My Journal


October 27, 2002 -- My family was out of town this weekend, so I got to stay with some friends. I had lots of fun playing with them! They gave me lots of attention and really pampered me! They even gave me a bath so I'm all soft and fluffy now. I still don't like baths, but I was happy to look nice for my family when they came home!

October 14, 2002 -- Today something weird happened outside. It was called "snow." It was pretty scary and I didn't know what it was, but I did my best to protect my family from it! I barked and growled at at. I must have scared it because it went away. I just hope it doesn't come back!

September 18, 2002 -- Today my family was playing with me in the living room and for some reason, my mom decided that I have too many toys and she should get rid of some of them. She kept pulling toys out of my toy bin, saying "She doesn't really play with this one," and each time I would grab the toy and play with it until she took the next one out. I think she gave up on getting rid of some of them. Thank goodness -- I really do need them all!

September 6, 2002 -- This was a really bad week for me! My sisters and my dad, a teacher, are back at school and my mom just started a new job, so I've been home alone every day! My dad is able to come home at lunch time, but still, I miss my whole family a lot while they're gone. Unlike last spring, I am now able to be alone in the house without being in my kennel or penned up in the kitchen. I like that a lot! I've been finding many interesting things to do with my time. On Wednesday, my sister came home to find me stuck on the kitchen table! I had used a kitchen stool to climb up there, but I was too afraid to get down. Anyways, I sure wish my family could stay home with me all of the time!

August 18, 2002 -- Today we got home from a weekend at my Grandma and Grandpa's house. It was fun to visit them, play with them, and explore their house. They have lots of exciting animals in their back yard, like rabbits and squirrels. I loved chasing them and barking at them!

August 10, 2002 -- My sisters are back! When I first saw them, I got so excited that I almost jumped out of my dad's arms. I had to give them lots of kisses, of course. Hopefully they will not be leaving again any time soon!

August 4, 2002 -- Today my sisters left for a week at "camp." I had a really fun time riding up with them in the car, but I didn't like having to leave them there! I hope they are okay without me to take care of them and I hope they come home soon!

July 28, 2002 -- I learned a new trick today! This one is called "play dead." When someone gives me this command, I flop onto the ground and roll onto my back. This is a little bit tricky, because if I get going too fast, I roll all the way over, and then I don't get a treat!

July 15, 2002 -- I went to the park today with my sister and her friends. They were doing something called "fishing." It was pretty interesting. I had lots of fun helping them and I loved playing outside all afternoon!

July 7, 2002 -- Today my family and I arrived home! It feels so good to be back in my familiar house. I was so happy to see my kitty sisters again -- I missed them a lot. Even though I had a good trip, I'm glad to be home!

July 5, 2002 -- Today my family and I left Boston and we are on our way home again. This afternoon we stopped at a place called Niagara Falls. There was a huge waterfall there. I think all of that water gave my family an idea, because tonight I had to have a bath! Yuck!

July 4, 2002 -- I spent most of today playing on a blanket with my family in the "Esplanade" in "Boston." I made friends with the people sitting around us, played fetch, and even got to eat some cantaloupe! In the evening, I listed to a concert by the Boston Pops and then something really scary happened. My mom said they were called "fireworks." The loud noises scared me and I tried to run away from them, but my mom held me tight. Still, I had a very fun day.

July 2, 2002 -- Today I explored "Boston" with my family. We walked around a lot even though it was very hot outside. My family had lunch at a seafood restaurant, and of course I had to go in with them. I was in my soft-sided kennel and the waitress didn't even notice me!

July 1, 2002 -- Today my family and I arrived at our campsite near "Boston." I liked exploring the whole area where we are staying. There are lots of interesting smells here. I'm getting pretty dirty, though. I hope that doesn't mean I have to have a bath soon!

June 29, 2002 -- Today my family and I visited "New York City." We rode over there on a boat called the "Staten Island Ferry." I was a little scared of all that water! After we got off of the boat, we walked to places called "Ground Zero" and "Times Square." I got to ride the subway here, too. We spent most of the afternoon at a huge park called "Central Park." I loved running around and playing there. I met a huge dog named Balto. He didn't move or bark at all! I met several other dogs, too, including another Yorkie. What a fun day!

June 27, 2002 -- I spent the past two days in a doggie daycare in Washington, D.C., called City Dogs. Everyone there was so nice and I lots lots of fun playing with all of the other dogs there! I did miss my family, though, and I'm glad to be back with them.

June 25, 2002 -- What a busy day! Today my family and I arrived in "Washington, D.C." We visited a place called the "National Mall." We walked all around and saw lots of big buildings. All of that walking sure made me tired -- my dad had to pick me up and carry me! I also got to ride on the subway today, although I had to stay in my kennel.

June 24, 2002 -- Today we got our car back and we are on our way again! I am excited to get going again. I am really looking forward to seeing some interesting places over the next two weeks!

June 22, 2002 -- Today my family and I were driving through a place called "Pennsylvania" when our car stopped working! It was late at night and it was dark outside. My dad tried to fix the car, but he couldn't, so a big truck came and pulled the car away. Now we are in a "hotel." My family said we were lucky to find a hotel that accepts dogs or they might have had to sneak me in!

June 21, 2002 -- Today I left with my family for our next summer vacation! This time, we are going to the East Coast. We are visiting places called "Washington, D.C.," "New York City," and "Boston." I am looking forward to this trip! We spent most of today in the car, so I slept most of the day. My favorite thing to do in the car, though, is ride on my mom's lap and sniff the cool, fresh air coming out of the vents. Mmmm, it sure smells good!

June 18, 2002 -- Yesterday was a terrible day. I had to spend all day at the vet's office. In the afternoon, I had to have an operation -- the doctor said I was being "spayed." I had to spend all night at the vet's office and didn't even get to see my family again until this morning. I was so excited to see them, I jumped around and licked them. Now, though, I don't feel so good. My tummy hurts and I just want to lie around and rest. I hope it gets better soon!

June 16, 2002 -- Whew! Today we arrived at our home. I had a fun trip and liked meeting so many relatives, but it's good to be back. I was happy to see my kitty sisters again! I tried to play with Pumpkin the same way I played with Miku and Thomas, but she didn't appreciate it very much. Despite all my efforts, she refused to chase me! Oh well. I'm looking forward to getting back to my old, familiar routine!

June 15, 2002 -- Another long day in the car. I slept a lot again today, even though I really wanted to play. I didn't get to run around until this evening, when we got to another aunt and uncle's house. I also got to see my cousins Buster and Haley again. They have some really fun toys that I liked a lot. I also played with Haley a little bit, but she didn't want to play quite as badly as I did!

June 14, 2002 -- Today my family and I had to leave Arizona. I will miss all of my family there! We are driving home. I slept most of the day in the car. We went through a terrible thunderstorm today, though. I was so scared! I don't like loud noises so I really didn't like the hail. (Click here to see pictures of the storm.) We spent the night at another relative's house. I got to meet my two doggie cousins, Miku and Thomas, two people cousins, and my aunt and uncle. I had a lot of fun playing with Miku and Thomas! We chased each other all around the house.

June 13, 2002 -- I had so much fun playing fetch with my family today! They threw my ball for me over and over. When I brought it back to them, I growled and pretended I wasn't going to give it to them, but of course I always did. When I fetch the ball, I try to make it equal; I bring the ball back to a different person each time. I'm sure everyone loves to play fetch with me and I don't want anyone to feel left out! I favored my grandpa a little bit today, though. He can throw the ball better than anyone else!

June 11, 2002 -- Today I met another member of my family, my uncle Morris. He is my grandparents' cat. I liked him a lot, but I don't think he liked me very much. I tried to play chase with him, but he hissed at me. After that, I pretty much left him alone. My kitty sisters have taught me not to mess with kitties that don't want to be played with!

June 9, 2002 -- Another big day! I met my cousins, Cleo and Miles, and my aunt and uncle today. I was so scared when I first met my cousins that I climbed up on my mom's shoulder and didn't want to come down! They wanted to sniff me and say hi, but I wasn't very interested. Then later, I was playing in my aunt and uncle's backyard and I slipped and fell in their pool! I'm lucky my mom was right there to pull me out because I'm not a very good swimmer. After that I had to have a bath!

June 8, 2002 -- What a day! Today I flew on my very first airplane. I didn't like it very much, although I behaved very well. I had to be in my carrier for six hours! I was so happy to be out. I was very quiet the whole time I was in it, though -- I only barked a couple of times when suspicious looking people walked by me in the airport. I also got to meet my grandparents today. I like them a lot and I can't wait to play with them more tomorrow!

June 7, 2002 -- Tomorrow I am leaving for my first big trip! I am flying on an "airplane" to Arizona to visit my grandparents and my aunt and uncle. I don't know what an "airplane" is, but it sounds interesting. I am very excited to meet my Arizona family. I'm a little scared, too, because I don't like being in my kennel very much and I will probably have to be in it for a long time tomorrow. But I think it will be worth it to get to meet all of my relatives!

June 3, 2002 -- I was a very bad girl today. I usually stay in the kitchen when my family is gone during the day. Today I got really bored because my family forgot to put very many toys in there with me. I just started looking around for something to do and then I started chewing and chewing. When my family came home, there was a little pile of wood shavings under one of my mom's chairs! I told them I was sorry by licking their faces and they promised to give me some more toys tomorrow!

May 27, 2002 -- My cousins went home today. It was fun having them here, but I will be glad to be the only dog around again! They didn't want to play quite as much as I did because they are older than me. They also got a lot of attention. I'm glad to have my family all to myself again, but they can certainly come back and visit again if they want to!

May 24, 2002 -- Today I met my aunt and uncle. They live in South Dakota, but they came to visit me with my doggie cousins, Haley and Buster. I liked them a lot and I think they liked me, too. My aunt thought it was so funny to watch me play with my soda pop bottle! I love to chase it around the house, growling and barking, and if I get too far away from my family, I pick it up by the neck of the bottle and carry it over to them. Anyways, my aunt and uncle are leaving today but Haley and Buster get to stay here for the weekend. It will be fun to have someone new to play with!

May 21, 2002 -- It's starting to get warmer outside! I'm really happy because I hate going outside when it's snowing or there is snow on the ground. When it's warm, though, I love being outside. I like to lie in the sunshine or chase my ball. My family gets mad sometimes because I bark at the neighbors, but I have to protect my family and my house! If I could, I would be outside all the time.

May 17, 2002 -- I have learned another new phrase: "Let's go see the kitties!" My mom says this to me every time we go downstairs to where my kitty sisters are. Now when she says it, I get really excited and run down the stairs ahead of her. I love playing with the kitties, but they don't usually seem very happy to see me. I wonder why?

May 7, 2002 -- I love playing fetch! It's my very favorite thing to do. Whenever I get bored, I go find my ball and bring it to a member of my family. If they don't throw it right away, I pick it up and drop it again and again until they get the hint! I've also learned that they are much more likely to play with me if I put the ball right into their hands. Now if they put a hand down, I will place the ball right in it. Playing fetch is so much fun that I think I could play it all day and never get tired!


April 21, 2002 -- I've learned another new word. Now I know what "treat" means. Whenever I hear someone say this, I get really excited and won't take my eyes off of them. I sure wouldn't want to be looking away when they give me the treat! Usually my treats are Cheerios, but sometimes I get CheeseIts, carrots, apple slices, or a piece of an Iams bone. Yummy!

April 13, 2002 -- My mom gave me a haircut today all by herself. It like it a lot, though, although they seem to think it's a little too short. My family says it makes me look skinny and it makes my legs look really long! I think it feels good, though, especially since the weather is getting hotter. Maybe now I won't get so many mats in my hair -- they hurt!

April 9, 2002 -- Today one of my big molars fell out! I was chewing on one of my toys and my tooth got caught and came out. It bled a little bit and it hurt, too. Poor me!

April 6, 2002 -- This week my sister has been working with my on learning the names of my toys. So far I know "ball" and "wombat" (a little beanie baby!). My family can tell me to go get one of those things and I will! Sometimes I will bring back the wrong toy but I'm getting pretty good at it.

April 4, 2002 -- My family noticed that for the first time today that I have added some new words to my vocabulary: "Who's coming?" They ask me this whenever they hear someone at the door and every time I run to the top of the steps barking! (I have to make sure no intruders get into my house without someone knowing about it.) Sometimes it's someone exciting like another family member or a neighbor or sometimes it's just the paper boy or someone walking by on my sidewalk (imagine that!), but I have to check it out every time.

March 31, 2002 -- Today I took my first car trip! I went to Iowa to visit my mom's sister. I also got to meet my grandma and grandpa. I had lots of fun, except that I had to stay in my kennel during Easter dinner! Imagine that! I was sure my family had forgotten me, so I barked to remind them that I was still there. My dad didn't like that very much! After dinner was over, I got to come out. I played around the house and then I napped next to my dad. It was a pretty big day!

March 27, 2002 -- Today I graduated from puppy school! I had fun playing with the other puppies and I learned a lot, too. I got a diploma and a really huge Iams bone -- it's bigger than my head! I'll have lots of fun chewing on it later.

March 23, 2002 -- What a day! This morning my mom and sisters were grooming me and they decided to trim the hair on my face a little bit. The hair was getting very long. I look really cute now (not that I wasn't cute before!). Then afterwards, they were looking in my mouth and noticed that I had lost some of my baby teeth. So far I've lost about four of them. They looked around a little bit and found a tooth on the floor, but I think that big noisy machine they call a "vacuum cleaner" must have eaten the rest of them. Then later in the day my sister made me some homemade treats. They're so yummy, I'll do anything to get one!

March 16, 2002 -- I had a big fight with my sister, Pumpkin! I was just eating her food and she came in and hissed at me and hit me! When I tried to go back to the food, she attacked me again! I was really scared and I hid in the corner until my dad came to get me. I thought Pumpkin was nice and she would play with me, but now I'm very afraid of her.

March 12, 2002 -- Today I am four months old! I've gotten lots bigger (I've gained a pound and a half since I moved in with my family) and I've learned so much, too, ranging from how to sit, lie down, and roll over, to how to bark and jump. I have a very developed personality already, too: playful and fun-loving, curious and adventurous yet very affectionate. It's been a great four months!

March 8, 2002 -- Today I graduated to going potty outside in the grass! I like it much better out there; I hated going inside because the paper got my paws wet -- ewww! It is pretty cold outside, but there's so much to see, do, and smell out there! I don't like stepping on ice, though.

February 20, 2002 -- Today was my first puppy kindergarten class. We're taking it at a place called "Petco." There were a lot of big puppies there, like labs and golden retrievers; during play time, I was so scared that I mostly hid under my mom's chair or, when I did venture out, I tried to be as inconspicuous as possible! After the play time, when the instructor was talking, I was so sleepy that I napped on my mom's or sister's lap the whole time.

February 18, 2002 -- Today was my first grooming appointment. I got a bath and the hair around my face, ears, and feet were trimmed. They also clipped my toe nails; I hated that part! After my bath they put me under a big blowdryer. It was warm and it felt really good, and now my hair feels really silky! My family thought my eyes looked really big now because the hair around them got trimmed. They say I look even cuter than I looked before!

February 13, 2002 -- Today I learned how to go down stairs! It's really scary since the stairs are taller than I am! Sometimes I start going too fast and I fall down several steps at once! I like being able to go downstairs by myself without having to have someone in my family help me, though.

February 8, 2002 -- I learned a new trick today called "shake." I just sit on the ground and hold up my paw while someone grabs it and shakes it. I'm never really sure which paw to use, but my family doesn't seem to care. My dad seems to especially like this one. He told me that I am really cute!

February 6, 2002 -- Something horrible has happened! I love to play with my family's fingers; they're so fun to chew 'cuz they move around, unlike my other toys! But today they got something called "bitter apple spray" that they put on their hands. It tastes really yucky! Now when I forget and chew on their fingers, I have to run and get a drink to get that awful taste out of my mouth.

February 4, 2002 -- My mom gave me a really yummy treat today! I think she called it a "carrot." It sure is delicious! Mom and the rest of my family seemed kind of surprised that I liked it so much, though. I wonder why?

January 21, 2002 -- Today I learned how to "roll over!" It's a lot harder than sitting or lying down. Sometimes my big sister doesn't tell me to lie down first and I forget how to do it right. I just end up twirling around on my rear end and I don't get a treat! Still, my family seemed very impressed.

January 18, 2002 -- This week was the first full week in which I was left home all by myself every day. I was really lonely! Each day when they came home, I tried to tell them how awful it was and I gave them lots of kisses. I was so excited to see them again that I couldn't stop wriggling until I kissed everyone!

January 14, 2002 -- Last night I got my mom and dad to let me sleep in their bed with them! They used to make me sleep in a cage; I hated it and I cried all night. Now I get to sleep on their warm, soft bed and when I get lonely in the middle of the night, I can climb up by their faces and give them kisses!

January 13, 2002 -- I learned another trick today! Now I can lie down. I don't like doing it very much, so I kind of growl as I flop onto the ground. Oh well, I get treats when I do it!

January 12, 2002 -- Today was the most horrible day of my whole life! My mom and sister gave me a "bath!" I had to stand in the kitchen sink and they dumped water on my head. Then they rubbed me with some horrible-smelling stuff and poured water over me again! When it was finally over, I ran around the house trying to get that yucky flowery smell off. I was so cold, I was shivering. Then I had to get brushed! I was so tired from all of the running around and the shaking that I slept for most of the afternoon. It was so awful!

January 10, 2002 -- I learned another trick today! My dad throws a green ball and I run and get it. When I bring it back to him, he gives me a treat! My family praised me a lot and they said I am a "genius." I'm not sure what that means, but I think it's good.

January 9, 2002 -- Today I learned something new: I learned how to "sit!" It's really easy and I get yummy treats for it, too! My family told me that I am very smart and they gave me lots of hugs.

January 7, 2002 -- Today I had my first vet visit! He gave me some shots. As if this wasn't bad enough, there were two cats in the waiting room! I hope I don't have to go back there any time soon.

December 31, 2001 -- Today is my first day in my new home! I spent the day exploring the house and getting used to my new family. I met something really scary called a "cat." There are two of them here, and they are both a lot bigger than I am. One's name is Pumpkin and the other is Holly. Pumpkin is okay, but Holly hisses at me and tries to hit me!