Toy Machine

Dear Sundance,

I love my owners, but they are inundating me with toys, making me feel like I'm in charge of/responsible for to many things. I'll admit, it is fun to receive new things, but the real enjoyment comes from actually sharing in the fun of being with them. I have a basket full of half chewed ropes, kongs, gnawed bones, and rawhides. I have squeaky toys and tennis balls scattered all over the back yard. The latest toy is a red laser light, which makes me feel frantic and obsessed.
I happen to have a fellow K-9 friend next door with the same dilemma, with owners who substitute out exercise time with a large backyard, an abundance of water bowls scattered around the enclosure, in case he becomes thirsty, and an agility course for entertainment and sufficient means to some acceptable exercise. I have yet to see him actually perform any agility in the span he is left alone, but he sure barks like a blues singer the whole time I am passing by. We think his owners are using the accessories to compensate for not giving him time.

In truth, all I want is some one-on-one time with my owner, to reunite with the good old collar and leash, and to share in the fun. A well used collar and leash is worth far more to me than a new toy every week.

Signed,

Toy Poodle

Dear T.P.,

I know our owners genuinely love us, but it sounds like your owners are substituting toys for a good old fashioned walk. The walk is the adventure, the time to share and re-unite, to be a cohesive team, dog and human. The walk is an opportunity to smell the roses, as well as whiff a recently nuked lawn or saturated shrub. It's also a great way for your owner to be proud of you, and make out how well those obedience classes have truly paid off. Maybe they can read this blog and return to the simpler joys of spending quality time with you instead of just letting you chew on imported goods.

Live Happy!

Sundance

Hard Headed Woman

Just found out my girlfriend Na_Me is in town. YES! Kobe has his hands full for the next few weeks. My uncle Wayne broke his elbow about 2 weeks ago and is unable to walk Na_Me. His daughters, Madie and Bailey are too small and inexperienced to handle Na_Me who has a tendency to pull with amazing force. Na_Me is very driven and excitable, with a strong zest for life. I think this is why I am attracted to her, because she is a dog who knows what she wants and goes after it, just like me. Except, I have learned to harness this energy and call upon it when given directions.

Tomorrow morning will be our time to run and I can give my brother Kobe some room to breathe. I am sure Na_Me has pestered him all day. Little does she know what she is in for.

Before I forget, not that I tried to erase this from my memory, but I had the greatest time in the pool today. Vixen challenged me with all her doggy-paddle moves and has really become a good swimmer. She is becoming a stronger swimmer and is able to stay afloat longer. She still has a funny sounding gastrointestinal issue when she gets out of the water, but that does not keep her away.