Birthday and the Belated Bounty

Hi friends!

Life has been so great, but so busy!  This pup has barely had time to think let alone blog with all that's been happening.  I really wanted to stop in and update you on this week's events.

Last weekend sure was fun.  Wasn't sure what all the hub bub was about until much later... more on that in a bit.

First,  the g-parents came to visit!  We all had a wild time pouncing around the park.

I sure do love them and miss them when they're away.

Mommy and Me.

Taking my leash off!!? 

I love playing with Mom...

and sticks!!

I was "caught" up in all the excitement
in more ways than one.

Here's when things got REALLY fun!

FREEDOM!

Trottin'

I love you and all, but seriously give me my stick.

Happy in the cool soil. 

All that play can wear a pup flat out!

That evening, the Humans all sat around and watched the sweetest smelling concoction catch fire until Mom decided to blow it out...so confused by that- but everyone seemed happy, so I just went with it. 

Umm camera man-you guys know that's on fire, right?

??

Oh we're blowing it out? I can help!! 

I also got to meet my Auntie Lauren!! I was so excited, I couldn't help but stay by her side the whole night. 

Later, Mom dressed me in some embarrassing green garb.  She's kind of a nut, but I still love her. 

What's this green business about?

Geeks in green

Come to find out- it was not only St. Patrick's Day, it was Mom's Birthday!! I felt awfully ashamed that I wasn't aware, so decided to give her a belated token of my love. 

The morning after her Birthday- I worked hard in the backyard searching for what to give her. It was then that I came upon the most exciting experience thus far in my short life.

All I saw at first was a long, skinny tail...upon closer inspection I identified what could only be the redolence of a rat!! As soon as I pounced on my prospect, I trotted proudly: back arched, head and tail up- with prey dangling most delightfully in my mouth. All the while, my heart pulsating at the thought of Mom's anticipated pleasure soon to come.

Oddly enough...as soon as I came to the back door the anticipated pleasure I was expecting from her turned to panic as I noticed Mom's eyes get the biggest I've ever seen! Her mouth dropped.

She then began to nervously wave a sweet smelling treat in front of me.  As soon as I dropped the prized present to take a closer look, she whisked me into the house so fast I didn't get to appropriately part with my prey.

As I looked on through the screen door- I heard the most curious sounds coming from her as she scooped her present into a bucket.  I don't know if they were squeals of delight or horror, but she sure was jumping around a lot and seemed hesitant to reciprocate the rapturous feelings that her belated bounty had given me. 

I never did see where she put that bucket though...so I can only assume she placed my perfect prey on the shelf in our garage for safe keeping.  HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, MOM!!

Mom's Belated Bounty and my Prized Prey!!!

Licks and wags,

Penny 

The Great Escape! (or lack thereof)

Top Secret business had occurred (or so we thought).  My pal from The Other Side, Macy, and I had hitched a plan to discover just what’s over the opposite side of that mysterious brown barricade separating us…from the unknown!!

The enticing unknown...

It was late afternoon when we began our secret meeting. When darkness came our "dig date" began.

"OK- so meet back here after dinner"

Here’s how the Frisky Business unfolded:

We each dug down from our respective sides until a hole was created big enough for myself (as the smaller accomplice) to pass through.

"Ready-Set-DIG!"

                       

"Yeah...looks like I'll be able to fit better than you, Macy"

Good start. 

As soon as we had made some progress on the hole- mom called for me…after my initial startle- I knew I had to respond to her so as not to arouse suspicion of our covert coalition.

First error made. Somehow she knew something was suspicious…STILL don’t know how??

Why are you looking at me like that? Nothing to see here...

The next day we put Harold in as our watchman…

At this point, Harold seemed to understand his instruction.

Although looking back I think he was just the nap taker. Second error made.

Oh Harold...

As soon as I crossed to Macy’s side- first item of business was to FINALLY greet each other with a long awaited posterior sniff and a playful tussle!

...We didn’t really have much of a plan after that. Third error made.

You see- the mysterious brown barricade was much sturdier than the futile fence we had first compromised.  A mere “dig” was going to take much longer than previously anticipated. Especially since we didn’t have an additional accomplice working from the opposite side. 

Our bright plan slowly dimmed...

To add insult to injury, Macy... is a bit of a spit fire- let's just say-she barks…or rather HOWLS when she gets the least bit bugged…as well as jumps.  This lead to more than enough unwanted attention, thus, our fourth and final, fateful error.

Macy’s dad quickly ran out and upon seeing my mischievous mishap, lovingly placed me back where I came from.

Embarrassment ensued when Macy's dad proceeded to ring our doorbell and broke the news to my mom thereby immediately coming out and retrieving me. 

As she began cleaning my face and paws down with that awful wipe I hate- I realized how many cuddles and kisses she was simultaneously allowing me...

Although stern, how could she not be mad?  I had clearly disobeyed her.  Deep down I knew full well that I was being led astray.  It was as if she was just relieved I was back in her safe arms.  And I gotta admit- it felt nice. 

Sometimes we’re so eager to see what’s separating us from our future that we go to great lengths to ensure an answer. 

But maybe what seems like a “barricade” in our lives is there for a reason.  Perhaps even for safety.  Today, I learned about Trust and Hope. Trust- that mom knows what’s best.  And Hope- that someday… I will know the answer to what’s waiting for me on the other side.

As I laid there, safe in mom's lap and exhausted from my misadventure- a sense of relief fell over me as I let go...

Licks and Wags, 

Penny Lane