Long Time, No Post

Hello Friends,

My apologies for the brief leave of absence. I've been busy traveling the world, feasting on delicacies, and meeting with foreign diplomats. Not really, but it sounded good, didn't it? In all actuality, Mommy started a new schedule at work and her computer's just not home as much as it used to be.

Since I haven't reported in a while, here's a quick list of the things that have happened to me in the last couple of months:

1. I turned 1 year old on August 15. Mommy made me some yummy treats and got me a new collar and leash. She also mended some of my old toys from when I was a wee pup.


2. I swam A LOT


3. We went camping and I got to be off leash the whole time - 3 whole days!! It was awesome. I also got to play with Rocco and Rowen.


4. My dog park was remodeled and reopened. I love it and Mommy takes me there on her days off.


5. I swam in a people pool with a bunch of other doggies


6. Mommy and Daddy started walking me 3x a day. Love it!!


7. My boyfriend, Boomer, finally grew so I got to play with him a lot


8. Champ stayed with us for a weekend. He was fun to run with, but doesn't like to play like Boomer (that's why Boomer's my boyfriend...he gives me kisses).


9. I went to Dolce & Hops' first birthday party and got cool party favors.


10. I started sleeping more. This old body just can't take as much as it used to.

If You’re Hungry and you Know It…

…Clap your paws!! Just kidding…

Seriously, if your parents are getting ready for dinner or have already eaten, here’s a way to get some of their yummy food (provided they leave it on the counter for you and you’re as tall as me so you can reach the counter).

Step 1 – Check for yummy food
Step 2 – Wait for Mommy to go outside and water the plants
Step 3 – Wait for Daddy to get on the computer
Step 4 – Taste the food to see if it’s yummy enough
Step 5 – If yummy enough, eat as fast as you can before you get caught!
Step 5 – Once caught, run for your life!!!

New Park!!

Mommy and Daddy found a new dog park for me and it is sooooo nice! It's all grass and I just love to run and run and run there. The other park they used to take me to was smaller and full of dirt. My paws feel a lot better running on the grass, especially when it's hot. One of the best things about the new park is that it's not too crowded with other furry friends, so I get some good quality fetch and chase time in with Mommy and Daddy.

Independence Day Weekend (long)

I know this is a little late, but I have to tell you about my new found independence on Independence Day weekend (July 4th for all you furry friends).

The day before Independence Day (let’s call it IDay), my Mommy and Daddy packed me up in the car to go Bye Bye. I had no idea where we were going this time, but I had a pretty good guess it was either to go to Dr. Dave’s, Home Depot, the park, swimming, camping, or hiking. A long period of time passed, much longer than it took to get to any of the aforementioned areas and I got a little excited. Mommy and Daddy let me out in some parking lot to go potty, but I didn’t know where I was so I couldn’t go. After a long time back in the car, I finally couldn’t stand it anymore and closed my eyes. I woke up every once in a while to survey the area and every time I looked out the window, it looked completely different than anything I’d ever seen before. Mommy and Daddy kept telling me, “You’re doing good, Kote. Only a little while longer.” Whatever that meant.

We FINALLY stopped the car. Mommy and Daddy leashed me up and let me out. They said we were in a place called San Diego. Oh, the smells! St. Augustine grass, eucalyptus trees, white birds I’ve never seen before, and lots of new dog smells. I pottied on the prickly grass and we walked up to a door. The door opened and inside was Auntie Adrian and Uncle Scott! I was sooooo excited to see them. The last time I’d seen them it was Christmas. The excitement took over and I had to sniff every inch of that apartment. I could already tell that Auntie A was a great cook, the air was filled with all the yummy dinners she makes. I set in and before too long it was bedtime.

The next day, IDay, Auntie A, Mommy, and Daddy took me to a new dog park. There were 3 golden retriever friends there and we had a great time. Lots more doggy friends showed up, but I got hot and it was time to go back to Auntie A’s. We all got ready and went for a ride to another house. The nice man who lived in the house was Larry, Scott’s dad. He showed us to the backyard, which was where I encountered the world’s largest water bowl…or so I thought. As it turns out, this big bowl of water is called a swimming pool. Now, I love to swim, but I just couldn’t figure out how to get into the swimming pool. Here’s a video of me trying to swim.

After Uncle Scott showed me where the second step was, I swam my little heart out. Mommy and Daddy were in the pool and I had so much fun swimming back and forth to them. It was so refreshing. Boy, was I tired when we got home!

The next day, Uncle Scott, Auntie A, Mommy and Daddy loaded me up in the car yet again and we went for another drive. I thought we were going back to the swimming pool but I was wrong. When we finally got to where we were going, I looked out the window and saw dogs…LOTS of DOGS! I was so excited and couldn’t get out of the car yet. I squirmed and squealed and squealed and squirmed, but to no avail. We had to park the car kind of far and walk over but it was worth it.

Auntie A was walking me and when we first reached the sand, I couldn’t believe how soft it was. We followed all the other people and dogs down the sandy path and that’s when I saw it. It was the most beautiful thing! Bigger than anything I’d ever dreamed of! One half was sand, the other, water. Daddy called it “the biggest Dog Beach” he’d ever seen. A dog beach?!? Auntie A finally took my leash off and I ran. I ran right into that Pacific Ocean, took a whiff of the ocean air, turned around to show Mommy and Daddy…and that’s when it hit me…literally! A wave crashed right over my head! I swam a little bit, but I was able to touch the sand. As it turns out, the Pacific was a little too rough for my liking, so I did what I do best…I ran! Running on a cool beach, weaving in and out of people and dogs, was the best feeling I had ever had. It was then that I realized I was free…well, for a little bit anyway.

Mommy and Daddy just watched and knew that I was happy. I had found my independence!

I got to go back to that dog beach one more time the next day and had just as much fun. I guess it’s never as good as your first time though. I’ll never forget that day as long as I live!

The car ride back home wasn’t as bad as the ride down. I dreamt a lot, mostly about running free on the beach.

Temptation Alley

Hello friends (humans, furry, and the like)! I recently had to walk through ‘Temptation Alley’ at school and let me just tell you how wonderful it was! Before I can tell you how wonderful it was, I have to explain what ‘Temptation Alley’ really was: a test to see if Mommy had done her homework with me…and sadly (tisk, tisk Mommy!), we didn’t practice quite enough.

Mommy walked me into the classroom a few minutes before class began. On the floor were so many great treats and toys! Treats I’d never smelled before! There was an open jar of peanut butter, a big bag of horse poop, a natural balance roll, a baby in a stroller (not a real baby, of course), a big meaty bone of some sort, slices of hot dogs, and something called lamb lung that smelled delicious. Mommy told me to ‘Leave It’ as we walked by and sat down at the far end of the room in the corner.

My teacher, PJ, quickly got class under way and explained to all the mommies and daddies the object of the ‘Temptation Alley’ game. As it turns out, we dogs got to hang out with PJ on one side then run in between all the yummy treats to our mommy or daddy on the other side, without touching the treats. I guess that’s why it’s called ‘Temptation Alley’!

I have to admit, there were a couple of show-offs in the room who pretended not to notice any of the treats just laying there in the open. One of the Golden Retrievers took a detour at the peanut butter jar and ate his little heart out. He went before me, so I thought I couldn’t have been worse than that, even if I stopped for a taste.

I was the last to go and boy did I put on a show. I showed all those dogs what a real Lab was made of and devoured the lamb lung…not once, but twice! It tasted waaaaay better than it smelled. I just couldn’t resist! Mommy wasn’t too happy with me; I could see it in her eyes. I did make up for it by running through the alley without stopping 2 out of 4 times.

Mommy walked me back to our chair and whispered into my ear, “At least you didn’t go for your favorite…the horse poop!”

Stampede

Hi everyone! I went camping (2nd time!!) again last weekend and this time my friend, Dolce came with me. Here's a short video of us playing and getting dirty!

Dolce

My white American Shepherd friend, Dolce, came to my house for a sleepover. Oh my gosh! We had so much fun. Guess what we did? We played in the pool at 7 o'clock in the morning and then ran like crazy girls through the house. Then we rested, then we played, then rested some more, played some more, etc. I can't wait until the next sleepover. Mommy and Daddy said it's going to be at a campground! Yippee!!

Here are some pictures of us having fun.

Dive Dogs

Mommy and Daddy took me to a Dive Dogs competition last month and it looks like a lot of fun. They were going to let me try it, but I was really tired from playing with Reggie at a new dog park. We have a local group here called High Desert Dive Dogs, or H3D. They practice on Saturdays and Sundays and Mommy might take me there to try it. I hope I like it!

Look at all those Labby friends!

UFO

So, the other day I was sitting outside in my grass minding my own business and peacefully listening to the birds when, out of nowhere, a UFO appeared in my yard! I know what you're thinking...and no, I'm not that crazy. It was this shiny, silvery ball on a string and it was coming right towards me. I growled and barked and barked and growled, but the UFO must have wanted me bad.

I couldn't escape it! Every time I backed up it got closer. I finally remembered that the sliding door was open. I ran in to tell Daddy about it, but he was on the computer and he didn't seem too interested. When I looked back towards the yard I saw Mommy heading it's way.

"Oh no," I thought. "They've locked her in and are taking her away!" I quietly inched my way towards the door, only to find Mommy holding onto the string. I couldn't help but wonder if Mommy was a secret alien the way she was acting with the UFO. She brought it into the house!!

I ran back to Daddy and hid under the desk. Mommy brought the UFO all the way to the office and called me to it. I growled at it again saying, "You might get Mommy to go with you, but you'll never get me!" They must speak Labradork because Mommy quickly turned around and walked back outside.

I thought she was a gone forever, never to return..........but she returned, without the UFO. She walked back into the office and told Daddy, "Can you believe it? Our dog, who isn't afraid of anything was scared of a balloon?"

A balloon? That's a funny word...What's a balloon? Must be Alien for UFO.

Upset tummy

I hope you all enjoyed my camping photos. Camping was so much fun, but what followed was not. Five days after we got back from the lake, my tummy started rumbling. Mommy and Daddy went to work, as usual, and I did all I could to wait until they came home. As soon as I was let out of my room, I ran to my potty area and erupted. Not good at all! I thought maybe that was going to be it, but I was wrong. Mommy didn't think to take me to Dr. Dave until I turned my breakfast down. I don't miss any meals...ever...so she knew I wasn't feeling well. I heard her tell Daddy that it looked like a peanut butter war in my potty area. They knew it was a little more than an upset tummy. I endured 12 horrible hours of volcano bottom until Dr. Dave figured out what was wrong with me!

The diagnosis? Well, turns out I caught the Beaver Fever! Or, Giardia in doctor's terms. Apparently, puppies like me get it from drinking dirty lake water. Who can blame me? I was thirsty!! Now, it's no secret that I love food, so when I heard Dr. Dave say I needed to eat chicken and rice instead of my puppy chow, I thanked the Beaver Fever gods....and I did a little 'Oh yeah, I get chicken and rice' dance.

Those were the best 4 days of my life! Not only did my tummy feel MUCH better, but every meal was a total indulgence. I had a hard time re-adjusting to the puppy kibble, but at least my tummy wasn't hurting anymore. If I could only convince Mommy and Daddy to take me back to that swim spot, maybe I'll get more chicken and rice!

Camping Photos

Here are some pictures from my first camping trip.

Bye bye campground

I love Camping!

Greetings Ladies and Gents,

Summer is finally underway and boy are we busy! Aside from sleeping a lot, I've passed my time by laying in the cool grass, playing with Dolce, hiking, camping, and swimming! That's right, I can swim! It is sooooo much fun. Mommy and Daddy took me camping a long time ago, I think it was in May???

Let me tell you about camping...it is so great! Not only do you get to dig your own bed in the dirt around the fire, but there are so many sticks and pine cones to chew on. I couldn't even think about chewing on my bone, I was in stick heaven! Oh, and there were A LOT of other puppy friends there. One of them kept running by me trying to tease me because he was off leash. I don't think Mommy and Daddy were very happy about that.

The first day we were there, Mommy and Daddy took me to the other side of the lake to swim. I didn't know how to swim at first, so I just ran in and got my feet wet. Luckily, I could touch the ground in the water for a long time. Daddy kept throwing the stick in the water for me to get and bring back. One time he threw it a little far. I stood in the water and looked at it. It was just out of my reach, but I didn't want to go where I couldn't touch. I finally got up the nerve and gently dove in. I splashed and splashed until I finally got to the stick. Mommy and Daddy talked to me the whole time so I knew where they were. I turned around and splashed back towards them. When I got out, they were really excited and told me I was a good little swimmer. I guess they were proud.

The more I swam, the easier it got for me. I love it! Mommy even took a video to prove it.

Towel Anyone?

I got a little dirty hiking with my friend, Dolce, so Mommy and Daddy gave me a bath. Mommy took a movie of me drying off. She and Daddy think it's funny...I'm not sure I agree. Enjoy!

Note from Mommy: This video has not been altered in any way. She really is Spaztastic!

1st Hike!!

Hi Everyone!

Two days ago, my mommy and daddy took me on my first hike. We had soooo much fun! I can already tell this is going to be a spring and summer with a lot of firsts for me. Mommy and Daddy took me to Thomas Creek trailhead, which is about a 10 minute bye-bye ride. I got out of the car and I didn't know what to think. I smelled other friends, heard birds chirping and running water, and looked up to see massive trees over my head. Mommy and Daddy got me all leashed up and we were soon on our way.

For those of you who don't know me or haven't read my blog about the birdie, I am a bird huntin' dog, so of course I had to put my nose to the ground and follow the scent. I tried to follow it right and tried to follow it left, but Mommy and Daddy kept pulling me back onto the trail. I was so excited! I couldn't stop pulling on the leash (and Mommy and Daddy were going way too slow for me). After a while of good behavior (at least I think so), Mommy and Daddy rewarded me by taking my leash off. Aahhh! The freedom I felt is unexplainable! I ran up and down, to the water, in the bushes, and all over! Mommy and Daddy kept calling me to them. I would stop what I was doing, run to them, but they didn't have any treats so what was the point? One time I ran to the water and got stuck trying to get back up the hill. I got a little scared, but Mommy came down and helped me find the way out.

Mommy and Daddy were a little worried that I would try to play with the other friends on the trail or say hi to new human friends, so they put my leash on when they saw someone else on the trail. When we got to the end of our hike, Mommy and Daddy let me play in the water and boy did I have fun!! I got in, walked down the creek, ran out and then did it all over again and again and again. Water is awesome! I even drank the water from the little waterfalls. Daddy said I could drink it because it is just melted snow. I sure hope the bears didn't potty in it!!


I think we all had fun on our hike, even though I had to keep my leash on the whole way back. Daddy said something about there being too many mountain bikers coming down. Mommy just told me this morning that we are going back to the trail this weekend to hike with my friend, Dolce (White American Shepherd). I'm so EXCITED!

Stick?

Last week my Mommy and Daddy took me on a walk at lunch. I found a big stick on the walk and carried it all the way home, about 1/3 of a mile, Mommy says.

Mommy took some pictures and no, I'm not wearing a muzzle. It's my Gentle Leader, Silly!

Going Green for Spring

I love this time of year, although, this is actually my first time to ever experience the joys of Spring. Sniffing around has never been more rewarding! Instead of smelling all the yucky scents in the dirt, I now get a whiff of fresh blooming flowers and all the other stuff that makes my daddy sneeze. I can tell it's getting warmer because my mommy and daddy leave the back sliding door open for me to come and go as I please. I think I do more going than coming, but that's beside the point.

Above all, my favorite part of spring is the lush green grass. My mommy and daddy put new grass in the front yard that was so green and cool that I just had to lie down in it and get a little shut-eye. They put a piece in the backyard for me, which I love. Unfortunately, it's not as green as it used to be. Mommy and Daddy have promised to put in a lot of green grass for me this weekend and I can't wait!

Top Dawg

Yes Ladies and Gentlemen, I, Dakota Fawver, am an Adolescent Dog 101 graduate. I think I overheard my mommy whisper, "It's kind of hard to believe...I can't believe she did it! I never thought we'd pass". BUT I proved her wrong. I passed with flying colors and the other adolescents in the class were no match for me. They couldn't even lay down without hand motions...sheesh! I'm going to miss my classmates, but mommy says I get to start another class called Brilliant Buddy in a couple of months. I tried telling her I was already brilliant, but apparently she doesn't understand "Wuff".

To celebrate my graduation (and my 8 month birthday), Mommy put real cooked chicken in with my dinner. DE-licious! My cousin, Bug, was also there to celebrate. What a glorious occasion!

Landscaping

Phew! I've been so busy working in the backyard that I haven't had time to write all of my friends. My mommy even took a picture of me to prove it...that excavating is hard work!

Tips and Tricks

Hello friends! I thought I'd share some helpful tips and tricks I've learned in my short 7 1/2 months of existence that might come in handy for you one of these days.

Have you ever followed your Mommy or Daddy into the garage, sniffed around a bit, and realized you were the only one left in the garage?

I have a solution for you! First, navigate to the door where you entered the garage. Second, look up and check to see if you have a skinny shiny thing midway up. (I know what you're thinking...this won't work with the shiny round thing). Next, stand on your back legs and strategically place your front paws on the skinny shiny thing until it moves. Lean into it...and Viola! Back in the house! Give yourself a silent pat on the back for a job well done.

This technique also works if your Mommy and Daddy go into a room by themselves or into the bathtub room. You can really surprise them if you do it quickly too!


Not getting the attention you think you deserve? Is Mommy or Daddy busy talking to themselves while holding the skinny black box?

Use what your momma gave you! Bark, bark, and bark until you can't bark anymore. They will eventually get the point and talk to you, look at you, or pet you to keep quiet. Go ahead, laugh on the inside. You've just mastered the art of getting your way.


Do you hate being towel dried after a bath as much as I do?

If you are locked in the bathtub room after your bath, keep trying to get away from your Mommy or Daddy until they give up. If they corner you, flail around until they feel sorry for you. This is going to require your best acting job! It is very critical that you give it your all. Shake your bootie and get them all wet while you're at it. They hate that! Your Mommy or Daddy will eventually open the door to air-drying freedom. Make a mad dash for the nearest room possible. Best air-drying results are achieved when wallowing around on the carpet (area rugs or grass may be substituted when carpet is unavailable). I recommend a running start and the back-scratch technique. FEELS WUNDERBAR (that's German for Wonderful)!

Hmmm...

I wonder what I can get into next...

Snow

Hello Friends! Sorry I've been absent for a while, but my mommy and daddy have been very busy and I couldn't squeeze any internet time in. I thought you might like to see a video of me in the snow. I love the snow! It tastes sooo good and feels sooo good on my paws. I don't know about you guys, but I could just play and play for hours!

Survey...

My Mommy forwards these surveys to me all the time, but I never reply back. I felt bad, so I finally filled one out...and it's all about ME!

1. What is your occupation? Hunting Birds
2. What color are your socks right now? Well, I don't really wear socks, but my feet are an orangy color
3. What are you listening to right now? Birds chirping and cars driving by
4. What was the last thing that you ate? A liver treat and 4 small Mother Hubbard biscuits
5. Can you drive a stick shift? I don't know, haven't tried driving yet
6. What color would you be, if you were a color? Well, I technically am a color (yellow to be exact)
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My Grand-Marmie
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? I guess I have to...Love you Mommy! More treats please!
9. How old are you today? 7 months and 2 days
10. Favorite drink? I love the water in the bath tub. It tastes much better than the water in my bowl
11. What is your favorite sport to watch? Cops. I love watching those Shepherds fetch the people
12. Have ever dyed your hair? Yes, but mud wasn't a good look for me
13. Pets? Yes, 1 Mommy and 1 Daddy
14. Favorite food? I haven't tried much, but I like pretty much anything I can fit into my mouth
15. Last movie you watched? I can't ever stay awake through a whole movie!
16. Favorite Day of the year? Every Day!
17. What do you do to vent anger? I thought this was a given...GROWL
18. What was your favorite toy as a child? I loved my fuzzy bone. Mommy got tired of mending it...
19. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Spring? What's Spring?
20. Cherry or Blueberry? Never tried either, but probably both
21. Favorite smell? Anything from my Daddy's grill
22. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? All of the above, please
23. Favorite day of the week? Weekends and Weekdays after 5 pm
24. How many states have you lived in? 1 - Nevada

Adolescent Dog 101

I guess my mommy and daddy thought I was starting to get out of control or something because they took me to a training class last night. I'm still not sure what provoked them to do something like this. I listen all the time when they talk to me at home. Okay, okay...I might not listen as well when I'm around friends, but come on! I'm an adolescent (that's similar to a teenager to you humans) and I'd much rather play with my friends than listen to my mommy or daddy when we're somewhere other than in the house. I'm way too cool for that! DUH!

For the last two weeks, my mommy's been saying weird things to me like "Are you ready for boot camp?" "You'd better shape up or ship out!" "One more week to act like a crazy dog!" I wasn't too sure what she meant until 6 pm last night. We walked into the Dog Training by PJ doors and took a seat (well, my mommy and daddy sat down, I was much too excited). A lot of new friends came through the same doors and I just had to take a sniff. My new friends included a Black Lab, Maltese, Shar-Pei, French Bulldog, Australian Shepherd, and a Weimeraner. We were going to have so much fun playing! Only, we never got a chance.

I could sense that my mommy and daddy were nervous. I think they thought I would get kicked out of class just like my cousin Marley. I wasn't going to let that happen, but they didn't know that. My teacher, PJ, started talking to all the parents. All I heard was "Blah, blah, blah, treat, blah, blah...I'll demonstrate with Dakota." What?!? She was going to use me as the first guinea pig? Well, I was the best looking girl in the class. Who could blame her? When it was all over, I didn't know what I had learned, but I sure did get a lot of treats from her. I think I was the perfect student...why else would she have given me so many treats? After that, my mommy and daddy took turns giving me treats and saying things like "Take It", "Dakota", "Sit". Piece of cake!

I do have some homework to do, but that just means more treats for me. Yumm-O! I have a feeling the next 5 weeks are going to be a blast! So much for my girl-ish figure...

Birdie

I got my first birdie yesterday! If you're a golfer, please don't be confused with your kind of birdie. You see, I'm a hunting dog. Well, a bird dog to be more exact. My long lines of ancestors were bred to retrieve birds that hunters shot down (I guess because hunters are lazy). As I was taking a break from running around at the dog park, something moving caught my eye. Usually, the moving items that catch my eye include paper, leaves, plastic bags, etc. I thought this was going to turn up as just another stupid leaf. To my surprise, it had small feathers and tried to fly away from me. BUT, I was too fast for that little birdie. I snatched it up into my mouth and ran around to all my friends and showed them what I had. My mommy chased me yelling "Drop It Dakota!" and "Dakota, Leave it!", but I pretended not to hear her. All I could think about was how proud my ancestors would've been. The other dog parents in the park looked mortified, so I presumed none of them were hunters and didn't understand my keen bird instincts.

For months, the birds have been torturing me! Flying overhead, sitting on fences and rooftops, hiding behind the glass windows. Not this time! I couldn't let this moment pass...I continued to bask in the Labrador glory by gallivanting around that 1 acre park. That is, UNTIL I attempted to get a better grip on the birdie. In a split second, the birdie was out of my mouth and on its way to freedom. Oh well, it sure was fun while it lasted. After the little birdie got away, I heard my mommy say "She is a bird dog" and I puffed out my chest and grinned.

Pictures of ME!!

Hi Friends! I thought I would share some pictures of me with you today. I hope you like them!