Armchair Huntress

Her Gift to Me

2010-02-03T20:31:00.006-06:00

Message from Subi's Mom, Lacy,

Some sadness today, as it's the one year anniversary since Subi's big sister Blossom went to Rainbow Bridge.

Blossom started out as my parents' dog. She was born to a litter of a dog belonging to a friend of my mother's. Mom wanted a dog just like Blossom's mother -- instead she got something far different. Where Peaches was docile and mannerly, Blossom was hyper and athletic. For most of her fourteen years she only had one setting...fast. I was in college when my parents brought her home, so I actually missed her puppy year and have only a few precious puppy pictures to treasure.

Through college, I kept complaining that I missed having a dog and told my parents that I wanted a basset hound when I graduated. I thought that would be an excellent graduation present. Since I had to move back home after school, I got instead what amounted to a "Basset Hound IOU". Also, I got the dream dog I never knew I always wanted.

I loved Blossom right away and even though she was thoroughly bonded with my parents, I decided that a takeover was in order. Having had a terrible and often tragic history with pets, I swore to be the best pet parent I could possibly be. Blossom got her vet check up twice a year and went to the doc at the first sign that something was amiss. To my mother's chagrin, she slept on the bed with me - her back to mine. We went for R-I-D-E-S every chance we got. She saw me through every little sadness, and I saw her through swallowing a Beanie Baby, Vestibular Disease, and the pyometriosis that nearly killed her. It was my duty, but it was also an honor.

When she turned fourteen I knew the inevitable was approaching. In the previous years she had begun to slow down due to spinal arthritis. So, while treasuring every day with her, I also prepared to do what had to be done when the time came. Sadly that time came a year ago today. I'm proud to say I didn't shirk my duty and I didn't run like a coward. I held her in my arms while she slipped from this world. I miss her every day. Every time I almost called Subi "BoobooHead".

Some ask how I could I be so willing to do it again -- to love and so inevitably lose. I tell them I can't imagine not wanting to. Sure, the ache in my chest was like a black hole and the tightness in my throat was like a vice, but the tears were cleansing and righteous and well-earned. When all was said and done I had given her as a good life as I was capable.

In return, she taught me how to give my love without reserve and without concern for what the future may bring. Blossom awakened something inside of me, a deep part of my soul that had slumbered in all the years before loving her. That part of me knows that I still have so much love to give.

For now, Subi is the sole beneficiary of that love, but I hope someday a golden in need may come into our life at just the right time. And when that happens, I will be ready and willing and full of love to share.

And that is Blossom's gift to me.

Sad Tidings

2010-01-20T17:53:00.002-06:00

Our friend Sam lost his big sister, Cisco this weekend. Mama and I are very sad and it makes me remember the haiku Mama and I wrote when my big sister Blossom passed away.

Your bowl is empty
Leash on its hook -- abandoned
My heart is broken

If you would like, go visit Sam and offer him and his family your condolences.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-13T20:10:00.002-06:00

This Week: 2 Years Ago

2010-01-08T18:46:00.002-06:00

That's me!

Domo Arigato!

2010-01-06T19:53:00.004-06:00

That's "Thank you very much!" in Japanese.

Just why, you may ask, am I saying "thanks" in Japanese? Well because just a few days after Christmas I received a package from Japan. I've never been there, but Mama tells me it's very far way. So far away I couldn't get there on a R-I-D-E. Now that's far!

As those of you who've been reading my blog may know, I have friends from Japan, which is why my full name is "Tsubomi-san", Japanese for Miss Flower Bud.

This year, my Japanese friends, Yuui (pronounced 'You-wee') and Toui (pronounced 'Toy') sent me this beautiful hat, which my mom thinks is adorable.

This gift is very special, because what Yuui and Toui didn't know is that it is the perfect accessory to go with one my new, pretty parti-collars. As you can see:

I am stunning! Am I not?

Domo arigato Yuui and Toui! I send you doggie kisses from America and hope you have a Happy New Year!

Unexpected Windfalls (of the Kitchen Variety)

2010-01-03T13:33:00.008-06:00

Twas the night before Christmas

And all through our home
Wafted smells from oven
Which made my mouth foam

As I honed my begging skills my human Uncle D disappeared into the kitchen. Now, usually I follow into the kitchen, but as I said I was begging and couldn't abandon hope of receiving even the tiniest tidbit from Mama, or from HGM. Which is why I wasn't in the kitchen then disaster struck. Or should I say, disaster for Uncle D...

Glorious windfall for me.

He claims he was taking the apple pie out of the oven and was almost to the counter when the whole pie pan bent in half and escaped from his grasp; falling in all of its scrumptious glory to the floor. And as everyone knows, according to Universal Canine By-Laws (applicable to family pets only):

"If it's on the floor, it's fair game."

Mama was afraid all that pie would make me sick, so my family cleaned the bulk of it up, but just when I was about to lose hope...they called me into the kitchen and LET ME CLEAN THE FLOOR! Oh joy! Oh Rapture!

Making sure I get to all those hard-to-reach spots....

And that no crumb, no matter how small, gets missed...

Some of it even splattered onto the dishwasher...

Of course I was more than happy to clean that up...

I get the warm fuzzies just thinking about that night. Good times.

I love apple pie!

In closing, I would like to point out that Mama says that it's been a tough year all around and that we were luckier than many. So here's to hoping that 2010 is full of unexpected windfalls for all my friends far and wide.

Special Delivery from Mother Nature

2010-01-02T08:56:00.006-06:00

Some of you may not believe this, but here in Katy, Texas (just west of Houston) it doesn't snow here very much...or ever. At least that's what Mama says, and she's lived here her whole life so she oughta know. Strange thing is that it's snowed here three times in the last five years! And this year was one of them.

Mama had been practically buzzing all week when the man on TV said it was going to snow on Friday -- and even better...it was a Friday when Mama didn't have to go to work. Those are my favorite days!

First thing that morning, Mama went through my wardrobe and picked out a shirt for me to wear (my favorite!) for extra warmth. Then, while Mama was away from the house, running errands, I could smell the wind kick up and then this cold, flaky stuff started falling from the sky.

So this was "snow".

After a while, Mama came home and took me outside to check it out.

Hmmm...what is this? It is cold and slightly wet.

When I get wet, I have to shake.

Very carefully...sniffing this stuff called snow. Ooh! See my new collar? It has jingle bells on it. I love jingle bells!

I have decided that this snow in my yard is unwelcome. It may make Mama happy, but I believe I'm happy that it doesn't "snow" here often.

Mama is now threatening to take me someplace where I can really enjoy snow. She says there are places were the snow on the ground is so thick you can't even see the grass anymore. No grass? Where shall I pee? This idea doesn't sound like one of Mama's best.

Although she said that it would involve a long R-I-D-E so it's not the worst idea she's ever had.

Hiding in Closets

2010-01-02T08:41:00.003-06:00

It catches me by surprise every time! Just when I start to feel safe, the loud popping starts after dark. This time though, Mama made me a goose down nest in one of the closets and closed the door. I felt pretty safe in there and the loud-popping became just a muffled sound. In fact, I felt so safe in there I didn't want to come out when morning came -- but my bladder had other ideas!

Mama says there will be more popping in the nights to come. Since we live outside the city limits without laws against popping, there will be loud popping every night of the week -- just like on July 4. I do not like to hear this. For the next week I will have to make sure to take my last potty trip outside before the sun goes down. I don't know if you know this...but it's a long time from sunset to sunrise.

A long time!!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T18:09:00.006-06:00

There's still so much to tell you about. I haven't even gotten to my Christmas gifts yet! But downloading and editing pictures is painstaking work -- especially when you don't have opposable thumbs.

I asked Santa to bring me opposable thumbs for Christmas this year but no dice!! I was a good girl this year, but I guess I wasn't that good!

See you tomorrow!!

Oh! One last thing to tell you. The other night Mama and I finally saw Disney/Pixar's "Up". It was great.

Here is my impression of Dug.

"Hi there!"

New Friends of All Shapes and Sizes

2009-12-31T17:04:00.008-06:00

Rover Oaks Pet Resort invited me and Mama to a Holiday party so I could take my picture with a man named Santa. Now I didn't know who this Santa person was, but rumor had it that there was going to be treats at this party and so begged and wheedled and gave my best sad-puppy face until Mama broke down and said we could go.

One thing you should know about me is that I am terrible with names. Terrible! But I never forget a face or....uh...scent -- so it all evens out.

For example, I forgot this kid's name, but he said his favorite treat was butter pecan ice cream cone. It looks like he's ready for someone to bring him one.

I'm not sure but I think this guy was the boss -- at least he was old and cranky enough to be. He sure didn't want to play, but he would let Mama scratch him under the chin occasionally.

I overheard this youngster's mom telling my Mama that her bloodhound spent the first year of her life being neglected and mistreated. She was so skinny her ribs were poking out and there were scabs on her face that were still healing! Thank goodness she was rescued just in the nick of time. Her new mom says she's gonna have a great life from now on and I believe her.

Oooh! This handsome boy wanted to play and I wanted to play, but it was a "leash-only" party and boy did that make playing difficult. Mama says he's called a red-bone hound and that he's from someplace "where the red fern grows". Apparently that place where the red ferns grow sure does make their dogs nice and loud 'cause he barked and barked and he sounded like a old car horn. Isn't he shiny?

This poor thing seemed a little confused as she kept chasing her tail. Between you and me, TailChase is one of my favorite games 'cause it makes Mama laugh, but this Old English lady was doing it wrong. I just didn't have the heart to tell her she doesn't have a tail!

After quite a lot of introductions and a couple of play bows, and more treats than I'm usually allowed to eat (I love pumpkin muffins!!), it was time to meet the mysterious Santa. He seemed nice enough and the pictures went off without a hitch (although as a general rule I like to be wearing something sparkly when my picture is taken), but the best part of all is that the monies raised at the Christmas party will go to help Citizens for Animal Protection which is the best present my Mama and I know how to give.

If you feel it in your heart, please donate today. We did!

Long Lost ME!

2009-12-31T16:49:00.004-06:00

It has been a busy month here, not just for my Mama but for me too. So much to see and do and so little time to do it in. But today I have time and lots of things to tell all my friends about. So I'm going to try to tell you everything, but to keep it all straight, I'm going to do separate posts.

So this post will start with the latest addition to blog "fashion show" I saw this one in the store and told Mama that I just had to have it. Unsurprisingly, Mama agreed.

Here's me...very proud to be wearing my new shirt.

Mama says some people think it's stupid to put clothes on dogs. I'm sure that's true for some other dogs and that's okay for them, but I like shirts just fine, thank you very much. Now, pants...that is a little ridiculous!

Here's the view of my new shirt from the back. I bet you can guess why I chose it!

That's all for the moment, but stayed tuned 'cause I'll be right back!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T10:48:00.002-06:00

Well, I don't know about you but I'm still ((blurp)) stuffed.

At first I was worried yesterday because it seemed like Mama spent more time than usual in the kitchen -- leaving her very little time for me. I should have known better though because no matter how busy she seemed she always found time to slip me a little something. At first I got wedges from an apple so big it just HAD to be grown in Texas. Later, Mama slipped me some large pieces of sweet potato, which were so good I had to rub my face on the carpet after eating them. My begging face also netted me a whole dinner roll, and I didn't even have to steal it!!

When it came time for dinner, my Uncle K slapped a whole spoonful of cheesy mush (mashed) potatoes on my Purina One. Delectable!

I hope all of you have as much to be thankful for this holiday as I do!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Golden Picnic!

2009-11-18T20:46:00.008-06:00

This past Sunday was the Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue Reunion Picnic. Now, I'm not a rescue pup, but my mama volunteers for GBGRR and so I got an invitation anyway. At first I wasn't sure about the whole thing until I saw that the park was packed with golden retrievers, just like me!

I'm not sure how many were there, but I lost count somewhere around fifty and I think it was closer to 100.

First we did a lot of sniffing around -- greeted some old friends and even met some new ones. Then I noticed that there was a bunch of goldens congregating on a hilltop so I tugged Mama over there and saw that there a lake and whole mess of tennis balls. Now, I'm not one to run head long into a lake to chase after a silly ball, but I certainly got caught up in the atmosphere of fun.

After some cajoling and using my best mournful gaze, Mama finally worked up the nerve to let me off-leash and I worked up the nerve to wade into the lake.

I would run and romp and play and shake and then I would run back to Mama to make sure she was still where I left her (she was!) and then I would sit at her feet for a few seconds to show her how happy I was.

And then I would go do it all again...and again.

After a couple of hours I worked up the nerve to wade in even deeper. Maybe next time Mama brings me here I will be able to go in all the way like so many of other goldens.

After all that fun, I capped it all off with a great honkin' roll in the dirt. Normally my mama might try to stop me, but she had deemed the day "Let Dog Be Dog Day" so she just laughed and took pictures.

I had to ride home in the very back back of the car and when we got there I had to have a bath. So I think Mama had the last laugh.

A GReat HUGE THANKS to the GBGRR folks that planned the picnic and made it a reality. Can't wait for next year!

Let Me At 'Em...Let Me At 'Em

2009-10-14T17:50:00.005-05:00

This morning, very early, many people just walked right into my backyard with a bunch of long metal things. I tried to let them know that their presence would not be tolerated with my loud "outside" voice. They did NOT listen. The nerve.

They talked to Grandma for a bit, so I thought everything might be okay. But then they did the strangest thing. They climbed up those long metal things and started STEALING our roof.

Can you believe that?

For the rest of the day there was banging so loud I had to go to my storm bunker. There's STILL banging right now. It just goes on and on. Thank goodness my Mama is here 'cause when she sits still she has nice safe legs to hide under.

It took some pictures of the goings-on in my backyard. Rumor has it that the same thing is happening at the front yard too. But I'm too scared to look.

Here's a picture of one of the roof bandits.

Here's a picture of a half naked roof!

I feel so violated....

Nemesis!

2009-10-11T17:42:00.004-05:00

Someday you're mine, Nemesis!
I've got my eye on you.

Practicing

2009-10-06T17:19:00.007-05:00

This weekend Mama bought me a new shirt to add to my collection. She called this one "seasonal", but I'm not sure what that means. All I know is...it has my favorite word on it.

I'll let you guess which one.

After some discussion though, Mama and I decided that black isn't best color for golden retrievers as it shows just how much I shed. How embarrassing!

Here's a picture of me practicing my "Trick or Treat" face.

Too obvious?

Here's my attempt at subtlety.

Looks like I wouldn't give a tick for those treats, right?

Well, just before I was about to decide I couldn't take it anymore, Mama gave in and said the magic word.

Victory, at last!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-30T18:03:00.002-05:00

Subi Says...

2009-09-28T17:15:00.004-05:00

Good canine Citizenship means always looking for ways to be helpful to all members of the family. Even if they're not my Mama.

One way I've found to help is by rounding up and keeping track of stray socks. I love socks! On rare occasions I wrangle stray underwear as well, but that wasn't necessary today.

Anyway...whenever I find a stray I bring it to my favorite place. That way when someone realizes they're missing, they know just where to come to look for it.

Love

2009-09-26T10:44:00.003-05:00

In the Doghouse

2009-09-21T06:35:00.003-05:00

Sorry I have not been able to blog. I have been grounded.

That's what Mama calls it -- even though all I know is it means "punished".

See..here's what happened. Couple of days ago Mama came home with a new toy, 'cept this toy was not for me. It was for her! She played and played with it, and she would not pay any attention to me. Of course, being the smart girl I am, I noticed that she plugged it into the wall each night with a cord, which she put into her purse in the mornings and took with her to work.

Well, one night after she came home, Mama was playing with her new toy and since she wasn't paying attention to me, I sneaked into her purse, pulled out the cord and chewed it all to bits.

Mama did not talk to me for the rest of the whole night, which was not the reaction I was hoping for!

I am happy to report that due to my cuteness I am back in Mama's good graces. She said she just needed to be mad at me for a while but now she is over it. She also said she got the point and then promised to pay more attention to me. And she got a new cord for her toy so all is good again.

Except when she comes home from work now she doesn't leave her purse on the floor next to her bed like she used to.

Hmmm......

Furmination

2009-09-17T16:58:00.003-05:00

Like me, some of you may know what it's like to be "Furminated". It's when Mama breaks out the special brush she calls the "Furminator" and scratches me up, down, and all around with it. The next thing I know, she's making off with wads and wads of my gorgeous golden locks like she's going to sell it to make wigs for unfortunate pups with the mange. Mama says that it's "extra fur", but I'm not sure I'm buying it, because it just keeps coming and coming with no end in sight. Surely my rear end and my belly must be bald by now.

Mama says my fur is good for composting and that birds can make nests out of it.

I KNEW they were trying to get a piece of me!!

Now the composting I don't mind so much, but the birds can just look somewhere else for their nesting materials.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-16T20:28:00.002-05:00

Like Clockwork

2009-09-12T13:40:00.007-05:00

Every night, just before the sun goes down, I go to my upstairs perch. Not because I like the view of the street and like to bark at the other dogs and their humans as they go by on their post-dinner walks. Nope...that's just the icing on the cake.

I wait...Mama says impatiently...for my little friend to come out to play. (Look closely at the top of the picture!)

Okay...I use the term friend loosely. You know...if a friend were someone I wanted to <chomp, chomp, gulp!>

Like clockwork, I go armchair hunting in the effort to catch my little friend. Mama says I became so predictable she was even able to get some video of one of the events.

But no worries, my friends (not the kind I chomp and gulp) I have not given up hope. Tonight I will again resume my efforts to catch the wiggly, squirmy invader.

I will keep you posted on the results

The One That Started it All

2009-09-09T18:05:00.004-05:00

Here's a picture of me posing in very first shirt.

It's a little threadbare because for a long time it was the only shirt I had, so I don't wear it that much anymore. Mama chose it because she felt it described me to a T.

I'm really a happy girl when I get the chance to strut my stuff.

Confessions of a Clotheshorse

2009-09-05T08:29:00.006-05:00

Alright...I have to confess ...I love to get all dressed up to show everyone what a princess I am.

Mama wants to be sure ya'll know that it's not her...it's me. She says to tell you that it started out very reluctantly and innocently -- though now that she's finally given in to the power of dog clothes, she has a lot of fun with it. I think you'll understand what I mean when you see my newest outfit from the back.

I love this outfit!

Mama likes to buy me clothes that say funny things. Unfortunately, as she tells me all the time, it's awful hard to find clothes in my size. Apparently there aren't many people who make clothes for "big and talls". I'm not even that big! I'm like...a size eight, but all they have is clothes for a size zero. What is that about?

But I digress....

It all started a while back when I started going with Mama to Golden Beginnings' Meet & Greets to hang with other goldens and people who love goldens. You see, since my big sister went to Rainbow Bridge, Mama thought I just wasn't getting enough social-i-zation. I'm not sure what that means, but I'm not going to dwell on it 'cause whatever it is Mama thinks I was getting it at the M&Gs. Now at the beginning there was a problem -- people kept coming up to mama to ask one of two things:

1. Why was I foaming at the mouth?
2. Is she available?

Yes, another confession, I foam when I'm nervous. And there was a lot to be nervous about -- all those people -- and me away from the safe haven of my home!

So...Mama says she got tired a telling people that I already had a home and wondered what she could do about it. Then, one day, we were at PetSmart -- grocery shopping --when we passed the clothes rack and I could practically see the lightbulb come on over Mama's head. Clothes would be perfect way to say, "You can pet, but you can't take home". THEN she found a big pink shirt that said "Little Princess" and that was that.

And guess what...the next time I went to a M&G nobody asked if they could take me home AND as an added bonus I stopped feeling so nervous. After a couple more M&Gs I stopped foaming entirely. Turns out, being wrapped up nice and tight like that makes me feel like I'm constantly being hugged. I feel loved and secure, which is just what my M&G excursions was missing.

Anyway, I have a whole wardrobe now and Mama has decided that we should do a blog "fashion show". So when there's nothing else going on, Mama will help me don one of my outfits and we'll show all of our blog friends what it looks like.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-02T05:52:00.002-05:00

Best. Day. Ever.

2009-08-29T18:46:00.009-05:00

The best day ever always starts with a good long pee, followed by a R-I-D-E. Except that yesterday my morning R-I-D-E ended at Dr. P's office at 7:30 am. I tried to explain to Mama that nothing was hurtin' but since she hadn't had her morning caffeine yet, she could not understand me. The pet nurse tricked me into going into the back and by the time I noticed Mama was not with me -- well, there was no escapin'.

They put me in a cage and instead of watching TV, I got to watch a long line of dogs and cats hurt way worse than me, get to see the doctor first. By the time I got to see Dr. P it was almost my dinnertime and, boy, was I hungry! And after all that waitin' there was hardly nothing to it. Couple of shots, lights in my eyes, ear rubs -- although someone did put there fingers someplace I would rather not mention -- but all in all -- not traumatic. But by time I got sprung, I thought my whole day was shot, as it was after 7 pm.

But then I got home and found there was something waiting for me that made up for all that waiting in the cage.

Presents from Cool Hand Luke and the Bleu (of Course) and Luke's The Mom!! And it was just like a Bark Day Party. Here's me posin' with my presents. Oops, got me with my eyes closed.

I love presents! I believe I have been clear on this issue.

Here's a close up of the letter, complete with pictures of Luke and the Bleu, in which they thank me for playin' in the 500F Blog Post contest.

And to that I say...No...Thank YOU! And I LOVE Having you as a friend too!

I love friends!

Now here's a picture of the box with all the stuff still in it. Mama had to be quick about it 'cause that stuffie was callin' my name (and tellin' me his name was Mr. Ducksworth),

Here's me getting intimately 'quainted with Mr. Ducksworth. He's my favorite color too!

Me with my yellow bandanna. Did someone say cheese!
Here's a picture of all the stuff that came in the box. I don't even know what all that stuff is, but I'm gonna have a good time finding out.

Once again, a huge thanks to Luke, the Bleu (of course) and Luke's the Mom for makin' my whole day better! I love reading your blog and I'm so glad ya'll are my friends.

May you have sunny skies and quiet rain.

Clearing Up Confusion

2009-08-27T17:12:00.004-05:00

Now some blogging pals have asked me about Wednesday's wordless picture, in particular -- who my cute little friend is.

Duh! I'm the cute little friend! That's me the day after my Gotcha Day, playing with my big sister Blossom who left for Rainbow Bridge back in February. Blossom sure was nice to share her stuffie with me -- she thought it was big enough for us to both chew on -- at least for a little while. You can tell in this picture that she eventually changed her mind.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-26T18:02:00.002-05:00

Under for the Thunder

2009-08-24T17:33:00.004-05:00

Something strange happened this afternoon. Mama brought a whole lot of thunder with her when she came home from work. Now I'm not one to be scared of much when I'm in my own house (outside is a whole 'nother story) except for things that Mama calls balloons and my age old nemisis called Ceiling Fan. But today there more thunder than I thought possible. I growled at for a bit but it was coming so loud and so fast that windows were rattling and I decided to retreat to a place of safety. Which is where I was when Mama took this picture.

Mama tells me it will all stop soon and for that I'm grateful. I will tell you something though -- I'm starting to see what all Luke's been fussing about.

Subi Says...

2009-08-17T17:23:00.007-05:00

Being a proper host to out of town guests is very important -- especially for social lovebugs like me. Proper guest reception begins before the guest even arrives.

First things first...you have a to change the sheets on the bed. Grandma says, for extra special guests like our Japanese friends, we buy all new sheets.

An especially good canine citizen will not hesitate to jump right in a help with the labor...

Grandpa says there's a fine line between helping and getting in the way...but I don't know what he's talking about.

This is a picture of me and my new friend Yuui. Yuui and her brother Toui brought me PRESENTS! I got a bumblebee stuffie and hot-dog stuffie and they are tough, tough, tough. My favorite.

As you can see, I did not forget to offer to pre-rinse Yuui's morning yogurt. She was happy to let me do the dirty work.
So remember Kids, Subi Says that being a thoughtful host/hostess is another way to be good canine citizens. Good Canine Citizenship doesn't happen overnight. Be vigilant and persistent because these are skills that take practice and patience.

I'd love to hear your stories of when you were a good canine citizen.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-12T05:39:00.002-05:00

Happy...See?

2009-08-11T18:25:00.002-05:00

I'm Back!

2009-08-11T17:50:00.005-05:00

Mama says her motherboard got fried, but she wouldn't let me have any.

I love fried foods!

Then mama said that her motherboard being fried didn't have anything to do with food, which was upsetting of course. Especially when I found out it meant I wouldn't be able to blog until she got a new computer. Anyway, she got Uncle D (Mama's brother) to help, and even though it took so long I was 'bout to give up forever, he was able to build her a new computer that has all of her old stuff on it, plus some new stuff.

That makes Mama happy, so I'm happy!

I'm also happy because on Friday I have friends coming to visit from a far away land called Japan. Japan is where my full name, "Tsubomi-san", comes from. In fact the friends that are coming are the ones who gave me my name.

I love friends!

My friends are a brother and sister and their names are Toui (Toy) and Yuui (You-wee) and even though we've never met I just know we're going to hit it off. The last time they visited was before my Gotcha Day when only my big sister Blossom lived here. Toui was best friends with Blossom and both Toui and Yuui were very sad when Blossom went to Rainbow Bridge. I hope Toui will like me as much as he liked my big sister. Mama says not to worry about Yuui loving me 'cause that is a "done deal".

Anyway, there's soooo much to get ready for. I even promised Mama I would be real good in the bath so I can smell pretty when my Japanese friends come. Do you think they'll bring presents?

I love presents!

Gotto go!

Honest Award

2009-07-24T16:34:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Farley for giving me the Honest Scrap Award. My first award! Unless you count the fancy certificate I got when I graduated from doggie school!

I love awards!

Anyway, I'm supposed to tell you 10 true things about me you might not know and then I'm s'posed to pass this award on to ten other bloggers. That would be almost everyone who follows this blog.

Hope you enjoy reading. Here goes!

10. I can jump real high -- I get that from my bio-dad.

9. I come from Dallas -- originally.

8. In the winter I like to snuggle, but in the summer I sleep waaaay over on the other side of the bed (and sometimes on the floor).

7. I live with my Mama, but she lives were her mom and dad. So I have a Mama, a Grandpa and a Grandma. And my uncles are around a lot too!

6. I can deconstruct stuffies. Once I get the stuffing out, I can turn them inside out and tear them apart at the seams. Good times!

5. I sleep in one position, like a log, all night log.

4. I have a secret crush on the German Shepherd across the street. Shhhhhh!

3. I have excellent hearing.

2. I still love to chase my tail.

1. When armchair hunting in my upstairs perch, I place my chin on the windowsill and sometimes I fall asleep.

Okay, I would like to pass this award on to...Lexi, Fiona, Harlequin, Sierra Rose (even though I think you got it already), Miss Muddy Paws (who has a great site with lots of delicious tidbits about living the dog's life), Luna and Sole' (who haven't blogged in a while. Helllooooo?), sweet sweet Miley who hasn't been feeling well due to the swallowing of a rock. Maybe this will help you stave off the boredom of your post-surgery convalescing. Tucker, Daisy and Leo: I'll let you three fight over who gets to give the answers. Scout and Freya who will one day save the world entire with their sweet faces and wagging tails. And last but definitely not least, my friend in Brasil, Thor.

Hard Work = Soft Rewards

2009-07-24T16:17:00.005-05:00

After a long hard day of hanging out with Grandpa (gardening) while Mama was at work, I decided a nap was in order.

But not just any nap.

If I wanted just any nap I could splay myself all over the cool kitchen tile, but that's not what I was in the mood for. I wanted privacy, and a dark room and one of my most favoritest things -- goose down.

I love goose down!

So I got on to the bed, on the comforter, and started the time-consuming and tedious process of creating a nest.

Paw at the comforter, turn, paw at the comforter, turn, paw, turn, paw, turn, turn, turn, sit, not quite right, turn, paw some more, turn, paw, turn, paw, turn, paw, turn, turn, turn, sit, still not right, stand, turn paw, paw, paw, turn, paw, turn, paw, turn, paw, turn, turn, turn, sit.

Aahhhhhhh....

And that's how Mama found me when she came home from work. Too comfy to greet her at the door.
I made a mess of the bed. Don't tell Mama, but I think I pawed so hard I pulled the undersheets off the mattress.

But it sure was worth it!

Wordless Wednesday (Video)

2009-07-22T18:21:00.003-05:00

RIP: Mr. Popo

2009-07-20T18:15:00.003-05:00

Mr. Popo...

You were a good friend and toy.
Good for chewin'
Good for fetchin'
Good for flingin'
Especially good for carrying.

There will never be another like you...

Good while you lasted.

Reliant Dog Show (Part 2)

2009-07-18T19:25:00.007-05:00

This time I post with visual aids.

It was a long tough day of love and pats at the GBGRR booth at the Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows. As an attention-getter I wore my Fiona Tie given to me by Farley, and boy, did it ever work! Since I had to be on a leash my tie kept moving around to the back of my neck, but people could actually see it better that way.

And yet more love....

Some of the other rescue groups...

Boxers

Italian Greyhounds

Mama says there's something not right about Italian Greyhounds. She thinks they came from outer space. She says you should beware of anything so skinny that it disappears when it turns sideways.
That cannot be comfortable!

My older (and perhaps wiser) buddy, Pecos agrees that there's something shifty about the little mini-greyhounds, and decides to keep an eye on them.

But I guess, like all breeds, Italian Greyhounds occasionally need rescuing too!

But the worst of it -- I hesitate to mention -- were the potty facilities.

Oh the Indignity!!!

I was meant to use the same patch of grass as everyone else!?!

I don't think so...

So I just led Mama around the field for while and refused to potty on principle. I think any self-respecting princess would have done the same.

I'll just hold it until I get home. Thank you very much!

And that's exactly what I did.

Of course the best of all parts was the potential for treats. There's always someone with treats. And this time it was Mama's friend Gina (who is also Tatum's mom). Here's a picture of Me, Tatum and Pecos (in that order) awaiting our proper tribute.

By the time we got home I was tuckered out and barely had the energy to type yesterday's post. But I had a GReat time and really learned not be scared of all the loud things going on around me.

I can't wait for next year!

Reliant Dog Show (Part 1)

2009-07-17T18:39:00.005-05:00

I took Mama to the Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows today, where I proudly and most excellently represented my breed at the Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue booth. There were many other rescue groups there, but I have to say that our booth was always the most crowded.

And I got lots and lots of love and pats and scratches on my rump.

Mama took pictures but we're too tired right now to worry about editing them and posting them. I'll do that for "Part 2" tomorrow. So stay tuned.

Mama said she was so proud of me because I did not get the least bit foamy at the mouth, as I can sometimes do when I'm around large crowds. It was good to see some of my buddies from Rescue Meet & Greets (Reef) and to meet new buddies (Tatum!). Especially since -- I hate to admit it -- I kind of, sort of, maybe just a little bit...miss Jazz. Somewhat. A speck. A smidgeon. A teensy bit but no more.

Okay a lot.

Jazz's new mama called my Mama yesterday just to let her know that Jazz is fitting right in and getting along with the cats (that Mama didn't know about and fretted over when she found out) and the other dogs.

I have to go now. Mama keeps saying that her dogs are barking. I listen real hard but I don't hear anything, but I should go be with her so I can bark back at those barking dogs. Take note: no body should bark at my Mama 'cept me (and I only do that for treats and to let her know that for sure I want some of what she's having).

Bye ya'll! See you tomorrow.

Jazz's New Mama

2009-07-15T19:41:00.003-05:00

Jazz got a new mama today! They seem to like each other a whole lot.

My mama said she didn't even cry when it was time to say goodbye. She was pretty proud about that.

As for myself...well I'm glad to have my mama all to myself again.

No more interrupted love sessions. No one sniffing around my food bowl for leftovers (as if that would happen!) No one leaving strange new smells around my home.

Best of luck to Jazz and her new Mama. I bet she's as lucky as me.

Special Delivery

2009-07-13T19:07:00.005-05:00

I got a special delivery this evening all the way from Farley and his mom! You see, they had a special contest and I won. Here's a picture of me wearing my prize.

I love prizes!

Isn't it beautiful?

If you like it, you can get one of your very own. Just go here.

While you do that, I'm going to go look at myself in the shiny glass.

Bye!

In the Wee Hours

2009-07-12T15:23:00.002-05:00

In the early morning hours, before the sun wakes up, I go outside to do my business, but I almost always get distracted by potential prey before I can make it to the grass. Mama says I'm easily distracted from my business, but I simply remind her that hunting is my business.

The best early-morning and nighttime prey are the pink geckos that like to hang out on the white wall you see behind me. There weren't any there this morning, but I have check every day, you understand. Those little pink squirmies are fast and they have the ability to climb up on the wall farther than I can reach. I caught one once but didn't like the taste much, so now I just use them for practice.

Helps to keep my skills sharp and my reaction times well-honed.

Happy hunting!

Feeling Good!

2009-07-10T17:36:00.004-05:00

My foster sister Jazz is feeling great these days! She's got her energy back and her appetite (boy, howdy!). Here's a video of her playing with the new stuffie my Mama bought just for her ('cause she was stealing all of mine!). That's me chilling out on the bed and watching her play some fetch.

But the best news of all is that Jazz has found a new mama! One just for her.

I love Mamas!

Jazz's new mama is special too 'cause she's a pet nurse. In fact, they met when Mama rushed Jazz to the vet hospital. Mama says Jazz practically threw up on the lady's shoes, but the lady loved her at first sight anyway. And the lady knows all about Jazz's health problems, even the ones she only might have but are really scary -- and she loves Jazz anyway! Jazz's new mama can't pick her up until Wednesday, so we'll still have lots of time to play together before she leaves. Oh, and Jazz will have two four-legged siblings and three two-legged ones. She's going to have lots of people to focus all that love on.

And then I'll have my mama, and my toys, and my yard all to myself again. Hooray!

So...maybe...even though she got sick...and that was bad...maybe it wasn't meant to be all bad. Maybe some of it was meant to be good. Maybe Jazz got sick that bad just so she could meet the new mama who works at the open-all-night hospital.

That must be what Mama calls a "golden lining".

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-08T18:02:00.005-05:00

Subi Says...

2009-07-07T17:53:00.004-05:00

It's tough work trying to be a good dog, especially when there's so much temptation. Sometimes it takes more than adoring looks and precious antics to earn my keep around here. That's why I practice the ability to be what I call a "good canine citizen". We can all be good canine citizens and I can give you some tips.

Here's one of the easiest (and my personal favorite):

Offer to "pre-rinse" the dishes before they go in the dishwasher.

Of course, this is tongue-breaking work, especially if you have a large human family...

But, I cannot tell a lie...it has its benefits!

Pre-rinsing the dishes is an extremely important job but just like me, I'm sure you're up to the task. After all, pre-rinsing helps to keep the dishwashing machine from turning leftover bits into hard, crusty, caked-on bits. What a waste of nibbles.

I love nibbles!

We Got Ourselves a Good News/Bad News Situation

2009-07-05T14:03:00.008-05:00

This afternoon my foster sister Jazz, was cut loose from the hospital 'cause they said Mama could give her the medicines from now on.

Boy was Jazz happy about that!

Here's Jazz with one her nurses and Miss Carol from GBGRR. Miss Carol brought homemade cookies for the hospital staff for taking such extra special care of Jazz and another GBGRR puppy named Tucker.

I love cookies!

(Of course, Mama's the one taking the picture.)

That's the good news....

The bad news is that Mama brought Jazz home and she was in no condition to play...

As hard as I tried to get to her play she just wouldn't bite. In fact the only thing Jazz wanted to bite was her tuchus which is why Mama had to put the cone on Jazz's head.

Look away now if you have a queasy stomach.

Jazz's rear end and most of her tail feathers had to be shaved because the diarrhea caused redness.

Yup! That's gonna take a while to grow back.

Also, that's just plain 'em-bare-ass-ing'.

Get it?

Anyway, thanks to everyone who kept their paws crossed!

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-04T11:21:00.004-05:00

Today we celebrate Independence Day in the U S of A.

Here I am posing with the American flag. Notice I am still wearing a leash.

So much for independence. <Sigh>

Also notice, I am hearing the German Shepherd bark across the street, so I am really wishing I was independent! I would like to play chase with the German Shepherd, but Mama says he would eat me for lunch and then ask for more.

Mama and her family, which will include my Uncle and my Human Grandma and Grandpa (HGM & HGP) will celebrate by having good eats that smell delicious. And maybe if I am extra good and cute they will give me some on top of my regular food.

But other then that, this posing is all the celebrating I will be doing since July 4th is my least favorite holiday, because when the sun goes down the loud popping starts. Out where we live the loud popping lasts for almost a whole week and I do not want to go outside when that is happening. Why, just last night I had to hold my pee-pee all night because it was too scary in the dark to go outside. So, this morning when Mama woke up (finally!) I was raring to go outside and get down to business.

So everyone out there have a safe and happy holiday. But don't make the popping noises for too long because it scares the puppy dogs.

JAZZ UPDATE:
Mama called the hospital today instead of going in 'cause hospitals are always super busy doing holidays and she said she didn't want to get in the way. Anyway...Jazz ate some chicken last night but was not interested in solid food this morning so she was fed with a syringe.

Maybe she's not a breakfast person...

The nurse says at neither time did she vomit, which is all good news. Nurse also said that Jazz is happier when someone is with her all the time. That sounds like the Jazz I know who is a real attention-hog and love-stealer. I have warned Mama that Jazz is probably just pretending to be sick to get attention, but she says she is pretty sure that is not the case.

No word on the Distemper test which takes a long time. Mama says they have to determine the DNA...whatever that means. I don't know why three little letters make for such a long test.

Paw still crossed?

Today's Visit

2009-07-03T20:00:00.002-05:00

Mama finally returned from her now routine visit to the hospital after being gone a loooong time. After my dinner time! She said she was sorry but the hospital was busy today and she had to wait a long time to get in. She also said I shouldn't complain about eating a little bit later than usual, especially when there are sick puppies in the hospital who can't eat. Her tone of voice made my head hang down lower than usual, but when she fed me she gave me extra fish oil so I knew she wasn't too mad.

I love fish oil!

Oh! And speaking of eating, Mama said the nurse said that Jazz had some baby food today and a bit of cold chicken. But the best news is that it didn't make her throw up. The nurse also said that when she isn't on painkillers, Jazz is is seeking attention and comfort and loves belly rubs.

That Jazz always was a love hound. Even more than me!

Mama says this is all good news, but that we still have to keep praying 'cause Jazz has to keep improving. Keep your paws crossed too!

Trips I Don't Get to Take

2009-07-03T09:21:00.003-05:00

Everyday after making the money that keeps my belly full and my toy basket overflowing, Mama rushes home and changes clothes, most particularly her shoes, and then she's off again. Even though I follow her to the door and sit real pretty 'neath the hook with my leash on it, Mama does not seem inclined to take me with her. She says I sure would not want to go where she is going 'cause there are puppy doctors aplenty there and not one of them is Dr. P, who I like. Mama says they might want to poke me with needles and stick temperature takers in my tuchus, just 'cause that's what they know how to do.

Of course, I'm no dummy. Mama is going to visit Jazz, who seems like a faraway memory to me now. If it weren't for pictures I'd almost forget what she looked like. Anyways, Mama says yesterday she had a long chat with Dr. N. at the hospital (Dr. N is the BIG BOSS!) and she said they sure hoped that it was "hump day". I don't know what that means 'cause yesterday was Thursday and everyone knows that Wednesday is Hump Day and why would anyone want a Thursday to be a Wednesday when everyone knows Thursday is closer to the best day of the week which is Saturday?

Anyways, I'm guessing from Mama's sad face that Jazz is not getting well like they hoped. Mama was particularly sad 'cause the Dr. N said that the are testing Jazz for Distemper which is bad, bad, bad -- especially if she has it while the ParvoMonster is chasing her.

Mama says that the Lion is still on the job, though he's been washed a whole bunch and is looking somewhat threadbare, but he is still hanging in there.

Poor Jazz has to wear a cone on her head.

Mama says it's 'cause her (shaved) tuchus is raw and red from bad, bad diarrhea and the cone keeps her from making it all worse. That must be tough on Jazz -- I know when I have red spot I want to lick at it to make it feel better.

But the news isn't all bad. She didn't throw up or have diarrhea yesterday. But they are still waiting for her to eat. She hasn't eaten anything in a whole week. I cannot imagine being so sick that I wouldn't eat anything for a whole week!

Mama's going back this afternoon for another visit, so keep your paws crossed that Jazz got a little better overnight. And also say a little prayer that the test for Distemper comes back negative. 'Cause if the test is positive my Mama will surely cry and I don't want that.

The "P" Word

2009-07-01T18:40:00.004-05:00

There's a monster stalking Jazz and its name is PARVO! Run for your lives!

Mama says my foster sister Jazz is really sick. Of course I already knew that 'cause Jazz kept throwing up and throwing up all Sunday night. Once the smelly stuff started coming out of her mouth I went into hiding 'cause I knew it was bad. So bad that Mama even skipped work on Monday morning to take Jazz to see another doctor. Mama's friends at GBGRR said Jazz needed some "big guns". I don't know what "big guns" are but I sure hope they scare away the ParvoMonster.

Apparently, "big guns" has something to do with a place called a hospital where they put my foster sister in another cage (also without a television) and then stuck needles in her and attached tubes to her legs. All of which makes it very hard for Jazz to run for her life from the ParvoMonster.

After visiting Jazz at the hospital yesterday, Mama came home more worried than ever because the ParvoMonster is evil. Everything that the ParvoMonster touched in its chase to catch Jazz has to be cleaned, cleaned, cleaned!!

Maybe that has something to do with why some of my toys don't taste like my toys anymore and instead they taste like the giant water bowl in the back yard.

My blankie doesn't smell like me and Mama anymore either!

It's enough to make a body worried, I'm telling you. Mama tells me not to worry though 'cause back in the "barely 'member" times, Dr. P gave me medicines to make me invisible to the ParvoMonster. Yea! Those were good times, way-back-when, when it was worth getting stuck with medicines 'cause Dr. P would give me some sweet ear rubs afterwards to make the pain go away. I love me some ear rubs!

Anyway, that's where Jazz has been since Monday morning and Mama says she may be there a while. And that we have to keep our paws crossed -- and it wouldn't hurt to get some of our friends to cross their paws for Jazz too. Would you cross your paws for Jazz?

Oh and not to worry, 'cause Jazz is not alone. Mama took her a lion to help protect her from the ParvoMonster. And if you look carefully you might be able to see that the lion looks like he's seen some combat and survived so he knows his business and that's a good thing 'cause Jazz needs all the help she can get.

Don't forget. Keep your paws crossed for my foster sister Jazz!

A Visit with Dr. P

2009-06-28T18:15:00.005-05:00

You'll never guess what happened this time?

I was in the middle of a Sunday afternoon snuggle session with Mama when Miss You-Know-Who started throwing up. It was pretty gross and the retching sounds she made scared me so I had to leave the room.

Mama dropped everything to clean up the mess and then to rush Jazz to see my doctor, Dr. P.

They were gone a long time.

Anyway, Dr. P said that Jazz is sick because she's so stressed. I guess being homeless and having to stay for a long time in a shelter is pretty hard on a body. Mama told me that when Jazz was at the shelter they didn't give her the large luxury suite like I got at Rover Oaks, instead they put her in concrete run that didn't even have a television. And she probably had to share!

Dr. P said that Jazz just needs some special medicine for a few days and then she'll be all better. She even sent along some medicine for me, even though I didn't go for a visit.

I guess Dr. P didn't want me to feel left out!

Isn't that nice?

She's Still Here....

2009-06-28T09:20:00.004-05:00

Mama says yesterday Jazz had a few suckers on the line, but both couples ended up deciding not to take her home. Which means I'm stuck with The Interloper.

Mama says I should be nice because it's my duty to help those who are less fortunate than me, but it's hard to be charitable when she keeps STEALING MY TOYS!

To add insult to injury, everyone thinks we look alike. This morning even my human grandpa (who was petting me at the time) asked, "Which one are you?"

This is me.

This is her.

We don't look a lick alike.

Do we?

Don't answer that.

Welcome Jazz! Now Get Out...

2009-06-26T19:45:00.007-05:00

Guess what Mama did today. Just guess!

She brought home someone named Jazz. Mama says Jazz is homeless. Well I say, "She can't have my home!" As soon as she came into the back yard she wanted to play and at first that was fun...for about two minutes -- until I found out she didn't want to play chase. I love to play chase!

Mama was all, "Jazz this and Jazz that." and if that wasn't stupid enough she followed Jazz around taking pictures. See?

That's me in the background. In the BACKGROUND?!

Mama promises that Stupid Jazz will probably be adopted tomorrow. Well...tomorrow can't come soon enough as far as I'm concerned. How can any self-respecting dog be expected to put up with an interloper trying to horn in on MY MAMA!?

Sickening, isn't it?

Tomorrow she will be gone and I won't have to worry about her stealing my mama and my home.

Wait.

What's that?

Jazz wants to know if I'm interested in having a play session followed by a nap.

I love naps!

Gotta go!

Morning Ritual

2009-06-25T18:36:00.005-05:00

"Mama...why you get up so eeeeaaaarlllyyyyy?"

"Go back to sleep. I show you how."

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-24T17:24:00.002-05:00

Once Upon a Time...

2009-06-23T17:13:00.009-05:00

...I had a big sister. Her name was Blossom. This picture of us was taken just a few days after I came to live with Mama and my big sis.

Most of the time, all she wanted to do was sleep. See?

Even in the sunshine! Can you believe it?

Except when she wanted food. If there was one thing Miss Blossom knew how to do it was beg. She taught me everything I know.

Yup. She was the master when it came to getting what she wanted. Someday I hope to be this good.

Too bad she's not here to teach me how to be a great beggar. Mama says Blossom went to someplace called Rainbow Bridge. I just know one day she was here and the next day she wasn't and Mama sure did cry a lot like I never seen her cry before or since.

I don't know where Rainbow Bridge is, but it sure sounds like someplace as pretty as Texas. Mama says it's not in Texas but that she hopes it has bluebonnets all-year-round. I think Mama's silly, because no place but Heaven could be that pretty...

Catfish Whiskers

2009-06-21T09:36:00.005-05:00

Mama sometimes calls me "Catfish Whiskers". It's 'cause my whiskers are long and thick and curly. See? If I were a "real hunter" my whiskers would help me be quiet and stealthy while stalking my prey in dense brush.

"Catfish Whiskers" isn't one of my nicknames because I'm part catfish.

I hope.....

Subi Says...

2009-06-19T08:05:00.003-05:00

Composting is good and helps create less trash in landfills.

Just let me make sure I've picked the bucket clean of edibles before you toss it out! No need to be wasteful...

OK...doggie approved!

Tough Day for Mr. PoPo

2009-06-18T18:57:00.006-05:00

This is Mr. PoPo.

Mr PoPo, as you can see, is one tough customer.

He's always game for a round of tug-of-war.

I've heard rumors that Mr. PoPo's mama was a stuffie and his daddy was a tennis ball, but despite his rather strange parentage, I try not to treat him differently than any other toy in the basket. In fact, these days Mr. Popo is on my top five list of favorite toys.

Having his daddy's genes means that he's got some bounce in him, which also means he's excellent in a game of fetch. Bonus!

Mr. PoPo is also just a super friend. When I get nervous or I am scared by loud noises, Mr. PoPo is always there for me.

And today, Mr. PoPo had my undivided attention.

Maybe being on my list of fav0rite toys isn't such a good thing?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-17T17:45:00.001-05:00

Goose Down

2009-06-16T17:49:00.003-05:00

This picture was taken the first day Mama brought me home. I was eight weeks old.

Goose down is one of my favorite things in the whole wide world. I wonder why.....

Report Card

2009-06-15T18:04:00.007-05:00

This morning Mama was throwing some things away and she found a piece of paper stuffed down deep inside a bag from Rover Oaks Pet Resort. I stayed there last weekend because Mama thought I needed a spa treatment. Anyway, as it turns out, the piece of paper was my report card from my very first stay at ROPR. Have a look.

Poetry in Motion

2009-06-14T19:57:00.002-05:00

I see something! I see something!

It's All About Me!

2009-06-14T18:11:00.003-05:00

Hello? Hello.....Ahroo-roo-rooo!

My name is Tsubomi-san. Is that a mouthful or what? It's Japanese for "flower bud".

You can just call me Subi or Subi-Dooby or Subi-licious. At least those are just a few of the names my mom calls me. Not that she doesn't call me Tsubomi-san, she does, but only when she's mad.

Anyway...as you can see, I'm a golden retriever. I was born just a few weeks before Christmas in 2007, which makes me around 18 months old. I think I'm all grown up, but Mom says I'm still just a pup. At any rate, I've discovered that a whole lot of my golden cousins have their own blogs and thought I'd throw my collar into the ring. Just like the rest of my breed, I sure do like making new friends every chance I get.