Learning to Play

It's not a hard concept...in theory. But for a special pup like me, playing is an art form I'm still working to master.

The Sheriff attempts to "teach" me the ropes of play by biting my neck, tackling me, or barking in my ear. None of that is appealing to me-my ears ring for hours after those barks!

What I do like to do though, is chase. Oh and barking, when I'm doing it, isn't so bad either. Lucky for me, when the Captain comes to visit, I get to chase and bark at him. Sheriff Padfoot surprisingly enough doesn't like it when pups reciprocate his bad behavior. While I'm still learning the finer points of chasing and/or playing with other pups, I sure enjoy watching Daddy run around and like to encourage him to try harder with the ball. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Furniture is being moved

Sheets are being changed

Rooms are being cleaned

Me thinks something is brewing..but what exactly I'm not quite sure...

I hear there is company coming for a visit. Dad's family that I haven't met yet (except my Aunt Sara and her pup Theo). I have another set of Grandparents-more people to spoil and love me.

Warnings from the humans:

Dougal, not everyone enjoys doggies that jump on laps and then proceed to growl and snarl while demanding to be petted.

But Mom...I am a very vocal puppy and want to make it quite clear that picking things off of me, brushing my fur, or touching my ears are OFF limits. Growling and snarling are good things, right? It means I'm not biting them so I think it's good for everyone.

Dougal, could you maybe not bite AND not growl or snarl? People just want to love you and show you affection

Not likely...

Dougal, please remember that marking on suitcases, pillows, or guests clothes are also not favored by humans.

But Mom, I just want to spread my manly scent so all the other doggies know these are my humans too!

Dougal, we must be a special good puppy for Daddy as it's his birthday. He needs lots of love and licks.

No problem, got that one covered!

One year later...

Labor Day weekend marked the one year anniversary of my arrival at the homestead. What a year! I've learned a lot and made a tremendous of progress from this scared, reactive puppy I was. When I first arrived, I was not a fan of water, having things removed from my fur, leaving toys or bones I should not have, or being petted at night. Happy to say all of those things have been resolved! I let Mommy wipe my paws and remove sticklers from my fur, I sit and look before crossing streets, and most importantly, I play! Not with the Sheriff of course but other doggies-a preference for bigger ones-I love to chase! 

All around a very great first year. Now if only Mom and Dad would give up on the whole "no marking in the house" rule. 

Padfoot Turns 4!

Happy Birthday to my partner in crime (more like the little tattle tail that makes it impossible to get away with anything but since it's his birthday and Mom is making me be nice...)

On the 17th of August, Sheriff Padfoot turned 4. To celebrate this very special day, the humans allowed the Sheriff to dictate every minute of every hour all......day......long. Which meant, up at 7:30am (does he not realize it is Sunday and that means we get to sleep in?), a long walk in the park, playtime in the pool, lots of belly rubs, and best of all? Pupcakes!

No you didn't misread that, it is in fact P-U-P-C-A-K-E-S! Little muffin size goodness full of applesauce, peanut butter, honey, and yogurt all just for us!

I think they are delicious even if the Sheriff tends to turn his nose up at them.Mom even shared with them with all of our pup friends! Overall, not a bad way to celebrate.

Hope for Rescues

Hello Fur Friends and Happy Friday!

While I was not a puppy mill puppy (that we know of), as a rescue with harsh beginnings, the below message applies. Keep heart rescue Mommy and Daddy's-we all get there eventually! Just give us time, love, and really good belly rubs!

Deputy Dougal Detox

Good Morning Pup Friends and Followers-


As most of you may know, I came to the Homestead with some fairly significant issues-biting when I wasn't happy, growling at everything, shyness with other doggies, and most importantly-marking!


Now I do not understand why marking is a problem-I think it adds a much needed decoration and smell to the house, furniture, Christmas Trees that was lacking before but the humans seem to disagree. The countless number of items I have marked have each sent Mom into a tizzy and have lead to many, many long conversations. Talking not having the desired effect they had hoped (did they really think I could understand?), they took to blocking off certain rooms, crating my during the day, and wrapping me in a diaper at night.


I know some doggies, myself NOT included, have real issues their respective homes, clothing, collars, yards smelling like them. The Sheriff will avoid going potty anywhere in a 100 yard radius of the house if he can avoid it. Me? I don't mind at all! Sometimes getting Mommy and Daddy up in the middle of the night is just too much work so what's a few drops here and there while laying in my comfy bed?


After months of never catching me in the act (I can be quite stealthy if I do say so myself), I've been put on a program. A 30 day marking detox so to speak. What does this consist of you, you ask? No fun that's what!


After studying my behavior, Mom and Dad have decided my marking has less to do with my inability to hold my water and more to do that I think I should be the leader of the pack (caught on quick didn't they?) To establish their leadership, I am required to sit and listen to commands before going outside, going for walks, crossing the street, etc. I also have to have supervision every minute of everyday (not as much fun as one would think-no more sneaking down to the basement to pee on the pool table-I was soooo close to marking all 4 legs too!). I am also be quarantined at night so I can't leave the bed even if I wanted to.


Today is Day 7 and so far, I've been a very good boy!! In order to continue a life of harmony and regular treats, I feel it is in best interest to follow along with the humans request. For now. Here's hoping that on my one year anniversary with Mom and Dad (Labor Day weekend) I will be diaper free!

Dougal the Destroyer

Last month, dad had to go away for business and us pups were left with Mom. Usually ok as we can guilt her into more walks and puppy ice cream. Where Mom fails to be awesome is in playing. Dad taught us this cool game that allows us to nip his hands while we wrestle! It's really a lot of fun but Mom is a bit of a softy and therefore can't handle the pain.


**Sheriff-I'm totally telling Mom you said that**


Wince, hmmm no puppy ice cream tonight I guess. Anyway, to combat our boredom with dear ole Mum, she created a new game. She builds a castle of all of my toys and I get to destroy it! I can literally do this for an hour-it is so much fun!