Sunday, March 27, 2011



Vickie had a cold this week and she is such a baby when she is sick. She moans and groans and walks around the house like she is dying. I know she wants me to feel bad for her, but, come on……I would if she would act a little more stoic. You know. Toughen up and deal with it Vick. I do…… So I basically Got nothing to say about nothing this week. Nothing goin on, nothing special happening. Boring…. Just sittin around sleepin, watching tv, and listening to long drawn out sighs from the Vickster. Well except for the scouts, the retirement home, Saturday training, long walks I love it when we go talk to the scouts and their families. After we get finished listening to Vickie and Paulette talk and talk and talk.....then Murphy and I get to show off our skills. I might have been just a little pee-ode (not sure how to spell that word) at Vickie this week, you know, cause the lack of attention she showed me, so when it was my turn to impress the kids by showing how wonderful a search dog can be......well.....I just didn''t do it. Yep, she had 20 of those kids put their shoes out, then gave me the smell of one of those kids....and I know I was supposed to pick out the shoe that smelled like the kid but, well, I just didn't feel like it. Oh, I preteneded to be looking.....I stuck my nose in everyone of them smelly shoes, one at a time, except for the one that I should have......I just walked right over that one and ignored it. I know I was supposed to pick it up and take it to Vickie but I just showed her. I just walked by it three times. Yep....three times....Boy did she look silly....and so embarassed. That will teach her to ignore me...... And like I said, we did go to the retirement home to visit....and I was of a good mind to show her how displeased I was with her behavior for the week there too but.....I just couldn't do it. Those kind and loving residents, well how could you not love on them....even if you were mad at Vickie. This one guy, well he loves golden retreivers and he used to raise them and so I stayed with him a good part of our visit. Vickie and her family and friends are cool and all, but there is something very very special about those folks who have experienced so much of life for so many years. They have a special gentleness that I love to be around. After we spend an hour or so there, us dogs went outside and posed for you. On the right is Murphy the great, Next is little Bubba who because of his size is a favorite with all the folks here at the center, of course the wonderful and kind Tucker, then Toby the pro who visits folks all over the valley, then Happy who always draws a crowd and of course good lookin ME.



So here are a few photos from this week at the kennel, at the demonstration and at the retirement center. Vickie picked this music especially for all of you. WHAT WAS SHE THINKING


Back at the Kennel, we had some special guests this week that helped take care of the doledrums brought on by Vickies bad attitude....(I'm Sick, I don't feel well, I can't go for a walk, my lungs hurt....blah blah blah) Vickies neice and nephew Whitney and Skyeler came to visit. Whitney brought Zero to play and that was great, Skyeler came a little later and got great joy in trying to get us to bug Allred. I of course knew better so I didn't get in on the game but Zero and Daila tried, although in vain, to breach the castle walls. Allred protected his home with much power and strenght. All who tried to challenge him were left scarred and bleeding. As it should be. Now Vickie tried to take a picture of one such battle but the movement was so quick that all you get is a blurr as the paw comes out, attacks and then retreats. Even Allreds mouth was hard to capture as it reached in to snatch out a peice of dog nose. The battle was over before it began and Allred remains KING of the Castle. A young girl named Gigi came to visit us this week for the first time. I thought you might like to meet her. I tired to play hard to get, and just ignored her most of the day. But I did watch her from a distance. And she is beautiful....... I sat back and watched this thing too. I am too clever to fall for this. ONE TREAT and four dogs. Yeh, like that is gonna work out. Zero and I are old buds and so it was fun to spend a little time with him while Vickie, Skeyler and Whitney visited. I am still bigger than him, but he can move a lot faster than me. There was a bit of a love story this week too. Jamie, who has never had a love of her own, seemed to be twitterpated by Karka who came to visit for a few days. I never saw her act this way. She and Karka would walk around the yard together, nuzzle each other constantly, sleep together and were always giving each other longing and loving looks across the room. I really do beleive that Jamie has finally found true love. I know it is late in life but it was kind of neat to see her this way. She acted like a puppy when she was with Karka. (A crippled, wobbly puppy, but heart and soul are never as old as the body) It makes me smile.
When Karka left, Jamie was a little blue for a bit but Vickie gave her lots of attention and pets and brushing and it seemed to help. However, I know, as you all know, the heart knows what the heart wants. So hopefully Karka and Jamie will have a few more rendezvous again here before they meet again on the other side.
Even though I get to walk with my boys every week, it is nice to see the time coming when they have more time to walk all the other dogs here at CCC. This week Austin had enough time to take me and Tristy for a walk, then he stayed another hour and took Kodiak and Kenai. A true indication that spring is coming.
I wanna leave you with this picture of Froistie. Frostie needs a good home. Her owner passed away this last week and she is now homeless. She is about 7 years old, up to date on all her shots, spayed and oh so loving. Would you mind passing the word along for me. Hopefully we can find her another home where she can spend her life giving the gift that us dogs give......


Love

Bert

Oh Yea, could you all send out some "Hurry up and get over yourself" wishes to Vickie so she will pay better attention to me next week.

Thanks so much. I appreciate that.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Happy Second Birthday to Jimmy Dean. I'd sing but Vickie says I can't carry a tune. Just the same.....one big HAPPY BIRTHDAY from all of us.
Wow, what a great great week I have had. I got to do all kinds of fun things, see all kinds of wonderful kids and adults, play in plenty of mud and water, and meet and play with all my friends, old and new. What more could a guy ask for.


I think the best part is that Vickie and I got to share "Quality Time" together away from all the other dogs at Canine Country Club. It started out a bit questionable as Vickie took me to the groomer early Tuesday morning. Not that I don't like the groomer, but why in the middle of the week, and why wasn't Scrappy with me. After all, Scrappy is much dirtier and smellier than me.


Around one o'clock after a luxury bath and brush by my own personal groomer, I was called out front and to my joy, Murphy was waiting there for me. I knew the minute I saw Murphy that this was gonna be special......


And it was. Murphy, Paulette, Vickie and I all piled into the van and headed to Moab. Yeah.....ROAD TRIP. I love Road Trips.


It was a lovely drive. Vickie fixes the van up so's me and Murphy are totally comfortable. We can get up and move around, and we can sleep as much as we want, while Vickie and Paulette drive.


We get to stop often and stretch our legs and well, it is just way cool.


After five hours of sleeping, playing in new places and watching the scenery change from mountains to desert, we arrived in Moab and went right to our cool digs for the night. We were staying at the Bowen Motel in town and wow were we surprised when they gave us the luxury suite.


Four rooms, a huge kitchen, living room and a great big dining area.



Not that we needed the dining room though cause our hosts and owners of the Motel, Trish, Tyson, Trayken and Fuzzy invited us to their house for dinner. Well Vickie and Paulette were invited to dinner. Murphy and I stayed in the van.

You know that moment when your inner spirit and your body collide. That moment of perfection when the moon, sun and stars burst into shiney speckles in the back of your eyes.

That moment of Sublime ecstasy when your human shares a tiny morsel of sweet marinated beef just off the grill. You know….that moment.


Well, that is how Vickie described their dinner to me later. They had (as Vickie states) the most incredible delectable homemade spaghetti that she has ever had. (and if anybody knows their spaghetti, its Vickie) Vickie made such a scene about the devine dish that they finally gave her a bottle of the sauce to take home. (Yeah Vickie)

Unfortunately I find that she has become quite stingy about it and does not share. I don't even get to lick the pan these days. I find this selfish and mean.


Any way the next morning we got to go to the schools and talk to over 800 children and Murphy and me were in heaven. Of course I know I have a gift with children. They love me. (Who could blame them) and I LOVE THEM BACK.


We had such a marvelous time. (Marvelous is Vickies word, I don't like that word, I would have picked something like, Incredible, fantastic, fun filled......IT WAS GREAT.


Here is a short video of our trip in case you want to see. And for all you kids who are checking in, I just want to say on behalf of me and Murhpy.....THANK YOU THANK YOU You were great.......



The drive home was long but since I slept through most of it, I really didnt' care. A big storm came in and we had to travel slower but again, it didn't matter to me.


As the week went along, it just got better and better. The river has overflowed its banks and my favorite park is under water. All my trails were coverd and even our little dirt road was washed out at the bridge.


I know I should feel bad but oh my, It was so fun.....


There was water and mud everywhere and since I had already done the demonstration, Vickie didn't mind that I got all dirty even though I had just been groomed two days earlier.


There were places I couldn't go to because the water was running really fast and the river was pretty dangerous, but thats ok, there were plenty of places to go that weren't close to the swiftly running waters.


Vickie got all excited cause we have A FLOWER. One flower was in bloom at Canine Country Club. One little purple flower, and Vickie is running in to get her camera for a picture like it will dissappear in seconds.


It is kind of pretty though. Spring time is close.....


WE finally got to have Tuckers little brother Bernie come and stay with us this week. He wasn't able to come until the doctor said he was ready. but after his last set of shots, he finally got to come. He spent two days with us and I'll admit he is a cutie, but I was glad to see him go.


Vickie likes to cuddle the little ones and any little critter she gets involved with seems to take up presious ME TIME.


He is kind a cute though. I have to admit that.


Jessie, who passed away a while back, sent a new little puppy to his family this week too. Her name is Sam (Samantha) and she got to come by for a short visit. I didnt' get to go out and meet her cause Vickie says she needs to have one more set of shots before she can come here, but Vickie went out and got us some pictures.


Of course she is a golden. Good choice Jessie, I think your family will be well taken care of by Sam now that you are gone. Don't worry, they miss you, but Sam will help fill that loss until you are all together again.


I had to explain to Erin that even though she has a new puppy, she still needs to remember how important I am to her. After all, I taught her how to walk dogs. And if I say so myself, Idid a pretty good job. After walking with me a couple of times, I had her well trained.


"Your welcome" Sam.....

And finally I leave a picture of my buddy Rosco. Vickie takes a look at this and she is more and more greatful every day that I am who I am.......


For your entertainment, I leave you with two more videos. One is from all the dogs here at CCC. and the second is from our Saturday Training at the park.





have a great week everyone.

I hope your coming week is as full as mine.

Vickie says we got another big one.


Love

Bert

Sunday, March 13, 2011

You know, I don’t’ think any of you really understand the true dynamics of the King household here at Canine Country Club.

You don’t understand how LITTLE control I have over things.

I know I make it look all rosey and happy and like a fairy tale but I think I better take a minute and remind you all of some of the realities.

For example:

Allred:

You seem to be almost fan like of the beast. Some of you actually come here and ask to see him. HIM, not me, but HIM….The Devil, Satans spawn.

I really think you are confused. Sometimes I think Vickie too, is confused. Seriously people……The cat is evil.

Like the other day I was minding my own business walking through the kitchen to the dog door to go outside. I love the outside, especially now because the weather is getting so nice.
So I am just strolling thru MY KITCHEN and I swear….I didn’t even see the guy. He was hidden back behind the exercise bike waiting…….Like one of those little bugs Vickie calls a “No See Em” The evil creature leaps from behind the bike and strikes. Come and gone before I know it. Leaving a big fang mark on my tush.

And get this. I always, at least had the outdoors as my escape from Satan but now with the warmer weather, I find that HE too likes it out doors. Is there no Justice?


Seriously Now.....Would you really want to live with that face looking at you, sneaking up behind you, shadowing your every move.......Stalking you, watching you, wishing pain upon you with every breath it takes......Uh Huh.....Makes you think about it, doesn't it?

Another Example:
You all think I have it soooo nice, but what about the part about me having to share my house, my yard, MY LIFE with every bird, snake, dog or cat that lives in the area or comes to stay for day care and boarding.
That Vickie, I love her and all, but it is like I have nothing of my own. I have to share my bed, my house, my secret safety corners, my very existance with any and all dogs that come here to stay.
Oh yeah, especially if you are very old, or very young, or because your cute, or because you are nervouse........so many excuses for getting yourself up into my realm. NOTHING is Mine.

Sometimes I get a little sad that I must share everything, so I just go inside somewhere away from "The Devil" and spend a little time focusing on ME......just ME. And when I do, I must look extra pathetic bacause shortly after that, Vickie realizes how she is neglecting me and off we go to the hills.

One such time was earlier this week, just after the Sunday Night storm. I know that it is getting close to spring and the snow is going to go away for months so I really really take advantage of these days.


It is picture perfect on such days and the water, oh the water.......Can you hear it calling my name? "Bert" "Bert" it's musical voice becons me to it. "Bert" "Bert"
Oh, I hear ya, I'm a comin.........


Whew, cold but thrilling......A guy just can't help answering the call. "Bert" - "Yes Water......I am here"
And back to my final example of the week to show you that my life isn't all Rosey and Wonderful:
MEET MAGGIE;
Maggie used to come and stay with us but a while ago she moved to Cody Wyoming. I guess there are a lot of skunks in Cody.
anyway, she comes to visit this weekend. First thing I notice is Vickie is walking around smelling me and Tristy and complaining about the stink. It took her a while to figure out that the SMell was Maggie.
Sweet innocent Maggie, who smells like a skunk she met up with two months ago in Cody.
Have you ever noticed how the skunk smell is like a musty cloud that comes in just behind the culprit who got slammed by it, then settles all around you like a heavy lake of stink…..
Well Bless Maggies heart, but she was that cloud. All weekend long.
She went home yesterday but left behind a little bit of her presence in the air through-out the office.
As a dog, I find it almost sad that she has gone and taken the musty cloud with her. As a human, Vickie is a little easier to live with.

So this is Orso. Can you beleive he is only 15 weeks old. I was really surprised, because, as you know.....I am a Big Boy at 2 1/12 years old (my 3rd bithday is May 15th if anyone wants to send me something) (JUST SAYING)....But this little guy at 15 weeks is almost as big as me. I am a little concerned about just how big this guys is gonna get.
It is entirely possible that I might just have to be a little concerned for my future here.....
Maggie and Orso played really well together which was nice because I found him to be a little to sweet and delicate for my liking.
Toughen up Orso....Play like a guy.... Just because Vickie likes the fact that you are sweet and gentle and big and on and on and on......(Truth is bud, Vickie likes you a lot and that kind of makes me a little jelouse. Watch yourself dude...and lets just keep this little coment between us. OK)


FACES OF THE WEEK
Sam is as big as he looks. And as slobbery.......
Cleo isn't always as pleasant as she lets on.....(Just a warning)

Max has the biggest tongue on the planet.

Saturday obedience training is really getting fun and we are getting a lot of friends who come and join us. This week we had about 24 dogs there and everyone was great. We all behaved ourselves and it was a great two hours.

We ended up at the lake but only got to play a little cause they were shootin guns on the other side of the lake. It was pretty loud but Vickie said it was good for all of us cause we helped each other know that being afraid of loud sounds was not necessary.
Check out the cool jump Cooper made.
Saturday almost made up for all my other complaints about the week... ALMOST. Good thing next week is full of adventures for me.

This is the poster that us search dogs give to all the kids after we have come and showed them how to be safe. This coming week me and Murphy are heading to Moab to do a demo for over 800 kids.
Look out Moab.....The boys are coming.....


I better get some rest. So I am off to sleep now, then help Vickie clean the van and load it up for the trip. If your not tired of looking on my blog, you can watch the following two video's. First one is the Video of the Week with pictures from the Kennel, the Day Care, My trips to the woods, and Saturday Dog Training at the Park.
the second one is a short set of pictures introducing everyone to Tuckers new little brother Bernie. He is sure a cutie......
Love ya
Bert




Hope you like Sons of The Pioneers....Vickie is crazy about this music.


Bernie and Tucker