Ellie the Boxer

It's hot, hot, hot!

2007-07-22T17:51:00.001-07:00

Mommy has brought us back to Montana! And it's very, very hot. We have none of this thing called A/C so Mommy sets up a fan to keep me cool!

Ok, so I thought I could show you some pictures of me panting away this heat wave, but I had a better idea...I thought I'd show you some pics from this time last year when we were also experiencing a horrible heat wave! I do love sitting in front of the fan to stay cool although I don't like the way it blows my ears!
I love to lick ice cubes! They're great this time of year. Mommy puts them in my water bowl and I love to "bob" for them. Sometimes I end up blowing bubbles in the water when I stick my nose under.

I've grown up an awful lot since this time last year... I just wish it was a little bit cooler.

I hope you all are a little bit cooler wherever you are in the world!

MOMMY'S HOME!!!!

2007-07-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

Yay! Mommy's home! And that mean's I'm back!!!

Ok...so I only have a minute to blog cuz I'm so excited that MOmmy's home! She got home Saturday, and we have been playing lots. Today we are going to the park if it will stop raining. (Sure it doesn't rain in the last month until the day Mommy and I plan to go the park!) I have driven gramma nuts because I'm so restless, and there are some weird noises coming from the neighbor's house so I pooped in the living room yesterday (this did not make gramma happy!), but I was too scared to go outside.

I am just so excited that Mommy's home. We're staying at gramma's for a little bit longer then heading back to MT soon. Mommy says she doesn't really want to go back to MT because it's really really hot and no one has air conditioning. That sounds ok to me though, because that means Mommy will take me to play in the river, and even though I don't like water, I will make concessions when it gets hot enough.

Oh yes, and now that Mommy's home, she's no longer a cadet! She is very excited about this because she is now officially an Army Officer. She says she really likes her butter bar. I'm a little disappointed, the butter flavor was lacking when I tried to chew it off her uniform.

Nubbily Wiggles,
Ellie the Boxer

For Ellie?

2007-05-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

So Saturday Mommy came in with a special box, and told me it was special for Ellie. But because she had to go to work, I couldn't open it til yesterday. This made me very sad, but I was very patient and finally the moment arrived!!

This isn't what I did to the box...this is what the mailman did! How rude! Breaking into my box!

The box was from my boyfriend Peanut! He sent me lots of yummy goodies, and a new toy that whistles at me and says "I love you"! It is my new favorite toy!

But then something bad happened...I was whipping my new toy around and I pulled one of his legs off. I was very sad! But I took the toy to Mommy, because she gets mad when I pull the stuffing out of my toys. Then I waited very patiently while Mommy pulled out a needle and thread and sewed his leg back on! Phew! Mommy told me I need to be more careful and that she only performed the surgery because she was already sewing the new buttons on her uniform.

This is me cuddled up with my Octopus. Mommy thought I looked cute curled up with my pink toy, with my pink collar on my pink blanket. I thought it was very rude of her to wake me up just so she could take a picture. Sometimes Mommies have no respect for puppy naps!

Grrr....

Oh yes...and I was tagged to show my belly! This is me last summer when I was still a wee pup and had a pudgy belly and much fewer spots! Hee, hee...enjoy!

Nubbily Wiggles,
Ellie the Boxer

ELLIE is BACK!!!

2007-05-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Ellie is back!

I've been gone for awhile cuz Mommy was writing her thesis for graduate school, but now she's all done and I have kidnapped the laptop again!

This is my Mommy at her graduation this Saturday. I didn't get to go to the ceremony, which I thought was a rip off since I helped her so much with her thesis! Either way, I thought my Mommy looked very pretty. I wanted to help decorate her black gown with Ellie hair, but Mommy didn't think this was funny.

After her graduation ceremony, Mommy had to go to an Army ceremony. She wasn't very thrilled, but she got to see her good friend Heather. Remember my friend Chloe from last summer? Heather is Chloe's Mommy. Heather and my Mommy both receive their Commission's this summer as 2LT in the US Army.

With the grandparents in town, this has meant lots of play time for Ellie! I'm a fan! But grandpa doesn't understand that playing with Ellie is a full-time job. Also, grandma is confused about me sleeping on MY bed. She keeps kicking me off the bed, and I have to sneak back on in the middle of the night. But nevertheless, I like having them here.

Well, I hope you all are doing well, and I look forward to hearing from you all again! And now that I'm back, you will be hearing from me often, so check back soon!

Nubbily Wiggles,
Ellie the Boxer

Where's Ellie?

2007-04-09T20:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

This is Ellie's Mommy.

I apologize for hogging the computer from Ellie the last little bit. I have been busily working on my thesis to try to graduate at the end of the semester. I also have been desperately trying to keep my head on straight with all of my army stuff. And then with work and classes and all the running around with puppy, Ellie just hasn't gotten her paws on the laptop recently. She's been very busy with her hikes. She went today and loved the mud from the downpour of rain we got early this morning. She misses you all and will be back soon! In the meantime, she's doing her best to stay up to date on all your blogs and you can always keep in her touch with by email!

For now, she's snoring and dreaming of her favorite dirt pile and

yummy budding flowers to chase and eat!

Love,

Ellie's Mommy

Missing my Mommy

2007-03-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

Hi pups!

Mommy has been gone all week and I miss her horribly. I've been harrassing Bernie and chewing on my bone to keep from missing her too much, but life just isn't the same. And grandma keeps putting this weird long thing next to my head that she uses to talk to other hoomans I guess...and then I can hear Mommy's voice. Grandma thinks it's funny when I go looking for Mommy after I hear her voice. I can hear her but I can't see her or find her.

I've also had a pretty big job this week. The grandparents have gotten a little careless with Bernie. They keep shutting him in rooms and leaving him without noticing, which isn't surprising because Uncle Bernie has become quite the quiet guy. And Bernie doesn't seem to mind so much, he just curls up by the door and takes a nap til they realize he's missing. However, this puts a damper on my harrassing him and chasing him and playing with him. So everytime the grandparents (particularly grandpa) locks Uncle Berns in a room, I faithfully sit by the door and whine until a hooman takes notice. I'm such a good girl!

Nubbily Wiggles,
Ellie

Itchie Ellie!

2007-03-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

Hi Pups!

Today Mommy came home from working out and she found me in my crate covered with blistering hives all over my tummy and legs! She gave me a little Benadryl, stripped my crate of its blankets and gave me a bath! All I want to do is lounge around and be a lazy puppy because of my belly hurts. Mommy used special shampoo in my bath but it still made me whine and groan and getting dried off was the worst!

Mommy wants to know if any of you get hives and what your Mommies do for you. Mommy wants to take me to the vet, but she can't right now because of her Army stuff. Which means the soonest she could take me is tomorrow morning (or to the ER vet tonight if she has to). Mommy doesn't like taking me to the vet for my hives though cuz all they do is give me Benadryl and send me home. So I lay in my green bed by the heat vent and moan (which Mommy would think is funny if I didn't have the hives!).

Mommy says it's time for the special lotion that will make my tummy feel better. I'm going to go get some of that! I'll keep you posted on the situation, but I think I'll take a nap for now!!!

Not so nubbily wiggles...
Itchie Ellie

Sheesh!

2007-03-10T06:32:00.000-08:00

I know I know...I've been gone forever! I miss you all, trust me.

Things have been a little crazy in my house. First, Mommy hogs the computer all the time working on her thesis and then if she's not working on it, she's gone, and I'm in my crate. I'm still working on my breaking out skills so I can use the laptop in her absence. Someone please tell Mommy how important it is that I get MY time too!

So here's an update...

Last weekend we went down to UT for Mommy's army stuff. Only this time was different. First, my hike was cancelled which made me very upset. Then Mommy packed the car in the middle of the afternoon (usually we leave when it's still dark out). I was confused, but Mommy had a plan. We drove down half way to UT and spent the night in ID in "puppy friendly" hotel.

At first, I wasn't sure about this cuz there were lots of funny smells, but then....I saw the bed! King size and all mine!!! Mommy sure does know how to treat a puppy!!! Woohoo! I don't think Mommy was happy when I kept waking her up though. It's not my fault there were lots of sounds that needed growling at in the middle of the night.

Of course, I was thrilled to find that it had snowed when we got back. The first matter of business was to put on my coat and run around the trail! Mommy and I had lots of fun...then she had to get back to her thesis thing again. I missed Bernie. We had a lot of fun last weekend and played together lots. He's doing pretty good for a man his age! Speaking of age...did you know I'll be one year old on April 2...that's really really soon!

Anyways...

So of course I've been a good girl lately. And Mommy was inspired my friend Cairo's V-Day blog. Cairo got some yummy shrimp for V-Day and she loved them! Well, Mommy got some shrimp to treat herself after all her hard work last weekend and she shared a couple bites with me! Mmm...It was so yummy! I love shrimp! Now anytime she busts out the shrimp, I come running! I haven't gotten anymore tho.

And last but not least was this morning...or I guess I should start with yesterday. Mommy had a really bad day, so after she got home from her workout she was crying and she climbed in bed and didn't move until 4 in the afternoon. And this was only to go to work. Good thing she had work! I was a good puppy and stayed by my Mommy all day! I didn't eat, or go outside too much, I just slept by my Mommy. She gave me a big dinner when she got home from work which I wolfed down.

This morning, Mommy woke up early, much to my dismay, and left the house. I wanted more cuddle time, but Mommy said she wanted a good start on today. Today is going to be a good day! Since this started with me getting up early and going into my crate, I didn't see how it was a good day...but I trusted my Mommy... then she arrived home with this!

Mommy had gone to breakfast and ordered a steak and egg breakfast with pancakes...And she brought some home to Ellie!!!!! Holy cow! What a way to start the day! And it nearly filled my bowl! Mommy said I was so good yesterday cuddling with her, that I deserved an extra special treat! And when I was done with my breakfast, she even let me borrow the laptop for a few minutes to paw out today's blog and let me visit a few of you! I hope you all are well! I'm off to take a nap!

Nubbily Wiggles, wiggles and more wiggles,
Ellie the Boxer

Silly Ellie...Sneaky Ellie

2007-02-23T08:56:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys,

I've been really bad at writing in my blog lately! Jeez...you'd think I was busy or something! In truth, I haven't been so much busy as busy getting into trouble.

One night this week I snuck downstairs in the middle of the night and went pee pee by the front door for no good reason. Just to see if I could make it downstairs, do a pee pee and get back into bed without Mommy noticing. Unfortunately, this did not make Mommy very happy.

A couple days later I was waiting for Steve to come pick me up for my hike. It's a good thing it was a hike day! Mommy caught me twice sneaking onto the couch (where I am not allowed). Again, I just wanted to see if I could. I'd quietly sneak up on the couch and then just sit there and wait to see if Mommy noticed. She sure did, and again, Mommy was not very happy.

Now you know why it's a good thing I had a hike day! I needed to get some restless energy out! But when I got home from my hike yesterday Mommy was really sick, again (hence why there are no pictures). So I put away my silly antics and curled up with my Mommy. I know when she doesn't feel good cuz she'll spread out a bunch of blankets and pillows on the floor so I can cuddle with her and this is just what I did. Mommy was up very late and I was a good girl and stayed up with her. Now I'm a very tired puppy! I usually take a big nap after a hike, but there's no rest for a good puppy like me!

Luckily for me, I was rewarded for my tireless efforts. It snowed this morning. So Mommy put my jacket on me, and let me run around outside for a bit. Now I'm inside getting warm on my heat vent...and I think I'll take a nap!

More soon, my wonderful puppy friends!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2007-02-13T08:09:00.000-08:00

Ok...ok...
I've been a little lazy lately. Last week my hikes pooped me out! So I took lots of naps!

Then Mommy and I had to leave for UT. We haven't been there in awhile and we were both excited to go! Bernie is doing much better and he played a lot more than usual! Mommy also realized how much I've grown as he can now walk under me!

Bernie was in good spirits so we chased each other around. Then we got in trouble when Mommy got really sick and gramma said we were making too much noise. (This is also why there's no pictures from this weekend...) While Mommy was sick I got very jealous when Bernie cuddled up to MY Mommy! The worst part was that Mommy seemed glad that he was cuddling with her. She said we could both cuddle with her, but I don't like sharing my Mommy...so I sulked in the opposite corner of the couch. On top of all this, I had to miss my hike Monday cuz we weren't back yet!

Mommy and I made it back to MT Monday but then she went to the people vet and they told her no school today! This might make up for her cuddling with Bernie cuz she says we'll have our own special cuddle day today!

Oh yes...and Mommy got special heart cookies for me and my Valentine, Peanut. Since he can't really be here I ate them both...but I thought about him before I did. And although both cookies were tasty, it would have been better if he'd been here in person to enjoy them with me! Happy Valentine's Day Peanut! I send you lots of licks and nubbily wiggles!
Love, Ellie

Go Fetch!

2007-01-29T10:57:00.000-08:00

I have been a very gruff puppy! It's not that Mommy doesn't try to spend time with me...she's just been very very busy! We haven't gone to the bark park much or to Go Fetch! (my favorite store and puppy bakery).

The Army makes Mommy wake up very early these days...

so like a good puppy I wake up with her...

When Mommy gets home just after dawn, I start my day with a little in-house soccer. I love chasing my pretty pink soccer ball around the house! This is the part where Mommy has to go somewhere...that doesn't involve Ellie.

But today something new happened...

This green bus pulled up in front of our house!!!

I recognized it from when I visit my friend Scott at Go Fetch!

Could it be??? Oh yes!! The bus was here...for me!!

(Extreme nubbily wiggles!!)

And Steve was here to take me on a hike! I wiggled into my new coat and Mommy walked me out to the bus! (which was kinda scary at first cuz it was noisy). I was the first doggie to be picked up today, but Steve picked up lots of doggies. Then we all rode the bus up the canyon!

When we got out, all the doggies and I went hiking with Steve. I was a very good girl and stayed with the other doggies!

And I almost forgot to tell you who was on the bus with me...Nina!

She's the other white boxer in my town (there's only two of us)! I finally got to meet her. We are becoming good pals, as most boxers are!

So anyways...Steve lead us through the woods and we all ran around. It was great fun! So many smells, so many sights, and so many doggies to play with!

Of course...this pooped me out! So I came home and crashed on my bed and I'm ready for a good long nap! The good news! Mommy says I get to go again in a couple days! Woo hoo!

I can't wait to see Steve and all my new doggie friends again!
Mommy says she's sorry she's so busy and can't take me out to play as much but we still hang out around the house a lot. And I get lots of treats.

At first I was upset about this lack of attention...but with this new hiking business in my schedule, I may just forgive Mommy afterall!

What's that?

2007-01-18T15:57:00.000-08:00

This is Mommy's David.

He likes to kidnap Mommy's camera and take pictures of himself when she's not looking. So I decided I would post it on my blog. Isn't he handsome? Mommy sure thinks so. I guess he's not bad looking for a hooman. He takes good care of my Mommy so I like him.

Mommy has noticed I like to hide behind the living room chair and peer out at her, particularly after we come inside from the cold, cold, cold weather. So she decided to investigate what on earth I find so interesting back here...

Well, truth be told: it's the heat vent! It's nice and warm and toasty! Sometimes I like to let the warm air blow on my face. Sometimes I like to lay my body across the whole thing and get my belly warm! Mommy thinks this is silly...I think it's just good puppy sense!
Now Mommy thinks I'm small for my age (9 1/2 mos), so she would like to start a poll of all my readers. Please let us know your age, height at the withers (shoulder), and weight. Oh yes, and your breed if you're not a boxer. I'm curious how big or small everyone is, even if Mommy just wants to know about the boxer babies. As for me, well I'm about 50 lbs last time Mommy put me on the scale, but she has no idea how tall I am...I won't hold still that long.

No I don't know the command for stand. I simply refuse to learn it!

Lazy Dawg Days of Winter

2007-01-15T14:14:00.000-08:00

Puppy Alert! Flash is Home! Puppy Alert!

My friend Peanut's brother Flash, has found his way home. He's sleeping now but we're all glad he made it back to his family.

Check Peanut's blog for the updates!

Mommy and I have been taking it easy. This is the last week of her winter break before she goes back to school, and she wants to enjoy it! Luckily I get to enjoy it with her...

My new favorite past time is staring out the window. I like to look outside and watch the world pass me by. Sometimes I like to bark and growl too. This is a perfect activity for chewing a bone or dismembering a stuffed toy!

It's been very cold here! Sometimes at night the temp has been -15 below O. Then Mommy has to take me out very quickly and I wiggle under the pillow in my new bed to keep warm. I've also learned that I can wiggle under the covers on Mommy's bed. This keeps me warm at night when I cuddle next to Mommy and a warm puppy means a warm Mommy. I'm going to go find a heat vent to lie down by! It's the last of the lazy dawg days of winter...

PS: my grandpa goes in for surgery tomorrow so please keep your paws crossed that everything goes well for him.

Oh yes, and Bernie is doing much better too!

Ode to Bernie!

2007-01-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

My Uncle Bernie is not doing so well, again...

Last night he jumped off the couch at my grandparents' house and his back legs gave out. Then he had an accident on the floor. Grandma said that it only took a minute for him to be okay but it was kinda scary! Today he's sleeping lots and taking it easy with grandpa. Speaking of grandpa... the people vet told him today that he has to have surgery on his neck next Tuesday. Mommy told me to tell you all he has "a herniated disk between his 5th and 6th cervical vertebrae". I hate it when Mommy gets technical! Mommy is very sad and wants us to go down to UT but we have to see what the weather does. Sometimes snow is not good!

But today is about Bernie!

Bernie has always liked sleeping on Mommy's bed. It's his favorite place and he only gets to sleep there when Mommy goes to see him so it's a special treat! Except when I harrass him, then he likes to sleep on the couch.

Bernie is always keen on what's going on in the kitchen. He loves cheese. Any kind of cheese. And he knows when you've got it regardless of where he is in the house. He will come a runnin' at the slightest nasal tingle of cheese!
Bernie used to have the nickname "snow plow" because of how he played in the snow which he likes just like me. Only you can see him in the snow. He runs out in the early morning and "plows" the sidewalk for grandma and grandpa...as seen above. They haven't had much snow this year; this picture is from last year when Bernie was doing a little better.
Bernie also like to snuggle under the blankets, particularly if a bath has just taken place. He buries himself in the blankets then pokes his head out to amke sure he doesn't miss anything...or is it so he can keep his eye on me.
Bernie loves grandpa! They have a special petting spot on the stairs where grandpa pets him every night when he gets home from work. Grandpa also loves Bernie and when Bernie lived with Mommy last year, Grandpa was sad cause he missed Bernie. They've been good company for each other while they've been sick/hurt. Hopefully they both get better soon.

Get well soon Uncle Bernie!

Happy New Years!

2007-01-01T17:42:00.000-08:00

Hello All!

I apologize for my hiatus from blogging! The holidays have been very very busy and time completely got away from me!

Christmas was great! I didn't really know what it was but there were these pretty boxes on a table in the living room. And last week Mommy started opening them! And there was one for me, too! Mommy's birth-mommy and her doggie, Roxy got me a hedgehog for Christmas. I was so excited...as you all know, I was crushed after I gutted the last one!

Christmas wasn't all peaches and cream though. Bernie and my grandparents were supposed to come visit. First, Gramma told Mommy that Bernie couldn't come. He needed to take it easy after he sprained his foot, so he spent Christmas with my aunt Carly. Then gramma and grandpa slid off the road on their way to MT on Dec 23rd. Mommy was very scared but they're ok. Gramma has some bruises, but Grandpa had to go in a big car with lights and noisy things cuz his neck hurt. The people vet said that he has a "slight neck fracture" whatever that means, but he only has to wear a funny collar for awhile, no surgery. He also broke his arm, dislocated his shoulder, some other stuff. But gramma says he's ok. So that's good! But they had to go back to UT and never made it to MT.

Mommy was going to be very sad for it be just us girls on Christmas, but of course, David took good care of Mommy. And while I had to stay home (which I wasn't all that thrilled about) at least Mommy got to be with David and his family. They are very good to her! I like David. I think Mommy should keep him for a long, long time!

For leaving me alone most of Christmas, Mommy made up for it with a brand new Bison bone. I was so happy! While she was away, I chomped and chomped. Then the next day...something very good happened! I got a new bed for downstairs! I've never had a downstairs bed, just a blanket. Mommy says I'm getting too big to fit under the couch so she wanted to give me somewhere that I could go, and be out of the way yet comfy! (A puppy's comfort is of the utmost importance!) At first, I wasn't sure about it, but now I feel it's almost as good as the bed upstairs that Mommy likes to hog...she just doesn't understand that a puppy needs her space to stretch!

Yesterday, I got a special treat! Angus and Riley came over. They moved a couple weeks ago and I haven't seen them since! The three of us are in my new bed sharing a bone! It was the perfect treat for the day!

Oh yes...and as for my New Year's Resoluations!

1. I will not wake Mommy up more than necessary to go outside in the middle of the night.

2. I will eat more bones and more food so I get to be a big strong puppy!

3. I will try to learn to like water...at least a little more than I like it now.

4. I will not gas Mommy and David out of the dining room when they're eating dinner.

5. I will make more puppy friends!

6. I will not neglect my blogging responsibilities.

7. I will be a good puppy for Mommy and take care of her and protect her and love her and lick her and sniff her and share the bed with her and not steal her food and not whine too much while she's in the shower and not lick fresh lotion off her legs and not leave smelly poop pile presents in the kitchen and not gut another hedgehog...

ok...I think that will do!

Happy New Years Everyone and Everypup!

Ho ho ho and a naughty puppy!

2006-12-17T21:18:00.000-08:00

Ok...so you all have wondered where I went! Remember awhile ago I told you Mommy took me to get my picture taken with a funny man in a red suit? And remember I said I had to wait to show it to you...well there it is!!! Me and Mommy and the fat man in the funny red clothes!

Well, I am afraid I have been a bad puppy and not been puppy blogging lately. Oh dear. Can I blame it all on Mommy? Well, I'll try.

First, since Mommy works at that mall place, life has been very very crazy since Thanksgiving. Luckily, the projectile vomiting has stopped and David coming to visit has not stopped. I like David. He is very nice to Mommy (which most of you know she deserves after the last bad male hooman...grrr)!!

So then came time for Mommy's monthly trip to see Grammy and Grampy and Uncle Bernie. She was so tired from all that work stuff that David drove us down and back. What a sweet guy. He has family down there too!

When we got back from Utah, Mommy had something new. Finals. I'm not sure what they are, but they made Mommy very tired and very grouchy. Oh yes, and she hogged the laptop a lot. Apparently, eating the papers Mommy scribbles on, is not a good idea. Apparently they were important. Bad Ellie!

So now finals are over! Woohoo! But Mommy says she has to work lots this week because it's right before Christmas. And she's sick too (but that means lots of cuddle time for me...when David is hogging her)! Oh ya. And at the end of the week Grammy and Grampy are coming to visit (Uncle Bernie is staying with my aunt Carly. Grammy said there's not enough room for all of us at my house...whatever!!!). I'm very excited. And big packages keep coming to the house with presents for Mommy...and some for me too! Mommy says I can't rip them open yet though! She spoils all my fun!

I don't know what this Christmas thing is all about, but I think I'm going to like it!

Nubbily Wiggles,
Ellie

(p.s. how did I do blaming Mommy for my own laziness???)

Let It Snow!!!

2006-11-25T07:31:00.000-08:00

It snowed...it snowed...it snowed!!!

not much...but, it snowed!!!

Mommy took me outside and I ran around like a crazed puppy enjoying the snow and feeling the wet fluffy stuff in between my toes and burying my snout in it.
Then Mommy and I went for a walk down the trail by our house. I kept having to stop and wait for Mommy becuase she was slow. But I was a good puppy and didn't run too far ahead...mostly I just ran really big circles around her.
On our way home, I found these funny footprints in thes now and they lead to this grassy part where there was no snow. Mommy said that a deer must have been sleeping behind the house last night while it was snowing. Deer smell funny.

Thanksgiving was fun too. Although silly Mommy didn't get any pictures of it.

But I'll forgive her. First, a couple days ago, Mommy brought a new person (David) to the house. She doesn't do this very often because I don't like male hoomans very much...they're usually mean to my Mommy...grr... So, she went with David (whom I've decided to like) to somewhere and I didn't get to go. She said they had to have dinner with his family first. I was kinda put out about it. But then her and David came back. David played with me while Mommy cooked some stuff and then we went to see...

ANGUS!!!

(and his Mommy Michelle and Daddy John)

Woohoo!

There was another doggie there, too. He kept trying to do the nasty with my head. That was a new experience! Then, half way through dinner Mommy got really sick. She said it wasn't the food...I think she's too stressed!!! The girl needs to relax! So, David took Mommy home and she started projectile vomiting. I'm glad puppies can't do that! I was a good girl though, and layed at their feet while they watched a movie and Mommy tried not to be sick. Mommy went to bed early and...

...Now you know why there are no pictures of Thanksgiving!

More things I've learned

2006-11-16T17:38:00.000-08:00

As a growing puppy, I learn new things every day. I'd like to share some of them with you.

1. When Mommy comes home from work, it is important not to smell her feet. The aroma does not tickle my sniffer as I had hoped and Mommy laughs when I run away.

2. When Mommy disappears into the shower, it is important to check on her every few minutes to make sure she's still hiding behind that shower curtain thing. I wouldn't want to lose track of her.

3. Snow is slippery. If I run too fast, my legs fly out from under me and I land square on my little nub.

4. When Mommy goes swimming in the bathtub, large quantities of soft bubble things appear which are fun to lick and sniff. If I hold my nose under water, I can make bubbles myself. Exhale only. Inhaling is bad.

5. If I kill a toy, like my hedgehog (which I maimed and gutted earlier this week), Mommy buries it in the tall skinny can in the kitchen. It makes her upset when I whine, sulk and pout at the garbage can for several hours at a time...even when she gives me a new toy.

6. Socks and other laundry are not snack items!

7. Eating paper causes constipation which makes me grunt when I doo doo...

8. It is a bad idea to wake Mommy in the middle of the night when you are trying to steal her pillow.

9. Mommy's pillow is also not the place under which to hide bones.

10. If I am good girl while Mommy is gone, and pretend to be protecting the house (I say pretend, because I'm a chicken!), Mommy gives me many treats!

What are some of the things you all have learned???

Nubbily Wiggles,
Ellie

My Mommy and Me

2006-11-11T13:04:00.000-08:00

So this is my Veteran's Day blurb. I got the idea from my friend Peanut who talked about his daddy.

But first I have to say this: why does Mommy think it is so funny to take me places and dress me up? Today was the weirdest yet. Mommy took me to this big place with lots of people carrying bags of stuff and some places that smelled really good. Mommy kept calling it the mall. Then the security man told her that she would have to carry me or take me outside who kinda laughed when Mommy said she'd carried all 45 lbs of me. This made Mommy mad because the security guard implied that just because she's little, she's weak. She could have taken him! Anyways, so she carried me down the mall to these people who had lots of doggies. I was very excited until they put a red hat on my head, and a wreath around my neck. Then this big fat dude in red pajamas with a funny laugh wanted me to sit on his knee. They even tried bribing me with cookies, but I wasn't fooled. Finally Mommy got me to sit down buy his boots by offering me some carrots. Then a man took some pictures of us. Mommy said that the money she paid is to help the other doggies that were there that need Mommies but don't have one yet. And she says that I have to save the picture and not show you until it's closer to the holidays. Ok...whatever Mommy.

Now...about my Mommy. My mommy is a soldier. Every morning she gets up way too early and goes for either PT (physical training) or staff meetings. I don't like it because it means I have to wake up too. Mommy works very hard to stay in shape and sometimes works out again later in the day. Mommy hasn't had to go anywhere far away yet, or for any really long periods of time, but sometimes she has to go away for a weekend or the whole week. She says this is training for the really big trip that's coming up. She tells me not to worry and that while she's gone I'll go live with my grandparents and Uncle Bernie. Mommy likes being a soldier and she gets really mad when people are mean to soldiers. By the way Mr. Kerry, Mommy has 2 soon to be 3 degrees...I bet that's more than you!!! Who are you calling uneducated??? I don't understand a lot of it, but I know that grandma and grandpa are very proud of Mommy. So am I. It is the best to be an army dog! Angus's Mommy and Daddy are soldiers too. So are my God-parents. There are lots of soldiers around here. I love my Mommy because she's a good Mommy and because she's a soldier. Mommy is sad because many of her friends are over-seas and she didn't get to go with them last time. She sends them lots of yummy smelling boxes and prays for their safety every night! Mommy says her time to go is coming though so we have to make the most of every day. I don't want Mommy to go far away, but I know she is doing her job and while she'll miss me every day, she's doing her duty to defend this country and our freedom.

God bless America. God bless our troops at home and abroad. May God bring them home safely and with God's speed.

Happy Veteran's Day!

BONE DAY!!

2006-11-10T12:57:00.000-08:00

Mommy has started a new tradition in our house, and I'm already a fan!

She has dedicated Fridays as Puppy Bone Day! This means that I get a new yummy bison bone...my favorite treats of all time! Today I got a gargantuous one to kick this new tradition off right.
Mommy says it's as big as my head and that next time she'll get me a smaller one! I protest! This bone is just the right size. A big bone for a big girl like me!!!

Nubbily wiggles to all and I hope your mommies give you lots of giant bones!

What's this white stuff???

2006-11-07T14:02:00.000-08:00

What on earth is this???
I woke up about a week ago and there was this funny white stuff on the ground.

It was cold and wet and stuck to my nose. I loved shoving my nose in it and running around. Mommy must have thought it was pretty funny because she laughed a lot!

Mommy's been sick lately. She spent two days gone somewhere and I didn't get to see her. Then when she came home I had to be quiet and not squeak my squeakie toys too loudly. Mommy says she's okay now because they gave her funny pills that make her laugh a lot when the pain goes away.

The good news about all this was that I got to spend mucho time with my boyfriend Angus. Mommy said we were too young for sleepovers, though. Angus and I played in the white stuff and had a great time except for Angus's Mommy locking them out of their house. Oops.

I guess Mommy doesn't like the white stuff...she calls it snow...because we drovet down to UT this weekend to see grandma and grandpa and uncle Bernie. Mommy had to dress up in her funny army clothes. When we came back, the white stuff had disappeared. I'm sad.

Mommy says Saturday is a special soldier day. So kiss a soldier near you! If you're a cute boy, kiss Mommy!!! Happy Veteran's Day! And God Bless our Troops!

My busy life...

2006-10-27T15:10:00.000-07:00

My new favorite thing is going for rides. I've always liked going for rides but since I got my doggie seatbelt, I love it sooo much more.
Now that I'm a big girl, I can see out the window and watch all the cars with other doggies go by. What's not to love???
Mommy has been very busy lately (and rudely taking my laptop to school with her so I can't log on) so I haven't been around for a while. But there have been some rewards to her neglect. For example, the pretty red collar that I got last week after puppy kindergarten.

And Mommy has been very generous with the bison bones lately too! I chew on them all day and it makes me very very happy!

Nubbily Wiggles to all...and have a great weekend! I will steal the laptop and write again soon!

Growing up

2006-10-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Remember me when I was this small?

Well I'm much, much bigger now...almost 40 lbs and 6 months old!

In fact, I'm too big for my little crate, so Mommy got me a doggy seat belt. She says it's to keep me safe when we go in the car. You can see the enthusiasm I have for the contraption during my first experience. I've since realized it's not that bad, and it does let me stretch out over the entire backseat and snooze comfortably...as long as I manage not to get myself tangled up in it!

And remember when I was this small?

Well, I've always loved pillows and until recently Mommy had not given me one of my own. Every night she would hog the whole thing and so I would have to climb on top of her head just to get a little spot on the pillow.

Well...Mommy finally wised up a bit, and got me my very own pillow to rest my head on. Now she sleeps on her pillow and I sleep on mine. And Mommy's a lot less grouchy in the morning too!!!

Do all of you have Mommies as silly as mine is???

Into the Woods

2006-10-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

Yay for puppydom!

I got to go with Mommy yesterday and her Army friends to the woods. I'd never been to the woods before. Mommy took me and we set up a little campfire and then her friends spied on us. They called it "recon", but I say they were spying. Mommy's friends were being graded on how well they spied on us, and Mommy said they did really good! Yay! I was quiet and didn't even bark when I saw them sneaking up on us. I didn't want to give their positions away! Hee, hee. Plus, Mommy kept giving me lots of treats and some of her friends (the ones who were grading) would come over and pet me. I like petting! And everyone kept telling Mommy how cute I am! I liked that part too. But silly Mommy forgot to charge her camera batteries but she says not to worry...we'll be going back to the woods soon and she'll be sure to get some pictures for all of you!

Then, when we were on our way home, Mommy gave me a big surprise! We stopped at my favorite puppy bakery for treats because she said I was such a good puppy! Yay! I like the white chocolate dipped peanut butter ones myself. mmmm...yummy in Ellie's tummy!

a weekend puppy party!

2006-09-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...you haven't heard from me in FOREVER! But here I am! I was having some computer issues, and I tried to get Mommy to help me, but she couldn't figure it out either! Have no fear...Ellie's here!

This last weekend was a little scary. Mommy took me to the vet...and left me! My first thought was: Not Again! But then, I smelled something...PUPPIES! The vet gave me a looksie but then put me in the back to play with the puppies all weekend. Supposedly, us puppies are meant to hate this thing the humans call a kennel, but I had the time of my life! So many puppies to play with and so little time. It was like being at the bark park all weekend. I don't know where Mommy went, but it must have been important for her not to take me with her. And she was in that funny green uniform she wears.

When I got home I was very excited to see my Mommy. We hung out and had a fun time. Then I started rifling through some old photos and found one of Bernie when he lived with Mommy (before he lived with grammy and gramps). He used to love to sit on the edge of Mommy's bed and stare out the window with his blanket and his bubba while Mommy went to school. Mommy says I'm not trustworthy enough to be out of my crate while she's gone...maybe when I grow up a little.
And finally, here's a picture of me and Bernie last time I visited him. We love to snooze together! And of course, I can't snooze without my Cocoa! And so you all know, Bernie is doing great since we got some cooler weather. Grammy tells me he's running around and bouncing off the walls like his old self, before he got sick. I'm glad. I can't wait to see him again and run him ragged! That's what I do best!

So many toys...

2006-09-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

Grandma thinks I'm spoiled because I have so many toys! I think she's crazy. I'm not spoiled, I'm just well entertained! Hey, I don't chew on the furniture do I? I haven't run off with anything of hers or Mommies and chewed it to bits have I? No! And to be accused of being spoiled...well, I just can't have this nonsense! Mommy came home from this new work thing the other day with a bag full of new toys and grandma told her she had to throw out one old toy for every new one she gave me. Mommy tried to be sneaky, thinking I wouldn't notice, but I did! Mommy's on my side...a puppy can never have too many toys!

Oh well! Grandma goes home tomorrow. Mommy and I have to drive her down to Utah, which is long and I usually just sleep but it will be an exciting weekend because I get to paly with Bernie! Yay! It will make the whole trip worth it! Woohoo!

PS: did you notice the new box Mommy got me for my toys? She puts them in and I pull them all out, or when I'm in a hurry, I just dump it over as pictured here.

Nubbily Wiggles,

Ellie

Long time no see...ME!

2006-09-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry pups!

I know it's been awhile, but things have been crazy here and Mommy has been hogging the computer. I don't know what's going on but she's either been hogging the computer, engaged in smelly jobs with grandma or gone all day! Mommy keeps talking about school. She tells me it's like my puppy preschool only she has a lot more reading to do. And grandma keeps changing the colors of the walls. The water rooms are now blue instead of that yucky pee pee color they were before. Despite the smell, they look good. Grandma tells me that Mommy's been working too! I don't know what this means exactly but she is gone for a long time some days and I sit at the door and whine or get put in my crate if grandma leaves too. Oh ya...I guess you figured out by now...grandma's visiting. This is fun for me! And grandpa came to visit too a couple days ago. They're here for a long weekend. My favorite part is that grandpa is putting a screen door on the back door which lets me look outside while Mommy is cooking me yummy treats!

Mommy's been good to me despite being so busy. She's worked in some extra trips to the bark park (I'm working on my aversion to water...as seen above) and we've stopped at my favorite puppy bakery extra times too. Oh yes, and I met a new boxer puppy named Lulu. I will tell Mommy to get some pictures of us at the bark park. She is only 11 weeks old and almost as big as me! Today, I was very mad at Mommy because she went to the puppy bakery without me...I could smell it on her. Then tonight, she made up for it. She brought out two doggie ice cream cone cookies (mmm...yummy!) for my 5 month birthday! Yay!

I love my Mommy!

Mommy's Home!!!

2006-08-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

First of all, Bernie wanted you all to know that he's doing better. It was a rough couple of days, but he's almost back to 100%. While he was sick, I took good care of him and watched over him and minimmized how much I harrassed him.

But now for the important part.

MOMMY'S HOME!!

And she brought me toys...

I am learning how to play soccer or futbol as they say with my pretty new pink ball. Maybe my friend Cairo can give me a few pointers; I'm still getting the hang of it.

And you may have noticed my other new toy. His name is Cocoa. Did you notice he's a boxer, too?

The most important part of all this is that my Mommy is home! I missed her very much and I couldn't stop jumping up and down last night and kidney beaning around the house when she came in the door. I'm supposed to be taking it easy with my stitches still healing so Mommy picked me up and cuddled with me.

The ultimate reward:

Sleeping in Mommy's bed with her last night.
It's so much nicer than sleeping in my crate.

I'm off to take a nap with Mommy and Bernie...oh ya, and Cocoa too!

A prayer for Uncle Bernie

2006-08-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

My Uncle Bernie is not well!

He's been sick for along time: a couple handful of bladder stones, a weak heart, and a growth on his spleen.

Well, Bernie's particularly not feeling well today. He's moving slow and doesn't want to play.

Please say a special Puppy Prayer for my Uncle Bernie that he will feel better and not be in any pain. Mommy is very sad because she is still in DC and she wishes she could be here with him. I try to tell her on that phone thing that it's ok, because I'm here with him and I'm keeping him company with grandma. Mommy tells me it might be time for him to go to the big kennel in the sky, and I don't really know what it means, but it sounds nice. I just want him to be able to play again without hurting. I love him very much and he's my favorite puppy playmate.

I will keep you all posted on how he does. (Shh...don't tell Mommy that I borrowed her laptop!!)

Nubbily Wiggles,
Ellie

Tag! You're it!

2006-08-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

Well, my friends Raisa, Cairo and Sam tagged me... three times in two days! Well Bernie and I decide to swap my accumulated "weird habits". I'll give you ten. He'll give you five.

Here are the rules: The player of this game starts by listing "5 weird things/habits" about yourself, then you "tag" five friends and list their names. Those who get "tagged" need to write on their blogs about their "5 weird things/habits", as well as state this rule clearly, then "tag" five more victims. Don't forget get to leave your victim a comment that says "you're tagged!" in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

But before I confess my "weird things", I tag the following doggie friends: Charlie, Bogart, Cubby Charlie & Coco, and Bosco:The Chocolate Dog! Check out all their sites to see their confessions!

10. I have to take daily Beano so that I don't stink Mommy out of her house. It's a boxer thing.

9. I get the hiccups at least six-times a day

8. I know where Bernie's spot on the couch is, and I know how to steal it.

7. I dig at the pantry door for the chicken jerky treats.

6. I like to talk to Mommy on the phone.

5. I moan when Mommy cleans my ears. Or does anything else, I don't like. Mommy says it sounds like I'm being torchered.

4. I'm still learning how to jump up, so instead of jumping. I put my front paws on the couch or bed and swing my but back and forth until one of my back legs gets high enough to pull me up. Mommy calls it my boogie woogie dance.

3. Something really embarrassing...I grunt when I doo doo. Mommy laughs!

2. I step on Mommy's foot when I want her attention. When that doesn't work, I sit on it.

1. I try to chew on Bernie's dangle down parts when we play or smell his tinkle while he's still squirting the flowers.

Bernie's confessions:

5. I steal Ellie's toys even though I don't really like them. It's a power thing.

4. Don't tell her, but when she's gone, I really miss Ellie. When she had to spend the night at the vets, I spent half the day looking for her.

3. I'm not really afraid of the garbage truck, I act scared so that the humans will take pity on me.

2. I pee pee on certain plants so they won't grow. Ellie's mom taught me do that to zucchini which she hates!

1. I like to watch X-files!
All right...now you all better dish it on out!
Double the Nubbily Wiggles, Ellie! and Bernie!

I miss my Mommy!!!

2006-08-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

Today has not been a good day!
First, grandma took me to the see the puppy doctor. He checked me out and then he took me to a back room, and grandma left! Next thing I know...I wake up and my belly is hurting and I have a scary looking owie on my bellie. Something horrible has happened! And I keep hearing the word "spayed".

I WANT MY MOMMY!!!

The doctor says I can go home tomorrow but I have to spend the night here with some other doggies to make sure that I don't get sick. I wonder if my Mommy will be back or if grandma will come back to get me. I am very sad and I miss Mommy and grandma and Bernie!

Wish me well that I get better so I can go home!

Mommy's away and the Puppy will Play

2006-08-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

Mommy is Washington, DC at the Smithsonian this week. She has to do research for her thesis, whatever that is. All I know is that it takes up a lot of her time. While she's gone I am staying with grandma and Uncle Bernie...

So first I played in the garden and made a big mess in the dirt. Then I decided to eat a spider but the dumb thing bit me on the lip three times and my mouth swelled up really big. Grandma had to give me Benadryl and then I slept the rest of the day.

Before Mommy left we went to my Aunt Carly's house and I got to see the birdie. I like the noises the birdie makes.

To end my day, Uncle Bernie and I cuddled up with my Grandpa and watched a movie. The green thing in the middle is Bernie's Bubba, which I like to play with...even though it's not mine!

Well, it's been a busy day...time to get some sleep before another busy play day with Bernie!

at grandma's house

2006-07-30T18:41:00.000-07:00

The first matter of business is to keep Uncle Bernie away from my food. He loves the taste of my salmon and bison meal food. Of course, what puppy wouldn't? Poor Uncle Bernie...he has to be on yucky diet dog food because he's gotten a little thick around the middle.

I love to eat grandma's flowers. They're super tasty and a light salad is the perfect thing to maintain my wonderfully girlish figure! Perhaps if Bernie ate more flowers he would be allowed to eat yummier food.

Of course every puppy needs an afternoon post-lunch nap, and I prefer to take mine on the stairs so I can be sure to not miss anything that might happen while I'm snoozing.

Uncle Bernie and I are always well behaved but we bust out our best moves when Mommy busts out the yogurt drops or freeze dried salmon snacks. MMM...time to go earn more treats, and harrass Bernie of course!

We're Having' a Heat Wave

2006-07-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

A Heat Wave blew into town last week...
Came from the isle of Martinique....

The only good thing to do during a heat wave is to sleep through it...

And on the odd occasion when you have to wake up,
Make sure to strategically place yourself in front of a fan!

At first I didn't like the way the fan blew my ears...but I decided it was better to have my ears blown than to be so doggone hot! Oh ya...and don't forget to bring a snack! I chose my favorite pigs ear!

And get your Mommy to feed you ice cubes.
It took some time, but I figured out the best way to hold 'em so I don't have to chase them all over the floor. Mommy started by putting them in my water bowl, but I just kept taking them out Mmm...Mommy loves me because she gives me lots and lots of ice cubes.

Tomorrow is a big day, too! I get to go back to my grandparents house and see Uncle Bernie. I'm very excited...and after perfecting our play technique, we are perfecting how much we can harrass grandma! Woohoo!

And thanks to everyone who sent Mommy notes to cheer her up!
Mommy is happy again!

AHEM! Let me clear my throat!

2006-07-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

Hello all! I need to express some thoughts on the following subjects...

No matter what Mommy insists, I do not snore. I am a beautiful, peaceful sleeper and sometime I cuddle too much, but I do NOT snore!!! This particular morning Mommy caught me back in her bed when she got out of the shower. I was sound asleep. Oh...and about that noise I make when she's gone...I believe they call it a "woo woo", well I've learned how to "woo woo" and Mommy thinks it's really funny. She's been sad this week so I "woo woo" for her to cheer me up and then she takes me to the dog park to hang out with our friends!

Do not let the tennis ball fool, you...I'm not that big...it's that small! The ball is "puppy sized". And while I'm speaking my mind on things I might as well ask? What is so fun about you throwing a ball and me constantly chasing after it??? And if you throw it, why should I bring it back to you when I just know you're going to throw it again???

Attention all Mommies: if you leave toys where puppies can get them, we will take the initiative to play with them. Mommy got me this new rope toy for the beach, but when we got there it wasn't in the beach bag...I stole it out before we left and had flung behind the couch so she wouldn't notice.

Next...whey do I have to be clean??? I'm a puppy. To be dirty or not to be dirty is not the question! This was after we returned from the lake yesterday! Mommy and I were both covered in dirt so...you guessed it...weekend bath time! At least the lake was fun!

Finally...

I must say a word to the inconsiderate, to the rude, and to the cowardly...and in particular to the male half of the human species that fall in one or more of these categories!
It makes me really mad when Mommy is upset. If you are going to upset her...don't. I'm getting to be a big puppy now and I will deal with you in my own due course! (Grrrr...) Why do you have to be so mean to my Mommy? If you can't be nice...stay away! She's a good Mommy and she spoils me and loves me! Maybe one day she'll find me a daddy who can be nice to me AND her.

And to everyone else...I hope you have a fantastic weekend! I'm off to chew on my bison bone! Woo hoo!

At Grandma's House...

2006-07-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

Sitting under the table with the pots and pans. They're all shiny so I can see my pretty self and stay close to Mommy at the same time!

I had to teach Bernie how to play, he was a quick learner and we were eventually playing like old friends!

Bernie and I drove grandma nuts running around her house barking at crashing into things.

The kitchen rug is a great place to nap, just like in Montana...it keeps me in the way and under everyone's feet!! It was fun to visit grandma but I"m glad I'm back home with a little peace and quiet!

VOTE NOW!!!

2006-07-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends!

Well, I've been nominated for a bloggie.

Vote for me on the Dogs With Blogs poll for the "awesome blog award"!

I appreciate all your support!! I'm so honored just to be nominated!

Oh ya...and now that Mommy and I are back home in MT I will be back to my usual self. I'll be posting some pictures tomorrow of Bernie and I before I left my grandparent's house...so check back soon!!!

Nubbily Wiggles,
Ellie

Work...work...work...

2006-07-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

You guessed it...
Time for another bath!
But this time it was for a good cause...

I donned a uniform, then
Mommy and I took a ride in the car,
and we arrived at work.
I played with my Godmommy and took over my Goddaddy's desk! I borrowed his computer to send a few emails out and update my blog.

After all this work...
I took a nap! I like Capt. Z's chair! It was nice and comfy and I ran away with Mommy's ACU jacket for a pillow.
Do you like my hat? It helps me blend in to the chair!!

At my grandparents house...

2006-07-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Well, life at the grandparent's house is going well.

Me and Bernie like hanging out in the long garden. Bernie and I have become good buddies, but on the days he's not feeling good he doesn't want to play and sometimes he gets mad because I always want to play! See how big I am next to him! I'm just big enough to climb all over him which he doesn't really like but I don't care...I do it anyway!

Remember when I was this small?

This is me now...one month later... in grandma's kitchen waiting for treats.

I have to guard my food from Bernie...he keeps trying to steal it from me. I get special food because I'm so skinny and Bernie thinks it's really good stuff, but he can't eat it or he'll get fat. Notice one eye on my food, the other on Bernie!

For a snack I attack the tomato plant and eat the leaves. Mmm...tasty! I also like to snack on dirt, rocks and Bernie's ears. Yummy!

To keep me from harrassing Bernie too much, Mommy and grandma keep giving me pig's ears to chew on. I love them! They taste super yummy! And I love to perch at the top of the stairs with my pig's ear and watch everything going on in the house. It's great place to not miss anything...and keep my eye on Uncle Bernie and make sure he's not stealing my toys!

To Grandmother's House We Go...

2006-07-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

Well, tomorrow, Mommy and I are headed to grandma's house for the holiday. I am very excited to see my Uncle Bernie and play with him. I hope he remembers me and wants to play. I've learned not to bite his feet like I used to, so maybe he'll want to play more with me, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Mommy says that he just got a haircut and that always puts him in a good mood, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I don't know what he'll think of me now that I've grown up some. Who couldn't resist my cute face though? Wouldn't you all agree? You'd want to play with me, right?

Yesterday, I had an interesting experience.

Mommy let me outside to go pee pee and when I got to my spot I started to take care of business. I realized about half way through that I was getting very, very wet. But this didn't make sense because the sun was shining and there were no clouds. I looked around and found these funny little black things sticking out of the ground that spray water everywhere. Mommy called them sprinklers. They sure were fun, but what surprise! Talk about getting caught with your pants down!

Well, on a final note before I head out, I wanted to leave you with some cute pictures of me. Mommy promises to take lots, but I may not be able to get on the computer as much as I like while at Grandma's house (she has really slow internet that's really irritating...). So if you don't hear from me for awhile, know that I will return!

Happy Fourth of July!

God Bless Our Troops!

God Bless America!

Remember how little I was? I sure have gotten a lot bgigger!
Inspecting the kibble...this is the kitchen floor, before Mommy had issues.

And of course...me in my favorite chair. Chillin'

Mommy's Insane

2006-06-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hello My friends!

So I probably haven't told you that Mommy has really bad hip problems. She has been to many doctors to try to fix it, and she is seeing a new one (who is also a good friend of hers) named Dr. Jeff.

Well Dr. Jeff put Mommy on some weird pills and she has wanted to play all the time. Phew, she is wearing me out. The other night she only let me sleep for two hours before she woke me up to play again.

Luckily, she rewarded me with a trip to Petsmart! Yay! I got to see all my friends and I even made a special pee pee on the floor. Then, while Mommy was talking to my trainer, I snuck around the corner and brought back this great big toy! They laughed because it's as big as me! But I dropped it at Mommy's feet and gave her the magic eyes and she bought it for me.

Good thing too, because yesterday she woke up before the sun and spent all day retiling our kitchen floor. This is a picture of her hard work! It's a lot prettier in person (of course, anything's better than yellow linoleoum!!!

Ellie Goes Swimming

2006-06-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

Hi All...well Mommy took her camera to the park with us today, but the quality came out a little crappy. Sorry about that, we'll work to make it better next time...but at least you get to see me in action! Mommy tried to make me go swimming, but it was cooling off by the time we got to the park so I didn't go in very far.

After swimming, Mommy tried to get me to run around the field and play with some other doggies. You notice my response to leaving Mommy?

More of me in the park...being my usual spazzy self.

After playing in the water, I met Miko. He's a boxer like me only Brindle. He was a rescue and is about 2 years old. He's very handsome don't you think? I hope he's at the bark park often! I would like to play with him again!

Too Dog Gone Hot!!

2006-06-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

So of course I decided to nap the morning away in my favorite chair while Mommy waxed the car.

And I have conquered at last!!
It has been too Dog Gone Hot the last couple of nights. We don't have A/C in our house because it's not supposed to get that hot in MT but it's been HOT HOT HOT! So Mommy put me on the bed to sleep so I can be by the fan and stay cool!

Mommy says this is a temporary situation, but I'm working the charm and being a good cuddle puppy. I don't think she'll be able to make me sleep in my crate anymore. Afterall, I'm just too cute!!!

Oh ya...and Mommy says I may get to go swimming when we go to the dog park later! Woohoo! I'll try to talk her into shooting some video!!!

Ahhh!! What a weekend!

2006-06-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

First I took a nap in my new favorite chair. Mommy was hard at work

and from this chair, I can keep a good eye on her!

Saturday, I went to Puppy Preschool and played with my friend Gretchen. She helped me clean the hotdog off my face that Mommy gave me as treats. Gretchen and I now know how to sit, lay down, take it, leave it and walk on a loose leash...and after only two classes!!!

Sunday morning I slept in. I crept into Mommy's bed while she was in the shower. You know, it's much more comfortable than that bathmat I was laying on. I wish someone would have let me know sooner! Of course, I fell asleep and got caught when Mommy got out!

And of course...we've learned that no weekend of mine would be complete without a trip to the dogpark followed by this awful thing Mommy calls a bath. My friend Cairo tells me I need to find away for Mommy to just let me stay dirty...the problem is Mommy thinks I'm clean then she gives me a bath and sees all that dirty water and wants to give me more baths!

What's a girls to do???

Happy Monday All!

Ellie's Hives

2006-06-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

Mommy wanted to fill you all in on my hives situation... (and thanks to all of you who wished me "get wells" and "nubbily wiggles").

Mommy isn't sure how I got the nasty little hives but she felt really bad about it... I got lots of treats and extra play time at the park on Wednesday.

Mommy thinks I either got the hives from a couple bug bites I got Monday night or from some "pet friendly" cleaner she used where I pee peed on her carpet. She returned the cleaner and now lathers me with both sunscreen and bugspray before we play outside. Geez louise! I definitely never smell like a puppy!!!

Snoozin', Snoozin', Snoozin'...

2006-06-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

I have realized my primary mission in life.

Sleep.

This is me in my crate. I snuck off to bed early last night while Mommy was reading. I like to sleep with my belly up, just like the loofah dog I'm laying nex to!

Here I am snoozin' in Mommy's papasan chair.
(She woke me up with the camera flash...how rude!)

And finally this is me laying on my blanket with my collection of toys.
Mommy decided I'd had too lazy of a day and made me wake up and go to the dog park. Sometimes Mommy is no fun...how dare she interrupt my sleep?

Okay, though, in all fairness, Mommy has to give me some credit.
You see, Tuesday I came down with hives...big time! They were filled with pus and blistering (sorry to be so graphic). So Mommy gave me Benadryl to make them go away, which they did and very quickly too. But just like Mommy, Benadryl makes me very, very sleepy. Hence... all the recent snooze time! Now I'm all better.

The Weekend in Review

2006-06-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

I was the star of my preschool class on Saturday!

I was so good, that the instructor asked us to come to another class so I canbe a model of good behavior

Of course, my being good might have something to do with the fact that Mommy took me to the dog park right before hand so I slept through most of class.

It's pretty hard to misbehave in your sleep!

Mommy wanted to show you all just how much I've grown
in the three weeks since I've been home with her.

June 19.2006
May 30.2006

These are my new Doggles! Aren't they snazzy? Don't I look cute?

Mommy says they're fore keeping the cotton out of my eyes at the dog park. I think she doesn't want to admit how good I look in them.

Boys...here I come!!!

Mommy says I have some over-dependency issues...

I don't know what she's talking about...

Here I am taking a nap on the bathmat, waiting for her to get out of the shower. What's wrong with never wanting to leave Mommy's side?

This is me with my friend Grizwold, he's a 6 month old English Mastiff.
I'm almost as big as his head!

After playing with Grizwold for awhile, I was really dirty.
Mommy wanted to wash me off in the stream, but I outsmarted her!
I walked acrosse this log instead!

What the picture doesn't show is me falling off the log and drenching myself in water.
I was shivering cold so Mommy took me to the car where my warm towel awaited me.
Then we went to the doggy bakery to get me a treat because I made Mommy feel bad!

Phew...what a weekend!!!

The DOG days of Summer!

2006-06-16T20:10:00.000-07:00

Mommy gave me my first Kong today!
Mmmm...yummy!
It was filled with peanut butter and kibble.
I haven't really figured out the best way to get all those treats out, but I'm working on it.

I've been feeling much better since mommy started giving me the medicine from the Boxer Doctor... I was jumping around today like a good boxer for the first time!

Chloe and I went to the dog park today and I got braver towards the water.
Mommy wants to teach me to swim, but I'm not sure about it yet.
Chloe feels the same way! All though she likes to sit in the water and the mudd, putting the rest of her body in just isn't appealing yet.
Maybe when it gets warmer outside.

Well, I'm going to bed early! Chloe and I start school tomorrow! We're very excited! Yay for Puppy Preschool!

Sick as a dog!

2006-06-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

Today Mommy took me to the Boxer Doctor

because I refused to eat my breakfast or lunch!
He was a very nice man but he stuck me with a long sharp thing and

took some red stuff out (humans call it blood?).

Mommy says I have a protozoa growing in my tummy

but the doctor gave her medicine to make it go away

Mommy says this is why I am so small and I have not been

growing up like I should be.

All of that should change now!

Keep your paws crossed that this med stuff works

and that nothing more serious is going on in my little body.

Woofs and Loves, Ellie

At the Bark Park

2006-06-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

Jack's Back!
Today Mommy took me back to the bark park.
We had lunch with Chloe and her Mommy and then we ran around the park for awhile. After about 20 minutes and wearing myself out...guess who I spied across the park.
Jack! Yay! Jack!
Jack's Mommy brings him to the bark park all the time so his Mommy and my Mommy are going to get us together often to play!
Look I'm only as big as his head!

After all this playing, I needed to cool off, so Chloe and played on the edge of the river. I like to wrestle...

We look clean here, but that's not how we went home!

All better

2006-06-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

Today I am feeling all better!

Yesterday Mommy took me to meet my new friend Chloe. We played in the park and had lots of fun (of course, silly Mommy forgot her camera).

And you'll never guess who else I met? Two new boxer friends (my only two boxer friends here in Missoula). I met Daphne at Petsmart and Jack at the dog park. Hopefully next time, Mommy will be able to take some pictures (grrr...)

Anyways, the dog park exhausted Chloe and I so Mommy came home and gave me a bone to chew on. I didn't get very far with it. I fell fast asleep at Mommy's feet under her desk....ahhh! This is the life!

TGIF!

2006-06-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

After I felt better, Mommy took me outside for some romping.

Here I stopped to play with a bug!

Then I came inside and curled up with my loofah dog
(yup, the one from the Petsmart commercial with that weenie dog)
Mommy made me a special bed on the floor by the couch
That way I can hang out with her and we can veg together.

Good thing, too...I got sick again later.
The vet told Mommy she has to give me 1 tsp Pepto Bismol
It's not my favorite treat! But I started to feel better again by bedtime.

Early Bedtime

2006-06-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

Last night I didn't feel good, so I ate a few bites of kibble and stretched out on Uncle Bernie's old blanket for a nice nap before bedtime. I woke up this morning feeling much better and ate almost a whole bowl of food. Mommy is happy that I'm feeling better!

Can you believe these crazies????

2006-06-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

Breeder Beaten With Dead Dog, Police Say Woman Angry Over Death of Chihuahua
AP
ST. PETERS, Mo. (June 8) - A woman angry that her new puppy had died pushed her way into a dog breeder's home and repeatedly hit her on the head with the dead Chihuahua, authorities said.

The 33-year-old woman told police she had taken the puppy to a veterinarian, who said it was only 4 weeks old and needed to be returned to its mother. But before she could return the puppy, it died.

Early Wednesday, the woman went to the breeder's home, pushed her way inside and began fighting with the breeder as she tried to make her way to the basement to get another puppy, police said.

The breeder wrestled the woman out of her house to the front porch, where the woman then hit the breeder over the head numerous times with the dead puppy, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported, citing police.

As she pulled away, the woman waved the dead puppy out of the car's sunroof and yelled threats at the breeder, police said. She later called the breeder and threatened her and her family, according to court records.
Police said they are considering felony burglary charges against woman and misdemeanor assault charges.

Ellie to Afghanistan

2006-06-08T18:54:00.000-07:00

Well, not really. I tried to sneak into the box of goodies Mommy

is sending to some of her SGTs in Afghanistan...

But she found me!

There's some really good treats in there!

Enough goodies for a pup to survive on for a few weeks til

the package gets there!

Mommy takes very good care of her soldiers and
wishes she was there with them.

Besides...don't you think they'd rather have me than all this junk food?

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS and

BRING THEM HOME SAFELY!

Home Sweet Home...again!

2006-06-07T19:04:00.000-07:00

After the long car ride, Mommy unpacked
and I accounted for all of my toys.
Heaven forbid we have forgotten any!
No worries! They were all there!

Then I took a nap while Mommy made dinner!

And I went for my first "walk" tonight.
I'm too little to go for real walks, but Mommy put the harness on me
and we walked around and visited the neighbors at my speed.
I don't like the leash so Mommy's trying to get me used to it
before I start puppy kindergarten.
I was very well behaved on my walk too!
I didn't pull but walked right by Mommy's side
(just like I do without the leash)!
What did she expect?

Homeward Bound

2006-06-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

Today Mommy and I left my grandparents house for Mommy's house

It is an 8 hour drive and to beat the heat, we left at 4:30 a.m.

This is me and my crate, with my doughnut of course,

ready to travel.

I slept the majority of the trip.

And because I didn't eat breakfast til our half way point...

I was stinking up the car in the meantime.

Poor Mommy!

This is the sunrise just south of the UT/ID border about 2 hours into our drive.
Mommy woke me up to let me stretch my legs and see the view.

An end to puppy chemical warfare

2006-06-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

Mommy wanted me to share the following wtih my friends with chemical warfare tendencies:

Gerber Gas Relief drops (the baby food aisle) for puppies or smaller dogs and Beano for full grown furbabies! Mommy puts a drop or two on my food at every meal.

Don't stink out your mommies and daddies! It's the least you can do for them when they let you sleep in their bed!

Oh the Things I've Learned...

2006-06-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Uncle Bernie doesn't like his feet chewed on

Mommy doesn't like it when I pee pee on her floor...especially the hardwood

Laying in the dirt is warm and good for naps

Cement, like dirt, is not meant to be eaten

Chasing Uncle Bernie is fun

When Mom says "sit" and I plunk my butt on the floor, I get a treat

Without a couple drops of Gerber anti-gas on my food,
I could be used for chemical warfare
My voice can be used for barking as well as for whining
I've located Bernie's food and I know when to steal it.
Mommy's pillow is the best place to sleep;
Bernie's Bubba (a green stuffed dog) ranks #2
...and most importantly: I am a pretty princess!!!

An afternoon in the Garden

2006-06-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

Here's Bernie and I in the veggie garden at our grandparents house. I'm about to bite his feet unsuspectingly! I think he is getting annoyed with me. I kept him up the other night when Mommy let him sleep on her bed, but I had to sleep in my crate. :( Last night he slept downstairs and after mommy took me outside (at 4 am) she let me sleep in her bed while she slept in an extra couple hours.

I love to smell the flowers...then of course, eat the leaves! Mommy and Grandma keep having to pull them out of my mouth. I also like these brown chunks on the ground, I believe mommy calls it dirt! Those two are always brushing stuff off my tongue!!!

A busy day...

2006-06-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

Thursday I had a very busy day! Here I am zonked out

after my first trip to the vet (where I weighed in at 5 pounds 0 oz),

& going to Mommy's unit to visit Capt and Lt. Z (my godparents).

The Capt. made fun of mommy for treating me too much

like a princess. Ha...what does he know?

My godparents have two spoiled boxers: Bubba (11) and Chester (7).

Here I am waking up from a nap after all the morning excitement.

For lunch Mommy and I went to my Aunt Carly's house.
I played with Angel the cat, and my favorite toy -- my green doughnut.
I can't wait til I'm big enough to have ball like my friend Cairo!

Getting a bath...

2006-06-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

After Bernie and I's introduction, I had to get a bath. I squirmed when mommy put me in the water...bath's are not my favorite...I'd rather play!

Then I calmed down and let Mommy get me nice and clean. I smelled and looked just like the pretty princess I am.

After my bath Mommy wrapped me up in my puppy towel to keep me warm and I fell right to sleep in her arms. I love my new mommy!

Home sweet Home

2006-06-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

I flew to my new home Wednesday arriving just after 1 a.m.

This is Me and my uncle Bernie meeting later that day

He and I are getting along just fine

except when I bite his legs and feet. I'm only playing

but he doesn't like it and barks at me.

Me and my mommy... she sure does love me.
She gave me lots of toys to play with and I love to follow
her everywhere she goes.

I'm almost home!

2006-05-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

This is my last picture before I go home to my new mommy! I can't wait to see her! I'm so excited! I'm nervous to meet my new uncle, Bernie, although I'm assured that he's a nice dog. I hope he likes to play even though he's old. I'm also a little nervous because I've never been away from my brothers and sisters before but the people here keep telling me my mommy is very nice and has lots of toys for me to play with (that's good because I like to chew things)! I wonder if she'll let me sleep in her bed? (hee, hee) I promise to let you know how it turns out.

Ellie's coming home early!

2006-05-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

It's official! I am going to my new mommy a week earlier than planned. I will be taking a big plane to SLC where my human grandmommy will pick me up from the airport and take care of me until my mommy arrives the next day! Everyone is so excited to see me and I am very excited to see them too! I can't wait to see my new home and cuddle up with my new mommy!

Ellie after her bath

2006-05-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

I am such a silly girl. Before my picture today I decided to play in my food so I had to take a bath. I'm not a big fan of baths. As you can see, I'm still a little wet! That's what I get for being a dirty girl! But I look innocent enough, don't I? I'm cute enough to get away with anything, right?

Look at me grow!!!

2006-05-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

This is me at 4 weeks old. My mommy loves me so much! And I'm not even home with her yet. She's already raided the clearance cart at PetSmart twice buying me new chewies for when I come home with her. I don't understand why she's spending all that money! I'm sure she has some shoes that will do nicely, maybe a pair of Manolo's? And I learned I have an uncle. His name is Bernie, he is a black springer spaniel, but he is dying of cancer. I guess mommie wants me to help take care of him and he's supposed to teach me to be good before he dies. Mommy promises me he's not in any pain...anyways, I know he'll feel better once he meets me, who wouldn't? I'm too cute!

I am a pretty princess!

2006-05-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

I am now three weeks old. Such a pretty princess am I! I was adopted by my new mommy on April 25th. I am very excited to go home with her, but for now I have to stay with my brothers and sisters until I am a little bit bigger. Ha! Bigger! We'll show her. I may be little now, but I'm going to be a big girl. A beautiful pretty princess...mmm is that dinner I smell???

Ellie is born!

2006-05-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Ellie. I was born on April 2, 2006. I am a white boxer. I am a week old and I have just opened my eyes. My favorite pasttime so far is lounging around and eating and sleeping too. I also LOVE playtime! I like looking at my brothers and sisters because they're so funny looking. Do I look that funny?