Winter and Snow

Hi Friends

Well, I don't know about you guys and gals but I have just about had my fill of winter and snow. Seems like we are always outside shoveling snow and getting wet. Also. in the winter dad isn't in the greatest mood when it comes to playing. Once in a while he throws a shovel full of snow at me but usually I just hear words and phrases that I don't recognize. Have you ever tried to catch all the snow that is discharged from a snow blower??? Let me tell you, it ain't easy. I end up gaging on a mouth full of snow and completely covered in snow while mom and dad are standing there laughing. I'm really glad that it amuses them.

Speaking of snow, this brings up another problem --- Sanitary Facilities. I have no idea how other dogs do it (especially in upstate New York w/110in. of snow) but when there is a lot of snow on the ground, my problems are multiplied ten times over. First off --- Why does it always snow during the night? They let me out in the morning, I jump off the porch full of anticipation and there I am, STUCK --- Snow up to my neck, legs unable to move and a bladder that started moving the moment they opened the door. And to add insult to injury, guess who's standing inside the door saying "get busy" while in uncontrolled laughter??? Right again, Mom and Dad. I wonder how they would feel if the rolls were reversed??? Secondly, walks are at a premium when there is snow on the ground. In the spring and summer we walk every day but the minute a snowflake falls, the leash is nowhere to be found. I guess they expect us to run and play in the yard with snow up to our necks --- go figure.

Better run for now. Talk to you soon.

“May you always have a warm home, a blanket to lay on and a treat in your belly at bedtime”

Till next time -------- Baxter

Stale Treats

Hi Friends --- Here’s one that really ought to ruffle your fur.
“Stale Treats” -----

Now I don’t want to brag but when it comes to quality treats I consider myself a master, a connoisseur of those tender tasty morsels that, when they touch your lips, your mouth waters, your tail wags and your body shakes uncontrollably in apprehension. It is then that we realize that we have been reduced to a quivering ball of fur that would do almost anything for the next one!

Therefore when we are given a treat it should be a fresh, mouth watering treat, and not some stale, shriveled-up piece of who knows what; something that has been in the cupboard for ions and has begun to metamorphose into a completely different species. I always get nervous when mom says “honey, do you know what this is” and dad says without looking, “I have no idea, give it to Baxter.” That’s when the problem begins.

Everyone knows we are supposed to swallow fast (forget chewing) and prepare for the next treat (that is just one of the many things that make us cute). By the time our brains tell us “stale treat”, it’s too late! The treat has reached the stomach and there is only one, possibility two, ways to get that “stale treat” back out and we can not be held responsible for either.

So listen, take a moment to smell, even lick that treat, slow down and proceed with caution. I guarantee that the quality and quantity of your treat experiences will do nothing but increase.

“May you always have a warm home, a blanket to lay on and a treat in your belly at bedtime”

Till next time -------- Baxter