Letters To Gavin

It Was One Long Day!

2011-11-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

Why do you live so far away?? Gramma said that you were meeting us half-way. That sounded good. Until Oscar pointed out that we would still have to drive home. I suppose the whole day would have been better if we had left Papa at home. He was in a bad mood.

Gramma told him that she planned to drive the first half since she knew he was tired and his neck was hurting, but he insisted on driving. I will tell you once again that I am not a fan of road trips. I am especially not a fan of road trips in Gramma's car. I don't care where I try to sit or lie down I can see trucks and cars whizzing by and I do not like it!! Oscar insists on sitting in the front seat with Gramma. Emmy sits on top of Oscar. Oscar says that this is the way they always ride and for the rest of us dogs to find another seat. He is so bossy. I prefer to ride in Gramma's arms, with my face buried in her neck. She will pet me and tell me everything is alright and I feel safe in this position.

Gramma has managed to get all three of us dogs in her lap before. But their were five of us dogs on this trip. Max, the new puppy wanted to ride in Gramma's arms. I know that he might look like me when I was a mere pup, but, that does not mean he can take my place! The puppy called Toni was jumping and leaping and going to the front and then to the back and creating havoc. There was a time when Gramma had all five of us in her lap. She had put our favorite big blanket in the back of the car, along with a kennel for new puppy, Max. Gramma got tire of all of us in her lap and she made all of us get in the back. New puppy, Max, went to sleep and I tried to stay still ..... really I did. Papa couldn't seem to keep the wheels off those kerdunkity things on the side of the road. Every time he hit them it scared me and I would jump into the front to Gramma. Gramma would ask Papa to let her drive, but he would say he was fine.

Gramma and Papa were not using happy voices and Papa hit the kerdunkity things one last time and I accidentally clawed Gramma when I jumped into her lap. She yelled at Papa to pull over and then she took the wheel. I must say that the ride was much smoother with Gramma behind the wheel. We can keep that between us, okay?

All of dogs finally went to sleep and we woke up, Gramma was pulling into a parking lot. I wondered if us dogs were suppose to get out and do our business, because Gramma was attaching leads to our harnesses. I looked up and I SAW YOU!!!!!!! You were right there at my window. I was so happy to see you, my boy. You did not reach for the new puppy, Max, no you did not! You wanted to see me!

The trip home was better. Papa tried to drive again and Gramma made him pull over again and he slept. Gramma was not happy with his behavior. He wanted to make you and your mom drive the whole way and Gramma wanted you to be able to get Max as soon as possible so that he would not be so attached to her. Gramma muttered while she drove. Papa can't hear very well anyway and he was sleeping, so he didn't hear all the things she said ......... but us dogs did. She wasn't happy, that's all I am going to say.

Us dogs were happy to get home. The puppy called Toni and I went into the back yard and ran and ran. We were worried that we wouldn't be able to sleep, since we slept all day in the car, but we did! I wish I could have played with you when I saw you. I was happy to see Max go home with you. I told him that he had to be good and play nice with you. He will grow and then he can protect you, too. Gramma says that he is happy to be with you and that he plays with you. She did say that your mom was really smitten by Max. That's okay, cause I know that you will always love me the best. I mean, what's not to love?

Your best dog, Wall-E

Nap Time

2011-10-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

Your new puppy, Max, sure does like to sleep. I enjoy a quality nap myself. I like to sit close to Gramma while she works on the computer and have a nice little snooze. I can feel her hand pet me from time to time and her leg is nice and warm. Oscar likes to be alone while he naps and the girl dogs like to lay in the sun, while us boy dogs like to be inside. We like to be close to Gramma, you know. In case she might need us. To protect her.

I was enjoying just such a nap yesterday with Max asleep behind me. He got up and then turned around to get comfortable, then went back to sleep. He likes to be close to Gramma, too. He is a boy dog, like me and Oscar.

He is too small to protect her. Gramma wishes he would sleep like this at night. I heard her tell Pap that she was up twice with Max last night.

Gramma sure does like to take pictures of Max while he sleeps.

And sleeps.

She even takes his picture while she holds him and he sleeps.

Last night she put him in a wash bucket and put it right beside the bed. She said she was tired of having to go all the way into the store to get him out of his kennel when he cried. Gramma says that he has separation anxiety. I don't know what that is, do you? Oscar says that he was taken from his mother too soon. Wait ......... that can happen? I don't remember my dog mother ....... did you ever see my dog mother? Did she look like me, or do I look like her? What about my dog father? Oh, no, do I have that anxiety thing, too? Will I need to have a shot? Do they have shots for that? Oh, I hope I don't have it. I can't get it from the puppy, Max, can I?

Gramma was laughing at me! She told me that I was fine and that she would take care of me. She said that I was just have a nervous personality. Is that a disease? Oh, I am so worried! How did I get this personality disease? You don't have it do you? I need a nap.

Gramma says that I can nap tomorrow in the car. The car? We are going in the car? I do not enjoy rides, as she well knows, so why are we going in the car? Oh, I am going to see you. I can't wait! I will sleep in the car so that I don't see other cars whizzing by and making me feel sick in my stomach. Then I will wake up and you will be there. I can ride if I get to see you. It will be okay if I get to see you. Gramma said that we are going to meet you in Iowa and give Max to you.

Max is leaving? Oh, that's another reason to get in the car! I wasn't going to mention it, but he getting way too attached to Gramma! He thinks she is his mother! He needs to have a boy. I am okay with him having you for his boy, after all, you are the best boy a dog could have. I will trust you to take good care of a little puppy who misses his dog mother and his brothers and sisters.

Your first scared little puppy, Wall-E

Max is LOUD!

2011-10-18T07:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

I should tell you that your new puppy is LOUD! Last night was the worst night so far. Gramma put the kennel in the store and put Max down for the night after she fed him and held him. He went right to sleep and we all went to bed. We were sleeping peacefully. I was in my usual place, snuggled next to Papa. Emmy was snuggled next to Gramma and Oscar was right next to Gramma's leg in his spot he loves the best. The puppy called Toni does not like covers. I don't know why. I asked and she said that her fur is heavier than mine, but so is Emmy's and she likes covers. Anyway, Toni sleeps between Gramma and Papa's pillows. There is no room for another dog ......

But, that is not why Gramma makes Max sleep in a kennel. She is trying to start his training for your mom. She is trying to teach him to sleep in his kennel. I still sleep in mine from time to time. My kennel is my safe place, you know. Gramma has these pee-pee pads for him to do his business on. She does not want him to learn to go in the yard. He did all of his business right where Gramma wanted him to right before bedtime. Gramma put one her old robes that smell like her in the kennel, then she swaddled your puppy. This looked cruel to me! She uses Papa's old t-shirts and she wraps Max tight with all of his legs inside and only his little head showing, Then she pats him on his bottom. He goes right to sleep!

So, there we all were, in the middle of sleeping a good sleep, when I heard it. At first I did not know what it was! Then I remembered that Max was here and he was yelping! LOUD!!! How could such a little creature make such loud noises. Gramma woke up and she went to see why he was yelping. When she came back she had Max with her. She swaddled him again and got back in bed holding him! Toni sniffed him and told us other dogs that it was Max she was holding. Oscar told her to go back to sleep. Emmy moved over to Papa with me. I could not believe she was going to let him sleep in our bed!

She just held him until he went to sleep and then she took him back to his kennel. I got down and went along with her. After she put Max back in his kennel she picked me up and held me for a few minutes. She told me that Max had a little accident in his kennel and wanted her to clean it up. Us dogs don't like it when our kennel is messed up. That is why Max was yelping. He wanted Gramma to get the poop out of his sleeping space. Hmmmm, I think Max must be kind of smart to know to call Gramma, don't you? I was impressed. I spent the rest of the night in my kennel and dreamed about you. Then later on I had a nightmare and had to go get back in bed with Papa.

I have to go help Gramma play with Max now, so that he will get tired enough for a nap. I will try to teach him to beg for a treat from you, okay?

Your training dog, Wall-E

All About Max

2011-10-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

I am not opposed to you having a new puppy, but how long will he be here? He cries a lot. Gramma says that he is lonely for his brothers and sisters. Do I have brothers and sisters? I don't remember that far back. I don't mind the crying so much, Gramma will pick him up and hold him. That's the part I don't like. She goes on and on about his puppy breath and how sweet he is and how cute he is. I do not care to hear this. And, if that isn't bad enough, Papa holds him, too!

All the people in the kampground think he is so cute. Then they say that he looks like me. That's okay. After all, if he looks like me and he is cute, then I am cute, too. And I was cute first.

Gramma took Max outside to play with all of us dogs. She was watching, so we had to be on our best behavior. I took this opportunity to get to know him. This is how dogs get to know each other. Emmy was ignoring him as much as she could.

While he was checking out something on the ground I sniffed his front end while the puppy called Toni watched. She was hoping he found something she could dig up. Gramma has been scolding her a lot. Gramma says she is running out of stepping stones to cover Toni's holes. I don't have a problem with the holes myself, but Gramma says that she could step in one and break her foot or her leg or her hip or even her arm. That would be bad for us dogs, cause then Papa would be in charge of taking care of us. I think I will have a long talk with Toni .........

Before I have that talk with Toni, I have to have talks with your puppy, Max, and teach him lots of stuff before you get him. This is a fire hydrant. Dogs like to pee on these. When I first came here, I was amazed that Oscar had his very own fire hydrant. Most dogs have to go for walks to find one, but ours is right there in our yard! For a long time Oscar let me think that Papa put that fire hydrant there just for him. I believed everything Oscar told me at first, even when he was teasing me. Emmy says that I was really gullible. I like that word, gullible. Your new puppy, Max, is gullible. I could have told him anything and he would believe me ............ but, I didn't.

He is cute, I suppose. He cries the same kind of tears I do!!

The puppy called Toni and I sat him down and told him some of Gramma's rules. We thought he was paying close attention, but he made a puddle on the floor as soon as we came in!

Toni still would like to play catch with your puppy. Gramma saw her sneaking up behind Max. "I am watching you, Toni, don't even think about pouncing on him!" said Gramma. She tried to say that she was not thinking that, but Gramma knows better .......... Gramma knows everything!

Gramma knows that I am missing you and thinking about you tonight. I promise to try to set a good example for your new puppy Max, who is very cute.

Your first cute dog, Wall-E

There Is A New Kid In Town

2011-10-15T12:58:00.001-07:00

Dear Gavin,

Things around here were going just fine. The puppy called Toni was coming along with her training and not peeing in the floor as much. Gramma tells her what a good girl she is all the time. I don't suppose Gramma has seen all the holes she has dug in the back yard. I am enjoying having her to play with. I guess Gramma was right about me needing a companion to play with. Sometimes I try to act like I don't like her so much, but Gramma always knows what is best for me. Papa said so.

Oscar and Emmy are getting old and I did not realize just how much they sleep! I guess cause I was taking naps with them. Toni and I like to go outside and run round and round the yard. Emmy likes to lay in sun and sleep. Oscar refuses to go out unless he has to. Gramma says he is a lazy old man.

That cat that lives on the front porch, her name is Smokey or Spooky, depending on who you ask; well, she is very old and skinny! She likes to come inside and eat dog food. I personally don't have any objections, but Oscar is opposed to this. Gramma says that he is greedy and fat. I don't know what greedy is, but she is right about the fat part. Gramma doesn't want the cat to come inside because she gets sick when she eats our food and Gramma has to clean it up. That cat has a perfectly good house on the front porch, lined with a warm wool blanket. She has food and water, too. Gramma sees to that and Papa feeds her, too. So, I don't understand why that cat is so skinny.

But, that is not why I am writing this letter. Do you see this puppy? Gramma says that he looks like me. I don't think so. I have seen myself in a thing called a mirror. I barked until Gramma told me that I was barking at myself. I felt foolish when I realized that she was right. Gramma says that this white little puppy looks like me when I was a little puppy. Do you think so?

Gramma brought this puppy into our house and showed him to Oscar. He sniffed him, them glared at Gramma. I was outside and she brought him outside to see the rest of us dogs. Emmy took one look and turned her back to Gramma. This what she does when she is not happy with Gramma. The puppy called Toni wanted Gramma to toss the little white puppy across the yard so that we could chase him. She is really not all that smart, I tell you. Me? I thought that this was a visitor's puppy and that Gramma was just showing it to us.

I was wrong! Do you see this? Gramma is all huggy with this puppy, talking about the sweet smell of puppy breath. Oscar was so disgusted. Have I told you that he is not enchanted with the puppy called Toni? He merely tolerates her presence because he knows that Gramma will swat him if he tries to bite her. Emmy says that she will see if this new puppy would like to be groomed and Toni still was to chase it.

Gramma said that I had to write a letter so that you could see your new puppy! What? "No, I will not!" I said. Gramma explained that the little white puppy was homeless and that she thought he would like to live with you in Minnesota. She said that since he looked like me when I was a puppy that he would be the perfect little puppy for you. I was really upset until she explained this to me. I guess he does sort of look like me. He is really cute ..... like me. He does have puppy breath, I smelled it. So, I guess he should go live with you.

Gramma said he would need to sleep in a kennel. You know that I will not give up my safe house, right? Well, Gramma has a smaller kennel and he is sleeping in it right now. Gramma says that you will love this white puppy that needs a name. So, what will you name this white puppy that looks like me? Hurry and let us know. We can't keep calling him the puppy without a name!

Just remember that I was the very first puppy you loved, okay? I will always love you the best.

Your first dog, Wall-E

P.S. Hey, that's my blanket the puppy without a name is sleeping on!!

Ice Anyone?

2011-10-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

I have not been able to write for so long. Gramma is always busy these days. It is warm again and she goes out side to work on the gardens. It is okay. Us dogs go out, too. Well, except for Oscar. He likes to stay inside and nap. He is old, you know. Emmy is old, too, but she enjoys napping in the sun. Toni and I run and play.

The puppy called Toni is one strange creature, I tell you! Every time she hears Papa getting ice for his big bubba mug she runs to the door and cries. She likes ice! She acts like Papa is giving her a treat. She grabs this ice and goes off to eat it. She crunches it and won't share! So, the rest of us dogs thought we should have some of this ice, too.

I begged and Oscar begged. Emmy never begs, she just waits for someone to bring the treat to where she is ......... and they always do. Papa gave me this treat called ice. It was cold on my tongue! I had to spit it out and then Oscar grabbed it. I was going to just let him have it, but he spit it out, too. He said it made his teeth hurt. Papa offered us another piece of this ice, but we just left it there for the puppy called Toni. She ate them all and it was okay with us. Emmy did not eat her ice either. She has bad teeth.

I said that Emmy had bad teeth, but she doesn't have all of her teeth! Gramma said it was because she refused to let her brush them when she was young. Gramma has never even tried to brush mine! I have never seen Oscar get his brushed, either. Gramma brushes her teeth and Papa brushes his teeth. It make their breath smell minty fresh. I am not really sure what that means, but I heard it on TV. But, I was wondering why she was not brushing my teeth.

I don't want to lose my teeth like Emmy! Then I remembered that Gramma has this spray stuff she puts in our mouths, so I asked Oscar what that was. I like it, it tastes good and it doesn't hurt. She just lifts one side of our lips and sprays. That's all. She told us that it helps get the tartar off of our teeth. Is tartar bad? It must be if Gramma wants it gone!

Gramma says that my teeth look very healthy. She said that Oscar has healthy teeth, too. She said that he has always kept his teeth clean by chewing on his ball. That must be why Gramma does not scold him for chewing up his balls! The puppy called Toni must have the best teeth in the world ..... she chews up everything! Even ice!!

My time with Gramma is up, but always remember that I love you and to brush your teeth every day!

Your smiling dog, Wall-E

Training Pads and Jealousy

2011-09-10T18:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

The puppy called Toni is making Gramma crazy! She will go outside with all of us dogs. She even pees while she is outside, but when she comes back in she pees in the floor! Gramma keeps a bucket full of bleach water and she mops and mops. All day long! She scolds the puppy called Toni. But, she just wags her silly tail.

Gramma told Papa that she was sick of mopping. Sick of it!!

So, she bought these puppy training pads. She mopped the floor and carefully spread one out right where the puppy called Toni likes to pee ........ under the table.

She went into the store and when she came back in, this is what she found. She was not happy. This is the second one that Toni chewed up. The first one was in about a thousand pieces. It was everywhere. Papa found it and cleaned it up. He scolded the puppy called Toni. He was laughing, though, so I don't think she believed him. Papa is not a very good scolder.

Toni is hard to scold. She will just look at you and wag her silly tail.

Okay, I have a confession to make. I am not proud of what I did. I was peeing and pooping in the floor, too. I did not think I would get caught, really, I didn't. I was very careful. I did not lift my leg, I squatted like a girl dog. Gramma knows things. Things like pee splatter patterns. She was already suspicious.

She told Papa that she could not believe that one little dog could have that much pee. She said that Toni liked to be outside most of the day. She knew it was not Emmy, because Emmy always tries to make it to the door and that she leaves a trail of dribbles. She said that it was not Oscar because he liked to lift his leg and aim at something and it would have been on the table leg. Then she said that she just knew it couldn't be me, because I was a good boy and wouldn't do that. I really felt bad when I heard her say that!

Then, this morning, it happened. She caught me! In the act of peeing, squatting like a girl dog! I was so ashamed. Gramma was very upset with me. She told me that she was so disappointed in my behaviour. I started to cry my ugly brown tears, but Gramma said that my tears did not move her. She said that I was supposed to be setting a good example for the puppy called Toni. I hung my head and went to my kennel.

"Oh no you don't!" said Gramma, "Get out here and face the music, mister!". What? I do not hear any music, just Gramma fussing at me. Why does she say these things? She made me watch her scrub the floor where I peed and then sniff it. Really, she made me sniff the clean floor. It smelled like lemons in a pool. She told me to remember that smell and to never pee on her floor again. Gramma is a little scary when she is mad. She did not force the puppy called Toni to sniff the clean floor.

After the sniffing of the floor she made me apologize to Toni. Toni was sitting on the couch attacking her own tail. She would wag it and then try to catch it and bite it. She isn't all that smart. So I told her that I was sorry for making Gramma think that all the pee was hers. She didn't even look at me, she was too busy with her tail. After that, Gramma picked me up and held me. I looked her straight in the eye (I knew better than to look anywhere else). Gramma told me again that she was disappointed and that from now on I have to be on my best behaviour. Then she told me that she knew why I had acted so badly.

She said that I was jealous. "AM NOT!" I said. She reminded me that I was the new puppy once and that Oscar had been jealous of me. Really? I just thought he hated me. He growled at me and nipped me quite a few times. He would not let me have any food until he got all he wanted. Gramma said that he was jealous of all the attention she gave to me when I was new here. Maybe she is right. I really don't like it when she holds the puppy called Toni. I hate it when Papa plays with Toni. Maybe I am jealous. This Gramma of yours really does know everything!

I hope that you are having a good day and staying out of trouble. Your mom is a little bit scary, too, when she is mad. Papa says there is something about the women in our family. Just try to be good ... and whatever you do, don't pee in the floor!

Your jealous dog, Wall-E

FLEAS

2011-08-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

As you no doubt know, I do not have fleas, nor have I ever had fleas. I don't do fleas. Gramma doses me with special medicine so that I don't get fleas. I am not sure what fleas are, if you want to know the truth. Oscar told me that he has had them before, Emmy, too. They both told me that these fleas will bite you and make you itch like crazy. They told me that you can't stop scratching. They said it was as bad as when Gramma has poison ivy!

Well, last night, the puppy called Toni would not go to sleep. She was scratching and scratching and she was even biting herself! Oscar said that she was not actually biting her skin, but that she was trying to bite the fleas and kill them. You know, like when Gramma found that tick on me and she squeezed it until it popped. Poor Toni was miserable. So was Gramma. She kept telling Toni to be still. Finally we all got up and went outside to pee. When Gramma brought us back in I looked at her and begged with my eyes to be allowed to sleep in my kennel, cause Toni was keeping me awake. Oscar slept. Papa slept. But Gramma and Emmy could not sleep. When it was finally daylight, Gramma saw a flea on her arm .............. she woke everybody up!

She flipped the puppy called Toni over and told Papa that she was going to examine her under carriage (can't tell you what that is, cause I don't know). Toni tried to bite Gramma (never a good move) and Gramma spoke in her no-nonsense voice. Toni lay very still and Gramma announced that Toni had fleas! I was so scared! What would this mean for the puppy called Toni?? Why does the puppy called Toni have these fleas on her?

Gramma told Papa that it was just days away from our regular dose of Advantix and that the puppy called Toni had grown since she had been dosed. All of the fleas were around her tail and back legs, so she was pretty sure that she had not used the correct dose for the puppy called Toni. So, Papa said, why didn't she just put the right amount on her now. Papa is really silly if he thinks Gramma will miss an opportunity to give us dogs a bath! But, Gramma made Papa go get some special flea shampoo. We all got shampooed with the new shampoo and Gramma even shampooed her hair with it. Gramma really, really hates fleas!

But that is not the end of the flea cleaning. She washed all us dogs' blankets and pillows, too. I just had my kennel blanket smelling like sweaty feet again, too. Now it is April fresh, thanks to Toni for going out on an adventure and bringing home fleas. Emmy was quite happy to have a bath and Oscar says that you have to admit that it does make you feel better. I will tolerate these monthly washings of myself, but I really wish Gramma would leave my blankets alone!

I hope that the puppy called Toni has learned her lesson and will not escape on an adventure again! I hope you never get fleas on you! The fleas did not get on Papa, but they did get on Gramma. Papa said it was because Gramma was sweeter than him. I don't know about that; I have licked both of them and they both taste salty to me. Sometimes Gramma will put lotion on her hands and legs. Oscar likes to lick that, but I prefer just plain skin.

Be careful when you go exploring on adventures and look out for fleas!!!

Your flea-free dog, Wall-E

The Girls Are In Trouble

2011-08-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

Today is Sunday. Gramma closes early on Sunday and she is usually pretty tired. Today as she was locking up I noticed that the sky was clouding up. I was so excited! That meant rain and rain would mean that Gramma would want to sit on the couch with us dogs. I was pacing back and forth saying "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy" while I heard the locks click into place. Gramma told us dogs to go out and do our business cause she thought a storm was coming. She put some kind of meat in the oven and said we would relax until dinner was done.

This sounded like a good idea to me. Gramma sat on the couch and I jumped up next to her. She was petting me and talking to me. Gramma and I communicate, as you know. Gramma told me that she had missed me lately. I have been spending a lot of time trying to train the puppy called Toni and Gramma has been very busy with the campground. So there we were, having some time together, just me and Gramma. Then a man tried to get into the store. Gramma said that if he could read road signs he could follow the directions on the door and use the after hours registration. Gramma said that she was tired. I agreed. Only, the man kept coming back and Gramma finally got up and opened the store. Then when she sat back down, the puppy called Toni jumped slap dab in the middle of us. We gave up.

Papa came in and Gramma pulled the delicious smelling meat out of the oven. She sat down with Papa and they ate dinner. She gave me a taste. She called it pork chops. I do not know what these pork chops are, but they made me lick my chops! I made a joke. Oscar said it was a lame joke. What do you think?

So, while I was still licking my chops, Gramma was looking around. "Where is Toni Louise?" asked Gramma. Papa said he did not know. Gramma said that the meal had been way too peaceful and she wondered what Toni was into. Either Gramma or Papa let the girl dogs out and forgot about them. When I am ready to come back inside I bark to let Gramma kn ow I am waiting at the door. Oscar scratches the door and then barks. Emmy sort of whimpers and then gets louder and louder. The puppy called Toni is rarely out by herself. She usually goes where ever I go. I am her favorite, you know. Well, tonight Toni went outside with Emmy. Gramma went to let them in .......... only, they were not in the yard!

Gramma was not happy. She marched through the house and told Papa that the girls had escaped! Oscar suggested that we try to knock the plates down from the counter to see if any pork chops were left. He said that as long as the girl dogs were already in trouble that Gramma wouldn't pay that much attention to us boy dogs. Really, I thought it was a bad idea. But, those pork chops were quite tasty. And Gramma would have her hands full with the puppy called Toni .........

We tried. Even though I am quite a remarkable jumper, I could not reach the counter. Oscar said I was pretty much useless as far as he was concerned. He told me that he wished my legs were longer. I wonder if he has noticed just how short his legs are! I am kind of glad that we could not get the plates. Toni was the first one to be found, but nobody could find Emmy. Gramma always worries about Emmy. She is so little, you know. And now that she is old, her eyes don't work as well and she doesn't hear so good. Her back makes her walk pretty slow and stiff, too. Gramma really loves her and would be very upset if she couldn't find her.

Gramma found Emmy in the back yard. Emmy will usually come back and try to act like she had been there the entire time. Gramma knows better. She scolded Emmy and told her that she had scared her. She held her for a long time after she found her. Toni got scolded by Papa and by Gramma. She just wagged her tail, though. You would have thought they told her she did something good! She is just not taking this training seriously.

I am pretty tired now. So is Gramma. We are going to bed. I hope that you had a nice Sunday. I hope that you did not get into any trouble. Maybe all the boys every where had a good day today! I love you, my boy.

Your faithful dog, Wall-E

Photo Shoot and Fences

2011-08-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

We had an exciting weekend. Aunt Debbie came and spent the night with us and the fence keeps going up! Aunt Debbie did not bring Kiley with her. I was kind of bummed about that,but I got over it. She got to meet Toni Louise for the first time. I know you might be wondering if Toni behaved herself. She didn't. She peed in the floor, same as usual. Gramma scolded her, but really, Toni does not care! When Gramma scolds me, I feel bad and sometimes I even cry. I don't like it when Gramma is upset with me. Toni must think Gramma is just kidding.

But, that is not what I am writing about today. Gramma had to go into town and renew her driver's license. Oscar tells me that you must have one of these in order to drive a car. Gramma's had expired and she had to go take an eye test (I hope this did not hurt) and get a new picture. When she came home she told Papa that she had a regular photo shoot. This was scary. Why did they shoot her? She did not look like she had been shot! Emmy laughed at me and Toni. She told us that having a bunch of pictures taken was what you call a photo shoot. Well, if that is the case, then Gramma not only had a photo shoot, but she is a photo shooter!
As you can see in these pictures, I was sleeping peacefully in bed with Papa and the puppy called Toni. I like to take the cover that Gramma sleeps with and curve it around my body, just so, and then take a little nap while Papa sleeps in the morning. Papa and I do not care to get up as early as Gramma and Emmy. Oscar likes to sit with Gramma while she has coffee.

So, there we were, Toni on Gramma's pillow and me in her blanket. Suddenly there is a flash of light. I opened my eyes at first, then I shut them. There is really not much one can do to stop Gramma and her camera.

Gramma was whispering and telling the puppy called Toni to look at her. Toni would not look at her. She kept turning her head to one side. Gramma kept on and on, telling her she was just being shy.

Finally the puppy called Toni stuck her tongue out at Gramma! Can you believe that?

Then she lay her head down and Gramma took the last picture and said, "Who could not love that face?" Seriously? I can think of two dogs right away. Oscar and Emmy. They don't really care for the puppy called Toni. I have to admit that I really like playing with her. She can be annoying, but we have lots of fun together.

The fence is almost done. They put a see-through fence up in our yard while they are working on the privacy fence. Us dogs need our yard so that we can go out and do our business (that is what Gramma calls it) whenever we need to. Gramma told Papa that the whole "walking on a leash thing" was not going to work while the store was open. You saw what happened in my last letter.

So, us dogs have been watching the man called Charlie work on our fence. At first we got really excited when we saw the big gap under the privacy fence. Oscar was the one who saw it first. He told the rest of us dogs that with just a little digging we could all escape and go into the park! We all stood there looking. We could see under the fence! We saw people in the pool swimming and others walking around. This was going to be great! We decided that the puppy called Toni should do the digging. Emmy volunteered to be the look-out and Oscar said he would lead us. We had a bit of an argument over this issue. I can run a lot faster than Oscar and told him that I should be the leader. I am also taller than Oscar ..........

We planned for three whole days. We would run into the woods by the tent sites and then work our way through the park. We would return for food, of course. Emmy said that the hole should be inconspicuous (that means hard to find) so that Gramma wouldn't notice it right away. Toni disagreed and asked how we would find our way back in if the hole was hard to find. Oscar looked at her with disgust and told her that she was definitely lacking in the hound genes. He said that we should just follow our own scents back.

I must say that I had not thought that far ahead. I was too busy worrying about Gramma discovering the plot. If it worked and we were not found out I would have such feelings of guilt that I would not be able to hide my distress. If Gramma discovered us gone, then she would send out a search party and we would all be in trouble. This scenario was equally distressing to me. Then I started to think about Gramma worrying about us dogs and I felt bad even more. I wanted to back out of the escape, but I was worried about what the others might think of me. What if one of us were injured? My tummy stared to hurt and before I could stop myself, I ate a bunch of grass and threw up! Oscar knew what I had been thinking and he made fun of me and I started to cry brown tears. When I went inside and Gramma saw me, she knew that something was wrong. She washed my tears off my white fur and held me. I knew then that I could not go through with the escape plans.

You will be happy to know that before I had to tell the others that I would not be joining them on their adventure the man called Charlie covered the gap between the fence and the ground with some things called landscape timbers. Not only are they too heavy for us dogs to move, but he secured them to the fence with screws. Oscar said that he could read the writing on the wall and knew that this was an idea of Gramma's. I have no idea where this wall with writing is, but I could not find it. Emmy confided to me that she had no intention of participating in the great escape and I told her that I would have stayed right here with her while Oscar and Toni went without us. Emmy said that in her younger days she had enjoyed many adventures with Louise, the Saint Bernard. She even confessed that after Louise broke her elbow that she had been the designated hole digger! This was before my time. Emmy has always been such a goody-goody around me. I see her in a whole new light now. Emmy told me that I was like Sarge, the Collie. She said that he was a worrier, too. He would always try to talk Louise out of escaping, but she was stubborn and willful. I suppose this is why the puppy called Toni is the puppy called Toni Louise!

Gramma told me that you said you missed me while you were talking to her. Same here, my boy. I will always be missing you when you are not here with me. You are, after all, my boy! I know that you are busy getting ready to go back to school. Gramma says that you will be in the second grade this year. I am very proud to be the dog of a second grader!

Your loving dog, Wall-E

A Learning Experience

2011-08-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

I don't know what is going on around here. Our fence is down! So now when we have to go outside I have to wear this thing called a harness and Gramma attaches a leash to it. Oscar and I used to wear choke chains whenever Gramma took us somewhere, but we kept pulling too hard and Oscar would cough and cough. Gramma said that it was annoying, so she got us these harnesses. Oscar got the blue one. We wear the same size, me and Oscar. I wanted the green , cause it is your favorite color. Gramma knows that, so she had already saved it for me.

The puppy called Toni still has the collar that she came with and she even has a leash that is brown and pink. Emmy says this color combination is very stylish. "It's a leash," I said, "who cares?" Then she reminded me that I was very particular about the color of my harness. I suppose she has a point. Emmy has the harness and leash that Gramma made just for her. It is pink gingham (whatever that means) and it has little alphabet beads that spell out her name. She is such a girl.

Okay, when walking with a person with a leash attached to you, there are certain rules that must be obeyed. It is not a good idea to chase your own tail in circles. Even if you are the only dog being walked. You will end up with the leash wrapped around your own feet. Oh, and the number one rule when walking with Gramma ........... never run around Gramma, winding the leash around her legs. It will not end well. Gramma will not like it.

The leashes will look like this! And that is with only one dog not following the rules of walking on a leash!

Emmy chose to separate herself from the rest of us. I wish I had thought of that. Emmy did not want to get hurt or trampled by the puppy called Toni. Gramma finally just picked Emmy up and carried her. She said that I was too heavy. Oscar, too. I wish she had just carried Toni, since the rest of us know what to do. Gramma said this was a learning experience for the puppy called Toni. Oscar said he would like to teach her a lesson or two. He is not all that fond of the puppy called Toni. He will not tolerate any body else outside our family mistreating her, but he has nipped her quite a few times.

I thought learning was supposed to be fun. This learning experience for the puppy called Toni was not fun. I am glad it is over and I hope the fence is finished very soon. Come to think of it, do you suppose Toni's love of digging is why the fence is being repaired? I wish you were here, I could really use your help with this puppy called Toni!

Your learning dog, Wall-E

Snakes Alive!

2011-08-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin.

No pictures of this adventure, my boy, but I will tell you what happened. Gramma killed a snake!!!! Yes she did! She was getting a bundle of wood for a camper and she picked up a piece of the wood and there it was ........ a snake, just laying there looking at her. Us dogs listened to the whole story while she told Papa about it. Papa was not here, that is why Gramma was getting the wood. I suppose Papa would have found the snake if he had been here; but only if he picked up the exact same piece of wood that Gramma picked up. What are the chances of that? That snake could still be there, waiting to .............

I have a confession. I don't even know what a snake is, or what it does. Why did Gramma kill the snake? It must be bad if Gramma wanted to kill it. I have heard her say, "Toni, I am going to kill you!" when the puppy called Toni chews on her shoes. Chewing up shoes and magazines is not a good thing. Gramma gets really mad at the puppy called Toni, but she doesn't really kill her. So, I wonder what this snake did to make Gramma actually kill it.

I listened to Gramma tell Papa that this snake coiled up and struck at her. By that time Oscar had informed me that a snake is a reptile that slithers on the ground because it has no arms or legs. So, now I am confused, how could this snake strike out at Gramma with no arms? Or legs? Papa asked how big the snake was and what kind. Gramma said it was small, no bigger around than a pencil and that she was pretty sure it was a moccasin. Oscar said that this was not good. I had already figured that much out! He said that this is a poisonous snake and that a bite from this snake could kill! Kill Gramma! Oh no, that can't happen. She takes care of us dogs. I know that Papa helps, but he is not as good at it as Gramma is.

Come to think of it Gramma takes care of Papa, too. Things would not go well if we lost Gramma. Papa takes short cuts on a lot of things. He never even rinses our water dish, much less wash it. He just adds water to what is already there. I don't know if you know this, but us dogs actually stick our tongues in the water to drink. Some times the puppy called Toni still has food on her tongue and it gets in the water. Gramma told me that humans call this backwash and that is why they don't like to drink after small children. I prefer to have Gramma fill our dish. She takes it to the sink and washes it out and then puts fresh cold water in it. Papa just grabs a cup or a glass or a bowl off the counter and puts water in it, then dumps it in our bowl. If he drops an ice cube he will toss that in, too. All the food particles in the bottom of the bowl swirl to the top .......... not very thirst quenching!

But, this is about snakes. Papa says that it sounded like a baby mocassin and Gramma said that is what she thought, too. I thought Gramma was very fond of babies, but I guess snakes don't qualify. Gramma told Papa that she wanted the wood pile cleaned up and restacked where there is no grass. She does not like the fact that there could be more babies waiting in the wood pile to strike out at her! Papa asked what she killed the snake with and she told him that she smashed the snake with another piece of firewood and that this was the very first snake she had ever killed! Usually when Gramma sees a snake she yells for Papa, but he wasn't here and she said she was afraid that the snake would slither under the fence and into our yard. Our yard? Where us dogs play? Oscar was alert at once and said he could kill a snake. Emmy told me if I ever see one I should just stay away from it. This is a good idea ..... except that I have no idea what a snake looks like. Emmy told me to just think about a worm on steroids. I did. I thought it was pretty funny, too. Emmy warned me to not make light of this issue, that even a very small snake could make me very, very sick and might even kill me.

So, promise me that you will never, ever pick up a snake, okay? I will leave them alone, too. I also told Oscar that he should leave the snake killing to Gramma and Papa. Gramma seemed quite proud of herself after killing this snake full of poison. Papa says that there are good snakes as well as bad snakes. Gramma told him that the only good snake was a dead snake. I think that she was making a joke, or maybe not. She didn't laugh.

Gramma said she wished she had her camera when she saw the snake, but that she probably would not have taken a picture until he was dead. Gramma is very careful, you know. I will be very careful, too, my boy. I must go now, Gramma wants me to go outside with the puppy called Toni. Toni likes to play and Gramma wants me to make her very tired for a nap. I can do that.

Your helpful dog, Wall-E

2011-08-06T12:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

Toni acts like nothing ever happened to her and things are back to normal around here. Toni gets into all kinds of trouble. She really likes to tear papers to shreds. I never did that, did I? Emmy reminded me that I chewed up two pairs of Gramma's shoes. That was a long time ago and I have matured nicely. Gramma told me so.

Did you see that I now have 25 followers!! Gramma says that I am a very popular dog. Gramma says that I should not get a big head about this. I do not know what that means. My head is as big as it will ever be. I am pretty sure that if my head starts to grow, it would mean that something is very wrong. Why does she say these things to me?

Gramma has been moving all of the food out of one freezer into another. Seems like a silly thing to do. She told Papa that she needed to defrost the big one. Papa left the house to work outside in the park. I wish I had gone with him, because Gramma is not happy about this defrosting thing. I don't know why, since it was her idea. She told Papa to move out of her way when he came in to get some ice. She said that there were some things that could not be saved and she has made several trips out to the dumpster. Us dogs were hoping she might drop something on her way out, but she didn't. We figured Toni could rip into the packaging and then we could all check it out. Gramma is too careful! Maybe Papa will come back in and help. He is sure to drop something.

I think that I will go find that kong that Gramma filled with peanut butter and hide it in my kennel. All the other dogs are sleeping now. I am very clever, don't you think?

Your clever dog, Wall-E

Toni Is Home

2011-08-02T16:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

Toni came home. Finally. She is right behind this door. I can smell her. I can hear her. I can hear Gramma talking to her. Gramma is talking very softly and telling her that everything will be alright. Everything will be alright?? What is she talking about? I have tried to jump high enough to touch that door knob, but even when I touch it, I find that I cannot turn it and open the door!

Toni stayed in the store with Gramma. Gramma said she was still goofy from the stuff they gave her at the vet. Gramma let me take a peek and I did not think she looked goofy .........

Okay, maybe just a little. She watched a fly crawl on her blankee for a long, long time. She did not even know we were there! Gramma read the instructions they sent home with her and it said that she had to stay away from us other dogs for a minimum of 10 days. Gramma laughed about that a lot.

Later when Toni came in the house she told us that she slept while she was gone and that when she woke up, Papa was there. She said she was really happy to see Papa, cause she thought that she was going to go live in another place. She said this had happened to her before. All of us dogs felt bad for her. Even Emmy was nicer to her.

Oscar told her not to worry because Gramma and Papa won't let anything like that happen. Oscar says that he has lived with Gramma and Papa for as long as he can remember. He said that he heard that he lived in a pet store when he was just a tiny little pup. Then he went home with Jill and she gave him to Gramma. He says that he is a one person dog and that Gramma is his person. He said that when he came to live with Papa and Gramma there were already other dogs and a cat in the family. Then he told us that one day he got into the car with Gramma and Papa and they drove to a place where this lady had lots and lots of puppies in her yard. He said that he stayed in Gramma's arms the whole time while Papa picked out a puppy. That puppy was Emmy. Oscar says that except for Zeke, the bloodhound that bit Gramma, all the dogs that come into this family stay in this family. That is just the way it is.

Is that why you wanted me to live here with Gramma and Papa when I couldn't stay with you? Was it because you wanted me to be safe and you wanted to know where I was? I would say that you are one smart boy! Papa told me that until I came here to live, he had never had a dog that loved him more than Gramma. Papa says that I am special. Don't tell the other dogs, but sometimes Papa gives me extra treats. He thinks Gramma doesn't know ...... but she does. But, we have talked about this before ..... Gramma knows everything!

Your special dog, Wall-E

Where Is Toni ....... Update

2011-08-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

You will be as relieved as I am to know that even though Papa came back without the puppy called Toni, he is going to go back and get her at 3:00. Gramma asked how Toni did on the ride and Papa said she yakked in the truck. It is okay, I have seen the inside of Papa's truck. A little dog yak will fit right in. But ......... why did she throw up? Was she sick, does she have a puppy disease? Is that why Papa took her?

Gramma asked Papa what the puppy called Toni did when he handed her over. Handed her over??? To who? This is not sounding good to me. Papa said they put her in a cage. Wait, did I hear that right? A cage? I wanted to go get Oscar, but I could not leave the sofa in case I missed something. Oscar was eating. Gramma put all of our dog dishes up last night. I don't know why. Anyhow, Papa said that Toni kept looking at him from the cage with a sad face. Gramma was sad, too. She said that Toni probably thought that she was back at the pound. This just keeps getting worse.

Then Papa said that he would be going back to get her at 3:00. Then he went out to fix some plumbing and I ran to tell Oscar what I had heard. Oscar was appalled that they had put our puppy in a cage! He told me that if not for the fact that Papa was going back to get her, we would be planning a rescue! I did not point out the fact that we still did not know exactly where she was. I have learned that although Oscar is very brave and will stand up to anyone, he is also a big talker. Let's keep that between the two of us. I would not want him to know I said that. He is very strong, I think I could outrun him, but he can be very determined when you make him mad.

I will no doubt write another update when Toni comes home and I can get her side of this story. I think I heard Gramma say something about surgery, too. I don't want to talk about that ...... I might be sick if I do. I don't even like to have my nails cut!

Your reporter dog, Wall-E

Where Is Toni?

2011-08-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

Something is going on here. This morning Gramma put Toni's collar on and woke Papa. She said it was time to go. Go where? Are we going on a trip? Is Gramma going to make me wear a collar, too?

Papa did not got to the treat jar and give us dogs our treat! What is going on? He started to, because Oscar was making lots of noise about it. He really likes his morning treat. Emmy was just watching Gramma holding Toni while Papa got his wallet and keys. Oscar was getting pretty loud and Gramma told Papa that we could not have t r e a t s. She spelled it out. Us dogs know what she is spelling, but we let her think she is pulling one over on us. But why can't we have treats?

Papa took Toni and went out the door. I looked out the window and I saw them get in Papa's truck, and they left the park. Just like that. Toni is gone. What is this feeling I am having? Why do I feel bad? I should be happy. I did not like this puppy called Toni. Remember, I told you this.

Oscar does not seem to care. Gramma gave us our treats, but it just wasn't the same. It was wrong for Gramma to give us our treats. Papa is supposed to do this. Something is going on here at the park. Toni is gone and I am sad. I thought I would be glad. I miss her. Did Papa take her back? I know I said I wanted her to go back, but I sort of like having her around. She's not so bad, I guess. She really likes to run and play with me. I did not think that Papa would take her back!

I must go see what is going on here. I will report back later, my boy. I wish you were here to help me look for clues. I do not want Gramma to know how upset I am, so I can't ask her. I will let you know when I write the next letter. I will be sniffing out these clues. I did not ever think I would say this ............ but I hope Papa brings Toni back home!

Your detective dog, Wall-E

Toni Got In Trouble

2011-07-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

Do you see this? This used to be a package of napkins .......... We tried to tell her, but she simply would not listen. Gramma was working in the store and the rest of us dogs were napping when I heard a rustling sound. I came out of my kennel and this is what I saw. I sniffed and sure enough I could smell the smell of that puppy called Toni. She had ripped the plastic off and pulled all the napkins out. She even shredded some of those napkins!

Oscar chuckled and told me that this reminded him of some of the shenanigans I used to get into. I am sure I never, ever shredded a package of napkins. I think Oscar is just getting old and his memory is not what it used to be.

As you, yourself know, Gramma does not like shenanigans. I heard her opening the door from the store and I went to my kennel, lest she think I was responsible for this mess ......

TONI COME HERE. I heard Gramma shout. Oscar and Emmy were watching from their basket and I was watching from my kennel. She went prancing over to Gramma without a care in the world and looked up at her. She didn't even look scared or sorry for what she had done!

Gramma took her to the mess and asked her if she had done this dreadful deed. She tried to jump into Gramma's arms, but Gramma was having none of that. I could have told her that would not work, but she needs to learn this on her own ............. just like I did. She got a swat from the fly swatter and another one later when she thought it would be a good idea to attack the broom while Gramma was cleaning up.

She does not seem to mind at all that she was punished! Just look at her. She even told us that Gramma did not swat very hard. This dog is not very smart.

I guess I like her okay now. We have been playing together and she is tireless, let me tell you. She can run as fast as me and her legs are freaky long. We play fight, too. I taught her how to sit pretty. I know you are very proud of me for doing this. Gramma says that I am a very smart dog. I am smart because I have the best boy in the world, right?

Your smart dog, Wall-E

I Am Coming Undone

2011-07-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

This new puppy called Toni will be my undoing! I have managed to convince her that she is not allowed in my kennel. Can you believe that Gramma suggested I let her have my kennel to sleep in. That is where I draw the line! It is true that Oscar and Emmy sometimes take a little nap with me in my kennel .......... but it is by invitation only. That means that you can't come in unless I say so! And I do not say that the puppy called Toni can enter my kennel. I have already nipped her to let her know and she is staying away from my kennel that holds my treasures.

This puppy called Toni has already done so many bad things. She has chewed on Papa's shoes! I shudder to think that she could chew on your old shoes that I sleep with when I need comfort. She walks all over the tables in the living room and yesterday she knocked a lamp down. Did she get in big trouble? No. Can you believe it?

Gramma was hanging out clothes yesterday and she saw this puppy called Toni digging a hole!! She dug until she had water in the hole and the mud was flying everywhere. Gramma hollered, "NO, Toni, BAD GIRL!!!!!" I got out of the way, so I could watch. I must confess that this was making me quite happy, since she had already gotten me in trouble when she smeared mud on my back. This crazy puppy called Toni stopped, and still standing in the mud hole, she just looked at Gramma with her goofy look. She was not scared at all, she even wagged her tail. Then she just started digging again. Gramma clapped her hands and asked this silly puppy if she had a death wish. Boy, I was really enjoying this. Then she gave her a shake and told her no again. Gramma covered the hole with a big steeping stone and then she looked at me and told me she was sorry for scolding me about the mud! She said she knew it was not my fault. Oh, my boy, was I ever happy!

Just look at this puppy called Toni. Her face is all muddy and she just had a bath! Look at the arm of the chair. Gramma was not very happy with this puppy called Toni.

Look at Oscar's eye! She swiped him with her muddy paw. Don't worry, he is okay, Gramma cleaned his eye.

Okay, I did play with her. But, I did not have fun! It just looks like I was having fun, that's all.

This all happened yesterday and we all got a bath last night. Then, this morning while Gramma was outside painting a sign and Papa forgot to latch the gate ........... this puppy called Toni got into the bathroom trash can! Oscar does this sometimes when Papa fails to latch the gate that keeps us dogs out of the bedroom and bathroom. This makes Gramma mad. She told Papa that this is the only thing she expects him to do in the morning. She said an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure. Why does she say these things?

Emmy told me that it just means that it only takes a second for Papa to secure the gate, but it takes 10 minutes for Gramma to clean up the mess. Well, let me tell you, this puppy called Toni made a really big mess! She ripped the liner to shreds and tore up everything into tiny pieces. When Gramma saw this I thought Toni would get a swat with the fly swatter for sure, but Gramma was mad at Papa!!

I was listening when Gramma read those papers from the animal shelter and I heard her say that we have 30 days to try this puppy called Toni in our house and if things don't work out we can take her back. It has only been three days and I volunteer to ride along to take her back!!

Do we really have to have her the whole 30 days? I wish I could see you, my boy. Together we could figure this out. I played with two boys yesterday. Alan came into the store to see the puppy called Toni, but he liked me the best. Really, he did. Then Benjamin came to see me with his Papa. I know his Papa, his name is Crazy Tom (I think that might be his Indian name). I jumped into the air and gave Benjamin a kiss! He reminded me of you.

I must go nap now. This puppy called Toni is very tiring. I will be dreaming of you, my boy. Don't forget that I love you.

Your best dog, Wall-E

I Am Not Jealous ..... Really, I Am Not!

2011-07-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

This new puppy got in the bed with Gramma and Papa last night. I did not like it one bit .... no, I did not! Papa was playing the game he usually plays with me with that puppy called Toni. I hate her. I do, I am not kidding. She is annoying. Always running and jumping and playing. I just hate her. She will come up to me and try to engage me in play. She will hold her paw up and wave it at me. I just walk away, but she follows me and won't leave me alone.

She slept all night, right in our bed with all of us dogs. I know she is a dog, too, but this was our bed with Gramma and Papa. I do not want to share. I want it to just be us three dogs. I was quite content, I tell you! Gramma told Toni that she was a good girl just because she slept all night. Whatever, I sleep all night all the time. Does she tell me I am good just for doing what I am supposed to do anyway? No!

Toni, the puppy with puppy breath peed in the floor! Oh boy, I thought she was in for it, but Gramma just mopped it up and showed it to her and told her "no-no, we go outside to pee". If I pee in the floor she scolds me! Gramma was mopping and Toni put her paws on the side of the bucket to look in and Gramma said she was so cute. She called Papa to look at Toni look at the mop water. Disgusting! It is not like she caught a frisbee, is it? Then , she went outside and peed and Gramma clapped and petted her like crazy and told her what a good little girl she was. I said big deal for her .... I pee outside all the time. Then when the stupid little dog with puppy breath came in the house she was running and couldn't stop. She slid into the water dish and tipped it up and was wet all over. Gramma laughed!!! I am not kidding, she laughed. She picked Toni up and showed her to Papa.

Oscar and Emmy have been making fun of me and calling me jealous. I am not jealous! I just do not like this dog called Toni with puppy breath, that's all. Oscar says that I used to act just like this puppy. Did I? I do not remember being so annoying, I just wanted to play, that's all. I was never so annoying, was I? I don't like seeing this dog in Gramma's lap or in Papa's lap, that's all. I am glad that you are not here. I do not think I could bear it if you held this dog called Toni with puppy breath. Everybody keeps telling her she is so cute. I do not find her to be cute at all. She is just an annoying little dog with long legs and puppy breath. Oh, about the puppy breath ..... what is the big deal with that?

All puppies have puppy breath and I had puppy breath when I was a puppy, so big deal! I want to be the youngest dog here! But I am not jealous, I tell you. Really, I am not! I wish I could just go stay with my boy, that's all.

Your NOT jealous dog, Wall-E

Puppy Breath

2011-07-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

Gramma has been going on and on about puppy breath and how great it is. She has been telling Papa that we need a puppy. She says that we need this puppy for me. What? Why do I need a puppy? I am perfectly happy being the youngest dog here. Why, oh why would I want a puppy to come in and take Gramma and Papa's love from me? They already tried this with that bloodhound, Zeke, and we all know how well that turned out.

Gramma has been showing Papa pictures of puppies and asking what he thinks. Papa and I will look and Papa will say, "We don't need another dog." I could not agree more! But, last week Gramma saw a picture of a puppy right here in our city and she looked like Emmy. Papa was quite taken with the image of this dog and when Gramma told him that the animal shelter was over crowded, he went to take a look at this little dog that held such a likeness to our Emmy. This dog was said to be a mix between a dachshund and a chihuahua ............ a chiweenie! Her face looked like Emmy, but her ears were sticking up like mine.

I suppose you know that he came home with her. She is kind of cute. She doesn't look as much like Emmy in person as she did in the picture, though. She has puppy breath and Gramma is all smitten with her, letting her give her lots and lots of kisses. I confess that I do not like it when Gramma or Papa hold this new dog with her puppy breath. Gramma is calling her Toni. Because we have Oscar and Emmy, she said we need a Toni. How come I am not named after an award?

Gramma reminded me that I was named by my boy and that I am the only dog here with his very own boy. I am special. Gramma calls me Wall-E, the wonder dog! Okay, I feel much better now. I have my very own blog so that I can write letters to you. And Toni is my new playmate. She is kind of cute, don't you think?

She is taller than me, this new dog named Toni with puppy breath. Her legs are freakishly long ..... Gramma said so. She can jump really high and she chases me! Gramma says her bark is as high pitched and annoying as mine! I have to teach her things. Like how to catch a frisbee and how to take Oscar's ball and not get bitten. Emmy does not care for this new dog. She won't even sniff her puppy breath!

I must go now, I heard Gramma say something about our monthly bath and that Toni arrived just in time ............. I think it is time to show her some hiding places, don't you?

I will be thinking about you as I get my bath tonight. I have not forgotten our deal to to behave while we get our baths and showers.

Your faithful dog, Wall-E

Dogs and Baby Birds

2011-06-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

The weather here has been very strange. I do not like thunder. It scares me. A lot. I just want to hide when I hear it. Sometimes there is a flash of light with the thunder. They call this lightning. I am not fond of this, either. As you know, Gramma has my kennel under table beside the couch. It is dark and cozy in there. I have your old shoes in there and Gramma has not attempted to wash them, so I find it very comforting to sniff your smells. I have been sleeping in my kennel at night, because these storms have been happening at night.

One of the storms happened last weekend. The whole weekend was strange, if you ask me. It started with Miss Barb finding some baby birds in the dumpster! She is feeding them while some children are watching. Did you know that birds eat worms? I wonder how they taste .......... Gramma was pretty mad that someone would put these little baby birds in a dumpster. She said it was just plain cruel and inhumane. Does that mean that whoever did it was not a human?

While the birds were eating worms and the children watched, I looked out the window and I saw this dog. Gramma said he was very handsome. He was waiting for his boy and his girl. He didn't even bark! I confess that I barked at him. Oscar joined me at the window and we barked at this dog that Gramma called handsome. Emmy just watched us. She said that it was rude to carry on the way we did. She is such a goody-goody. I was missing my boy and I was jealous of this dog that was handsome and had a boy and a girl.

So, the dog that Gamma said was so handsome went to his campsite with his boy and his girl. Gramma and Miss Barb finished squishing worms into the tiny little birds and finally it was time for Gramma to lock the door to the store. Us dogs like it when we hear the door lock in the store. It means that Gramma and Papa will come in the house and sit down with us. Gramma will hold us and kiss us. She also inspects us for ticks ever since she found that one on my neck.

We all went to bed, but I could not seem to sleep. I kept getting in and out of the bed. Gramma scolded me and told me to make up my mind about my sleeping arrangements, so I retired to my kennel. Everyone was sleeping, except me. There was none of that loud thunder or lightning, but I could hear the wind. It sounded really scary. I could hear stuff blowing around outside. I was scared, so I stayed in my kennel and that is where Gramma found me when she finally got up. She usually gets up really early on Saturdays, but she overslept. She went outside to clean the bathrooms for the campers and she told Papa that the wind had blown the box with the baby birds to the ground. They were still alive and she fed them again. She said that they had pooped. That was a good sign. It meant that everything inside them was working and the worms they ate had been good for them.

Miss Nan and Cooper came to the store to see Gramma. Cooper's eyes got really big when Papa told every body that Mr. Marshell's canoe had flown into Miss Yvonne's fifth wheel! He was shocked to hear that canoes can fly! He is still very young, you know. Now I know what I heard outside while I was hiding in my kennel!

Gramma always holds Cooper and he licks her. Gramma loves little dogs. Gramma loves us dogs here the best, though. She told me so. Us dogs love Gramma and Papa, too. But, of all the people I love ........ I love my boy the most! Don't forget, okay?

Your sleepless dog, Wall-E

Goodbyes Are Sad

2011-06-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

I was so sad when you left. I wanted to go with you, but I wanted to stay with Papa, too. Gramma scolded Papa. She told Papa that he should let me go with my boy. Papa loves me. A lot. He told Gramma that he couldn't let me go because he loves me. Gramma said that she loves me, too ............. but she loves you more. I love you, too. I love Papa, too. Papa told Gramma to let Oscar go home with you. Why would Oscar go home with you? You are not his boy!

So, there I was in your arms. As much as I don't like car rides, I was willing to take one just to be with you.

Everyone was talking at once. Gramma was taking pictures and crying .......... she always cries when you leave. I was thinking that I would need all my stuff. I have stuff, you know. Actually I have a lot of stuff. Gramma has some sweaters for me ........... she can keep those. But I have toys and pillows and stuff. My kennel and my blankets, oh, and my treats. I have a supply of delicious treats. I get one every morning from Papa. Gramma says that Papa should make us dogs earn those treats, but Papa just gives them to us. Gramma makes me sit pretty.

I jumped down to tell your mom about the treats and that is when Uncle Jeffy said that there was not enough room for me in his van. He said that it was not his van and that Aunt Diane would not want a dog in it. I think he made that up because he felt bad for Papa.

You were so disappointed! Gramma said that her heart was breaking to see you so sad. She was crying and you were crying and I did not know what to do.

Gramma put me in your arms so that I could comfort you. I felt your tears on my neck and I knew what Gramma meant about feeling like her heart was breaking. I was so sad to hear you cry.

Gramma told me that she would take me with her when she went to see you. She told Papa that he would have to buy a puppy for you. I will need to go and see this puppy when you get him. I will need to teach him so many things. Just don't get a big puppy like Zeke. Big puppies are hard to handle ......... just ask Gramma. She will tell you. I am glad to know that you made it home. I heard Gramma talk to you last night.

I will be dreaming of you, my boy. Don't ever forget that I love you!

Your faithful dog, Wall-E

I Am Waiting ........

2011-06-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

Today is the day!! You are coming today! I have been waiting all week. I almost wish Gramma had not told me that you were coming. Waiting is hard. I keep looking out the window, hoping to see you getting out of Uncle Jeff's van. Lots of kids come here every day to swim, so I keep thinking that you are here. But, not yet.

Gramma has been busy all week. She has the extra bedroom all ready for you and the girls. She said that your mom and Uncle Jeff can decide who gets the big bed and who gets the cot. All I know is ........ I am sleeping with you! If you will just hurry and get here!

Gramma has clean sheets on all the beds and she sent Papa to the store for food. She is making a birthday cake for you and your mom. I did not forget that yesterday was your birthday!!!!! You are seven years old now. Gramma says that you are very independent for your age. I did not know what that meant, but Emmy says it means that you do things for yourself.

Gramma was talking on the phone and petting me today. She was talking about you coming here to see me. Anyhow, she was rubbing my neck and it felt really good, cause the spot she was rubbing was itchy and sore. She stopped talking about you and shouted "a tick ......... Wall-E has a tick on his neck!" I froze to that that spot while Gramma removed that blood thirsty tick from my neck! Now I know why I was itching. Gramma killed that hateful pest and then she gave my neck a thorough search. She checked me all over and then she checked Oscar and Emmy, too. Gramma does not like ticks. She said that it was time for our special flea and tick remedy anyway. Then she said that bad word that I do not like ............. she said that we would have to have a bath!!

She made me go first. I tried to hide in my kennel with your shoes, but when Gramma is determined, there is really no way to stop her. At least she didn't go pawing through my treasures this time. I have some things hidden in my kennel that I do not want her to throw away. Like your old shoes. I have been hiding things under the pillow. I know, it is only a matter of time until she finds them.

Speaking of time ........... isn't it time for you to be here?

Your waiting dog, Wall-E

Celebrate!

2011-06-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

Gramma was so excited last night when your mom called and told her the news. Us dogs could tell that whatever she was saying to Gramma made her very happy. We waited patiently for her to get off the phone and then she told us ................ you and your mom are coming here in just nine days! I could hardly believe my ears and now my tail won't stop wagging. I am so excited to see you!

Gramma will make a snow cone for you, any flavor you want. These things are good. I know because if you squish them in your hand they will spill and I have licked up some spills. Papa tends to pour too much of the yummy syrup and cause them to overflow when he makes them. I think I like banana the best. Emmy prefers watermelon and Oscar says he would rather have something solid to snack on .........

............ like when someone drops a cookie!

I like popcorn, too. Gramma says that Maya, Jada and Zara will be coming, too. Emmy says she will be hanging out under the dining table. She says there will be plenty of spills and food dropped ............ She is beside herself with joy. Gramma says that means she is happy, but I don't know exactly how one gets to be beside them self. Emmy says to just let it go, it is one of those sayings that make no sense. People are funny, you know.

I heard Gramma asking your mom what kind of cake she wants. Today is your mom's birthday and you have a birthday in just eight days! We will celebrate while you are here! Just getting to play with you is reason enough for me to celebrate .............. but, cake, too. I think I might even be beside myself with joy!

I will be resting up until you get here.

Let them eat cake! Your celebrating dog, Wall-E

Moles and Obsessions

2011-05-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

I keep waiting for the air to become warm, cause I know that means you will be coming soon. But, I have to tell you it has been downright cold at night. I don't mind cold air so much. I sleep next to Papa, under the covers, and we stay all nice and toasty warm. The thing I don't like is thinking it will be longer until I see you.

I think it is supposed to be warm by now. I heard Gramma say so. Gramma was busy all day yesterday. She only came into the house to let us dogs out every few hours. Yesterday morning, the most disturbing thing happened. Gramma was brushing her teeth and us dogs were waiting on the love seat for her. Oscar and I always try to get to the warm spot she leaves first. Oscar was going to beat me again, I thought. But all of a sudden he jumped up and started barking his warning bark. He was mad, let me tell you! The hair on his back was standing straight up! Have you ever seen this happen? When Oscar and Emmy get mad or scared, a line of hair straight down the middle of the backs stands on end. What? Oh, Gramma says this also happens to me. Well, as you know, I cannot see my own back.

But, I digress. I like this new word 'digress' and have been waiting so long to use it. It means that I got a little off subject. So, as I was saying, Oscar jumped up and I thought I was going to get the warm spot until I looked up to see what had him so riled up ............ there was a man close up to our window looking in!!!!!!! Emmy and I joined in to let Gramma know that we had an intruder on our front porch. It was still early in the morning. Gramma's computer was still open on the table beside us. Gramma takes her computer into the store when she goes in to open it up and talk to all the campers.

Gramma came into the living room and she was still in her nightshirt, the great big t-shirt that your Uncle Jeff gave her from his work. She saw this intruder and the others with him. She was not very happy, either. She went back to her room and got dressed, then she went to the door and asked these people what they wanted .......... after she called Papa on her cell phone to tell him that we were being invaded by imbeciles. I am not sure what that means. Neither does Oscar, but we don't think it is good. After that, we hardly saw Gramma all day and she was so tired last night, she didn't even play with me before we got into bed. I sure hope that you will be here soon. A young dog like me needs to play!

Do you see this creature? Papa found it in the pool skimmer and brought it up to show us. Oscar and Emmy knew what it was and so did Papa. Do you know what this creature is? It is a mole. He digs tunnels under ground. Sometimes we see the dirt where one has been. It makes Papa crazy when he is mowing. He buys these stick things that make smoke to scare the mole away. Gramma says it is an obsession of his. I think this means he really likes doing it.

This mole drowned in the pool. Gramma said the water temperature was too low to be swimming. Wonder why this mole was swimming? I have never been swimming. I am not that fond of being wet. Gramma makes us dogs have a bath once a month ........ is this an obsession of Gramma's? Emmy tells me that she went into a mole hole once when she lived in Minnesota and pulled the mole out! We have agreed that moles are really ugly creatures. I was wondering, though, would Gramma bathe this mole and cut his toenails if he lived with us? Oscar says I am being silly. Gramma says that I am curious.

Whatever I am, I am always your dog first.

Your curious, silly dog ............. Wall-E

Toenails, She Wants To Cut My Toenails!

2011-05-20T18:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

I must tell you that I am feeling a little jealous seeing the picture of you and Kiley with Laila. You look so cozy there with her. You have not forgotten me, have you? Gramma says that boys never forget their first dogs. How does she know this to be true? I will admit that I have not found anything that Gramma does not know so far, but how can she know so much?

I saw that Papa filled the pool with water, so that means that it won't be much longer until I see you, right? I see other people all the time and that is nice; but it is you that I want to see the most. I like your mom, too. And I love Gramma, but they are girls and it is just not the same. Only you can understand that.

Gramma has been stalking me for two days with the toenail clippers. She is obsessed with the idea of clipping my nails. I am perfectly happy with them the way they are. Why must she insist on clipping them? She says that they are too long and that I will feel much better after having them cut. No, I think I will be quite stressed after such an ordeal. It is so scary to have those clippers around my nails. What if it hurts? Oscar tells me that once Papa clipped his nail into the quick. Quick? What is a quick? I thought quick meant fast. Oscar says that this is part of the nail that has feelings and it will actually bleed!

His bled. He says it was very traumatizing. So traumatizing that even the sight of those clippers causes him great anxiety. Emmy says he is just a big baby and only carries on so that Gramma will hold him and kiss him. He tries to act like he doesn't like it when Gramma holds him and calls him her handsome devil, but I know better. Sometimes Gramma will pick up his paw and ask if she can clip his nails. He will howl and cry and she will pick him up and hold him. I think this is their special thing! Like my special thing is helping Gramma make the bed. I am so smart. Gramma told me so.

Gramma clipped Emmy's nails last night. She just sat there and let her. Sometimes I just want to bite her! She is always so perfect. Gramma told me to watch and she even let me smell the clippers. I will admit that I smelled no blood and Emmy was fine, but I still would not allow Gramma to clip my nails. Gramma was telling Papa all of this and I was listening. Before I knew what was happening ......... she cut my nail! Okay, it didn't hurt, but I still jumped down lickety split before she could trick me again.

I suppose Laila, the boxer, is okay with having her nails clipped. She is, after all, a girl. I will never understand them, will you?

Your boy dog, Wall-E

Why Do I Need A Bath??

2011-05-09T18:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

I am confused. Really. Gramma mowed grass yesterday and today. I was good. I did not roll in the fresh clippings until my white hair turned green. I did not go near the bag that held all the poop Gramma removed from our yard. I did not leap into the air and bounce off the side of Gramma's leg causing her pain. I did none of these things. I was good, I tell you. My behaviour was very close to perfect! So, why, I ask you, did Gramma insist on giving me a bath today?

Gramma actually missed the monthly washing of us dogs last month. Emmy wanted to remind her, but Oscar and I threatened to tell on her for getting out of the fence and show Gramma where the opening was. Gramma found it anyway, so I guess it was just a matter of time before we would have that bath ............

Oscar just closes his eyes and lets Gramma bath him. Really, there isn't much he could do to stop her. When Gramma decides it is time for a bath ..... it is time for a bath. Gramma says that Oscar was starting to smell like a hound. I thought he was a hound. But, Gramma says that if you sleep in her bed you will also have a bath.

Emmy likes a bath. Her hair gets curly when it gets wet. She likes for Gramma to hold her all wrapped up like a baby. Oscar and I prefer to shake and run round and round in circles. You should try it, it is fun.

After I run in circles and am almost dry I snuggle up on this blanket. Do you remember this blanket? You gave it to me when I was a little puppy. You told me that it was your blanket when you were a little baby. It doesn't smell like you anymore. Gramma washed it. She sure does like to wash stuff, doesn't she? She sat down with me tonight after I ran round and round in circles. She picked me up and held me. She told me that I was a good boy for not fighting with her while she washed me. That made me feel better. Then she told me that you hated to bathe, too! She told me that you did not want to take a shower while she was there and that she had to make you get into the shower and then she had to make you use shampoo and soap. Then, she said you would not get out of the shower!!

Gramma says that when you talked later you admitted to her that the shower made you feel good! She said that you told her that you didn't know why you hated to get in. This is amazing! I feel exactly the same way! Gramma scrubbed me until I was squeaky clean and I have to admit that I feel great! We are alike, you and I. I am missing you tonight, my boy. But, the weather is getting warmer every day and I know I will see you soon. I will make a pact with you. I won't give Gramma a hard time about my bath if you won't give your mom a hard time about your shower. Deal? Okay. Don't forget that I love you!!

Your deal making dog, Wall-E

Hide And Seek

2011-04-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

Gramma said she felt uninspired to write, so I am taking over today. She wanted to show me pictures that she took of you, but she lost her camera cords at your house. She was looking to buy more, but your mom called and said she found them! Gramma was very happy about that, let me tell you! You know she loves to take pictures, but she couldn't even charge her camera!

Enough about that. Uncle Jeffy sent this picture to her so that she could show me. She tells me that you were at the American Girl store. Were you the only boy there?? Gramma says that you were a good sport. Sport? I thought that was playing baseball. Words are very confusing sometimes. Is that Kiley? How did she get there? Gramma says that Kiley flew on a plane for the very first time to go see you. She says that you guys were busy the whole time and had great fun.

I am happy that you had fun, but I wanted to tell you about some of the fun I have been having. Did you know that it has been raining almost every day this month? This month is April and Gramma tells me that April showers bring May flowers. She has lots of these sayings; Papa told me so. I don't know about flowers. There are these yellow flowers everywhere, but Gramma says that they are weeds. The way she says it make me think that weeds are not good things. She pulls them up and puts them in a pile that she burns. I don't think she likes them. They are everywhere and I kind of think they are cool. In our yard they grew very tall. Gramma wanted to mow them down, but the rain keeps coming and Papa tells her it is too wet to mow.

These flowers that Gramma calls dandelions are not yellow anymore. They are very tall and have these fluffy poms poms where the yellow flowers used to be. Us dogs pretend that we are in a jungle when we go out between rain storms. I even managed to hide behind a big clump of these dandelion weeds. I blend better, since my fur is white and Oscar and Emmy have black fur. I like to hide and wait for Oscar to walk by, then I jump into the air and pounce on him. He will chase me round and round the yard. Sometimes he will growl and snap at me, though. That means he doesn't want to play. Gramma says that we are playing hide and seek. She told me that you like that game, too. Maybe you will want to play when you come to see me this summer.

Now that I have told you about the game, I think I will go to the door so that Gramma will take us outside. Remember that I love you ........... and don't get lost in the dandelion fluff!

Your clever dog, Wall-E

Gramma Is Home!!!

2011-04-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

She came home yesterday. Papa went to the airport to get her. He did ask us if we would like to go, but we took a vote and decided to just wait here. As you know, I do not like long car trips unless Gramma is holding me. Oscar has been bothered by his shoulder and did not want to go, since his favorite thing to do is stand up against the door to look out the window. Emmy decided to just stay with us. She is pretty easy going, you know.

We heard the sound of Gramma's car as it came into the park. I went to the window to let the others know that it was indeed our car, with Gramma in it! I saw her first! "Hurry!!" we all barked and then Oscar started to howl with joy. Emmy joined in. I tried, but I don't do so well with this howling. Oscar says my pitch is too high and the sound I make is annoying. Can you believe he said that to me? He called it "constructive criticism", I called it rude.

Finally, Papa opened the door and we all ran to greet her. She was so happy to see us. She was talking to us and petting us. I am tallest, so I got the very first pet! While she was petting the others I leaned against her leg and sniffed ................ I smelled you! I did!! I jumped and ran in circles. Then I ran to the car to see if just maybe you might be in it! I knew that Gramma said that it would be a lot warmer before you came to see me, but I just wanted to make sure. You were not in the car. That is okay, I will just go sniff Gramma some more.

So, there I was sniffing sweet boy smells, and I detected more smells. I smelled the girls. There was a strong smell of Jada on Gramma's neck mixed with a little bit of Zara. I bet Jada gave Gramma a big hug before she got on the plane. Maybe Zara was not in a hugging mood. I did not detect any Maya smells either. I suppose she must have been in school. I could smell your Uncle Jeff, too. I continued sniffing and ................. I smell another dog! I smell cat, too. No, wait, I smell even another dog on her shoes! It is that giant dog, Georgie, the one who lives with Gage and Layla and Aunt Jill and Uncle Nick. I am so scared of her. But, don't tell her, okay?

I smelled another smell of a dog and I searched my memory, cause I think I know this smell. It is the smell of a Boxer. Not Rocky, but I think I must have been very young when I knew this dog. There was a spot on Gramma's leg. I think this dog from my past may have licked Gramma's pant leg. I thought and I thought. I kept going to that one spot and sniffing. I know this smell. I knew this smell when I lived at your house when I was just a pup. I got it!! I remember this Boxer .... her name is Laila! She is Leah's dog. How did her smell get on Gramma? I remember playing with Laila when I lived with you. Did Gramma go see her while she stayed with you? I heard Gramma tell someone that she would be keeping a bride's dog while she took care of you. I don't really know what a bride is, but I guess that Leah must be one.

I sent Gramma with lots of kisses for you. Did she kiss you a lot? I told her to give you all my kisses. I am glad that Gramma went to see you and take care of you, but .......... I am really glad she is home!

Your very happy dog, Wall-E

I Did A Bad, Bad Thing

2011-04-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

The day began so nice. Gramma had good sleep and we played on her bed while she made it. I like to jump onto the bed while she tries to pull the covers straight and get under them. She pulls me out and we do this over and over again until she claps her hands and says "Enough!!". That is my signal to stop and let her finish making the bed and putting all the pillows on it. Then I jump upon the bed again and run in circles while Gramma laughs at me. It is our thing. Just me and Gramma. The other dogs can't jump up on the bed and, as you know, Papa does not make beds.

We did our thing this morning and then Gramma had her coffee. She asked Papa to please get the mower into our back yard so she could mow. I was really happy to hear this, cause the grass in our yard is getting pretty tall, let me tell you! Makes it hard for a fella to do his business! But, you may be wondering why Papa had to get the mower into the backyard. Well, the wind was blowing so hard the other day that it took the gate down and Papa nailed it shut. Gramma cannot open the gate to bring the mower in. I will tell you a secret that Papa does not know. Gramma tried to bring the mower through the house, but it was too wide to get through the doorway in the kitchen. Gramma thought about turning it on it's side, but she was afraid she would get gas on the floor. That would not be good. Gramma has been a little hazardous with all things related to fires lately.

So, Papa goes off to work and Gramma and us dogs go into the back yard. Gramma cleaned a section at a time and then mowed with the blade high, then again with the blade low. I must admit that she does a fine job mowing. But the clean up part is where I got in trouble. Gramma had some of those handy dandy WalMart bags in her pocket. She put one over her hand and held the other one in the other hand while she put all the things that dog, Zeek, had chewed up in his short stay here. She also picked up our poop. She was singing this song about tootsie rolls and laughing. She likes to make up songs, you know. Oscar says she has been doing this for as long as he can remember. He says the tootsie roll song is one of her favorites to sing while she is on poop patrol. Whatever it is I think I see becomes a tootsie roll to me .......... then she laughs. But back to my little escapade ...........

I thought since she was in such a good mood that she might enjoy a little game. She had been throwing the frisbee for me and had complimented me on my ability to run with it in my mouth. Oscar cannot do this ........ his legs are way too short and he ends up tripping himself. I was so happy to be outside and playing games that I got a little carried away. Gramma was holding the handy dandy WalMart bag full of poop and I jumped up and grabbed it. Apparently this is not a good thing to do. I sort of ripped the bag open and all the poop and trash fell to the ground and before I could stop myself I took a little roll in it.

Yes, I knew I shouldn't, but I have impulses. Sometimes I just can't help myself. Gramma is no longer singing. She is not very happy with me and I had to have a bath. Did you know that I get way more baths than Oscar and Emmy? This is just not fair! The sky is even unhappy and it looks like it is going to rain. I wish you were here to play with me and the frisbee. I will show you how great I am at that game when I see you this summer. I suppose I will just go take a nap now that Gramma is so grouchy. When she gets grouchy, us dogs get grouchy, too!

Your grouchy dog, Wall-E

Getting The Store Ready

2011-04-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin, I wish the weather would turn warm! I know that Gramma and Papa will be very busy when it gets warm, but I am really tired of all the ice and snow, aren't you? Gramma said that soon you will be playing baseball. I wish I could go watch you play. I would be so good. I would sit in Gramma's lap and I wouldn't even chase the ball. Really. I wouldn't. I would want to, but I wouldn't. Gramma told Papa to get in her car the other day. She said they were going to Sam's. Who is Sam? Papa said that they should take the truck if they were going to get supplies for the store. Gramma said they should drive her car because she got better mileage. What is this mileage she speaks of and who is Sam? Papa said okay, but that they would have to cram everything in tightly and that Gramma may end up without any leg room. Leg room?What does that mean? Leg room, mileage, and who is this one they call Sam??

They got into Gramma's car without answering any of my questions. I think that is very rude, don't you? They were gone a long time and Oscar was in charge. He insisted that we nap the entire time. The fire went out and they did not turn the furnace up, so we all snuggled together with a blanket and slept. Well, they slept, I was still wondering about Sam and why they went to see him and why Gramma would have to hold her legs in the air while something called mileage was low. I was very confused.

Finally, they returned. Sam's is a store. A really big store were you can buy lots of stuff. Did you know that? Papa and Gramma were bringing all kinds of boxes into the store and the house. Us dogs went out the front door to let them know how much we missed them. Really, we just wanted some treats from them. If you are very careful and really cute ...... you can get a treat from Papa and then another one from Gramma. Bet you didn't know that!

I saw Emmy get into the car. She was looking every where for treats for us dogs. She even checked the front seat, but she could not find any.

I climbed in and helped with the search. There was lots of candy. See that big bag called Hot Tamales? I tried one and it burned my tongue. I spit it out and Emmy ate it. I won't be doing that again!

I was very disappointed. A bunch of candy and crackers for the store, but no yummy treats for us dogs!

Emmy looked to the right .........

and she looked to the left while I continued to search for those treats. Emmy told me that my efforts were useless and she was looking for Gramma so that she could get down.

Turns out that they did get treats for us, but they took them in first and they were waiting until they unloaded the car to give us one. Gramma was happy to report that she had plenty of leg room and that they saved a lot of money driving her car instead of Papa's truck.

I will be waiting patiently for you to get here when the sun starts to shine and melts all the ice away. I know that you will not forget to bring me a treat! I just might have a treat for you, too, my boy. Don't forget that I love you!

Your patient dog, Wall-E

New Dog In The Kampground!

2011-03-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

There is a new dog living here in the kampground! Meet Keena. She is a terrier mix like me. Papa met her before I did. I knew he had been petting another dog when he came home ........ I could smell it! Sometimes he pets Miss Yvonne's dogs, but they are boys and they all live together and I know their smell. This was a new smell.

Papa held this dog, Keena while he was holding me. Gramma had her camera and told us to look at her. I tried to get out of Papa's arm and go to her!

I don't know about this new dog yet. She even tried to kiss me! Gramma said that we looked cute together.

Gramma said that maybe Keena would want to be my girlfriend. Now Oscar is teasing me about this new girl dog.

Papa finally put us down on the floor so that we could really get to know each other. She is a nice dog and everything, but I am much too young to have a girlfriend! Don't you think so, too?

When you come to see me this summer you can meet Keena, too. You might even have another puppy to bring to meet me by then. We will have great fun, won't we? I will be waiting and planning. Don't forget that I love you and that I will always be your first dog, okay?

Your best dog, Wall-E

I Smell You!!

2011-03-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,
I have been waiting to write to you for such a long time! Gramma has been sick. She has been really sick and I know it is bad, but us dogs like it when she is sick. Gramma doesn't go in the store or her sewing room when she is sick. She lays in her bed or sits on the sofa ........... with us dogs. She told Papa that having us dogs close to her makes her feel better. Us dogs like to make her feel better.

Even though Gramma didn't feel very good she unpacked her luggage and told us all about her trip. She had to wash lots of clothes and she showed us lots and lots of pictures. I was so happy to see you on her computer. I looked and looked and I accidentally drooled a little on Gramma's keyboard. She wiped it off and I was glad to hear that I didn't ruin it. I was scared that she would be mad at me, but she wasn't.

Gramma was putting her luggage away and we heard her say, "I almost forgot!!!" Then she came back into the room where we all were and showed me a shirt. She was excited. Papa asked her if she wanted him to go put this shirt in the laundry. She told Papa that it would ruin it if he washed it. Us dogs wondered what she could be talking about. Gramma likes to wash everything, even us dogs. Then Gramma handed the shirt to Papa and told him to give it to me.

It was your shirt and I could smell you! My tail would not stop wagging and I was soooooo happy! I could smell my boy. I knew it was you, I will never forget your smell. Gramma put your shirt on me! Oscar and Emmy were laughing at me, but I knew they were jealous. They do not have a boy! I don't care how silly I look in your shirt.

I have a special hiding place. It is a chair with pillows and Oscar cannot jump up into it. He is old and fat. I am not. I hid his favorite toy in this chair! Don't you think I am so clever? When I want to play with him, I bring his toy down to the floor and we play tug-of-war. Sometimes I let him win (don't tell him I said that).

I keep your shirt in my chair. I don't want the other dogs to snuggle on it and steal your scent away. I can look at your picture and smell your smell and it makes me so happy!

I think I have figured out why I love Papa so much. He does not smell like you, but he does look like you! Gramma says that I have that backwards, that you look like Papa. All I know is that Gramma showed me this picture of you next to picture of Papa when he was boy and he looks like you!

Gramma is feeling much better and keeps going to her sewing room. She said that lots of birthdays are coming up and she has much to do before she leaves again. She is going to see you again. She says that she will bring me back some fresh boy smells and I can hardly wait.

Be a good boy and don't forget that I am here waiting for summer and your visit.

Your smelling dog, Wall-E

2011-02-10T17:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,
I am sad today. I am tired of the cold, cold weather. As if that isn't bad enough, Gramma is packing. She is leaving to go see Uncle Jeffy and Aunt Diane and the girls. And that is not all. She will get to see you, too.

Just look at Emmy standing in that cold, cold wind.

The really, really bad news is that I can't go! I am too tall! Gramma called the airline and they say that I have to be in a kennel that fits under the seat. That's not all. I have to be able to stand up and turn around inside the kennel. I am too tall. I even let Papa cut my nails and now I can't go. This is not fair!

Emmy agrees and she asked Gramma if the airline people know that I am your dog. She thinks if we tell them they should let me go.

Oscar just lay there hogging all the covers. I am so sad. Gramma promised that she would take lots of pictures and let me see you like that. It is not the same, but I suppose it will have to do.

Give Gramma lots of hugs and kisses for me, okay? I will be sending a bunch of kisses to you with Gramma. I can hardly wait for summer, my boy!

Your sad dog, Wall-E

Deep Snow

2011-02-03T20:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

Wow, have you seen all this snow? See me walking on top of the snow? Gramma says I have a nice light foot. I do not know about that, but I know that you have to step just right or you will fall in over your head!

See my tracks?

At first I tried to push my way out. This was not good idea. I got a little scared when my head went under. Gramma pulled me out and held me close. I think it scared her, too.

Gramma says that I might need a sled. I don't think so ............ you know how I feel about rides.

We won't be riding in Gramma's car any time soon!

This is all of us dogs waiting to go back inside. Gramma said we look like an oreo cookie with me in the middle. What is this oreo cookie she speaks of? Do I even want to know?

I hope you are safe and warm tonight, my boy. If you were here we could play in the snow together. Oscar and Emmy refuse to try walking on top of the snow with me. They are old, you know. I think we are all going to bed now.

Goodnight, my boy, I will be dreaming of you and a snow sled.

Your snow white dog, Wall-E

Good News

2011-01-27T09:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,
I have some news! Great news as far as I am concerned. That dog, Zeke, will be leaving here today! Things are not going too well between Zeke and Oscar. Not only that, I do not like this big dog at all. He wants to play with me, but he is too rough. I bit him a couple of times. I was really brave, cause Papa was holding me while I did this. But ................ last night was the worst night of all!

Last night was the first time that Papa was at work and Gramma had to get Zeke inside and handle him alone. He came in and things were going okay. He jumped up on the couch, even though Gramma told him "NO" and "DOWN". So, Gramma told him to sit and he did. He was on one side Of Gramma and Emmy and I were on the other side. Emmy was actually hiding underneath me. Oscar was on the floor. Gramma was petting Zeke and talking to him about our rules. She gave him a good scratch on his neck and he seemed to enjoy it. He gave Gramma a big sloppy kiss and she told him he was a good boy. She was still petting him when all of a sudden he stood up and lunged for ME! Yikes! I was taken totally off guard and I snapped at him. He leaned on Gramma and pinned her to the couch. She could not move! She only had one arm free and she was holding me with that arm. Emmy began crying and whimpering and Gramma was telling Zeke "NO, DOWN ZEKE, BAD, ZEKE!!" But Zeke did not listen and he started growling at me and baring his teeth! Oscar jumped onto the couch to protect us and Gramma finally pulled her other arm loose to push Zeke away and he bit Gramma!!

Can you believe this? Gramma was very upset. She grabbed me and Emmy into one arm and put us in her bedroom and closed the door, then she went and grabbed Oscar and came into her bedroom and closed the door. When Papa came home, that is where we were. Gramma's hand was hurting and she was upset. Zeke bit Gramma on her arthritis joint. He did not make her bleed and that was a good thing. Oh my boy, was Oscar ever mad! He said it is important to let Gramma tell us what to do, because she is the real boss around here. Papa and Gramma left us dogs in the bedroom and finally got Zeke in his kennel. Then all of us small dogs got back on the sofa with Gramma and Papa so we could listen to them talk. Gramma didn't say anything at first, but Papa said that Zeke would have to go. Gramma was sad for Zeke. His other person never taught him manners and he is used to having the run of the house. We have rules here. I have told you about them, right? Well, Gramma thinks that Zeke has learned too many bad habits and he is so big and so strong that Gramma can't teach him. Gramma and Papa were sad, but us dogs are sooooooooooo happy that he is going to live with someone else!!

Right now Zeke is in our back yard. See the picture of me in the parking lot? Can you see me against the snow? The snow is white and I am white. I could easily hide in the snow! Well, because Zeke is in our backyard, I am having to relieve myself in the parking lot! Oh, and you should see the back yard! That big dog has destroyed it!! He took the screen out of the window!!! Gramma is none too pleased with his shenanigans.

Inside was not much better. Do you see him standing on the table? That is strictly prohibited (that is a word that means you better not do it or you will be in big trouble). Gramma is still a little sad, though. She said that she wanted Zeke to have a good life, but that we are not the right family for him.

All I know is that I am in the right family and I am happy to see Zeke go live with another family. I have the best family of all! I have a family here in Missouri and I have family in Minnesota! And ........ I have the best boy in the whole world! Don't forget I love you the best!

Your happy dog, Wall-E

2011-01-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

Emmy here. Wall-E asked me to fill you in on this new dog, Zeke. Your Papa brought Zeke here to live with us today and let me tell you, so far it has been very unsettling!

Wall-E is just beside himself! Take a look at Gramma's computer ........... he is shedding all over it! Gramma says she will have to get the vacuum cleaner out again to take care of this shedding situation. It is very cold here, we are not supposed to shed our coats in winter.

Gramma says that Zeke is stressed, too and that we should be nice to him. Really, he hasn't been so very nice to me! He has stalked me all day and has managed to slime my whole body with his slobber. I am hoping that I will have a nice warm bath tonight before I go to bed. Gramma just changed the sheets on our bed, so we usually have our baths on the same day that she does this.

About those sheets ........ Gramma put them in a pile on the floor and I managed to hide from Zeke in them. I felt all safe and warm in the sheets that smelled like Gramma and Papa and Wall-E and Oscar and me. I don't recommend this hiding spot, though. I was almost put into the washing machine along with these sheets!! Good thing I am black and the sheets were white. Gramma saw me and took me out. Your dog Wall-E had a good laugh at my expense.

Zeke came complete with all of his toys and a kennel. Zeke would not stop getting on the couch. Gramma got the fly swatter and swatted him and told him "NO", but it did not seem to bother him at all. The rest of us know that when Gramma gets out the fly swatter that she has had enough and we had better behave. I say we, but I really mean Oscar and Wall-E. I rarely do things that annoy people. Really. I am almost perfect. My bad breath is the only negative thing about me. Ask anyone. But, back to the kennel. Papa put Zeke in his kennel so that he would stop jumping all over the furniture and Gramma. Gramma said she needed some peace.

Wall-E is watching that kennel to make sure Zeke does not escape as I sit here writing this letter to you. I must tell you that Wall-E is an exceptional watch dog. I rely on him a lot now that I am developing cataracts on my eyes. Oh, I can still see, but it looks a little fuzzy. Sometimes Wall-E and Oscar have to tell me what I am looking at. Gramma tells me that bloodhound have a fine sense of smell and that Zeke will soon be as protective of me as Oscar and Wall-E are. I am afraid he is going to step on me.

Wall-E was upset about the whole shedding thing, but I had to look close to even see his hair. Papa came inside and Gramma suggested that we let Zeke out of the kennel and take him outside for a bathroom break. Papa said he really didn't see the need, since Zeke pooped on the floor as soon as he brought him here. I thought Gramma would get really mad about that, but she said that Zeke was upset and disoriented and that she had expected it would happen. She did make Papa clean it up, though.

Oscar is handling this whole situation much better than Wall-E and I. He said that he would simply let Zeke know that he was in the boss. He has bitten Zeke a couple of times and Zeke backs away. Wall-E tried it, but his bark came out like a squeak. Maybe we should keep that part just between us, okay. I would like to take this opportunity to thank your mom for my steps! I use them all the time. Oscar still prefers jumping when Gramma is watching, but he uses them when he thinks no-one can see him.

Zeke went outside with Wall-E and Gramma was right, he did need to go out. He played with us a bit. Mainly he chased Wall-E in circles and tried to get under the coffee table! He conked his head and Gramma petted him and hugged him. Oscar and Wall-E did not like that. Wall-E is afraid that Gramma will love Zeke more than him. That is just silly, Gramma loves us all. Wall-E says that he feels bad because Zeke and Oscar and I are pedigreed and he is not. Pedigrees don't really matter all that much. I am not afraid of not being loved. I mean, just look at me, what's not to love!

Wall-E should be back to his old self soon and will write you with more updates on the new dog, Zeke. I know he is missing you today. He told me he wished his boy was here to hold him and keep him safe. Don't you worry, though, Gramma and Papa won't let anything happen to your dog!

Love, Emmy

Betrayed

2011-01-19T19:05:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

Just look at Papa with that other dog. Do you see this? I am quite indignant. Oscar told me this word to say. I was just going to say that I was kind of mad at Papa for bringing this dog into our house. Then I heard them talking about this dog living in our house and I was really upset. And , then, as if all this was not bad enough, Papa scolded me! He scolded me for not liking this dog! Me, his loyal companion. I keep Papa warm at night in his bed. I always sit near Papa when he is at home. He even said I was the best dog he ever had. Please don't tell the others, okay?

This dog is a bloodhound. I don't even know what that means. Gramma says he is just a puppy. I don't care for him at all, puppy or not. We were perfectly happy here without this new dog.

It happened this morning. I was sitting with Gramma while she drank her coffee and played with her computer. Gramma always plays with her computer while she has her coffee. Papa went outside and said he would be right back. Papa always goes outside in the morning. A little bit later we heard Papa's truck. Papa did not come in the door, though. He came in the store door. Gramma made me and Oscar go outside. She kept Emmy inside and we heard her bark for just a few minutes. Then she came and got just me, Oscar had to stay outside. She told me to be nice, that she wanted me to meet someone. I saw this dog looking into our house!!

Gramma took me into the store. I was so scared!! That dog was so big. I got myself under the table and stayed there. Oh, and I barked. A lot. Gramma got mad at me! She had to drag me out and then she put me in our house and took Oscar in to meet this big dog she called Zeke. So, I thought to myself, "Okay, Zeke, you are in for it now!" I knew Oscar would not be afraid to let this bloodhound know who was boss here. I sat right behind the door and waited to hear Oscar take this dog down ............... Nothing happened. Oscar liked this dog called Zeke! I have never felt so betrayed!

Gramma told Papa that she felt like things were going well and then she let Zeke into our house! I got on the back of the sofa so that I could be taller than a bloodhound and look down at Zeke. I quit barking, but I growled the whole time. This dog named Zeke did not seem to care what I did. I found that to be very annoying. It made me want to just bite him! As if that wasn't bad enough, Emmy told me to calm down and just ignore him.

Oscar started playing with this dog and running after his stupid ball. I refused to play, though. I was too mad. Oscar and Papa betrayed me, I tell you, and I wanted them to know. Gramma picked me up and she told me that she still loved me and she kissed my face. But she was tricking me, because then she sat down in thefloor and called Zeke over. He was all nice and calm, but I was still very mad and would noy be nice to him. Gramma scolded me and told me if I could not be nice that I would have to spend the afternoon in my kennel! What? She told me that she would put the door back on and lock me in! Gramma betrayed me, too!

The betrayal goes on, too. You will not believe it, but even Miss Yvonne betrayed me! Miss Yvonne tells Gramma to let me go in the store to see her and everybody else all the time. She said I was the best little dog ever. Then she comes in to meet this bloodhound, too. Just look at them all huggy. Betrayed, I tell you, they have all betrayed me. Even that cat just watched Zeke calmly and never hissed at him or anything. Betrayed by every single one!

I wish you were here, my boy. I know that you would not have been led to betray me by the good looks of this young bloodhound with his wrinkly sad face. Would you? No, of course not. Zeke went back home, but Gramma says that he will be coming to live with us next week. I don't know if I am going to like it, but I don't know for how long I can growl and bark. This has not been a real good day for me, my boy. Really, really bad day.

Your betrayed dog, Wall-E

2011-01-02T11:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

All of us dogs are resting. We had a very busy weekend. Gramma said it was a holiday celebration. Celebration? New Year? What is all this? Gramma and Papa and us dogs usually rest a lot when it is cold outside. When it is cold outside the campers stay home.

Emmy said to get ready for this celebration Gramma would be in one of her cleaning moods. She told me to be good and stay out of the way. I tried, I really did.

The sun came out and melted all that snow and it was warm outside!! I was excited to go out and play in the back yard. I asked Oscar to come out with me and chase the ball, but he said he wanted to take a nap. So, I went out all by myself. I ran and I ran. I picked up the ball and I put the ball down. I got bored. Then I saw it. The wind was blowing and Papa had been in the gate when the snow was on the ground. He did not shut the gate all the way. I went over to check it out. My head fit through and I was only going to look, really, I was. But when I looked I saw all the big open fields and I wanted to run. I couldn't help myself! I crawled out the little opening and I was free! The wind was blowing through my hair. I ran through the puddles left by the melted snow. I felt great, my boy, I was having the time of my life!

As I was exploring I noticed that some animals must have pooped when it was snowing and now the poop was all mushy and smelly. I knew better, my boy, I really did. I could not seem to control the urge to smear this all over my body. At first I was only going to smell it. Oh my, it was of the most delectable smell of girl dog!!!!!!!! I wanted to meet this dog! I was hoping that she would be nearby and be able to find me, so I smeared her poop all over me. you know, so she could smell me. But, before another dog found me, I heard my name. It was Gramma. She didn't sound mad. She just called out my name and said it was time to come in. I saw her and I ran as fast as I could to her. It is not a good thing to run away from Gramma. This is a rule at Gramma's house. Gramma explained to all of us dogs that big trucks and motor homes come into our kampground and it is not safe for us. Gramma loves us.

I ran to Gramma and when she saw me she was not happy. She reached down to pick me up. She wrinkled her nose and told me that I was a bad boy. She scrubbed me THREE times with my special shampoo. The whole time she was scrubbing she was using her words and scolding me. She picked me up and dried me off, then mopped all the floors in our house. Too bad I didn't let her know how bad my stomach hurt. I threw up on her floor. Oscar laughed and told me I was in the dog house. I don't get it.

All these people came to our house. They kept hugging each other and saying "Happy New Year".

Gramma wore this thing in her hair. She tried putting it on me. I did not like it.

Even Miss Yvonne wore one! She helped Gramma get everything ready for all the guests.

Gramma thought it would be a good idea for us dogs to stay in the back of the house for the party. She put this gate up and put our favorite blanket and dog bed back in her bedroom. We did not like it.

Emmy said, "Let's howl!" We did.

This is a picture of me helping Gramma show Crazy Tom and My Johnnie how to use the remote for the TV. They had lots of food out and I had a great time cleaning up crumbs! Some people even gave us whole bites of people snacks!

Emmy just likes to be held and there were lots of people to hold her. She got all glassy-eyed!

I think we should celebrate more. It was fun. What did you do? Did you celebrate? I will celebrate next time I see you, my boy!

Love, from your best dog, Wall-E

Sad For Rocky

2010-12-09T16:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,
Oscar and I sat on the back of the couch today while we waited for Gramma to come home. She had to go pick up her medicine and get supplies. I am not sure what supplies are, but she brought a lot of bags into the house. After she put most of the stuff away, she told all of us dogs to come sit with her on the couch.

Her eyes were all red and shiny. Emmy crawled into Gramma's lap and Oscar told me that he thought Gramma had been crying. She hugged all of us dogs together until we squirmed out of her arms, then she told us that Rocky had to leave your house and go stay somewhere else. She told us that he bit someone! Oscar wanted to know if someone had tried to hurt you or your mom, but Gramma said that was the strange part, because there was no reason for him to bite.

I am so sad that this happened to you, my boy. I was really beginning to like Rocky and I was happy that you had a big dog to play with you and protect you.

I will miss Rocky, too. Not as much as I miss you tonight. Gramma had to wipe the tears from my eyes. She had to wipe her eyes, too. We are both very sad for you, my boy. Gramma says that we will have to figure out a way to get me on the plane with her when she goes to your house in the spring. She tells me that if I will be very good and lay very still in a very small kennel that we might be able to take me on board as a carry-on. I am not sure what a carry-on is, but I am willing to behave to be able to see you.

Be a brave boy tonight. I am thinking about you and sending you all the best thoughts that I have. Don't forget that I love you and that you are the very best boy a dog could have.

I love you! Your faithful dog, Wall-E

It Is Good To Be Home......

2010-12-02T12:11:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

Finally! I am finally rested enough to write my letter to you. Gramma always says that traveling is tiring and now I believe her! Poor Gramma is sick since we came home. I admit that us dogs like it when Gramma is not feeling too good, cause she lets us sit with her on the couch. Papa built a fire and Gramma has some blankets for her and us dogs to snuggle under. She is drinking hot tea ............. I took a lick when she wasn't looking and honestly don't know why anyone would want to drink it. She says it makes her throat feel better, but it just burned my tongue. I won't be drinking anything with the word "hot" in front of it!

We got to your house after driving all day long in the car. If you will remember, I don't enjoy rides, but Papa put my kennel in the car and Gramma put us dog's favorite blanket in the dryer and had it all nice and warm for us. It was cold and raining and I slept most of the time.

On Thanksgiving morning, while Papa and your mom went to the store (Gramma forgot our food!!), you dressed like a Pilgrim and gave us dogs some treats. That was fun! You made sure that I got my treat and Rocky didn't take it from me. You are, after all, my boy. You always will be, you know.

We had to get back in the car and went to see Layla and Gage .............. and that giant dog, Georgie. Emmy tells me that Louise was a big dog like Georgie. I never met Louise, but this dog called Georgie scared me! I growled at her, I was so scared. She acted like she was scared of me!

Boy, she is big! Really big. Even her feet are big. Her mouth is big. My whole head would fit in her big mouth. I stayed close to Papa while you played with Layla. Just in case this Georgie girl was hungry. Emmy says that she used to sleep on Louise's paw. I don't think I want to try that!

As long as Papa's arm was around me I knew I was okay.

Oscar kept watch on the other side of Papa.

We stayed in the kennel a lot. It was safe in there.

It was like being in jail!! At Maya's house, there were lots of people and us dogs could smell delicious food. Gramma told us to stay put so she could help out in the kitchen. She told me later that Gramma Barb and Diane had everything under control and all she did was snack and talk! Can you believe she just left us there?

Baby Zara woke up from her nap and came for a visit. There are cats here at this house, but Zara told us dogs she really hoped that Santa would bring her a puppy! I like Zara. She was petting me and talking to me.

I think Baby Zara wanted to go home with us! She did not want to come out of our kennel. Her big sisters told her to come out, but she would not!

Maya held the door open and you crawled in to get me! Gramma and Papa were laughing at you. Us dogs were, too.

The next day everybody came to your house and Rocky got too excited and had to stay in his kennel. His kennel is big! He is big, too. He is not as big as Georgie. I am not afraid of Rocky anymore. I let him know that you were my boy first and now we play together. I am glad that he is there to help your mom take care of you. He told me that he would attack any body who dared to bother you and your mom. I like that.

Emmy likes Jada. I think Layla must have taught her how to hold Emmy very carefully. She did a good job!

Maya played with me and Oscar after Rocky was put in his kennel. She was afraid of Rocky, but not us.

After everybody left on our last night, Rocky gave us a show with one of his toys.

We all watched a movie while your mom gave Papa a pedicure. Gramma put her camera away and packed all of our stuff up .................. then she lay down on the floor and your dog, Rocky, lay down next to Gramma and put his head on her shoulder! Emmy's eyes grew wide and Oscar sniffed. I thought it was okay, cause I slept with you that night.

I was truly torn the next morning. Papa called my name and I looked out from the warm covers of your bed. He said that it was time to go home. He picked me up and then he went to get my lead. I scrambled back under the covers ............... I wanted to stay. I wanted to stay with you, my boy. You were warm. Papa's coat was cold. I was sleepy and I wanted to just go back to sleep and stay in bed with you. You are my boy and I love you. But, then I heard Papa call my name again. I love Papa, too. If I stayed with you, who was going to take care of Papa? He is getting older, you know and I keep him warm at night. If I stayed with you, who would play ball with Oscar? Who would watch out for Emmy when she went outside? Not to mention Gramma. Gramma sometimes calls me Sarge. That is the name of her dog that died and she says that I have his soul living in me. She really needs me, too. She is not so young herself, you know. I keep her warm when she is not feeling good. They all need me.

So, you can see that I had to come home with them. Who would write letters to you if I stayed?

Your thoughtful dog, Wall-E

What Is In A Name?

2010-11-10T12:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

Gramma and I were looking through the pictures on the computer and we found one of the evil calico cat. You remember her, don't you? This is the cat that attacked poor Smokey. Gramma failed in her attempt to get this cat to live somewhere else, probably because Papa was feeding her. He even named her ........... Marbles. Gramma wrinkled her nose at this name and asked Papa what he was thinking. He said that he thought that all the different colors of her fur looked like marbles to him. Gramma said that her name should be Callie, the Calico. Well, that is if we were going to let her live here.

This cat with two names seemed to calm down and stop fighting with Smokey. Us dogs were not convinced, though. This calico cat began rubbing against Gramma's legs and sitting in Gramma's lap. She would even purr loudly. But poor Smokey was sad. She was still afraid of this calico cat. She was growing thin and Gramma had to put her food on the other side of the porch. This calico cat took over Smokey's bed and her food dish!

But, that is not the end of the story of this calico cat. This cat with two names decided to never leave the front porch. She ate there, she slept there, she laid in the sunshine there and she decided to make the porch her bathroom, too. Gramma would open the front door and the smell would come right into our house!! Gramma was mad!! Gramma had to scub down the whole front porch with bleach and some other stuff that smelled like pine trees. Us dogs heard her talk to the cat with two names and warn her that she would not be happy if she had to do this cleaning again. But, the calico cat did not listen and Gramma cleaned again and again ...............

Then, it happened! Callie, the Calico Cat pooped on Gramma's table on the front porch!! Us dogs gathered at the window to see what would happen to the cat that Papa called Marbles. Gramma called Papa and told him to report to the front porch immediately. We heard Papa come up in the golf cart (Papa is not a walking person, you know). He asked Gramma what was wrong and she told him that the cat with two names had sealed her fate. "What does she mean?" I asked Oscar. Oscar wasn't sure, but said that it would not be good for the calico cat with two names. Papa asked Gramma what she wanted him to do and Gramma told Papa that the cat must go for a ride. Us dogs all looked at each other and wondered why this bad cat would get a treat! Turns out that Papa took the calico cat to a new home away from our home. Honestly, us dogs were glad!

These dogs live here in our kampground with one of Gramma's friends. These were all rescue dogs. They all had names when Miss Yvonne got them. Gramma said that it is funny that their names all sound alike. They are Frank, Tango and Tank. Tank is the big one. I can see why his name is Tank ..... he is really big. Frank is Frank the Pug. Apparently he is named after a dog in a movie. But Tango .............. do you suppose he dances?

This dog is named Willy and his people own a garage ............ and they call it Willy's Garage! So, instead of naming the dog after something, they named their business after their dog!

Wow, this turned into a long letter! I think I might need a little nap now. I will be dreaming about my name. You named me, right? When I come to see you, maybe you will tell me the story behind my name, okay? I am counting the days until this holiday called Thanksgiving ...... are you?

Your curious dog, Wall-E

Other Dogs

2010-11-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

I guess you know that other dogs are here in our park. I see them from my window. Well, I call it my window, but Gramma says that it is her window. Can you believe that she got angry with me because I accidentally got some nose prints on the window? Gramma said it was dog snot. Oscar told me what this stuff called snot is and I want to say that I am not sick and I cannot help it if my nose is always wet. She should worry if my nose is not wet!!

But this is not about my nose today. Gramma lets me see some of these dogs that visit our park on the weekends and some that just pass through. Gramma says that most of our kampers have dogs and that they love just like she loves us dogs here at our house. Gramma even told me that she thinks there is something wrong with people who don't like dogs! I think she is right about this.

This is Cooper. He is just a pup and he won't get very big ....... like Emmy. He belongs to Miss Nan. She is a good friend of Gramma's. He barely makes any noise, he just likes to sit in his person's lap ........... or any body's lap.

I must confess that I am not fond of this picture. Papa looks all lovesick over this dog called Cooper. I hope he is not thinking about loving another dog!! I do not think I would like this too much. Oscar reminded me that I was once new. I wonder if Oscar and Emmy were jealous of me.

This is a puppy that was just here for a weekend. I don't know his name. Gramma says that he will be a big dog when he finishes growing.

This little dog had some big eyes!! Her person bought a harness and leash from Gramma. I think her person looks like her, don't you?

These two pups belong to Mr. Rich and Miss Sue. They are new, too. They are Bonnie and Clyde. Bonnie is the girl and she is brindle like your dog, Rocky. Clyde is the boy and he has a white mask on his face. Gramma tells me that these pups have grown to be three times bigger than they were when she first saw them! I wonder just how big Bonnie and Clyde will be! They are brother and sister dogs. Oscar and Emmy aren't. They are husband and wife dogs. This is all very confusing to me.

Gramma likes Clyde the best. She says he is quite handsome. What do you think?

I am sitting here in Gramma's lap as I write this to you. I think I mentioned that Gramma changed the furniture around and now she sits in a chair. She used to sit on the love seat. I liked the love seat better. All of us dogs could find a spot near Gramma on this love seat. When we are in the chair we have to take turns or sit on top of each other! Why did she do this thing called moving furniture around? I hope your mom isn't moving the furniture.

I will be coming to see you soon. Papa says we will be going to your house for Thanksgiving! I am excited. Oscar says he isn't all that thrilled to be going to your house and sharing space with Rocky. But, he goes where ever Gramma goes. So do I. So does Emmy. So does Papa. That is just the way it is. We all love Gramma and want her to be happy.

Gramma says her legs are numb from holding me and I am ready to go outside and chase the ball with Oscar. He is getting old and fat, so I am helping Gramma keep him in shape. I will see you very soon, my boy.

Your helpful dog, Wall-E

I'm Back!!!!!!

2010-10-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,
Last time I was able to write to you was before you came to see me and that was almost 3 months ago! Gramma was so mad at blogger because she could not log on. I really don't know what that means. Looks like Gramma doesn't know either! I made a joke. Oscar says I am too smart for my pants. He is getting old and must need to have his eyes checked, cause I don't wear pants.

Here you are in Papa's truck. Gramma lets me look at your picture a lot. I miss you, you know.

I have to admit that I was afraid of your new dog, Rocky. He really liked Papa, didn't he?

My most favorite part of my visit with you was sleeping next to my boy! I guess it was okay that Rocky was in the bed, too. I would have preferred having you all to myself, but Gramma told me that it was a sign of growing up that I was able to share. She told me that she was proud of me for being such a good dog while Rocky was here.

I feel the need to apologize for the behaviour of Oscar and Emmy. I was so scared when I heard Oscar attack Rocky! I couldn't believe he would try to take on such a big dog. I think I have mentioned before that Oscar is not afraid of anything. Still, though, Gramma had talked to all of us before you arrived and warned Oscar to be on his best behaviour. He said he just wanted Rocky to know who was boss. I kind of expected him to do that, but I was surprised that Emmy was so hostile. I had never seen her hair stand so high! At least she did not try to bite him. I am sorry that I disgraced myself when I actually saw him for the first time. I had gone out to pee just before you arrived and did not think it could happen!

Gramma says she is having a bad day today. She was sewing for awhile, but she said she broke a needle on her machine and decided to do something else. She came in here with us dogs and started moving furniture. Us dogs hate it when she does that! She gets the vacuum cleaner out and I really hate that thing. It makes noise when she turns it on, but it will make a screaming noise if it grabs one of my toys ............... and it did. Gramma was not all that happy when she had to pull the toy off the vacuum. Then when she was going to put the toy in my kennel, she bent down and grabbed her nose!! She said my kennel smelled wretched. What? I do not know why she would say such a thing!

Then, of course she pulled everything out of my kennel. I sort of hid behind the chair while she was doing this. I have lots of toys, that is true. But, it is also true that I like to hide things in my kennel. Gramma took the door off the front of my kennel when I moved here. She said that I needed my kennel, so that when I was feeling lonely for my boy I would have a place to go that smelled like you. After today, I can assure everyone that it will not smell like my boy anymore! Gramma told Papa that it smelled like a cross between wet dog and smelly feet. She washed everything, even my toys! She threw away all my treasures, too. I had been collecting things that Papa leaves on the coffee table. Things like candy wrappers and napkins and paper towels. I even had some sticks that come in those delicious things called popsicles. Gramma scolded me and said that my kennel was not a garbage can. A garbage can is where you throw stuff away and I was not throwing these things away! Then she found my real treasure ........... did you know you left a pair of shoes here?

You left a pair of tennis shoes. They smell like your feet. I like the smell of your feet. I even rolled my body all over these shoes of yours. Gramma told me that your shoes smell like sweaty feet. I like sweaty feet. Gramma does not. Not only did Gramma wash everything in the kennel and the kennel itself, now she says us dogs will have to have a bath tonight! What is it with Gramma and her nose??

Just thinking about this bath makes me tired. I must go nap before this bath. Emmy says she looks forward to a nice warm bath. She even lets Gramma use a blow dryer and comb on her fur. That is just wrong, don't you think? Oscar says he is disappointed in me for causing this bath to happen. I guess I will be clean next time I write to you, my boy. I am missing you today.

Your dirty dog, Wall-E

Gophers!

2010-06-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,
You are not going to believe this! Gophers have invaded us dog's yard!! I do not know what this animal called a gopher is, but, I do know that Gramma and Papa do not like them. Papa went to town and bought some gopher bombs. I was very concerned about this. Aren't bombs used to blow things up? Gramma told Papa that if he scared the gophers out of the far field that they might just try to come closer ......... and that is exactly what happened.

Seems that these gophers like to dig tunnels under the lawn and then pop out where ever they choose. They leave little piles of dirt where they tunnel and then the ground above the tunnel is soft and feels funny when you walk on it. Gramma is none too happy about the evidence of gophers in our yard. She said it made mowing harder and that these little thieves are getting way to close to her vegetable garden. She said the little rodents better not start making tunnels there!

Well, today Emmy started digging and when I asked her what she was doing she said she was going to put a stop to this tunnel nonsense once and for all. Emmy is very brave, I tell you! She is planning on a trip into the tunnel!! I was quite frightened for her well being and started to bark excitedly. This alerted Gramma and she came out and saw what Emmy was doing. I am afraid that my actions caused Emmy to get into trouble with Gramma. Gramma scolded her and told her to stop this very instant. Emmy dug a little more and then Gramma used her stern voice. Emmy came in. She was very hot and thirsty with her tongue hanging out and then Gramma saw Emmy's paws.

Emmy paws were caked with mud and grass clippings. Gramma was really unhappy about that. I have a feeling that Emmy will be having a bath before bedtime. Gramma reminded Emmy that she had just had a manicure. I am not sure what that is. Does it hurt? Will she have to get another one? Gramma went back into the store.

Emmy told Oscar that she had made good headway into the gopher hole and that he should continue a little farther next time he went out. He agreed that this would be the right thing to do. Then he told her that she was smaller and that she would have to go down the gopher hole and GET THE GOPHER! I looked at them both and asked what in the world they were thinking. Emmy is old and she has had back surgery! Suppose her back goes into a spasm and she is in that tunnel and can't get out? I am so worried about this, I will not be able to sleep a wink.

I have decided that I must go out every time either of them do and bark and bark to alert Gramma. I must stop this kidnapping of the gopher. Do gophers bite? Never mind I do not want to find out! Oscar said I was just a nervous Nellie. Great, now I need to find out what a Nellie is.

I will be so glad when you get here with Rocky. I hope that Rocky will be able to help me keep Emmy safe from this gopher.

Your nervous dog, Wall-E

I Heard A Rumor.........

2010-06-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,
Gramma has been outside lately more than she has been inside! She is always pulling up weeds! Sometimes she has ants crawling on her when she comes in and once us dogs even saw a tick in her hair!! Us dogs offered to let her use our tick medicine, but she grabbed that tick and smooshed him between her fingernails until she heard a satisfying click. We were all impressed. Us dogs do this with our teeth when we catch the little varmints in our fur. I was really surprised that Gramma knew how to do this.

Your mom called Gramma and asked for Aunt Debbie's phone number. First she told Gramma that you were not coming here to see us this summer. Gramma was all sad and said that she was missing you and she also told your mom that I would be really upset. But after she gave your mom Aunt Debbie's number she knew it was all a trick. Gee, does your mom really think she can outsmart Gramma? Gramma whispered in my ear and told me that she knew in her heart that you would be coming to see us. Gramma knows these things.

Gramma has been weeding the gardens because you are coming. I do not know why. Your mom will not be impressed and I doubt that you will care about the gardens, so why is she doing this? She keeps mumbling about the dirt that Papa brought her. She said it was bad dirt and that she had asked for clean dirt. Oscar says that is a contradiction of terms. I don't even want to know what that means. I am confused though ........ how can dirt be clean? Emmy thinks that it has something to do with weeds and Papa said that he thought he was bringing her some wildflowers. I guess Papa was confused, too. Gramma threw all those on a burn pile.

So, your mom called Gramma back and wanted to know why Aunt Debbie didn't answer her call and why Papa wasn't answering his phone. Gramma told her that Aunt Debbie would call her back if she left a message and probably didn't recognize her number. Then she told her that Papa was probably on the tractor or the mower or was using some loud tool. So, your mom said that she was trying to surprise Gramma and come on Gramma's birthday. See ............ Gramma was right. I tell you, Gramma knows everything!

Our cat Smokey is feeling a lot better. Aunt Debbie checked her over today and found that one of the cuts on her chin was not healing, so she put some medicine on it. Smokey didn't even scratch Gramma while she held her, so she must know that Aunt Debbie and Gramma are trying to help her. Emmy saw this and offered to go lick the wounds again, but Gramma wants the medicine to stay on for a while.

I am really excited to know when you will be here. I can count the days now and get everything ready. I will get to meet your new dog, Rocky. I like the way that sounds. Rocky and Gavin. Gavin and Rocky. No, I like Gavin and Wall-E better. Gavin, Wall-E and Rocky. Okay, that works; as long as my name comes before his. Oscar says that he is not looking forward to a visit from Rocky. He says that he plans to let Rocky know right away that he is the boss of all of the dogs in this house. This does not sound good. I hope he isn't planning to fight. That will make me very nervous and I will no doubt disgrace myself and pee on the floor if this happens. Emmy has been talking to Oscar about his behaviour towards other dogs and I am hoping she will be able to persuade him to play nice.

I will go now and dream about you, my best boy, my only boy. Don't forget that I loved you first!

Your dog, Wall-E

Poor Smokey

2010-06-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,
I have a sad and scary story to tell you. Remember that gray cat that lives on Gramma's front porch? Remember, I told you that I was afraid of her a long time ago? Well, I am not afraid anymore. She is okay, she never bothers us dogs and she will even share her food with us if Gramma is not looking. (Gramma says that cat food is not good for us, but I think the real reason she doesn't want us to have it is because it makes us have diarrhea.) Gramma says that Smokey, the cat, came with the campground and that she is a very old lady. She used to catch her own food. Cats eat mice and birds. Personally I find that to be just a little disgusting, But, I am not a cat. All I know is that Gramma buys cat food and Aunt Debbie brings cat treats and I find both to be very tasty.

But, this is not about food. Okay, maybe a little bit. Not too long ago Gramma spotted a calico cat here in the campground. This cat is not friendly at all. Aunt Debbie has tried to lure the cat to her with treats and Gramma has tried to pet her while she eats out of Smokey's bowl, but this cat will just run away. I myself, had an encounter with this calico cat. I was quite excited to see her in our golf cart one evening and yelped in delight. This calico cat took off running. I thought she wanted to play with me and see how fast I could run. Gramma says that I was a white blur as I chased this calico cat. Gramma was not pleased with my antics and Papa caught me and brought me inside ......... but that is another story.

Last week Gramma went outside with her coffee to admire her gardens and feed Smokey. She came back inside and woke Papa. She sounded very worried. She told Papa there was a lot of Smokey's fur and blood on the front porch! When she said blood, us dogs sat up and paid attention. Who would do such a thing? Oscar was enraged and told us that Smokey is our cat and we must find out who did this to her!

She was laying in her litter box! She had bite marks on her neck and ears. Gramma picked her up very gently and held her. She told Papa that Smokey was trembling. Papa was looking for a gun!! Gramma said that calico cat did this to our cat and she wants that calico cat to go live somewhere else. Papa said he would shoot the calico cat and it would not need a place to live anymore. What? I am confused. If you get shot, you get a special place to live? I have had shots at the vet and I still live here. What is he talking about? I looked at Oscar and Emmy and asked what Papa meant by this. They looked back at me with very scared eyes and told me that Papa was talking about killing this calico cat! Gramma started laughing. Why was this killing of a cat funny to her? Your Gramma is a very complicated person, I tell you. Then when Gramma could speak she asked Papa why he thought he could shoot a very fast cat if he couldn't shoot a muskrat in the pond. I really don't know what she meant by that, do you?

Gramma told Papa to forget the gun, that she would take care of the situation. She said she didn't want the cat dead, just gone. She said that she could make this cat not want to live here at our campground. Papa said that if anyone could do that, Gramma could. Oscar explained to me that Gramma can make your life very nice and that she can also make your life miserable. I think I know what he means. When Gramma is unhappy with me she will not hold me or give me treats and I am miserable. But, she doesn't ever hold this calico cat and never gives her treats. So, what will Gramma do to make this calico cat be miserable enough to leave our campground?

Gramma keeps this can on her desk. Emmy says it is to kill wasps and hornets. They sting and it hurts really bad, so I can see why she would keep this can handy. She showed this can to Papa and told him she would spray that calico cat every time she saw her. Papa laughed at Gramma and asked her how she would be able to get close enough. Gramma told Papa that this can will shoot a stream of wasp poison to a target 20 feet away. Papa was impressed. Gramma told Papa that she keeps it on her desk to have handy in case some mean person should try to attack her when she is alone. She told Papa that this wasp poison can blind a person and will even kill mice and snakes. Us dogs were impressed. Gramma is a very smart lady! She reads a lot, you know.

You will be happy to know that Gramma has already zapped that mean calico cat once. Every time that cat sees Gramma she runs as fast as she can. Gramma sent Papa to the store to get more of those cans of wasp poison. She says that we need to keep these cans handy and zap this crazy calico until she finds it impossible to live here in our campground and moves on. Sounds like a good plan to me.

Smokey is much better, thanks to the loving attention of Gramma and Emmy. Smokey went into the back yard where us dogs live when we are outside. Emmy found her and cleaned all her wounds while Oscar and I stood guard. If that calico cat dares to enter I will chase and tackle her to the ground. Oscar will take over from there while I hold her down and Emmy protects Smokey. We take of our family! I will take care of you, my boy, and your new dog, Rocky! Do not be afraid to visit. I will not let that calico cat near either of you!

Your brave dog, Wall-E

Happy Birthday Gavin!!

2010-06-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,
You are 6 years old today!! Gramma said I should learn to sing a song, a special birthday song. I will sing it to you when you come here to my house. I am practising. Oscar said I need a lot more practice. Gramma told him to be nice.

Emmy was going to show me how. Gee, I hope I don't sound like her! It hurt my ears. But, I don't want to hurt her feelings. Don't tell her I said that, okay. She is very kind to me when Oscar is not being nice.

I am sad that I can't see you today on your birthday. I am thinking about you and missing you. Did you change a lot when you turned 6 years old? I hope not. I heard your voice on that phone when you were talking to Gramma tonight. You still sound like my boy. Do you still look like my boy?

Gramma and Papa have a gift for you. I wish I could give you a gift. Emmy says that I could give you a kiss and Oscar says that I could do a new trick for you. I think that I will do both! I love you and I miss you a lot, especially on your special day!

Your first dog, Wall-E

2010-06-02T19:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,
I have so much to tell you! Gramma has been so busy that she has been neglecting my writing. I will forgive her, because I have been watching her work and let me tell you, she works hard! We have just finished our first big holiday of the season. Us dogs are already in the groove. We don't even bother to bark at all the people ..... or the dogs. Gramma says that I am a fast learner.

Look at this dog! I think he may be the driver of the big motor home. Gramma called him a poodle. He is white like me, but his hair is very curly. Emmy wondered if he had had a perm. What is a perm?

Us dogs like to sit on the back of the chair and watch the people walk their dogs. Oscar says it is like a live movie. This black dog is a pug. He has short black hair just like Oscar's. Oscar says he is not nearly as handsome as he is, though.

I saw these two dogs and Gramma said they were boxers! "Come closer!" I yelped, but they kept walking. I really wanted to see them. When Oscar and I went out in our yard we found a loose board on the fence. Papa had the big fire hose running out to the pool to put water in it. Oscar said it would be okay, so we went out into the park. We met up with another dog named Oscar. He did not look at all like Oscar! He belongs to one of the seasonal campers. We recognized his bark. We were about to explore some more, but Papa found us and brought us back to Gramma. She was way too busy to punish us and she didn't even get mad! She did scold Papa for not securing our fence, though. She said we could have been hurt. Gramma loves us dogs.

Gramma said that yesterday was your Mom's birthday. I heard her tell someone that your mom was her baby. What? Gramma is a Mom? I thought she was a Gramma. Just a Gramma. This is very confusing to me. Gramma tried to explain it all to me, but I just don't get it. How can your Mom be Gramma's baby? She is bigger than Gramma. I have seen her stand next to Gramma and I tell you, she is bigger. Emmy tried to tell me that all of her puppies grew to be bigger than her, too! This is amazing to me. I will have to think about this and we will talk when you come to see me. Are you going to be bigger than your Mom?

My head hurts from thinking! Gramma tells me that you are playing baseball. I bet I could help you play! I am there for you ....... I have never played baseball, but I know how to catch a ball. I will dream of you and me running with a ball in the grass while I sleep tonight. I am getting pretty sleepy sitting here in Gramma's lap. Don't forget that I love you and you will always be my best boy!

Your faithful dog, Wall-E

2010-05-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,
I am sad today. Gramma told me that you have a new dog in your life. Papa held me while I was sad. He told me that he would be so sad if I went away.........
I must admit, that I felt better after Papa held me. But, Papa went to work and Gramma had to go to the grocery. Gramma let me be in charge of us dogs while she was gone and it wasn't even my turn! Even Oscar and Emmy are being extra nice to me today! Emmy didn't tell on me when I tackled her in the yard and Oscar played ball with me after the rain stopped.

Gramma tells me that your new dog is a boxer and his name is Rocky. I don't know if I have ever met a boxer before. Gramma says that he is a big dog. I am a little dog. He is brown brindle and I am white. We are both dogs, but we are different. Gramma says that Rocky likes you a whole lot. I do, too; so I guess we are alike.

Gramma showed me this picture from the ad that your mom saw when she found your new dog. It is hard to tell from this picture if he is nice. Your mom says that he is. I am not worried. I know your mom would never let a mean dog near you. I think she loves you almost as much as I do!

I will be here at Gramma's house waiting patiently to meet your new dog. Your mom tells Gramma that he is a good rider. I don't like to ride, so I am glad that you will be coming here. I just hope that you won't forget all about me. Gramma tells me that you won't. I think I will have to see you again to know for sure. Just remember............ I was your very first pet.

Love, Wall-E

2010-05-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,
I was watching TV and minding my own business, when I learned that it was Mother's Day. I was stunned! Mothers have their very own day? Emmy tells me that there is also a Father's Day! Is there a dog's day? Oscar laughed at me. I was serious, though. Is there a dogs day? And if there isn't, why not?

For Mother's Day Papa gave Gramma a lawnmower. That is what she asked for. Emmy says that Gramma is practical. Gramma likes useful things. She mowed our yard inside the fence. She said the new mower did a fine job and was easier to start and to push. Us dogs checked it out when she was done. We rolled around in the grass and my hair turned a little green. I was kind of worried that we have to have another bath, but Oscar assured me that we were safe since Gramma just put our flea and tick stuff on us. He was right. Gramma scolded me a little, but then she kissed me on the head. I like it when she does that.

I hope you remembered to give your mom an extra kiss on this Mother's Day. Moms like that, you know. Gramma says that we all need to go out one last time and go to bed. Good night, my boy. I am thinking of you as I go to sleep.

Forever your dog, Wall-E

Doggles.........WHY?

2010-05-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,
We went for a ride in that golf cart that Papa gave to Gramma. It was a beautiful, sunny day and Gramma said she had a surprise for me. She said she wanted to protect my eyes......... Oscar started to chuckle............ then he hid. Emmy got under her blanket. Do they know something I don't?

I thought she had a nice treat, then she put this thing on my head and over my eyes. Everything went dark!!

I do not like this, no, I do not!! And, if that wasn't enough, she said we were going for a ride. I don't know if you know this, but I really do not enjoy rides. I get a little queasy as the scenery flashes by and feel the need to hide my face in Gramma's neck.Is that what this contraption on my head is for?

I finally pushed them up on my head. I look ridiculous!! But, I have to admit that the sun wasn't quite so bright with these things called doggles on........

Papa rescued me and held me while I told Oscar and Emmy about my ordeal. They laughed!! I wish you were here, you wouldn't laugh......... would you?

I think I need to go have a long nap now. I am traumatized! She made me have a bath last night, too. Really, really traumatized!

I am counting the days until I see you, my boy!

Your traumatized (I like this new word!!) dog, Wall-E

Mixed Feelings

2010-04-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

I was sitting with Gramma today when the phone rang. I will confess that I was listening to everything she said. Emmy tells me that this is a very rude habit and is commonly referred to as eavesdropping. All I know is that if she didn't want me to listen, then she should have gone to another room. Hey, I was right beside her!

I could hear your mom on the phone. She talks loud, you know. I couldn't hear what she said, but I knew it was her. Gramma got a sort of sad look on her face and she put her hand on me and patted me while she was listening. Then she said, "Well, I don't know. What if he is unhappy there?". Then she looked at Papa and told him that my boy wants his dog back. They were talking about me!! I was really excited to hear this and my tail started wagging. I thought this was a great idea.

Papa said, "No way!" I got worried. Why didn't Papa want me to go live with my boy? Then Gramma told your mom that Papa would be so sad without me. She said that I wait up for Papa every night and sleep right next to him. I do. I love Papa. Now I am confused and sad. If I go live at your house I will miss Papa! I will miss Gramma! I will miss Oscar and Emmy! I will get to be with you, though. Oscar says that this is a true dilemma.

Gramma talked to your mom and told her that I would go back to live with you, but that I would need a companion. I hope this is not a shot or some kind of medicine. Emmy explained that Gramma was talking about another dog or cat to keep me company and play with me. Your mom told Gramma that if she got another dog that she might as well leave me here and just get you another dog. I don't know how I feel about that. Does this mean you won't be my boy anymore?

I remember that I told you I would be upset if you got another dog. I think I have had time to reconsider this notion. I will always be your very first dog. Gramma tells me that a boy's first pet always holds a special place in his heart. She also told me that when you get a new dog I will have a new friend! I will get to teach your new dog all the things he or she should know when you come to see me.

I will still write letters to you and wait patiently for you to come see me. I admit that I am a little sad that I am not moving back to Minnesota to be with you....... well I was until I remembered that you live upstairs in an apartment and that I would have to have a leash on every time I needed to go out. I really like being able to just run to the back door and go out in my own yard. Makes life simple, you know. Oscar tells me that I will have mixed feelings until I see you and know that you are happy with a new dog. He told me that although he wasn't exactly thrilled when he learned that I would be living here, he has grown used to me and would be sad to see me go. Really, I think he would miss me a lot!

I must go now. I hear Papa's key in the door and I must run to greet him. Papa says that I am the best present anyone ever gave him! Now he is talking in riddles like Gramma! I will be waiting to hear about your new dog, my boy.

Your #1 dog, Wall-E

Mondays Are Not Fun

2010-04-12T07:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

I don't like Mondays, do you? Gramma says we need to write to you today. I know I do.......... I am thinking............ and thinking........

I got nuthin'! I am thinking I need to nap........ but, I just got up. Gramma says to get my act together and get my letter done. She says she has a date with a paint brush. Now, I am just confused. I wish she would just say what she means. I think she is going to go outside and paint on that fence around the pool again.

"Hey, Oscar, what can I write about?"

Say that again and don't mumble this time!! I can't hear you! Oh, you want me to leave you alone. Gee, you don't have to be so mean, I asked nicely. Go back to sleep.

Emmy says to tell you about the weekend and all the dogs we saw. Oh, yeah, I had forgotten. Us dogs saw a lot of new dogs out the window. We even saw Gramma pet some of them. Oscar gets quite indignant when he sees this happen. Emmy and I just wait until she comes in to smell all the new smells.

We saw Gramma petting two black dogs while she talked to their person. I couldn't hear everything she said, but I did hear her tell the boy dog that he was very handsome! She never says that to me. She tells me I am her homely fella and that I am a love. That is better, right? Anyway, she did not have her camera. These dogs are called Schnauzers. They had all black hair and really big eyebrows hanging down. I think I prefer not having hair in my eyes! I like to be able to see all around me. Gramma says that I am curious and want to know everything.

We also saw a miniature Greyhound! I have some Greyhound friends in blogland! That dog was little, though and my friends are tall and majestic. I was very confused until Gramma explained that miniature meant small. Oh, I get it! That dog I saw was like a little version of my friend, Bunny! I may be homely, but I am smart....... Gramma said so. That little dog I saw was walking with her person and she jumped up into her person's arms. I could do that, I think. Gramma must have read my mind, though, because she looked me in the eye and said, "Don't even think about it, mister!". She says that she has enough aches and pains without me adding to it. I don't know why she doesn't want to learn tricks with me. I will wait until you come and you and I will do some tricks.

Aunt Debbie came, but she didn't bring Kiley. I was kind of sad about that. Maybe next weekend. Gramma says that there is still a lot of work to do. She only called me into the store one time to meet some people. I like to do that. All the people say how cute I am and they pet me. One lady said I was adorable. I licked her hand. As much fun as that was, I would still rather see you, my boy.

I will nap now, while Gramma goes out to paint her fence. I will be seeing you in my dreams. Don't forget that you are my boy and I love you.

Your sleepy dog, Wall-E

I Wanted To Go!!

2010-04-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,
I am very upset with Gramma and Papa! I heard Gramma telling someone on the phone that she was going to the airport to see you. Does she think I can't hear her?

All day yesterday she was busy in the kitchen. She kept telling us dogs to move while she was making all kinds of yummy stuff. She let me have a lick of something sweet that she called cupcakes. She said that if you were here in her house she would have let you lick the beaters, so she let me have a lick for you. Because you are my boy. I was not too happy about the noise that mixer makes, but Oscar says that noise means that Gramma is baking a treat. Emmy says that if you stay close and watch carefully that something might drop to the floor and if you are quick you can scoop it up with your tongue. Oscar prefers to wait for Gramma to give something to Papa to try .......... he always makes good crumbs. Oh, I get it!! This is why Gramma calls us dogs her little vacuum cleaners ........... we clean up the mess that Papa makes. Maybe she should call Papa "Job Security" for us dogs!

After Gramma finished all the cooking she put all the food and some paper plates and forks and all kinds of stuff in a big bag ............. and they left!! She was in such a hurry that she forgot to tell us which one of us was in charge. I guess you know that Oscar decided it should be him, cause he is the oldest. I was so sad that I didn't care. We took a vote and it was unanimous ............. we took a long nap. It seemed like we slept forever before we heard Gramma's car coming in the drive.

We all started howling to let her know that we were happy that she came home. She came in and gave each of us a treat, then she loaded all the pictures from her camera and let me see you. I was happy to see you, but I wanted to sit in your lap and lick your face. I was happy and sad all at the same time! Gramma says that is called "bittersweet". Words are funny, don't you think?

It is warmer outside, but it keeps raining. Papa and Gramma are both outside a lot getting the park ready for all the campers. Oscar says to keep an eye on the pool. He says that when the pool is full of water it will mean that summer has started and then you will come. He says that all of the grandchildren will come. Emmy says she loves it when all of you guys come so that she can hang out under the table while you eat! She says that the girls are the best for crumbs! She said that if you hang out close to the youngest you can get a lot of dropped food. I think I will give that a try!

I must go now, Gramma says there is still a lot to do and that "times-a-wastin". I will ponder that while I nap. Writing is hard work, you know! Don't forget that I love you so much, my boy, and can't wait to lick your face!

Your dog, Wall-E

Lets Play Ball!

2010-03-21T19:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

It has been raining all weekend here. Gramma was upset because that man on the TV said it was going to snow here. It didn't. It rained. I don't really like to go outside in the rain. My feet get wet and cold and then Gramma says that I smell like a dog and she puts me in the tub and bathes me. It is a vicious cycle. I take a bath and then it rains and I have to take another bath!

I want to go outside and play in the sunshine. I want to run and run. I want to chase butterflies! Today Gramma let me go out the front door while she got some fire wood and I ran to the dumpster and back really fast! You should have seen me. Gramma said I looked like a blur. I am very fast. I bet I could race and make money for Gramma!

Oscar got a new ball. Gramma bought it at the store and when she came inside with all the bags Oscar started crying and jumping. He wanted one of the bags that Gramma had. I thought that it must have some really good treats in it. Gramma put the bag on the floor and Oscar went nuts! He crawled inside the bag!!! When he backed out he had this package in his mouth. He finally opened the package and it was full of toys for us dogs! He told me he could smell the ball. He gave the barbell and the green ring to me, but he told me that under no circumstance was I to bother his ball. He is so selfish! I let him play with all my toys. I know how to share.

Oscar was being so mean today. He was all snarling at me. Gramma says he just has cabin fever like the rest of us. I do not know what this cabin fever is, but if it makes you act mean like Oscar I do not want to catch it! Papa asked me if I wanted to play ball. I was thinking, are you serious, Oscar will have a small fit. But I shook my head and wagged my tail and Papa threw the ball!!!

I ran faster than Oscar and I got it. As you can see, he was not happy!

I held tight to the ball even when Oscar growled at me!

Oscar tried really hard to get the ball out of my mouth.

Finally he gave up ........ I thought.

He tricked me! But I was very strong and kept my jaws tight on that ball.

And, I won!!! I know you will be so proud of me. I wish you had been here to share in my glory. Gramma gave me a kiss on the nose. Emmy was even happy for me. I felt like a champion!

I am a champion, cause I have the best boy in the whole world! That is you. I will be so happy to see you when school is out. Gramma says that when it starts getting warm out, it won't be much longer until I see you again. I hope it gets warm fast!

Don't forget that I love you. Get your arm ready to throw the ball when you get here!

Your ball catching dog, Wall-E

2010-03-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

Gramma finally came home! She brought back thousands of pictures and I looked at all of them. You have gotten so big!! Gramma said that you were playing Maya's violin and that Jada was sitting on the piano! I would really like running through Uncle Jeffy's house........ it looks like a musical obstacle course. Gramma said that it got a little loud at times when you guys were playing on the drums!

Gramma took her camera everywhere!! Even when you went to Sam's. She said that you were very helpful.

Wow, look at you...........you are almost as tall as Layla!

I wish I could have gone with Gramma! I miss you so much. Gramma says that you will be here before long and that I will be able to show you how big I am! I can't wait to run and play with you in the sunshine. It is cold and dreary here today. I think I will go nap for awhile and dream of my boy ............ that's you, you know. Don't forget that you are my boy and I love you.

Your faithful and loyal dog, Wall-E

Gramma Is Leaving

2010-02-20T06:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

I woke up this morning and Gramma was already in the shower! I saw this. This is her luggage! She is leaving to go see you! This is just wrong. Why can't I go, too? I want to go with her, I don't want to stay here.

Oscar and Emmy are just staring at me. What is wrong with them? Why don't they want to go?

Oh............. Oscar just told me. Gramma is getting on a plane. Did you know that they put dogs in cages with the luggage? That is just wrong, I tell you. I think I want to stay here after all.

I hope you have fun with Gramma and send back lots of kisses and good little boy smells for me to sniff. Gramma will be bringing you lots of my hair on her clothes ........... I am shedding. Stress shedding. I am missing you, my boy.

Don't forget that I love you and you are my boy!

Your shedding dog, Wall-E

2010-02-16T20:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

I went exploring in the driveway today. Papa plowed the snow with that big blade on the front of his tractor. It was cool, cause I could walk and not sink down in the snow. But where are Gramma's flowers? And the grass?

Emmy was very cautious. She just watched me and Oscar while we ran. Gramma had to put down the camera because we were running down the driveway ........... we got in trouble. Emmy didn't.

Oscar stopped to lift his leg and pee on some globs of dirty snow. He said he was marking the territory to warn those bobcats not to come near our house.

Then he sniffed it to make sure he did a good job. Gramma says this is a disgusting habit he has.

I tasted the snow. It tastes just like water! Very cold water.

Are you playing in the snow today? I hope you remember to wear your gloves and hat. I have a fur coat to keep me warm! I miss you and wish that you were here to play with me.

Love, Wall-E

Lots of Snow

2010-02-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

Is it snowing in Minnesota? It is snowing here in Missouri. Can you see me in the picture Gramma took while it was snowing in the back yard? Gramma says that I am in my element if I want to remain hidden from any predators. I didn't even ask what that word meant. I just ran out into the snow to play. I ran and I ran. It was exhilarating, my boy. I pushed my nose under the snow and tried to find some of the toys I had left in the yard. I jumped into the air and landed in the snow. I had a great time. Oscar was a party pooper, though. He would not chase me and when I ran around him and jumped on him he growled a warning. Emmy simply laid low when I ran near her and finally Gramma scolded me for not leaving her alone. They are old, you know.

Can you see me? You can see Oscar because he is black. I am white, just like the snow and you have to look very carefully to find me.

Do you see Oscar growling at me? Not very nice if you ask me. After we came inside, Gramma told me what that word she used meant. She told me that a predator would have a hard time finding me in the snow, but that Emmy and Oscar would be easy prey. A predator would be another animal looking for food ......... like those bobcats. She told me that some predators are birds! I chase birds all the time. I will admit that I have never caught one and don't really know what I would do with one if I caught it. I have heard stories about that cat that lives on our front porch. Emmy told me that she has seen feathers and that cat has actually eaten the bird! I guess that would mean that the cat is a predator, too. Gramma explained that their are very large birds that like to eat meat and that they are so strong they can swoop down and pick up rabbits with their claws and carry them away! they are called hawks and eagles and owls.

Is there anything that Gramma does not know? I don't think there is! There is one thing that I know. I know that you are my best boy and that I am missing you tonight. I am going to bed now and dream of playing with you this summer. Don't forget to tell your mom that you must come and stay here with me.

I love you! Your sleepy dog, Wall-E

I Must Be Bored

2010-01-29T08:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

It was so good to hear your voice last night. Yes, I heard you calling my name on Gramma's phone! It always make me feel better to hear you. And, let me tell you, I needed to hear you last night! I heard Gramma tell you about my shenanigans of yesterday. You heard her side and now I will share my side with you.........

Gramma was in her sewing room doing whatever it is she does in there. Us dogs are not allowed in there. She calls it the dog-free zone. It is true that Oscar likes to mark everything he sees with a little squirt of pee and Gramma objects to this practice; but I do not do that! Why should Emmy and I be punished? Anyway, we all wanted her to come back into the house and sit with us, so we started howling. Howling is great fun, let me tell you! Oscar starts us off. He has a great howl and Emmy can howl good, too. I am just learning and my howl is kind of high pitched (Gramma calls it "yelpy" and annoying). Gramma came in and told us to cut it out and that she did not want to hear any more!

Oscar and Emmy stopped right away and snuggled together on the sofa. I was restless and decided to investigate all the fun looking stuff that Gramma had on that table in front of the sofa. She sometimes sews on those sock monkey things in here. There was this red ball with things sticking in it and I wanted to play with it. Oscar opened one eye and said, " I suggest you stop right now and get off the table." I hate it when he tells me what to do, who does he think he is? I grabbed that red ball in my mouth and got down.

Those things in it were sharp and some of them stuck in my lips! I did not let go, no, I did not. I shook it with all my might and those sharp things flew out everywhere. I kept picking it up and shaking it until there was nothing left sticking out. I had planned to rip this thing apart after I finished chasing it. I tried to get Oscar to join in, but he warned me that my game would not end well. I played anyway. I would pick it up with my mouth and the toss it and kick it and chase it. I was having a fine time, yes, I was. And then......... we heard Gramma coming.

I tried to act normal. Gramma was heading to the sofa and she sat down next to Emmy. She reached to pull Emmy closer and one of those sticky things stuck in Gramma's hand! Uh-oh! Gramma stood up and saw all the mess I had made and said, "Who did this? Wall-E!" How did she know? She always knows. Why didn't I listen to Oscar? Gramma cleaned up the mess and she was not happy, no, she was not. She was scolding me the whole time and Emmy and Oscar were looking at me smugly (that means that they knew I was in trouble and that they were glad that it was me and not them). Finally she picked me up and said she had to check my mouth. She told me that red ball was really a pin-cushion and that I could have been seriously hurt. I didn't have any pins in my mouth and there was no blood, so she put me down and told me to go to my kennel and stay there until she called me.

After that I got to hear your voice. I heard Gramma tell you that I had been a bad boy and ask you what she should do with me. She won't give me to another family, will she? I do not think I would like that and I promise to be a good boy from now on. I did not try to run from her when she said we all smelled like dogs and would have to get a bath last night. I stood quietly in the tub and let her wash my fur and didn't even try to bite her hands. See, I can be good!

That is my side of the story and I hope that you will not hold this against me when I go to live with you and your mom. Gramma has said that she does not know if she can let me go. She says that you will have to get another dog to keep me company. She says I am very social and like the company of Oscar and Emmy. I will tell you a secret......... I think she loves me and does not want me to leave!

I will tell you another secret......... I really love her, too. But.......you are my boy and will always hold the biggest part of my heart! I hope that you are being a good boy and that you will come and stay with me for awhile as soon as school is out.

Your faithful dog, Wall-E

Sleeping

2010-01-28T09:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

Is it cold at your house? It is very cold here. When Gramma gets out of the bed in the morning I like to take the covers and rearrange them around me and go back to sleep. It is all snuggly and warm and Papa is still asleep. We like to give Gramma some alone time so that she can read her blogs (blogs are stories that people write on the computer, Gramma says that I have a blog, too; she is wrong. I write letters.....to you, right?). The real reason that Papa and I like to stay in bed is because it is warm in the bed. Gramma can get the fire going good while we are warm. Pretty smart, huh?
Okay, I am up! Stop with the camera already!

Hey, Papa, are you coming? Gramma says it is time to rise and shine ......... whatever that is supposed to mean. I can rise, that means get up .......... but how do I shine? Why does she say these things? Emmy says that she means to be happy and Oscar says that she means to be brave. I am so confused. Do you know what she means?

So, I have some news for you. I have more followers! I was very surprised to know that there are other animals writing on the computer! Gramma helped me find some and I am learning about other dogs and their lives! It is very exciting to read their blogs and they are reading my letters to you and they are leaving comments!!

I must go now and read some of my friends. Don't worry, though, you will always be my very best friend. I hope my new friends have boys like you to love! Gramma says that if I am good today we can call you on the phone and I can listen to your voice! I still do not know how this happens, that your voice can come out of that tiny little phone..................

Never forget that you are my boy and I love you!

Your dog, Wall-E

2010-01-22T10:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

I think I might be tired of winter. Gramma says that she is. Every day is the same as the night. It is cold and dreary. I can't go out to play. The ground is wet and it squishes between my toes. It is cold. I can't sit on the ground............ well I tried it and I got all muddy and then Gramma gave me a bath. You know how I feel about baths! I hate baths. I confess that I did like the warm water Gramma used to wash me with and it was fun to chase Oscar and Emmy. Hey! They didn't have to take a bath!

Remember that I told you about the bobcats? It has been really foggy here at night. That is what Gramma called it. All I know is that it was hard to see very far even with that big light in the back yard. We went outside to go pee-pee before bed and Gramma couldn't see us very well. She called for us to come in, but Emmy didn't come to her. I came in and Oscar came in, but Emmy didn't come. Gramma called her name again and again, but she did not come. This was not good, no it was not! First of all, it is never good to not come when Gramma calls you. And second of all, Gramma sounded scared. She was scared because she could not see Emmy and there are bobcats in our woods. So Gramma went outside in her slippers and got her slippers wet and muddy and Emmy was in trouble. She brought Emmy in and scolded her. Then she looked at the mess on the floor from her slippers and she was mad about that. She was really crabby when we went to bed. She told Papa that her feet were cold and that he would be the one to take us out in the middle of the night. He didn't, though, Gramma did. She always wakes up when we want to go out.

Gramma told us that her arthritis was hurting. I asked Oscar what that meant and he told me that Gramma's bones were hurting. Emmy said that Oscar was wrong. Emmy said that Gramma's joints were hurting. I was so confused. I know what bones are. They are yummy treats, right? Well, after Gramma stopped laughing, she explained that I have bones in my body and she has bones in her body. She held my arm and showed me where my bones were. Then she showed me where two bones come together. That is called a joint. We have joints so that we can move. Gramma's joints are sick. When the weather is cold and wet her joints hurt more. She takes medicine, but they still bother her. Now I know what arthritis is. Emmy says that she knows about it because her back has it where she broke it when she was a young dog. Gee, I hope I don't get it, don't you?

Well, my boy, this is all that I can put in your letter today. Gramma's joints are hurting and she says that she is going to the kitchen to wash the dishes. She says that the hot water feels good. Gramma is a funny lady, don't you think? I hope that you are having a fun day at kindergarten and that you will come see me soon. Don't forget that you are my boy and I love you!

Your dog, Wall-E

2009-12-28T17:34:00.001-08:00

Dear Gavin,
I have been so busy chewing up all the toys that Gramma brought back from when she went to see you. I am still a little upset that I did not get to go! I was all ready to jump into Gramma's suitcase, but she filled it full of so much stuff that I would have been totally squished!

I have something exciting to tell you about. I wish that Gramma had pictures....... But it would be dangerous for her to take them. That is what Oscar told me, anyway. We have bobcats in our woods!!!! A whole family!! With babies!!!

I heard Papa talking about these bobcats and I thought that maybe we had another cat and his name was Bob. But then Papa told us that these are a kind of wild animal. They have very sharp claws and teeth and they are carnivores. That means that they are meat eaters. I like to eat meat myself, so I was wondering why this was a bad thing. I asked Gramma and she told me that I should stay in my yard and very close to her while I am outside because the meat they like to eat is small animals. What is she talking about? Meat is that stuff that Gramma cooks and it smells yummy and she gives me a little taste and then I beg for more, right?

Oh my boy, you should sit down while I tell you this. These bobcats and other animals like them like to eat their meat raw, that means they don't cook it........ And that is not all, either. These bobcat creatures like to kill their meat.... and..... I am the kind of meat they like to eat!!!!! This is just wrong, I think. I have only gone out three times today and then I did my business very fast and came right back in. I did not run in circles through the snow like I wanted to, no, I did not!

Oscar tells me that he is not afraid of any bobcat and that he will take all the time he needs to and will not be rushed. I noticed that he came in as quick as Emmy and I, though. He said that was just a coincidence. I did not know what that meant, but Gramma told me that is when two separate events happen at the same time for no reason. He is wrong, I know the reason, he is scared! I will tell you how I know this.

When Aunt Debbie was here this weekend, that cat, Smokey (she used to be Spooky, but Aunt Debbie changed her name) came into the house. We were all amazed because no matter how we have tried to invite her in, she will not enter the house. Well, it seems that while we were gone on our trip, Smokey came inside to be with Aunt Debbie. But that is not what I wanted to tell you about. I wanted to tell you that while Smokey was inside Emmy and I were quite content to share our space with her and we did for awhile. All of a sudden Oscar realized that there was a cat in our midst and started chasing her and barking at her. Emmy and I thought it looked like fun, so we joined in. We used to play this game with that other snobby cat and he would leap up onto something that we could not reach and taunt us with his long tail. Well, Smokey decided to fight back and she clawed Oscar! I heard him cry and then he wouldn't come out from under the table. Gramma picked him up and checked him over to see if he was bleeding, but he was okay. I think that he is scared of this bobcat, don't you?

Gramma says that Oscar is all bark and no bite when it comes to cats. Why does she say these things? Is she trying to confuse me? When I looked at her she knew I was confused so she told me it was false bravado..... like that helped with my confusion. Where does she find all these words? Emmy says that it just means that Oscar acts like he is brave, but he really isn't. All I can say is that he is a really good actor. He might win an Oscar for his performance! Hahaha, I made a joke!

Gramma says that it is time to go outside for the night night pee-pee time and then we are going to bed. I bet you are getting ready to go to bed, too. Sleep well and know that I am a very cautious creature and that Gramma will keep me safe from the dreaded bobcat. There are traps out to capture them and one has already been trapped and is gone. Don't forget that you are my boy and that I want you to be careful, too! I love you.

Your careful dog,
Wall-E

Snoopy....The Cat

2009-12-01T08:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

We met Granddaddy's cat. His name is Snoopy. I do not like his cat! Come to think of it, I have not met a cat I like. Cats have really sharp claws. They hide these claws and you cannot see them until they release them from the hiding place in their paws. This is an unfair advantage as far as I am concerned! Advantage is a new word for you and me...... let us see what it means.

The dictionary says.......a factor or circumstance of benefit to its possessor. That means that the cat's claws are good for him to fight other animals who might think he can't fight.

Look at Emmy. She is so tiny and so sweet. She actually likes to meet new people and animals. The only time she would ever fight is if you try to take her food, then she will show her teeth and growl. But when she met this cat called Snoopy she was wagging her tail and sniffing a friendly little sniff. That mean cat pulled out his claws and swatted Emmy in the head! Can you believe it. I was shocked. No way was I getting near that cat!

Now Oscar was really upset. You see, Emmy is his wife-dog and he does not like anyone bothering her...... not even me. While we were outside at Granddaddy's house he saw Snoopy on the porch and warned him that he would get him if he got out of that silly harness Gramma was making him wear. Snoopy ran over to Aunt Glenda's yard and hid!

Well, he tried to hide, but Gramma found him with her trusty camera.

Look at Granddaddy petting that mean cat! This is just wrong, don't you agree?

I will be staying away from cats and I suggest that you do, too! I love you, my boy.

Your faithful dog,

Wall-E

Mountains

2009-11-29T07:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

I saw mountains! Gramma says that we have mountains in Missouri, but the mountains I saw were in Tennessee. I was pretty scared when I heard Papa say, "Here we go, up the mountain." First of all, I did not know what a mountain was.... and "up"? Up did not sound good to me.

I went to Gramma and she held me and said that she wasn't fond of driving through the mountains either. I asked her to explain what a mountain was and she got that big book called a dictionary out again. We looked it up together. It said that a mountain is a land mass that projects conspicuously above its surroundings and is higher than a hill. What? Gramma laughed at me and said, "Okay, Buddy, I will dumb it down for you." Dumb? Did she just call me dumb?

No, she said that she would just explain it in simpler terms. She reminded me about those big rocks that Papa found in the woods and brought up for Gramma's gardens. She told me to imagine one that is so big that it looks like the top is siting in the clouds. Okay, now I am scared as I look out my window and see the mountains in the distance. She said that roads had been built so that cars and trucks could travel around them to get to the other side. I got in my kennel. I did not want to see this!

We made it through those mountains and then stopped for the night. Us dogs went out one last time and then we all slept. In the morning we could see where we were. This is the site we parked in. We all had to put on our harnesses and leads. Gramma said it was to keep us safe. I am okay with that, but Oscar wanted to get away.

Check this out! This place we stayed was on a lake called Nickajack Lake. It was very big! I thought that the pond a our park was big, but man, this place was so big that there were boats parked there! Gramma said that these boats were big enough to live in!

This boat wasn't even in the water! I thought it looked pretty funny. Gramma thought someone might even be living in it. At first I thought that might be cool, until I realized how high off he ground it was. That would be like jumping off a mountain for me! I made a joke, did you get it?

These boats are stored in the water and it looks like someone may call them home. I don't know if I would like that. Where would us dogs go to do our business? In the water...... no, I don't think so!

I must say that I am happy to be home from this trip. There is still a lot to tell, but I am now tired and ready for a nap. I have had a difficult morning. Aunt Debbie gave us dogs some cool treats last night and Emmy did not eat all of hers and has spent the morning growling and snapping at me and Oscar every time we get near her. Gramma says she is feisty. I know, another new word to look up. That dictionary said that means touchy or quarrelsome. If that means she wants to pick a fight, then that is the perfect word for her!

I will say goodbye to you, my boy, and ask that you not be feisty today! Gramma says that I have given you good advice. That is because you are my boy and I love you!

Your non-feisty dog,

Wall-E

Road Trip

2009-11-26T17:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,
Remember that motor home I told you about? Well, we went on a trip. This word trip is a tricky one, let me tell you. Gramma got out that big book she calls a dictionary and we looked it up together. It had a lot of different meanings. Gramma says that the one we were looking for was "voyage or journey". She said it meant we were going to travel.

Oscar and Emmy were excited. They tell me that taking a trip is great fun. They tell me that we will get to see a lot of new stuff and get out at different places. I am not so sure I want to take a trip. I still remember getting into Gramma's car that day we went to get the motor home. I did not like it, no, I did not! There were all these other cars and trucks and they were all moving and we were moving and my head was spinning round and round and round. How can they think this will be fun?

Well, the day came and Gramma and Papa got up early. They got dressed and Gramma said we had to wear our harnesses. Mine is purple with white dots. I think it makes me look like a clown, don't you? I wish that you would have a talk with Gramma about this. I think I need something in leather. I am thinking black would be nice with some zippers and chains. Yes, that would be more to my liking!

Well, enough about the way I am dressed. Gramma was pretty smart and she brought along my favorite blankie and I snuggled up on it. I was glad to have something that smelled like me and Gramma, really I was. But.... I still felt a little queasy with all the movement. Queasy is another new word, it means that I was a little sick in my tummy. I felt like yakking up everything I ate, but I didn't.

That Gramma of yours is really smart. She brought along my old kennel. I felt safe and secure in it! Papa even took the able out so it would fit. I love Papa!

We traveled for two whole days! We stopped to do our business and for Papa to put gas in the tank. He grumbled about how much it cost every time. The first night we stopped at a campground in a place called Tennessee. I will tell you about it tomorrow. I am still on Eastern Standard time and it feels like bedtime to me!

I have decided that I should take a trip to Minnesota soon. I am quite the seasoned traveler now. I think I will wait until Gramma has time to make a more suitable harness for me. I think that perhaps Gramma and I will make this trip to see you, just us two. What do you think of that? I am missing my boy on this Thanksgiving Day. So as I lay me down to sleep I am thinking of you my boy.

Love from your dog,
Wall-E

Bullies

2009-11-17T09:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

I am writing about another new word today. That word is bully. This is one of those words with different meanings. Gramma helped me look in the dictionary. It says that this word describes "one who is habitually cruel to others weaker than himself".

Gramma says that Oscar is a bully. Does he look like a bully? Well, I guess he kind of does in this picture. His eyes are glowing. He looks like some of those scary things that Gramma had up for Halloween. They were scary faces with a light inside them so that they glowed in the dark. Personally, I did not care much for Gramma's decor for that holiday. I tried to stay away from it all. She would laugh like a witch and scare us dogs out of a nice little nap. Not funny.

Okay, enough about that Halloween stuff. Emmy says it only happens once a year and I am very glad about that. But that has nothing to do with bullies. But....wait, maybe it does. I bet bullies like to play tricks on Halloween night. And...I bet they aren't the funny ones like Gramma plays.

Gramma says that Oscar is a bully. I think she might be right about that.

See this nice dog? His name is Buddy. Gramma says that he is an old guy. His people take him to do his business in this golf cart. He doesn't even have to go for a walk!

Gramma says that he has a kind and gentle spirit. She says she can see this in his eyes. Gramma knows about these things, you know. She is very wise.

Gramma was talking to Mr. Tom, Buddy's person and she came inside to grab her camera. She said "STAY!" to us dogs and Emmy and I did. Oscar ran out the door and right into Buddy's golf cart. He attacked Buddy. Buddy didn't do anything to Oscar. I saw the whole thing with my own eyes. Emmy and I were quite embarrassed by his behaviour. We did not want anyone to think that we liked this, because we did not!

Gramma grabbed Oscar and spanked him hard. I heard her tell him that he was a bad, bad boy! Then I heard her say, "Growl at me, mister, and you will sorely regret it!" I am still wondering what all that means, but we will look up those words another day.

I need my nap now, my boy. The next letter I write may be from another state! We are going on a road trip and I will have lots to share with you. Don't forget that you are my boy and I love you.

Your non-bully dog,
Wall-E

Safe and Secure

2009-11-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

I am still working on my vocabulary. Hey, I even know what the word vocabulary means! A vocabulary is a group of words that I know the meaning of. Gramma says that if you have a big vocabulary it is easier to say things. Gramma likes words; Papa said so. He said that Gramma likes to use her words to tell stories. Gramma tells me stories some times. Does she tell you stories?

I know two new words that I want to tell you about today. Safe and secure are my new words. Safe means free from harm. I am safe when I am with Gramma and Papa. That means that nothing and nobody will hurt me. Did you know that some words have more than one meaning? This is very confusing to me. A safe can also be a box that you put things in that you don't want to lose. See what I mean? Confusing! Oscar tells me that I will be able to figure out what the word means by the way it is used in a sentence. What? Emmy says not to worry that I will get the hang of this vocabulary thing and that my boy will, too.

In the picture I am asleep on Gramma's leg. I felt very safe there on Gramma's leg. The flash on the camera woke me a little, but I went right back to sleep

See Oscar? He feels safe, too. Sometimes I play tricks on him when he is sleeping. I will get one of our toys and throw it on him with my mouth, then I will run and hide. It is great fun. Sometimes he will just go back to sleep and ignore me. Sometimes he will grab the toy and run from me, then we will play. But, sometimes, he gets really mad and growls loud and bites at me. I don't like it when he does that!

Secure is the other word that I know. This word means that I am not in danger. That is almost just like safe, don't you think? Gramma always tells us dogs that we are safe and secure because she loves us and she won't let anything hurt us. Did I tell you that I love Gramma?

Remember I told you that we got this thing called a motor home? Well here it is. I figured out why they call it a motor home. You can actually live in this thing. It has a bed to sleep in and a bathroom and a kitchen to cook in, with a table to eat on. It is on wheels and it has a motor so you can drive down the road. Get it? Motor.....home. Gramma says that I am quite clever. That means that I can figure things out. She is right, I am a pretty smart dog.

Gramma say that we will be hitting the road soon. That makes no sense at all, why would we hit the road? Emmy says it is an expression and means that we will get in the motor home and go on a trip. I must confess that I am not looking forward to it. I prefer the quiet life and staying home with Gramma and Papa. I think everyone should come see us. Oscar says that I should broaden my horizons. I will have to get back to you on that since I have no idea what that word horizon means.

I hope that you are learning lots of things in school. Gramma tells me that your mom says that you have a girlfriend. This is okay, I guess. She doesn't have a dog, does she? I don't know if I would like that. A girl is one thing..... but a girl with a dog.... I don't think so. Just remember that you are spoken for in the dog department, okay. Remember that I love you and don't forget that you are my boy.

Your faithful dog,
Wall-E

Trick... No Treat!

2009-11-01T16:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Gavin,

I have learned a new word....humiliation. Do you see me as I write this? I am humiliated. That is when you are forced to wear your sister dog's costume. Costume, another new word. A costume is something you wear to pretend you are something other than what you are. Why people do this, well, that is a mystery to us dogs.

Do I look happy? No, I do not. I am supposed to a ballerina. Another new word! I do not know or even care to know this ballerina is. My friend, Don, betrayed me! He helped Gramma put this awful thing that Gramma called a tutu on me and then held me for a picture. I did not want to be seen by anyone in this, no, I did not!

Another costume. This is a hot dog. I would have run from Gramma, but this costume is hard to run in. Do you see this? I am enclosed in what is supposed to be a bun with a row of mustard and ketchup on my back. I am supposed to be the hot dog! Oscar told me that Gramma made this for him to wear two years ago at a Halloween party. He was not happy to wear it either. He told me that his breed is sometimes referred to as a wiener dog and a hot dog is a wiener. Oscar says that this is a good example of irony. Another new word!

Sooooooo humiliating. I was hoping the ground would open and swallow me whole!

Oh, please.... I can't even hike my leg to mark this trashcan!

I tried to run through costume, but that didn't work either.

You must speak to Gramma about this costume thing. She made me wear a harness today. It was red, white and blue. She told me I was patriotic. Emmy tells me that this word means that I love my country. That is all well and good, but I think I can love my country just fine without having to wear some sort of cloth on my body to say so!

While I was wearing the patriotic harness that was attached to a patriotic leash we all got into the car and went for a ride. At first I was happy to get to go, but I did not like it so much. There are windows all around the car and you can look outside while you are riding. We were going very fast! I got into Gramma's lap. Oscar was already there. He was looking out the window and Emmy was in Papa's lap and she was looking out the window. I tried looking out the window and this really big truck whizzed by and scared me so bad. I put my head on Gramma's neck and hid my face!

Gramma patted me on my back and told me that everything was alright. I tried a few more times and I still did not like this thing called riding in a car. I spent the whole trip with my face in Gramma's neck! She was pretty nice about it until I was sliding down a little and I sort of dug my claws in to her shoulder to hold on. I didn't mean to hurt her. She held me close to her when Papa said to put me in the back. She told Papa that I was scared and that I could stay in her lap. I love Gramma!

When we stopped we all got out and peed on some grass by a bush. Oscar showed me how to smell for other dogs' pee. That was fun. After that we all got back into Gramma's car. Papa and Gramma looked at this big, big thing called a motor home. Oscar said that we used to have this thing called a motor home....... before I was here. Anyway he said that they used to take long trips in it and sleep in it.

Well, guess what? When Papa came back to the car he let me pee again and the he put me in the motorhome and drove away! Where was Gramma? Where was Oscar and Emmy? I was so scared! When we stopped again I was so, so happy. Gramma was in her car and so were Oscar and Emmy. I was so relieved and happy. Papa went into this place and we got hamburgers and a big cup of water. We ate in the motor home. I was happy again. Papa told Gramma that I cried the whole way with him, so Emmy stayed with Papa and rode with him. I was quite content to get back in Gramma's car. This time I did not even look out the window I lay down in the seat with Oscar and slept all the way home.

Well , this was an exciting day and I am tired after my big adventure. I will say goodnight now and remind you that you are my best boy! Next time I see you I will be in my motor home!

Your traveling dog,

Wall-E

I Like Company!

2009-10-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

Do you remember Kiley? She came to see me tonight. She held me and I really liked it. She only held me. She did not hold Oscar and she did not hold Emmy.... just me!

She came with her Gramma. Her Gramma and your Gramma are friends, you know. I call her Gramma Aunt Debbie. She comes over to our house all the time. I will tell you a secret. Aunt Debbie brings snacks to that cat that lives outside on our front porch. She thinks that us dogs do not know this, but we saw her through the window. She tried to get Kiley to feed that cat, but Kiley accidentally shook the lid off the can in the car. Boy, I wish I had been there. I would have eaten all the cat snacks. I tried one once and they are quite delicious!

Kiley gave us dogs some treats. I ran away with mine as soon as she gave it to me. I did not know Gramma was taking pictures. I would have shown you how I can sit pretty. I am getting a lot better at balancing. I practice all the time.

I am still not as good as Oscar, though, he will stand on his back legs forever!

I am glad that Kiley came over to our house tonight. She was fun...... but she said she was bored. Gee, how could she be bored....... I was here...... and I am cute .... don't you think so?

Kiley says she will be coming out here with her Gramma a lot. I bet she will like to play with you when you come for our annual visit. That is a new word for my vocabulary. Annual means once a year. I plan to have a very big vocabulary. Gramma says that you will be building your vocabulary, too.

Don't forget that I love you and miss you.

Your dog, Wall-E

More Dogs.......

2009-10-05T16:56:00.001-07:00

Dear Gavin,
Remember I told you about other dogs......... Well, it seems they are everywhere here in our park. I don't know if I like this. I like it when I am the only dog in the store with Gramma and the customers (that is those people who buy things in the store) pet me. Gramma says that I am a little ham and that I love attention. What is that supposed to mean. Don't you eat ham? I have seen Gramma cook this thing called ham and then everybody gets a plate and they eat the ham. I like this stuff called ham myself. It is quite tasty.....so why is she saying that I am a ham? We will have to get back to this issue later......

Just look at this big dog who is called Tank! Can you see how big he is?

Look at the size of his head! Look at that mouth! Why I believe he could fit my entire head in his mouth! This is the dog that Oscar went after, remember, I told you about this incident in a previous letter. I have been working on my vocabulary, can you tell?

Now here is another picture of that snooty dog, Frank, and his pal Tango. Gramma says that these dogs are called Pugs. She said that Tango was a sweetheart. Tango is a boy and Frank (that is what his person calls him) is a boy. They live with that gigantic dog named Tank and he is a boy, too. Wonder why there are no girl dogs at their house? I like having Emmy around....she cleans my ears and washes my face every day. Gramma says she has maternal instincts. I will be investigating those words this week........

Look here at these dogs.... all girl dogs. They are taking a walk with their person. You can't see their person, cause Gramma cut his head off. In the picture... not for real! That really little dog is Lily. See her jumping? She likes for Gramma to pick her up. She is smaller than Emmy! Gramma called her a Yorkie.

Gramma says that the black dog is a poodle named Lucy and that she is feisty. That means that she has a temper, Oscar told me that. He said that he has been called feisty before. I have heard Gramma call Oscar a lot of different names. She calls him spawn of satan a lot. Emmy says that this is no compliment and that he is being a bad boy when Gramma says this. She calls him a handsome devil, too, then she kisses him. I get so confused.... Emmy says that satan and devil are the same thing.

But back to the other dogs. Gramma says that Chloe is the black and white dog and that her breed is Shih Tzu . Gramma says that Cloe has a very sweet nature and is very friendly. Well, that may be , but I am staying right here in the house. I can bark at them just fine out the window!

Now, back to that big dog Tank. Gramma told me that he is a mixed breed dog...... like me. What is she saying? I am not a mixed breed, no I am not! I am a Follow dog. Doesn't she remember? She is the one who told me that!

I am very worried about Gramma and her memory. Do you think she is just getting too old? Oscar is laughing at me again. Sometimes he is not nice at all. He is very brave, just not very nice.

I hope that you will check on Gramma and see if you think she is getting too old. I do like her very much.... okay, I really do love her and Papa. That doesn't mean that you are not my boy anymore. You are, and I will always love you the most.

Your Follow dog,

Wall-E