The Deputy and The Dogpark

You've heard the saying two is company, three's a crowd? Imagine three plus a few zeros behind it and that would describe a dog park. For those that don't know, Sheriff Padfoot grew up in a very loving environment in which Mommy and Daddy socialized him very early. Seriously, the dog is a social butterfly-everytime we go anywhere, he has to sniff everyone and offer to play with at least half of the community.

Me-I am Mister Social Anxiety and I do NOT like to have any part of my body sniffed without permission. What I learned is that doggy park dogs know no boundaries and if you even think of walking around sniffing, it's an invitation to play. Somehow Sheriff Padfoot forgot to fill me in on the rules of dog park before we went and outside of what happens at dogpark is all over the doggy newsworld within 5 seconds (we pups are really good at the whole 140 characters or less deal), there are NO RULES!

So, here I am, walking around, sniffing the lay of the land when all of the sudden, I'm surrounded. Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide. The worst part? I couldn't turn around without a butt being in my face. Seriously? Where did these dogs learn manners? All of the sudden, there is a crack in the puppy shield and I make a run for it. I have no idea where I am going but I know I want Mommy-crap she is behind me, I need to turn around but I have about 5 really big dogs chasing me. Mommy!!!!!

Quickly scooped up and whew, I can take a breath. The Sheriff is at Mom's feet giving everyone in ear shot a good talking to about scaring the new guy and as he just loves to bark, there are more details than anyone wanted to know in there as well.

Ok after a few minutes of watching everyone, I think I'm safe so Mom puts me down. I walk a little and yep, you guessed it, the gang was back but this time I was prepared. I kept Mom's legs to my back and just tucked myself between them. No one could get me there-Haha Winner!

Wait, there is a female Westie coming in for a sniff. Well hello Dolly.....

Licks and Jumps to all!

Photo Caption Thursdays: Sheriff Padfoot

I am wearing a Frisbee, what are you doing?

Deputy Dougal Discussion: Marking

Everything outside is fair game to mark including laundry basket (empty or full or clean clothes), clothes pins, lawn furniture, yard tools, etc. If you leave it, I will mark it.

Note to other doggies: Never try this indoors; it is frowned upon by humans and usually results in finger wagging, raised voices, and disappointed looks.

Happy Tuesday!

Love and Licks (and Marks if appropriate)

Early bird catches what at the Academy?

So when I left you last, I mentioned Mom would be taking the Sheriff and I to the academy to visit Captain Half-Pint, Grandma, and Grandpa. First things first, the Captain and I get along fabulously although he makes sure we all know who is in charge. Of course, there was the standard sniffing and growling but after about 10 minutes, we were good.

Second, I love the Academy!! There was lots and lots of acres to sniff, run, and bark and I don't even need to stay on a leash because the entire area is fenced in by woods. Boy oh boy! The best part-Mom took us for a run and walks three times a day.

Third, life on the Academy is hard with very early hours. Grandma and Grandpa run the Academy like bootcamp and therefore we are up and running at 5 am! Can you believe that? Needless to say there were many afternoon naps (see above). Similarly to my foster family, we have a list of chores that have to be addressed before breakfast. Searching for squirrels, sniffing for new scents, barking at the birds, etc. Then after breakfast, we have to help clean up, take long walks, check for mail, make dinner, extract honey, etc. Busy, busy, busy.

Although we were at the Academy did not mean we were on break from training. Grandma worked with my barking and made sure I knew what "paw" meant; Grandpa tried to get me to play and howl both of which I attempted but so far, no luck. However, I did chase the Sheriff. It last about 10 seconds but it was long enough to make Mom stream tears of joy to see me not only sprint across the lawn for the first time but also chasing something other than squirrels. Yeah, I got a few treats out of that one!

Well, I'm pretty exhausted of three days at the Academy and all of the love I received from Grandma and Grandpa so I'll fill you in later on more details. Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Licks and jumps!

Deputy Dougal

Introductions

So it occurred to me, while I was chasing squirrels in my sleep, that I forgot to provide some background information about myself. Very important that I give you a positive first impression so apologies for my oversight in not making the first blog an introduction.

That being said, hello everyone, my name is Deputy Dougal formerly known as Casper. I for one am glad it changed as Casper the ever friendly ghost doesn't go over so well with the ladies. Deputy Dougal is distinguished and while the ladies are still not knocking down the door, I know they will come sooner rather than later.

Besides the fact that I am adorable and quite loving, what you should know about me is that I am a survivor. Unlike the Destiny Child song (I get props for knowing that, right?), I didn't survive a bad breakup but a crummy puppyhood. From the information gathered, I was not treated well nor was I ever allowed to be a happy, inquisitive puppy. Thankfully, after a year of living in abusive conditions, the light at the end of the tunnel appeared in the form of the angels of Maryland Westie Rescue. They took care of me, showed me love, and made sure I had a clean bill of health but perhaps the very best thing they did for me was provide me an amazing foster family.

For over five months, I had an opportunity to live in a safe, loving environment in the heart of Virginia surrounded by three foster brothers (also rescues) and a caring, patient foster Mom and Dad. They gave me food, love, and security for the first time in my doggy life. As much as I loved it there, foster homes are only temporary although mine was longer than most since it took awhile to find the perfect home. I am very special you see and I need humans that can deal with this particular level of specialness. One day, while out with my foster brothers, foster Mom gets a call and three weeks later, I left my foster family to become (drum roll please) Deputy Dougal.

The rest is history..or will be once all of my adventures are completed and the world has known the greatness that is The Deputy!

Licks and jumps to all.

First Morning at the Homestead-a letter to the foster family

Well today is my first morning at the new digs and so far, I think it will work. Mom and Dad seem very responsive to my desire to explore the whole house and backyard. I like this game of going to the back door and it just opens for me. It's fun to watch the humans jump up and encourage me to go outside- like I need to be told twice.

I ate a little bit of dinner but my stomach was still a little queasy from the drive but I didn't want Padfoot to get it either so I just decided my dinner bowl worked as a pillow.

They have windows everywhere and I love trying to look out of each and every one of them. I even jumped to the top of the couch to look out over the new homestead. Dad had to prop me up so I didn't slide but I'd like to think I can do it on my own next time.

I am not a fan of the bedroom. Padfoot and I are in agreement with that so we slept with Dad in the guest room. Apparently I will get the opportunity to sleep in there with just Padfoot soon but I still need some supervision for a while. Personally I think I would be just fine but the humans are responsible for the food so I don't argue too much.

There are a lot of new noises here and I make sure everyone knows there is a new deputy in town. Padfoot is still the sheriff but he has a very quiet way of dealing with potential criminals and well that just isn't my style. I want everyone to know I am coming to get em if they dare step too close to the homestead.

I am very proud to say I've had no accidents in the house thus far- too much fun getting the humans to jump up and down from the couch.

Well it was a long night of barking and an early morning so I guess it's nap time. Padfoot let me in on a secret- we get up early but are able to go back to sleep for most of the day as long as we don't show the humans too much energy.

 Licks and jumps to everyone.

Deputy Dougal.