Toni Is Home

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

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?

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

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

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!

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

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