I'm getting a brother ...

Ollie - January 28, 2017

I was just told I'm getting a brother!

Things have been going along just fine ... I have my humans well trained after nearly five years together, but who is counting?  Yup ... I will be five years old on March 28, 2012.  I've come along way proving to my humans that I trust them and I can respect their property.  Well, awww, I guess that isn't strictly the truth.  I still like to grab toilet paper off the holder and race through the house with it.  I also am partial to stealing towels to eat ... well, I only eat the corners so I don't know what all the fuss is about.  Mom says "If someone wants to visit, they have to accept the toilet paper will always be on the vanity and the hand towels will likely have a corner (or two) chewed off.  It's the way we roll."  Did I mention I still chew an occasional sock, too?   Overall, however, I'm quite the perfect dog.  Mom calls me a regal beagle and I can work with that title.

I was getting used to ruling the roost when it was sprung on me last week that I'm getting a brother.  Sigh!  I asked "Why?  I'm a good dog, handsome, and loving.  What more do you want?"   Dad assured me it had nothing to do with me or my behavior ... they "think" it will be good for me.  I've seen a photo of this brother of mine and I can tell you he doesn't resemble me in the least.  I'm 20 lbs. ... he is current 1.5 lbs.  I am a ShiPoo (Shih Tzu - Poodle mix) ... he is a ChiPoo (Chihuahua - mini Poodle mix).  My coat is super soft and I'm black with white markings ... he is also super soft and he's white with sable markings.  My name is Ollie and his name is Morty.  I just know he's going to be the typical little brother stealing my toys, sitting on laps I might want to sit on, and in general stealing my thunder.  Everyone is going to ooh and ahh over this midget and what is even worse is the fact he'll be able to go under chairs and couches to escape me whenever he wants where I no longer fit.

Mom says Morty will love and look up to me, but I know a bit about life now that I've nearly five years old.  Everyone is going to flock to him and I'll end up sitting on Dad's lap glaring at them.  It's a darn good thing my toys are in a high basket that this midget won't be able to get into.  I think they should give him time-outs by sticking him in an old LL Bean boot ... that should contain him!  He just better not touch my duck because that is hands off to everyone but me.  A guy has his limits, right?  

So, I'm a bit worried about meeting this pup on Sunday.  What if I don't like him?  What if Mom & Dad like him better than me?  Can we give him back?  Are they just telling me I'll still be the top dog to reassure me?  Will he eat my food or steal my toys?  And, even worse, what if Morty doesn't like ME?  Oh, dear!

I'm putting Morty on notice that my stuff is off limits, Dad's lap is my territory unless I invite him to join us, I will be the one snuggling with Mom with my head on her pillow in bed, my toys are off limits at all times, my food is non-negotiable, and he must never ever steal a treat from me.  It will be war if he crosses those lines.  

I got another lecture earlier today from Mom.  She explained Morty is a baby so he won't understand all the rules of the house and/or my rules which I personally believe trumps household rules.  He won't know about sharing and he probably won't have good manners about playing yet.  In other words, I need to lead by example.  I just hope this little squirt is worth it!

Introducing Morty the midget

I'll keep you posted.

Woof!

Ollie

Ollie's post: Tuesday, February 17, 2015

It's been a very long time since I've posted, but I've been busy.  I needed to get through the dog days of summer racing all over the lawn ... I especially like it when I find a mole tunnel so I can lay down and rub my back on it.  Why?  I don't know ... I'm just a dog so how would I know?

August went by so fast that I hardly had time to wag my tail.  I went for lots of rides in the car with Mom & Dad, but sometimes it was just Dad & I.  I don't care who is driving I just want to be lying down on the back seat snoozing and hoping they will stop to get a Dairy Joy.  Dad always buys me a baby cone placed in a cup.  It is gone in 3 gulps and I'm left waiting for more as they slowly eat their ice cream cones.  They say we all have the same size cone, but come to think of it their cones look a LOT bigger.  Hemm-mmm, you have to watch humans all the time.

September was a great month.  We have a new baby in our family.  His name is Eli Thomas and his parents are Kate and Todd.  Eli is always smiling, but Mom says his mom & dad are so relaxed with him that they have created a happy, happy little baby boy.  He will be 5 months old.  I'm not quite sure what to think. When I first met him ... well, I've actually only met him one time, but anyway I tried to make my parents proud ... I really, really, tried.

Ollie's Post: July 13, 2015

July 13, 2015

Today In My Neighborhood:

Dad woke up early as he usually does.  He lies next to me and goes through his human routine of yawning, stretching, and rubbing his face. It's kind of funny and a little weird because that is exactly how I start my day by rolling around rubbing my eyes with my paws, stretching while hoping for a belly rub, and yawning because I'm not quite sure I'm ready to start another day.  

Recap of 2016

I know it has been a long while since I've posted, but I've been a very busy dog.  I'm four years old now (soon to be five on March 28, 2017) and I've stopped most of my destructive ways ... well, I still try to steal toilet paper, tissues, towels, and wash cloths.  If you come to our home, you won't find the toilet paper on a toilet paper holder nor will you find towels hanging from the towel bars ... and that is because I steal them and chew them into tiny pieces.  Mom says she will be glad when she can finally have a towel without a corner missing (or the middle section) and she will be very happy if I would just give up my fetish for tissues and toilet paper.  Sigh!  A dog can't be perfect 100% of the time, right?    

In 2016 my mom had to have emergency spinal surgery -- a multi-level fusion.  I wasn't happy my mom was in the hospital while I had to stay at home and worry. Dad didn't even think to tell me how she was doing so I was really worried.  She came home after four days in the hospital and finally I could breathe again.

In May Mom & Dad took a cruise to Bermuda.  I, of course, had to stay home, but at least my human sister Emily moved in to take care of me.  I had a little too much fun while my parents were away ... I played football; partied with playboy bunnies and drank a bit too much wine; took a trip to Mexico where I partied hardy; and so many other things and places all documents by photos by my sister.  I wasn't too pleased that Em documented my adventures because I was sure I would be grounded once Mom & Dad got home.  No worries ... they rolled their eyes and laughed.

I went to Old Orchard Beach for the day and rolled in the sand.  Mom said "Have fun because you are going to have a bath as soon as you get home!"  Drats!  She always has to ruin my fun.  Sigh!

I went to Boston in July with Mom & Dad and stayed at my brother Josh's condo while they went to meet their new granddaughter.  They didn't tell me where they were going, but I knew as soon as they came back from all the different scents on them.  There is a new little girl in our lives and Mom says I have to be extra gentle and careful around her.  I also have to learn how to get along with Josh's dog Magnus better.  I'm a bit scared of him although I don't let on to Magnus that this is the case.  He's a Westie-Poodle mix and a very scrappy & active dog.  I just wish he wouldn't charge at me every time we meet and Mom really wishes he wouldn't pee on the rug every time he comes to mark his territory.  Let me just say, while I'm mildly interested in the new baby, I merely tolerate Magnus.  Holy Moley ... he needs to learn how to chill.

My Halloween costume this year was a pig and a pink one at that.  I don't "get" this dressing up in costumes thing, but Mom & Dad sure laughed as I sat there allowing them to take photos of me in the pig outfit.  Next year I'm hoping for a more masculine costume or at least one where I'm a super hero.  No more pink costumes for me please.

I guess I would have to sum up 2016 as a good year for me.  My humans love me, take me to be groomed every five weeks, feed me my favorite food and treats, give me scratches and belly rubs, and allow me to sleep between them as they each cling to a side of the bed.  Hey, a guy's got to stretch and get comfortable because sleeping is serious business.  I still have my duck ... a battered and ragged rubber duck that I love to carry around in my mouth or race to fetch it.  It has lasted two whole years and is my absolute favorite toy.  Mom makes me put away my toys before bedtime ... they all go in a canvas tote and I'm not allowed to take them out until morning.  I used to be able to leave my toys wherever I dropped them until Mom almost killed herself stepping on one of my balls in the middle of the night.  Personally, I think she was being overly dramatic.  It only caused her to slip, fall against the wall, and slide down to the floor.  No broken bones and no blood so in my eyes it was no big deal, but Mom said "Enough is enough and you are going to pick up your toys from now on!"  I hate when she gets that tone in her voice.

Signing off to take a nap on my Dad's lap,

Ollie as in "Oh my golly, Ollie!"

Ollie's Post: August 30, 2014

Hello my 4 legged and 2 legged friends,

Mom has been reading me posts on FaceBook where people are sharing what they are grateful for so I thought it was time I do the same:

1.   I'm grated I was spared from a death sentence by mom & dad who love and spoil me.

2.  I'm grateful I have an extended loving family who play with me, scratch my head, and get on the floor with me so I can jump on them and wrestle with them.  They love me and I feel it all the way to my curly tail.

3.  I'm grateful mom & dad had me trained to run off leash under voice control so I can feel the wind in my hair and roll with pure joy in the grass.

4.  I'm grateful my dad created a path through the woods so I can go visit my friends Wyatt and Pumpkin when I hear them outdoors.  Wyatt (a handsome and nice Springer Spaniel) and I run, race, and play until we're exhaused and panting.  Pumpkin (an older Golden Retriever) is a bit intimidating when he crouches and then darts at me, but he means no harm and never ever hurts me.

5.  I'm grateful knowing my mom's friend Donna adopted a beautiful Springer Spaniel who I hope to meet one day.  I know what it is like to be abandoned, scared, and sad so I'm so happy she has found a loving and beautiful mom who will help her relax and trust.  

6.  I'm grateful mom gave me two new toys yesterday because I'm so hard on my toys they don't last long ... it is because they are well loved, not because I try to destroy them.  

7.  Lastly, I'm grateful my humans only shower me with love and acceptance ... letting me sleep with them even though I have eaten two of their quilts ... and holding me close when there is thunder and loud claps of lightening while whispering comforting words.

It is truly a wonderful world for me now and it is my wish all animals can experience the same love, patience, and acceptance as I have in my life.  We all deserve it -- humans and animals -- so pass along random acts of kindness and treat others with patience and kindness because you never know what they are going through.  Amen!

Love and a pooch smooch,

Ollie   

Ollie's Post: August 23, 2004

I've been groomed today ... cut, ears cleaned, nails cut, washed, and blown dry along with a few other services I'd prefer not to go into.  A boy has to maintain some dignity.  I smell really good Mom says and oh so soft ... like stroking the skin on a new born baby, but I'll soon take care of that when Dad lets me run off leash outside.  I'm going to run with the wind and mess up my hair then roll on the ground so I'll smell like grass, and the I'll probably water my Mom's plants.  She doesn't consider it helpful when I water her plants, but, oh well ... I can't please everyone.  Five more weeks before I have to go through this ordeal again although the folks at Planet Dog are very nice and I meet a lot of cool dogs.  I even have a secret twin whom I've met twice while there.  His name is Charlie and we could be identical twins except he's a bit bigger than I am.  Personally speaking, I think it is fair to call him extremely handsome.  As you can see in my top photo, I'm giving you my aloof look because I'm tired of that darn flash going off in my eyes.  In the second photo I don't know what Dad did, but I have eerily green eyes when they are actually a dark chocolate brown that breaks hearts.  Just wanted to share my new hair cut.  It's kept short so only my undercoat shows which makes it appear I'm getting gray hair, but, if I wasn't such a holy terror when it comes to letting Mom gently groom me, I could have a longer cut and have flowing ebony hair.  I would prefer the flowing ebony hair as I think the girls would find it sexier, but I just have to bite if the brush hits a snarl and then the little devil that sits on one shoulder shouts "BITE!"  Did you know dogs usually only have one coat of fur or hair depending on breed?  I'm extra special because I have two -- count them TWO -- coats of hair and I don't shed.   It's been a long day and now I'm off to bed.  If I can beat Mom to bed I'll get to lie down my head on her pillow and then growl sleepily when she tries to gently move me.  Sweet dreams to my four legged and two legged friends. 

Pooch smooch,

Ollie

Ollie's Post: August 21, 2014

It's a hazy day in the neighborhood 
And I'm feeling oh so misunderstood.
Pa is out puttering around
While Ma is sleeping ever so sound.
Nobody to play with and no pig ears
I'm bored to the point of some serious tears.
Half Tail has been a no see,
I hope to God he hasn't forgotten me.
No one to pat, cuddle, or give me a belly rub. 
I can't go outside because mud equals tub.
No creatures or humans outside to see,
Oh, what is going to become of me?
I've turned in circles round and round.
I guess all that's left is a nap on the ground.

Love, 

A very bored Ollie