It is getting colder

It's been a while

Had sitter over the other day.  The kids were out but the sitter was here with me.  I got sick.  I'm pretty embarrassed.  She was cute and she had to take me out after I threw up two times on the carpet!  I can't believe it!  She even cleaned it up.  She gets my vote for the best babysitter ever!

First Day to the Dog Park!

Can you believe it?  I had always heard about that place, but it was not like I imagined.  I had a good time, but I can't say I was overwhelmed with excitement.  It was nice to see my friend Arwyn, but that wasn't the most pleasant hello.  She tends to be a bit overwhelming and she just wanted to play, play, play.  I am glad the Mrs. was there.  I was a bit concerned about her.  I kept checking in with her and found that my favorite place was at her side and trying to get her to play.  A few other pups came along, but really, they weren't that interesting. 

I think the ride to the park was the best part.  I am willing to go hang around again though.  The Mrs. says it is good for me to learn to be around other dogs.  If I must, I will.

What does Shunka mean?

I have heard the Mrs. talking about this topic with the family.  It sounds as if the name Shunka has some significance in several cultures.  The Mr. picked out my name.  It is really supposed to be spelled 'S U N K A'  but the Mrs. decided to make it easier on everyone and put the 'H' in the spelling so that people would be able to pronounce it correctly.  Sunka in the Lakota (a Native American Sioux ) language means 'dog.'

So now I find that there are many people looking at my blog from Russia!  After a little research, the Mrs. found that the word 'shunka' has meaning in the Russian language or culture.  It seems to mean some sort of wolf character that there are stories about.  It almost sounds like a mystical creature, but I'm not sure.  Is there anyone out there who could enlighten me?

Still not up to snuff

I am still a bit under the weather.  The Mrs. made a call to the vet this afternoon.  It sounds like I am going to be watched while doing my business outside!  What indignity!  Oh well, hopefully I feel better soon and I won't have to be embarrassed for too long.

I was sick yesterday

Poor me.  I had a rough day yesterday.  I tossed my cookies twice!  And no one was there to see it...until afterwards.  Usually they let me out in time.  But not yesterday.  I spent the rest of the day recovering.  I'm feeling good today except for a sneeze or two.

 Here I am enjoying a snooze.  Don't get me wrong, I am not usually cold.  The kids put the blanket on me just to be funny, but I must admit I really like it.

Back into the Swing of things

I have now been home over 24 hours and I am starting to feel more like myself.  My bed felt great last night, I found myself dozing all day with no desire to move around and announce my presence.  Today on the other hand I checked out the front window, barked out the back door and generally let everyone know I was back in town.  I am not 100% back in full form, but by tomorrow I should be great.

Home from Vacation

I had a great time at the dog hotel this past week.  My owners tiptoe around it and whisper "kennel," but I know better.  The place I go to is a spa!  I am exhausted.  All the socializing, playing, grooming, I am worn out!  Well, now I am taking it easy.  Everyone at home seems more relaxed somehow, so I am just going to join right in with the easy going lifestyle.

Had a small problem the other day...

It all happened pretty fast, but I will write what I remember.  Someone came to the door, I of course, alerted the family.  Little Madeline answered the door to find the even littler neighbor boy from across the street.  He was looking for Ben.  While the two talked, a woman walked by with her dog.  It was too much for me to take and as I leaned out the door the little boy moved over and gave me just enough space to dash out and investigate.  And that is what I did!  I ran out there to meet the new friend!  Such excitement!  What new smells!  I went directly to my new buddy to sniff him out and just as quickly he turned and snapped me on my snout and my ear!  I was stunned!  What did he do?  Madeline called me in, thank goodness, I didn't know what to do next AND it hurt!  I went right in.  Madeline apologized for my behavior and went to tell Margaret.  As if I was wrong.  Man, my chin was bleeding and there was pain on the top of my head, though no one could confirm my injury there.  What a night.  I am better now, but I am still emotionally stunned!  I think I need to get out more.  I had no idea that what I did could possibly be wrong!  Live and learn.

It is Hot!

Ruff!  I can't believe how warm it is!  Oh, how I want to be outside, all those springtime sounds and smells.  But whenever I go out, it is just too hot and I want to go back in.  Grrrrr.  It is very frustrating.  If you have seen my photo you can see that I am very furry.  I am shedding like crazy but not fast enough for this weather.  Oh, for a cool spell.  And if only that dog over the fence would stop barking.  He winds me up, I want to go out again, and then in...and then out....

Oh springtime!

Playing again!

Ben just put a bike helmet on my head.  It really didn't fit and it made me sneeze!  They tried to get a photo, but it didn't work out (thank goodness).  It has been a good day, except the sun was shining and no one had time to take me for a walk.

Good News!

Ruff!  Ben gave me my toy back but this time he took the stuffing and the squeeker out!  It is even better than before.  We just played for fifteen minutes in the living room and I am worn out.  Now I think I'll lay down in the sun by the back door and take it easy.  Happy morning.

Snowdog, That's Me!

Since we have moved to Ohio I have had to be tied up in the back yard.  Not a bad deal as long as it snows.  Look how great I look coming in the house the other day!  You can see how much I long to stay outside.  But no, she had to go out or something and I had to come in.

I really can't stand being outside on that rope unless is snowing.  There is just so little to do!  I talk or bark at the neighbors, check out the squirrels running along the back fence and sniff around a couple times for good measure.  But without the snow it is just the same old thing.  But that snow!  That snow gets my blood pumping and makes my heart soar!

Come back snow!

Another Treat

Well Ben came home yesterday and gave me a new toy!  I was quite thrilled. I do much better sharing when it is not a bone.  We played and played, but by 8:00pm it was worn out.  I was quite disappointed when Ben had to put it on the counter.  His mom said that I could no longer have it once I tore a hole in it.  I am hoping for  a new toy soon.  In the meantime I find myself playing with the old bandana I used to wear around my neck.. much more fun than wearing it.

This is Not Fair

The family gave me a rawhide bone the other day.  It was a big deal and a BIG bone.  I am very proud of that bone.  I walked back and forth in front of the family for the first forty five minutes or so that I had it.  They didn't seem to make such a big deal of it.  So then I started making a big deal of it.  I circled it, I told them about it, I walked away with it when they would come to admire it.

Now it appears I have done something wrong.  They will only give it to me when they leave the house.  They are telling me I am rude and possessive.  Humph!  They only need to acknowledge that my new bone is too cool for words.  Really, a little growl shouldn't upset anyone!

I went on Holiday!

I was at the spa for a week!  I had quite the life.  Attention, petting, company, grooming, what else could a dog want while his family is out of town.  I heard they went on some driving trip.  I can handle the car, but it does get so tiring.  And then dealing with the dogs out there at Grandma's can be too much.  I'll take the Dog Hotel any day.