Hear Me Bark

My Cousins Love Me

Things have been so hectic for the last few weeks that I neglected to tell you about the amazing birthday/Christmas gifts that my generous cousins, Audrey and Trevor, sent. I'll admit it this time; I'm a very baaaad dog.

I already knew that my cousins love me, but they decided to show that love by showering me with some awesome gifts.

As you can see, they didn't skimp on the fun stuff. In addition to a cute letter with photos, they sent some delicious vegetarian treats (carrot, to be exact); a Chuckit! Glow Ball (hell yeah!); a Hartz Chew N' Clean Dental Duo (I'm still waiting for the humans to let me sink my teeth into this); and, perhaps best of all, the most realistic and strong plush bear. I beat the crap out of my bear almost daily and I love to sling him around. Who knew I had a strong prey drive?

I'll be able to properly show my gratitude to Audrey and Trevor when I see them at the end of the month, but in the meantime, thanks guys! You are the best cousins ever!

A Birthday Surprise From Faith

I teased you last week on Hear Me Bark's Facebook fan page about the contents of a mystery box from my sister, Faith.

I ripped into the box and discovered the most beautiful plush bone I've ever laid eyes on. However, what makes this bone so special is that it's homemade. That's right — Faith tasked her human with making me a toy. I was touched beyond belief — well, as much as a crazy spoo can be anyway.

This toy is awesome; I love running around the house and flipping it in the air. It's also quite snuggly and I've been caught using it as a pillow. You can probably imagine that I don't like exposing my vulnerable side to my humans, but this bone is so comfy that it's worth the embarrassment.

I know that I'm such a lucky dog to have friends and family who, as Hallmark puts it, care enough to send the very best.

The Untimely Death of Mr. Turtle

This photo was taken minutes ago and as you can see, Mr. Turtle has met his demise (via my teeth). After a mere three weeks together, I literally loved Mr. Turtle to death. 'Tis such a shame.

 

Not-So-Terrible Two

Today is my second birthday and I'll say turning two years old is excellent. Tall Human, with Short Human's help, made me an awesome birthday cake.

 

As soon as I took the first bite, there was no turning back.

 

Seeing me licking fervently, unable to really get my teeth around the thing, Tall broke a little part for me and the game was on.

 

I kept biting and nibbling until I did some serious damage and then the humans, fearing too much would make me sick, took the cake away.

 

After I had my cake, the humans gave me a really cool peppermint disc toy, which I also loved. It smells really good and rolls great.

 

I'm also heading to the dog park this morning before we pack up our earthly possessions and move them to Oakland. So, all in all, this has been a pretty awesome birthday. I can't wait for next year!

P.S. I'll have Tall Human share the cake recipe later next week. It was seriously yummy!

Shrink-wrapped toys?

I was awakened (rudely) from an afternoon nap yesterday by an unfamiliar, annoying squeaking sound. I ran into the other room to investigate and was just in time to see Tall Human wielding what I believe to be the biggest role of shrink-wrap in the world. To my horror, she had just finished wrapping my beautiful toy box — with my toys in it!

 

I can't help but assume this has something to do with our recent trip to Oakland where the humans got keys to an empty apartment — with lots of fun carpet for me to tear around on — from another human.

I have since realized that not all of my toys are suffocating under this mess of plastic, but my playtime choices have been reduced significantly. I am not a fan.

Presents!

It is a happy day when packages — filled with toys or treats for me — are delivered to our mail box or door. Yesterday was one of those days.

The humans stopped to check our mail as we were leaving for the dog park and discovered a rotund package from Beth, my breeder human. Apparently, Beth had been meaning to send some toys to celebrate my Wag victory.

We piled into the car and the humans proceeded to open the package and admire the toys in the front seat. I was forced to watch longingly from the back seat and found this to be one of the cruelest forms of torture imaginable. Once we arrived at the dog park, I luckily forgot about the toys and enjoyed an early evening game of fetch. When we returned home, however, the humans put all the toys on the floor and I had a blast with them. In fact, I've been playing with them all morning.

Review: Chuckit! The Whistler Balls

I've long been a fan of Chuckit! dog toys, manufactured by Canine Hardware, so I was delighted when Tall presented me with a two-pack of Chuckit! The Whistler Balls (size medium) to fetch. I've been playing with them for almost two weeks.

These balls, like the Chuckit! Ultra Balls, are extremely bouncy and fun to fetch. I also like the blue color, which seems to be new for Canine Hardware toys. I had really high hopes for the "whistling," which the product boasted, but was disappointed. The sound these balls make while soaring through the air is more like a whispering wind sound than a whistle.

I've been playing with these balls for almost two weeks and can report that they are fun to play with, bounce extremely high, are durable, and are an attractive color. However, if you want to buy these balls for the "whistle" feature alone, I'd suggest looking for another brand.

All things considered, I give the Chuckit! The Whistler Balls three out of five paws. To move up the scale, Canine Hardware needs to work on the whistle.

In California, fetch balls grow on trees.

During our walk home from a casual dinner out last night — where I was treated like royalty, I might add — I saw what I thought was an orange Chuckit! Ultra Ball laying on the sidewalk. Then I noticed several more sprinkled around in the grass. Excited, I looked up and was astonished to see a tree full of balls.

Upon closer inspection of the "orange ball" on the sidewalk, I was disappointed to discover that the ball was actually an orange masquerading as a ball. I'm sure you can imagine my disappointment. I should have known that there was no way the best toy in the world could grow on a tree.

Sunday Visit With Audrey

I experienced the most wonderful surprise today — a visit from Cousin Audrey! Audrey and her humans were passing through Sacramento on their way home and decided to pay us a visit.

I, of course, wanted to show Audrey the new dog park in my neighborhood, so we headed there after they arrived. I think she was impressed because she ran around everywhere. You tell me; is this not a happy dog?

We played chase, wrestled, and even tugged on Audrey's Chuckit! Flying Squirrel. Actually, this was my first dog-on-dog tug session, and I loved it! Thanks, Cousin! Glad we could share that fun moment.

The heat finally wore us down, so the humans ushered us out of the park. Neither of us protested. You try playing in 90-degree weather wearing a black coat and get back to me about how you feel!

I was sad to see Audrey go; it was great to play with another girl after weeks with two boys. Lucky for me, Audrey and I will be reunited in a few weeks.

The Lonely Ball

During our morning game of fetch at Capitol Park this morning, I stumbled upon a red ball all alone in the grass. I paused for a moment, considering whether I should pick it up. After all, I already had a ball, which I love dearly, and this was just a plain, red tennis ball. I thought of the poor dog who left it behind. Did he or she miss the ball? And why was it left behind? I soon ran back to Tall with my favorite orange ball, feeling thankful that I have her to pick up after me. What a good human . . .