Teddy - A Puppy Mill Rescue

This is Teddy, one of my new pals. He lives in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Somebody bought him from a pet store that got him from a puppy mill but he got sick. So his new dad didn't want him and took him back. He could have died, except a loving young lady and his doctor sat up with him all day and night for 4 days. He's only maybe 8 weeks old and weighs maybe 2 or 3 pounds. He's one of the few lucky ones that get saved.

His new grandma is Nana Allie, who was my Uncle Rudy's foster mom when he lived in Las Vegas. I know Teddy will be ok with her. What a sad way for a young pup to start out in life. I think there should be laws against puppy mills. I asked my Mom to ask Allie or Teddy's new mom to help Teddy do a blog about the horrors of the puppy trafficking, like an expose from the inside. It's just shameful and I think we should all do something about it. My Great-Aunt Susie was born in a home for unwed chihuahuas in Spavinaw, Oklahoma. Someday, I'll get my mom to tell you her story and how she was rescued from a life of dancing topless in a pet store window.

Good night and God Bless ...

Mary-Margaret

Mary-Margaret's Unfortunate Event

I am so good, I tell my mom when I have to go out (most of the time). Tonight, it was getting cold and dark so I wanted to go out before it really got chilly. I checked out the center part of the lawn, and then I ambled back over to the right side of the patio. I thought about whether or not to go in, and then figured, "oh what the heck, I'll make one more round".

I had JUST put my front paws on the lawn when suddenly, out of nowhere and without warning, and....THIS IS SOOOO UNFAIR....the automatic pop-up sprinkler suddenly popped up and sprayed me but good. Eeeeeeek! EEeeeeyeeeewww! Brrrrrrrr! This is another reason why carpet is so much nicer than grass when you are a puppy and it's cold outside. Mom just made some stupid comment about how funny I looked, being all wet. Then, I guess she knew I was pretty mad, so she said "Oh, baby, I'm so sorry!", but it was too late.

When I got into the house, I shook off all the water I could and then I ran upstairs and found her clean underwear and drug it all over the house. Finally, she got down on the floor on her stomach so that her head was lower than mine and we kissed and made up. I know that she didn't mean for that sprinkler to squirt me, but golly gosh gee whiz. I have feelings, too. And it scared me. It really did. But I also don't like it when Mom and I have a tiff, either. I know it wasn't her fault, but she could have acted like she cared a little more.

My Uncle Rudy

I feel so bad. I just love my Uncle Rudy to pieces and I haven't posted a picture of him. I guess it hurt his feelings, because Auntie Colleen finally said something to Mom about it and she suggested I might put one up.

Uncle Rudy is really special to me. He's the one who taught me how to go back down stairs after I'd get all the way up and get stuck. He's very smart and I am his favorite niece, and even if he seems a bit grumpy at times, it's only because he doesn't want me to know what a softie he really is. I do love my Uncle Rudy.

Mary-Margaret and the CFC Courier Bag

My mom has a daily courier service to over 200 people in California and Nevada. Every day I just absolutely get sooo excited when John, our courier, comes by. He even brings the pouch to ME, Mary-Margaret, now. I wait until Mom unzips it and takes out all those big envelopes and flips the card. Then I hop inside and play like it's a fort. Mom says she'll probably have our Bag #E-050 engraved on my tag just in case I forget to hop out before the next bag exchange. This picture is of me when I was just a baby, but I still love that bag. :o)

Same Potting Soil (2 months later)

January 31, 2006 - I told Mom that she needed to put a picture of me the way I look today so you could see the way I've grown. OK, I admit that I'm not tall and I will never be a super-model, but at least I can SEE the top of the table now.

Notice the leash? I am never allowed in the back without it which really annoys me. But, like I said before, Mom has this thing about owls and hawks and she's just totally scared that I'm going to be carried off. Come to think of it, I don't think I'd like that either.

When I was just a baby

This is how big I was at nine weeks. I can remember standing on my tippy-toes to see what planter mix really looked like. Those were the days when I absolutely had to know just everything about EVERYTHING.

Since then, I've learned better. I still have trouble with envelopes at work. My favorite thing still is to pull them out of the wastebasket or from under Mom's desk and to make doilies out of them. If I were in Japan, I would be considered an artist in Kirie or Senshi. But here, in Mom's office, it's just being like a "bad dog".

Good Morning, Everyone!

I apologize for not writing yesterday. It was a crazy day. Mom was all over the place at banks, accountant, market. And then she was busy doing payroll taxes and stuff on the computer that she has to do for "year end". Hmmmph!! I just knew that she didn't want to play and I better stick to my bed unless I wanted to get in trouble. Which isn't a bad idea when I get bored. Today she says she has to get out the "ten ninety-nines" which sounds pretty important and then maybe things will get back to normal.

We check our email in the morning and see who's written to us. Sometimes she gets really into it and takes a long time. I snuggle into her fluffy bathrobe. What's really comfy, if you want to try it with your mom, is to skootch inside the front opening and then stick your head into sleeve. It's very warm and oh-so-nice. I sometimes take another nap that way and could probably sleep all day in there if she didn't want to go make coffee. But the coffee is a really nice smell and when it first starts is when I know I'm getting my breakfast. Mom is so silly. She says "Mary-Margaret, your cereal is ready!", but I know it's really just my kibbles.

Tomorrow I am going back to see Dr. V again. Only this time is sort of a special thing. I'm a big girl, and finally I get my rabies shot. For us pups, it's sort of like a "coming of age" except your shoulders hurt for a bit. But it means we're grown up. Mom was looking at baby pictures of me earlier and got a little misty eyed. The one here is when I was just nine weeks old. See how little I was? She says I grow too fast. At least she knows I'll never get married and leave home. No matter what, I'll always be her baby and I like it that way!

Love, Mary-Margaret

Helping Mom with Chores

Sunday morning and it's work work work. We have a nice relaxing breakfast and then we have to do laundry. Here, I'm helping Mom change the bedsheets. I think next she's putting on "ivory colored 800 count Egyptian cotton". That's what she says, anyway. I don't know except they are really soft and silky, and so very comfy that I don't like to get up in the morning. I help her put the used pillow cases in the laundry basket.

After this, we go to the office and play "catch up", which means she gets on the computer and moves papers around her desk and I get to play with my tennis ball. I bring it to her and she throws it for me, and then she says "Bring it back!" and I do. We can play that for hours.

I learned something yesterday. It's about cheese. I won't go into detail here, but trust me on this. Eating a lot of cheese is really good going in, but coming out is another story entirely. This was a very long and uncomfortable Sunday morning for me. I think maybe I'll ask Mom for those crispy liver flavored crackers that Miss Lynne carries in her pocket instead next time.

Yours truly, Mary-Margaret O'Brien 

A Family Reunion - maybe?

Saturday - January 28, 2006: I just had the best day today. First, Miss Lynne comes over and we have lessons. I guess she didn't believe Mom when she told her I didn't like those "treats" anymore. Well, the first time she tested me on my tricks, I backed my mom up and spit it out Lynne's treat on the floor. She tried again, and I did my tricks just fine, but I DO NOT LIKE that stuff. So Mom gave her a package of string cheese. Like I said before, I will walk to the moon and back for string cheese.

I learned some new stuff today. Like "stay". That's a pretty good one. And "come", which I already knew but I take it a lot more seriously now. Oh, and "place". That one has me hopping onto my towel in exchange for cheese. Actually, I don't even wait for the command. I just go to the towel and wait for the cheese. Like, I am SOOO in charge here. Next time I get to learn "heel".

After Miss Lynne left we drove to Puppy School. Ohhhh...I just LOVE Puppy School. We turned into a parking place and I see a familiar face. Mom thought it was Dizzle, but I think maybe it's my sister from Missouri, another Yorkie just my size. We said "hi" through the car windows, and then kissed on the glass. We both went into the yard together and right away we hit it off. Her name is "Chelsea" and she's my age. Her mom can't remember her birthday, but we both were adopted through Pacific Pets about the same time. Even if she's not my sister, she's probably a distant cousin. I hope she comes back next week.

I met this absolutely cutest little guy named "Moses". He's half Lhasa Apso and half Shih Tzu. He's completely black except for a bit of white on his chin and a white bib. He's full of spunk and we stalk each other and wrestle a lot. One time we were having a wrestling match right next to Kobe and Cooper (the boxer pups). We both took a break at same time and then we started wrestling again. Except when we looked up, I was with Cooper and Moses was with Kobe. Ooops...regroup and switch partners. It was pretty funny. We all had a good laugh over that one.

I'm getting pretty big now. I'll be 5 months old in just three weeks. I've been going to Puppy School ever since November 26th, and I am probably going to graduate soon. I hope that my mom will get some of the other mom's phone numbers so we can have play dates. I sure will miss my friends a lot. I don't even want to think about it right now because it just makes me sad. If I had one thing to tell you, it would be to enjoy being a puppy while you can. It can be the best weeks of your life and you don't even know it until it's almost gone.

Love, Mary-Margaret

Good News About Sparky!

Sparky is home from the hospital and he's sitting on the couch all fluffed up with pillows. His mom is hand feeding him chicken. Boy, that sounds like a great life. If I didn't know how sick he really was, I'd probably pull a stunt like that. Yum!

I forgot to tell you. When I got weighed at the doctor's office, I was 4.4 pounds. That's a whole .2 pounds in one week. I AM GETTING BIGGER!!!

My friend, Sarabi, is depressed because her mom and dad are going on a cruise and leaving her home. She was one pup who really prayed hard for Sparky, so let's all send her some cheer. Chin up, Sarabi. They'll be back before you know it, and if your mom's like mine, maybe she'll bring you a present!

OK...back to the Puppy School news: Dizzle and Sandy sorta hung out for a while and then Sandy came back to ME, Mary-Margaret. I guess he figured out the main difference between me and Dizzle. I am still really good friends with Sandy, but I had an awful lot of fun playing with Rocky and Dizzle both one-on-one. I don't think I want a real boyfriend for while yet. I'd rather just wrestle and play with everybody, and not worry about anyone's feelings.

I have a few new friends, too. There's Bristol (Doberman Pinscher), Ruby (weimaraner), Little Bear (only God knows what he is - I can't even tell if he's a long hair or short hair dog, but he's pretty friendly). My old buddies were there - PeeWee, Boo, Layla, Sara, Mattie and Garrett Anderson. Garrett was still a bit grumpy but I did my very best belly-flip over and over in front of him until finally he was nice to me. There are a lot of pups, and so many people came that the vet helpers have to bring out more folding chairs.

One funny thing I have to tell you. Made me laugh, but I'll bet Dizzle's mom and dad didn't think it was too funny. Boo had to "take care of business" (you know, the private stuff?) and Dizzle just HAD to see what she was doing. Nicole and everyone saw him and yelled "NOOO, Dizzle....NOOOOO". He stuck his head right under Boo's rear end and "splat". Most of us pups had a hard time keeping a straight face it was so funny, but we didn't want to hurt Dizzle's feelings. The good thing was that it happened just as we were all leaving for the day. I'll bet HE had to sit in the back seat.

That's all for now.

Love, Mary-Margaret

Mary-Margaret in her pajamas

January 26, 2006 - Thursday. Mom and me have allergies or something. We slept in this morning, and when I was picked up out of my comfy bed (Thanks, Mom!), I fell back asleep in my mom's arms. Then, I slept on her desk while she checked her email, and then I started to gag. I couldn't help it, but I got pretty sick all over Mom and the floor. Note: Both are wash and wear, so no harm done.

Mom called the doctor and, oh lucky me!! I got to see Dr. V again. The doctor said I'm fine. It was just "one of those things" and I don't have to take any medicine and I can go to Puppy School, but I shouldn't wear my PJ's to school because the other kids might muss them. Or something. Probably they'd all laugh at me, but I think I look cute. Then, Amy and Esperanza took me out of the examination room and I got to visit all the vet techs and helpers in the back. Heck! You'd think they'd never seen a pup in pajamas before the way the giggled and cuddled me.

I wore my pj's all day and pretty much slept most of the time. I only had one client that really needed me, so I hopped into his lap and did my stuff. A few kisses and cuddles and they're good to go. I really have an important job, you know. Official Greeter! That's my title.

I have to go to bed now. I have to get my hair and nails done tomorrow at Miss Patty's Country Kennels. Just wait until she sees how much I've grown. She'll be so surprised.

G'night, everybody.

Love, Mary-Margaret 

Wednesday, January 25th

Today, I wore my polka dot dress to work. I must be getting bigger because it doesn't fall off my shoulder anymore. One of our clients was waiting for us in the parking lot and she played with me a lot. I got to show her something new I learned: How to jump into a lap from standing position! Wow, was she surprised. So was Mom, I think.

We worked really hard this afternoon, and Mom and I didn't even get lunch until maybe 2:30PM. Mom had a spicy chicken burrito from El Pollo Loco. I had kibbles. Judging from the look on Mom's face while she ate the burrito, I was the lucky one.

Sparky Siedow's mom, Vicki, was in San Diego today and she called us on her way home. She and I visited while Mom finished up some stuff on the computer called "affidavits". Then Sparky's mom found some pepperoni in her purse. She has a really HUGE orange purse that has probably everything anybody, including puppies, could ever want. Then she and my mom went out to dinner while I took a nap in my carseat. My mom wasn't too hungry after that late lunch so she just had a hot apple dumpling with vanilla ice cream. I don't think that was a good dinner, but she seems happy about it.

Sparky isn't doing too well today. He's still in the hospital. He won't eat or drink water and his mom says he still can't piddle. I think we all need to say another prayer for Sparky. If we all think good thoughts about Sparky together really hard for the whole night, I just know it will make him better. Gosh, he's only 4 years old. That's pretty young for a dog.

God bless Sparky Siedow!

Love, Mary-Margaret

Tuesday Bluesday & Sparky "Nuesday"

January 24, 2006 - Mom and me have the sneezies. We're both sort of stuffy. She says it's probably allergies. It's really cold outside and very windy. I snore. She snores. We're lucky to get any sleep at all, but our snoring drowns out the noise, I guess. I don't feel much like writing today. Maybe later, but I do have good news to tell you.

Sparky is better. His operation put his poor mom in hock up to her eyeballs, but at least Sparky is going to be fine. All of your prayers helped. I think he's coming home today. I'll let you know after I talk to him.

I wish there was real medical insurance for us puppy people. I have "insurance" but it just covers the basics and gives Mom 5% off any other stuff the vet does for me. I guess it's better than nothing, but there has to be something better so people could make sure us pups get good doctors and real help when we need it. Let me know if you have any ideas, ok?

Say a Prayer for Sparky!

This is my friend Sparky at Christmas time. He was so into the holiday thing, even wearing a Christmas scarf. Yesterday he got really sick and today his Mom is taking him to the doctor. He feels terrible and they don't know what's wrong with him.

My mom told his mom that we'd all pray hard for Sparky to get better really fast. He lives in Glendale, CA. Will you please say a prayer, too?

Love, Mary-Margaret 

An Old Fashioned Spanking

OK. Yesterday I was a "bad dog". I know it, but golly, nothing happened. I'd piddle on the carpet and mom would just look at me out of the corner of her eye and clean it up. I ate cheese and about mid-afternoon I decided it was easier to walk into the white carpeted dining room than to go out in the cold. Again, Mom gets a paper towel and says nothing. She won't even look at me but I see that her teeth are clenched tightly. Yayy to Miss Lynne who says to ignore me because I'm only doing this for attention.

Toward the end of the afternoon, I think I've got a good thing going, so I eyeball my mom and squat again. Except this time, she looks right at me, and comes charging. She picks me up, sticks my nose in my puddle (eeeeyeeeewww!) and thwacks me soundly on my right rear rump. I don't believe it. I mean, Lynne told her she couldn't do that and she actually spanked me anyway. It didn't hurt anything except my feelings, but the whole rest of the day I remembered. I told her when I wanted to go out and I'm absolutely very, very angelic and there are no more puddles.

This morning, I felt like sleeping in, but at 8:30AM Mom picked me up while I was still snoozing, put me on the piddle pad and said "pee pee". So I did. But I didn't open my eyes for a bit. Then we went out and I did some serious stuff, and we came back in and I did my lessons. I might as well tell you that I was absolutely PERFECT, too. I don't think I like having my furry little fanny tanned, and I just hate it when Mom gets mad at me. So much for indoor facilities. It's back to the old "Andy Gump" for me.

Dizzle & Snoopy

I just realized that I talk about Dizzle all the time, and Snoopy, too, but didn't have any pictures of them for you to see.

Dizzle is on the left. He's hard to see because he's in a shadow, but he looks just like me except he has bigger ears. Snoopy is on the right. He was a very sick baby, but all the doctors at Pet Medical Center, and all the people like Miss Letty there, took really good care of him and he got better. He finally went home with Megan who works there and now he comes to class. He's still pretty shy. I am extra specially nice to Snoopy. 

Sunday - January 22, 2006

It's really cold out at night. I'm more for using "piddle pads" when it gets like this. Today, me and Mom slept in until probably 9:30 in the morning. We both coughed some when we woke up, probably because of the air being so icy last night. After breakfast, Mom took me out back on my leash. Yahoo....I DO love that grass. Yikes, though. It looked ok, but it crunched under my feet and my toes turned blue. That's called "frost", Mom says. I decided to say a brief "good morning" to the lawn in my own special way, and then I raced back into the house, dragging Mom on the other end of my leash. She looks so funny in her pink and purple flip-flops and her purple bathrobe flapping away when she's trying to keep up with me.

Mom finally figured out that for absolutely certain I don't like those "treats" that Miss Lynne said to give me. I will do my lessons, but Mom has to use string cheese. I will do just about anything for string cheese. So I will "come", "sit", "down", "stay", "wait" and not even go near the cheese until Mom says "ok". Then I practically inhale it and wait for the next trick. See? It's all about compromise. This way, we both get what we want and everybody is happy, especially me! Gosh, I just absolutely love that cheese. :o)

I have finally gotten Mom to raise the blinds next to our front door so I can see who is coming and going on our street. I can also see that RUDE cat when he tries to take a nap by our bush. So far, though, he just lifts an eyebrow at me and goes back to sleep. We'll see about that. I have moved all my toys to the place under the window, too. The sun comes through and it's a really nice place for a morning siesta. That's Spanish for "nap".

There are some kids in my class who speak Spanish. They are chihuahuas. There's PeeWee, Layla, Snoopy and Garrett Anderson (who are half chihuahua) and my boyfriend, Sandy, but I think he's starting to like Dizzle better than me. Dizzle and I look pretty much the same from our backsides and Sandy started nuzzling up to Dizzle. When Dizzle saw who was being fresh with him, he snapped at Sandy and Sandy snapped back at him. I ran off to play with Bella and Cooper, and next thing you know Dizzle and Sandy were getting pretty chummy. I just don't understand boys at all. I think I'll just stay single.

Have a happy day, everybody.

Love, Mary-Margaret

Garrett Anderson

Garrett Anderson was at my first Puppy Class and I haven't seen him since. But he came to class yesterday. He has a lot to learn. I wanted to play with him, but he just grrr'd and snapped at me. He did the same thing to all the other kids. Maybe he's just in a bad mood or something because he was really nice that first day. He's about my age, I guess, maybe 4 months. My mom is trying to get pictures of everyone, but it's pretty hard when we all move so fast. Sometimes, she thinks she has a really good picture of a bunch of us at the water bowls, but by the time the camera clicks, all she gets are water bowls and no pups. Wheeeeeeeeeee!!!

Bella's Detention

Oh, poor Bella. She and I were really playing nicely, too. OK, maybe she got a bit rough, but I just stand up and pop her one on the nose and she is nice to me again. Not all the kids know that.

In this picture, Bella is getting a serious time-out by her dad. Cooper is taking advantage of the situation and standing on her ear, which isn't nearly as bad as what Dizzle is doing. See Dizzle? He's the little guy in the red sweater hopping up and down on Bella and really making her miserable. You can see his head just behind Cooper's left ear. Tsk. Tsk. Dizzle will get his when Bella gets up. She told me so.

Me and Mrs. Shaima

This is the best part about working with Mom. Mrs. Shaima is one of our clients and whenever we see each other we like to cuddle and give kisses. She came into our office last night with some papers and Mom just happened to have her camera with her. Isn't Mrs. Shaima just the nicest, prettiest person ever? 

That RUDE cat!

He is so RUDE. This is the big cat I was telling you about a while back who does nasty things in our garden and doesn't even cover them up. He also sits on my hill and makes ugly faces at me. He tries to scare me, but it's not going to work.

Mom told me that when my Aunt Rose was alive that big ol' cat didn't dare show his face in our back yard. I think I'm going to have to teach him a thing or two when I get just a little bit bigger. Right now, I think he outweighs me by about ten pounds. 

Bella's Time Out

Bella was having almost too much fun at Puppy School, and she got a bit rough. It happens to everybody (except me, of course!). Miss Letty is showing Bella's dad how to give her a "time out" so she can think about her behavior.

Miss Letty says that by giving "time outs" and (quote) "keeping the puppy with antisocial behavior on a short lead, eventually they'll see that it's good behavior that is rewarded and they'll want to calm down so the other kids will want to play with them." Makes sense to me.

Practicing my Investigative Skills

I learn so much just by watching and sniffing. My mom is a Private Investigator and I go to work with her every day. I'm learning a lot from her, like how to "look" and "listen". Here's me, standing far away from the other kids, taking notes. You never know when a "useless" piece of information might turn out to be really important. 

Rocky 'n Me

Rocky is a Pomeranian and he's nine weeks old. This is his first puppy class and here I'm kind of showing him around. He's so cute. I just love him to pieces. 

Me and Layla

Layla is another girl friend of mine. She's a bit shy about being in the big yard, so we play in the flower box. In this picture we're on our way to the box. Right now it's just full of dead leaves and a green plant platter, but that makes it even more fun to play in.

My first boyfriend, Sandy

Sandy and I are pals all the way back to our first day of Puppy School. Everytime we see each other we just absolutely squiggle and squirm to rush over to each other and tussle.

We like to stand up and box. Our front paws just pummel each other for the longest time. Sandy is just a tiny bit taller than me. Isn't he just the handsomest hunky chihuahua you've ever seen?

When it's time to say good-bye at Puppy School, Sandy and I always give big kisses and hugs to each other.

Boo all dressed up

Boo is one of my best friends. She has such a sense of style, I think. Every time I see her she looks like she's ready to go out to dinner and to the theater. Mom says she reminds her of a New York society maven trying to hail a cab.

Me and Cooper having a race at Puppy School

 

Puppy School on January 19, 2006

Here's a picture of Miss Letty, and me, Mary-Margaret, leading Boo and Cooper on a scavenger hunt. 

Hi, Sarabi and Little Chrissy and Sofia

I'm just not myself today. Maybe it's still that shot. Mom even called the doctor and says that it's probably time to put Dr. V on speed dial because of all my stuff that goes on. I think she's kidding but, with her, you never know.

I have new friends because of my "blog" and I just want to tell Sarabi (Shih Tzu) in Illinois who is 2 1/2 yrs old, Little Chrissy, who is 5 years old, and Sofia (23 months) "HELLO!". Thank you for your letters and nice wishes. If you send me a picture I'll see if Mom will post them for me. I have so many new friends just from my "blog". I'm a very lucky little pup. Oh, and "Happy Birthday" to Chrisina D tomorrow. She won't tell me how old she is, but she is Sofia and Little Chrissy's grand mother and one of Mom's friends, so I guess she's pretty old. :o)

I am in CHARGE!!

January 19, 2006 - Thursday - Sissy's birthday today. Also, I'm feeling ever so much better. I'm back to plucking leaves off the fillo- ....filo.... philodendron (thanks, Mom!)..plant.

We had lesson practice this morning. I'm really good. I know exactly what Mom is going to ask me to do so I do it BEFORE she can ask me. Then, she does the clicker thing, and gives me a treat. I take it in my mouth and then....ptooey! It's back on the floor. I, for one, cannot be bribed. I will do my tricks when I want to and I don't need to be paid for doing them. I am in charge and I intend for it to stay that way. HMMPH! Mom even got so desperate as to coat my treats with cream cheese. Still, I just lick it off and phhhht! The treat goes right back out my mouth. Besides, I think it's better if I do things because I want to and not because I have to. Right??

I think I'm gonna die!

Wednesday - January 18, 2006. I got to go see Dr. "V" today. Oh big whoopee! I did all my tricks for Amy and boy was she impressed. I was all set to do them for Dr. "V" when I got jabbed. DHLP or something like that. OW OW OW. There's also a bit of ear wax in my left ear so Dr V gave my mom some drops. Then Dr. V and the other ladies started talking about Sierra, Dr. V's little bulldog and what tricks she could do. I heard the words "sit" and "down", so I did. How was I to know they weren't talking to me? I guess they saw I was waiting for a treat, though, because they all laughed and I got something nice put into my mouth.

So THEN it gets even worse. I'm sitting on the counter, playing with Tracy. She picks me up to hold me and then hands me back to Mom. Except when Tracy starts to cross the room, all of a sudden I start to take a nose dive off the counter and I keep going. Mom gets a little worried, grabs my little feet, and says "Hey, give me back my dog!" as I'm dangling between the counter and the desk. Tracy turns around and sure enough, my leash is tangled on her shoe. Oooops. I'm ok, but for a second there I felt like I was base jumping without a parachute. (I watch TV. I know what "base jumping" is!) Poor Tracy and Mom were so worried about me, but I was ok. This is another good reason why I shouldn't have to be on a leash, but try and tell Mom that. :o)

I felt a little better during the day but tonight it sure hurts. Mom tucked me in, with the covers under my chin. I like to sleep in her bed when I'm feeling punk. She says I'll feel better in the morning. Gosh, I sure hope so. This is almost as bad as when Mom stepped on my toe, so you know how much it hurts. I'm trying to be brave, and cry quietly so's not to bother anyone, but Mom can hear me whimper and she gives me gentle hugs and kisses. I DO love her. OK...time to say my prayers and go to sleep. I'll write more tomorrow. (PS - I weigh 4.2 pounds today! Pretty soon I'll be as big as Brutus!)

My First Day of Lessons

I was right. No breakfast this morning, but it worked out ok. My teachers, Miss Lynne and Miss Lois, had plenty of treats for me. Oh YUM!! And all I had to do was what I do anyway. Stuff like sit, down, watch, wait and "ok", meaning OK I get the treat. They have a "clicker" that makes noise when I do something right. My mom is still trying to get it all down, but I can help her. My teachers told her that we should practice for 5 or 10 minutes two times a day, and that in a couple of months, she'll have it down pat.

Mom told them I sassed her sometimes by going "grrr" and "rrrrrruff", but really I'm just telling my mom I want to play. When we were all doing the "wait and ok" lesson, Mom thought I was being sassy. Miss Lynne had to set her straight. I just "burped" is all. That's what happens when you eat so much treat stuff. Ohhhh....I don't think I'll eat again for a long time. I am so stuffed. And it's sort of like pepperoni, so you just know I have to gulp a bunch of water, too. I don't think my mom knows that dogs burp just like everybody else. (hee hee hee...if I gulp a bunch of water real fast and take a big breath and hold it, I can make one really loud explosive burp that'll make everybody run for cover!)

I caught Mom sniffing my treat bag. I just hope she doesn't start helping herself to it. It's for ME! For Mary-Margaret O'Brien! And not for sharing, either! Just because another mom's husband made a sandwich out of it doesn't mean it's ok. I can't wait for our next practice. More goodies for me. Now I'm going to have a nap.

Love,

Mary-Margaret

Mary-Margaret gets serious

Things I know already and practice them all the time: Sit, Stay, No, Down, Get the Ball, Bring it Back! I admit that sometimes I pretend I don't hear my Mom, but really I'm just testing her. She's pretty stubborn. I meet Lynne, my trainer, tomorrow. I'm supposed to be really hungry when I work with her. I suppose that means no breakfast for me. Rats.

I am very social. I absolutely love meeting and sniffing new people. Mom worries about me, but I'm pretty good at taking care of myself. Today she dropped my lead when we got out of the car and I saw just the nicest bunch of people you'd ever want to meet. So I took off like a shot through the parking lot, leash trailing behind, and I ran lickety-split right over the these big folks. The way I figure is this: A stranger is just a friend you haven't licked yet. Anyway, Mom called out to these people to please grab my leash. Oh, I mean...that is SOOO embarrassing. Like I'm not going anywhere. I just want to sniff them, and kiss them. I think I was born to be a "Cheer-puppy". I make people smile even when they don't want to. This is my calling....my destiny. I know it in my heart.

Mom says the most important thing to her is that I learn not run off. She's very protective of me and even makes me be on my leash in our very own back yard. There are hawks, and eagles, and owls. They fly so high in the sky and don't even make a noise. Sometimes they circle right over me and Mom grabs me. Like she thinks maybe they want to invite me to lunch or something. Except I would be the main course. So she wants Lynne to teach me to stand right by her and not run away. I know she means well, but I'm a puppy on a mission. It's my duty to make friends and to cheer people up, and to make this world a better place. This thing tomorrow with Lynne should be very interesting. I have so much to teach her. I can't wait.

Saturday and Puppy Class 101

It was pretty dark and stormy this afternoon, and raining just a bit. Mom and I worked for a while before going to Puppy Class. We were wondering if it was still on what with the weather and all. Just in case, I dressed up and wore my pink "Desperate Housedogs" shirt.

First, Sandy and I see each other. We are just the best of friends. Because it was raining we hung out in the waiting room of the Pet Medical Center. Our moms kept us on leads so we played "Maypole". Pretty soon, Kobe got there and he was crying up a river. He got his toe stuck in the door or something, but as soon as he saw us he started playing, too. It didn't take long for the three of us to really make a good tangle. (hee hee!!!) I flipped on my back for Sandy and he started kissing my tummy a lot. I don't think I like having wet tummy fur, so I stood up and started boxing with him.

We went out side and pretty soon here comes Softie. And then Samantha and Sunny. And then Miss Letty let Mordecai and Benelli out, and it got really fun. Benelli just LOVES to play ball. He gets all excited and drools all over it and the little people persons have to put on rubber gloves to play. I got rolled into the mud a few times so Mom took off my shirt for the rest of the class.

When it was time to go home, Linda and Sue and Letty and Mom were talking and sort of forgot about us. So me and Samantha and Sunny ran to the corner of the yard up on the hill and had a club meeting. Sandy was invited but he stayed huddled next to his mom's ankles for a while. Once we started having races and tussles, he joined in. My mom thinks it would be fun to have a Puppy Class for us little kids. Just for us because, even though we have a lot of fun with the big guys too, we like to run around without worrying about getting chewed up or stepped on. I don't think about it too much because I can take care of myself pretty well, but maybe some of the other kids my size might like it.

You know whats really funny? Benelli! He acts like he forgets he's a big guy sometimes and he skootches under the chairs just like me. I think he's cool, but I wish....just once....that he'd let ME get the ball. That would be the very best thing that could happen to me in Puppy Class. Really it would.

Love, Mary-Margaret

PS - I need to remind Mom to take her camera next week. We've all grown so much I just have to show you.

Everybody gets circled, sniffed and chewed on!

Puppy School!!! Hoooorayyy! All the way there I stood up in my carseat and kept looking out the window. Mom said I was smiling the whole ride to Pet Medical Center where we have our class. We went in the front way and there was Tracy at the desk, just waiting for me. I was so happy to see her that, if I could fly, I would have leapt right out of Mom's arms into Tracy's. Mom laughs at me. She holds me under my tummy and I make all four feet go like I'm swimming an Olympic race. Tracy takes me and I give her a million kisses.

We go in back and ohhhh! HAPPY DAY!! All my friends are there except Bailey. But I guess maybe Bailey is too old for puppy school now? I really do miss him. Anyway, Samantha and Sunny (Maltese) are there. And Dizzle (Yorkie). And Sara (Rat Terrier), Boo (Poodle), Kobe (Boxer) and Softie (Soft Wheaten Terrier). Even Mordecai hung out with us for a bit. He's older and he's like a big star to us little kids. Mordecai can roll over and even jump into Miss Letty's arms right from the ground. He is sooooo cool. He's a Queensland Heeler. I'm not sure I spelled that right, but Miss Letty says he's a herd dog from Australia. He's just the nicest, smartest dog in the whole world. His "brother", Benelli, is pretty kewl too. He's more like a Border collie. They play Frisbee really well. I hope I can play, too, someday. When I get bigger. Maybe.....?

I just love everybody. We only have one hour to play so I skip all the stuff that wastes time. If I want to play, I flip onto my back and let the other pup sniff me. Then, I get up and we tussle a bit. Sometimes, we play Safari where we both eyeball each other and very slowly, without breaking eye contact, we lower our heads just a bit and stalk. And then...kabloooie.....we take off running. I do like that game. We have races, too, to see who runs the fastest. Usually it's me.

Sometimes I practice my detective skills. All by myself, I slip away from the pack (it's really cool to be part of a pack, you know!), and I go and explore the yard. Every little blade of grass, every fence board, even the trees....they all have stories to tell and I know each one by smell. When I'm on the north end, I'm pretty serious here. There are some really good smells by the shovel and the rake. Samantha comes to see what I'm doing and I try to explain about being a good detective but she doesn't want to get down and dirty. She's more into tea parties and dress up. She goes back to the first available lap, and I get back to business.

Uh oh! Softie is all over Dizzle and Dizzle is really squealing. I go to see if I can help. Softie gets a "time out" and Dizzle and I wrestle a bit. We have our cookies for snack, and then it's time to go home. Miss Letty weighs me and I'm exactly 4 pounds. Mom says I'd make a good doorstop. She tells Letty that I remind her of a turbocharged hedge hog. I think it's a compliment, but I'm not sure. Uh...I forgot to mention....this time Letty put the box of cookies on top of the table where I couldn't reach them. She's getting pretty sneaky.

The most important lesson that I've learned at Puppy School: No matter who you are, or how big or how small you are, everyone gets circled, sniffed, and chewed on at times. It's ok to be on the bottom of the pile one day, because the next day you get to be on top. If people behaved more like we do at Puppy School, I really think the world would be a better place, don't you?

How was I to know it was Mom's DSL cable?

Today was a day for chewing. I think I need a 12-step program. "Hello. My name is Mary-Margaret and I'm a habitual chewaholic".

This morning, I reduced a bright pink pencil to a pile of splinters and I shredded paper into confetti. I started unraveling a rug, but that's a work in progress. This evening, I am removing paint from the stairway and the varnish from Uncle Michael's old maple rocker. Today, I found where the telephone and computer network cables are and had great fun playing with those. Mom's computer kept saying "Good-bye" and then "You got mail!" and then "Good-bye" again, depending on whether I was pushing or pulling the wires. I'm not quite sure I should be worried yet. She just hollered at me and said "Mary-Margaret, I'm going to tan your little fanny!". ("Heee heeeeeeeeeeeeee", I thought, "not unless you can catch me first!") I did do one good thing, though. I found a nail that Mom was looking for earlier when she was hanging our new 2006 calendar. I don't see what the big deal is. I was really enjoying nibbling on it but that's another "no no" thing to do. I gave it to her when she asked me to.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

January 11, 2006 - Wednesday. Brrrrrr! Mom and I went outside to do a bit of clean up in our garden and the bird bath was frozen absolutely solid. I took care of some personal business and then helped Mom with the garden. We have one flower bush left, but the weeds are healthy and make the garden look pretty from a distance. I checked very closely, too, and showed Mom where this really big huge cat is also enjoying our garden. He isn't even polite enough to make a hole and cover it up. I'll ask Mom to take a picture the next time he sits on our hill making faces at me. Mom won't let me chase him.

I have my own private space on the bottom shelf of our TV cabinet in our bedroom. I have a pillow and it's very comfy. But when it's so cold out, I'd rather pull one of Mom's robes off the cloak rack in our bathroom and push it all together in a pile. Then I cuddle up in it for my morning nap. Mom doesn't mind! I really love her and tell her so all the time by kissing her toes when she's working at her desk. :o) 

LaVerne & Shirley

I just thought you might want to see a couple more of my friends. Meet "LaVerne" and "Shirley". Notice how well the "tummy flashing" works?

I really know how to charm people, don't I?