Thanksgiving 2014

Me reading the news on the iPad with mom

Sunrise's diary : I am a 6 year old orange tabby. I was a kitten, hungry and looking for food when I came upon this house. Mom fed me every morning for about 6 months, and one day she opened the front door, put my food down inside and I walked right in. I was very scared at first, I had no where to go, and she continued to feed me, and I snuggled up in bed with her every night. It sure beats sleeping outside by far.

I soon found out that I had two older feline siblings, Sammy and Sweet Tea. They both really do not want to play with me. Sammy and I hang outside the house a bit, and we watch out for each other, but other than that, Sammy does not want anything to do with me. Sweet Tea sleeps all the time, when she does not sleep, she likes to look out the window. Last year, my canine sibling Sophie got her wish, she got a baby brother! I looked down from my perch and see them play outside all the time and how much  do I wish I have a little brother. 

Storm 10 days old.

Well, my wish was granted a few weeks ago. Sophie found a kitten along her walk with mom one morning. His eyes were still closed and mom had to feed him with a bottle for more than 2 weeks. He was very wriggly and he screams for his real mom a lot. He sleeps inside a carrier on the bed next to mom every night and I look and look at him. He just sleeps and sleeps. He does not do anything and screams when he is hungry. Mom let me meet him and he thinks I am his mom. He sucks my tummy and I wonder when he is going to grow up so we can play like Sophie and Spencer.

Mom named him Storm. His eyes opened two days after Sophie found him, but his ears are still closed. I guess that is why he does not hear anything, I sneak up to him and he still sleeps and sleeps. Mom has to wake him up every time for his feeding. 

Storm and me

I really cannot believe how little Storm is. I mean, how can I play with him? But in the last few weeks, he had grown a lot. He doubled in length and his legs started to grow longer. He learned how to jump. He can now get onto the dresser where mom put my food. I have to eat it quickly. The last two weeks, mom let him out of the crate a lot, and we started playing quite a bit. It sure makes my day. I used to go outside during the day and come back in time for dinner. But now he keeps me company.

Last weekend, Storm turned eight weeks old. Mom disassembled his crate, so he is running around the house all the time. He is so silly, he hides behind pillows and when he pees, he closes his eyes. I think that is too funny. He also made his first official trip to the vet. Mom actually took him there one time already to see if he was a boy or a girl. I really do not care if I get a brother or sister, as long as I have someone to play with.

Storm 2 1/2 weeks old.

So I guess this Thanksgiving, I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a little brother, he loves me and loves to play with me. Although he wants to eat my food all the time, I am okay with it. I am thankful that mom saved his life, so I can have a little brother. I told him that living in this house, you will never go hungry. But since he never lived on the streets, he does not know what hungry is like. I am thankful for all the bottomless food bowl. I am also thankful that I have four canine siblings to protect the house while mom is not at the house. Most of all, I am thankful that I always have a warm fluffy bed and mom to snuggle with.

I do not really like turkey that much, but my canine siblings have been watching the two turkeys that mom had in the smoker. Happy Thanksgiving to you and hope your turkey
is as good as mom's.

Storm 4 1/2 weeks old.

Storm 8 weeks old

What a "Storm" !

The morning I found Storm

Sophie's diary : The storm last Thursday afternoon scared my sister Sidney pretty bad. The tree next door was split in half. Mom came home and Sidney was sure glad to see her.

Friday morning was business as usual. We went along our walk. It was muddy and cold. There were branches along our walk and my brother Sunny had a hard time jumping over the branches. Well, we walked and walked as usual, and I saw this furry ball on the side of the road, I went to pick it up and I had it in my mouth and showed mom. She screamed "leave it". Well, I got it. I have been in obedience class for more than 5 years, I know what it means, so I dropped it. I was worried though and mom told me to keep going. I was worried and I kept looking back.

When we got home, uncle Chris was getting coffee and mom told him to get the keys, well, mom came home a few minutes later with furry ball. She let me sniff it in the garage. Mom said I have an agility trial and she needed to hurry up. Mom put furry ball inside a carrier and got me into the car. The whole way there I was looking at the carrier. 

Storm's eyes not opened yet

Well, we got to the trial site, and mom said she is setting up a crate for me. I really want to stay in the car. Well, I had my first run, and mom said it was an NQ. The judge said I did not touch coming down the A-frame, but I did. Oh well, I was worried about furry ball. Mom gave me my salmon, and we went back to the car. Mom took me inside Petsmart and bought some kitten formula. She said she has to feed the kitten! Oh wow, I picked up a kitten? We went back for my second run, and I did not Q either. Sigh.

We went back Saturday, and mom had the kitten with us. I had a hard time concentrating, I ran well, but no Q either. 

Sunday, I did not Q on my first run, and mom told me that if I do not Q on the last run this weekend, that I would be taking care of the kitten, and I would not be going to McD. Argh!

My last Q for my Excellent Jumpers title

Mom said she would get me a chicken sandwich if I Q. So I pay a lot of attention to her, and I Qed my last run of the weekend. She was waiting for my ribbon, and Storm had to poop and needed another feeding. I really wanted to help, and mom said I had to stay in the crate in the back of the car. That is not fair! But I thought I would just stay there for my chicken sandwich.

We then went to McD and mom gave me my chicken sandwich as promised, and Storm cried and poor Storm did not get anything at McD. Mom said Storm is still a baby and is still on kitten formula. Oh well, it was time for a nap.

Storm sleeping

Mom said that Sunday was a good day, not only did I get my title, Storm's eyes opened. Mom said Storm was about a week old. 

We got home, and mom made dinner. I heard Storm crying and I really wanted to go upstairs. But I was very tired and I was glad that I had pork chop for dinner. My brother Spencer felt left out and I was glad to see him. Spencer is still a big baby and he does not understand that I found a kitten! 

Mom took Storm to work this week and I could not believe that she (mom thinks she is a girl) got to go to work with mom. But mom said that she had to stay in the car, and she sleeps all the time. Oh well, I guess that is okay for me. I rather be home with Spencer. 

Storm  10 days old

I really could not believe all my adventures this past weekend. What an eventful weekend. What a "Storm" !

My waterpark trips

Me chasing Sophie at Hawaiian Falls.

Spencer's diary : My first trip to a waterpark was last Saturday. We got there early and were the first ones in line. I did not know what it was all about until we got into the gate. It was like a large dog park, with lots of dogs, and smell, and of course water. I swam a lot and Sophie and I had great fun. But what is an outing without food right? Mom packed some tuna, salmon and crackers for us, and she bought a veggie pizza and gave me some. I did not like the veggies but the pizza was good. We were walking around looking for ice cream but there was no ice cream. I was very tired.

The biggest surprise came when we went to another waterpark yesterday. This park is bigger, and lots of water everywhere. We got there when the park opened and stood in line to get in. I really could not believe it when I saw all the dogs and water.. Sophie and I went right into the pool. There were so many tennis balls I did not even know which one to get.

Sophie is a fast swimmer, it is hard for me to catch up.

Mom packed some tuna, salmon, and crackers for us again. I was hungry after about an hour, and we ate all those food. Mom had a tuna salad sandwich, but Sophie and I, along with our friend Abby ate most of it.

Another surprise came when my real sisters, Nala and Belle showed up. Nala was my favorite sibling growing up. I used to sleep with her when we were babies. I have not seen them since the beginning of the year, and we all have grown big.

Our friend Abby

We walked around the park some, Sophie had to sniff and pee, and we went into the different pools. This is a better park, since it is bigger and has more grassy area, more convenient when we have to pee.

We sat for a little and we smelled barbecue from across the pool. Sophie's nose went up first, and then I smelled it too. Mom asked if we want some more food, are you kidding? We will never turn food down. The line was long, and there were lots of dogs there waiting in line. Mom got me and Sophie each a hot dog and she got herself a grilled cheese. I was very happy, since every adventure is better with food.

After our real lunch, we took a break, mom said if we have to swim, we better swim because it will

Me retrieving a ball

be next summer before we can swim. Sophie ran right over to the pool. She swam more today than the whole summer combined.  

I swam a lot too, mom tosses the ball several times for me to retrieve, it was hot and it is cooler for me to stay in the water. I think I am a good swimmer, but still not as fast as Sophie. 

I was very tired after about five hours, and Sophie and I were lounging by the pool. It sure was a fun filled day, even though there was no ice cream. I fell asleep as soon as we went back into the car. I was so tired when we got home I could not even move when mom gave me a bath. Looking forward to my next adventure.

Sophie and I lounging by the pool

My real sister Nala and I 

My first AKC title

My double Q ribbons and my Rally Novice
Title trophy

Spencer's diary : Last Thursday night, mom put us to bed early, the sun has not gone down yet. I do not like to go inside when there is still sunlight. Why waste the day? But I am a good boy, so I played with Sophie and went to sleep when it became dark.

Friday morning was just like a normal day. I knew mom was not going to work because she was still around when the sun came up. Then a saw the bags of food and my travel bag. I knew then we were going somewhere. I got very excited. So mom put me and Sophie in the car, and Sophie told me if we see our travel bags, we are going to a dog show. Another dog show! I could not contain my excitement!

We got to this place after driving like forever. Mom put our crates up, and took us to pee. Then before I knew it, it was my turn to get in the ring. I did all the beginner novice exercises, except on the recall I was distracted by someone outside the ring, and mom had to call me a second time. But the judge told mom I still qualify. I earned a pack of salmon. Mom was upset at Sophie because Sophie went to her before she called 'come', so Sophie did not qualify. I told Sophie that we are dogs, we are not scared of people, plus we are German shepherds. I really do not know what she was thinking. Then I took a nap in my crate, and then it was my turn to go into the ring again. I was very tired when mom came and woke me up. I did not do very well but I still qualify and got my rally novice title. They also gave me a very nice trophy. Mom called dad and he told mom he was so proud of me! More chicken nuggets!

Then we packed up and mom drove us to the dog park. This was a hugh park. I was very excited, plus it was time for me to poop. I ran quite a bit even though it was hot. It is always fun to go to different dog parks. They all smell different.

Sophie and I playing on the hotel bed.

Mom then stopped at this place, and roll down the windows and told us that she would be right back. She came back shortly with a rotisserie chicken. I instantly became hungry. We then checked into the hotel. We went inside this box and then it moved and it was pretty scary. Sophie told me it is an elevator, so we do not have to take the stairs. Ok, something new for me. We had sweet potato, some wet and dry food and the rotisserie chicken for dinner. Then Sophie and I played on the bed for a while before we went to pee before bed. 

We woke up early Saturday morning. I had some waffle and egg in addition to my usual breakfast. Yum. Then we got to go to the park again. And then we went back to the dog show. I am so upset I did not qualify today because someone distracted me during the recall again. I did all the other exercises. Mom told me I am still a good boy. Sophie got up during the stay today because the judge was very close to her. She told me she did well in the off leash heeling because she was so scared so she stuck by mom. She did the stand for exam and sit for exam, but she said she had a hard time staying next to strangers. I assured her they will not go after her. She said she was very scared.

Sophie and I took a nap On the hotel bed.

Just when I thought we are about to go home, I was wrong. Sophie told me that mom did not pack up, all she took were our bags. We were back to the dog park. Mom said we can play as long as we want, because we do not have to go back to the dog show. I was very happy I ran and ran with Sophie until I was very tired. I got inside the car and was dozing off when mom pulled into this place. Oh my goodness, mom got a bucket of chicken. It smelled really good. We got back to the hotel and mom gave me a piece of chicken breast for lunch. Sophie said that was KFC chicken and mom only gets them when we are on the road. That makes a  dog show so much more fun. I was exhausted after lunch and Sophie and I napped on the bed with mom. We woke up in time for dinner, and mom had brought grilled hamburgers from home. I was more than thrilled. I cannot believe we were spending a second night at the hotel. But I miss dad.

We woke up Sunday morning, I got cereal in addition to my normal breakfast. Sophie did not like it but since it came with milk, which is my favorite, what is not to like? We went to the dog park to do our business again, and back to the dog show. Sophie was still scared. I think she just needs some more practice. I really do not think she knows she is a German shepherd. For me, I did all the obedience exercises and earned my second beginner novice Q. I knew dad and all my teachers would be proud of me. More chicken nuggets. 

My second beginner novice ribbon

Mom told us that we were done and we were going home. Mom put us into the car and started packing. We drove for a little bit and we pulled into the Golden Arches. My oh my, Sophie and I both got an ice cream cone. Mom told us that we were on our way home. She started driving and I started to doze off when I realized she started eating . Wait a minute, she got a fish sandwich! Fish is one of my favorites! I was wide awake, and mom ended up giving me several bites out of her sandwich. It was delicious, and time for a nap.

I was dreaming of all my adventures this weekend and when my next dog show will be. I was very tired and miss dad a lot. 

Lake, glorious lake!

Me swimming at 4 months old

Spencer's diary : I have been thinking about the lake the past few days. I did not get to go to the lake this past Sunday. It was pouring rain. Mom took me walking in the rain. Just the two of us. We both had our raincoats on, it was kind of fun. But I miss the lake.

I first went out to the lake when I was 4 months old last summer. Sophie ran into the water the minute mom let her out of the car. I walked slowly towards the water with Sidney and mom. Mom had a life jacket with her, she was going to put it on me. I have never seen so much water before. Then Sophie started swimming away from shore, and Sidney got into the water. Mom was slowly walking into the water. I was skeptical at first, but then I slowly walked with mom, and then before I know it, I was floating and swimming. It was just like walking. Mom was telling me good boy. So that was how I learned to swim. 

Sophie and I having fun in the water.

We went out to the lake every Sunday morning last summer, and my swimming skills got better. I could turn and get into the water paddling with no splashes. Sophie is still the faster swimmer though, just because she had been swimming longer.  Mom will put Sophie in the car when she is done swimming, and let me have extra practice time.

Today is Sunday, and the weather is perfect. Mom and dad took me and Sophie to the lake. I was so excited I could not sit still in the car. Dad even went jogging with us along the shallow water.

Dad runs with me and Sophie

The water was cold but I love it. I wish it is summer all year round so we can swim all year round.

The highlight of Sunday swimming is of course breakfast at McDonald's. Mom always get us a sausage muffin. Usually I am very tired by then that I can barely open my eyes, but as soon as we pull into the drive thru, I have to stay awake to eat my breakfast.

We always get a quick bath in the front yard when we get home. I really do not like taking a bath, but mom said no bath, no swimming. So I just stay still and get it over with. It sure feels good getting all the sand off me. Time for a nap.

Me swimming at 16 months. .

My first dog show

My first AKC ribbon. Third place too.

Spencer's diary : We woke up early that day, ate breakfast, and Mom put me and Sophie in the car. I knew we were not going to the dog park because Sidney and Sunny did not go. I just prayed that were not going to the vet. So it seemed that we had drove quite a while and I knew it was not to the vet, and since it was still dark, I fell asleep.

Sophie woke me up when there was daylight, and she told me we have to be going to a dog show. I could not believe it. We got there and Mom let us out to pee, and I smelled all sorts of smell. Mom then set up our crates, and we went into a large hall with a lot of dogs all in their own crates. Sophie was in a crate next to me but I would rather be in the  same crate with her. I watched all the people and dogs go by. Sophie barked every time someone got close, but I felt safe in my little haven. Mom then practice with me some and I got lots of cheese and chicken nuggets. It was so much fun. After my first run, Mom gave me a whole pack of salmon. I could not believe it. Fish is my absolute favorite, and I like dog shows more now just for this. I also got a whole box of wet food after my second run, and got qualified too. Mom was hugging me so tight I had to lick her for her to loosen me up. It is not bad getting a third place too. Mom told Dad and I bet he was so proud of me.

We then got back into the car, and I could not believe another surprise. A dog park? I ran and ran even though I was tired. Well, it was almost dinner time although I already had lots of treats. I thought we were going home, but we went to this place, and Mom and Sophie was trying to get me to walk up these hollow stairs. No way! They tried several times, and Mom finally went back to a lady and told her that I would not go up. So she gave us another room downstairs. We went in and Sophie told me that we will be sleeping here for the night. Awesome! I got to sleep on the bed with Mom.

Me and Sophie on the hotel bed

We had grilled pork chop, plus wet food for dinner. I was very tired by then. It was also storming and raining and we all got wet when we went out to pee before bed. Sophie slept on the floor and I slept on the bed with Mom.

I woke up and licked Mom up at 5:45 am because I needed to pee. I got wet food again for breakfast, but where is my milk? I kept asking Mom where is my milk, and Mom kept telling me to wait. She went out for a little while later and came back with milk for me and Sophie, a hot waffle and a hard boiled egg. Sophie only likes her milk, but I eat everything, waffle and egg was good.

Mom then packed up and put us in the car. We stopped by the dog park to pee and poop. Sophie said we were going back to the dog show. I could hardly wait. More cheese and chicken nuggets. Mom also gave me a piece of ham out of her sandwich and some pasta for lunch. I was tired and took a nap in my crate. Mom told me it is ok to sleep in my crate and I felt safe. I had a comfy bed in there and a bowl of water. I only had one run today and it was late and I was tired, but I got a second qualifying run. I got another pack of salmon.

Mom told me that we were going home. I was so tired that I fell asleep right away. I woke up later and it was pouring rain. Sophie was awake but I went back to sleep. I woke up when the car stopped. Mom got out and she told us she would be right back. I looked around and this was the place where I had puppy school last summer. Another surprise, Mom came walking out with 4 bags of pig ears, my favorite chew. Can this day get any better?

Mom got back in the car and off we went. We stopped again. At McDonalds! Mom bought me

My second qualifying score for Rally Novice.

and Sophie hamburgers for dinner. I was so happy. We were finally home. Sidney and Sunny missed Mom and I had to pee!

I missed my backyard and I laid outside after my hamburger dinner and I thought about my 2 exciting days. I had so much fun, I cannot wait for the next dog show.

I am bone tired.

Me sleeping in the backyard

Spencer's diary : I really cannot wait to go to a dog show. Sophie said she gets to eat all kinds of food, and stay at a hotel. She said sometimes when mom is hungry and gets a hotdog, she gets one too. 

This weekend, Sophie did not have any dog shows. We got to go to the park Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday was fairly warm, and I really did not enjoy it very much. I was tired even though I only ran for 45 minutes. Mom dropped all of us off at home and took Sunny to the vet. Sunny came home so scared he thought mom was going to put him down. I am scared every time I have to go also. If Sophie does not go with me, I am not walking into the door. Poor Sunny was so worn out when he came home.

Sunny enjoying his beef livers

We got to go to the park Saturday again. I ran for an hour, and I got to go tracking. Mom started to teach me how to go through obstacles in the field. The dead branches were taller than me, and I really did not like them in my face. The scent seemed pretty easy to pick up, so I closed my eyes, and put my nose down. It worked very well, and mom said I did a good job. I came home and told Sophie that you really do not need your eyes to track, but Sophie said that she keep her eyes open for rabbits. I was very tired Saturday, so glad mom made rice with beef, chicken livers and green beans for dinner.

I was very surprised Sunday morning when we got to go to the park again. It was a chilly morning, and I ran for an hour. Sunny is recovered from that horrific trip to the vet and he was relaxed and sniffed a lot at the park. Even though Sophie is 5 years older than me, she runs faster than me. I run after her all the time, and I am using my skills that I learn from agility class, like jumping over logs and branches in the woods, in order to keep up with her. We then went to McDonald's and we each got half of a sausage muffin. 

Me bone tired.

I am really tired this weekend. I am wondering if dog shows are just as tiring. But I love activities. I just love to play in the weekends, and rest on Mondays when mom goes back to work. I need to take a nap now, looking forward to dinner and our Sunday night treat (grill beef livers).