I'm not THAT thirsty

We used to walk along a particular path near the mountains with Sassy several times a week when we lived in California.

She loved the walks. The sun shining down on her back, making her fur hot to the touch. The variety of flowers to sniff. Chasing tumbleweeds up and down hills, sometimes sans leash. What's a dog not to love?

Well if your name is Sassy and you have a particular dislike of metal, you would find a certain water bowl unacceptable. Along the path, a stainless steal water dish sat at each water station beside the human fountain. Sassy would collapse next to the fountain, panting like crazy and wiggling in the dirt to find a "cool spot." But she would NOT drink from that water dish. It didn't matter how thirsty she might be. Stainless steal and Sassy's precious dog face were never going to meet.

Apparently, Sassy wasn't alone in her disdain for stainless steal. When Jeff I visited California a couple of weeks ago, we noticed the dog dishes along the path had been flattened. No dogs will be drinking out of them now. Sassy seemed pleased when I showed her the picture.

Welcome home — from the dogs

Jeff and I left Sassy and Alley in Atlanta (with Anne, Luke and Kapono) for a week. Jeff and I went to Palm Springs for a friend's wedding and then to Oregon to visit Karly, Jose and baby Sam!

One (of many) great things about being a dog parent is that you're never sad to go home at the end of your vacation. You know that you'll be greeting with joyous tail wagging and cuddling upon your return.

Dogs really know how to make you feel loved.

Alley's first snow

Today Alley saw her first snow. She was very uncertain at first. She doesn't like to get her paws wet and she kept trying to shake off the snow that was falling on her back. Kapono (Anne's dog) has experienced snow a couple of times. He loves the stuff. Sassy has seen and played in many snowfalls, but it's been 10 years since the last one. She was confused at first, but she quickly regained her memory and enjoyed the flurries.


What is this stuff?


Mom, this white stuff is cold.


Alley just wants to go back in the warm, dry house and sleep on the couch.



Alley chooses to stay on the dry side of the deck.


Sassy is an old pro at dealing with snow.


Kapono just needs a playmate.


Not able to convince the girls to play with him, Kapono decides to play in the bushes.


I know Alley will like the snow if she just gives it a try.


Sassy's little paws sink into the wet snow.


Kapono finally convinces the girls to play.


Uh-oh kissin' cousins.

Sassy loves "American Idol" nights

During "Idol" season, my friend and co-worker Sonya comes to my house to blog during the show. Sassy and Alley love Sonya and look forward to her visits. I know what you're thinking — those dogs bark at strangers. But since "Idol" lasts about 55 weeks a year, Sonya is hardly a stranger.

Sassy knows it's "Idol" night when I turn on the porch light and unlock the door. She patiently lies down by the front door and waits for Sonya. Here she is...

Mardi Gras at Beaver Court

Jeff and I celebrated Mardi Gras by watching President Barack Obama deliver his recovery plan message to the nation. Sassy and Alley had other things in mind. I'm not sure what they did to "earn" these beads. I asked, but the only answer I received was a pant and a whine.

Time for toys

Sassy loves to play tug-of-war. She'll grab a toy and hold one end tight while trying to lure Jeff or me to grab the other end. Alley only likes to play tug-of-war with Sassy. Alley seems confused when a human tries to play with her toys. It's funny because Alley is certainly the more cuddly dog. I guess Sassy is the more playful. Here are a couple of photos that demonstrate their personalities.

An unusual bar guest

When I feel guilty leaving Sassy and Alley at home while Jeff and I go out, I explain that I would take them with me if I could. I tell them that dogs just aren't allowed in bars and restaurants.

Unfortunately, it looks like there's a German Shepard out there who wants to make a liar out of me. This dog was at the bar Saturday night. Don't tell Sassy and Alley, they'll be very jealous. All they do is wait at home by the phone.