The Year of the Dog

Every year is the year of the dog!

So, here we are with the end of the year. In dog years that is 7 years so I think we should get lots of treats, bones, toys, Frisbees, you get the idea. I started writing this blog 9 months ago and I must say it has been one wonderful encounter after another. I hope it has been for y'all too. I love my BDFF (best dog friends forever), my peeps, other dog's peeps and my Dog Park.

Over the last year I have learned enough to fill up a dog bowl a hundred times. I had to be put back into my place a few time. I made so many new friends and have had to say a sad good bye to some too. We will see them again at the Rainbow Bridge but until then we will continue our travels on the Dog Park path. Peeps and dogs, dogs and peeps together trying to figure each other out and having a fun filled life doing it.

Thank you for your patience during the time I was a ruffian! I had my tail in a knot but it is mostly unknotted now.

From my dog house to your dog house,

Happy New Year!!

Merlin

I WAS NEARLY BLOWN AWAY!!!

Holy Tornado Bat Dog! Now I know how one of my heroes must have felt. You know when Toto saved his person. There was that unfortunate house and witch deal but Toto was loyal. The wind was whipping up like nobodies business today. I mean really blowing!

(Merlin getting blown sideways)

It was almost a chore to walk today. In the open spaces the wind was so strong that it made my fur stand all to one side. I felt a little silly. Not to mention when you lift your leg it is important to make sure you know where the wind is blowing if you know what I mean! I have made that mistake before and the rest of the day is all about humiliation and clean up.

Mimi and I did get to play together while in areas that had woods on both sides. This cut down on the wind and I could tease my sister! Soon, we were right back into the open air and I was trying to keep myself pawsitioned firmly on the ground. I would make an attractive balloon but I would rather it be filled with helium than with me.

(Merlin and Mimi trying to figure out where to go)

One of the things I noticed today was that a lot of my buddies have not been around. I have not seen my girl Pearl (Yellow Lab) in a long time. The peoplemobiles in the parking lot are few and far between. I think some dogs might be coming to the park later in the day when it is not so cold. I have heard that some peeps do not come to the park when it is cold and icy at all. This leaves the dogs unable to get to the place they love. This makes me sad. Really sad.

I must show more respect for my person. Granted, she is flawed but she has gotten a People trainer and she braves the weather without the benefit of fur in order to get us to the park. I think later on today I will go lay my head on her lap while she is reading. She seems to like that.

Merlin the Wind Blown

Icy Messy Walk!!!

All of the trails were so icy today that even I, Merlin the Magnificent had a few slippery moments. Of course I make it look like I am gliding along dancing on the ice, my tail as my sail. Mimi sometimes falla flat on her belly with all four paws sticking out under her. It is really hard to show any dignity at all while that is going on.

(icy path)

Anyway, Mimi and I played Canines Cops and Rodent Robbers for most of the walk today. Those little squirrels and chipmunks and things I don't know the names of are still running around in the woods. Now, they steal an acorn or some other morsel of goodness from the floor of the woods and dash across the path and right in front of us. Well, off we go to catch those rodent robbers. Mimi dashes under the thick pricker bushes, while I take the high road in pursuit of those thieving little critters. OK, it's just a game but I like to get into character.

(Rodent Watch)(Rodent Seek)

We saw Mel (Hound Mix) and Buddy (Bichon Frise ) on our second loop of the smaller loops up top today. Mel confronted Mimi with her big girl bark and sounds of superiority. I had to, once again, fly into action with my Merlin the brotherly savior act. Mel is not afraid of me at all even though I am twice as big as her. I like that kind of spunk in a dog! Buddy was blending into the scenery but I could still see how handsome he is.

(Mimi and Mel)
(Buddy and Merlin)

I saw Manny (Black Lab) as we were leaving and that made me remember how much I miss my BDFF Bosco. Hey Bosco, if you're out there, I miss you bro! I'll try not to look sad!

Merlin the Actor

All Foggy on the Dog Park Front

So, I couldn't see me nose at the end of my face it was so foggy at the park today. I could still smell everything so I knew exactly where I was and what I was doing. I hope you don't find me to braggy bringing up the advantages of being a dog so early in today's blog. Sometimes these things are just obvious. We did the whole big loop today. Yippee!! Bark on high! We walked alone for awhile, my person, Mimi and I. Suddenly I sensed someone around. I looked up, it was hard to see her because of the fog and snow but there was Sally. Of course, being a white dog has a big advantage in the camouflage world. I saw her though and we had a bit of a run and play time together.

(Do you see Sally?)(Do you see anyone?)

Off we went down toward the river. I was so excited to be there again. The river is high and running really fast. I stayed away from it because I am not a water dog. I mean I love to run and play with my BDFF's in the other seasons at the beach. Please, please be careful my friends! We saw Abby(Black Lab) and I played with her a too. I made my I'm the boss sounds and both of them believed me so we were all dog mellow.

(Merlin, Mimi and Abby)(Merlin exploring in the woods)

We did a long section of the walk with just us 3 again. The ground was snowy, icy, slushy, muddy and wet. Some areas just had one of these features and some had all of them at once. Toward the end of the walk I saw a bunch of dogs I had not seen in a dogs age. Chloe, Ziggy, Trixie, Benji, Pierre, Amber, Tad and his posse and some others. My person stopped and talked a long time with the other peeps. They all did that thing they call a hug but not one butt sniff. I of course sniffed every butt and was a perfectly, well behaved, mild mannered saint!

(Amber)

So, some dog and Ziggy got into a little "I'm the boss" tiff. I got nervous and jumped up on my person. She immediately put me on lead and I was happy, safe and in control. She gets me!~ She finally gets me.

Off we went and finished today's very long, wonderful walk. I shall go nap now as I hear we are having guests later on today!!! Yahoo!!!! Maybe they will bring me treats.

Merlin the Hopeful

Poopy Trails to You

So, it is another bright and clear day here in Dog Park Heaven. Mimi got to come with us today and I was really glad she did. We arrived at the park and we were one of the first families there. Mimi was on her best behavior and that is always good for everyone involved.


I do have to talk about something that happens in the winter after the first snow. Poopy trails. I know no one wants to discuss this but I have heard too many peeps complain about the trails being, well poopy. Now during the rest of the year most dogs are discreet about taking care of business. Off into the woods we go and put ourselves in a very vulnerable position. I usually enjoy a good celebratory run after my, umm, constitution. I just want the peeps to think about how hard it is for us when there is 18 paws of snow on the ground. I am lucky to have long legs put some of my BDFF (best dog friends forever) are not so lucky. Think about how cold it is when a dog is trying to get into the right position. Well, I don't want to go much further with this. Here is my point. If you build us an entire room for this all natural process, we won't need to make such a statement in the open spaces of the park.

So, we enjoyed the park today. We saw Abby (Black Lab) in the distance but I could only give her a wag and a pant because they went a different way. It is hard to figure out the trails in the winter. We do not do one big loop. We do lots of medium and small loops and it is just as fun. My person sat on the bench for a few minutes and adjusted her crampons and retied her shoes. It is a lot of work being a person. Mimi and I ran up and down the hill and danced and chased, made lots of noise together. For a second I forgot she was my sister and thought of her as a play mate.

AWWW, shucks, I love the girl~~

Merlin the Good Brother

Christmas Eve

You should have seen the marrow bone I got this morning. I was so delighted and than it hit me. No park. I ran into the back yard and it was raining, snowing, cold and wet. I say, what's the problem? That again leads me to the issue of peeps not keeping their fur. I hear down at the dog beach sometimes that peeps all had fur and walked on all 4s. Why would you give that u? I have explored this question before in the blog and I just don't have an answer.

The good news is that my person always feels bad for her lack of preparedness and intestinal fortitude so I get good bones. Everything is a trade off.

Merlin and his furry and not so furry family wishes all of you good bones and long walks this holiday season and always!!!

Merlin the Blessed

Happy Holidays

Back to the Park Today

I had so much fun at home the last couple of days. My person, Mimi and I have been playing in the yard and it was really fun. My person got out the tennis balls and the mighty Kong. You know everyone thinks Mimi is so sweet. All the time I hear Mimi is so sweet. Well, not when she wants that Kong. She jumped on my head, bit my neck, smashed my head in the snow! Yeah, poor Merlin is what you are thinking. I am thinking that too!!!
So, because I know about Karma, my person took me to the park today and not Mimi! Dog Karma strikes at home! Ha!

( My Persons favorite path)

So, off to the park my Person and I, just the 2 of us. The park was so beautiful this morning. The sun is out the snow is bright and it is really easy to read everyones pee-mail. I mean it is no challenge but I love to get the messages. I ran for a few minutes with Harper (Yellow Lab). Harper barked at me but I let him get away with it because I wanted to run in the snow.

Soon we saw Flannel (Aussie) and Luna (Labradoodle) and they were so interested in each other that they did not bug me at all. Actually, they looked like they were having a really good time rolling in the snow.(Merlin being Good)

My person and I walked all over the park and I was really happy to be out there again. As it turns out I missed Mimi! Go figure. I did not bark in the car on the way to the park or on the way home. I sat and stayed in the car until my person told me to get out. I sat, stayed and waited for my after walk snack. I know, Merlin the perfect right?

Nope! After all that good behavior I had to let loose a little. I jumped the gate, ran upstairs and all the cat poop! It is a delicacy!

My person is so mad that I am not even laying on the couch getting my face in the sun. I am laying at her feet and asking forgiveness. Oh well, a smart dog knows that sometimes you gotta do the dog thing and ask for forgiveness.

(Jessie has the couch and bear)

Merlin the Forgiven?

Let It Snow

OK, I did not get to the dog park and I hate that. The good news is that it snows at home too. Plus, Our Girl goes in the yard and throws shovels full of snow to us. YEE HAA!!! This is one thing Mimi and I have in common. We love the snow and both look dashing when covered in the stuff! I hope to get back to the park in the next couple of days! I am not pawsitive but I think more snow is coming our way too. My peeps are home a lot when it snows too! In other barks, snow has no down side for me.

Guess what else? There is a new dog in our neighborhood named Woody. He is a 2 1/2 yr old Bison Frese that rescued some neighbors of ours!! My person was outside talking to him today but he was a little afraid. My person pulled a treat out of her pocket and Woody was instantly her friend. Woody's person said "You just have treats in your pockets?" BARK OUT LOAD!!!!

She will learn!

Welcome Woody, glad you rescued our neighbors!

Merlin the Happy Home Bound Dog

So, the sky looks like it is going to snow again. Our girl is home from school and that makes me think we are going to get a lot of snow. That means I am going to have a howling good time because I am a mountain dog and I have the perfect coat for this weather.

My person brought us to the park this morning and I did remember one big problem with snow. No matter how many times you leave your scent, snow covers it up.

( I know I left something here)

(I will find it if I sniff really deep)

(Mimi is no help at all)

So, I looked and looked and because I could not find anything I had to pee like a million times! It is not as easy as it sounds. There is timing, aim and distance to be considered. I am always thinking!

We saw beautiful Nikita (Mini Collie) and Sheila (Black Lab). They must get there really early because they were finishing when we got there and we were there at 7 wags. I really like that Nikita girl. she always runs right up to me (well, who wouldn't) and invites me to play and dance. I love chasing her. We saw a whole posse of Aussies and one Black Lab together. e all gave each other high paws as we passed and tips on burying bones where you can find them! Thanks Dawg!

So, off we went through the dog park I love so much. We saw Abby the Black Lab and she had a stick. I went up and asked for it and she freely gave it to me.

Well, I am going go bark at our cat Junior because... well, because he is our cat Junior.

I can't wait to get out in the snow!!!!

Merlin the Mountain Dog!

Snow,Snow,Snow

It snowed and I loved it. I did not go to the park yesterday but I spent nearly the entire day outside. My sweet sister Mimi stayed outside with me. She has her really long fur on her side in this weather too. LOVED IT.
Today we went out and I was set up with all sorts of challenges straight away. I left the house and got in the car right away. As I stare out the back window I see it. CAT!!!! Not one of our cats an outside cat that is on my street. Let the barking begin. All the way to the park I saw cats, dogs, squirrels running all over the place. I was twirling around in the back of the car so fast I got dizzy.
So, we get into the parking lot and as I am behaving perfectly I see Rio the Rotty mix getting out of his car with Carmie the puppy getting out of her car. CRAZY! My person had me in control and I had nowhere to go and nothing to say. I got to see Pearl (Yellow Lab) with Mel (Hound mix) and Buddy (Bison Frese). I had a sort of hard time because I am so in love with Pearl but Mel is too. Pearl seemed to want to play with both of us but Mel and I kept trying to compete for Pearls attention. Hey, she is my girl Pearl. After awhile we went in a different direction than they went. I think I have a little heart break going on.
I saw a few dogs here and there and I enjoyed saying hello to them all. After my person got Mimi and I on lead, a big bunch of noise and swirls of dogs near the cars. It was Ridge (yellow lab) and Flannel (Aussie) having a "who is the alpha " contest. I wanted to get involved SO BAD!!! My person made me "sit and stay". I had such a hard time holding myself in one place but I did it.
Now we are getting into the car and guess what. Ridge had run all the way back to the parking lot and was telling me to come back into the park. No, he was daring me to come into the park. I wanted to rush him, jump on his make him chase me, chase him. Guess what I did? I got in the car and I went home because my person said so.
Merlin the Challenged

Dogs Past

So, it was another sort of warm and muddy day today. I am almost sure now that the snow and ice is still on its way. I could feel the earth getting ready to welcome a winter blanket today. Wow, that was deep.

So, the Mimmers (Mimi) took off into the woods again today. My person can snap pictures of us because the trees are still naked. The thing she can't get a picture of is whatever is making all those noises in the woods. I don't even know if my person can hear them. I am not sure if the sounds translate from species to species. I mean I love my person but she is... well, human. ()shhh) Anyway, Mimi and I heard all sorts of stuff. Mimi got burrs in her tail as we searched to find out where the sounds came from. Perhaps, it is the ghosts of doggies past. I welcome their sweet spirits and wonder if I can get their treats? We all have our own needs.

We saw the beautiful Lola (Black Lab) today. She ran to us so gracefully and than I made my I am in charge sound and she gave up. No sport involved there. I do like her though and I think when she runs she looks fabulous.

So, on the way out we saw the famous Newfies, Vulcan, Merlin and Kika. Well, Kika was hanging out near the parking lot but we saw him later. A sort of weird thing happened which expands on the mystery that is Merlin. The Newfie Merlin was on lead. He always tries to get my sister Mimi to share more of herself with him than she is willing to do. I got mad, scared and agitated. I couldn't get aggressive and I couldn't let my person know what I wanted so I jumped on her. She made me get off and put me on lead. AAAHHHH. Relief!. She has it under control!!!

Merlin the Letting It Go

Mysteries

So, I think I took a really long dog nap. I went to sleep and it was like really cold. I woke up this morning and it is Spring... or Fall. I think I missed winter. The air is balmy and the ground is soggy. My person wore a coat but opened it up. My coat is not shedding a lot but I am not sure if it is coming in or thinning out. At the park ducks flew over head but I do not know what direction is South. Little furry things ran in the dead grass but were they waking up or stocking up?

So, I had to let all of that go and just enjoy being there. Suddenly we come across something that does not belong in the park. What in the name of Rin Tin Tin is that? It was certainly not a dog that brought it there. It did not smell like anything the earth created or appreciates. I peed on it because I could not fight it, eat it or play with it.

We moved on and I saw Rio. now I have been behaving badly when I see Rio. Rio is a Rottweiler Mix and a sweet and gently soul. It reminded me that my behaving badly is a mystery. The mystery of Merlin. I sort of like that. Anyway, my person got me on lead and made me sit and stay and "focus" while he went by. The peeps exchanged good peep sounding words and I did not get agitated, nervous or behave badly. HMMM, mysterious. So, off we went and Mimi and I frolicked in the woods, ran in the mud and enjoyed being dogs.

(Mimi in the mud)(can you see Us)

Toward the end of the walk we saw Caber and Niles (Goldens). Soon, Chloe (Mimi look alike) came to visit too. Chloe and Niles have a little thing together and I was jealous. I got in the middle of that but both Niles and Chloe told me to get lost long before my person said "focus".

(Niles and Chloe)

So, on the way out we went to the picnic table to get our leads on. My person had mine on and an Aussie and another beauty that looks like a long haired Greyhound came over to visit. I hate that. It is an area where I get all Merlin Mystery. That is the bad news. The good news is my Counselor who is really my People Trainer taught my person about this. She already had my lead on and had me set so I could not go anywhere. I was so upset but I did not make a sound! OK this People Trainer thing might be working out OK.

So, off we went to the car where I had to wait for others to get in their cars than Mimi in our car than, Merlin, sit, stay, load up, GOOD BOY! That is the best part, GOOD BOY!!!

Merlin the Mysterious!

SUNNY SATURDAY

So, finally there was no rain in the sky this morning. I watched my person getting ready and I danced the happy dance of dogs!!! Right there in the kitchen I jumped and swung my hips and danced on just my back paws. I looked good too.

So, the paths are in a weird state. All that rain dug those big groves into some areas of the path and there is water running straight through them. Some parts are really covered with ice and you gotta try to keep your paws going or you slip and do a belly flop.No fun and totally humiliating. My person walked up onto the hill to avoid a big icy patch. I was so excited to have her in my area. Suddenly, dashing toward us I saw a beautiful dog. As it turns out his name is Bear. I wonder if bears name their pets Dog? HHMMM.

(Merlin meets Bear)

We walked all over the park today. My person must have been missing walking too because instead of doing the big loop we went everywhere. Sort of a loop de loop kind of walk. Mimi and I love ice chips. All you do is find a puddle that is frozen really white. You can put your paws on it and break the whole thing apart and get ice chips. They are good to eat, throw, crunch and toss at your sister.
(ice chips)

In the big field I saw Duke and Cody. I know 3 dogs named Cody and 2 of them always want to do the hip dancing thing with me. As we approached them, Cody got put on lead. I heard their person saying "they are working with him..." You know what that means, training, counselors, behavioral expectations. Ha, Cody is in harder training than me.

So, toward the end of the big field we saw a Tibetan Terrior puppy named Zen.

(Zen)

That puppy kept on challenging me over and over again. My person let me know that I could do big dog/puppy talk but no ruff stuff. OK I really liked him.

(Merlin and Zen)

All in all it was back to business as usual at the dog park. The work of sniffing, running, playing and letting the world know that Merlin is learning a lot and glad that the park is his teacher.

Merlin the Good Student

slush, slush and more slush

When my person got up (finally) and let us out Jessie and I walked out on the deck and quickly turned around and came back in. Mimi just looked and did not go out at all. After breakfast Mimi and I finally went all the way down the stairs and ventured into a slushy, rainy, cold mess. I don't even want to go to the park today. Hey, maybe everyone could come here. Partee' at Merlin's dog house woof, woof. OK my Person would never let that happen.
Jessie still has not gone out. I admire her ability to wait it out. Hopefully tomorrow will bring us better weather.
Merlin the Home body~

Rainy Days

Well, yesterday was a very rainy day. I did not even really want to go outside. I had to go though because well, I had to go. The rest of the day I stayed at home and hummed Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday Dear Merlin, Happy Birthday to you. That is right I am 3 years old!!!! In dog years I would be able to drive. Of course it runs into that thumb problem again.

So, my person gave me a great birthday gift. A fresh marrow bone. I do not mean the ones that come in the plastic from the store they go get food from. I mean straight from the butcher, she heard them cut the bones goodness. AWWW, she loves me!

So, today was another rainy morning but my person loaded my and my sister Mimi up into the car and headed out bright and early. Well, dreary and early really but hey, I was going to the Dog Park!

So, we saw Abby the Black Lab and a Basset Hound named Spike. My person kept me on the leash when we first got there to remind me that she is in control. Control queen that she is.

So, I have to tell the truth. When she does all those good dog calastentics with me I do feel more comfortable and I do not want to get snippy with other dogs. OK I am back to loving my Counselor from The Grinning Dog. She has the best vacation spot ever and because of all the stuff she told my Person, I have fun at the park again.

Anyway, it started raining while we walked. My Person hung right in there and kept us going. Even when it is rainy and there are no leaves on the trees a dog still loves the park. My Person is pretty good about not letting bad weather keep us out of the mix.

Anyway, we saw little Tad the miniature Yorkie and his posse. I can never remember everyones names but they are a nice group. Other dogs were arriving as we were leaving. Peeps and their pups, it's a beautiful thing.

So, just when I think my person has finally chilled we get home and she starts doing that human freak out thing. Something about, wet dogs, new furniture, get down, hit the skids... blah, blah, blah. She got some sheets over the furniture and all was well again. Maybe I could go to some dog that could explain peeps to me. Maybe then I could help her when she freaks out!

Merlin the Wet Happy Dog

Bad Mood

Well, today was one paw forward and 2 paws back. I got really mad in the parking lot because Phoebe was running away from her person and I wanted to protect my car very much! My Person held me tight and did not let me go. She reminded me that it is her car and she can handle it. We got to the area just after the parking lot and my person let me off the leash. I was mean to Sculley who I generally really like. She stood right up to me which was great. We walked down Chipmunk Alley and right after that my Person fell. She got right back up but that freaks me out. So, when I saw a puppy up ahead she tried to get me on lead. That made me mad and I yelled at Holly who is just a little Poodle for the love of all things sacred. My person was mad at me. I think she thinks I am a sub woofer.
Anyway, she turned us around and we had a fun time. We went up the other path away from the beach. We walked through the lower fields where the pumpkins grow in the Fall. It is also where the bear lives I think. She is probably sleeping by now. SHHHHH. Don't wake her up.
So, on the way out I met a Aussie puppy named Daisy. She was really cute and when I started to get nervous my person said the "focus" word. She was serious too. I think Daisy and her Peeps sat and waited for my Person's next command too.
So, at the top of the hill we saw Ridge. He and I played a little. we go back and forth about who is in control. I was winning when I heard about something very special that Ridge is doing lately. He has figured out a way to run up behind people grab their gloves right off their unsuspecting dangling hands and taking off. YAAHOOOO! Ridge you are brilliant This could be the beginning of a beautiful dogmance!!!
Merlin the Intrigued

BBBRRRRR........

Happy Monday! We did not get the big walk yesterday. Our girl had company and the morning got very busy and then... second class citizen status! Don't get me wrong, I love Our Girl and I have fun with her friends, but I hate to miss the park. Well, I can't live in that sadness. I must move forward to today and today is cold.
Even Mimi and I with our big coats ate a bit chilly in this weather. My Person puts on tons of clothes but she still seems cold. In fact, she took no pictures today even though we saw lots of dogs. Her fingers got that bright pink color out of her gloves. In fact I felt so sorry for her I did not even try to steal her gloves. I know, Merlin is a good boy. Plus, she kept them far away from me. tee, hee. Why did peeps ever, ever give up fur?
So, we walked alone me and my sister Mimi. It was fun and even though she still limps a little she does play with me sometimes. It was not until we got to the bottom of the hill that I saw, well heard, another dog. I ran to the bottom of the hill and about half way up I saw Mel and Buddy. Mel was howling at me! So, we did a little running and Buddy barked at me proving what a big man he is. I let the little guy get away with it. He even had on a little jacket and I did not make fun of him
We saw some dogs in the upper field that I have not seen in a long time. I played with them and was a friend among friends. My Person and their Person kept talking about how cold it is. OK folks, move along, we already know all this.
I saw Delhi (Bouvier Des Flandres) & Luna. Luna (Labradoodle) really pushes my buttons but I stayed in control. Good boy Merlin.. Tango (Aussie) was arriving as we were leaving. She is such a beautiful dog. Anyway, we sniffed the same areas for awhile and off we went. I did all of my "good boy"exercises in the parking lot. I did not bark once in the car on my way home.
I am on my way to the new sofa to lay my head down on the arm and let the sun shine on my face.
Even with all of my new "good boy" exercises I am still pretty spoiled.
Do not tell my person I said that. I will deny it!
Merlin the Spoiled

All Alone: Almost

So, we left early but not too early. When we got to the park there were a few cars but no dogs in sight. My person made me do my "good boy" calisthenics. BORING!
Anyway, we headed off down Chipmunk Ally. (for those of you with short memories, or new to the blog; Chipmunk Ally is the path on the right when you walk into the park. It is the only path that initially heads down hill) OK, so Mimi and I ran in the frozen grass and everything was great. We went down toward the beach and up the really big hill. Through the first field we went and turned into the second field. Suddenly, it hit me. We had not seen any other dogs. Not one! It felt sort of cool. Me and Mimi all alone in the park. You sniffin' me?
So walking through the fields there are woods on the left. Usually, I don't go into those woods because there is a fence. It has holes but you have to be as cleaver as me to figure it out. Not all dogs have that. So, I saw a squirrel, chipmunk rabbit, well, something dashing in the woods close to the ground. So, I took the chance and ran through the hole in the fence and chased the , uh well, whatever it was. Of course Mimi ran after me because she is very competitive that way.
After I abandoned the chase I headed back the way I came and ran to my Person. I got a mini marshmallow and we started on out way. Soon we both realized Mimi could not find her way back to the hole in the fence. My work is never done! I ran back to the hole, found Mimi and lead her out. She will tell you that she could have done it on her own. Don't believe her.
Off we went and probably around 10,000 paws till the parking lot (let the peeps figure out how far that is in feet) we saw Gibson and Elliot! My person stopped to say hey to their person. I gave a big "what up dawg?" to the boys and we hung out. The peeps talked about somebody named "Patriots". I can never figure out who or what that is all about. Anyway, apparently, the Patriots had a really bad week last week and they are both hoping that this week is better.
Peeps? Can't figure them out!
So, once in the parking lot someone pulled up and I had to sit and lay down while they got their dog out and went on their way. blah, blah, blah.
Until tomorrow,
Merlin the Loner

OOPPS! I'm In Trouble Again

(Do you smell that?)
So, today we went to the park a little later. Somewhere around 8 barks. I had to do all the new things that all of my peeps worked out for me to behave the way they want me too. dog drool to that I say but if the peeps are happy I am happy.

So, on the first path, also known as Chipmunk Ally I was having a fine time. Mimi and I played together and sniffed for all the little critters that are going under ground for the winter. We ran into a beautiful girl named Sophie. Her person said Sophie and some other girl had just had a fight. I am a little sweet on Sophie and I gave her a sniff, nuzzle and we moved on. She is a lab mix of sorts. Aren't we all!!! So anyway I would not mind sharing a little dog treat with Sophie. I hope I see her again.

We ran into Koda the pointer puppy. We played but I got a little to rough so my person called me with the special word and on the lead I went. YUCKO! But, I got the message. We saw Mel (Lab mix), Lola (Black Lab), Tango (Aussie), Buddy (Bison Frese) and My Girl Pearl! They all had something going on and everyone was on lead. Pearl was free and we ran together for a minute. I love that girl and I hope we get to spend more time together soon!

(me and Peal)

So, on the hill we met 2 really cool dogs. One was a Chow mix named Frodo and a Beagle named Zion. Frodo was a little shy but we all 4 got along and their person talked in what I have learned is the peeps version of "hey, nice to meet you!" I have given up on them doing anything normal like, butt sniffing.

(Merlin meeting Frodo)

So, off we went into the big field and that is when it happened. My person let her guard down for one second and put her glove in her pouch pocket. While she was petting Mimi I snuck up and snatched her glove and ran off. HAH!! Hooray for Merlin! I shook that glove and threw it in the air, got it again, spit on it and shook my head fast and hard until I was sure I had killed that glove. Merlin the powerful hunter HOORAY! But it was not to be. Me person told me to stay. She got the lead around my neck. Stood me up, walked me in a circle and before I knew it... "sit, stay, drop, leave it" Hey I got a mini marshmallow! HOO... Drat! My person got the glove and I am on lead and I don't even know how it happen. Do you see what I am saying! They know all my tricks! Well, for one minute I had the glove. I am certain I will try again.

We met a really sweet dog named Lola on the way out. She is a Jack Russell mix and her person rescued her as a puppy!!! Hooray for rescue dogs and the Peeps they rescue! (Lola and her pretty sweater)
I went home and waited patiently with my sisters for our after walk treat! I am glad to be back doing what I do best. Being Merlin

Merlin the Glove Lover

early today

We had another early start today. Tomorrow we are going to go later so I can see more of my buddies. We did not see that many dogs today because my person had to hurry so she could go to something at Our Girl's school. I am always glad to get to the park but I miss my BDFF's.
I am not one to complain but let me tell you something. My person did all of the things that my counselor did yesterday. I laid down by the car. I got put on lead and controlled in my "nervous energy" spots. I call her my counselor but she is a bit of a snitch. I mean I still love her but playing by the rules is hard work. Good Boy
So guess what happened? We get home and my person is making me "stay" in the way back of the car. She finally let me out and than made me get back in and "stay" again. BORING!
So, my oh so smart person goes and lets Mimi out of the car. Mimi takes off and runs down the street chasing some random cat. I being on lead had no opportunity to even compete with her for the catch. I got put in the house and my person had to go collect Mimi from wreaking havoc on the neighborhood cats!Guilty Mimi
Ha!!! Serves those peeps right for focusing on me. I am glad Mimi's true colors are showing.
Until tomorrow
St. Merlin of Northampton