Dear Santa,

Perhaps, my letter is a bit late or perhaps you couldn't find my house. I was really hoping for this.

Sometimes, I can't find a human to run with. It would be really nice to turn on Animal Planet and jog away. It seems a whole lot healthier than eating toilet paper when I'm bored.

Back to work . .

My mountain guide service was back in business today. We headed out to Little Devils Stairs. Big Al stayed home to rest and recover, so I took lead and sweep duties. Here's mom and I taking a quick photo break. Don't I look like a regal mountain dog?


Oh, and I actually saw a partridge, but it wasn't in a pear tree.

I'm being a good dog.

Mostly because I'm afraid this will happen to me.





Big Al is doing well. But he keeps whacking me with that lampshade.

I'm glad that I'm not a poodle.

Warning: this is slightly disturbing.

I hereby declare my candidacy for First Dog . . .

Now that Barack Obama has been elected, I hear that the search is on for a first dog. While Malia and Sasha may want a puppy, I would like to declare my candidacy to be First Dog. Why? First, I am willing to make this sacrifice for my country. Sure, I have a good life now, but I'd like to serve my fellow Americans. Also, I hear the gig comes with dogwalkers, a big lawn, Secret Service agents to run with, and chefs. I would like to restore the reputation after Barney's recent incident. Perhaps, you are interested in my qualifications. First and foremost, I'm from D.C. I can show the Obamas around town and I'll be ready to lead on day 1. Second, I am already housetrained. A new puppy runs the risk of peeing in the Lincoln bedroom or pooping in the oval office. How undignified. I'm ready to go. Also, I understand people and dogs of the real America. You'll recall that I come from a humble upbringing and ran the streets for a few months. Oh, I'm sure you're thinking that I don't have any foreign policy experience. True, but I do understand Spanish as it is spoken at my doggie daycare. This could be important in my interactions with foreign Dogs of State. Also, I want to restore the dignity to the office of the First Dog. This week's Barney incident highlights the danger of a dog getting too comfy in the White House. I'm a lover, not a biter (though I make no promises about Fox News correspondants. I'd go Cujo on Bill O if given the chance.)

What do you say America, are you ready for change in the Doggie White House? Are you ready for a dog that knows America? Are you ready for a dog that can hit the ground running?

I'm back!

Sorry for the extended break, blog fans. In addition to my usual physical exercise regime, I've been working on an academic problem. I've been trying to crack the code and develop a forecast. And it's since it's all about me, the forecast is all about me, too. So without further ado, I present my findings.

After extensive research (almost seven years), I have determined that the greatest indicator of what my day holds is shoes. I explored other variables - human behavior, time of feeding, clothing, celestial alignment, but in the end it was shoes. My specific conclusions...

First, an easy one


Yawn. Rain. Please pass the remote and the Cheetos. I'll be on the couch until the sun comes out.


Parrrrrrty. The humans are going to work. This gives me 8-10 hours to rule the roost. I'll sleep on their bed, get in the trash, the options are limitless.


Grrr, not a fan of these shoes. Humans are going off on their bicycles and will be too tired for running or hiking.


Running. I like running. This will be a nice easy run.


Oh, boy. I hope I can keep up. Today is more of my race pace.

Like most scientific research, there is usually one outlier.


I was unable to make any substantial correlation. Sometimes we went hiking, sometimes we went swimming, sometimes the humans left and came back with bags of food (yum!), sometimes we went on a K-L-A-W. This problem needs further study. I do like the straps, it makes carrying them around much easier.

Party Time

That's right a pool party! Every year they let the dogs take a dip in the people pool before shutting down for the season.

Sunday, September 7, 1-3PM
Wheaton/Glenmont Pool
Dogs you need id (county license and a rabies certificate)
More info here and here.

And here are some photos from last year.

I'm going to work really hard at being good this week, so mom and dad will let me go. Look for me in the fast lane.