Vickie has always told me that I should not grow up saying nasty things to my friends. She says if you can’t say something good, don’t say anything at all. And she also tells me that swearing (Certain words with certain meanings that you humans have for them) is not very dignified or kind.

And up until this week, she has pretty much lived by what she teaches me, but all of a sudden, well, I guess it was on Monday to be exact, she starts swearing like a sailor on leave.
“Dammit, Come Here” “Stop it Dammit, I mean it, stop it now” “Dammit, What are you doing now?”
It was kind of freaking me out until I was introduced to:
Are you ready?
Are you sure?
OK Everyone, I want you to meet:
"Dammit"
Yep its true, somebody named their beloved dog, companion and friend. Dammit.
And after spending the week with him, well, I can kinda see how he got his name. Vickie says that I have to leave it at that. You know, the "If you can't say something nice" thing.

So we had a lot of snow this week. Sunday Morning we woke up to snow and again on Saturday. I know I told you before, but we really love getting out in the snow before the rest of the world wakes up.
It is so quiet and soft and on Saturday morning, the air smelled like Chocolate Chip Cookies. Seriously, Vickie and I couldn't beleive how wonderful it smelled. Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh from the oven smell.

I guess it is a good thing Vickie can't cook very good. If she could, we would have gone right inside and made some Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Luckily she had ordered Girl Scout Cookies from her friend Siera and even more luckily, they were due to arrive that day.


On Monday me, Jamie and Vickie all went for a walk out to Willard Bay. It was a beautiful day and the bald eagles were out and the lake is thawing. wow it was really cool.

However, it didn't smell like chocolate chip cookies out there, it smelled like cow poop. It was so heavy in the air that the smell settled on us and the van like a cloud of stink.

And it stayed with the van all the way home. Vickie said she could still smell it two days later.

Jamie had a great time but we had to cut the walk short because she couldn't go as far as she used to. She got really tired and started weaving back and forth across the trail so we had to stop and go back.

It took us twice as long to get back as it did to get where we turned around, which was fine because I got to roll in the snow and run thru the fields while they walked slowly back.

Then a day or two later Just Vickie and I took a long walk and we came across this cool cabin.

And a fun bridge.

And a river for me to play in but Vickie wouldn't let me play in cause she said it was running too fast and I might drown. Bummer.

Back at the kennel it was like Golden Retreive week. We had Max, and Hank, and me and Tristy and well, just goldens all over the place.

And spekaing of Goldens:

Dougal sent us a few fun pictures from his hike this week. Vickie tried to put it to music for you but she is running out of tunes. She found a short song from a CD her neice Elizabeth gave her. Its kind of kids music, but to tell you the truth, we listen to it all the time. Hope you enjoy

Vickie was trying to get some different pictures of the different moods of Allred. I had to leave the room cause I didn't want her to know I was laughing so hard.

you see, while she was trying to get the picture of Allred above, well, Allred reached out and grabbed her by the nose with his big ole ugly claws. Oh the blood and the cussing.

Honestly, what did she think he was going to do. After all, he is "The Devil"

And Poor Tristy. She just doesnt' get it. She is hungry all the time.

When she came to live with us, she was about 40 pounds overweight and could hardly walk. Now, almost two years later, she is a svelt lovely girl with a pretty good figure, considering she is 12 years old and she can go on walks with me and the Kelly boys and keep up.....most of the time.

But it pains her that she has a slow metabolism and she only gets half as much per meal as I do.

Abby's been in a bit of a mood lately. She has been snappy with anyone and anything that gets in her zone and her zone is getting bigger and bigger.

And finally, do you all remember Dizzy.....You know, about two years ago he got abandoned here at the kennel. Then he got this cool home with Robbi and she changed his name to Cody. Well word is, she has changed it again. Now Dizzy/Cody is known as Mugsy. And to tell you the truth, I think that is the perfect perfect name for him.

Thanks Robbi for keeping in touch with us and letting us know how our buddy "Mugsy" is doing.

So like I said earlier, Vickie is running out of fun music to add to the videos of the week so if anyone has any good ideas, will you let her know. She knows John Denver is not everyones favorite, and we are getting to close to running out of doggy songs (which are my favorite)

For now, you can turn the sound off and just look at the fun pictures or you can listen to a really oldie goldie.

See you all next week

Love

Bert

Hey everyone, if you get a chance sign in and we can see where in the US our friends are.

By popular demand I got Vickie to put on another picture of the Mountain goats that are hanging around the top of Ben Lomand this year. If your up to a really deep snow, high cliffs and cold cold day, Vickie knows the way up.

She said she would give you directions but she isn't going up until it gets dryer, warmer and the days are longer. I'll try and remind her to let you know when she is going up and maybe she will take you. I only get to go if I promise to be as good as Trigger.

Trigger always gets to go up cause he is a "Good Dog" and listens to his "Master" and has no brain of his own. (OK, that last part was my words......I kinda don't like Trigger that much. Truth is, he is the only other dog in the whole world that I have taken a disliking too. And to be honest with you, I don't know why......I just don't like him.)

One time I was telling him how much I didnt' like him and Vickie got so mad at me that she didn't speak or look at me for two hours. I was really really concerned that she might send me away, she was so mad.

Well, anyway, enjoy the picture. It wasn't easy to get.......
WE woke up to a beautiful Snowy Sunday this morning. Vickie and I went out before all the other dogs woke up and tracked up the beautiful sight. I know I told you this before, but I love the snowy mornings, the untouched ground, and even the cold feel of it on my paws and face.
While I was out getting things going with Vickie for the morning, Murphy my buddy was sleeping in. While he was asleep Paulette decided that he should have some more curl to his hair, (like that was necessary) and so she puts these curlers in. Then she emailed Vickie this picture. I thought it was worth sharing.

Murphy is probably mortified right now, but oh well, what are friends for.


Cody sent us a picture of his week too. Can you beleive it, he was so close to being put to sleep, but then this kind kind lady Robbi took him in giving him a second chance and now he is living the greatest life ever. He is so happy and all because someone chose to love him. Thanks Robbi, thanks to all of you humans who take us in and give us the great lives we have.
So we have this new puppy that is coming to day care now. Her name is Kaijah. She has funny ears that flop from side to side and she was really shy when she first came but oh my gosh, Now....she is driving me crazy.

She appears out of no where, rushing across the room and diving into my stomach as I lay sleeping. This truly is called Baby Sitting and I am not so sure that I am up to this anymore. I mean after all.....I am almost three years old you know. I shouldn't have to baby sit the little ones, I should be the King...the ruler...I should be respected and reviered.

Well I should.....

She gave Vickie a scare on her second day here. We were all just coming in from our twice daily poop scooping chore when we noticed that Kaijah was no where to be seen. Vickie called her name, she sent us all out to find her. (I am , after all, a search dog)

We looked through the house, through the kennels, we looked everywhere. Vickie was getting pretty desperate. How could this puppy have just dissappeared. The place was locked down so no one could have taken her. We began to fear for her safety.

Starting up a second and more precise search, Vickie and I were in the kitchen working our way out the back door when we heard a strange noise coming from the cupboard. We stopped and waited. Not taking a breath we stood silently for a few more seconds before we heard the sound again.

I knew immediately where the sound was coming from and went over to our revolving cupboard door and pushed at it. Vickie came over and pushed it further open and Guess who was hiding amoungs the groceries?

Yep you guessed it. Kaijah. She had pushed the cupboard open, crawled back in, pushed it shut and was taking a nap amoung the cereal and pickles.

Whew what a releif.....

Vickie has put a lock on that cupboard......
The teeny tiny midgets are still here. We had a little scare when one of them got sick on Friday. He had to spend the night in the emergency room and we all missed him terribly. Saturday was a bit rough too but today he is doing much better. The doctors don't know hif he had a heart attack or what but Vickie is so releived that he is doing better.

Skeeter is still here and I have become quite attached to him but Vickie says he goes home in a day or two. I am gonna miss him too. but like Cody, he has found a wonderful home and a second chance too. Lucky Dog

Jazzie and Kya have become fast friends which is good cause that takes more pressure off of me as a baby sitter. i still enjoy watching Kya run circles around all the other dogs. I of course can run faster than her but I feel no need to prove that point. AFter all I am almost three and big boys don't have to prove how cool they are. We just are......that kind of sutff just exudes from us. (I think that is a word, isn't it)

so this is Pudge. she is old and slow and surprisingly pretty nice. But oh she snores, even when she is awake she snores. I think it is the short nose thing....Sleep last night was almost impossible. snore snore snort snort moan moan snore snore. Take me outside Vickie, bring me inside Vickie snore snore snort snort moan moan snore snore. and on and on......

Couldn't help having Vickie put this picture in. Most of us respect these big blue eyes around the kennel. Kodiak really is a nice dog most the time, but there is something so haunting about his eyes, that you always stand a little less tall around him, just so's you dont' make him mad. Not that I have ever seen him mad, I just don't want to test the waters, thats all.

I got to go to Tuckers office this week. Boy what a life that boy has. He has, like, all these women who dote on him all day long. They love him. It was crazy. They had toys in every office. toys everywhere for him. And beds in all the offices and treats everywhere.....all that just for Tucker.

Boy did that guy pick out a good family. Now I am not saying he has it beter than me, but BOY what a life.......

OK, so just ignore this, Vickie was playing with photo shop and couldn't resist.....

So back to The Tucker outing.

AFter we went inside and checked out all of Tuckers offices, (more pictures to be seen in the video of the week at the end of the blog) me and Tucker came outside and played and played and played. You know it has been almost two weeks since Tuck came and stayed with us and this little trip helped me know how much I missed him.

WE got to go to the Club Heights Elementary to give a talk this week. that was way cool. These three girls who are friends of Vickies mom kept me company for most of the demo, at least until it was my turn to wow the kids with my Scent Discrimination Trick.

Vickie had about 15 of the kids put a shoe up on the stage. Then one of the kids took his other shoe and I used that to smell so I would know his smell. Then Vickie tells me to "Slow Search" and I go stick my nose into all those kids smelly shoes on the stage and pick out the one that matches the smell of the shoe I was given.

Of course I do it and I do it wonderfully. Then every one claps for me cause I am so good and then the demo is over and I get to get hugs and pets from all the kids. So there Tucker, and you thought your life was wonderful.

On SAturday's now, Vickie meets with a bunch of my friends and their companions and we all do obedience training. It was a bit hectic this week because it was the first official time and we all had to work in the rain and wind and cold, but all in all it was pretty fun.

I got to meet some new dogs and people and just when I was starting to have a good time, Vickie goes and puts me back in the van. Seems I was a distraction and she wasn't able to focus on all the other dogs and handlers so I get put in the van.

That stinks......VICKIE that stinks. I'm just saying, THAT STINKS.

I guess the good part about it is that I didn't end up looking like a wet mop, like Murphy does. But it still STINKS and I must insiste that next week, we do things differently. Got it Vickie.....

VIDEO'S OF THE WEEK

BETTER TURN THE SOUND DOWN

VIDEOS OF THE WEEK

Kya finally finds someone to run with

Canine Country Club and Friends Fun

Dedicated in Memory of our friend Strider

Whew, we are really tired this weekend. It has been a crazy busy week. Mostly for me, but it seems poor Tucker is exhausted to. I feel like he sleeps all the time, but he is a puppy so I guess that is expected.

He is not afraid of allred at all, Tucker even sleeps on part of the Castle and none of the rest of us dare do that. You never know when the devil will swoop down on you in the night and claw your eyes out.

WE got more sad news this week. I had wondered cause I hadn't gotten to play with Strider for a few months. But Vickie finally told me that my buddy Strider had gotten cancer in his leg and had passed on to the other world. I will miss him, but I know he has some great company there.

Vickie and I got a way a few times this week to walk. I love the river walk. Even though it is probably illegal, Vickie often lets me off lead when no one is around and I get to run and play in the trees and by the water.

When my buddies the Kellys come and take me, I even get to get in the water and swim.

It was sad for Vickie though and I understand why. We came to this place along the river that was lined with garbage. Why would anyone want to make such a beautiful place a dumping ground for their garbage. That is so sad.....

We went walking again the next day with my Buddy Murhpy and it was a lot better. Really cold but there was no garbage in this part of the river. In fact, it was really really beautiful. There were ice designs everywhere we went. They looked so clean and perfect. You just wanted to get down in there and grab one, then let it melt in your mouth.

It really made up for the day before.

On Wednesday I went to my other job. We were a bit early so Vickie and I went for a walk through the neighborhood to kill some time.

We met this beautiful lady with the most incredible eyes. I was immediatly smitten with her. She was just a wandering the neighborhood so she came along with us. Vickie let me off lead and me and my new crush for the day danced in the streets and played in the yards for about half an hour.

Then I had to go to work so I had to say goodby. Guess I'll never see her again so this will just have to be a sweet memory for me. Sort of My Own Personal Valentines Dream.

Whitney and Tyler came by to visit for a bit. The brought Zero but I was gone so I didnt' get to play with him. I really love Tyler and Whitney but I only have one problem with them. They really like Allred and well, I just think of that as a bit of a betrayal.

I guess there is no accounting for taste, eh Whitney.

My friends at the Kennel were pretty active this week because the weather was wonderful. We all had great times playing outside in the warm sun. Well almost warm sun.

The real bummer for me is that that old Allred has decided that he needs to come outside now too. I had always figured I at least had the outside as my kingdom, my safety zone from the devil, but now, now, I have to be on guard from him inside and out.

Is there no justice in this world.......????

Seriously, this is what I see when I see Allred. You guys just see his sweet side. But if you put that into a pie shape his evil side is 9/10ths of the pie and his sweet side is only 1/10th of the pie. You only see 1/10th. I am forced to live with the other 9/10ths.

Tucker got a little brother this week. Meet Tye. He came to visit but wasn't allowed to come in and play with me. He has to be a bit older before Vickie will let him come around all us other dogs. Something about immunity and getting sick yada yada yada.....

I can't wait to have him join us for all the fun.

Tucker told me that he kind of likes the little guy. Most of the time anyway. Tucker hurt his foot this week while showing off for the kids and when we went on a search Saturday he had to stay behind. He was pretty upset but I guess Tye filled his day enough that he got over it quickly.

Vickie and I are going to start meeting with anyone who wants to on Saturday Mornings at the Fort Bueneventura Dog Park for dog training and socialization. So far we have been working with a few of my new friends but we all decided that it would be great to invite anyone to come. So join us each Saturday morning at 9 am. Weather will be a deciding factor.

AFter a week of great times, Vickie piled a bunch of us into the dog van and took us to the groomer. We thought we were going to the park. It was a tricky move on Vickies part but after getting a good bath and a nice brushing, we all decided it was an ok trick and that we want to do it more often. Well all of us but Scrappy feel that way. He was pretty mad about the whole thing.

Tucker got all gussied up because after two weeks at the kennel, he gets to go home on Sunday and so he wanted to go home smelling pretty and looking good.

Me, well I just like it cause it makes me even better lookin.

Too bad for the grooming though. The minute I got home, we got called out to look for a missing boy and my clean and lovely groom was quickly turned into a muddy sticky mess after we scaled a few cliffs and hike through the sage and dry brush.

The good news is that the boy was found safe and sound. While we were looking along the mountainside of the Bonneville Skyline trail, he was enjoying a bus ride to Arizona.

Dont' get me wrong, I enjoyed the hike, I enjoyed seeing Vickie on her hands and knees as she scrabbled up the steep hillside after me, I enjoyed the warm sun, I enjoyed working with the other dog teams and the nice police officers but Arizona.......He was in Arizona......

So now we say good night and goodbye to Tucker. Luckily we will see him often. I need to keep an eye on him to see that he grows up proper. You know, I don't want him to give us goldens a bad name.

It has been fun having him here but I think it is time for him to go. Vickie was getting a little too attached to him. I can't have that.

so good night to all of you too.

and Happy Valentines Day on Monday to you.

and maybe, if Vickie remembers, she can tell you next week why the song in the CCC Video means so much to her. She tells me it is about a search, about bigfoot, about John Denver and about the night he wrote that song while camping in the San Juan Mountains many years ago.

I am off to bed, cause I am soooo tired. soo very tired.

love

Bert