Memorial Day.... and FREEDOM!

[Christine & Shelby]

Hi Doods... while yes, I will be blogging about Memorial Day and Freedom - it's probably not what you think!

First - Memorial Day! I have been reading about all off your stories from Memorial day, so I thought I would throw my story in too. If you follow my blog, you know I was really sick on Friday.... Saturday and Sunday - at which point Mom took me to see the doctor. After x-rays, an exam, shots and medicine - I feel like a new dood today (loving the special attention I get when on a bland diet - and now mom is cooking the rice in chicken broth and I like it SOOOO much better - now, I actually eat it).

Mom took me to a cookout at a friends house on Memorial day. It was fun and there were lots of people there.... and lots of food that smelled so good. Mom told everyone right away that I was not to get any of their food. My mom's friend asked if I would pull food off of the coffee table and she said "I don't think so, but we've never done that (we don't have a coffee table at home - maybe cause my mom doesn't drink coffee - she drinks Diet Coke). There was steak and chicken, lots of veggies - potato salad that my mom made and peanut butter cookies. I did get to try a piece of boiled potato that fell on the kitchen floor - mom wasn't to concerned, she figured boiled potato fit into the bland diet category.

All mom's friends were amazed at how well behaved I was. I didn't eat any of their food. I smelled one person's plate but didn't eat or grab anything. They were sitting on the couches and even on the floor. It was hard, but I controlled myself. I got to practice with a doggie door - mom's friend has one - but her doggie ZZ died a couple of weeks ago so she is still sad, but I think I cheered her up. They also mentioned I wasn't "mouthy" any more... don't know what that means either, but I got lots of petting and attention!

Second - Freedom! Today...like usual, Mom came home from work to let me out to potty and play (to hot to take walks, I get pooped - we walk early in the morning and at night). Funny thing is - when she left to go back to work.... she didn't make me go back in my crate. She gave me some chicken and left to go back to work. At first I thought she might have forgot to put me in the crate, because her job is stressful and she has lots to do. After I ate the chicken.... I found hidden in different rooms not 1.... but TWO different kongs - one with two treats and some peanut butter - the other with a treat and a milkbone - OMG - I felt so LUCKY. When mom got home I was napping and then followed her around as she looked at everything... carpet, furniture, cabinets, etc. I don't know what the big deal was.... but I got lots of attention and good Shelby's because "everything looks good" - what ever that means. I loved not having to go back in my crate... maybe if I am a good doodle, I will get more freedom! Did I mention how much I love my Mom... she is awesome!!! That's all for now... I think mom is getting ready for our walk!

[Christine & Shelby]

Gracie Doodle... I got to have freedom again today 3.75 hours. It was great. Apparently mom said I only found one of my kongs - She couldn't believe it. She thinks I napped the time away, and I don't remember, so it's certainly possible. When she got home - she cleaned my ears... with the cold liquid in my ears.... I hate that. I don't know what this bed you are talking about is.... but I do have a very nice dog bed right next to mom's bed. I ususally sleep there or on the tile in the bathroom! Have a good night1

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I have been out of my crate since I was 6 months old but, I always find it fun to go into other dog's crates when we are visiting their homes. These crates are too small for me. I just sort of hang out the front with the back of my body inside. My mother always laughs at me and grabs the camera to take my picture. Anyway, it is great being out of the crate. You have earned your mother's trust now so you have to be very good about not chewing up things in the house and always wait until you are outside to do your "business". Has she invited you up on her bed yet? That is the best...all stretched out on your back sleeping on a nice soft bed! You are just going to love being out! Love, Gracie Doodle

[Kathy Spyker]

Shelby, sounds like your a big girl now,being so good out of your crate . I'm sure your mom is so proud of you.

[Paul & Michele]

Glad you are feeling better Shelby, I like reading your stories.

[Frannie & Callie]

Shelby - you are a wonderful girl!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Good job, Shelby!! Glad you did great out of your crate!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Shelby, you are such a good girl, and I loved your blog about your Memorial Day weekend. I'm so happy that you're feeling better. Murphy was sick this weekend too, and he was also on the "bland diet". He's just starting to feel better and back on the dog food. We're hoping he'll be okay. It's great that you got to be "free" in the house...with hidden treats too! That really shows what a big girl you are now. I think your Mom really is awesome!

[Camilla and Darwin]

I'm so impressed Shelby! Finding toys and treats in the house is a good idea... I'll have to try that with Darwin.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Glad you're feeling better . Enjoy the freedom.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Shelby, you are awesome! Keep up the good work. Ned and Clancy's mom