Last Week of October 2010

Boy it feels like a lot of my friends have gone and left this world in the last few months. All of them have been Vickies friends too and she is feeling pretty badly for their families. Especially because our Jamie is getting so old and seems to be having a rough time of it lately.

This week our sweet little Molly has left us. She is this tiny little thing that comes and stays with us often. You hardly know she is here. She is so tiny and she sleeps most the time. When she came she would lay at Vickies feet under the computer desk. That way she was out of the crazy stuff, but she could watch it at the same time. We will miss Miss Molly.

I am also sad to tell you that Gretel the Rotty has passed along as well. She died this week from Cancer. Molly went in her sleep but Gretel had to have the help from her family and veterinarian to go. She was like the best rottweiler ever. She was so kind and gentle. I didn't get to know her real well but Vickie says she was one of a kind.

ON the up side, I met this new guy at the groomers. His name in Murphy and he was rescued by this really cool group from Salt Lake that saves dogs that weigh over 100 pounds. Murphy is living in a foster home right now and if anyone is interested in a huge, sloppy but loving goofy kind of guy, email Vickie to find out how to meet him.
jamiesyra@msn.com

Allred is still here, just in case any of you were wondering. Yesterday we had company. They were sitting in the big chair next to Allreds Tower. They couldn't see that Allred was just above their head, looking down and considering their fate.

Our company asked where Allred was, just as he was contemplating introducing himself anyway. Vickie told them to look up and you should have seen their face when they saw him staring down at them with a devilish grin.

One of my friends who comes to day care was trying to scare Allred the other day. As you can see. Allred has NO FEAR. I think Dali should be a little more careful. But at least with Allred focused on her, he is leaving me alone.

Night everyone. I promise to have more for you next week but this week has been pretty slow. I blame Vickie for that.

Searching and BIG Spiders

You know, Jamie and I sit around the yard all the time just enjoying the beautiful world around us. She gets into telling me stories about all the searches she has been on. She told me how she found this guy who had drowned in Willard Bay, and a snowmobiler who had been caught in an avalanche that she showed them where he was buried.

There was this really nice boy that had an accident and died up in the hills above Ogden and on and on. She tells the best stories, and I have been working really hard to be able to fill her shoes or pads or what ever you want to call it.

I want to be a great search dog just like her and so I listen to her and to Vickie and I try so hard to learn everything I can. But not once……not ever…..never, in all the times they talked about what it would be like did Jamie and Vickie ever tell me anything about this!!!!!!

Now don’t’ get me wrong, I am NOT afraid of a big ole spider, but what does scare me is how Vickie acted when we came across this guy on our search last Sunday. What a baby. I really didn’t know what was going on.

We are just working our area, through the rocky cliffs and sage. I am working as hard as I can to find the smell of the person I was looking for, concentrating as hard as I could when all of a sudden, Vickie starts squealing like a little girl. She is jumping up and down, grabbing me by the neck and pulling me back with her. What a scene.

When she finally stops screaming and running around like a crazy thing, she points out this big brown thing coming towards us in the brush. I have to admit, it looked like it was mad, but who wouldn’t be with all the squealing noise.

And truthfully I think it was coming after us, and the thing is, it was coming pretty darn fast.

The search though, was really interesting. When I came home I told Jamie all about it and she was very impressed. She said I was doing a great job as a search dog and that she was very proud of me. I feel kind of bad that Jamie can’t go anymore, if she was even half as good as Vickie says she was, then she was a mighty fine search dog in her day.

There are a lot of things I cannot tell you about, things that are a part of the search that it is better I don’t’ talk about but I can tell you that we traveled about 200 miles on dirt roads to check out some areas that were of interest in a case for a missing lady.

Two of the people were what Vickie called Mediums or Clairvoyants. She explained that they have special thoughts and feelings and intuitions. Some people don’t’ believe in them, and some people do.

Vickie never said what she felt, only that she really liked them and hoped to work with them again. I liked them too. The one lady tried to talk with me but she gave up pretty quick. She said I was a little too energetic in my mind and that perhaps in the future when I am older, she would like to talk to me again.

I wish I weren’t’ so energetic in my mind, cause I had a lot of things I wanted her to know. Things about searches, about Vickie

Anyway we would drive through the countryside and when they got their special feelings, we would stop and Murphy, Tucker and I would go out and see if we could find anything interesting.

It wasn't like searching in the mountains. I don't have that much experience in desert terrain but I did my very best. I used my nose and my eyes and my mind and I tried and tried to find something that would make Vickie proud of me. It was just really hard and so frustrating.

I could smell a lot of different things in the area and one time I did find a bone that the search and rescue people took and bagged so they could check and see if it was human or not. I wish those mediums could understand me cause I could save everyone a lot of time if I could just communicate better with them.

We came to a couple of little mining towns and even a bigger town that had people still living in it, even though it was 100 miles from the nearest store or gas station or anything. It had all these old houses that Vickie really liked. She said they were built clear back in the 1800's. I guess that was a bit before my time.

Murphy had to work on a long lead for some of the search cause Paulette was afraid he might meet up with a rattlesnake and try to make it his best friend.

One time I was so sure I had picked up a scent that was important that all I could do to get Vickie to take me serious was to pose like a huntin dog. So I stood there with my neck stretched and sniffed with my nose pointing in the direction I wanted her to go. When she finally noticed, off we went and, well I can't tell you waht we found, but it was pretty good.

I think the mines were the scariest. These big holes in the rock with all kinds of interesting smells. But not the one we were looking for.

Finally after 14 hours of driving and searching and driving and searching, Vickie and I were heading home. Ken and Tucker drove and it was a good thing, cause Vickie was too tired to be driving and beleive me if you have ever been in a car with Vickie when she is tired, well, lets just say......I hope you never do.....

She does the weirdest things to stay awake and alert when she drives. I'll be sitting there dosing off and all of a sudden she will let out a loud tarzan yell or slap herself on the cheek. Sometimes she puts ice down the back of her shirt. It is crazy.

Thank goodness she doesn't get on the road all that often.

On the calmer side, all of us therapy dogs got together and talked about when we would go to Salt Lake and take our test for Delta. I am looking forward to that.

When ever we have these meetings we all go to the park and while the humans talk, us dogs play. Even Jamie came this time. I love that Jamie. She is the best dog ever and as time goes on, I learn more and more about her and I respect her even more.

Searching is very stressful, but going and visiting my friends at the retirement homes is relaxing and joyful. They are always so excited to see me. I love the smells there and especially love the fact that almost all my friends have two or four tennis balls in every room. Yes they are hooked to the bottom of their walkers but given half a chance, I could take them off and have a good game of toss. mmmm maybe some day.

Even more fun is that I heard from two of my friends that used to live here but have found WONDERFUL homes and amazing families. Like Dizzy who is now called Cody. Check it out. He is sooooo happy.

I never imagined he would end up being as lucky as me. To find a really cool lady to love him and take care of him and for him to love and take care of her too.

And check this out. He gets to go on walks every day and look!!! He is now doing it off lead. He has shown Robbi that he can be trusted and so now with all that trust the two of them have for each other, comes freedom..... So cool Cody, so cool.

And all of you remember my Betty don't you. Well, she is happy beyond belief. She has found her place in the world and has snuggled down in, never to leave.

She even adopted a little friend and is teaching her how to be a good family dog like she is. And you know what.....You guys, my friends and readers made it all possible for both Cody and Betty.

So can we try again. This is Harley and he desperately needs a home. His time is running out and the only choice the family has is to send him to the humane society or a rescue but the rescue people are not getting back to us so it looks like things are running into the last race.

harley is a great dog but he really needs a home without children. After all he is a schnauzer and they like quieter homes. Maybe a couple without kids or a single person. Please help if you can by sending out the information on him.

If you find out about someone can you have them email Vickie at jamiesyra@msn.com

Back at the Kennel/Day Care we have been watching our little Gracie very closely. She had to have surgery last week so Vickie is keeping her in the house with us until she is ready to go play with the others.

She sleeps alot and is healing fast so when the weather warms up (which may not happen until next spring) she is goign to stay inside with me and Jamie.

Some of my other friends that visit are Monte. He comes a couple of times a week. He kinda sticks to himself but I like him anyways.

Georgie is staying overnight for a week or so. Aint' she the cutest thing ever?

Jimmie Dean and Doc (choco lab) have become fast friends, but as Doc grows, I suspect that friendship will go its way. You know how crazy labs can be. Give him a couple of months and he is gonna be more into playing with big guys like me.

Vickei gave Ellie Mae a bone the other day which she promptly burried. Ha Ha, like I am not gonna find that.

And finally I leave you with a few shots of Allred. I know I said that I was beginning to like him more a while ago, but I TAKE THAT BACK. He is still evil, he is just more sneaky about his evilness now.

There is no place to hide from him. Like, recently, Vickie bought us a new couch for the office. Perhaps she thougth, for a very short time, that it would be for her.....but Allred made it very clear to her that it was his and his alone.

Honestly Vickie, your the human, you make the rules for us dogs, how come they don't apply to THAT CAT. What makes him so special. (Truthfully, I think Vickie is afraid of him too)

Thank goodness I have Jamie. Wise, sweet, loving Jamie. Vickie was worried about her earlier this week cause she was feeling sickly but she seems better now. I guess growing older is cool for the first half or three quarters of a dogs life, but the last bit seems to be a little harder to do.

So the week is about to start again and I wish you all a wonderful safe week. I kinda wish it would stop raining too, but I guess it is better than snow. (At least that is what Vickie says)

NO, your right......THIS IS NOT ME, and who is it you ask.

Well I had the same question.

You see, one morning a while ago (I am not real good on days and stuff, cause I am a dog) anyway, a while ago. Vickie gets up, gets us all fed, then grabs this big ole bag she has been fussing over for the last 24 hours and drags it out to the curb where she meets her mom.

They bring my buddy KC into the house then off they go. Now that isn't so unusual accept for the fact that......THEY DIDN'T COME BACK

Not for a very long time. The sun went down and it got dark, then the sun came up and it got light, then down and up and down and up till I finally just figured my Vickie had left me forever.

Then one night, long after the sun had gone back and we were all asleep, who should come walking in, but VICKIE. Oh VICKIE, VICKIE, VICKIE, VICKIE.

I jumped on her, I licked her on the face, I followed her around for an hour. SHE CAME BACK.

Oh I mssed her, I really missed her......But WAIT!!!!!

Where did she go WITHOUT ME. She never goes anywhere for long wihtout me. She went somewhere for a long long time without ME.

I think I am upset with her. YEP, I am upset with her. So...... I peed on the big bag. "So There"

The next day she got on the computer and pulled up a bunch of pictures that she took on the time she was gone. I wont' bore you with a lot of them, cause frankly, I am not in them so they are boring to me, but Vickie had a good time explaining them to me.

She and her mom went to see Elizabeth, her niece, and the kids. They live in New Hampshire. Now I guess that is a long ways away cause she said she flew there. Mmmmm Flew there. I wonder what that means.

She said that she had the best time ever with her family. She went on and on about how much fun they had and how she wished she could have spent more time with Elizabeth and the kids.

Yada Yada Yada


On one day they went to this really cool mountain garden. Scott had such a fun time climbing on the rocks. He is as old as I am, Vickie said. She also said he is almost as good at climbing things as I am too.

Well, we will see about that. OK Scott, the challenge is on......

Callie found a "Secret Garaden" on the walk. It even had a Secret Gate and a little villiage where you got to build houses for the Fairies. MMMM Fairies. now that sounds like fun. I saw a movie once with a fairy named Tinkerbell in it. I like fairies.

She said the fall leaves were incredible and everywhere they went they saw so much beauty.

Then one day they found this gal and her brother. What on earth is that?

Looks a little like my buddy Murhpy. You know, same hair, same color same goofy face.

They even met a girl who looks an awful lot like my Annie.

It all sounds great, fun, exciting, ect. ect. ect.

But for HEAVENS SAKE Vickie WHY DIDN'T I GET TO GO?

Really, honestly, I am so much better looking than the golden at the start of this blog and I could have been such a good baby sitter for Callie and Scott. REALLY.

So we heard from Buddy last week. He sent us a picture of his new surroundings. He seems pretty happy about things, but then, it isn't winter yet buddy......Talk to me then......

This year has been really hard on our trees here at the kennel. Some of them died and some of them don't look so good. It kept John pretty busy all summer.

And my golden walnut tree, well almost 90% of the nuts were rotton. I am a little worried. They have always been a favorite of mine. I was just getting good at cracking them in my mouth and picking out the juicy inside. (Maybe Next Year, they will be better)

I guess to try and make me feel better, you know, after leaving me for so long, Vickie took us up to a friend of hers house in the mountains for a few hours. She usually goes and waters their plants when they are on vacation so I know it wasn't completely for me....but a guys gotta take it when he can.

Jamie and I wandered thru the woods while vickie watered and then I took a dip in the new pond they had just built so the moose and deer that pass through could drink from. It was almost enough to make me forgive Vickie completely. ALMOST

I am going to leave you with one more picture from the falls in New Hampshire, boy I coulda had fun there. Then, it seems that I better go keep an eye on Vickie cause she is packing up our search gear.

That is a sad thing for someone else, but a great thing for me. I GETTA GO ON A SEARCH.

Tell you about it next week.

Love

Bert

PS, in answer to my first question....not to worry....that is just some dog in New Hampshire that Vickie had to take a picture of and pet because she MISSED ME........(So next time, TAKE ME)

I know that some of you think I am terrible because I keep telling you that Allred is "The Devil". Some of you think I am joking about it. Ha ha, funny Bert.... Yeah well, ask Tristy about what kind of a joke it really is.

Yep, Tristy, sweet, innocent, quiet, delicate, never does anything wrong, Tristy.....was just minding her own business the other day, walking along thru the house like normal when she mistakenly walked a bit to close to Allreds Castle.

Out from the hidden cave of the lower castle, shoots the evil one. Striking out in a flash, Devil Cat poor Tristy's behind with his long spearlike teeth, ripping a C shaped hole just under Tristy's tail, then slithering back into his dark hole before she even realizes she is hurt.

Soon the actual feeling of pain reached her brain and she (Tristy) turned around to see what had happened. She see's nothing, but I did, I saw the whole thing and it was definatley "Devil Cat".

So off to the vet again. I swear that Vickie spends at least three hours a week at the vets each week and if you add it up, I think at least 50% of her visits are due to the Evil One. Oh I curse that cold winter day last year when we heard the sad desperate cry of a kitty starving and lonely. Boy oh boy, did we fall for that one. And now we MUST PAY......

Seems like this week has been a really different week. Like poor Tristy and her little problem. Or Harley the schnauzer from the picture above. HE really needs a home soon or they are going to take him "Away" (and Vickie says, that "Away" doesn't mean somewhere else on this world).

And the worst of all was my friend Pollo passed away too. My friends Michelle, Jennifer and Blake are Pollo's family. They were so sad when Pollo died that it made me even sadder. See us dogs we understand "away" and we are not really afraid of it, but our humans, they seem to have a really hard time with it.

What makes me sad is how hard it has been this month for my friends Michelle, Mike, Sierra and Michelle, Jennifer and Blake. A lot of going "away" stuff going on this month.

Ellie Mae got to go camping last week and they were gone for four days. When she came in to the Day Care on Tuesday she went right to the quiet places, picked out a bed, stretched out and slept there all day long. She was sooooo tired. Pretty funny to think a girl came to day care to get some sleep.

Dougal sent us some more pictures of his trip swming along the weber river. He also sent a little video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcrhNycqVP0

Us dogs really do have great lives.

Abby is the only one in the family that "Devil Cat" doesn't dare bother. Most people think she is so sweet. So Charming, So Pretty. Ha Ha Devil Cat, I just hope you push Abby to far one day and this is what you will get.

She can go from sweet to attack mode in a microsecond. We call her "The Viper"

Yeah Allred, you go for it buddy.......

Of course after Pollo passed away, Vickie and I needed some fresh fresh air so we decide to go up into the mountains, the beautiful peaceful colorfull mountains.

WE met the Kelly's up there with their friends Tanner and Will. Great timing of course, it was just before dark when we got there, just in time for dinner. Mmmmm Nothing like dinner around a campfire.

I had a hard time convincing Alex that he needed to share with me, but lucky for me Nathan wasn't watching that closely so I got a whole bun and some chips before he noticed it.

I gotta tell you that a kiss from these guys is NOT the same thing as a good old hot dog. Geese what were they thinking?

Thank Goodness Austin shared with me. I mean, I was starving......

Getting late and we all settled in for stories around the campfire. WE got to hear about some of the things that happened to Kory when he was a little boy growing up in a mortuary. Pretty different. But the best story was how Tanner and Nathan had been fishing earlier in the evening when a whole bunch of moose came down to the lake.

They were so scared of the big monster creatures that they hid inside the outdoor toilet for half an hour. I am still laughing. MMMM Moose, dirty toilet, Moose, toilet. I think I would have chosen the moose.

So off I go to bed again. Lazy Sunday, a walk with Jennifer and Blake, a little dip in one of the pools out in the day care section and now my comfy bed and a nice night of well earned sleep.

Night everyone.

Love

Bert