Oh my Doodle.... It's been to long since I've blogged!

[Christine & Shelby]

Hi Doods... Shelby here! It has been so long since I have blogged, mom's been keeping me busy, but today - I told her.... I have to blog - so much has happened since I last wrote.

My mom had to travel to a conference for work and I got to go to "the doggie hotel" as she calls it. It was the nearby boarding facility. I had been there a few times for puppy socialization classes and then for a one night stay when mom went to an out of town wedding. I stayed for four nights, I did have a pretty cool room... a small human like bed and a TV with animal shows. The people that worked there told me that my mom called to check on me. They told her I was fine, that I was having fun during play time with the other dogs and they told her I like to chase butterflies.... Mom already knew this, it's my new favorite thing! I was so happy to see my mom when she came to pick me up!

Then there was the Fourth of July. I'll be honest, I am not a fan. Mom took me for a walk earlier than normal, she said to avoid being outside at dusk/dark due to fireworks. I thought to my doodle self, what are these fireworks of which you speak? But I didn't think about it too long... after all, we were going for a walk! On this particular walk we met two families that LOVED me and asked my mom all sorts of questions. Then when we were about 5 houses away from home... I hear this loud weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee noise, turned around saw some pretty lights in the sky and then there was a loud boom that really scared me... I put my tail down and ran, but not far - I was on a leash! Mom kept saying I was ok, but then there was another when we were in the driveway. I was so freaked out I hid under the bed for over an hour. Mom tried to give me treats, but I just couldn't eat - I was too stressed out! Later, mom laid down with me and we watched tv and snoozed! I haven't heard or seen any of these fireworks since and that is ok, I did not like them.

My mom has started letting me stay out of my crate some of the time while she is at work. I did really good for a couple of weeks and then I had a lapse in judgement and chewed on the corner of the kitchen cabinet. Mom wasn't happy - but more so was upset with herself (now, that I don't understand) because she said it was too long - something happened at work and she didn't get home in the normal time frame. She still lets me out in the afternoon and so far so good. I am trying really hard to be a good pup.

Two weekends ago, my mom planned another doodle romp for me and my doodle friends here. This time we went to the local dog park. This was my first time at a dog park and it was AMAZING. Our dog park is big, has lots of grass, trees and water. We all met up at 9:00am and had a great time! I even learned that I can swim.... I had been wading around most of the time and then by accident found a drop off where I suddenly had to get myself to the shore (only 2 feet or so). A while later, my mom called me from the other side of the pond, and while I was nervous at first, I just went for it and swam across (25-30 feet)! Side note - today we went to the dog park today and I swam lots. I swam across the pond probably 6 or 7 times.... sometimes when called and sometimes... just because I wanted to! Check out the photo below of me swimming! I love to swim!!!

I have a new friend, she isn't a doodle but I love her. Her name is Bailey! Her mom and dad are good friends of my mom's and they adopted her from the local shelter. She is about a year old and we became friends really fast. We get together at least once a week to run and play! Here is a photo of us - its a bit fuzzy, but you get the idea!

I am almost 9 months old now.... I have been with my new mom for nearly 7 months and it has been great. She walks me every morning and night unless she is really sick and then she has a friend come walk me. She gives me lots of treats and toys. She is teaching me lots of stuff - my newest skill is "back" backing up/away when directed! She plans play dates for me and my doggie friends. She takes me places every weekend - pet stores and human stores, that allow dogs - how cool is that. This past week we went to two new stores... Academy Sports and Gander Mountain. I must say - I was a hit and got lots and lots of lovin' from just about everyone!

Well doods, I am going to sign off now. Mom and I are going to a friends house so they can play dominos. This friend has a cat... named Chloe. I love Chloe, but she is afraid of me. She usually comes out after an hour or so... I wish she knew I wouldn't hurt her. I hope we become friends soon... I love kitties!

Hope you enjoyed my blog.... :o)

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Knox asked me to apologize to you for being so jealous yesterday! I think you were making him feel so "inadequate" by swimming ALL OVER the place. He talked about you being such a "show-off" but I told him that you were just trying to make your mom proud! I'm going to work hard on his "attitude" so that you'll continue to invite him to come play!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Shelby, You are having a wonderful summer. What a grown up doodle you are getting to be. Ned and Clancy

[Carol and Banjo]

Happy summer Shelby - Hugs from your friend Banjo

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Shelby, I'm glad you've brought us up to date on all your adventures! Great job on learning to swim! It sounds like you're having an exciting summer and getting to be a very well-behaved grown-up doodle! You sure are cute!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Shelby, I was so happy to see your blog....Guinness, Murphy, and I LOVE them. You have certainly had lots of excitement over the past few weeks. You are really growing up! It's great that you love to swim. Guinness and Murph are heading for the beach in two weeks, and we're hoping that they learn to swim too. Glad that you have a nice new friend! So, thanks again for the blog with all your "news".

[Zoe, Benny and Tyler]

I have missed your blogs already. Good that you are back and I love your new adventures.

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a ggood blog you write and you are a very cute doodle.

[Beth Lord]

Shelby, you're growing up so fast! Sounds like you've had lots of fun lately. Love the pic of you & your new buddy. :-)

[Camilla and Darwin]

Wow Shelby, are you really nine months old already? Time flies. I have had lapses in judgement too, sometimes I just get bored! My mom just bought me a really big crate and I stay in there during the day most of the time. I'm sorry you got scared on the 4th. I was less concerned with the fireworks and more concerned with getting food that was hiding in the grass! Your friend looks nice! - Darwin.

[Anna and Achilles]

too cute!