Happy Birthday Luna

Well, yesterday there was a big party at the dog park. Luna turned 1 and her peeps had the good idea of a party at the park. Luna has some smart peeps. Luna was still celebrating today as she played tag with a new friend named Yamu. (Pug)

(Luna and Yamu)

Before we saw the birthday girl we ran into this cool guy named Billy Bob. I am not sure of his breed but I know he was a Dixie Dog. I love those Dixie Dogs. My person keeps asking me to find out if Billy Bob is still friendly with Angelina? I do not know any dog with that name? Do you? HMMM Peeps they ask the silliest things.

(Merlin, Billy Bob, Ziggy)

We ran into Finny the Vizsla puppy. He is growing up to be a handsome boy. While enjoying the puppydum, along came Clementine and her crew. In addition to the usual dogspects Delhi had some friends with her. So, we all hung for a bit and than the peeps got to walking. So, we walked in a a pack of, well, I don't have enough claws to count on so let me just name who was there. I hope I don't forget anyone. OK, there was me, Ziggy, Delhi, Luna, Clementine, Libby and Yamu. I think that was it. I loved being a dog among dogs. A friend among friends. A dog proudly ready to go with my pack into the Dog Park to find something new to pee on, jump in the freezing cold river in a glorious howl letting the world know I am a dog and proud!!!!!!!!!!!!

Say it out loud. "I'm a dog and I'm proud." (The Pack)

We saw the beautiful Bella that walked with us for a minute or two. This guy named Griffin and I had a really fun game of you run and I will chase you for no reason. I really hope I get to see him again.

Anyway, I always see these dogs at the park but usually we are going in opposite directions. Today I walked among my peers and felt a Dog Park kinship that made me heart bark. I feel something deep down inside and I am pretty sure it is not because I ate something bad.

Merlin the Community Member

Old Friends Day

Right after we started walking today we ran into Trixie(ChoWOWa), Benji and Pierre (French Bull Dogs). They are a great little family and I have not walked with them in awhile. Little Trixie is still a little bit of a thing. On the other hand she is is now close to full grown and looks so different from when she was a little tiny puppy. Actually, I am sort of glad she is a little bigger because I was afraid in that in the midst of my fabulous dancing I would hurt her by accident. Now that she is bigger she is a more viable playmate.

(Trixie, Pierre, Benji)
Soon we saw Sally who is an old friend and we ran around a little bit but she was going the other way so it was too brief a visit. (Sally)
In the big field I was happy to see my 'ole pal Ziggy. She has been putting notes on the blog but seeing her in person is always better. So, through the big fields we walked, 3 peeps and 5 dogs. I like those odds! After going down the big hills we saw my girl Pearl. We had our usual energized greeting. I am never sure that my person realizes how honored she should be. I always run right up to her and try to involve her in the greeting dance. My person does not seem to be as interested in participating as I would like her to be. I bang into her legs and try to get her to get in the mix. She resists this invitation and all the other peeps seem to get very nervous and call us to go play in the field. I am a little insulted. I do not invite everyone to play. I might just stop offering.
(Merlin and Ziggy)
Anyway, we went to the beach and hung out for while, I got wet and muddy which makes me very happy. We left and walked out with Ziggy. She and I hung out and talked dog talk. We saw Turbo and Molly (Puggle) right as we left. She is all grown up too. Jeeze, I wish we could all stay puppies forever!
Merlin the Puppy at Heart

rip OFF

My person took me and Mimi out around or neighborhood today. All the our peeps and Star's peeps and Tucker's peeps are going out to some corn maize where dogs are not allowed. I would like to know why that is. Just not fair. I could see all of my BDFF's and i running through a maze forever! Maybe they could have just a dog weekend or something. Anyway, I will stay home with my sisters and enjoy a little sibling connections.

Merlin the Homebody

Early Bird Catches the Pearl

We were back to our usual routine of bright and early today. We went toward the hill with the bench. The view has changed so much. The trees are so beautiful from this vantage point and look forward to the weeks ahead and the continued color changes.

We saw Pearl (Yellow Lab)way ahead on the trail once we got down to the river. My person gave a holler and both Pearl and her person came back to meet us. Pearl and I ran toward each other, stopped. Ran toward each other again,stopped. Finally we ran toward each other jumped at one another, spun around and rolled on the ground and took off. You know the usual dogie hello.

So, off we went on what could only be a good walk now. Well, right in front of us was Mel (Mix breed) and Lola (Black Lab).

Let it all begin. More running, rolling, drooling, foxtrot, rumba, boogie and Pearl and I tangoed. I was having so much fun with everybody I hoped it would never end. At one point I laid down and watched Mel and Pearl playing Dog Tag. They would both disappear into the woods. Suddenly, Mel would fly onto the path with Pearl hot on her tail. Back into the woods they would go and back out again with grace and speed only a dog can produce.

I was exhausted watching them and having a good BOL (bark out loud).

We turned around and ventured back the way we had come. It was a really fun walk. I like all 3 of those dogs but Pearl is my girl. At one point I thought that Mel's person had a treat and Mel got really mad at me for getting too close to her person. I got mad and yelled at Mel. The whole thing was over in a flash and we all went on with our day. That is just how it works in the dog world. A little bark, snarl and roll and the party can start again.

The weirdest thing just happened. Our Vet came to the house. OK that is not weird because she does that all the time. What is weird is that she did not poke, stick or otherwise harass anyone. She did give Jessie a big snuggle and said she was her favorite. I can accept that. Jessie is everyones favorite too.

Merlin the Humbled

Different Schedule/Same Park

Today we left for the park way late. Once again I thought I would not see anyone I knew. Straight away I saw Watson and Willie. Did I tell you that Willie is a girl? I always thought she was a boy but hey, who really cares.

I met this new little puppy who does not have a name yet. She is Fred's new sister. We could not come up with anything while standing there but I think Daphne might be a good name. HHHMMMMM. If you see Fred and his person you might put your 2 wags in about the name thing.

Off my person and I went and I had so much fun! The air is cooler, the humidity was low and I trusted my person to be alone so off I went. You would have thought I was my sister Mimi I was off alone in the woods so much. I even ran down one of the big hills and took a dip in the water before the beach. In fact I was so satisfied I did not even stop at the beach. The park is so pretty now with the leaves changing color. There were red and yellow, burnt orange and others scattered on the ground. I had to do a lot of that back leg kick up stuff again everywhere because I need to be sure the path remembers me. The fields in the lower area are all full of left over summer fun. The growing things have lost their summer greens and have faded to gray.

Hey, I bet you thought I was color blind! I am Merlin the very special seer! I think just because I mentioned that Cody's tail was so beautiful you forgot how special I really am. It is good that I remind you now.Anyway, off to the top fields where we saw Denver, (Aussie) Tessie, (Scotty)Romeo (Vizsla).That Romeo showed his true Vizsla colors and invited me to chase him. Well, chase him I did and it was really fun.

Merlin, Romeo, Denver getting a cookie)

We walked on and saw a bunch of dogs that I have casual dogships with. I always enjoy a quick nod and butt sniff before moving on to me next adventure.

See you all tomorrow in techno color!

Merlin the Gifted

Dexter

I learned today that our Dog Park friend Dexter passed away last week. Dexter's spirit will live on in the Dog Park forever. So long 'ole pal. We'll see you at the Rainbow Bridge.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

New Time Old Friends

We left for the park late today. I thought for sure I would not see anyone I know. Well, I am happy to say it turned out in my best interest which is what the goal of every day is. I am trying to show my person that it would be good if my best interest was her goal too. Today we were ushered into the park by some crows. they are really load and I actually get a little nervous about them swooping down on me. That is a fear I have. What if they see my tail and out of jealousy they dive down into it? It could happen.

(Cody)

Speaking of my tail I saw the beautiful Cody today. there I was still suffering the hole areas in my tail from the burr cutting thing. Plus, I was hiding it from the crows and there was Cody with her beautiful tail. She ran right out into the field to find me. I was looking for a little privacy if you know what I mean. She really is a nice girl and as she ran away from me I had to admit that her tail looks better than mine today. I am a better dog for my admission. Hey, Cody's person fixed the boards that go over the big puddles in the top fields. They are up off the ground and solid. They do not wobble or anything. This is an advantage for peeps more than dogs but it still counts. Thanks Cody's person!!!

As we reached the bottom of the big hill it started to rain. It started to rain hard. I was waiting for my person to get upset and try to get out of the park in a hurry. She didn't. She sort of raised her head up to let the rain hit her and she smiled and gave me a pet. She seemed to realize that the rains felt really good. I am telling you that I think that inside every person is a dog just trying to get out.

(Daisy)

So, off we walked together enjoying the rain and each other. Soon we ran into Daisy! It has been so long since I saw Daisy. We hung out together and soon Fergus joined us! HOORAY! My person and her canine cronies chatted while us dogs meandered around doing dog stuff. Many dogs passed us and stopped for a quick run or other dog howdy. It was nice.

(Merlin, Fergus, Yellow Lag I do not know name)

We walked out with Fergus who was feeling very feisty today. He and I explored some of the woods where Mimi usually goes. Fergus is a good guy. So, I got to see old pals and watch my person enjoy the rain. All in all it was another beautiful, albeit rainy day at the park.

Merlin the Pleasantly Surprised