Day 5 - I Got Some Wild, Wild Life

Cooler weather rejuvenates this old dog. I can't believe that it only has to drop down to the 80's and I'm a wild dog but after several days at 100, it is a cold front, I tell you. Last night, I was super crazy. After spending some time in the garden with my parents picking tomatoes and cucs, it was time to really pump up the wildness. To keep me at peak performance, of course, I needed some snacks and part of that steak mom and dad were having for supper. Give me steak. Give me steak. Then, I was on a roll. I did some spins (which are not as good as in the old days because I tend to fall on my butt more now), picked a fight with my English Setter sister Chloe, and when she jumped up in the chair to get away from me, I bit her on the foot. I needed to go outside and I ran through the yard at my old dog break neck speed. It was liberating. When I came in, I got a drink and only spilled about a gallon of water on the floor since I decided it would be fun to jump in the bowl! I slept pretty good last night after all that but when I got up this morning, I am still bursting with energy. We have been outside three times and I am loving it as it is still only 78 degrees. The weather man says it is supposed to get hot again. That totally sucks for me but I bet my mom will be happy for me to settle back down. It's been a good 24 hours, though. I got some wild, wild life.

Phoebe's Phaves

And speaking of the 80's, here's some Talking Heads for your listening and viewing pleasure - they don't make music videos like they used to in the 80's, fer sure:

P.S. Weekends are kind of busy around here now so there's a chance my mom won't have time to type for me this weekend. I don't want you to worry about this old dog - I am certain I will be back on Monday. Oh, and just in case you thought I didn't notice, what's up with no followers of this blog? Come on people, why don't you follow my fantastical life? See you soon!

Day 4 - Let It Rain Down On Me

I don't have much to say today.  We've had a break in the 100+ temperatures and a little rain so I am enjoying the cooler weather while I can. I don't like HOT. Hot sucks. Hot and dry sucks more. One thing I will share is that it has been 4 years since we moved to the country. I don't know why my parents waited until I was 12 years old to leave the city. I would have been killer here in my younger days. There are so many deer, turkey, raccoons, and other animals to chase.  Oh, and the squirrels - I was death on squirrels in the city. I would oh so patiently wait for them to make a wrong move and then, I put the quietus to them. Fortunately for my parents, I am older and an acre of the yard is fenced so I am not roaming free. They probably wouldn't see me much if I was, although I have slowed down a bit. Now, I am off to soak up the 70's. See you tomorrow if I'm still around!

Phoebe's Phaves

I HEART SNOW!

Day 3 - You Can Call Me Al

My parents have a lovely nickname for me - turd ass. TURD ASS! Whatever do you mean? How could this sweet, angelic face be labeled with such a term of "endearment"? How can you defame this old, faithful companion of 16 years?

Look into my eyes - can't you see how this hurts me? Excuse me - what say you? Oh, I get that nickname maybe because I had to have a treat or food every 5 minutes or less last night while you were trying to can 31 quarts of juice. Or maybe it is because I paced back and forth all night, panting, and wanting out in the 90+ degrees for no apparent reason. What? Maybe it is because nearly every time you leave, I pee on the carpet or tear something up just because it is fun for me and I want to punish you.  Come on, do you have more? Yea, I didn't think so. Don't you feel bad. Maybe you should go back to calling me Peanut.

Phoebe's Philosophy

If you keep moving, Death won't catch up with you.

P.S. Although I seem all tough, I am afraid to die and especially alone. Many nights I do pace because I don't want death to catch me. I am still pretty quick for an old gal. See you tomorrow if I'm still around!

Day 2 - The Party Is So Not Over

Yesterday was a good day. I got to rummage through the garden while mom picked cucumbers and tomatoes - my dog sisters do not get that privilege as they would wreck everything with their clobbering feet, destructive tails, and overall general large size. I am a delicate flower compared to them even though I do like to waller in the cucs! And although I can't see or hear as well as I used to my nose still works. Going to the garden is a hunting expedition for me and that is one of my favorite things to do in my life. I love to hunt! Even now at my old age, I can land an opossum and bring it to the front door ALIVE faster than my 10+ years younger sisters! Of course, they are sissies and won't even consider picking one up.

Food is one of the major components of my day. I eat several times a day and have a snack nearly every hour. We'll delve more into that on another day. Yesterday, though, for my birthday, I got some extra special goodies. Mom went to the store and bought me a 1.75 quart (why it just can't be 1/2 gallon anymore is beyond me) of Blue Bunny Premium Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream. Now, I know what you're saying "Dogs aren't supposed to have dairy products. Blah, blah, blah." Well, I have been eating dairy products all my life - ice cream and cheese are by far my favorites. Even one of my human cousins called it "dog cheese" when he was 3 or 4 years old that's how much cheese I would eat.  Maybe ice cream and cheese are the key to the longevity of a dog - just think about that for awhile. Anyway, I got to have two scoops and it was yummy. And, there is more, so it does look like the party is so not over.  Then for supper, my dad made me two pieces of bacon - the real kind. Again, with the judgement from you readers. Yea, I know all about the nitrates, etc. Again, look at my age and my diet and think to yourself - what is keeping this dog alive? Now, breathe. This morning, I still was bounding with energy from my delicious treats from yesterday. Sugar & nitrate high - maybe. Happiness high - most definitely.

Phoebe's Phaves

In the old days, my parents would get me a toy for my birthday. I am kind over toys so I don't get many of those anymore - Pearl, my black lab sister would just take it out in the yard, anyway. Here is one of my favorite toys from the past. I got this toy in 2001 right after 9/11 - the proceeds from the sale of this toy went to search and rescue dogs.  Here I am with the toy in 2002...

I had more red hair back then

And here I am with the toy today...

A little less perky but still here

Can you believe it has been around for nearly 10 years with the American bandana still around its neck and the stuffing still in tact? The stitched tag reads "DOGNY" - see more about it here.  And although this is a toy, it is still a reminder everyday of those we lost in that terrible, unthinkable tragedy. May they rest in peace.

See you tomorrow if I'm still around!

Day 1 - Sweet 16

I hear it's my birthday. Well, happy birthday to me!

Today, I am turning 16 years old. 16 YEARS OLD!! For those of you who know me that seems impossible given the life I have been dealt. I have had A LOT of drama! Mega-esophagus, encephalitis, stroke, cateracts, you name it - I probably have experienced it. Anywho, my human mom thinks we probably should have started this blog a while back, you know, because life is short, I'm old, and my everyday life is just so amazing. I was like "Bite you, bitch (get it, because I'm a dog, and I bite, and... whatevah). I got living to do." But here we sit, on the day of my Sweet 16, starting a chronicle of my year. I must warn you, I am a little ruff around the edges and damn funny, too. I am sure we will laugh together and cry together (if you're a freakin' sissy). I will offer you my dog wisdom (and you will happily accept it). I will give you tips on longevity. I will share my vast experience (you are just so privileged). You know what, mom was right. We should have started this a while back - I have sooooo much to share and I'm sure, not near enough time to share it all. Hold on, peeps... we're buckling in for Phoebe's Wild Ride!

Phoebe's Philosophy

Do bite the hand that feeds you. You will get more attention and quicker results!

 

Phoebe's Phaves

Yea, that's right, I get to rummage through the garden.
 It is one of my favorite summer activities.

P.S. Okay so there's a little taste of you what you can expect. Oh, and just in case you are wondering, I can't actually type. As awesome as I am, I don't have fingers so mom's typing. Hey, bitch gotta do something for me. See you tomorrow if I'm still around!