Changeings at De Casa ...

De most recent happenings at de casa have encouraged myself to anticipate a long winter of napping with Senor Roberto. In abrupt fashion, Senor Roberto is no longer leaving de pack to go out into de world hunting for food for days at a time. Dis is a good thing as Senor Roberto never returned with any food for de pack, anyway; so I, myself, was in doubt of his hunting abilities in de first place. Now I will resume my place as pack leader and provide food stuffs for de weaker members. Dis will, et is myself's greatest hope, allow myself de opportunity to once again impress my beloved puta in hopes dat she will once again feel lovings for me. Although I, myself, am not interested in de lovings of de little green vine, I will perhaps order de little senor boy to get her snacks form time to time so she will not starve.

What I, myself, have not appreciated is de early morning activity awaking de casa each day. Why Senora Mommy insists upon leaving de sleeping platform before de sun has shown itself in de sky is beyond my reckoning. She is de first member of de pack to arise from sleep and de last member of de pack to nest into sleep for de night. I, myself, of course feels it is myself's duty to protect and assist her. When she is finished in de watering room and has put on her layers of coverings, I, myself, follows her to de eating room to watch her stuff food items into small boxes, prepare de first meal of de day for de pack, and issue leaderly commands to de rest of de pack. In quick fashion, Senora Mommy ushers Senor Roberto and de little senor boy out de front door of de casa for whatever adventures await them. My beloved put, de little green vine, and myself are left in sudden quiet peacefulness to spend our time napping, barking, and occasionally inventorying de toys in our toy box.

Then, as de day is nearing it's ending, Senor Roberto, Senora Mommy, and de little senor boy arrive back at de casa to complete a variety of manual labors, prepare and eat more foods, and then sit in front of de talking box for several hours. Dis is de part I, myself, enjoy most. Sitting with Senor Roberto is a wondering delightful time of eating de crumbs from his food snackings, drinking from his beverage container, and taking myself's time in grooming him with my dutiful licking. Of course, I, myself, am much aggravated when my beloved puta and de little green vine join forces against myself and force their way onto Senor Robert's lap. their bodies leave no room for me and I, myself, fear of being trampled by their nonsensical and excitable prancing must take myself to another spot for rest-ation and relaxedness.

I, myself, am left wondering how long this schedule will influence de casa ... how long will Senora Mommy be able to withstand such a tired inducing day of activity ... how long before my beloved puta will once again be in love with myself ... and when, if ever, de little senor will move out into de garage where I continues to tell him he should be. These are mysteries for myself to ponder during dis cold season of weather.

Adios

Hey! Guess What??!!

... like it was Christmas a few days ago and Mommie put loads of yummy snacks in our big hanging sock ... and it took forever but she finally let us eat them ... and now, Mommie is talking about taking the pretty tree with all it's sparkly thingys out of the living room ... but like, I like the sparkly tree and I don't want it to leave ... oh yeah! ... and guess what??!! ... Big Daddy is home to stay! ... 'cause like he left something called a job to go to something called a school but I don't know why ... yeah, well ... oh ... and like, guess what?? ... I am so happy that Big Daddy is home every night ... and like, me and Ivan have to fight the rat so we can sit in a spot next to Big Daddy ... stupid rat always gets to sit on Big Daddy's leg and that's not fair ... oh yeah, guess what else?? ... the rat got into big trouble when Mommie caught him chewing on the dead body of the little boy's swimming food ... like one day there were two swimming foods in the water box and then, like, another day there was just one ... and like, I kept smelling something weird in the bedroom but I couldn't find it ... and then, Mommie caught the rat chewing on something and pulled it away from him ... it was the dried out body of one of the swimming foods! ... eeeewwww ... that was SO gross! ... and he was chewing on it and stuff and then, like, he wanted to lick on me and stuff ... yuck! ... and he kept saying, "Myself is providing food for the pack." ... and I was like, "Oh yeah? Then how come none of the pack got a chance to eat any of that?!" ... and he was like, "It was a practice hunt to prepare myself for bringing in something larger." ... and I was like, "Larger? Like what? ... like, what are you going to bring into the house for us to eat that doesn't have antennas??" ... and he was like, "I, myself, have seen a brown cat with unusually long ears and a round, puffy tail ... " ... and then I was laughing too hard to hear what else he said ... oh yeah, and like Ivan and me take turns sitting next to Big Daddy so the rat can't get his place back ... oh yeah, and guess what ELSE?! ... Ivan taught me how to go out the front door and COME BACK ... I always want to go out the front door but Mommie never let me because when I went out I would stay out because there was so much to smell and pee on out there ... but like, I watched her let Ivan out and then Ivan would pee and come right back ... and I guess since Ivan comes back then Mommie doesn't have to go hunting for her like she has to come hunting for me ... so, like, the next time Ivan went out I begged Mommie to let me go too ... and like, she did! ... and it was so great and I ran all over the yard ... but when Mommie called for us, I went back inside like Ivan ... and Mommie gave me a cookie!! ... so now ... everytime I go out the front door I make sure to come back for my cookie! ... that's just so cool .... yeah ... umm ... bye bye ....

New Beginnings Abound ...

Good Evening Everyone,

Didn't we have just a wonderful holiday season? I particularly enjoyed all the family time we had together. And now we are starting a New Year. I just love the start of a New Year because it brings with it so many wonderful new beginnings.

Speaking of something new beginning, I am just so proud to report that Mr. Bob has decided to return to school and prepare himself for a career that allows him to stay home on a daily basis. Although I have appreciated his sacrifices in leaving the family in order to go to work each week, I must say I am so pleased to know that he won't be doing that any more. Without Mr. Bob our little family is missing it's jaunty spark. Don't get me wrong. Miss Jacque and Mr Alex are both wonderful. But there just seems to be something about Mr Bob that livens the place up.

We are having no shortage of excitement in our pack these days. We have a new morning and evening schedule to follow, we're eating much healthier, we're exercising several days a week, and we're being exceptionally thrifty. Miss Jacque has a talent for being able to stretch her money each week to be sure to provide us with wonderful meals and needed supplies; not to mention supervising the collective efforts of everyone to keep our home neat and tidy. I so admire her domestic talents.

Now that Mr Bob is staying at home each day, Mr Rudy seems to be under the impression that we will all starve because no one is going out hunting for food. I don't know why he thinks Mr. Bob left each week to go hunting as it is Miss Jacque and Mr Alex who bring in the groceries each week. But suffice to say, Mr Rudy has been overly anxious about making sure food is provided.

I am not an eye witness so I can not comment on whether or not Mr Rudy intentionally ambushed one of the fish from Mr Alex's aquarium. But I did witness Mr Rudy chewing on it's dried and petrified remains. That was such a disgusting sight! He was lying on the floor, holding the poor petrified carcass of the fish in his paws, and trying to grind it up by chewing and gnawing all over it. He made quite a noise. In fact, the noise is what got Miss Jacque's attention and she, quite thankfully, took the dead fish away from Mr. Rudy and threw it into the trash! But I think that hurt Mr. Rudy's feelings a tad because after that he crawled under their bed and pouted for a while. He's been mumbling about a cat with long ears and a round, puffy tail. I think he is planning to hunt a rabbit next. This could prove to be quite an entertaining event.

And finally, I am proud to announce that I have taught Miss Mollee how to go outside and COME BACK without running off like a wild buffalo. I saw how distressed everyone would get when Miss Mollee would dart out the front door and run away. I asked her why she did that. She told me that she was just overcome with joy to be running free that it never occurred to her that she shouldn't leave her own yard and stay close to the house. Having been a victim of the cruel dangers in the outside world, I cautioned her to think with more care and protect herself from the many dangers outside the front door. She seems to have seriously considered what I advised because now she goes outside to potty with me and she comes right back. I am glad she is motivated by good sense rather than continuing to run willy-nilly up and down the street.

I hope everyone has started as wonderful a New Year as we have. Take care and stay warm during the cold winter season.

Ivy

Fall Is So Delightful

Good Evening Everyone,

I am so pleased to report that Fall is here! I just love this time of year. I suffer all summer in the heat with my thick coat. It is such a relief when Fall arrives and the temperature cools off. And we have had a most wonderful event transpire recently! Miss Jacque is taking us for walks in the mornings and evenings. I can not even begin to express my joy and excitement for being outdoors. Miss Jacque and Mr Bob have provided us with a wonderful fenced backyard and easy access in and out. But there is nothing like the wonderful freedom of walking through the neighborhood.

It took Miss Jacque some time to find the right leash and collar for me. I am embarrassed to say that my body is of strange proportions and none of the halters she had would work for me. But she has finally found a leash/collar combination that works quite well. I am also pleased that Miss Mollee and I are able to walk together. Honestly, just watching Miss Mollee enjoy herself on these walks is entertainment unto itself. She sniffs at everything and boldly charges out in front to explore what is around the next corner.

The other evening she walked right by a cat and never noticed it. I didn't say anything to her because I was afraid it might scare her. When we passed back by there on the the way back, she finally saw it and stopped in her tracks. She got low to the ground and sniffed and sniffed and sniffed. It was quite funny. She asked me, "Ivan, is that doggie thingy what smells so weird?? What IS that??" I tried to tell her it was a cat. But evidently Miss Mollee has never seen a cat before so she was a bit confused.

So far Miss Jacque has not been able to coax Mr Rudy in joining us in our walking. He is not submissive to the leash and collar. He wants to go outside with us but doesn't want to wear the collar and leash. Thankfully Miss Jacque refuses to take him outside without them. But I feel bad for him and his fears because after we leave and close the door, I can hear him calling after us, "Take me toooooo!" But he won't get to go until he is willing to wear the collar and leash.

After our walks we have enjoyed coming home to get cookies and water. And then, best of all, we have been able to jump up in bed and take a long nap with Mr Bob. He is not always home so I appreciate every moment I get to sleep next to him. He creates such wonderful warmth with his big body. And he's nicely furry, too. Mollee and I enjoy napping with Mr. Bob.

I look forward to enjoying more of the Fall weather on our walks and can't wait to watch Miss Mollee discover all the great things in the neighborhood.

Have a good evening!

Ivy

Hey! Guess What???

... like Mommie has started the most fun game ... it is super duper cool ... and like, I am so happy about the new game ... 'cause, like, I get to go outside and stuff ... oh yeah, and like, Mommie puts the ropes on me and Ivan and takes us outside and stuff ... and like, then we get to walk all around and sniff everything and see everything ... it is so way cool ... and like, the other day when we were out sniffing ... like, I saw this furry doggie like thing but it wasn't a doggie but I haven't seen anything like it before ... but it was super cool ... and like it smelled weird ... oh yeah, and Ivan wasn't scared of it at all ... Ivan is so cool ... and oh yeah ... like the rat is afraid to go outside with us ... 'cause like, I think he's afraid he'll get eaten by the weird smelly thing ... and like, he's such a coward because, like, when Mommie gets the ropes out in the evening ... like, the rat goes and hides under the bed and stuff ... and like, he's so afraid ... I think it's funny but Ivan kinda thinks it is sad and she says, "Poor Mr. Rudy is afraid of the outside." ... but like, I know he's really just too stupid to know what to do with the ropes and all ... but whatever ... so, like, when we come back ... Ivan and I are so tired that we go sleepy right then ... 'cause like, there's always room in the bed with Big Daddy ... and like, he's always in the bed ... so that's cool .... oh yeah, and I think my paw hurts ... like, it feels all rubbery and stuff .... but that's ok ... I can't wait to go walking in the ropes again tomorrow!

I, Myself, Have Recovered

Et is with mucho pleasure dat I, myself, can inform you dat I, myself, have recovered from de bite of de firey ant. Finally myself's paw has reduced it's swollenness and gone back to regular size. I, myself, am continuing myself's schedule of rest and relaxations as et is not known if firey ant bites return if too much work is accomplished. So I, myself, will take no chances.

Meanwhile, Senora Mommie continues dragging de remainder of de pack along de roadside and through de village in de evenings. She has started applying de torture devices after supper and takes de Little Green Vine and my beloved puta from de casa for extended ambling in de village. I, myself, am not mucho happy to be strapped into de torture devices so, I, myself, am attempting to avoid dis misery. But I see Senora Mommie smiling at me and dangling de devices she wants to utilize on myself and I continue to elude her by sneaking to my secret lair under de sleeping platform. Here I, myself, will stay to evade capture and subsequent village dragging spectacle.

Adios

Poor Mr Rudy!

Good Evening Everyone,

I am so sorry to report that poor little Mr Rudy got bitten today by a fire ant. I understand this is the second time this has happened. Evidently the last time he got bitten on the lip and, according to Miss Jacque, he had a terrible week during which all parts of his little body were swelling up as the ant poison was working it's way out of his system. Thankfully, Miss Jacque took him to the VET last time and got medicine and instructions on how to take care of him. We are so fortunate that she is so knowledgeable about these kinds of things.

Actually it was Mr Bob who first discovered Mr Rudy was injured. As soon as Miss Jacque saw it she knew what to do. She gave Mr Rudy some medicine and spent some time loving on him. I thought it was so cute that she was trying to make sure Mr Rudy took his medicine by disguising it in a piece of cheese. And she was so thoughtful of our feelings because she gave Miss Mollee and me a piece of cheese as well (it didn't have medicine in it though).

All evening Miss Jacque and Mr Bob have watched Mr Rudy very carefully for any sign of distress or worsening. And later this evening they fixed a small foot bath for Mr Rudy so he could soak his paw in some Epsom Salts in hopes that it would help draw out the poison. I was proud of his sad little self as he sat on the table and allowed Mr Bob and Miss Jacque to minister to him. Please, everyone, let's all say a prayer that Mr Rudy recovers from this fire ant bite quickly and without too much pain.

Have a good evening,

Ivy

P.S. I am sorry to report that Betsy (my little purple and white cow toy given to me by Miss Jacque last weekend) has not survived. This past Friday while I was outside enjoying the sunshine, Miss Mollee "adopted" little Betsy. And one nibble led to another and the next thing I knew I saw Betsy laying on the living room floor beside a huge pile of stuffing. Alas, I have lost my toy. But I am sure Miss Jacque will get me a new one soon. Poor, poor, Betsy ...

Hey! Guess What??!!

... like while the rat and Ivan and me were out in the backyard ... ummm ... the rat ... he like was playing around the red dirty blob ... and like, he started yelping and stuff ... and like, I didn't know what he was doing but I ran over there ... and like, he was dancing around on three paws because he said like, "Help me! Help me! I, myself will surely die!" ... and like, I saw that he was shaking one of those mean bugs off his paw ... so, like, ummm ... I guess he got bit by it or something ... 'cause like, after some time passed his paw was growing bigger and bigger and bigger ... and, oh yeah, so like Big Daddy noticed something was wrong with the rat's paw ... I tried to lick it and make it better and stuff ... but he wouldn't let me ... and then like Big Daddy and Mommie were inspecting it ... oh yeah and guess what?! ... we all got to eat cheese and cookies ... and like they were so good ... but Big Daddy and Mommie kept loving on the rat because of his paw ... and like, then they stuck his paw in some smelly waters ... and then we got more cheese!! ... so like that was cool ... but now I'm afraid they're gonna stick my paw in the smelly water ... and like, I don't want any part of that! ... so like, I went to hide in the bed ... but I hope the rat's paw stops growing because if it keeps this up ... ummm ... I think maybe, like, it'll explode!

I, Myself, Am Injured

Oh, et was a sad day at de casa. I, myself, am in mucho pain from de injury I, myself, have sustained from de firey ant in de backyard. While I, myself, was on patrol and seeking to protect de casa from intruders, I, myself, stopped to sniff at a high mound of dirt. Little did I, myself, know but that dis high mound of dirt contained de mucho dangerous firey ants! Before I, myself, could escaped, one of de little firey ants had bitten my paw. De injury was de bite right between myself's toes, of all places! Damn those firey ants and their accuracy! Now I, myself, am watching my paw swell to larger sizes. Et is painful to me. Et is very painful. I, myself, know nothing to be done for et although Senora Mommie and Senior Roberto are attempting to help me to feels better. They have fed me mucho amounts of cheese this evening. Although et is tasty, I, myself, do not understand how et will help. But I, myself, will continue to eat et.

Adios

Oh My Heavens!

Good Evening,

I am so disturbed to report that Miss Mollee and Mr Rudy have destroyed the lovely stuffed toys Miss Jacque and Mr Bob so thoughtfully gave to us all today. Mr Rudy was given the sweetest little giraffe. He made short work of it, though. I stood next to him and watched, in horror, as he quickly gnawed off it's ears, chewed through it's head, and unceremoniously pulled all it's insides out! I was shocked. I have never seen something destroyed so expediently!

And then, to my utter dismay, Miss Mollee did the same thing to the little black and white puppy she was given! When I saw her beginning to 'mother' it, I was warmed by her sweetness and thought she would love on and treasure it. But only a few short hours later I looked over to see her pulling it's insides out!

I am attempting to protect the little purple cow Miss Jacque gave me. I was so happy to get a toy all for myself! It has been a long time since I had something of my very own. I am now sitting on the back of the sofa, next to Mr Bob, trying to safeguard my little purple cow (whom I have named Betsy) from the rotten behavior of these other two savages. My heavens!

Please send your best wishes to Betsy and my vigil ... I will need the support, I fear.

Have a good evening everyone,

Ivy.