The knee, the leak, and the seatbelt

Yesterday, after a final check to make sure they didn’t leave anything behind, Tia and Dave turned in the keys to the house. It made me a little sad to know that there is no one there to chase those squirrels and birds out of the yard. That is a full time job so I hope the next family that moves in has a dog that is capable of keeping up with those crafty critters. They also better appreciate how clean the house is since Tia and Dave spent the whole weekend making sure to wipe and scrub every surface. Since there is nothing left to sit or sleep on at the house, we’ve become modern day nomads living in the hotel on Ft. Sill. It’s not too bad, but we’re all the way up on the 6^th floor which means it’s a little complicated when I have to go out. Tia has to put on her shoes, put on my leash, grab the room key, and then we have to ride the magic box room thing called and “elevator” down the first floor before I can even see grass. I also do not being left alone in the room and make sure to bark and cry so everyone knows it. This means that I get to go everywhere with Tia and Dave…including down to the continental breakfast. They take turns going to get their food and then we sit in the lobby lounge and watch the news. I see nothing wrong with this, but Dave seems a little embarrassed. 

However, he is no more embarrassed than Tia was on Monday. She’s been dealing with a bad right knee for a month or so now but things were on the up swing until…she tripped coming out of the breakfast area while going up three steps and managed to go face first into her coffee and Danish while landing on her bad knee. It was the edge of the step that made impact with her knee cap and needless to say she made even the Marine who tried to help her blush with her choice words. Covered in coffee, limping, and holding back tears, she was quite a sight coming around the corner to me and Dave. The pain was so bad that she had to go to the ER for X-rays! It turns out her knee was just badly bruised and she’s walking around fine now…but she still hasn’t gone back down for breakfast since the face plant. It’s a good thing that she’s feeling better because starting tomorrow there is a long cross country trip ahead of us all. We’re heading to Dave’s parent’s house in Tennessee then dropping him off at Ft.Benning and finally Tia and I are heading to sunny and lovely Florida! 

I’m excited for the trip except for the fact that I won’t be able to sit on Tia’s lap. Since I apparently move around too much and step on Tia’s tender knee, I have been banished to the backseat and have to wear a seatbelt! A seatbelt! It is a harness that clips to the seatbelt and keep me from getting to the front seat. There is a comfy bed to sit in and they made it so I can lie down, but I’d still rather be up front with my face in the air vent. I like to smell where we’re heading. There is another reason that I am trapped in the backseat: I leak when I sleep. Yes, it is happening more frequently that I leak just a little pee when I sleep. It is shameful and I can’t help it…but no one wants to be peed on during a long road trip. So after her trip to the ER, Tia took me to the Vet to see if there was something wrong with my plumbing. The Vet said it had to do with me being an older dog and the seizure medication I take. The result: another pill. This one is supposed to tighten up those issues down there and help me hold it in while I’m sleeping. Until they’re sure that I’m no longer a leaky liability, Tia and Dave have me sleeping in my crate too. It’s not like I do it on purpose. Grrrr.

                Anyway, I have to go help Tia pack the car for our adventure. I’m not really sure how she’s going to fit all this junk into that tiny car…a Fiesta can only hold so much! She broke down and mailed three boxes of things (her clothes) to her mom in Florida yesterday but there is still plenty to cram into that clown car. I might not be able to write for a week or so, but I promise there will be good stories to tell! There always are when it comes to traveling and moving.

Toby

Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes

There are a lot of changes going on here on the home front. The cable has been turned off, there are piles of things everywhere, and my favorite couch has been sold at a yard sale. No more late night Animal Planet while stretched out on that comfy broken-in sofa! Also, I’m making extra sure that I will not be forgotten during all this mayhem. I have kept within 5 feet of Tia and Dave at all times. There will be no sneaking off and leaving me here in Lawton…no way. I have been assured by them both that I will not be forgotten, but I better keep close just in case. Tomorrow the first shipment is being packed and sent off to Germany so it will be there once Dave arrives. Then on Wednesday the rest of the house is being packed up and stored until Tia and I can join him across the pond. I’m not really sure why people say “across the pond” because according to Google we have to cross an ocean to get to Germany; which according to Wikipedia, is a lot bigger than a pond. Not that it much matters to me…I’ll be basking in the Florida sun until I’m whisked off to schnitzel-land with Tia. 

                One of the aforementioned piles is mine. All my toys, beds, clothing (no tutu’s), and other accoutrements have been piled on top of this cage monstrosity. Apparently Tia expects me to be in this cage while riding in the car and while I’m alone at the hotel and other places. HA! Good luck on that one lady. I bet I’m riding on her lap before we reach Oklahoma City! As for staying in it at the hotel and such…I’d rather just be free to roam with a puppy pad available and HBO. I’d like to be here to protect my pile from the movers, but apparently I will be staying at a friend’s house during the commotion. That might be best since I don’t want to get accidentally packed up while napping on the couch! I’ve been doing a lot of napping here recently. It’s hard work following them around all day…they’ve been moving around the house like maniacs and Dave has pretty much been off work since last week. I’m glad it will be over soon enough, and I can’t wait to get into the hotel on Tuesday so I can watch my TV again. I’m missing my shows! Alright, enough for now, but I’m sure I’ll have stories to tell next week!

The end of a chapter

I am so proud of my owner, Dave, because he is graduating from FA BOLC this afternoon! He and all his classmates in class 4-11 have done an amazing job surviving all the heat, the training, and well…Lawton. There were long days and consistently early mornings, not to mention the homework! There were days when I couldn’t even go into the office to sleep under the desk because of all the maps and books and papers strewn over the floor. I know I couldn’t get up at 4:30 AM every day and do all the things Dave did…nope, I like sleeping too much. Speaking of sleeping…Tia is back on her early morning routine and decided that getting up with Dave would be a great idea this morning. No thank you! The sun doesn’t even start to come up until 7 around here. What am I supposed to do at 4:30 in the morning? Tia found things to do that included getting things into the garage for the yard sale this weekend and coloring her hair. Who colors their hair at 5 AM? Tia does. Then she cleaned a little which is much appreciated since I’m pretty sure she’s given up on keeping up with the house cleaning since the movers come next week. I can’t say that I blame her…an empty house is easier to clean than one full of boxes. Oh, the boxes! The house is looking more and more ready for the big move as the big day approaches. Things are getting sorted into piles for the yard sale, small shipment, or big shipment and I am just trying to keep track of all my squeaky toys! I’d be very put out if one of my toys ends up in the yard sale or at the bottom of some box I’m not going to see for 6 months.

Speaking of not seeing things for a while; some of Tia’s friends are leaving Lawton for their next duty station. She’s really sad and I’m going to miss them too. This is part of the Army life says Tia, but it looks like one of the hardest parts. They spent so much time together and became such good friends in such a short amount of time. Tia says that they have open invitations to come visit her in Florida and Germany…and I am sure she will see them again. Thankfully they are all friends on facebook so it’s easy for them to keep in touch and they’ve promised to send some snail mail as well. I just hope one of her friends remembers to send me my favorite treats…I’m concerned I won’t be able to find them in Germany. I am really looking forward the cooler weather in Germany and even the snow. I think I might like it…at least it will be better than this blistering heat. The heat continues here in The-face-of-the-sun Oklahoma but we have had a little rain this week. By “a little rain” I mean that we got a few thunderstorms that poured for about a half hour. Not enough to relieve the drought or cool us off for more than a day. However, it has been cloudy for a few days so the grass is desperately trying to turn green again…and I am trying to fertilize as quickly as I can :) 

So today we are celebrating a new start and saying goodbye to some friends...both of which are huge parts of Army life. Hooah! woof! woof!

The flight

                After all the hype, the plane ride wasn’t so bad. I didn’t bark or pee while in my cage so I would consider it a success. Tia was really good with me and made sure I had a Benadryl before the flight as well as my squeaky duck and various snacks. While we weren’t on the plane she let my head pop out of the top of my carrier which was nice! I loved being carried around like that….like royalty! Everyone wanted to pet me except the mean old flight attendant who rudely told Tia that I couldn’t have my head out even on our way off the plane. Uh, she was just jealous. Anyway, when we arrived in Florida I saw something that I had almost forgotten existed: green grass. It was everywhere…so lush and thick. Sigh, I dream of grass like that when I’m crunching about in my mostly dead and yellowed backyard. Tia and her parents even took me to the beach. It was odd and yet fun, that is until the cold water splashed onto my uh, “dog hood”.

                Tia’s mom had to have surgery and that is why we went to go help her. I did my part by providing a napping and lounging buddy. Funny story: I guess I was really comfortable sleeping with her on the new Lazy Boy recliner because I actually fell into such a deep sleep that I sort of peed all over myself….and the new chair….and Tia’s mom. When she woke me up I was really surprised! I don’t even remember peeing….oh the shame! Luckily I had never done it before and haven’t done it since so Tia decided not to bring me to the vet. Maybe I need the diaper more than I thought…grrr.

                The trip back wasn’t as smooth. First, our flight was delayed for an hour so when we arrived in Memphis to change plans Tia had about 10 minutes to get to the other side of the airport. Yeah, let’s just say it sounded like a water buffalo charging down the terminals! Tia had me over her shoulder and her carry on trailing behind her while running at full speed after a very uncomfortable flight seated next to a HUGE man who took half of her seat and most of the aisle. We made it, barley. However when we arrive in Oklahoma Dave was running 45 minutes late and Tia’s checked bag did not make it from Memphis. It was pretty sad to see her practically starting to cry as the last of the bags came around the baggage carousel and she had to go to the Delta claim office. They did deliver it the next day, but she was still pretty upset.

                Tia and I will be going back to Florida pretty soon I hear. We’re getting packed up later this month and all our stuff is going into storage because Tia is on “deferred travel” for Germany. She was really mad when she found out because it means that Dave has to go over first and then he can send for her once he gets a house for us. I guess it’s a little crowded over there and there isn’t enough housing for everyone. She said we’d just go live in Florida with her parents until we can go there which she thinks will be pretty soon after Dave gets there. It doesn’t matter to me….I love Florida! GREEN GRASS! This means that Tia is in full move mode and has been filling the garage with things for the yard sale and labeling everything in the house with their German names. I’m even learning a few new words as I watch the fernsehen, or TV J

                It’s going to be a crazy few weeks ahead, but I know Tia and Dave are going to take good care of me. I’m happy as long as I’m where they are!

Pets aren't disposable!

Tia has been putting in some serious time at the shelter this week and last week. Many of the animals have been adopted but there are still 10 dogs and 15 cats! There are a lot of kittens that will be available for adoption soon and there are some very loving and cute adult cats too. Tia said this morning she gave a bath to the sweetest pit bull ever. He was licking her face the whole time she was scrubbing him down and very politely waited for treats after. She was laughing while telling me about how he was fascinated by the kittens playing in the front room and just wanted to lay there and sniff the kittens while his tail wagged like propeller. Then there are all the cats that reach out with their little paws for petties and attention. I guess I can’t get mad at her for leaving me at home when she’s volunteering. Also, I don’t like cleaning up cat poop.

According to Tia, the reason there are suddenly so many cats in the shelter is because someone turned in their two cats. They brought these two sweet cats, one is 7 and the other is 11, to the shelter because they are PCSing and “can’t” bring them. Pardon my French, but that is bull shit. Tia would never leave me behind, ever. She made a commitment to me when she adopted me! It really angers me that someone would just ‘abandon’ their cats just because it might be inconvenient to make the arrangements to bring them with you on a PCS. Also, you’re in the military…so you know you’re going to be PCSing a lot. If you’re too lazy to care for your pet then don’t get a PET!!! Grrr…the reason there are so many animals in shelters is because some people think pets are disposable. We are not. We are living and loving parts of your family. So, thank you and cheers to those who care and are responsible.

I know I’ve mentioned it before in my previous blogs, but IT IS HOT! It has been over 100 degrees for almost two months now and I feel like my paws are melting into the cement. I’m actually thankful that Tia shaved me a few weeks ago, and now that I’m growing out a little I’m thinking it might be time for a trim. I’ve been getting these things called ‘hot spots’ where I get really dry and itching skin from all the heat and dry air. Tia got me some aloe spray that feels AMAZING on my tummy and paws! She sometimes puts it in the fridge and then it’s like an icy refreshing spritz of awesomeness. 

Ahh. I’m glad though because on Saturday Tia and I are flying to Florida to see her parents for 10 days. Apparently it’s only in the 90’s down there and there is even rain. I haven’t seen a good rain since May…bleh. I admit that I am a little nervous about the flight but Tia has assured me that it will be ok. She even bought me a diaper to wear in my carrier. Yes, a diaper! This woman just does not trust me when it comes to my body fluids. It is this blue wrap that just goes over my ‘masculinity’ and its washable. I don’t mind it that much but it’s just sooooo embarrassing! I’ll include the information on it here so you can see what sort of embarrassment I’ll be subjected to during my security screening.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and if you can, volunteer at your local shelter. There are hundreds and thousands of animals in need of your care and love, if only for a few hours!

The Four Day Weekend and Puppy Pads

       I don't like being left alone in the house. I don't really think any dog actually enjoys being left alone; but when Tia and Dave start putting on their shoes and grabbing their keys, I freak out! Although they do a great job of walking me and letting me outside, I tend to show my disdain for being left alone by peeing and pooping on the carpet. So, now when they go somewhere I am confined to the kitchen area where my disdainful reactions are easier to clean up. Apparently though its not easy enough because Tia bought me puppy pads. Puppy pads!? How demeaning! I am NOT a puppy...but they smell pretty good and I got lots of praise from Dave when I peed on it instead of the floor. I guess they aren't too bad...I know that they aren't gone for long, but to me it seems like forever and I would much rather make a little napping nest on Dave's pillow than sleep in the kitchen. How can I properly protect the house and yard if I am not comfortably rested? Over the past few days I have taken it upon myself to escape my tile floored prison and make myself comfortable on the king sized bed. The first time I managed to move the baby gate just enough to sneak between the wall and the gate. The second time I nudged the garbage can and crawled under the couch. I felt it was appropriate considering today is Independence Day...I was just celebrating my freedom.

       Sadly, today is the last day of the long holiday weekend and tomorrow our guests leave and Dave has to go back to Army stuff. His mom and cousin have been here all week and it was sure nice having some other people to rub my tummy and tell me I am cute. I was upset when they spent 6 hours at the water park because taking a dip in cool water in all this heat sounded amazing. However, I changed my mind when they started talking about wave pools, water slides, and sunburns. I'll just stick to my weekly baths and occasional romp through the sprinkler. Tia has been having to water at least twice a week since we haven't seen any real rain in almost a month. The grass is so crispy I'd rather walk on the hot cement during our outings. Bleh. That pretty much sums up the weather over the past few weeks. Bleh.

    Another thing to say 'bleh' to is the recent Michael Vick news. I have many things to say about Michael Vick but none that are appropriate to put into writing. Grrr....I need to chew on my squeaky toy for a minute. Ok, I feel better now. Sigh, the horrible news is that he was awarded the BET Subway Sportsman of the Year award and given a contract with Nike. Has everyone forgotten what this man did? He was responsible for the torture, death and outrageous cruelty to innocent dogs. I encourage you to boycott BET, Subway, and Nike for their support of this criminal and pathetic excuse for a human being. Our country is about freedom and justice for ALL, including innocent animals. I hate to think that my owner is fighting for a country that all too quickly forgets the crimes and character of a man just because he is a rich athlete. Vick has not 'paid for' or even shown remorse these horrible acts of violence. I know people make mistakes and forgiveness is divine, but sometimes you have to take a stand against immoral and unrepentant celebrities who think that their money keeps them above the law.

      I'll step off my soapbox now.
      If you want to support the cause you can join this facebook group:
 http://www.facebook.com/pages/NO-WAY-Subway/173935239336924

Celebrate your freedom!
Toby

Dogs against Subaway

This will be a quick post.

I have just learned that Subway sponsored the BET Sportsman of the Year Award. The winner was Michael Vick and I am just trembling with anger. No matter how good he is at football there is no excuse for what he did to those innocent dogs.

 So, please join me in boycotting Subway. You can show your support by joining this facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NO-WAY-Subway/173935239336924

Like animals...

I think that Tia and Dave have actually moved me to the geographical center of Death Valley and not the quaint region known as Texoma. It has been over 100 degrees everyday here for over a week and in Vernon, TX it got up to 114!!!! True, yesterday it only got up to 99 degrees here in Lawton…but what’s a few degrees when you could fry bacon on the hood of your car?! I have to keep waking Tia up at 5:30AM to make sure she gets me out for my walk by 6:30AM. Any later than that and I the cement starts burning my paws and my tongue is dragging on the ground halfway down the block. Tia keeps the lights off, blinds drawn, and fans on high in an attempt to make the house more like a cave and below 1000 degrees. Dave keeps complaining about something called an “ee-ley-trik-bill” but Tia ignores him and turns the A/C lower anyway as she slinks by the thermostat. 

In her effort to make me more comfortable for the heat Tia thought I might like a haircut. Apparently since she is licensed to cut human hair she thinks this also qualifies her to groom me. I don’t mind her giving me the occasional bath and trimming the hair out of my eyes, but this time she went too far. She got out the clippers she uses to shave Dave’s head and decided to give me a haircut too. I am now naked! She buzzed me all over except for my head! I’m going to get a sunburn or something…and Tia’s friend thinks I look like one of those hairless cats. She also missed some spots and it looks like I have armpit hair. Thankfully Dave came home and helped her finish my backside so that I at least don’t have a fuzzy butt. Hopefully it grows back soon because I am really getting self-conscious about being so bare and I don’t like being called a naked mole rat. I’ve included a picture, but only so you can feel pity for me….NO LAUGHING!

After her valiant attempt to groom me, Tia began cleaning the house like a mad woman. I heard Dave mention that his mother and cousin are coming to this weekend and staying through the Fourth of July. I’ve never met either of them, but if they are related to Dave they must be pretty cool people. I guess mother-in-laws are a big deal to humans because Tia is moving furniture around and cleaning behind the toilets! She never cleans behind the toilets. If you ask me, I think a little dirt makes it more homey but then again I like to roll in dead things. I think our guests are getting here tonight so I’ll let you know how things go next time.

                I need to tell you very quickly about a movie that I watched the other morning with Tia. I really had to go outside at about 5am so Tia obliged but then laid on the couch in a groggy haze. She turned on a movie called “Dr.Dolittle”. It was an old movie with songs and lots of costumes and colors. I loved it! That Dr. Dolittle loved animals and treated them with respect and dignity! My favorite part was when he sang a song all about how poorly humans treat animals.

“WHY DO WE TREAT ANIMALS LIKE ANIMALS ?

HOW CAN PEOPLE BE SO INHUMANE ?

COWS AND CHICKENS WORK TO FEED US.

DOGS AND HORSES SHOW THEY NEED US.

AND THOUGH CATS DON'T ALWAYS HEED US,

THEIR AFFECTION IS PLAIN.

WHAT DO WE DO? WE NEGLECT THEM!

WE DO NOTHING TO PROTECT THEM!

WE REJECT THEM - DON'T EXPECT THEM

TO COMPLAIN!

WE IGNORE THEM OR WE BEAT THEM!

WHEN WE'RE HUNGRY, THEN WE EAT THEM!

IT'S APPALLING HOW WE TREAT THEM!

IT'S INSANE!

LIKE......ANIMALS! “

I’m not one to get too excited over a musical, but I think that everyone who loves animals should see this film. He has a great point to make, why do we treat animals…like animals? Any thoughts? Anyway, you should watch it and let me know how you like it!

Toby