We're #1 ish

Just as I thought we were off bright and early on a long walk at my favorite place in all of the doggie kingdom. Our people mobile was the first one in the parking lot. I was completely well behaved getting out of the car. Oh yeah, there was no other dogs around so that is not much of a challenge is it? So what, I was still perfect. Walking down the winter version of Chipmunk Ally I saw the remnants of what was once a bird. I think that bird had a very bad day. Anyway, it seemed like there where fresh dog and people prints in the snow. You don't have to be a Hound dog to do a little tracking. Maybe not everyone comes in a peep-mobile. There were no new prints down by the river so we were at least the first ones down there.

As we got to the big hill we saw Cody (Choc Lab) and Duke (German Shepard) heading down the hill. Cody and I have a history. He always wants to do that swinging hips dance that I am not always that fond of. Especially, if I am not the one leading. So, he tried to dance and I used my really mad voice and knocked him off of me and my person said the command word and I got off and went to her. Cody's person was glad I stuck up for myself. I still got put on lead for a few minutes but it was worth it. Up in the top fields we saw another Chocolate Lab headed for us. My person but me lead, just in case.

Well, this new dog, Rosie did not try and do the dance and everything was fine! I am starting to figure out when and where to push my weight around and I got a lot of weight.We saw Kya(don't know breed but she is sure pretty. She looks like Junior but a dog). I had no problem with her but I did bark at her person a little. He ignored me completely.I get no respect. We saw Shana(black lab) and Molly on our way out. It was a beautiful morning at the park and I am really happy to be closer to being my old self today.

Merlin the Getting There Slowly but Surely

Chillaxin'

So, nobody felt very good when they woke up this morning. My Person and Our Girl really seem to be having a hard time doing anything but sleeping. I can feel them on that one. My older sister Jessie seems to not be herself lately at all. She needs help getting up on the sofa but My Person jumps right in and picks her up and puts her where she wants to go. She has been sort of panting and coughing a lot too. Jessie, not my person. Everyone loves Jessie so much. She was not crazy about me when I first came around. I was so bouncy and she was already at the place of reflection and wanting peace. We made it through though and she is my old sister and I respect her. So, we are just staying home today and chillin' I know tomorrow will get me back to the park and I can hang with my Mimi and Junior today.

Merlin the Relaxed

Perfection

I Merlin did not bark in the car. I did not bark when we went far.I did not bark at Tango and I do not play the banjo. I did not bark at Bella (Cain Terrier) and I did not see Stella. I did not bark at Mel, (Hound mix) who I think is swell. I did not bark at Brody or Max and those are the facts. (Scottish Terriers). I did not bark at Zelda (Vizsla) who is glad she is not named Helga. I did not bark at all which means I can stand tall!

(Max and Brody with Mimi looking on)

Well, there you have it. I was off lead and I was a perfect gentleman. I ran and played and did not feel the need to be the boss or in charge. My person is figuring me out and I like it.

(looking up the hill by the bench)

It was really hard to walk at the park today. After all that snow and ice yesterday it was weird under paw. I would go to step out on the snow and I would sink in with one paw and stand tall with 3. I looked a little silly but I could not help it. Mimi sort of showed off a little because she is lighter that me and she stayed on top easier. I was glad because I do not want her to hurt that back leg again! Shhh. Do not tell her how much I care about her. I have to hold onto my cool exterior of Merlinness.

(Mimi on top of the snow)

I am a happy boy today because I felt like my old self and acted like my old self. Isn't that great. Now I can not promise I will be like that all the time but I am sure going to try!

(pretty morning)
Merlin the Poet

Tango

(Tango)
Today was a super good, no bad fabulous day for me. When we were going down Chipmunk Alley

I saw my old friend Tango(Australian Shepherd) coming up behind us. When we first stopped to say hello I got my tail tied in a knot a little but Tango will never back down to anyone ever. My Person got me on lead and Tango's Person gave her direction. I was mad at myself because I like Tango and I was sure that I was going to be stuck on lead the rest of the walk.

My person gave me a second chance. She must have felt my vibe asking for forgiveness. Well, Tango and I played together the rest of the time. We grabbed sticks from each other and ran really fast chasing each other. She is so bouncy and fun!

(Merlin and Tango running with a stick)

Mimi played a little bit with us at the beginning but she got to feeling her inner Chow again. She wants to have all of me or none of me!

We saw other dogs on and off through out the walk and but I did not care because I was hanging out with my old friend Tango.
(Merlin following Tango)

This was a great moment for me. I proved that I can still be a great BDFF (best dog friend forever) I knew I had it in me! Plus, Tango is the one of the first dogs I ever met at The Park and so she left paw prints on my heart.

I got a little snippy with Mel (Hound mix) and Bella (Golden Retriever) on the way out. Bella's person took my head in her hand and said she knows I am a good dog so stop behaving bad. Wow, the peeps are all figuring my out.

Merlin the Better Understood

Another Gr8 Day in Dog Park Land

I was so happy to see everyone getting ready for another glorious day at the Dog Park that I almost peed. Well, of course I did not do that. I am an all grown up big boy. Plus, I have to save a lot to leave pee mail at the park. I am feeling a little mellow today. My person was very happy about that. We got to the park way early and it again was not to cold. My person took us on a really long walk all over the park. We did not do the usual boring big loop but we did so many up and down, around and around that I bet we walked twice as far. Now that's what I am talkin' about!

I was off lead almost the entire time we were there. I ran and played by myself mostly. Mimi seemed to be feeling her inner Chow today and ignored me like I was not worthy of her time. Oh well, I was feeling sort of relaxed, mellow, one with nature and the master of my own destiny. OOOOOMMMMMMM. That was me chanting to the Universal Dog God.

So, I had 2 challenges today. We saw 2 dogs on lead with their person. Mimi went up and said "what up?" but I got put on lead. The peeps had a talk about good dog, bad dog stuff. Instead of my usual grumpy butt self I sort of just whimpered at a distance. After we left my person seemed really happy with me. Hhhmmmm. I will think about what made her happy and try to do it again. Later we saw another dog in the distance. Right onto lead I went and the peeps talked again. As it turns out the dogs name is Maddy and she seemed really cool. If I get my act together I would love to play with her. I was on lead and she came straight on up to me and gave me her "I am the Alpha hear me bark" stance. This made me uneasy and I made a couple of bad noises but when I am on lead I chill a little bit more. The peeps talked and I stayed on lead and really close to the other dog. I showed my mellow potential and was all like chillin' with my dawgs. It was good.

I stayed on lead as we left the park but I was all about feelin' groovy with my person and I getting the mind connection thing together. As we got to the parking lot I got into my seat in the way back even though there was a loose dog in the parking lot and I frequently get that out of control feeling. I made my person really happy again and we are feeling the vibes of peace and harmony.

Cool Dude! Chill and be one with your Peep

Merlin the Hippie

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

I am sorry that I have not written in a long time. I have actually been to the park many times but have not written. Mostly it is because I did not have much to say. It has been very cold and my person would not take photos and the walk was more about exercise than fun. Not that that is a bad thing because you still get to go. You gotta sort of hurry up to stay warm and you gotta do the short loops so My Person can get to the people mobile quickly if she is freezing.

I do have one very bad thing to report about the dog park. Now, I try really hard to stay out of controversy but I have to talk about this. My person saw cute little Haily's person out and about the other night. I am not sure what breed of dog Haily is but she is tiny and has longish fur. Maybe a Maltese mix of some kind. Anyway, Haily's person always gives me a treat. Not just little kibble treats either. She has full sized treats that my person only gives me when I get home from my walk. Mimi, Jessie and I all get 1 only but Haily's person gives them out at the park.

I should warn you that this is a bad story. Haily's person told my person that when they were at the park the other day Haily barked at a man. The man did not have a dog with him. Haily barked a lot at the guy. That Stranger Person, with no dog, kicked that little tiny dog. My Person was so upset when she got home and shared this story. Haily's person said that Haily is OK but they are both really mad. Haily's person called the Stranger Person a "coward" and he said bad things to her. I am so glad that Haily is OK.

Now, I know there is a leash law where we live. The Dog Park is the only place where dogs walk off leash! Peeps without dogs can walk at like a zillion other places!!!! I would like for all peeps and dogs to get along together without any problems. I really do but sometimes there are problems! I mean look at me with all of my behavior problems lately. My person has new rules by the way but I will get to that. Anyway, I don't think that man should have kicked that little girl. Would he have tried to kick me. NO WAY! Go walk somewhere else big kicking meany!!!!

(The Dog Beach in Winter)

OK, now back to me. I have still been trying to teach my person what I need for her to know. So that I do not start any trouble with others she has new rules. I have to be a lead in all areas of the park where she can not see very far ahead of us. When we get to the fields she can see far and I get to run. I go back on lead to greet other dogs and when My Person can't see far. Well, it is a bit of a pain for me but I do get some cheese when she makes me sit and stay.

It was so nice at the park today. It was not very cold and my person let us do the whole big loop. Mimi and I played a little Ring Around the Smelly Thing and ran around trying to dig up sticks. All in all it was really fun. I tried to be the boss of a 9 month old puppy but my person had me on lead. The pup's person seemed really nice. I wish My Person would figure me out

Merlin the Complex

Yes We Can

So, I am not sure what is happening but I do know 2 things. 1) I am not going to the Dog Park today. 2) My peeps, and I mean all 3 of them, are really, really happy today.

They are using peep speak that I have only heard a few times or never before. Something about inaugurations and a new President.

Well, if my peeps are happy I am happy. I just wonder what this means for us 4 footed folks? Maybe it means more bones, walks, sticks and dead stuff to roll in. HHHMMMM. OK, I can dig this!

It is just too hard to learn all of the people speak. I think I will stick with what I already know. This includes but is not limited to Merlin, sit, stay, focus, come, leave it etc.

I do recognize one word that they keep using this morning. Hopeful!

I am Merlin the Hopeful

So Beautiful

When we got to the parking lot of the dog park today there were 2 other people mobiles in the parking lot. As we began walking I realized something. We were making the first dog tracks in the new blanket of snow. There were some tracks from those things that some people put on their feet and slide with. You know what I mean, they carry 2 poles and put those long things on their feet. My Person carries one of those poles all of the time. Again calling into question why they don't just walk on all 4s.(First ones on this path at The Park!)

OK, back to me, Merlin. So Mimi and I being first dog trackers in the snow this morning is sort of a big deal. It is really hard to get a dogopoly or be first of last at anything at the park. The competition in numbers alone makes it ruff!

So, Mimi and I ran our paws off this morning. It is so beautiful at the park this time of year. The sun was out, new snow everywhere and some birds still hanging around singing us into the woods. There was a woodpecker telling some tree a story that echoed through the entire park. Those woodpeckers are loud anyway but in the winter I think I can hear them when I am home.

Anyway, Mimi and I ran in the beautiful snow and had such fun together. Let me say straight away that Mimi can not catch me anymore. I know her knee is better and I know that I can run wicked fast and I am the winner!

(Merlin ahead of Mimi)(Mimi way behind)

Toward the end of the walk we saw Abby(Black Lab) and Harper (Yellow Lab). I played with Abby for awhile. I like her because she is as tall as me and when we are trying to say hello sometimes we bump heads. Ouch! It is worth it for a BOL.

(Mimi is so cute)

Harper took off and his person kept right on going. I guess he does this a lot so his person is comfortable with it. My Person would throw a fell blown human fit and I would not get any cheese treat for sure. I think I will just stick by her. We passed Henry and Ricky (Tad's posse) and off the the parking lot we went. Guess who was there? Harper. He was waiting right by their people mobile. Way Dog Cool! I could do that! I know I could find my way alone. I also know I would not get any treats. The risk just does not outweigh the reward!~

Merlin the Cheese Addict!

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

So, we went to the park this morning. When we started out it was -8 degrees. As we were leaving the park it had warmed up to a balmy -2 degrees. Ah, the warmth. My person has no fur on her hands so she refused to take out her picture taker. It would have involved removing a glove! I could of helped her with the glove! She would not hear of it. Too bad too because Mimi immediately turned sort of grey as soon as we started walking. The ends of her fur were actually frozen. It was sort of cool and weird. That is really the whole story of my sister, cool and weird. Speaking of my sister, she is not really limping any more. She must have heard the peeps talking Vet and knife! I knew she was faking! She is so sly my sister!
Let me tell you my person and I were in sync today. She could see I was really hyper and tense. That happens when I miss a day at the park. Anyway, I was in a sort of "time out" a lot. When my person sees me tense and someone is approaching us I go on lead. To tell you the truth, because she is using the canned cheese I do not mind any of this. I get a taste of cheese and she gets my on lead. OK I can live with that. It helps me know to sit and stay while other dogs go by. I feel like My Person has it under control. Lets keep that a little dog secret OK? I am still trying to teach My Person some stuff so I don't want her to think she has me figured out. Dew claw promise? OK thanks.
So, when I was feeling safe she let me off and Mimi and I played a lot together. I get to make my big dog noises at her because she knows I would never hurt her. We ran and chased things, real and imagined in the woods. A few times my person put me on lead and I sat and stayed just like she asked me too. It felt good.
When I got to the parking lot the challenges of all challenges happened. Abby the Black Lab was feeling her wild oats today. Hey Abby, I know the feeling!~ Anyway, she was hanging around the parking lot and you know that makes me so scary, anxious, nutso. So my person had me on lead and I sat and stayed, and when she said "Merlin, load up" I got into my people mobile traveling spot. I was relieved. So, my person got Mimi into the back seat. We were all set to go. Abby ran over to my car and jumped up to say "Ha, ha Merlin!" I got really mad and barked and showed that I was really mad. Abby's person is a good guy with really good treats and he shares! Anyway, he got Abby on lead, (ha, ha Abby!) and off they went. On the way home my person would not let me bark at other dogs walking by or anything. Hair Balls!
I was glad to get t0 the park but I am glad to be home where it is warm and my family is all home, dogs, cats and a hamster all hanging out in the warmth.
Merlin the Toasty Warm

Bird Flew

Yesterday I was in my back yard and a little birdy flew right at me. Well, I caught it and thanked doggies past for my fabulous treat. As, it turns out this is one of the areas where peeps and dogs do not get each other. Just as I was about to savor the last delectable bite. My Person came running out like a crazy woman. She ran right toward me as the final feathers were reaching my teeth. My person stopped in front of me, gave a heavy sigh and shook her head. I licked my lips and she scrunched up her nose and made a throw up sound. I do not know why she could not share my delight in a treat from the sky. I mean, the peeps never share their chicken or turkey with me. Why should I share my bird with her?

Anyway, I am going to say something weird. We did not go to the park and I am glad. Even with my gorgeous coat I am freezing outside. I go out, take care of business and come right back in.

That is after I check for any gifts from the dog Gods.

Merlin the Bird Lover

I Have a New Job

I have been very jealous of Chevy the Elementary School Dog and now Ginger the People Vet Dog. But guess what? I think I have found a job I can do at the place I love. I want to be a Tour Guide. It came to me as I stood by the arrow the other day so today I tried it out a little.


Come on, follow me. OK follow Mimi too but she is not the one applying for the job

Safety first! You may look at the beautiful, half frozen river but do not get in. I know it is tempting but if you try to jump out there you will soon find that the dangers are greater than the rewards. Oh hey, that sounded dog gone smart.

OK, we are walking this way and we will soon be headed toward the "big hill" Before I get that far I have to admit something. I have no idea what this sign means. I went and stood by it because I thought it was the right thing to do while applying for the job but truth be told, I am not sure.

Last but not least, follow me down the path to the parking lot. It is not much further at all. Please drive home safely in your people mobiles and join us real soon at "The Dog Park."

So, how did I do? I think I would be really good at this! I like to be the leader.

I had a very good walk today but I did get in a little trouble. I got too excited when we saw Bella, who I actually LOVE!!!!! I yelled at Clementine, who is an old girl and that was that. I got put on lead and I was headed straight to the car without another opportunity to continue my tour job.

We saw Winnie and Scooter on the way out too but my person would not even let their person give me a treat. Hair ball!

Oh well, I can still do this job I know I can!

Merlin the Tour Guide

Mysteries Revealed!!!

I have finally figured out why I am behaving badly sometimes!!!!! While I am sleeping Junior , my feline brother, is whispering bad thoughts into my head. He really wants to be a dog. They have not yet figured out how to make us trans-species, so, he is living vicariously through me! So, it is not my fault it is Junior the cat who is being angry at other dogs through me.
Well, he doesn't get any cheez, so there.
Merlin the Vindicated

Say CHEESE

I have had to endure short walks and playing in the back yard for a couple of days. There was snow and my peeps got my Bonus Person out of the People Vet Clinic and they spent the entire day out somewhere that I could not go. I am not too sure I think that is fair but I was having a bad fur day anyway.

So, My Person is still trying to get me to not pick on other dogs. I have been having a few OCM (Out of Control Moments). In an effort to make me really want to learn more my person decided to give me some incentive she came up with a new treat. Cheese in a can! Why didn't I think of that. Anyway, when I hear the word "focus" now I run like the wind. I will do absolutely anything for that stuff.

Merlin showing everyone the way)

We drove Our Girl to her school today. I had not been to the new school yet. There were so many children everywhere. I am much better playing with children than with other dogs lately. Anyway, they do not have a dog there like her old school. They do have a mascot "The Huskies". I could easily do that job. How come it is not "The Merlins" Oh wait... then people might think of a fish.

So, we saw Maggie(Weimaraner ), Tango (Australian Shepherd), Buddy (Bichon Frise) and Mel (Hound mix). We had a quick howdy. Maggie had on a coat that had a design that made her look like a cow. Tee, hee. We ran into this really big white dog that I think was named Buddy. I said hey to him and we moved on. We quickly saw a couple of dogs that had on nice coats. I do not know who they are but I said hello until My Person said "Merlin" and off I ran for some CHEESE!

(Big Bud)

They took My Bonus Person to the People Vet today. Guess what? They have a dog there. Right there at a People Vet. I wonder if that dog gets to polka peeps like Vets polka dogs. I want to meet her! She smells pretty good on my peeps clothes.

(Ginger the People Vet Dog)



Merlin saying "Cheez Pleez"

I Love Eating Snow~

Hey guess what happened yesterday? My Bonus Person went to the people clinic to see the People Vet. Guess who My Person saw? A bunch of Dog Park People!!! I know you can not bring dogs to the people clinic but the peeps all hung out there. My Bonus Person had to stay overnight there. My Person and Our Girl were very tired when they got home. I was super snugly with them and that helps them a lot. I am very handy to have around.

(Merlin starting to jig)

This morning I finally got to the park with Mimi.I must confess that I had a OCM (Out of Control Moment) in the parking lot. I was being a
good boy" sitting and staying in the back of the people mobile. As my person got the door wide open a dog got out of their people mobile and ran toward the park. OK, I was OK. Than,another dog ran out and ran right to our car. Plus, the first one ran back from the park toward my war. I broke away from my person, lunged out of the car and made it known that I was not happy. Mimi was so excited she jumped over the back seat and out the way back.

I was stuck on lead for a long time after that. I know my person wants me to be able to stay and not do that but sometimes my tail gets all tied up again and I just am a jerk.

We walked in the direction away from the beach today. Sometimes I really like going that way because I can run alone with Mimi. She has been running and doing great. I stuck my nose in the snow and we had so much fun I was doing a doggy jig of joy.

(Mimi with a hair cut)

We saw Maddy (mix breed) on our way out and I was a perfect gentle dog.

We got to the car without me having another OCM. My person got me on lead early so that I would remember that she is the doggy dictator.

Well, I will try and be better tomorrow. I need more opportunities to behave well. Yeah, yeah that's it!

Merlin the Opportunist.

Reflections

So, I went to the park yesterday but I did not blog. Today the whole earth is covered with ice. Let me tell you about yesterday. First of all I have no pictures because my person forgot her picture taking thingy. I will share with you some home pictures I have because I like them. I did not have a stellar day yesterday. I hate not being at the park every single day. My inner puppy anxiety gets all balled up and I am not so great in the Merlin behavior department. Mimi was showing off her new hair doo and I was a little jealous of that too. So, we saw Abby (Black Lab) and Chloe (Chow mix) and a new guy named Tyler (no sure some sort of cutie little hairy guy). Anyway, I said hello to everybody and my person stopped to chat. I got mad at Chloe and she got mad right back at me. I mad all my big loud, jump on you noises and she did it right back. I gotta behave better again. I like Chloe and her brothers. They have been home with injuries lately. Anyway, nobody got too mad at me because I did stop. Sorry, Chloe. She did ask me if this would get her into the blog. Sure thing Chloe. Next time I hope you are in just because you are fabulous and not because I am behaving like a jerk.

As we continued through the glorious park I was once again noticing how far away you can ear what is going on. When we are up near the bench on the hill I could hear all the way down toward the beach. Some dog was barking like crazy. I wanted to get involved but My Person gave me that look of "I double dog dare you!" Don't take that dare my friends. I have been there and it is not good for any dog, ever!

As we walked we ran into Chloe and Tyler again and I was on my best behavior. We did not see a lot of dogs until we were leaving. Then, I saw the foursome of Clementine, Delhi, Flannel and Luna. Clem had a stick and I made him give it to me. Once he did I did not want it anymore and I let him have it. My person gave me that look again. The nest time I see them my person is going to make me sit, stay and be on lead. I hate that. It is embarrassing and other dogs see me get in the dog house. Jeeeze!

So, our cat Junior and I are friends. I really love that silly feline. He got in trouble the other day for biting my face! So, I am not supposed to like cats. We are natural enemies. Well, look at Junior with our hamster Togapee. He and Toga are supposed to be natural enemies. We are just one big happy inter species clan at our house.

(Togapee and Junior)

Jessie is so skinny now that she gets cold easily. Our girl puts some people stuff on her to keep her warm. My person does not like when people dress up dogs and cats in people cover ups. She does not want to insult us dogs and cats. This is one of the reasons we get along! We agree when it is about warmth we make an exception~

(Jessie all toasty warm)

Stay upright my friends. It is really slippery out there.

Merlin the Sleeping on the Couch All Day!

Long Time No Blog

I have no reason for not letting the world in on my travels in the Dog Park the last few days. In fact I have been there very often. I was not there today because the ground is really slippery! Even I with my grace and tail advantage I had a hard time getting off the back deck and getting into the yard. It was really hard. My poor sister Jessie has to take puppy steps so she does not fall the 'old girl. I wish I knew her when she was younger. She was already old when I came to live here. I hear she has always been sweet and never in any trouble. I do not believe that though. I think you just remember old dogs that way because it seems like it is true. I might be the exception to that. I have left my quirky mark on the earth pretty strongly already.

I want to tell you about something great on Saturday. I had been seriously challenged right as we got out of the car. Mimi was off getting a hair cut (She looks fabulous) so I was all alone. My person got me out of the car and I was being a saint and then it happen. There were 2 big German Shepherds off lead in the lot going to their people truck. I hate when dogs are loose in the lot. I get really nervous. In addition they had a people puppy Our Girls age. He had a bike! On the icy paths! I Merlin the self appointed Sheriff of the Dog Park had to protest. I barked and tried to run to them. My person was able to hold me back and the other dogs got in their people truck. I got my act together and we went off. We walked alone most of the time. It was not very cold and the park is so nice in a blanket of white. One of the things I've noticed is that without all the green and the snow covering the ground you can hear all the way around the park. My cute little ears are getting a work out listening so hard. It is OK because it is so hard to sniff that I might as well exercise my ears!

At one point my person and I got up the big hill and the sun was really bright in the sky. I had been running around in the field but suddenly felt like going to her. I ran up to her and she stopped for a second. I sort of leaned on her leg and she scratch my ears and patted my side. Right then and there I felt it. True inter species bonding. It felt like in that one second in time we were nearly one. It was pupfect.

So, off we went and I saw Luna, Flannel and Clementine. I got all mad because those youngsters jump on my person. She does not seem to care at all but it makes me crazy. So, I stole my persons glove and ran off. she was not being a very good handler because she let me keep it and kept talking to the peeps that belong to those dogs. I showed her. I ripped that glove into a thousand pieces! Ha! Right after that precious moment I was back to being badly behaved and she was not paying enough attention to me. Oh well, I still liked the moment we had.

Merlin the Touched by a Human

A Howling Good Time

I am so excited I can barely keep control of myself. The last couple of days were short walks and backyard play. It snowed and then it was brrrr cold. Today marked a return to the park and a long walk with my sister. I felt more like the good 'ole playful Merlin than I have felt in a long time. It was pupfectly pupfect!

(Mimi and Merlin staring their walk)

For awhile I just could not stop running. It was a good thing to get my long, muscular legs out and into a full sprint run. I was recently brushed so my tail is once against its finest and I don't mine saying I look good. I mean really good.

(Merlin on the run)

So, something happened with Mimi today. She hardly ever really plays hard with me. We hang together and run a little but she is usually just into her own dogness and not looking to share. Well, today all that changed. She was inviting me to run, chase her and all around be my playmate along with being my sister. Shazam! I was so happy because not a lot of other dogs were around and I was really in the mood to play. She even dug up a stick out of the snow and teased me with it. Mimi! My sister Mimi. I got the stick from her but she got a mouthful of my fur and it ouched a little bit.

(Mimi with my fur in her mouth)

The park was beautiful again today. All white with the icy spots covered up so it is easier to run. We walked alone for a long time. It was cold but my person took us on the big loop and I was glad. Toward the end of the walk we saw Abby the Black Lab. She and I ran and played like crazy. She is very fast and fun. We saw Tad's posse on the way out but Tad was not with them. His person said he just was not at all interested in today's walk. I wonder if I will ever feel like that?

So, I am going to share something that is a little embarrassing to me. I tell you all only because it may have happen to you too. I was in my family house last night. Jessie Mimi and I were all sleeping while my peeps did people things. I was dreaming a really good dream. I mean I had gone way back to my roots when we communicated with each other in the one of the only ways we had. I mean way back to the days of the wolves. I was happy and about to call for my dream dog family to come and worship me. I howled at the top of my lungs. Really really loud. I was masculine and totally alpha calling my dogs..... Suddenly, I woke up and Jessie, Mimi, My Person, My Bonus Person and Our Girl were all staring straight at me. I had howled right out loud. I was dazed and confused and a little shocked at my own actions. My Bonus Person called me up onto the sofa with her. I was not sure if I should be proud or embarrassed. I mean it was a good howl but jeez, dreams are sort of private.

Merlin the Howler

Rules for the New Year 2009

1. The dog is not allowed in the house.
2. Okay, the dog is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms.
3. Ok, fine, the dog is allowed in all rooms, but has to stay off the furniture.
4. The dog can get on the old furniture only.
5. Fine, the dog is allowed on all the furniture, but is not allowed to sleep with the humans on the bed.
6. Okay, the dog is allowed on the bed, but only by invitation.
7. The dog can sleep on the bed whenever he wants, but not under the covers.
8. The dog can sleep under the covers by invitation only!
9. The dog can sleep under the covers every night. Peeps must ask permission to sleep under the covers with the dog.

Merlin the Rule Follower!!