When it comes to dogs... it's "all in the family"

Some people may be surprised to find a dog with his own blog, but my thoughts from the dog dish is a blog that is actually represented on a website, "Dogs with Blogs." So, there. I am not alone. They just need to make these keyboards wider to suit my paws.

I tried to get out of this job, but Tom says the blog has my paw prints all over it.

When it comes to dogs, it's a matter that's all in the family.

My immediate predecessors in this family, I hear, were a black lab/golden retriever mix, named, Shadow, and a golden named, Kelsey.

In his early days, I hear Shadow could get into his share of trouble. He once ate a whole bag of Dove chocolates, and didn't get sick. Not to mention, a turkey, a ham, and who knows what else?

Kelsey, on the other hand, was quite a laid back, lovable dog, I am told. She would run off with Shadow, on occasion, but was really trouble-free for the most part.

Tom told me a story about their dog, Magic. She had a litter of puppies. He noted that whenever someone would come by to look at the puppies, in order to adopt one, his daughter, Sarah, would hide the runt of the litter under her shirt.

She was about three years old. Tom said that one evening a man came to look at the puppies, which were part Spring Spaniel, and he asked Sarah about the pooch she was hiding.

She told him, "You don't want this one, Mister, it's a flea-male!"

A girl after my own heart.

During that time, he said they had dogs named: Magic, Max and Murphy.

Tom also said they had a few dogs when he was younger, Rusty, Blackie and Smokey. There was another dog who shall go nameless.

He noted that his grandmother had a toy terrier named, Tiny. She drank two cups of coffee with cream and sugar every morning. Tom added that if his grandfather made the coffee, the dog would give it a sniff and walk away. Coffee's not bag.

Tom's dad also had a German Shepherd over in Germany after World War II. Alf would drink a nice big bowl of beer, and roll down two flights of stairs after wards.

Well, it's nice to hear about the family history, but I am a dog living for today.

And today, I hope the weather clears, so, Tom and I can take a walk, then, back home for a nap.

Woof! Woof!
Stanley

It's time to give thanks... woof!

Yes, it is time to give thanks. The big holiday is quickly approaching!

Even us dogs have a reason be to be thankful. At least most of us do!

I am both happy and thankful that Tom & Donna decided to adopt me, and take me home that Valentine's Day evening. Not that I wasn't having a good time where I was, but I like it much better here.

I saw the turkey sitting in the fridge defrosting. Boy! Does he look good. I just can't wait to smell him cooking away in the oven. I just know there's a few turkey scraps with my name on it.

As a retriever, part of my job is to carry things around. Sometimes I carry pillows, clothes, shoes, etc. Other times, I get a little daring, and latch on to gardening clippers and tools, cooking utensils, dishes, even a chicken planter.

If I can get it in my mouth, I will try to carry it. I was pretty good at taking things outside when I go, like some of my toys, throw pillows from the sofa, and other goodies.

Tom and Donna, however, have been discouraging me from doing that. So, most of the time I just carry the item to the door, and then, drop it. Once in awhile I sneak something outside.

Once I spent the week at the Barndt house, when Tom & Donna went to the beach. I had a great time running around their house with something called a "bra." I really don't know what it was, but they thought it was pretty funny.

Recently, I thought I'd help myself to some dog food, and carried the scoop around the house. That didn't work.

Also, this morning, I thought I'd do a little shopping after breakfast. So, I grabbed a coupon and a pen. Just in case I needed it. Turns out I didn't.

Ripping up pieces of paper and cardboard is another fun past time of mine. It can make quite a cool mess. The only problem is, that usually means it is time to run the vacuum cleaner, and I hate that thing.

Well, like I said, I have a lot to be thankful for. I am sure there are a lot of other dogs waiting to be adopted. They don't have it as good as me!

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. It's time for another nap!

Woof! Woof!
Stanley

Now that's funny...

Boy! Am I in a good mood! I don't know if it was that chicken I ate, the walk I had, or the romp I had over in the neighbor's yard. Something feels good, though.

Then again, maybe it was the joke I heard. Here goes...

Three labs were sitting in the Vets office. (Did you hear this one?) There was a Chocolate Lab, a Yellow Lab and a Black Lab.

The Yellow says to the Chocolate, "What are you here for?"

"I'm a pisser," said the Chocolate. "I piss on everything. I piss on the carpet, on the furniture, the laundry, the floor...everything. Today, I pissed in the middle of the owner's bed."

"So, what are they gonna do?" asked the Black Lab.

"Give me Prozac, I guess. The Vet says it's good for everything," he replied.

"What are you here for?" the Chocolate Lab asked the Yellow Lab.

"I'm a chewer," he replied. "I chew shoes, clothes, papers, remote controls...you name it. I chew it."

"What do you think they'll do for you?" asked the Black Lab.

"I guess I'll get the Prozac, too," responded the Yellow.

"How about you?" they both questioned the Black Lab.

"I'm a humper," he admitted. "I hump the cat, the kids, the guests, etc.

"This morning, I tried to hump my master when she was bent over after she got out of the shower," he added.

"That's bad," noted the Yellow Lab.

"Prozac, for you, too," commented the Chocolate.

"No, I'm here to get my nails clipped," he said sheepishly.

Well, I hope you don't mind my little joke. Now, it's back to my nap.

Woof! Woof!
Stanley

About that diet...

As mentioned in one of my earlier entries, Tom & Donna feed me a lot of raw food. Mostly, chicken, but sometimes I get other cool things to eat.

I like almost any kind of meat, and I do love peas.

On one visit to the Vet, way back when I was just a little pup (actually, I was never really little) I overheard Dr. Waldeck tell Tom & Donna that raw food was much better for me than the processed food.

She pointed out that us canines survived for thousands of years in the wild eating raw food. We didn't cook a rabbit or a pheasant on a campfire. Not that I would pass up a nicely cooked bird! Remember Donna's chicken dinner that I snatched? MMMMMmmmmmmmm Mmmm!

Most people are afraid that their dog will choke on a chicken bone or something, but I heard that we only have a problem if the bird is cooked. Then, the bones may splinter. Raw bones aren't a problem.

I just wish I would find a wishbone, so, I could wish for another piece of chicken. Mostly, I just get the legs and thighs. Not that I'm complaining.

Humans also have a thing with bacteria, etc. Us dogs are built to handle that. Actually, some of the crap they put in dog food would really make you barf.

Just to prove my point, I googled dog food and came up with this gem:

"Meat products not intended for human consumption, such as inedible tissues, condemned portions of carcasses, and entire carcasses of condemned animals (eg, animals found to be dead, dying, disabled, or diseased at the time of slaughter), are also used for dog food. Because of the inherent nature of these products and the less stringent handling requirements, compared with products approved for human consumption, these products may contain high levels of bacterial contamination." (LeJuene, J.T. and D.D. Hancock. 2001. Public health concerns associated with feeding raw meat diets to dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 219(9): 1222.)

Not fit for human consumption, and they pass it off to us bow wows?

Talking about barfing...

Actually, some people put their dogs on the B.A.R.F. diet. That stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. It might make humans barf, but it makes me bark!

Donna says the raw meat is actually cheaper than buying the big bags of processed food. She says I also seem less wired when I am not eating the regular dog food. Just fill my dish twice a day. That's all I ask.

Well, I wish I could say all this talk about food has made me hungry, but actually, I am feeling a little woozy. Time for a nap!

Woof! Woof!
Stanley

You can never have too many toys...

It's like the kids say, "You can never have too many toys." I agree with that.

The first toy I remember was a stuffed "Simba," The Lion King. It looked a lot like me, and I carried it everywhere I went.

One day, I was left alone all day, and I wasn't too happy about that. Sadly, "Simba" got shredded into little bits, and is probably rotting in a landfill somewhere. I miss that guy.

Tennis balls and other toy balls are child's play. Oh, I like to play with them, but their life expectancy with me is probably under three minutes. Even the "Tuff Balls" and the so-called indestructible balls are no match for me.

I have had my share of stuffed animals over the last few months: dogs, sheep, teddy bears, chickens, squirrels, etc. Most of them came from the Goodwill, and most of them are history.

Currently, my favorite toys are: my puppy dog (that looks just like me), a moose, a chicken, a frog, a Taco Bell dog, a pumpkin and a white teddy bear.

Sadly, the moose has just one antler, the frog is missing a leg, and the Taco Bell dog looks like he had a hernia repair. He used to talk, too. Guess the cat got his tongue. He was kind of annoying when he talked, anyhow.

These guys are hanging in there, though.

I also have a hang-up with leashes and collars. I have been through a bunch of each. Donna got me a cool one with peace signs on it, and I am on my second one. It's a good thing they are guaranteed for life. I can chew 'em up and spit them out.

I had a blue one, an orange one, and two leather ones. Gone, gone, gone and gone.

Now, I have this big, bulky, fat, black leather collar with a matching leash. It looks like it belongs on a horse. Maybe, it does! Actually, Donna had it made by a Master Harness Maker in Amish Country. Don't worry, I'll work on it.

Rubber bones, raw hides, pig ears, yuck! Give me the real thing. Give me a big, juicy, meaty bone from Green Dragon. Now, that's something to chew on.

When you're done, all you have to do is hide it under a sofa cushion for later, or bury it in the yard. It's like a bone in the bank!

Dog treats and biscuits are okay, but give me real food any day.

Well, I don't know how we got from toys to treats, but I'm getting hungry. I guess I'll go see what I can scrounge up, and then, it's NAP TIME!

Woof! Woof!
Stanley

Oh say can you see, by the dawn's early light

Let me tell you how my typical day goes, for all of you who think that a dog has it so easy.

First of all, there's doing your business. Humans have the luxury of getting out of a nice cozy, soft, warm bed, and walking 15 to 20 steps to the bathroom.

Dogs, on the other hand, need to get someone's attention, get them out of that warm, cozy bed, and have them let us out.

I usually start around six am. I do a little whine. Then, I nudge Tom a few times with my nose. At first, it's a gentle nudge. I know he's trying to sleep, but I really need to pee. Gradually, the nudges get more persistent.

If that fails, then, I do what they call my dolphin jump. I jump up in the air on two feet. Some may call that a kangaroo jump, but they would rather refer to it as my dolphin jump. Sometimes, Tom starts singing the theme song from the TV show "Flipper." I don't know, that's well before my time.

Usually, by 6:15, 6:30, I get my wish, and run out to pee. Then, we come back in, and go back to bed for another hour.

That's another issue. They get to sleep in a nice cushy bed, while I get to lay on the old blanket on the hardwood floor. Of course, they did buy me two dog beds since I've been here, and I chewed both of them up, and pulled the stuffing out of them. But, I was sort of a puppy at the time. Don't I deserve a soft, comfy bed? Maybe Santa Paws will bring me one?

Around 7:15, the process starts all over again, but this time I mean business! About that time, I am getting hungry. So, it's not just time to go to the bathroom, but I need my breakfast.

When Tom finally relents, and gets his lazy butt out of bed, we can let the day begin.

After breakfast, I usually request one more tour around the yard. Just to make sure I didn't miss anything the first two times. It could be a smell or the scent of a rabbit or squirrel. There's bound to be something new out there!

Next, it's a coin toss. Too bad they don't make any three-sided coins.

First, I could get lucky, and we could go for a walk. Either up the road, and around the neighborhood, or we could take the truck to the soccer field or Nolde Forest. Occasionally, Tom needs his coffee, and we make a pit stop at Turkey Hill. No Dunkin Donuts close by.

Second option: Tom has to work on pierogies. That means the gate is closed, and I have to either take a rest or amuse myself. You know what that means...trouble, trouble, trouble!

The third option is he goes on the computer. I can see him from the other side of the gate, and I usually make an attempt to get his attention to come play with me. It usually doesn't work.

He doesn't know it, but it's for his own good. If I bug him enough he won't spend too much time on that thing, and therefore, he may get something done. (Psssst! Don't tell anyone, but Donna promised me a couple doggy treats if I keep an eye on him while she's at work.)

As far as the rest of the days goes, it varies. It could be playing with toys, chewing on bones, playing ball in the yard, or just a lot of napping.

Speaking of napping, it's that time again. See, this really is a tough job!

Woof! Woof!
Stanley

Another whacky day on the trail...

Well, today started out as another typical Monday. Tom & Mickey were busy making pierogies. That meant that I had to amuse myself all morning. Not really all that fun.

I was surprised, however, when after lunch Tom said, "Do you want to go for a walk?" My ears, perked. I did my little dance. I was all set.

We didn't leave right away, though. First, he had to find his keys. Then, his cell phone. Then, who knows what else. Finally, out to the big truck and we were on our way.

This time we went around to the back of Nolde Forest to the parking lot at Fire Gate # 3. We followed the Coffee Pot Trail to the Stanley Trail. About 30 yards up the trail I found a nice pile of doo doo, and I rolled in it. That was great, but Tom was not a happy camper.

From there, we hiked up the Boulevard Trail, and at one point, Tom had to grab me by my collar because a white mini van drove down the trail. According to Tom, it was driven by a lady from the State Parks Dept. That was the first time we ever saw anything like that.

We suppose she was checking out tree damage caused by that snow storm a couple of weeks ago.

Shortly after seeing the white van, we reached the highest point in the forest. It is probably close to 1,000 feet up!

Several hundred yards up the trail, we found a large tree laying across the path, and we also noticed some tire ruts where the lady in the white van must have gotten stuck while trying to turn around.

Further down the trail we found a really cool spot. The map called it a rock outcrop, but to me it looked like just a really big rock.

There, I felt like Simba, the Lion King! After I had climbed the top of the summit, I stood there proudly, and looked out upon the valley below.

We made our way down the Boulevard Trail to the Watershed Trail. There were a lot of fallen and uprooted trees. There were several places where the trail was blocked by fallen trees.

Finally, when we were nearly back where we started, I found a nice muddy, swampy area that I could romp around on the Watershed Trail. Just the dirty, smelly mess I needed to complete my ensemble of my earlier roll in the pile of poop.

When we left the woods, Tom buckled me in my seat belt, and it was home to take a bath.

He claims I needed it from head to toe. Whatever. I don't mind it, though. The best part is running through the house and shaking off after wards.

Nothing much else to report. Took a nap. Ate a little dinner. Now off to watch the tube.

Woof! Woof!
Stanley

My Four-legged friends

Even a dog has a few friends. I don't really have a relationship with any dogs in the neighborhood. There's a golden next door named Eddie, but we really don't have much contact.

There's a black dog across the road. His name is Max. I met him a few times, but we never really spent much quality time together. I hear his bark quite often.

Whenever we walk up the road to the closest housing development, there is an old yellow lab that wanders out to say hello, occasionally. Next door to him, there are a couple of other dogs, who are not very friendly, either.

Across the road, there lives another trio of dogs. They always run towards us, and stop right at the edge of their yard. They bark and growl a lot, and are not very friendly. Thank goodness they have an electric fence that works most of the time.

In Butler's Crossing, there are a few other dogs. Four of them live in a house on the hill, and they also have an electric fence. Otherwise, we would have met face-to-face.

My closest real friend is the previously mentioned cat in our house named Valentine. We have a love-hate relationship. I love to chase her. She hates me.

She can be quite deceiving. She will trot up onto the front steps and rub up against me. Then, she'll dart across the road or run around the house, and get me in trouble.

We don't spend much time in the house together. She usually heads out to the back porch where her food is. She is a teaser, though.

Once I visited a dog in our family named Hector. He belongs to the Ludwig's. He's a good old dog, but I heard he likes to run away occasionally. We had a short play-date once, and we got along great. I stayed over his place one weekend, also.

Next, there is a really hot chocolate lab, named Abbey. She's great, and really knows her way around the barn. She's also pretty smart when it comes to horses. I must confess, they spook me a little. They are soooooo big!

I just love going to visit Abbey. She has a big place to run around and explore. They have buckets of water around the barn where you can just get a big sloppy drink anytime you want.

Speaking of horses, Tom took me to Hopewell Furnace one day, and that's where I saw my first horse. He was a big guy.

Well, sorry I didn't have any funny stories to tell this time. I think I have time for another nap before dinner.

Woof! Woof!
Stanley

Weekend Tail Waggings

Ah! It's Saturday! It's been another rough week. It's a dog eat dog world, you know.

Yesterday started out much like a typical day, but instead of Tom & me out running errands most of the day, he and Donna went out. You know what that means? I spent most of the day in "my house."

Really, the crate isn't that bad. I just nap the time away, but when they come back and let me out, I usually just lay there with that sad look. It's killer. They feel so guilty. It's usually good for a treat or two, or maybe a nice big juicy meat bone.

Even as a dog you have to know how to work the system.

The afternoon wasn't so bad, though. The three of us went for a walk at Nolde. That's unusual for Donna to tag along, but she kept up with us boys.

There were a lot of downed trees at the forest, but we managed to make it through the trails okay.

Oh, I almost forgot. I found a nice pile of stinky poop or something while there, and got a chance to roll in it. I don't know why that makes them so mad. I don't have a problem with it.

When we got home it was dinner time, then, it was nap time in my house because they went out again. It was pretty darn late when they got home. I was getting concerned!

Then, it was out for a quick tinkle, and then, up to bed. I had to beg Tom for another bone, though. Have to keep that guilt thing workin', you know!

Well, up this morning. Had my breakfast. Did all my duties. Now, I just have to plan my day.

Donna ran the vacuum this morning, and that thing just pisses me off. One of these days I am going to bite it's head off. That thing is noisy and annoying!

Tom's in there working at the computer. I don't know what he does in there.

I'll give him a few more minutes, then, I'll have to get his attention. First, I rattle the gate a little in the doorway. (Because, technically, I am not allowed in there).

If that doesn't work, I'll start grabbing stuff and making noise. I just keep at it until he pays attention.

It's the weekend. I got my paws crossed that we'll do something fun today.

Woof! Woof!
Stanley

Nosing around Nolde Forest

As I mentioned before, Tom often takes me for walks at Nolde Forest. I like going there. It's always an adventure.

I heard him say that we've been on every trail there, and with over 665 acres, there are miles of trails. Believe me, I've nosed them all.

We started out easy by taking the most common trails that begin near the Sawmill Parking Lot, but in time, we decided to venture out.

One really hot day this past summer, we found ourselves at a pond, there at the forest, and I was allowed to take a swim. Boy, my tongue was hanging that day. Must have been 90+ degrees.

We have taken hikes with most of Tom's grandkids at Nolde, but never all of them at the same time. One day we went to the turtle pond. That was fun, too!

Another evening, Tom & I were hiking on the Coffee Pot Trail, in the back part of the forest, and we saw a deer back there. I chased him a short distance, but darn, he got away. I also discovered a trail that Tom says isn't on the map. He named it the "Stanley Trail," since I found it!

The park ranger said, though, there are quite a few trails that are not exactly on the map.

One of my favorite things about running at Nolde, is guessing which way we're going to go when the trail splits off, etc. Since I am usually out ahead, Tom often yells, "Left, Stanley. We want to go left." I can usually figure it out. I guess I have a 50 percent chance of getting it right.

I must say, I am getting pretty good at figuring this human stuff out.

I know what "eat" means. That means it's chow time. I wouldn't miss that for the world. I can also figure out "Do you want to go for a walk?" and "Want to ride in the truck?"

There's also a few phrases like "Stay off the road" or "Stay in the yard." They're all pretty easy. I get it.

The words that seem to give me trouble are "No," "Get down," Drop it," and "Leave it." Actually, I know what they mean, but they're no fun. So, when they yell those words, I just cock my head to the side and give them the look. You know the look. Like, "what are ya trying say? I don't understand! So far, they're buying it.

Back to the forest....

The last few weeks we haven't been walking in the back part of the forest. Something about deer hunting... archery... I don't know what the big deal is.

You see a lot of interesting other dogs down at the forest. Some are friendly. Some are not. We usually just smell each other's butts, then we're on our way.

Things are looking a little different these days in the woods. The leaves keep falling off the trees, and you can see a lot further into the woods. I don't remember that happening before. Well, last year at this time I was just a pup. I was probably living out in the barn with my mom and my brothers and sisters.

Come to think of it, I don't remember much about the snow either.

Well, I guess I'll wander upstairs to the bathroom and get a little drink from toilet. Then, it's nap time! Yipee!

Woof! Woof!
Stanley

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter...

Back again. That was a nice little nap. I was having a dream that I was chasing Valentine across the yard. She's our cat, you know. Mostly everyone has one.

There are times that I almost feel like she's my "Garfield," and I'm her "Odie." She can be so smug sometimes. But then again, I just can't help myself. When I see her outside I just feel the need to chase after her. That's when she gets me in trouble.

Today, for instance, she came home and ran under Tom's truck. I chased her across the road, and I got in big trouble for that. Tom had to chase after me around the neighbor's house and yard. I jumped in the pond. I thought it was great fun. I don't think Tom agreed.

Besides, I was already in the doghouse before that happened. I rolled around in some stinky stuff and had to get a bath. That didn't make Tom and Donna happy either.

So, I had to spend some time in "my house," (that's what they call my crate, but I know better).

After I did my time in solitary, and had some time to think about what I did, I took Donna's chicken dinner she had packed for lunch. She was p---oed. She gave me quite a lecture. It was good, though. I can see why she was taking it to work. Excellent chicken...done just the way I like it!

I get a lot of raw chicken to eat. They say it's good for me...blah, blah, blah. Is that the way they eat it? No way. I heard they got a little under-cooked chicken at the BBQ last week, and all they did was complain. See how they like it.

They say I was a little wired this morning. I don't know, maybe it was the diet. After all, I didn't get my raw chicken this morning. Forget to take it out of the freezer, eh?

Well, I think I'll get Tom to let me out for a bit. Then, I'll come back in and take another nap before dinner.

Woof! Woof!
Stanley

It's not easy being me...

People say, ah, yes... it would be nice to have a dog's life! Oh, I guess I can't complain. I have it pretty good, but it's not all fun and games. It's not what you think.

Let's start back at the beginning. I was born on a farm way out in the country somewhere. I couldn't even tell you where it was. Somewhere out near Myerstown, PA, I am told.

Those people were nice, but there were lots of them, and it was very confusing. There were lots of other dogs there, too! The one thing I liked about that place was I could jump in the creek anytime I wanted to. Not so, here!

Then, this nice couple came to meet me, and I guess they liked me because they took me home.

That was quite a night. It was back around Valentine's Day of this year. I got a little queezy riding in the back of the Jeep and made a mess.

When we finally got home, it was quite an adjustment, but I think I did okay. It took me awhile to figure out all that bathroom stuff, and I ate a few shoes along the way.

Did you ever see that movie "Marley & Me?" He was my hero! Getting into trash, shredding seat cushions, jumping in the pond, chasing chickens... they were all a blast!

I once ate a whole bag of fresh jelly donuts. Boy, were they good, and fresh from the bakery at Green Dragon Farmer's Market. I don't know why I haven't seen any more of them around for awhile?

Did I tell you about the time I met the skunk? Talk about smell. That guy has issues. Or was it a girl skunk? I think she was wearing Channel # Phewwwwweeee! I don't know what happened to her.

Going for walks is definitely the best. Sometimes Tom & I go to the soccer fields near here. Either we walk down the road to the fields, or we drive in the truck. I like riding in the truck, though. Hanging my head out the window. Taking in the sights...the smells... the girl dogs.... oops, sorry!

Down at the soccer fields I get to run around like a nut. Sometimes I just wander around the place taking in the smells etc. Once in awhile I can tell there's been a deer or a rabbit passing through recently. Other times I can pick up the scent of a oppossum, raccoon or a squirrel. Once I found a big pile of horse poop. Wow!

Other times we drive to Nolde Forest. That's a little bit further down the road, but the place must have a gazillion trees and all kinds of trails to check out.

Sometimes Tom & I hike for 30-40 minutes, other times we may trek an hour or so. It's a big place, though. We don't see too many critters, but the place smells like there's been a lot there.

Well, I am getting a little tired now, so, I think I'll go take a nap. Check back later, and I'll tell you about some of my other adventures this past summer.

Woof! Woof!
Stanley