tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56925332582240979692024-02-08T14:37:59.819-06:00Claps of ThunderLife as Puppy and Spiritual GuideThunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-67030804411087178522012-11-26T22:06:00.002-06:002012-11-27T12:29:19.521-06:00Sharing BreadThe other day when I was out for a walk by myself, I discovered a pile of bread that a neighbor had thrown out for the birds.<br />
<br />
"Yum!" I said as I gobbled down as much bread as I could. I ate and ate and ate. My tummy kept getting bigger and bigger from all the bread.<br />
<br />
Then I heard mom whistle her whistle to let me know it was time to go home. <br />
<br />
"Oh no!" I cried. I knew I wasn't supposed to be out of the yard by myself <em>and</em> I wasn't supposed to be eating bread because the grain in it gives me itchy ears<em> and</em> I wasn't supposed to steal bread from the birds. "I'm going to get into trouble!"<br />
<br />
I had to think fast. I snatched one last piece of bread and, instead of eating it really quickly, I hid it in my mouth. Then I sauntered my way home, trying to look like I really wasn't up to anything. I put the piece of bread in my front lawn before Mom told me to come in the house. I had to have a time-out because I left the yard without being with a human.<br />
<br />
When I was in the house, I gazed out the window longingly and saw Squirrel taunting me to come back outside and play. Mom finally said I could go chase Squirrel, so I did for awhile. Then before coming back into the house, I went to the front yard and grabbed the piece of bread. I hid it inside my mouth once again so Mom wouldn't see it. Then I secretly brought the piece of bread into the house.<br />
<br />
Mom wondered what I was up to because I always go into the kitchen for Treat whenever I come in from outside. But this time, instead of going straight to the kitchen, I slithered my way to Mom's office and dropped the piece of bread on the floor there. I didn't want her to see that I was leaving her the bread as a peace offering because I had left the yard without her.<br />
<br />
Mom was very surprised to find the piece of bread later on in the day. When she did, Mom sat down on the floor. I sat in her lap. Then Mom broke the bread into pieces and shared them with me. Yum!<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you humans:</em></strong><br />
What is the bread you could offer someone? Who is in need of something only you could provide?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-74840190107975399052012-11-05T15:10:00.000-06:002012-11-05T15:30:48.922-06:00Music to My Ears!I love to sing!<br />
<br />
My favorite song is <em>Olympic Fanfare </em>by John Williams. The song was made famous by the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.<br />
<br />
Mom introduced me to the song one day by playing it on her phone, and I decided this was my most favorite song of all time. My favorite instrument is the trumpet, and this song is filled with trumpets!<br />
<br />
When the trumpets sound, I love to throw my head back and howl in tune to them. I howl when the trumpets play their high notes, low notes, and notes in between. Mom says I look and sound like a wolf when I do that!<br />
<br />
<em>Awooooooooooooooooooooooooo......Awoooooooooooooooooooooooooo...Awooooooooooooooooooooo...</em><br />
<br />
Listen to the song here: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlC9Bxzr5Oc&feature=fvst">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlC9Bxzr5Oc&feature=fvst</a><br />
<br />
Doesn't it just make you want to howl along?<br />
<br />
<strong>Though for you humans:</strong><br />
What is the tune that drives your life? What makes you sing? Howl? <br />
<br />Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-48494705720138258112012-09-05T11:35:00.000-05:002012-11-05T15:33:13.550-06:00Pray Always, say Ephesians and Thunder.A lot of Mom's human friends have been bugging her to teach me to pray. They want me to lie down and fold my paws in a charming way whenever they say their prayers before they eat Food.<br />
<br />
So I started thinking...<br />
<br />
Whenever I'm in Mom's car going to visit my human friends, I can hardly wait! I know my human friends love me and I sure love them! As we get closer to their house, I start to wag everything behind my ears in eagerness and joy.<br />
<br />
Isn't <em>eagerness and joy</em> a prayer?<br />
<br />
Sometimes I am alone for awhile. I sit at the window, watching and longing. In a way I am sad, but somehow I know that someone I love will come and play with me.<br />
<br />
Isn't <em>watching and longimg for someone I love </em>a prayer?<br />
<br />
At my human friend's house, there is a huge ottoman by the window. I love to sit there and watch out the window. I watch the cars zipping by on the street. I see Squirrel run right up the tree! How can he do that? I can't get up a tree no matter how hard I try, and believe me, I've tried! And so...I wonder. Then Bird goes up off the grass into the air and doesn't fall. I can't do that--and I've tried flapping my ears really fast, but then I just fall on my nose. And I wonder. And when Squirrel runs with four legs along a tiny rope way up in the sky and doesn't fall off, I really wonder!<br />
<br />
Isn't <em>wonder</em> a prayer?<br />
<br />
When my human friends are eating things that smell really good, I want some, too. But they say, "No!" So I watch and beg. I wag my tail furiously. I make funny sounds in my throat, just to keep begging. In the end I usually get a tiny something that tastes good. So...<br />
<br />
Isn't <em>watching and begging </em>a prayer?<br />
<br />
Then there's the Dog Park. I meet friends there and we growl and play "Mad." We jump and chase and play "Glad." We lick and play "I Like You." Best of all, we play with abandon as we roll in mud, water, and dart and play "Free."<br />
<br />
Isn't <em>abandon</em> a prayer?<br />
<br />
Gus is my most favorite dog friend. We usually have lots of fun chasing each other around the house and the yard. Sometimes, though, he growls and snaps. Then I feel hurt and I go in the corner or sit by Mom and pout. But that's only for a little while. I always go back and then we lick and wag and play Chase and we're friends again.<br />
<br />
Isn't <em>licking and wagging and making friends again </em>a very good prayer?<br />
<br />
When I am at my human friends' house and Mom says it's time to go home, I like to leave a little surprise for one my friends, just to say, "You're special to me." Sometimes I put Bone under someone's bed or my favorite toy on someone's pillow just to make her smile and know I'm thinking of her.<br />
<br />
Isn't <em>saying "I like you" in little, secret ways</em> a wonderful prayer?<br />
<br />
Anways, Mom doesn't need to teach me to pray<em>. </em>Do I really need to learn to fold my hands to pray? I think my life is a prayer and in everything I am and do I am praying always.<br />
<br />
(P.S. I must thank my good human friend Miriam for helping me with the ideas for this blog! She is a very holy person!)<br />
<br />
<strong>Thought for you humans:</strong><br />
Are you a prayerful person? Do you embody a person of prayer?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-28667928165101741262012-07-16T22:13:00.000-05:002012-11-05T15:32:27.237-06:00Entertaining Angels UnawareI hear that it is important to treat all <br />
living things with kindness because <br />
I may be in fact dealing with <br />
angels in disguise.<br />
<br />
I like to think that angels<br />
are very kind celestial beings right<br />
here in our midst who want to spread<br />
joy and love and loyalty and trust <br />
wherever they are and wherever they <br />
are needed most.<br />
<br />
So it is easy for me to accept <br />
that angels come in the form of<br />
dogs, deer, birds, squirrels, and <br />
yes, even cats <br />
as angels in disguise because when<br />
I am nice to them, they are nice<br />
to me in return: they play Chase, <br />
share Treats, take naps with me. <br />
<br />
Our kindness goes back and forth <br />
between us like a dog chasing Ball and<br />
returning it to his Mom who throws it <br />
again so he can get it and return it...<br />
<br />
But must I,<br />
O must I<br />
be kind again to that <br />
skunk?<br />
<br />
<strong>Thought for you humans:</strong><br />
Can you spot the angels among us, even in the skunks of your life?<br />
<strong></strong>Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-68506198918553736002012-07-10T21:21:00.000-05:002012-11-05T15:33:45.570-06:00Things to LearnA few weeks ago I celebrated my first birthday. I am no longer a puppy; I am a big boy! <br />
<br />
I don't eat Puppy Food anymore! Now I eat Big Boy Food! Yum!<br />
<br />
I had to learn a lot of new things during my first year of life. Here are some of my learnings:<br />
<br />
1. Have someone open the door for you. You just don't have to do everything by yourself!<br />
<br />
2. Smile, jump, and wiggle your butt whenever you see someone you haven't seen in awhile.<br />
<br />
3. Enjoy the treats and water your human friends set out for you when you go over to their house for a visit. People like to share and be hospitable.<br />
<br />
4. Sit on someone's lap when you go for car rides. The view is so much better!<br />
<br />
5. Find a cozy spot by the window where you can laze around. You will notice interesting things when you sit still!<br />
<br />
6. Secretly put a special present (like a bone, ice cream bar wrapper, or even Lamby) on your friends' beds or under their pillows. They will love getting a surprise!<br />
<br />
7. Share your ice cream cone with someone and let someone share his/her ice cream cone with you!<br />
<br />
8. Volunteer to clean the dishes and the floor after Supper.<br />
<br />
9. Sing loudly whenever someone walks by your house or when someone comes to the door or when the doorbell rings or when the doorbell rings on TV.<br />
<br />
10. Know when you are supposed to Sit, Stay, Lie Down, Have a Massage, and Play Ball. There is a time for everything.<br />
<br />
11. Hug and kiss your friends whenever you leave them.<br />
<br />
12. Always kiss your loved ones good night. Every night.<br />
<br />
<strong>Thought for you humans:</strong><br />
What have you learned lately that you must pass on to others?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-12343338821393682032012-05-29T22:12:00.002-05:002012-05-29T22:12:24.842-05:00A Beautiful FawnThe other day <br />
on another one of my walks in the cemetery<br />
I came across a fawn resting near the creek.<br />
<br />
The fawn must have been only a couple hours old.<br />
<br />
I think I startled it<br />
when I went over by it to say,<br />
"Hi! Welcome to my favorite place to take a walk!"<br />
<br />
The fawn wobbled as it stood up.<br />
I noticed that I was taller that it was, <br />
which means that the fawn was quite small<br />
because I, too, am small!<br />
<br />
The fawn followed me out from the tall grasses<br />
and the weeds in which it had made its resting spot.<br />
<br />
I gave it a kiss. It kissed me back!<br />
<br />
I did my "play bow.'" It bowed right back at me!<br />
<br />
I said, "Woof!" It said to me, "Squeak!"<br />
<br />
I tried to chase the fawn, but I learned that<br />
I had to run very slowly--almost walk--because<br />
the fawn was still so new on its legs.<br />
<br />
But we chased around in a circle. Again. And again.<br />
<br />
Then we kissed. And bowed. And chased.<br />
<br />
It was time to go home. <br />
<br />
I looked around for the fawn's Mom because I am<br />
sure the Mom was nearby and watching us. She<br />
wouldn't want anything or anyone to hurt her precious <br />
fawn.<br />
<br />
I think I heard the fawn's Mom say, <br />
"Behold. This is my beloved, the fawn, in whom I am well pleased."<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you humans:</em></strong><br />
How have you interacted with all that is good and pleasing in this world today?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-79323262340846247602012-04-24T22:59:00.002-05:002012-04-25T19:52:11.077-05:00Interspecies RelationshipsI was asked by a reader of this blog if I believe in interspecies relationships. This reader was, of all things, a cat! The cat apparently has a case of puppy love for me and wants to know if I would be interested in a friendship with her.<br />
<br />
All my dog-friends have told me to dislike cats. Cats, they say, are not like dogs and dogs are the most superior animals of all. If humans especially want to know what the full essence of being an animal is like, all they have to do is look at dogs. Dogs are the epitome of what it means to be an animal. Dogs are the best. They are superior. They can be both ferocious and loving. Without being a dog, you simply can't be considered an animal.<br />
<br />
I must listen to the wise words of my dog-friends because after all, I am still a puppy and learning new things every day. They say to be wary of cats because cats are very different from dogs: they meow and purr instead of bark; they use the facilities in a little box and not outside like the rest of the animals; their food is so much more different than dogs' foods; they sleep so much; they jump and climb a lot; they are more concerned about their own space than that of a pack.<br />
<br />
Silly, silly cats. How they must wish to be like us dogs, the truest animal there is! Dogs--the one and only way to be an animal.<br />
<br />
But the more I think about it, I wonder if my dog-friends have their ideas about the superiority of dogs correct. Why would God make one animal more superior than the others? Didn't St. Francis of Assisi, my human hero, love all animals? Why should we not like someone else just because he or she looks, speaks, uses the facilities, and behaves differently than we do?<br />
<br />
I met two cats once. Their names are Gus and Oreo. When I met them and got to know them, I must admit that I forgot about what my dog-friends said about cats. I just wanted to play with them. Because cats know how to jump and climb a lot better than I can, we had great chases together around the house. I took a bit of their food from their Food Dish and, I must say, it did not taste as bad as I had heard it would taste. Even though the cats showed me where they use the facilities, I just could not bring myself to use that little box, but I was determined to respect their wishes to use the box whenever they needed to. Most importantly, because cats are such great sleepers, we had the best nap together! Did you know they purr when they are content and sleepy? It was a nice sound and it put me right to sleep.<br />
<br />
Getting back to what I think of interspecies relationships. Yes, I am all for it. I would like a friendship with a cat. We all share this world together, and I just don't think there is just one and only way to communicate, eat, use the facilities, sleep, or move around. We're all different. We don't need to focus upon what is different between us. Instead, we ought to know we are different, accept each other anyway, and try to learn from each other. <br />
<br />
Take some time to walk in someone else's paws for a day and I think you, too, will have a change of heart. I hope my dog-friends will do that, too.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for You Humans:</em></strong><br />
Is there something around you that claims to be the best and the only way of being and doing things? Is it political? Religious? Personal? <br />
<br />
What harm does such a claim do to you, your family, your colleagues, your school? How can humans do a better job at trying to focus upon what we have in common, rather than upon what drives us apart?<br />
<br />Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-3602816883501815262012-03-28T13:36:00.000-05:002012-03-28T13:36:29.116-05:00Hoarding TendenciesHello. My name is Thunder and I am a hoarder.<br />
<br />
A hoarder is someone who likes to hide his treasures. For instance, I hide these treasures of mine:<br />
<br />
(1) Bones. Every night I must put away Bone that I hide from mom and from anyone else who may come to our house. I also have Bone that I hide when I visit my Human Friends' house, but with them it has become a game. They don't know where I am going to hide Bone, so sometimes I hide in the basement, on the treadmill, under the ironing board, or even in their bedrooms. Once I hid Bone on the basement stairs, but then I learned that wasn't too safe.<br />
<br />
(2) Food. I hide Food under the couch, and my hidden stash always surprises mom when she vacuums. Then she makes me eat Food and then I have to go back to Food Dish and get more Food to hide under the couch.<br />
<br />
(3) Sticks. A dog can't have enough sticks! So I gather sticks and hide them in my yard and our front porch so other dogs and birds and squirrels and bunnies cannot chew them up and so I have something to chew on when I'm allowed to sit outside by myself (on a leash, of course!).<br />
<br />
Does hoarding have to be a bad thing? I don't think so! I must hide Bone and Food in case I would ever experience a famine. By hoarding them, I would have a hidden cache of things to eat. And my sticks, well, I must save up my sticks so I can take great delight in a nice sunny day and lie in the shade and chew my sticks and keep an eye on the neighborhood and watch out for anyone who might want my Bones, Food, and sticks.<br />
<br />
I may be a hoarder, but I am a practical hoarder.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you humans:</em></strong><br />
What are your hidden treasures? Why do you keep them hidden? Are you ready to let go of any? If not, what holds you back from doing so?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-81192414096028526072012-01-31T13:19:00.000-06:002012-01-31T13:19:02.884-06:00Eye DiseaseI have Conjunctivitis.<br />
<br />
My eyes are very red and are oozing some very green goop. I had to visit Dog-Doctor the other day because my eyes were not getting any better and I just don't look as handsome when I have green goop sliding down my nose. Dog-Doctor looked in my eyes with a flashlight and decided I have Conjunctivitis. I had to sit very still when Dog-Doctor checked my eyes. I guess I did really well because Dog-Doctor gave me a treat when she turned off her flashlight!<br />
<br />
Dog-Doctor and Mom said I caught Conjunctivitis from the dirt in the snowbanks. Everytime I am outside I must stick my head in the snowbanks and smell all the critters living and dead. <br />
<br />
Dog-Doctor and Mom want me to stop putting my head into the snowbanks so I won't get Conjunctivitis again in the future. I told them that I would think about it but, between you and me, I know I just cannot stop!<br />
<br />
So now Mom has to put eye drops in my eyes three times a day.<br />
<br />
Even though I can't stop putting my head in snowbanks because doing so will force me to be less of a dog than I am meant to be, I will be careful to stay away from any dirt so it doesn't get into my eyes anymore and give me Conjunctivitis.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you humans:</em></strong><br />
What is in your eye that keeps you from seeing things so clearly? In other words, what are your prejudices, stereotypes, and ideologies that ooze from your eyes and get in your way of dealing with people in positive ways?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-87608086199853331742012-01-24T10:56:00.001-06:002012-01-27T22:16:51.988-06:00Heaven is Like...Many of you humans believe there is a Heaven. I am told that Heaven is a place where God and the angels and all holy people live. While you humans have many opinions of what Heaven is really like and of how humans can actually get yourselves back to Heaven, one thing is for certain: Heaven is a wonderful place, a paradise, beautiful and calming for everyone who is there.<br />
<br />
How would I describe Heaven? For me, as a 7-month old puppy, Heaven is like Dog Park the day after a giant snowstorm! There are zillions of dogs there for me to chase, play with, and with whom to share a stick. Some of us wear coats and sweaters to keep our fur warm; others wear little booties to keep our paws dry.<br />
<br />
We have snowball fights by tossing snow up in the air with our noses! <br />
<br />
We play "King of the Mountain" by chasing each other up and down the snowy hills! <br />
<br />
We play Tug on each other's coats and sweaters!<br />
<br />
We dig big holes and bury our toys in the snow, only to dig them back up again a few minutes later! You should see all the snow fly when we are digging so fast and furious!<br />
<br />
We have "Who Can Eat the Most Snow (Except Yellow Snow)" contests!<br />
<br />
We play "Hide and Seek" in the snow drifts! More often than not, our wagging tails give our location away!<br />
<br />
Some of us run on the paths made by each other's pawprints in the snow; others make our own paths!<br />
<br />
We Dog-Sled by sliding down snowy hills on our tummies!<br />
<br />
When we lie on our backs, we make Snow-Dog Angels! Our flimsy legs and paws dance in the air!<br />
<br />
Most importantly, we help each other take off the clumps of snow that accumulate on our paws and our fur.<br />
<br />
So, my kith and kin, while you humans try to determine who can get to Heaven, I am just going to enjoy my own idea of Heaven: a playful paradise made of snow!<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you humans:</em></strong><br />
What is your Heaven? What brings you pure delight?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-75314162525027169952011-12-28T22:07:00.007-06:002012-01-02T18:58:55.235-06:00My First Report CardI got my very first report card the other day. My human friends--Stella, Miriam, AJ, and Marie--were the ones who thought it would be a great idea to create a character assessment of the first six months of my life. Here is my report card:<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Character Trait</u> <u>Grade</u> <u>Comments</u></strong><br />
Obedience A Responds with alacrity (especially to "treat")<br />
<br />
Courtesty A+ Includes <u>all </u>in his leaps and licks attention<br />
<br />
Hygiene B+ Regularly washes ears and face in Water Dish<br />
<br />
Neatness C+ Does not return toys to Toy Box<br />
<br />
Concentration A Fiercely attentive to doors and food<br />
<br />
Friendliness A+ Tongue and tail <u>always</u> say, "I like you."<br />
<br />
Effort A+ Aims high (especially to reach the table)<br />
<br />
Perseverance A+ Relentless in games of Tug<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Comments</u></strong><br />
Thunder's area of greatest improvement is his response to discipline regarding the begging for food at the table. He manifests good self-image and future leadership potential in the canine world.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>My Rebuttal</u></strong><br />
Regarding the C+ in Neatness: I don't see the importance of having to put my toys in the Toy Box. Mom does that for me every day. And when she does, I just take them out so I have them ready for playtime. What is the purpose of putting away toys when I want to play with them?<br />
<br />
Regarding the B+ in Hygiene: The grade I was given is a bit low. Not only do I clean my face and ears in Water Dish, but I also smell very good. Everyday I go outside and roll in dead squirrel, dead bird, or dead frog. I'll even roll in other animals' feces. So a dog with clean ears, clean face, and who smells really good ought to receive at least an A in this category.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you humans:</em></strong><br />
What honest assessment can you give yourself? What are your strengths? Your weaknesses? How can you make your strengths even stronger?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-62319444863180178662011-12-15T13:45:00.000-06:002011-12-15T13:45:34.781-06:00A Monster Under the Bed!There's a monster under mom's bed! A real-life monster!<br />
<br />
I love to play hide-and-seek with Mom. She'll say, "Where's Thunder?" Then I'll scoot myself under Mom's bed and close my eyes really tightly so Mom doesn't see me. She will keep calling me over and over again--"Thunder?? Thunder?? Where are you?--until finally she gets the bright idea to look under the bed.<br />
<br />
When she looks under the bed and finds me and says, "There's my Thunder!," I open my eyes, wag my tail, and scoot back out from under the bed. Then we'll play a little bit until she says, "Where's Thunder?" and the whole game starts all over again.<br />
<br />
Except the other day, I wasn't the only one under the bed. There was a monster there.<br />
<br />
When Mom said her usual, "Where's Thunder?" and I scooted myself under the bed, the monster bit me on the tummy. I felt it and I yelped and scooted really fast back out from under the bed. I sat in Mom's lap and wimpered. She gave me lots of hugs and kisses as I tried to explain to her that there is a big monster under the bed. It is a big, scary, hairy, and furry monster that growls and slobbers and bites really hard!<br />
<br />
Mom looked under the bed and said she couldn't see the monster. I told her, "Of course not! The monster can only be seen with dog-eyes!"<br />
<br />
I was too scared to go back under the bed. I still am too scared to go under there.<br />
<br />
But Mom believes me that there is a monster under the bed and we are trying to figure out how to get rid of under-the-bed-monsters. Do you have any ideas? I really want to play Hide-and-Seek with Mom, but I cannot until we get rid of the monster. I want to tell the monster that under the bed is my place to play, not its place!<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you humans:</em></strong><br />
Of what are you afraid today? Is your fear real or based upon make believe?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-11071764317759901312011-12-08T10:59:00.000-06:002011-12-08T10:59:41.781-06:00The Joy of WaitingIt is not easy to wait for anything when you are a six-month old puppy like me! <br />
<br />
Advent is a time of waiting. It is an important four weeks for Christians as they prepare their hearts and homes and wait to celebrate Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ.<br />
<br />
So I am learning to wait for Christmas, too. There is now a big tree in in my favorite corner of the living room where I love to take my naps. The tree is decorated with pretty bulbs and little lights. I'm not supposed to go near the tree, so I've got to wait until after Christmas when mom puts away the tree until I can take my naps in my favorite corner of the house.<br />
<br />
Outside, there is a wonderful place in my yard that turns into a puddle of water whenever the sump pump goes off. I love slurping up the water that comes out of the sump pump hose! But now, because the weather here in Wisconsin is so very cold, the water turns into ice as soon as comes out. I've got to wait until the weather warms up before I can slurp up the water again.<br />
<br />
The other day, when Mom and I were out walking, I discovered a dog toy. It is orange and black and filthy and torn up and full of dog slobber. Mom says it's a toy only a dog would love. I proudly carried that new dog toy with me for the remainder of our walk.<br />
<br />
When we got close to our house, I took a little detour and went to my neighbor's house. In warm weather, my neighbor, Connie, likes to plant pretty flowers alongside her house. Now that it is cold outside, there are no flowers, just delicious dirt! So I went over by the dirt and, with the new dog toy hanging from my mouth, I promptly dug a nice hole in the dirt. The dirt felt cold, but it was still gooey and most importantly, very messy! I got dirt all over my paws and my face. <br />
<br />
When the hole was dug, I gently placed that dog toy into the hole and then I used my nose to cover it up with more dirt. The dirt became a blanket to keep my new dog toy warm!<br />
<br />
Then I sat down and looked at mom and said to her, "Now I've got to wait until springtime when Connie digs up her garden and discovers this dog toy! I can't wait until Connie finds it! It will be such a surprise!"<br />
<br />
"Oh, it will be a great surprise!" Mom said.<br />
<br />
That's the funny thing with waiting...at first it can be annoying, like having to find a new corner to take my naps or not being able to slurp up sump pump water when I want to, but then waiting can be very exciting because there can be many surprises that come along!<br />
<br />
It's still not easy waiting for anything when you are a puppy. But this Advent, I am going to try to find the hidden blessings and surprises that times like Advent bring!<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you humans:</em></strong><br />
How do you deal with waiting? Are you impatient? Are you calm enough to be open to new surprises?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-29493113253965652912011-11-30T20:37:00.002-06:002011-11-30T20:42:02.137-06:00Footwear FetishHello. My name is Thunder. I have a Footwear Fetish.<br />
<br />
I love all types of human footwear. I love slippers. I love tennis shoes. I love clogs. I love dress-up shoes. I love boots.<br />
<br />
No, I do not want to wear these types of footwear. What I want is to carry each one of them very proudly, softly, and carefully in my mouth, then smother it in kisses, then chew on it gently, and finally lie right next to it. I must have some type of footwear next to me when I take my naps.<br />
<br />
I love mom's shoes. I love Annie's slippers, Emily's slippers, Emily's boots, Sarah's boots, mom's slippers, and Marie's shoes.<br />
<br />
And I found out today I absolutely and completely love Miriam's slippers.<br />
<br />
I admit my Footwear Fetish problem here because today I got caught chewing up Miriam's slipper.<br />
<br />
Here's what happened:<br />
<br />
Today as I visited some of my human-friends, I found Miriam's slippers behind her bedroom door. I carefully carried one of them from behind the door into the living room. I tried not to prance so proudly and loudly so not to arouse any suspicion from Mom as to what I was up to.<br />
<br />
The slipper was not at all heavy, so it made carrying it all the way to the living room undetected very easy. <br />
<br />
I could see that Miriam took great care in her slipper. It was so soft. It had little pink flowers on the top. It tasted so flowery and sweet and perfumy when I started giving it kisses. And more kisses. And more kisses.<br />
<br />
Soon the kissing turned into biting. And biting. And more biting. I bit the pretty pink flowers. I bit the leathery sides of the slipper. I bit the bottom of the slipper. I couldn't stop. I had to keep biting that slipper until nothing was left.<br />
<br />
Then I was caught. "Aha!" exclaimed Mom. "Now I have proof you are the one carrying my slippers and shoes all over the house and chewing on them! What is Miriam going to say when she sees her slipper all chewed up? She needs to wear her slippers in these cold Wisconsin days to keep her feet warm! No more slippers for you!"<br />
<br />
I just couldn't stop myself. I had no self-control. I had to keep eating up her slipper! <br />
<br />
My name is Thunder. I have a Footwear Fetish.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you Humans:</em></strong><br />
What is your own guilty pleasure?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-22818944538817855442011-11-28T10:25:00.007-06:002011-11-29T12:40:29.823-06:00Top Ten Reasons to be Thankful this ThanksgivingThanksgiving in the United States is a wonderful holiday where we, in part, remember everything for which we are grateful.<br />
<br />
My top 10 reasons to be thankful this, my first, Thanksgiving:<br />
<br />
10. Dog-Toy, Walrus, Squeaky Ball, Silly Ball, Ball, Squeaky Weights, Squeaky Dog, Squirrel, and Fuzzy Wuzzy Man-Toy.<br />
<br />
9. Food Dish and and Water Dish. Sometimes Mom puts surprise foods in Food Dish, and sometimes she puts ice cubes in Water Dish. Yum!<br />
<br />
8. Chasing everyone and everything.<br />
<br />
7. Squirrels, birds, trees, geese, ducks, frogs, sticks, and fire hydrants.<br />
<br />
6. The Dog Digestive System that allowed me to throw up in the middle of the night the very tasty chocolate truffle and its wrapper I ate Thanksgiving weekend.<br />
<br />
5. My dog-friends (especially Ellie, Squiggy, Gus, Max, and Louis) and my human-friends (especially Marie, Ellen, AJ, Miriam, Stella, Annie, Dan, Jim, Melissa, Ben, Emily, Sarah, Alecia, Dr. Ann, and Mom).<br />
<br />
4. Climbing into the dishwasher and cleaning dirty dishes. Yum! Yum! (See my photo below.)<br />
<br />
3. Taking long walks, especially without a leash. My favorite places are Hobb's Woods, the Dog Park, and the cemetery.<br />
<br />
2. Car rides. I don't care where I go, just as long as I can put my head out the window and pretend to soar like the birds!<br />
<br />
1. Treats.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you humans:</em></strong><br />
What is your own Top 10 Reasons to be Thankful this Thanksgiving List?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-24737508666773198722011-11-20T15:14:00.002-06:002011-11-21T11:47:18.248-06:00Visiting the Dog-Emergency RoomI had to visit the Dog-Emergency Room yesterday.<br />
<br />
The day started out in a fantastic way! Mom and I went to our friend Marie's house to help her put up Christmas decorations outside. I got to spend a lot of time outside, chasing leaves, saying hi to neighbors, and barking at the newspaper carrier. It started drizzling and so I got soaked and full of mud. It was the best day.<br />
<br />
Then Marie and mom went to the garage to get out of the rain and I followed them. As they untangled strings of lights, I came across a little package of green pellets in the corner. I took a pellet in my mouth, chomped on it, and decided this was a tasty treat. I chomped on some more pellets and, because I have not yet learned how to chew with my mouth closed, I was chomping quite loudly, so loudly that mom heard me and literally flew across the garage to get out all those treats out of my mouth. <br />
<br />
I didn't see what was the big deal. I was just enjoying some tasty treats, after all! Then Mom kept saying, "Thunder ate mouse poison! Thunder ate mouse poison!" I remember hearing the word "poison" before, like at home when I tried eating leaves off a plant or when I tried to eat dirt from the same plant. I can't eat anything that is called poison. So I guessed that the new treats I found were actually poison. <br />
<br />
Mom and Marie whisked me into the kitchen and mom fed me something called hydrogen peroxide from a water bottle. It tasted horribly, and then they made me go outside so I could throw up. I threw up right away--over 3 times--and when I was finished, Marie and mom took me for a long car ride to the Dog-Emergency Room in Appleton.<br />
<br />
On the way there, Marie and Mom said a prayer to St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. It is a good thing that I wear a St. Francis of Assisi medal around my neck. I knew I was doubly protected then! St. Francis of Assisi would keep me safe!<br />
<br />
The nice Dog Doctor at the Dog-Emergency Room gave me some charcoal to eat and I got black charcoal all over my beard. He gave mom some vitamin K pills to give me all month. Everyone expects me to live a long, long time.<br />
<br />
While my day yesterday started out really well as I helped mom and Marie decorate outside, it ended with a trip to the Dog-Emergency Room. <br />
<br />
I really don't like poison.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thoughts for you humans:</em></strong><br />
What thoughts or actions are poisoning you? How will you take care of your poisons?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-74467817464768445412011-11-17T21:29:00.001-06:002011-11-17T21:33:39.319-06:00Making Dreams Come True!I did it!<br />
<br />
I finally got the pinecone off the tree!<br />
<br />
In our background, there is a nice everygreen tree that grows tiny pinecones in the summertime. It's a young tree, so it is not very big. It's just my size!<br />
<br />
I like to go to the tree and play Tug with the branches! I do this every day, unless it is raining and then I can't even play outside at all!<br />
<br />
I really like the smell of the pinecones, and I so wanted to eat one just to see if they taste as good as they smell. Did you know that pinecones are really stuck to branches? They are very hard to get off and eat! I tried getting a pinecone every day with no luck.<br />
<br />
But one day, I decided it was the day to yank a pinecone off the branch. I went over to the tree and told it that I really wanted to get a pinecone and eat it. So I started pulling and pulling and pulling and pulling. One time I pulled so hard I fell onto my back! But mom kept cheering me on and then I knew I couldn't ever stop.<br />
<br />
I wanted that pinecone. I set my sights on the moment I would I taste it in my mouth. So I kept pulling. And pulling. And pulling. And then....guess what? The pinecone popped off the tree and landed right in the middle of my mouth! I was jubilant at my success! I did it! I finally got that pinecone off and right in my mouth! I dreamed of this day and it was exciting in real life as it was in my dreams! Hooray for pinecones! Hooray for branches! Hooray for trees!<br />
<br />
And the pinecone tasted even better than it smelled!<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you humans:</em></strong><br />
What fills you with so much passion that you cannot give up until you have accomplished something? Who cheers you on?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-1266520991794270002011-10-30T23:24:00.000-05:002011-10-30T23:24:09.448-05:00Trick or Treat DayIt's Trick or Treat Day at my house!<br />
<br />
I was all excited for the day because anytime my mom says, "Treat!?!," I get so excited I can't even sit down! Mom said all kinds of trick or treaters would come to my house! I even put on my new Green Bay Packers shirt to get all dressed up because all the trick or treaters get dressed up. Mom said I looked so very handsome in my Packers shirt.<br />
<br />
And then, the doorbell started ringing. Trick or treaters came to my door and loudly proclaimed, "Trick or Treat!" I was ready to show them a trick, like "shake" or even "go get it" so I could get a treat.<br />
<br />
Imagine my shock when mom gave the trick or treaters pencils and pencil sharpeners as treats. (What would they do with pencils and pencil sharpeners? Treats are supposed to be food things!) All these trick or treaters came to my house to <em>get </em>treats for themselves, not to <em>give</em> me treats! Kids came to my door all afternoon and they had heaps and heaps and heaps of treats in their buckets and bags--all for them! No one gave me one treat. I was so sad.<br />
<br />
I thought trick or treat was for me to show off all the things I can do and then get a treat! <br />
<br />
I think Trick or Treat Day is a rip-off.<br />
<br />
Maybe they should have a Trick or Treat Day just for dogs.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you Humans:</em></strong><br />
What has caught you by surprise lately?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-91377487953803340412011-10-07T21:19:00.001-05:002011-10-07T22:49:26.637-05:00Taking Time to Smell the FlowersOne of my favorite things to do in mom's garden is to leap as high as I can into a bed of big impatiens flowers. Those flowers are very pretty--they are purple, red, pink, and white. I love to jump into them because they smell good and feel soft when I land on them.<br />
<br />
The other day I pounced right into the flowers and then I pounced right back out! I couldn't enjoy the good smells or the softness of the flowers because something either bit me or stung me really bad! It hurt so much that I cried and howled and tried to run away from the pain but the pain kept following me and it wouldn't stop.<br />
<br />
Mom picked me up and tried to make me feel better, but nothing took the pain away. Mom decided I needed an emergency visit to the Dog Doctor. I cried and howled the whole time mom drove me there; she made the sound of the ambulance. But when I got to the Dog Doctor, I stopped crying and howling and started wagging my tail. I couldn't let all those nice people at the Dog Doctor hear me in so much pain!<br />
<br />
But they knew just what to do and, after some medicine and ice on my sting/bite, I got to go home.<br />
<br />
I'm feeling better now. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for You Humans:</em></strong><br />
Once in awhile, on our own life journeys, there are bites and stings along the way. But it's up to us to figure out how handle those bites and stings. Do you give up and never enjoy life again? Do you let other people or pets take care of you when you are in pain? Do you even let others know you are in pain? How do you go about living once you feel better?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-75883259906832426442011-09-19T20:35:00.000-05:002011-09-19T20:35:15.987-05:00Taking the High RoadI took the high road today.<br />
<br />
Mom and I went for a wonderful walk to Hobb's Woods. It was a particularly a good-smelling walk because of all the rain from last night. The birds were all singing, and the chipmunks were, well, chipping away. <br />
<br />
At the woods, there is a point where I must decide which path to take. The low path takes us really close to the creek. And the creek was higher today than usual which means the frogs would be out in full force and we all know how much I love to chase frogs.<br />
<br />
The high path takes us through the woods and up and down hills. We get an extra workout because of all the hills. Plus, the birds were so happily singing and the ground just smelled so good.<br />
<br />
In making such a decision, it means that I get to enjoy a lot of good things and it also means that I will have to give up some things. <br />
<br />
So I chose the high path. I knew I would give up splashing in the creek, chasing frogs, and getting my paws all grubby. But the high path offered me its own treasures--running up and down hills, finding sticks to nibble upon, birds to chase. What a great day for such an adventure!<br />
<br />
I chose the high road and I found my happiness!<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you humans:</em></strong><br />
When have you had to make a decision whether to take the high road or the low road? When have you chosen to take the high road by being true to yourself and to your moral system? When have you taken the low road and forgot who you really are in favor of the status quo or making yourself look good? Is it easier to take the high road or the low road?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-7999402530662372872011-09-16T21:06:00.000-05:002011-09-16T21:06:22.315-05:00An Open Letter to all BirdsDear Birds,<br />
<br />
Hello! My name is Thunder, and I am a puppy. Because I am a puppy, I like to sniff things, run fast, and chew on everything. But most of all, I like to chase. I chase trucks, cars, bikes, motorcycles, scooters, children, mom, squirrels, bunnies, and frogs.<br />
<br />
I also like to chase birds.<br />
<br />
I chase you birds because that is what I am supposed to do as a puppy. I don't want to catch you or even eat you. I just want a good game of chase. When I chase, the wind whistles through my ears and my nose. You have no idea what kinds of smells I encounter when I chase. Ah, a puppy's delight! <br />
<br />
I want to smell the way you birds smell when your fly. I want to hear your wings flapping in the air. You are so lucky you have wings and can fly. I try flapping my four legs when I jump off the chair in my attempt to fly, but so far, I just flop to the ground. I can't fly, but I sure can chase.<br />
<br />
So, please, birds, don't be scared when I try to chase you. Don't sit on rooftops squawking at me or talking about me behind my back. Please don't spread unkind rumors to the other birds that I am out to chase them and eat them. <br />
<br />
I mean no harm. I just love to chase. And you love to fly. I think we can make great partners.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Thunder, the Dog.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you humans:</em></strong><br />
When have you felt unfairly judged? When do you unfairly judge others? When have you felt your motives were misunderstood?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-27272409523043512362011-09-12T22:33:00.000-05:002011-09-12T22:33:58.680-05:00Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard PlaceHobb's Woods is my most absolute favorite place in the world. (Actually, my food dish is my most favorite place.) Hobb's Woods is filled with all kinds of smelly things, like flowers and dead animals. I can run around there without a leash, as long as I stay on the trails. There is a wonderful creek there, too. I love to splash around in the creek and get my paws cooled off and slather my whole body full of mud. The best part is when I chase frogs from the rocks into the creek.<br />
<br />
That's how I slid in between two rocks and got stuck and mom had to pull me out. I saw a darling little frog nestled on the rock and I just had to chase it, but the frog hopped away so fast! I ran faster on the rocks to get the frog, but my paws slid on the rocks and I fell in between two of them. My two front paws were up on a rock and my two back paws were hanging in the water. I started to shake because I got a little scared of what happened. But then mom came and dragged me out.<br />
<br />
You could say that I was stuck between a rock and a hard place at Hobb's Woods!<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you humans:</em></strong><br />
When was the last time you were stuck between a rock and a hard place? What decision did you need to make but had a hard time figuring out what to do? How did you make your decision? Were you happy with it, or did you change your mind? Did you have someone help make your decision?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-75906668186269834672011-09-08T12:51:00.002-05:002011-09-09T21:48:44.533-05:00Finding My Bark-VoiceMom says I found my bark-voice! I always knew my bark-voice was somewhere within me, and now I feel confident enough to let it out!<br />
<br />
My bark-voice comes out in three ways:<br />
<br />
<em>Woof!</em><br />
This means that something has caught my attention, like a sudden noise or something that is unfamiliar to me. I will <em>Woof! </em>when I see a dog across the street when I am taking a walk with mom or when I see an ant on the ground. I will also <em>Woof!</em> when I am playing with any of my dog-friends as a way to get their attention!<br />
<br />
<em>Bark!</em><br />
This means, "Mom! Come quick!" or "Mom! I'm still waiting for my treat!" or "Mom! Give me a boost onto the couch!" or "Mom! I can't get the ball out from under the table!" or "Mom! Open the car door so I can jump in!" or "Mom! Let me onto your bed!" or "Mom! I've got to go outside! Hurry!"<br />
<br />
<em>BarkBarkBarkBarkBarkBarkBarkBarkBarkBarkBarkBarkBarkBarkBark</em><br />
This is my urgent, warning voice. I will use this bark-voice when the garbage truck wakes me up or when Ellie, my neighbor dog-friend, is outside or when a motorcycle drives by the house or when bicyclists pedal by or when the sump pump goes off and water comes out of the hose when I have my nose stuck inside it or when our neighbors are mowing their lawns. Mom says I have to be careful using this bark-voice because I tend to overuse it and it's hard for me to settle down once I get going.<br />
<br />
I'm glad I found my bark-voice and can let it out.There are just some things about which I must speak up and be heard!<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you humans:</em></strong><br />
Have you found your voice yet? What is your voice? About what are you so passionate that you must speak up and not remain silent? How do you get others to listen to you?Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-72928604860563750552011-08-29T22:01:00.000-05:002011-08-29T22:01:17.911-05:00Biting Off St. Agnes' HeadI bit off St. Agnes' head the other day. <br />
<br />
St. Agnes was a young girl who lived in the third and fourth centuries. She did not want to marry a boy and give up being pure, so she was killed. Ergo, she is called a martyr because she died for her faith.<br />
<br />
Among other things, St. Agnes is the patron saint of gardeners. Mom and I love to garden. Plus, mom is a Sister of St. Agnes.<br />
<br />
To remind her of these things, mom had a statue of St. Agnes on her bookshelf. When mom was puppy-proofing her house before I moved in, she forgot to move St. Agnes to a higher shelf. So, being the inquisitive puppy I am, one day I found St. Agnes on that bookshelf and promptly took her in my mouth.<br />
<br />
That's how I came to bite off St. Agnes' head.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you humans:</em></strong><br />
Whose head did you bite off today? Did doing so make you feel important and powerful? Or did someone bite your head off? How do you feel when this happens to you? What is a better way of handling things than by biting people's heads off? What will you do the next time when you feel like biting off someone's head or when someone tries to bite your head off?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692533258224097969.post-80134078019752695692011-08-23T21:32:00.004-05:002011-08-23T21:38:59.729-05:00Mountains and MolehillsThere are two big and scary monsters in my neighborhood! But mom says I like to make mountains out of molehills.<br />
<br />
The first monster is a big and green and noisy thing. It harumphs so loudly that it wakes me up every Monday morning. You should see its mouth! It is so big that it can scoop up one entire garbage can in one gulp. Now I bark at it to scare it away, but it doesn't go away. It keeps slurping up garbage cans and harumphing its way down the street.<br />
<br />
The second monster is very, very quiet. It is a little taller than I am and stands very still. It just stares at me. I try to make it move or smile when I bark at it, but it doesn't budge. This monster is as scary as the big green monster I hear every Monday morning because it is so quiet and unpredictable!<br />
<br />
Mom says the first monster is a garbage truck; she says the second monster is a grill. She says when I know what those things are then I won't be too afraid of them. <br />
<br />
Mom tells me not to make mountains out of molehills by making things what they are not. A garbage truck is just a garbage truck, not a monster. A grill is just a grill, not a monster. I will try keeping that in mind the next time I see a grill and next Monday morning.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thought for you humans:</em></strong><br />
What are your mountains<strong> </strong>that you created out of molehills? Why did you make your molehills into mountains? Wouldn't it be freer just to deal with your molehills as they are and not make them into something they really are not?<br />
Thunder. The Dog.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15202592399821219184noreply@blogger.com0