Let's come to some agreement

Picture the scenario: it's cold and snowy outside, I'm warm and snug in front of a roaring log fire, my human calls out "Ben, are you coming for a walk?"  I don't move, the fire is so nice and cozy, she calls again; still no movement from me.  After the third call I reluctantly get up and we go for a walk.  Ten minutes in and the sky turns black, the wind starts howling and within seconds I'm whiter than Santa Claus's beard! 

Don't get me wrong, I love a walk as much as the next dog but you know I'm getting on in life.  Would you drag a pensioner out in a snowstorm or let then sit by the fire?  I think we need to come to some kind of agreement - if you don't fancy going for a walk because it's cold and wet, chances are I don't either.  I have a yard, I'll let you know when I want to pee. 

Devotion

You humans think you know about devotion, you might be devoted to your children or your favourite football team, standing on the terraces for a couple of hours one day a week, week after week in the freezing rain.  That pails into insignificance in comparison to this...

In 1924, Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo, took in Hachikō, a golden brown Akita, as a pet. During his owner's life, Hachikō greeted him at the end of each day at the nearby train station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return. The professor had suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage and died, never returning to the train station where Hachikō was waiting. Every day for the next nine years the dog waited at the station.

Now that's what I call devotion!

Read the full Wikipedia article here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachik%C5%8D

Keep on Truckin'

I think my human is going through another mid-life crisis - she's bought a truck!  Yeah you read that right, a pick up truck.  I don't know if she's trying to fit in with the neighbours, become an all America or just wanting to start a gardening business, but we are now the 'proud' owners of a red truck.  I'm telling you now, there is NO way I'm going in the back of that thing.  No matter how 'cute' it looks to have a slobbery Labrador hanging out in the back of a truck I am not doing it.  She'll be lucky to get me inside the blinking thing never mind in the back.

Warning Signs

Maybe this would be a more appropriate warning sign for the house...

Guard Dog

Happy belated New Year everyone.

There's been a mini-crime spree in the area all centered around my house.  Four of the five crimes in the entire town were on or near my street.  OK so it was only thefts from cars but still I don't want anyone steeling my toys.  So I've been increasing my security patrols around the garden and practicing my bark.  Ah heck who am I kidding?  It's freezing cold outside so I'll stick with what I do best.... sleep in front of the fire... and let my human deal with any would be thieves. 

I'm Back

I know, I know, I'm sorry it's been a while, but I'm back now. 

What's been happening recently?  I moved into my new house.  I didn't realise what a time consuming activity it can be.  All that packing and unpacking and rearranging.  I think I've managed to find all my toys and got my bed in the perfect position: just at the bottom of the stairs, looking out into my yard but close enough to the fire to keep the chill off.  I must say I like the log fire we have.  It's so cosy curling up in front of it with my human on these chilly nights. 

I've started to meet my new neighbours.  There is barky boy across the street who seems to spend his days on his deck barking at anything that moves.  Then there is grumpy girl next door who comes across as nice and friendly until you get within snapping distance.  Luckily I'm too quick for her despite my advancing years.  My favourite new friends are Little Bit and Nemo.  I'm sure they said they were Lapsang Souchong's but I thought that was tea.  For little dogs they are pretty cute and must have had their yap removed because they don't bark, just like me.

I promise to write more real soon but I've got a busy day of yard work ahead and need a nap to build up my strength.  

In the dog house

I'm in the dog house and it's not the nice one I blogged about earlier.  It's been very wet and stormy today and I got a little bit upset so I tried to distract myself from the thunder and heavy rain by doing a bit of spring cleaning.... For some unknown reason my human wasn't impressed that I emptied her closet.

I want one

I saw this online earlier.... I wonder if my human will build one for me?  Oh wait a minute, there's no cable, that's no good.  Nope, I think I'll stick to having the run of her house while she is at work.  Far more comfortable!

Not like it!

I've found something else I don't like.... HURRICANES!  Well it's only tropical storm force winds here but I definitely don't like it.  The trees are bent double, the rain is pelting down, thunder and lightening  crashing all around me and the power keeps going out.  I definitely DO NOT like this storm. 

Be Prepared

Emergency Management Bulletin Issued For Where I live....

Use 911 for emergencies only. 
Before a Storm: 
1)Put copies of important documents in a safe place, preferably a waterproof container. Important documents can include passports, birth certificates, insurance policies or anything else that might be needed immediately or cannot be easily replaced.
2)Have enough cash for a few days ATMs may not work during power outages and stores might not be able to take debit and credit cards.
3)Make sure vehicle gas tanks are full.
4)Secure or bring inside exterior items that might become windborne, such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools.
5)Fill prescriptions that might be needed and stock up on any necessary medical supplies.
6)Keep flashlights and battery-powered radios with extra batteries on hand, along with a basic first aid kit, emergency food and water, and a non-electric can opener. Have enough non-perishable food and water for at least 72 hours.
7)Listen to the radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
8)Clean out gutters.
9)Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting in anticipation of a power outage. Open the doors only when necessary and close quickly.
10)Refrain from putting out trash cans the night before the regular pickup.

During a Storm:
1)Avoid using candles for lighting. Use a battery-powered flashlight.
2)Never use a candle when fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern, since the candle flame can ignite fumes from the fuel.
3)Try to stay in an interior room or away from windows.
4)Stay calm and do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.
5)If flooding occurs, turn off electricity at the main breaker.
6)During a power outage, turn off major appliances. This will minimize losing power again through a power surge and protect the equipment when power returns.
7)Do not go outside. Flying debris from high winds is a danger.

Irene

Should I start to worry?  How about some panic buying?  I need pedigree chum... do you think 18 tins will be enough to ride out the storm?  A quick inventory of my store cupboard: half a bin of dry food, new pack of treats, one packet of custard creams; yep I think that should do. 

Earthquake!

That was an experience I don't want to re-live again in a hurry.  I'd just settled down for my afternoon nap after a surprise lunchtime visit from my human when the house started shaking.  Just a gentle shake to start with then it grew and grew until the whole building was shaking and and everything was rattling.  I remembered what my human had told me after the last quake and went to my safe place under the table until the shaking stopped.  OK so it's unlikely we'll get a 'big one' but you never know what can fall on your head.  No signs of damage at our new house, or our old one for that matter, although there are many reports on the news of widespread minor damage.  Communications were down for a short while as millions of people tweeted or posted on Facebook - it's a strange world we live in.  You might laugh at me for hiding but I know being the softy I am I did the right thing.  It amazes me how many people said they ran out into the street... errr isn't that where all the bricks are falling.

Anyway, I survived yet another earthquake and now I'm starting to prepare for hurricane Irene which might get to us by weekend.  What do I need for that.... dried food, canned food, water, batteries, torch.  Loo roll!  I must remind my human she needs to stock up if this thing does come our way she's going to need it.

I really miss England!