I have my energy back, I am no longer coughing, I even chase the cats! No doggie toy is safe from me now!

2007-12-29T21:10:00.000-05:00

click on photo to enlarge

naptime

2007-12-29T19:06:00.000-05:00

It was a nice Tuesday evening when I settled down in daddy's lap for a nap. We were VERY tired so we were quick to fall asleep. I was off in dreamland when I heard a noise...
"Gus, want some juice? I hear in a small voice.
I must be dreaming. Juice? I don't drink juice.
I hear it again, this time closer...
"Gus, want some juice???"
BOINK!
What the?????
I wake with a start. My eyes open. I am too scared to move. I look from side to side with my big brown eyes... mommy caught what happened on camera...I did not dream it. Take a look

This is Ally, my 3 1/2 year old cousin. She got a baby doll for Christmas and took it upon herself to make me her "real life" baby and she tried to give me pretend juice through her dolls sippy cup. I played along once I realized what was going on.

"Yummy, Ally! That's good juice!" I said
" I though you would like some" She replied.

holiday photos

2007-12-29T18:46:00.000-05:00

"Why is everyone laughing at me? Is there something on my head?"

" It was such a busy morning I fell asleep sitting up. Again, everyone was laughing at me...I wonder why?"

"Wow! look at all these gifts! I hope santa brought something good for me!"

"Interesting....."

"That's more like it!"

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-26T09:18:00.000-05:00

Happy How-idays! Merry Christmas! I had a busy day yesterday. I awoke to hustle and bustle in the house and then I was given presents! I got bones, toys, treats, clothes, etc. I was so tired at one point that I took a nap on the back of the couch and awoke to the flash of a camera, realizing I had been set up...I was covered in gift bows! We headed down to my grandparents house (mommy's parents) and I was greeted at the door by Ally and Abby.
"Gus!" They both yelled and I was covered in kisses. I made my way around the living room saying my hello's to everyone. As usual, everyone was so happy to see me. Ally gave me a present. Inside was a fur lined sweater in pale blue. If you ask me, it is kinda girly, but a 3 year old picked it out and if that is what she wants me to wear, by golly I'll wear it! They were also excited about a ball they helped to pick out. I love it! Who knew that the pup of the family would get to open his gifts first, even before the human kids? Mommy took alot of photos, but she is about to run out the door and go to work and she did not give me the cd yet so I could set them up on here and tell you all about my busy day. Later.....I promise! Dog's honor!

Fun, Fun, Fun!

2007-12-23T13:51:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was GREAT! Mommy had worked her usual Friday night double shift, so when she came home at 7am on Saturday morning I stood at the top of the stairs with a big grin to welcome her. It made her so happy! She then went upstairs to wake up daddy. Out of nowhere, I hear the magic words...
"Gus, wanna go buh-byes? Buh-byes in the car? Wanna go for a ride in the car?" daddy asked.
I run around and wag my curly tail
"of course I do, daddy! You don't even have to ask!" I responded.
We get in the car and head out. Mommy and daddy were suppose to be doing a 5K (3.1 mile) road race/run. When they went to register they found out it was a 10K (6.2 mile) run instead. Daddy signed up, while mommy said she would just run the 5K course for fun, this way she and I could cheer for daddy at different points of the course and at the finish. I met a new friend, Tio ( I think). He was a husky. He barked at me a bit, and I gave it right back to him. He didn't scare me!
Mommy took off on her run, and when it was time for daddy to start he put me in the car. I could see him at first, out the window, but before long he was out of sight. Mommy soon returned and got me out of the car. She took off her ear warmers and put on a red santa hat.
"Come on, Gus, lets go find daddy!"
Off we went. Hey...why are we running? I thought mommy finished her run. Up the hill we go. We continue to run around a big field.
"Gus, good boy, Gus. Good boy. Your a good runner. Good boy!" mommy keeps saying over and over. As long as she keeps talking, I keep running. We make a couple stops so I can make yellow snow, and we get to the edge of the field.
"Gus, look for daddy!" She says. I look. There were alot of people running by. Faintly in the distance I hear my name.
"GUS!" I wag my tail, but it is not daddy...it is a group of people from mommy and daddy's triathlon team. They all love me. As they run by they all say hi to me. I jump around in appreciation. One runner even stopped running to bend down and pet me. Must have been my christmas shirt. I looked so festive. Mommy in her santa hat and me in my christmas shirt.
We finally see daddy coming. Mommy and I ran with daddy for a bit and then he took off. Did I mention he wore a green shirt, too??? That's right, daddy dressed like me. I am such a trend starter. I had it on first!!!Mommy ran me around the rest of the field in the opposite direction, so we were facing the runners.
"GUS!" I hear again. It's my same group of human friends. They go by. Daddy must be coming soon. Sure enough we saw him again, then we headed down to the finish line to wait for him there. I ran a whole mile! Mind you, it was slow, with a few stops throughout, but it was a mile!
Uh, oh...What's this??? What is mommy doing? Oh, no, not the antlers!!!!! On they go. She is carrying me by now, so I cannot shake them off. Everyone stops us, saying how cute I am. Yes, I know I am cute, but I think I look like a fool with antlers on. I am a pug. A manly pug, not a sissy pug with antlers, though that is what everyone is seeing at the moment.
Daddy finishes and we are off to see the aliens at the drive- thru. Lucky for them there was a long line at the drive-thru so mommy and daddy had to go inside. Once home, mommy was quick to get ready and off we went again...this time to the dog park. I had a play date with my friend, Buddy (a cocker spaniel puppy). (As we were leaving the house, I knocked mommy's coffee out of her hand and onto the ground in hopes of another trip to the drive-thru...they give out milkbones, you know...but all it did was make her sad and she did not go get another one. My plan was foiled!)At the park it was snowy. I jumped around like a bunny, chasing Buddy everywhere. Whenever other dogs would bark and play fight, I would yell at them. They would peer at me like...who is this little dog and why is he barking at us?
When we went to leave, mommy gave Buddy's mom some cookies and I gave Buddy a "Bark Bar"(special treat) as a Christmas gift. We said our goodbyes and I headed home for an evening of napping with Grandma! A busy day can leave a pup quite tired...

I got a present!

2007-12-21T11:29:00.001-05:00

A package came for me in the mail! It was addressed to Mr. Gus Whiting...That's me! I wonder what's inside? I carefully examine it...smells good. I look at the return address...it's from my birth mommy!

"Oh! I am so excited to see what is inside!" I tell mommy and daddy.

"Gus, do you need help opening it?" daddy asks.

"yes, daddy, please help me. I recently got my nails clipped and can't quite grab the tape to open it".The top comes off...I peer inside...YIPEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!! I have treats! Looks like home-made doggy treats! I love them! There was a note saying that they are my birth-mommy's favorites and she even taste tested them to make sure they were good. Boy oh boy, were they good. Daddy gave me one right away, and saved the rest for later.

"Gus, why don't we save the doggy muffin for Christmas morning?" daddy said

"ok, daddy, sounds good to me. Just be sure not to eat it...I know it looks good and all, but it is all mine!" I replied

Yummy! I love my present! Thank you Lola! (that's my birth mommy)

Tale of a snowball

2007-12-20T11:46:00.000-05:00

At the end of our street is a circle. I think it is called a cul-de-sac. Anyways...this is where mommy and daddy take me to do my business, seeing as how there is too much snow in our yard. Somehow, someway, there appeared a GIANT snowball, right at the end of the street. I sniffed it. I walked around it. I nugged it with my nose. I then lifted my leg. Yes! I found my spot. All the little bushes and trees are covered by snow, but magically there appeared a snowball. I am in the process of creating a piece of art, you could say. A yellow and white polka dotted snowball. It already has 4 yellow spots!

bathtime

2007-12-18T10:27:00.001-05:00

All that going outside in the snow and sand/salt can make a pup quiete dirty. Mommy decided to give me a bath. I am not sure why...they usually let me take a shower. I tell ya...I prefer the shower. Something about standing in a puddle of water I just don't like. Even though I am almost a year old, mommy still uses puppy shampoo on me. It is lavendar scented and I LOVE IT! After my bath, mommy usually wraps me in a big fluffy towel and holds me. Then she puts me down so she can rub me down and I can get dry. I shake, and then, with a burst of energy, I run up and down the hallway by the bathroom until I collapse with a big grin, panting. Something about being a clean pup brings out the best in me.

There is a treat on the chair...cat vs. dog

2007-12-16T15:59:00.000-05:00

Go Patriots!

2007-12-16T12:26:00.000-05:00

It snowed again last night. It is now sleeting. Mommy took me out and I hid under the parked cars in the driveway so I would stay dry. She didn't like that too much, so she made me go for a walk. I learned something cool...if you walk in the tire tracks on the road your paws don't get as wet! If I had not walked in the tire tracks the snow would have been up to my belly. Mommy said I was such a good boy...I was a good pee-er and a double pooper. Better to get it all out now than have to come out in the cold again! Once inside I was able to put my new Patriots jersey on (Grammy bought it for me), then daddy and I read the sports section together in our matching shirts.

"Go Pats!" Daddy keeps saying. I don't know when they are playing in human time, but in pup time I think it is this afternoon, after my nap. Good thing we are not at the game, it is sooooooo cold out! I would need a double layer of paw-protectors, three shirts, my fleece vest, and a big hat! I think I will just snuggle on the couch with daddy, thank you very much!

Snow Dog Video

2007-12-14T12:46:00.000-05:00

Big Snow, Little Dog

2007-12-14T12:19:00.000-05:00

Wow! We got so much snow! I think it had to be a foot. It was over my head. I was lucky to have daddy home to shovel a "pee path" for me in the grass. This is me, standing in the area I am suppose to do my business. I would rather walk around, though. Time to explore!

This is the first real snowstorm I have experienced. Are they all like this? I am happy I have clothes to keep me warm. I sure do love my booties! I overheard mommy and daddy talking... "Do you think Gus needs a hat to go out in the snow?" mommy said. "Yeah, because what the dog needs is another article of clothing!" daddy responded, with a chuckle. They are silly. I do have alot of clothes, though. But no hat. Yet.

"Cheese!"

Mmmm...cookies

2007-12-08T17:34:00.000-05:00

Mommy was so busy baking cookies today! All I could do was stare at the yummy treats. I could smell the peanut butter in them, but could not steal any because there was chocolate in them, and mommy said chocolate was bad for puppies. They sure do look yummy!

Trip to the store, I saw santa!!!

2007-12-08T13:39:00.000-05:00

"Mommy can I help you with the grocery bags?"

Today was great! I went to Petco to see Santa! He was in a red suit and had a big beard. Well, first, this morning I called my cousin, Ally (3 1/2 years old)...

"Ally, Ally! Guess what??? I am going to see Santa today!" I told her over the phone. I did not expect the response I got.

"NNNooooooo!!!! I am going to see Santa today!" she cried. "How will I see Santa if he is up there?" (I live in MA, she lives in CT). At that point she handed the phone off to her mommy and I heard her crying.

"Ally, it's ok! Santa will come see you when he is done up here! I promise!" I tried my best...I am a pug...I forgot how the mind of a 3 year old human works. My mommy got on the phone and talked to Ally and made it all better.

So off to Petco. I was scared of Santa when I saw him. We were first in line and so we didn't have to wait. It took 3 tries to take my picture with santa. I would post it on here, but Santa seems to be a little low on technology and it is a poloroid, so it is not loadable to the internet. In the photo, I am sitting on the floor in front of him, not in his lap. I was quite the wiggle worm.

I saw mommy buy some treat-type items. We also picked out christmas gifts for the cats. We met lots of dogs and I got to play with some. It was fun!

We headed out to Stop and Shop on the way home. Mommy had to run in for a minute to grab some stuff. I guess she forgot about the bags from Petco in the backseat. They sat there in plain sight. I hoped right to the backseat and dove into the bag. By the time mommy got back to the car, I had the "surprise" christmas toys and treats all over the car.

"Mommy, can I help you with your bags?" I said, as I peered over the back seat.

"Gus, I think you did enough helping with the Petco bags. Thank you, though." mommy replied.

We drove home so mommy could spend the afternoon baking christmas cookies. Maybe I can help...

The hairbrush

2007-12-07T10:24:00.000-05:00

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

The alarm clock kept going off and going off.

"Mommy...time to wake up" I said, in my usual pug fashion. She would not move. I then took it upon myself to wake her up in my own way.

I got up close to her. I sat on her head. She moved a bit but would not get up. I opened my mouth and grabbed a bunch of her hair. I pulled it.

"Gus! Don't pull mommy's hair!" I turn around. Busted! Daddy had just gotten out of the shower and saw me. I was so excited to see that he was still home I jumped around all over the bed, and all over mommy. I snorted, I sneezed, I landed right on her head! Just a little more hair pulling and she was up.

"yeah! mommy's up!"

"ok, Gus...I'm up!" mommy said. She was kinda grumpy. Maybe I should have put the coffee on before I started to jump all over her. "wanna go outside?" she asks

So off we go...out for a walk. It was cold. There is still ice covering the road. We went to the end of the road and I once again performed my magic trick...I turned the white snow yellow! I love to do that...it's like magic.

We head back to the house. We had such a nice walk I started to feel bad about pulling mommy's hair, so I headed upstairs into the bathroom and found her hairbrush. I brought it to where she was...

"Gus-alicious, what are you doing with my hairbrush?" she asks

"mommy, I felt bad about pulling your hair and thought I would fix it for you"

"Aw, Gus. You are such a sweet puppy. Thank you"

She picked me up and I spent the morning cuddling in her lap.

2007-12-06T10:28:00.000-05:00

I love my family!

The Ice Storm

2007-12-03T16:38:00.001-05:00

"Ohhhhh! It was so cold today!"

I woke up to ice everywhere! I did not like them at first, but I am sure glad grandma bought me some booties. I used to fight whenever mommy and daddy would put them on. They said I was funny to watch, because I hop around when I wear them. This was the first time I wore them outside in the ice. I LOVE THEM!!!!! My paws stayed toasty warm and dry. I even dragged mommy down to the end of the road. I think she wanted me to do my buisiness in the yard, but with my warm booties and all, I decided I would rather treck to the end of the street. She looked cold, but I was not. When we got back into the house she took off my shoes and put my PJ's on so I was comfy. I snuggled up with a teddy bear and took a nap. Later on in the day mommy was being very productive (I tell ya...it's all the coffee she drinks), I tried to help her wrap christmas gifts, but she would not let me help. I think I annoyed her a bit by walking all over the wrapping paper she had layed out on the floor. I was just trying to help...honest. I think the real reason I could not help is that some of the gifts are for me...I swear I smelled something good in the bag of presents. Possibly a new dingo bone???

King of the house

2007-12-02T10:51:00.000-05:00

Yes...I am king of the house. While mommy and daddy sit in bed and read or do the crossword puzzle, I sneak in between them. I lay right in the middle with my head on the pillow and the blankets pulled right up to my puppy arms.
"Goodnight, Gus" They say
"Goodnight mommy and daddy" I say back
and they kiss me on my cheeks for a good nights sleep!

Oh what pretty decorations

2007-11-30T10:33:00.000-05:00

Mommy has been a busy bee. Over the weekend she put up all the pretty Christmas decorations. White lights everywhere! One the bushes, in the windows, along the banister of the front porch with that green pine garland stuff. It was so pretty. Until Tuesday. Tuesday was a bit windy and since mommy hasn't hung outdoor lights too often (she has always lived in an apartment, now a house) they were not secured too well, and now the porch decorations are hanging off the railing! I would fix them for her while she was at work, but I cannot reach the doorknob to get outside and the porch rail is too high, too. The first night she go the decorations out she turned the twinkle lights on in the house and put them on the floor. I did not know what to think. I gotta admit...I did bark at them for a bit. What? Twinkle lights can be scary! This is my first Christmas so I don't know what to expect. I do know mommy went shopping with grandma and I could smell treats in the bag. Grandma also bought me lots of cool outfits. In the picture above, grandma was trying to take our family photo for us, but mommy and daddy kept laughing. I just sat there staring at them..."guys, guys come on! I want to get this photo over with so I can take off my sweater and get comfy! Guys! FOCUS!" I kept trying to tell them. We eventually got some good pictures, as some of you will see when you recieve the card in the mail.
I

The gingerbread house contest

2007-11-25T12:24:00.000-05:00

Let the contest begin! Mommy, daddy, and grandma started a new tradition. They each built a gingerbread house and are going to see who's house will stand the longest. Mommy got the idea from my friend Buddy's mom, Nola. This is me...looking at mommy's house. Her roof kept sliding off so she re-arranged the pieces and made the roof the walls, and the walls the roof. It is still standing, though. You can tell it is mommy's because of the "R" on the side. I better go investigate the other houses to see if they are still standing...
Here is grandma's house. Her's was definatly the prettiest. I cannot tell what is on the front, though. Stained glass windows? Bushes with christmas lights? Dog cookies? (Hey..I am a dog...I can wish). I really love her roof, though. Looks good enough to eat!

Last, but not least, is Daddy's. He got frustrated at one point and we all thought he was going to give up, but he came back with a vengence and built a wonderful house! The whole roof is covered in icing and I am so close I can smell the sugar! If no one was in the kitchen taking my picture, I would consider stealing the gumdrop wreath on the front door. I wonder why no one built a dog house?

What is this?

2007-11-24T22:03:00.000-05:00

We found this sign on someone's front lawn and thought we would pose for a snapshot

I LOVE Saturday

2007-11-24T21:44:00.000-05:00

BOTH mommy and daddy worked the overnight shifts last night. I thought I was going to have no one to snuggle with, but luckily for me...Grandma is visiting!!! I curled up with her and slept like a baby. Daddy got home around 7:45am, and I awoke to him ringing the doorbell. I did not know it was him at first and so I barked and barked! Turns out he left his keys in mommy's car, mommy went to work, and daddy had to use his spare car key. This also left him with no house key. A couple hours later mommy came home. She went shopping. She says "the day after the day after Thanksgiving is best to shop because you still get the sales without the crowds". I will take her word for it. I wonder if there is anything in those shopping bags for me????? Daddy had his 10k (6.2 mile) race today. Here we are awaiting the race start. Daddy runs fast! At one point I was cheering with mommy and I dug a hole in the ground. Then, out of nowhere I got a burst of energy! A burst, I tell you! I started to run and run but I was on a leash so I was going in cirlcles around mommy. It made her spin round and round too. After the race, people came up to us and said "you guys were making ME dizzy!". I just laughed and licked his face. Later on in the day mommy took me to the dog park to play. I wore my yellow fleece vest. I was the only pup in the park wearing clothes. I wonder what the other dogs thought.....was I cool? Or did they think I was silly? It was cold out, so it doesn't really matter what they thought...I was toasty warm! Later, on the way home, mommy took me to daddy's work to visit him on his dinner break. They were very sneaky. I went in the hospital and into the cafeteria (no one was there. It was closed). We all hung out and when we left, daddy let me walk down the hallway. It was linolium, so I was sliding all over! Once home, mommy got creative and put up christmas lights outside. I knew she was out there, and I was not, so I barked up a storm until she came in to take me out with her. I don't like it when mommy or daddy are outside and I am inside. I want to be right with them, doing what they are doing.

New PJ's,Thanksgiving, and aliens...

2007-11-22T10:23:00.000-05:00

Look at me! Look at me! I got new PJ's! They were and early christmas gift and I LOVE THEM! I wonder if they make matching ones for my mommy and daddy? Mommy would wear them, but I don't know about daddy...he is manly. We got up early this morning...it's Thanksgiving day!!! "Gus wanna go for a ride in the car?" daddy asked. Of course I do, so I ran to the door. "I wonder where we are going?" We pulled up to a parking area and there were so many people around. Some were warming up running, others were just talking. "Oh I know...this must be a road race." We all got out of the car and walked up to a big building. Mommy and daddy took turns going inside to register for the race, while the other stayed with me outside. Everyone loved me, as usual. "Uh oh...race must be starting soon." I thought. I got put in the car (it's a big SUV so I get the whole back to myself), and they went to run the race. When it started I got super excited. They are running right by the car!!! As daddy ran by he tapped the window and I was soooo happy! "Go daddy, go!!!" I yelped. Ok...where is mommy...there she is..."go mommy go!" I barked. 5 miles later, daddy ran across the finish line he came to get me so we could cheer for mommy. He was surprised to find me in the drivers seat. That's right...I jumped the seats and made it all the way to the front of the vehicle. "Good job, buddy!" daddy said. We waited for mommy and when I saw her coming I ran towards her, dragging daddy with me. She raced me to the finish line. I still say I won. It was close. By now everyone knows me. "bye Gus!" all the kids say as they leave. Even grown-ups kneel down to talk to me. I am so popular. I am popular without even trying. Must be my stellar personality and dashing good looks. We went to visit the aliens at the Dunkin Donuts drivethrough (read the blog entry about that if you have no idea what I am talking about). I acted in my usual fashion, protecting my parents from the aliens..."arf! bark! ggrrrrr!!!!" But when we pulled up to the window, I was surprised to see them handing me something...it's a milkbone! The aliens have treats!!!!! Why didn't anyone tell me this earlier!

My new trick!

2007-11-20T13:31:00.001-05:00

Hey guess what!!!??? I can turn white snow a different color............ Yellow!

what is this white stuff?

2007-11-20T09:54:00.001-05:00

I got outside and paused. "What is this white stuff???" Everyone kept trying to get me to go down the stairs, but I was very unsure of myself. "Is it going to be hot? Is it cold? I think it is cold because when mommy took me out she made sure I was wearing a shirt. She searched the house for a long time trying to find the warmest one" Ok...here I go...

"Oh, it IS COLD!" I wandered around for a bit, sneezing everytime a snowflake tickled my nose. Now I understand why grandma wants me to get paw-protectors. To keep my toes warm in the snow! I wish I had a pair now, although no one really knew we were going to wake up to snow. I kept picking my paws up and mommy kept laughing at me. Thinking back I guess I was walking kinda funny!

bedtime

2007-11-19T08:56:00.001-05:00

I love to snuggle in bed with daddy! Especially when we are both wearing our Red Sox shirts!

sleeping in the car

2007-11-18T19:18:00.000-05:00

I get so sleepy when I go for rides in the car. Today I went to Rhode Island with grandma to visit great-grandma and Lydia. It was a long, but fun, day. I will tell you all about it after a good nights sleep!

Picking up grandma at the airport

2007-11-17T13:58:00.001-05:00

We left the house at 11 to pick grandma up at the airport. I got to ride up front with mommy when we got close to the airport. Here I am sitting on her lap as we pulled up to the terminal. I have not seen grandma in sooooooo long. I am so excited!
I was not sure if I would be allowed in the airport, but we gave it a shot anyways. I got in! No one said anything to us. We got lots of smiles from people and I got petted alot. Here I am at the bottom of the escalator awaiting her arrival. "Oh! I see her! I see her! There's grandma!!!" She soon saw me and smiled. I ran right up to her once she was at the bottom of the stairs.

She picked me right up and gave me a huge hug! I missed her so much!!!

cold morning

2007-11-17T08:15:00.000-05:00

Gotta go outside. Gotta go outside. "Brrrrrrr! I didn't realize how cold it was!" After running around the bed for awhile, making lots of noise, mommy got up and took me outside. It was cold. There was frost all over the ground. The leaves and grass crinkled as I stepped on them. I sniffed and sniffed and sniffed. I glanced at mommy..."Gus, go potty. I know it's cold but you have to go potty. You WILL NOT go in the house. Don't look at me with those puppy eyes. You need to go potty outside." This puts a brilliant idea into my head. My new mission...learn to use the toilet. I doubt it is possible, but it is cold and I am freezing. I may be thinking irrationally." I do my thing in the grass and mommy lets me go back inside. I wait at the door for her.

"Hurry up, mommy! I'm turning into a pupsicle!" We head inside and I run up the stairs to wake up daddy. I jumped onto the bed and licked his face. No luck. So I run back downstairs to see if mommy has fed the cats yet. No luck. I think she is waiting for when we go to the airport to pick up grandma so the cats can eat in peace. Mommy is making something yummy, though. It's blueberry bread. Smells sooooo good. I asked if I could help, but mommy didn't think it was a good idea. "it will be too hard for you to hold the spoon to stir the mix, Gus" mommy said. She's right. It would be hard for me to grip the spoon with my paws. I think I will go and snuggle in bed with daddy!

Mmmmm...pumpkins!

2007-11-14T08:51:00.000-05:00

Grandma is coming!

2007-11-13T09:20:00.000-05:00

Four more days until grandma gets here! I am so excited! I have not seen her since the summer. She lives in Michigan. The best part is...even when mommy and daddy are at work, grandma is home, so I always have someone to play with. Sometimes she even takes me to Rhode Island to visit great grandma and Lydia. They are so much fun! First, there is the car ride-which I love, then, there is the nursing home where everyone loves me. I feel so important when I go there because I am the center of attention. Everyone pets me! When we pick grandma up at the airport I think I will wear my new sweater. I do beleive daddy has a blue stripped shirt to match mine. Maybe he will wear it too!

My first pumkin

2007-11-11T19:18:00.000-05:00

Hey look! My first pumpkin!

Aliens at the drive-thru

2007-11-11T18:52:00.001-05:00

There were aliens. Lots of aliens. I swear.
I got to spend the day with mommy. First, we went to Petco. I got my nails clipped ( I am still not happy about that). Then I got a new shirt. I am wearing it in the picture above. It is a red sweater with blue shirt under. I look so preppy! In this picture, I am pretending to be an alien...like the ones I heard today... HERE IS MY STORY: So we leave Petco and pull into the Dunkin Donuts parking lot. I knew we were coming here. I overheard mommy say she would bring daddy a coffee at work, so here we are, getting coffee. But we did not get out of the car. Instead we pulled around the side of the building. The window goes down...there is a strange box and that is when I heard the aliens! "welcome to dunkin donuts, may I take your order?" ALIENS! ALIENS, I SAY!!! "Aaaar! Arf! ggrrrrrrrrr....ArArArf! Bark Bark! grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!"
"Gus, stop!" mommy says. There is no stopping me. "AR! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...!" There is no one there, talking to mommy. Just a metal box. I really think it was aliens. There was a voice, but no person. She orders coffee and pulls around to pick them up. "Aaarr! Bark bark!" As we leave, mommy says from now on she is just going to get out and go inside!

Nice day for a walk

2007-11-11T17:37:00.000-05:00

I went for a long walk today. It was a beautiful fall afternoon and the weather was perfect for a pug! A little on the chilly side, actually, but I was lucky to have a new jacket to wear. We walked to the end of the road, down a path, to the pond behind all the houses. I had so much fun sniffing around. Of course, I had to "water" the walkway four different times to mark my territory.

I LOVE to explore around the pond. So many things to see!

Iron Dog

2007-11-11T12:23:00.000-05:00

Mommy hand painted this food bowl for me. It has my name, and all sorts of other cool things on it. My favorite is the red Ironman symbol on the inside. I am Gus, the "Iron dog". I got this name because of my daddy. He is an Ironman triathlete. He has finished the Lake Placid, NY, Ironman triathlon 5 times! He had to do a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and run 26.2 miles. He is my hero! Next summer we are going up there to cheer for friends, and so daddy can sign up for 2009. They said I can come with them! We are going to camp out in a tent and everything just to make sure daddy can get in.

There is my daddy! He is the one with his arm up in the air! This picture was from the 2004 Ironman triathlon. Wow! He is sooooooo fast! Both mommy and daddy are on a triathlon team and their uniforms are yellow and black. Makes it easy to spot them during a race. Mommy has never done an Ironman race. She takes after me, not a good swimmer yet. I get to cheer for her at shorter races. Like this past summer she did a women's only triathlon in CT and daddy and I got to cheer for her.

The team they are on is called the Cyclonauts. I even have my very own shirt that says "official Cyclonaut cheer dog". Everyone loves it! I wear it to all the races and people recognize me. I have lots of friends I visit with when I go to races. Most of them are little kids. Kids love me, and I love them, so it works out pretty well.

Jumping in leaves

2007-11-10T22:14:00.000-05:00

Now that it is fall, I just love to jump in the leaves. When I get to go for long walks to the end of the road, I always make a point to be waist-deep in leaves! I am sure mommy will post photos of this soon. She is always like "Gus, Gus where are you???" And then I jump out of the pile "Here I am!!!" Mommy has me running quite a bit now. I can run 1/2 mile at a descent pace. If I go too fast, I get pooped, but if I stay slow with her, I can run far. I can't run with daddy, though. He is WAY to fast! Mommy can't even keep up with him. They say they are going to take me to the 5K races this winter in the snow. I may get to play with the other dogs while they race. That will be so much fun. I hope I get my 'paw protectors' before then...otherwise the snow will be cold on my toes (although I am not too sure about that...I have not seen snow in my lifetime...I am only 9 months old!).

Boys in shirts(and a girl!)

2007-11-08T22:43:00.000-05:00

"Hey Skippy...What are you wearing?" Gus asked

Skippy responded, "Well, Gus, your shirts looked so cool on you. I thought I would put one on myself. Boy, is it warm!"

" Yeah, but it is my shirt" Gus replied

"Gus, you are not the only one in this house that wants to look cool. As a matter of fact...all the cats in the house are wearing your clothes right now" Said Skippy

"No way! I need to check this out..." Gus muttered, as he wandered through the house looking for kittys...

"Wow!" Gus said,"Skippy was right! Here is Bailey wearing one of my shirts!"

"Hi Gus," Bailey said with enthusiasm, "Thank you for letting me wear your shirt. It is cold out and it is keeping me nice and warm."

"Glad I could help" and off I went to explore the house...one more kitty to look for. I wonder if she is wearing my clothes, too.

"Well look at that" Gus thought. "Even Lucy, Queen of the house, is wearing my clothes"

"Thank you for letting me wear your clothes. They are oh so warm!"

So that is that. Here I am, Gus, the pug...I have cool clothes, but I am a good pup and share them with my brothers and sister. Mommy and daddy said it is good to share. And the other cats do look pretty nice in my shirts!

swimming lessons

2007-11-07T20:46:00.000-05:00

Over the summer, I decided I wanted to learn how to swim. Daddy goes to the pool every week and I thought...'if he can do it, I can do it!' So I talked to mommy and she said ok. "I read that pugs love to swim, and it is good exercise for you because you will not get too hot" She said. Mommy and daddy decided to take me to Haviland Pond, instead of the pool. Something about the chlorine not being good for me. Anyways...One warm summer day, we all went to the pond. I was scared. I had never been in deep water before! I dipped my toes in and decided to give it a shot. "Here I go...a little deeper...a little deeper...ok, nope...I can't do this! I am too scared!!!" Mommy quickly scoops me up. "Ah, safe in mommy's arms". But wait! She is waiding deeper into the water. Now we are pretty far from shore. Daddy comes close, just about a foot away. Mommy held me by my belly and told me to kick. Oh boy, did I kick! I splashed up a storm! Almost to daddy, almost there..almost....Oh no I am starting to sink!!!!! Daddy was quick to pick me up. "Hey Gus, good job buddy!" He said. I didn't think I did too well...I almost drown! (or so I thought. Turns out I was doing fine and would not have drowned. My loving parents were right there close to me). "Ok, Gus, swim to mommy!" and then daddy let go...paddle, paddle paddle, and I start to sink again, but mommy scoops me up. I never did learn to swim very far. I am heavy, like a brick. Maybe next summer...If I get up the nerve to go to the pond again!

I cannot tell a lie

2007-11-06T12:29:00.000-05:00

I cannot tell a lie. This is what happened. (it was a few days ago...but I thought I should share my side before mommy and daddy tell everyone their side). It was a chilly Saturday...daddy had to work. Mommy was getting ready to work the night shift. I was hanging out in the living room until it was time to get in my crate because mommy had to leave for work. Before she left I saw her pull a steak out of the freezer and put it on the stove to defrost overnight. Out the door she went. "hey guys! guys!" I yell to the cats. They all came downstairs and sat by my crate. "Go look what mommy left out in the kitchen. I think you will like it." The scampered into the kitchen and saw what mommy had done. mmmmm...steak. A bit frozen right now, but I wonder how long it will be left out before they cook it? I hear the chirp of daddy's car. "scram, guys! Daddy is home!" The cats dispersed and the front door opened. "Hi Gus!" daddy says, "wanna go outside?". We took a long walk so I could take care of business. Back inside daddy said the one word that sends me running upstairs "Bedtime!". I run up and hop onto the bed. I love bedtime...it's snuggle-time! Daddy got up pretty early the next day. Earlier than expected. The kittys and I had gotten up a little while before and snuck down to the kitchen, to finish out our plan. One kitty had gotten up on the stove, and the others awaited the steak that would soon be pushed off onto the floor. Bullseye! Down on the floor with a smack! The cats used their claws to get through the wrapper, while I kept watch. Once the steak was out of the packaging we all enjoyed a feast.....until daddy caught us! First, he saw the styrofoam from the bottom of the package. "hm...that is weird. Gus must have pulled this out of the trash or something." Then he saw us in the corner..."Gus!!!!" I hear him yell. He picked up the steak and put it in the trash. "but daddy...daddy...the cats helped too! I didn't do it all alone." But there are no cats around. They all ran and hid before daddy got in the kitchen. They left the blame on me. I mean, sure, I was the one that told them about the steak in the first place, but they actually got on the stove and pushed it off. Daddy eventually figured out what happened, given the fact I cannot climb up on the stove. Mommy came home later..."I hope you were not planning on having steak for dinner" I hear daddy say...

Playing cards

2007-11-06T09:20:00.000-05:00

Gooooooooooooood morning! Have you ever played a card game? I love Phase 10. I am very good at it. Over the summer when everyone would get together and play, sometimes I would play too! Daddy usually helps me out because it is hard to hold the cards up with my paws. Here I am...sitting on daddy's lap. I love to play Uno, too! The bright colored cards are so cool. I love to skip people with the skip cards! Mommy tried to get me one day..."Gus, wanna play 52 card pickup?" "yeah, yeah, mommy! I love to learn new card games!" I had replied. Next thing I know...all the cards are thrown up in the air and she says "ok, pick them up!". She is silly. She had to help me, of course. Don't let anyone play that trick on you! 52 card pickup is not a game!