What a year!

What a year this has been! Mom and I have had a rough year. Russell had another back surgery in August of last year and is just really getting around good now. We had an unexpected litter of pups - just two of them - but they brought Monkee to me, she is my bestest friend. Ranger left us to wait at Rainbow Bridge. Zeke moved in the house. School was great this year! New kids, everyone lending a hand to help me learn to be a therapy dog! I got my CGC!



I have not grown much since my last entry in February. I am about 11 inches tall and 14 lbs. I think I may be as big as I am going to get. I can run sometimes, I can jump off the couch all the time but jumping up is really hard unless I have a running start. My back legs get stiff and hurty sometimes. I have to take a day off of school every once in a while, especially when it is cold.

The school year started out rough as Russell has back surgery on August 1st. He was in bunches of pain and was really grumpy! I did my best to make him feel better but there were days that even I could not make him smile. I would just try harder. Mom was very worried about leaving him home alone. I reminded her that Kate and Ranger would be there to take care of him. She felt much better after that and off to school we went.

On 9/10/11 puppies were born at our house. Daisy has two girls. Daisy was kinda mean to me the first week the girls were born. she made Mom move my steps to get up to the bed. It was hard to get in the room! Mom talked to Daisy and then Daisy got nicer to me. I loved the puppies! By the next week I was laying in the box with them and Daisy. Daisy took care of all of us but she would not let me nurse with the girls that is one thing she really put her foot down about! Three months later Amy went to live with Liz, Ronnie, Kenzie, Middle, Little, and Ro. I really missed her but Monkee was still at home with us.

Monkee is a wild beagle! She is really little about 9 inches or so. She doesn't look like me you know all dwarfy, she is perfectly porportioned. She climbs and jumps on every, and I mean everything! She can jump! Monkee is such a great name for her. Mom tried really hard to find her a great home. I was hoping she would never find her a home because I knew Monkee was mine! Just like Mom knew that I was hers! Monkee is my best friend, she can go places I can't but she always knocks the important stuff down so I can see/have it too! She is smaller than me so when we play I don't get hurt! Well not too often anyway!

Ranger was my great great great grumpy grandpa. He would let me get in the chair with him to sleep during the day. He would grump at me when I wanted to bite his ears, run between his legs or when I would bark to wake him up. We slept together on Mom's bed and in his favorite chair! He got a bad thing called cancer. The vet said that there was no way to make him better to just take him home and love him. He got to eat the best things for the last month of his life, he didn't want to share. Mom was very sad when he left us I did my best to make her happy. I didn't understand why she was so sad, she did explain to me that Ranger wasn't coming home ever again and that she needed time to be sad. I just stayed close to her while she was sad and pretty soon she was happy again! I miss Ranger but now I have Zeke!

Zeke is my uncle there are a lot of greats in front of that uncle! Zeke is not as grumpy as Ranger was but he can get darn grumpy when I take his toys! We play a game called "rabbit" Zeke is never the rabbit, he is the chaser! He is not as fast as Monkee and he can't run on the tile like I can so we have bunches of fun laughing and play with Zeke!


This was an explanation blog so much happen this year. Summer vacation has begun and Mom and I will rest for another week and then get started on working on next years lessons!

It has been so long since I have written...

...and so much has happened. Let's start with my stats. I am 10 1/2 inches tall and I weigh 13 pounds.
I walk well and run occasionally. I can jump on the couch - if I get a running start - I can generally jump off the couch. Mom has steps up to the beagle chairs for me and to her bed. I am now a year old. I love to travel and go every where with Mom. Which has brought me to my next adventure.

Over the summer I went with Mom to Jeddito to work with some great kids! They had all sorts of disbilities. My favorite was Drew, he has something called Autism. Nobody seems to be exactly sure where Autism comes from or what causes it. Drew has severe Autism, he doesn't communicate they same way other kids.  Drew can't talk but he seems to understand. He gets to a point where he just has to run - that was fun! The first day I met Drew he did not want to be inside, he wanted to run but just like everyone else Mom said he had to learn first we work then we play. He really didn't want to work. He fell down on the floor and kicked and cried. I went over to see if I could make him feel better but he didn't want to feel better! He grabbed my ear, twisted and pulled me up to his face. Mom was scared that he was going to hurt me but I knew that he just needed to have me close to him. Mom made him let go of my ear (which was nice) she told me to get into my crate. I don't disobey Mom very often but this time I knew she was wrong. Drew needed me to be close to him. He was laying on the floor on his side, he was still crying. I went and layed down next to him. Drew put his arm around me and quit crying. I helped him to get his inside work done so that we could go run! Mom and my favorite Occupational Therapist Linda were amazed at what I had done with Drew. I still don't understand why they thought it was amazing, he needed me to help him! On the way home that night Mom and Linda were talking about therapy dogs. They said I might make a really good one. The next day Mom started researching and we started working on what we both needed to learn. I need to take my CGC (Canine Good Citizenship) test. I have been going to school with Mom to learn to work with students. I generally listen to them, they read to me and talk to me. I play with the kids too! I really enjoy going into the K-2 class - they all love Scotty kisses! I have learned to ask to go outside to potty and not to eat erasers. Loud noises don't scare me. Walkers, wheel chairs, and canes are normal for me. Strange dogs with their Moms or Dads don't scare me unless they are really big! I can walk through a crowd of people and stay with Mom. The only thing I really don't like is when Mom hands my leash off to a person I don't know and walks away. She always comes back but man I just hate that!

Mom's boss, Dr. Rex,  is a great person who understands what dogs can do for kids. She lets Mom bring me to school on a regular basis. I go to school on Tuesday and Thursday I love when I hear the words, "let's go work Scotty!" I even have my own ID!

I am hoping that I will be a certified therapy dog in the next year or so. I am so excited to be making a difference in the lives of kids.



Bullies Stink!

I went to school with mom the other day, I love going to school and seeing all my friends! We all have nicknames for each other that's so cool! I am the S-dog, there is B-man, J-dude, and O-guy! We like our nicknames and it is fun to have them. We have a new kid in class but he hasn't decided on his nickname yet. We all love calling each other these names but we don't like when other people call us different names.

One reason I asked to go to school with mom is that some of the other pups are teasing me and calling me names and it hurts. I wanted to know what my friends do in this situation so that I can handle the teasing better. Right now I get really mad and bark and growl, which seems to make the others laugh and tease me more. I don't like being called names and being picked on - I don't think anyone does. 

When I brought this up with the guys they all got really sad. They have all been teased and called names too. B-man told me that when he was little - like last year - he would just call them bad names, but he kept getting in trouble on the playground because the teachers would hear him say the bad things but didn't hear what the other kids were saying. B-man explained that he couldn't always get the words out to tell the teacher what happened and he would end up sitting by the fence in trouble. He said that he would get the kid back later in the day by hitting or kicking him. Then B-man would get written up and in more trouble. He said that when he finally explained things to his teacher (my mom) she was able to help him learn how to ignore the bullies. Now that he is more grown up he just walks away from them - most of the time. He still gets mad and doesn't remember that he shouldn't hit. I can understand that he would want to hit bullies, I want to bite them!

J-dude says that he yells back at bullies or chases them, sometimes they stop teasing but most of the time they laugh at him and make him really mad. When J-dude gets really mad he cries and boy do the others tease him when he does that! J-dude said it is really hard for him not to react because he isn't stupid or retarded. He says he feels out of control when bullies tease him. Once he thought a girl liked him but she didn't she was just messing with him to make fun of him. That really stinks! He said he really thought that she wanted to be his friend.

All three of us have been teased and made fun of because we are different, mom says special but it doesn't feel special it feels bad. Mom tried to explain that sometimes other kids, pups and people don't really understad special people like us, that we make them uncomfortable. They do not know how to treat us so they make fun of us. People sometimes don't realize that we have the same feelings as they do, that seems just silly to all of us! We are just like everyone else but different!

We decided that we would make rules that we could all follow when we get teased.  B-man said the first rule should be no hitting! We agreed no one should ever hit a kid or a dog! The real problem is trying to teach people about us and why we are special, different or weird. People need to understand that we are who we are and are just as happy about being us as they are about being them. At least that is what the Big Guy from high school says. I told Big Guy that he is big and people don't tease him the way they tease us little guys. Big Guy just smiled and said yes they do. I asked him how he handled teasing and bullies. He said that he found something that he was really good at and showed people how good he could be. I asked him what was he good at, so good at that people quit teasing him. He said he is really good with horses and cows, that he is a great cowboy! He also said that even though he is a great cowboy that some people still teased him. He said  he ignores them or he just smiles and says thank you! That generally makes them quit teasing.

So now we have three rules:
1. Don't hit anyone
2. Be good at something and let people know
3. Ignore people when you are teased.

It was about this time the girls came into the room. Mom told them they could have freetime but they decided our conversation was way better than freetime. CG said that she handled teasing and bullying by making sure she was really different. CG has lots of piercings and her hair is really black. CG said that being different is good and we should celebrate out differencs. J-man said that he just wanted to be like other people. CG and Big Guy smiled and kinda laughed. They told him that they just wanted to be like everyone when they were little too. But they had to learn, just like us, that we are different and those differences are good things. B-man asked all the high school kids what rules they had for bullies when they were little. The high school kids came up with two more rules that will help us.

4. Walk away from bullies - this makes them weak
5. Talk to a teacher, counselor or parent when things are getting really bad.

We are so glad that we have high school friends that have been where we are! It is good to have older friends who understand how we feel and how mad we get! Lu had one more idea for a rule for us but wanted to talk to mom about it first. Lu and mom went out in the hall to talk. When they came back in they were both smiling. Lu sat down in the front of the class, he said that he thought it was important for us all to learn about our handicapping conditions. Lu said that when he learned about his emotional disability he was able to ignore the bullies and explain to others why he is different and why it takes him so much longer to learn things. 

So, our rules are:

1. Don't hit anyone
2. Be good at something and let people know
3. Ignore people when you are teased.
4. Walk away from bullies - this makes them weak
5. Talk to a teacher, counselor or parent when things are getting really bad.
6. Learn about your disability and learn to explain it to others.

Each of the high school kids told us about their disabilities and how they explain their disability to teachers and other people. We were able to pair up with the older students to learn about our disabilities as well. There really wasn't a partner for me as I am the only beagle in the room but I went from group to group to listen and learned a lot about each disability. I will be writing later about each one later in the summer. 

At recess we practiced our rules for bullies. It was a good recess! No one got hit but some kids got ignored! We did good!

What I have learned

I am 3 months! That went fast! I am bigger and stronger than when I started this blog. I walk full time, unless it is a new surface - sand is strange. Mom is so proud of me, Russell is too! He hugs us both a lot! I can play with my sisters and brothers more often now too. I don't get as tired but I still have to take many naps during the day. I am eating 3 times a day now instead of 5. I have come a long way baby!

I have learned so many things I want to share them with you.

I can go down the ramp every time!

I have learned that when Ranger says no he really means no!

Kate is  wonderful , soft, and cuddly! She doesn't always mean no.

I have found if you jump off the steps you land on the third step and mom picks you up and hugs - hard.

Cat food is good!

Outside is wonderful!

Most cats are nice - some cats think I am food. I don't play with that cat!

I am beginning to learn to type!

I have more to learn!

Busy Busy Busy

Have I ever been busy! These last 2 weeks have just flown by!

The first thing I had to do was to go to school with Mom. She has started teaching the boys their multiplication facts, this is fast adding. It is a different way of thinking you have to think  in groups rather than individual numbers. The boys have been having a problem learining the new way of thinking so I went to teach them how to do groups and cubes.

See there I am giving the right cube for the job! The boys now understand groups and cubes and have moved on to their 3s. Good Job Boys!

After teaching the boys about multiplication I went to the vet to get my next shot. I never cry when I get shots! I love my vet! Everyone in the office loves me and wants to make sure I am growing the best I can! Boy were they surprised when I walked all the way across the lobby, they were all so proud! So was I! I walk all the time now except when I am really tired then I crawl a bit!

We had to take Tommie to the vet with us, she got bit on the nose and it got a bad infection. Tommie had to spend the night so the vet could fix her early in the morning. She is fine and has the hose out of her nose now.

After we picked up Tommie we came home and got Bowie and Daisy and went to Las Vegas! We had a dog show. I am not really sure what a dog show is but I like going with Mom and the other dogs. Mom said it would be sunny and warm and I would get to stay outside longer - she was wrong. It was windy and cold. The wind was so strong it knocked me over, so I had to play inside but Mom let Tommie come in and play too!

I also got to meet Aunt Deb. She thinks I am too cute too! Everyone does that's ok because I am! Aunt Deb is soft like Mom! I like to sleep on her too. I got to sleep in the bed with Aunt Deb and Mom for 2 nights, they sure are warm! I also got to see Grandmom again, she smiles a lot at me. She is a good Grandmom! It was a good show for Daisy, she won both days and only needs one more point to finish! Mom says that's good because Daisy will be a champion when she finishes.

The next week was uneventful except that we were getting ready to go to another show. This one was in Phoenix at the stadium where the Cardinals play. I don't know what Cardinals are Mom says I might get to see them play but that depends on if they can come to an agreement about money. Mom always makes a face when she says that, I guess money makes people silly.

We got to say at Auntie Sue's house! I love Auntie Sue, she is the best! She has lots of my brothers and sisters at her house. I got to see Clancy, he is getting really big. He is getting ready to move to Chicago, he is going to fly that sounds fun! I also got to see my brother and partner in crime Copper. Copper understands that I am little and I need to be played with soft and slow. He is so funny he jumps over me and barks at me. I bark at him too! I bite his ears and his tail! I love Copper!

I got to go to the show but I had to stay in my crate most of the day. It was ok - I got to meet even more new friends! I just have friends all over! Aunt Sue's boy Tumbleweed won back to back majors and he won Best of Variety on Monday. Mom and I are very proud of Tumbleweed and Aunt Sue! They got to go group - they did not get a piece of the group but they had such a good time. I think it is good practice for them!

Now Mom and I are back to our regular routine. She goes to work and I play in my pen. Soon we will go get in bed and read. 



Spring Break

I had such a great week except for getting my leg hurt. Last week was my first spring break! It snowed the first two days of spring break and it was cold for the rest of the week so I have to wonder why they call it spring break. Mom says it snows almost always snows during spring break. I think they should call it snow break! Ha ha I am way to funny today!

Monday and Tuesday Mom and I went to Jeddito to work. I love work people come to see me and hold me. They all say I am the cutest puppy they have every seen! I walk around the office and chew the boss's shoestring in two (Mom warned him!). I have a great time at work, I just can't understand why Mom complains so much about work. Linda, my personal OT and very good friend, came with us this week. I had to share her with some of the kids in Jeddito. They have some problems like me! Mom and Linda say that they are as cute just like me! Us special creatures are wonderful! Linda was so proud of me and the progress I have made. I walk almost all the time now - it is much faster than crawling. We spent two days in Jeddito, we worked hard I ate paper and Mom fussed at the computer. It was great to be with Linda for two whole days! But I was very happy to get home and sleep with Kate and Ranger.

When I got home I found out about company. Company are people who love you! Kimberly and Derek came first. Kimberly is Mom's daughter and Derek is Kimberly's guy. Kmberly picked me up and hugged me and told me how cute I was - see always cute! She said that it was wonderful to meet me, Mom has told her so much about me. Kimberly also reads my blog. Derek is the biggest person I have ever met. I looked up at him and looked up and looked up and finally saw his face. He has a smiley face and he is a great cuddler. Derek is cool! Next Jeremy, Kaycee and Jayden came. I have met Jeremy before he helps me fly, I love to fly! Kayce is a mommy just like Mom, she takes care of everyone too. You know a beagle can never have too many moms! Jayden is a funny thing, he is a very small person. At first I thought he was like me but Mom explained that he is a toddler - he is two years old. Mom says that when I get a little bigger I can play more with Jayden but right now he doesn't understand that I am fragile. The other puppies, Tommi, Polly and BG loved Jayden but he didn't love them. Boy what a hulaballoo! It was so fun to have all the company, I don't think my feet touched the ground the whole time!

On Saturday all of Mom's and Russell's kid left to go home. They all made it home safely. I thought I was going to have to walk on my own but happily Davelle and Rich came to visit. We all love Davelle and Rich because they love us for who we are and understand that beagles are very special!

I did hurt my let on Saturday. It was my front right leg. My "elbow" joint got swollen and sore. Nobody is sure how it happened but it sure did make it hard to walk. I cried and cried. Mom held me and kept ice on it. I went to sleep and when I woke up it was a little better. I was up walking and playing by Monday.

It was a great week!

Packing

I have to tell you a bit more about walking. It is hard! My back legs don't work as they should, something about cartilage not being where the joints are so I won't grow like I should. It also means that I won't be able to run and play with my brother and sisters - YET! Mom and I do exercises every night. She moves my legs and makes me swim in the sink. I really don't like swimming but I have been walking better since we started doing that. I am getting better at walking. I made it all the way across the rug yesterday. Mom clapped and Russell smiled. Yep they were proud!

I got new toys today! A tigger and a pooh just my size! I really love to chew on tigger's tail. I understand why Polly likes to chew on mine, it is fun! and a really good handle to carry things! Toys are cool!

I got weighed today I am up to 3 lbs. I do like to eat, Mom says that is very beagle like! I like being a beagle! I love to eat.

So today Mom says we have to pack to go to Jeddito. We went to Jeddito on Friday and didn't have to pack. Mom got out a big red box which is called a suitcase. Mom took her clothes out of the drawers and put them on the bed. She went to the closet to get a shirt so I decided to help pack. I pulled the socks and underware across the bed. I pushed the pajamas off the bed and layed down where the clothes were, good all packed! I can lay down and go to sleep. Mom wasn't excatly pleased when she came out of the closet! She wondered how I could move all those things so fast she only turned her back for a moment! I just told her that I am that good! She was refolding everything and put them in the suitcase. I tried to get in the suitcase but the sides are way to high for me to get into! Someday I will get to pack too! I have my own suitcase, wow, who would have ever thought I would get a suitcase. My suitcase has two extra blankets, extra puppy pads, toys, food, and my dishes.

Mom says we have to get loaded up in the car. I will tell you about the trip when we get home!