Monday, November 29, 2010

NEW BLOG!!!!

Please follow my exploits on my NEW blog created by my own real live dad!  I'm so happy in my new home.  And he's very strong - he carries me down the stairs so I don't hurt myself.  Who could ask for more?  Well, maybe some turkey jerky.  But wait - I'm already getting that too.  I'm the luckiest guy in the universe!

Here's my new address:  http://mrmagoober.blogspot.com/

Friday, November 26, 2010

Live, from MA - It's Friday Night!

Well, as expected, my new parents came and they just love me! But honestly, who wouldn't? As my FM said, I certainly helped to drive and navigate home, it would have been easier though if they had let me crawl in the front seat like a tried a few times. When we finally got to my new home it was great! I snuffed and snorted around making sure I knew where everything was. Then we had dinner and I scarfed mine down and even ate all my medicine too.

It has been a long day, so I am going to bed early and promise to do a whole lot of snoring (I took a nap and they say I snore exactly like a human, they must be crazy!)

I will try and write about my exciting new life, but I'm sure it will be filled with so much fun that I will forget occasionally.

Love Magoo

(and, note from the FM - he's sleeping on his new lion!)




Can I say THANKSGIVING?!?!?!?!??!

It's official, it's 100%, Magoo has found his new home!

This is the FM corresponding for him while he's in transit.   His new parents came to meet him this morning and, as expected, drove off down the driveway with Magoo in the back seat, offering driving tips and navigational help, as always.

It was love at first sight - I am always surprised at how the foster dogs know when they meet their new family.  He jumped happily into their car and never looked back - just exactly as we wanted.  No regrets - he's moving on to the next chapter in his life.

His new young parents are the MOST marvelous people, and they've stepped right up to give Magoo the perfect home, including a brand new crate, and a "safe" room for him to be alone in when they go to work.  Most of the time, though, his dad will be working from home, so Magoo will have almost constant companionship - he's so excited at the prospect he can hardly stand it.  They even rented a car to pick him up in since they felt he might not be comfortable in the back seat of a pick-up truck!  After all, he is a big guy, and he's used to his couch (and yes - he already has his own special couch in Joe's office).

After he helped us load up all his belonging into the trunk, he got his first gift - a brand new lion toy.  He was in 7th heaven!   I've got some pictures of him with it that I'll send along later, but for now, just take a look at him with his new parents.  No more squinty eyed, downtrodden, hairless critter - this is a big bold male Bullie absolutely BURSTING with pride as he shows off his new family.  

His new Mom said she'll be keeping up with his blog once we figure out how to do it long distance!







 

Thursday, November 25, 2010

One More Night!

I'm off to bed in a few minutes - I need to get my beauty rest because I think my new parents are coming tomorrow to meet me.  Everybody says that if they meet me, they'll never leave without me.  I hope they're right.....I need a family of my own, even though I know the foster parents will miss me terribly.  They'll probably cry and get all mushy and stuff.  The FD even took tomorrow off from work so that he could be here. 

I have my bags all packed, just in case.  And all the FM's lists (you know her - the List Queen) and instructions are ready to go to.   I haven't told all my toys yet though - I don't want them to be too excited at the prospect of a car trip!  You know how they can be.  And I promise not to keep asking "Are we there yet?"

The FM said she'd take pictures and send an update tomorrow night if I'm not here to do it! 

I hope everybody had a marvelous Thanksgiving.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Gooble, Gooble, Gooble

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!!!!!

I bet I have the MOST to be thankful for of anybody we know.  I get to have my first ever holiday feast (I can't wait to try the stuffing and sweet potatoes - YUM) and then in just about 36 hours, I get to go to a REAL HOME with real parents who'll love me and take me places and feed me and take care of me.  I won't ever be cold or hungry or uncomfortable again, and I think I'll have a last name, too.  If that's not the most to be thankful for, I don't now what is!

Love,
Magooble

Yesterday's Missing Photos




Tuesday, November 23, 2010

A Bittersweet Day

(but not without its excitements!)

The FM took me to the Post Office today so that I could say goodbye to my best friend Jimmy.   He made her promise that if we didn't both LOVE my new parents, I wouldn't have to go with them.  And he gave me his phone number and e-mail address so I can get in touch with him if I ever need help.  I gave him lots of hugs and kisses so he'd be sure to remember me, and I promised to write when I have time. 

I continued packing my stuff up today, but I also found time to help the FM with some outside chores.  You know me - the tireless, selfless helper!  It's in my blood - I just have to be involved, and I so love to be useful.  It makes me feel very important.  We were putting some of the agility equipment away for the season  and even though I worked really hard carrying stuff back and forth, I did take a few opportunities to have attacks of zoomies - I was racing around like a maniac, with my ears and flews flying, scooting along at about 117 miles an hour.  I think I left flames behind me, I was running so fast.  Then I played one of my favorite games that involves sort of crashing into the FM, and grabbing her leg or her pants and then zooming off before she can catch me.  It's SO much fun, especially when I cut her off and she almost falls.  She doesn't mind though - she knows I'm right there to catch her if necessary.  (editorial note from the FM - DO NOT believe everything you read - he's a maniacal little beast who likes nothing better than to trip me and then pounce on me when I'm on the ground with what he considers to be "catlike grace"  Not quite.....)

We did have one "moment" today though - a slight disagreement.  I just knew that I could do the A-frame, even though she kept saying I shouldn't.  Once, when she had her back turned carrying some jump standards, I started up the A-frame.  She heard me though.  Uh Oh.  You wouldn't think somebody that old could move that fast - she looked like something fired out of a grenade launcher!  Or maybe she was flying on her witch broom. I don't know for sure, but she got to me pretty darn fast.  Too bad I was wearing a collar, because she managed to grab me and stop my daring and swift assault on Mt. Everest.  Such drama - you would have thought I was going to fall off or something.  Who cares that it's almost 7 feet high - I could have done it.  Harrumph.  Just wait - when I'm out by myself tomorrow, I plan to get right up there on the top and then I'm going to howl!  Just to let her know I've done it.  I'm not a baby - I wish she'd stop treating me like one. 

Here are some pictures of me (of course!) with Jimmy.   (well, maybe not - for some reason the server keeps rejecting the photos - I'll ask the FM to try again later - she stays up later than I do - it's time for me to go to bed now!)



Monday, November 22, 2010

Revenge is sweet!

Remember I talked about how exhausted and overworked I was this weekend?  Well, last night, after I sang everybody to sleep (they do so love to hear my nightly lullaby - I bet they won't be able to sleep when I go to my new home - I'll have to call them on the phone every night at bedtime!) Desmond the Duck and I hatched a plan!  About an hour later, just as the FM was settling in to sleep, secure in the knowledge that all of us kids were contentedly snoring away, I decided to let out a big WOOF WOOF WOOF followed by a screech (just for dramatic affect).   She leaped out of bed and tore through the house and down the spiral stairs in a panic, thinking I had a nightmare, or an upset stomach or something.  I could hardly suppress my glee when I got to get out of bed and have a big snuggle on the loveseat.  I think maybe she knew what I'd done, but she couldn't be mad because I was so cute and snuggly and I was squished into her lap with my head buried (hiding my big grin).  I guess she felt bad that she left me alone with the FD (AKA Leafman) all weekend.  It was great, and I didn't get in trouble or anything, even though she didn't get back to sleep for hours, just in case I wasn't feeling well.....  I felt a little bad, but mostly I was giggling because I got back at her for leaving me alone for the second weekend in a row!

We stopped at the Post Office today so I could say goodbye to my friend Jimmy, but he was already gone for the day - I promised that I'd be back again tomorrow!   I have so much to do to get ready for my big adoption day on Friday.  I'm busy packing and sorting through what to bring and what to leave behind.  I'm a little scared to, because I've gotten very comfortable here and everybody knows me and my routine, but the FM said she'll have lots of lists and directions to go along with me and my stuff and that I'll do just fine.  I'm worried that they might not like me enough to take me home with them, but the FM said that everybody who meets me loves me, so that's reassuring.  

When I first got here, I'd never been inside before, but I liked it so much that then I didn't want to go outside, and I didn't want to leave my crate because it was so comfortable and clean in there.  And I wouldn't go outside by myself, ever, at all - NO CHANCE that I'd go out and find myself alone out there, with no way to get back in.   And I used to have my little path down the driveway.  Not any more - I race around all over the place, and I even go outside at night by myself now and come back right away when the FM calls me to come in, even if I'm doing something really cool like exploring.

I eat all of my meals now, and I play with my toys and bones, and keep my crate nice and clean and behave nicely in the house and don't do bad stuff.  I enjoy having a bath, and I love to go for walks and rides, and I am so happy at the prospect that I will actually have a real family to call my own and I won't  have to be the "extra kid" in the house (or worse, the forgotten smelly old dog outside in the snow starving to death).

I think I'll do OK in my new house because I've learned so much about how to be a good son while I've been in foster care.  I'm smart and I try really hard to do the right thing.   I'm so grateful to have a second chance at life!

Love, Magoober

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Get Me Outta Here!

I've learned the ugly truth.  I thought I was in a wonderful foster home, but discovered this weekend that I'm actually in a forced labor camp.  Until now there have always been other kids around, but yesterday and today, it was just me and the FD.  Let me tell you, those other kids must work like demons because I am half dead from exhaustion after the weekend.

I thought the FM was obsessive about stuff.  Well, the FD has a violent grudge against leaves of any sort.  All day, every day, he is out there fighting with the leaves.  You'd think they were poisonous or something!  And there are lots of fields here, and gardens, and landscaping and walkways and decks and patios - everywhere you look, there's some surface that needs to be de-leafed.  Now honestly - does he really think that he can get every single leaf?  Today I think he was catching them before they hit the ground!!!  And, because I was the only kid home, I had to stay outside and work ALL day (well, except when I was inside having lunch and a nap).

I refused to have my picture taken because I think I look like a Corgi - my legs are worn down to nubs from racing around all day on leaf patrol.  I''m going to bed early, and all I can say is Thank God It's Monday!!!!!!  I might just refuse to get up in the morning.  I think I'm gonna skip breakfast and stay in bed under my covers until noon. 

Crash (that was me hitting my bed). 

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Rally for Rescues

Hi Gabe - Thanks for writing to me again!!!!  Maybe we can be friends on Facebook or something when I go to my new home.  That would be really cool!  This whole adoption thing is great, isn't it? 

The FM took ALL the kids to a rally trial today.  Only one of them was competing, but they all went so that the FD and I could spend the whole day together without being interrupted.   I had the best day of my whole life.....all the gates were open and I got to go into every field, and into the yard, and the gazebo garden, and up on both decks.  Of course, there was work to be done too - you know I don't just hang around being useless.  I helped the FD in the barn today.  There was this big blue thing covering one of the tractors in there, and I was afraid there might be dangerous critters lurking under it, so I grabbed the end and pulled with all my strength to uncover the tractor .  It was HUGE but I managed to get it completely off and out of the barn so that I could check out the tractor thoroughly and give it an "all clear".  Then I checked carefully in each of the stalls where there's lots of stuff stored, and then I went into the tack room and investigated everything in there.  I also carefully checked out all the nooks and crannies in the garage.  I think I must have run about 4 thousand miles, and by lunch time I was so tired that I went and stood by my door so I could go in.  I had a quick snack and then settled in for a nice nap, but not a long one because I wanted to be out helping again.  I finally came in for the day around 4:30.  The FM had to wake me up for dinner, so she promised that I could have my last walk in just a few minutes because I really need to go to bed now.  I'm exhausted.

I did want to mention that our friend and trainer Pam Dennison always lets the FM raffle stuff to benefit Bullie Rescue when she has competitions at Positive Motivation Dog Training in NJ.  Today we made $333 to help pay for some of our vet bills.  The FM told everybody about me and showed my pictures to all the people there, and she had baskets in memory of special dogs who passed in the last few months,  so we got lots and lots of contributions.  Pam is the greatest.  If anybody ever needs a really cool dog trainer,  she even does on-line training and phone consultations.  I'm going to take her number with me when I move to MA in case my new parents have any questions. 

And, I want to personally thank Pam and all of her friends for always supporting Bullmastiff Rescue.  Without good friends like that, they might not be able to keep saving lives.   Could you imagine if they weren't here to help me and my children get out of that horrible place in VA?

(if I look short it's because I ran my legs off today racing around the farm!)

Thanks Everybody! 
Magoo

Turkey Countdown

First off, thanks "Anonymous" for the comment!  As you know, I adore getting comments, and it's great when my friends notice how hairy I'm getting to be!  I love it.

So, the big day is less than a week away, and (drum roll, please) - I will have the MOST to be thankful for (even beyond the turkey and stuffing).  I have a family!  Well, at least I hope I do!

I have parents coming to meet me next Friday and I can't imagine that they'll leave for home without me.  My FM has been dropping little hints for the last few days so I could get used to the idea.  I've had so many things to face in the last few weeks that she was afraid another move might push me over the edge.  But, I'm a very resilient character and the prospect of having my own house and my own family to take care of is more than I could ever have hoped for.

The FM said I can take whatever I want along with me so that I have familiar things, so I'm starting to compile my list.   She said we might need a U-Haul by the time I'm finished! And she also said that I can't take the couch - she promised that they actually have couches in other houses too. I'd never seen one before, so I thought this might be the only one.  What a relief!

So next Thursday, when everybody is having turkey and being all thankful and stuff, just remember that the very next day might be the biggest day of my whole life!  Say a prayer, light candles, howl at the moon (that's my favorite) - whatever it takes to help me get to my new home on Friday.

I promise, promise, promise to be the very best boy.   I'm going to take a bath and comb my hair and be all sparkly when they come to meet me.   I'm going to share my toys and, if they want, my new parents can even have some of my lunch.

Off to start making up my list.  I don't want to forget anything.....

Love,
Magoo

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Maybe I really AM an Alien!

I thought NJ and VA were in the same country, but maybe I'm wrong.  I think the FM must be speaking a different language, since today she told me that I'm "carried away with myself"!   What's that supposed to mean????  Like, I could possibly be carried away WITHOUT myself?  First "ahead of myself", now I'm with myself, and being carried on top of it all!  Hard to imagine, especially now that I've gained so much weight.  I think I'd probably need to be fork-lifted away with myself (as opposed to without myself - duh), so clearly she is confused.   Sometimes I watch Jersey Shore on TV, and I sure hope my FM isn't related to Snookie - it's scary - she's starting to make about as much sense. 

So how did this discussion come about?  Well, everybody knows that I am obsessed with doors and cubbyholes and the like.  I love my toys, but they're a thousand times more interesting if I can pluck them from the bin with the door that's inside the closet.  I just about lose my mind when I'm allowed to get new, clean toys out of there.  Today, I discovered another closet!  I didn't know it was there - and inside is a big plastic bin, and some cabinets, and then a HUGE pile of blankets and beds and stuff.  Naturally, I felt that they all needed some further examination, so I dragged a few to my lair (that would be my crate) and then I put some on the couch.  I wasn't sure what to do with them all after that, so I just snuffled around, and pawed at them a little bit, and draped them artistically around the room.  Who knew that she'd be back before I had a chance to fold them up and put them away?  Not me!  And that's when she said I was carried away with myself. 

"Magoo, what are you doing?"  "Magoo, did you have to drag everything around?"  "Magoo,  you drooled on everything!"  Well, what did she think - that I could just carry them delicately in my little hands? Maybe I was supposed to levitate them or something.  Geez - I was just looking.   Maybe there was something in there that I wanted for my room, right? 

Anyway, we were supposed to go to the Post Office today, and that didn't happen. I hope it wasn't because I took stuff out of the closet - maybe it's just that the FM got busy and we'll be able to go tomorrow.   She said something about getting things ready for a rescue fundraiser on Saturday so maybe that's what kept her so busy all day.  I hope we can go tomorrow so I can see my friends. 

Here are some photos of me on my couch, with some of my favorite toys.  This was just before I had my two pieces of American cheese and said good night to everyone.



Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Blowin' in the wind.....

Today was interesting, to say the least.  First we had a HUGE thunderstorm with lots of rain and wind and boomers at 4 AM.  Then the sun came out and we had wind, wind, wind.  I thought for a minute that we might be heading for Oz, but when I went for my walk, it was just the same old street.  It did, however, look quite different, with lots of big limbs down, and some people down the road had part of their fence blow over, and one of their trees too.   

There were some trucks from the town out there, cleaning stuff up, and I got to meet all the municipal employees.   Everyone loved me and admired my new hair (I forgot to mention that I was out in public, naked - that's how good I'm looking these days!).  Good thing I had some weekend experience with outdoor labor, because I was able to help the workmen.  I did an especially good job of holding them steady when the wind blew.  The FM thought perhaps I was just doing the Bullie lean, but I set her straight.  I am, after all, quite selfless, and civic minded as well.  It might have resembled a lean, but was in reality a difficult maneuver cleverly crafted to keep the work crew from blowing over like the trees. One of the guys was so grateful for my help that he shared his lunch with me! 

I also decided today that I really like my chicken flavored Nylabone healthy edible super-sized bone.  I've had it since I got here, but didn't find it all that interesting until this morning.  It's mostly gone now - I've been gnawing on it all day.  I do like to try new things, and give all of my toys an equal opportunity to be appreciated and loved....

The FM noted today that my eyes are clear and sparkly and she hasn't had to put any meds in them for over a week.  I feel and look better every day.  Pretty soon I'll be on the cover of Dog News or maybe I'll be modeling coats in a catalog.  I'm getting to be so handsome! 

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Whoa is me!

So she's back.  And this morning, she told me that I'm "getting ahead of myself".  Just how EXACTLY am I doing that, since I am clearly a self-contained entity and all of my parts move together, just like they should?  How could I get ahead of myself, I ask you???

I think the FM thinks my weekend spent with the FD somehow led me astray.  How silly is that?  We spent the whole weekend working outside, doing mechanical stuff and driving the tractors around.  Then we went inside to watch some football and then we went outside again to PLAY some football!  I am an excellent tackle, and the FD and I spent lots of time rolling around in the grass and leaves.  I was slithering around on my back with my legs up in the air, and he was tickling my belly.  We had so much fun! 

I think maybe it has something to do with my little teeny tiny mistake this morning.   I was a very good boy and kept my coat on when I was outside.  After all, I'm not stupid, and it was drizzling.  So the mom was very pleased when she came to get me.  I was so happy that she was happy that I decided to show her my new athletic moves.  I gave her a couple of good pushes and a feint or two, then ran off in a zigzag pattern so she couldn't catch me.  Just before I got to the door I scored a touchdown.  It was awesome.  That was when she crashed into me and fell down in the wet grass.  But I really wasn't ahead of myself - I was mostly ahead of her, until I was on top of her, but that was only to check and make sure she was OK.  I think maybe she's just confused.

Just in case, though, I was very well behaved when we went on our long walk this afternoon and I showed the FM what beautiful leash-walking manners I have.  I never pulled even once, and I marched right along at whatever pace she set.  I was perfect.   I never got ahead of her, so I never got ahead of myself, so I think everything must be OK now.

Just in case, I plan to work some on the deportment aspect of things.  By the way, did you know that "deportes" is Spanish for "sports" - so maybe she's just got a semantics issue and she's really planning for me to be a professional athlete.  I hope so - that sounds like fun!

Maybe my new dad will be young and will like to play with me.  Now that I'm feeling better and can see, I really enjoy zooming around!

Hasta manana!
Magoo (who is now considering taking Spanish lessons)

Monday, November 15, 2010

I'm BAAAAACK

Did everybody miss me?  I've been SO busy the last few days since the FM had to go out of town and that left just the FD and me to keep everything under control here.  Whew - it's a LOT of work for just two guys on their own.  The FD is really lucky though, because just imagine how difficult it would have been if I hadn't been here.  He might have collapsed from exhaustion.

All in all, it's been an exciting time of discovery for me.  I've decided to come out of the closet - I AM   NUDIST!!!!  I think I must have just been jollying the FM along with all the garment choices because when it came down to just us men here, I wasn't going to cooperate.  The FD said it was something like wrestling an alligator to get me into my coat and - POOF - I had it off in a flash when he finally did get it on.  After three days of struggling he decided to let me be free, and I've been going commando ever since.  The crabby old mom is back now though, and I bet she'll make me wear it if it's cold out.  She doesn't seem to get it that I'm very manly now and have lots of hair so I guess I'll be back to wearing a coat even though I don't really feel like it - she treats me like a baby, but it makes her happy to fuss over me, so I let her. 

We had so many important things to do over the weekend - we worked outside picked up every single leaf we could find, and doing lots of raking.  I've decided to go along with their plan to de-leaf the universe since it seems to make them happy, and the work goes so much faster when I help.  The generator service man was here today and I helped him too - I love being useful, and I always take every opportunity to tell people about Bullmastiff Rescue and the wonderful work they do.  I think I'm a really good ambassador for the breed, and I always have lots of anecdotes to share.


Here are some pictures of me out helping the FD over the weekend.  You can see that he REALLY needed my help fixing the tractor.  I was passing him tools and helping him hold up that big thing that vacuums up the leaves.  Good thing I was here to offer my mechanical expertise.  And look what a good job we did - just one tiny old leaf in that first picture!

Counting down the days to Thanksgiving.....I can hardly wait.  

Love,
Magoo

Thursday, November 11, 2010

forgot my pix



Here I am "deporting" myself.  Who needs lessons - I'm already very skilled......especially at nestling on the couch.

Happy Veterans Day!

This is SO exciting!  I have another comment on my blog.  Jimmy is the coolest friend I have!

Today the FM said I have to start some "lessons in deportment".  Hey - wait a minute!  I'm not an illegal alien.  I came from Virginia, and last time I checked, you can't be deported from NJ to VA.  It won't work.  So there.  I'm very loyal.  A patriot.  I'll join the army if I have to - I'll vote - I'll do anything so I'm not deported.  I'll even do my own laundry.  Whatever it takes.  Don't let her deport me!

She said that it's time I started to learn some manners since I will soon have a new family to call my own.  Manners, schmanners - I'm a GREAT dog and they're just gonna have to take me as I am.  Deportment, comportment, behaviour - what's all that about anyway?Just because I get all excited and leap around and play like a maniac, and sometimes get a little carried away (like when I grab the FM's leg when we're playing and try to pull her over), all of a sudden now I have to have manners.  I have to learn to be "polite" and "sit like a gentleman" and most especially be careful not to mistake arms for chew toys!  What fun is that?  Besides, I surely know the difference between an arm and a chew toy, and I don't care for chew toys, but I do love to cradle the FM's arm in my mouth, and sometimes I grab her with my hands too, to pull her in close.  And so what if I'm a couch hog now - I have a lot of years to make up for, don't I?  I don't do anything bad, I'm just having fun, but the FM says now that I'm all big and strong and interactive instead of being a blog blob (get it?) I have to learn some self control.  I guess I'll do it - I always try my best to make everybody happy, so tomorrow I'll surprise her by lying down by the door and refusing to move until she rubs my belly.  That sounds like a good move, doesn't it?  I'm certain it will secure my position as "undeportmentable" or whatever it is.

Don't worry if you don't hear from me for a few days.  The FM has to go on a trip, so my foster dad will be doing EVERYTHING, and he might be exhausted by nighttime.  But, I've reminded him that I can't really do all this typing without some help, so if we're all really lucky, he'll come through and keep everyone apprised of my activities. 

Don't forget to check out Jimmy's comments and leave some yourself if you want!

Happy Veterans' Day to everyone!  Without the vets, we wouldn't be here, and I really like it here, so THANKS!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

I'm so excited!



I see that my friend Jimmy has posted a COMMENT!  I love comments - they make me feel very important. 

I had a near catastrophe this morning and I thought the FM would probably kill me....  I don't know how it happened, but I managed to tear my coat.  I think I snagged it on the fence, but I don't really know; it had a BIG hole in it.  She fixed it tonight though, and my only punishment was that I had to have yet another bath.  Actually, that's not much of a punishment since I'm learning to enjoy them.  I got to go for a nice long walk before I had my bath, and it was a BEAUTIFUL day here in NJ.  We went down the street and I tried several times to crawl under the bottom rail of the pasture fencing so that I could check out those really big dogs they have down there. 

While we were walking, the FM took a good long look at me, and she observed that I'm starting to grow a lot of new hair, especially on my back and tail.  When we got back, she compared my new photos to some from when I first got here, and I have about a million times more hair.   She said sometimes it's hard to see the changes when you look every day, but when she compared me to the pictures from 3 weeks ago, I look like a different person.  My ears look a lot better too - most of the ugly scabby things have fallen off and I'm growing some new hair there as well. 

I bet in a couple of months I won't even recognize myself!  I should look nice and sleek by Christmas and I hope I get some good stuff in my stocking. 

The FM is talking a little bit about packing a suitcase for me.  She says maybe I'll need a steamer trunk.  Or maybe a u-Haul.  'Cause I have a LOT of stuff.   It sounds like they might be planning a vacation for me or something.  I think I heard them talking about new parents - real parents - but I'm afraid to let myself get too excited, so I'll just figure on maybe a little trip.  I plan to be on my best behavior going forward though - just in case it's true.....

Everybody keep their fingers crossed.  And don't forget those wishbones at Thanksgiving - if all of you wish for me, I just might have a real home soon!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Neither rain nor snow

Nor gloom of night......

Well of course not!  Who ever heard of doing interesting stuff in bad weather or in the dark???

It was a NICE day, so we went to the Post Office and this time I got to get out of the car and visit with my best friend Jimmy.  He's our FAVORITE Postal employee.  He has a super nice Corgi who used to go to work with him all the time until some horrible person ratted him out, and now he has to stay home all day alone.  We wish several levels of evils upon that particular postal patron.  So, I went over today to cheer him up and spread some happiness....  After all, what's life without somebody to share it with?

Here I am, doing what I do best!






Monday, November 8, 2010

Another Gloomy Monday

I HATE November weather.  The only good thing about November is that it means Christmas is coming.   Actually, I'm not really sure what that's all about but it looks pretty festive and it seems like we'll have a tree inside the house in case it's snowy and I don't want to go outside!  How convenient is that!?!?!?! 

We had a quiet day here because the weather was bad, so I don't have any new adventures to share.  At least I have lots of toys to play with when I'm stuck inside, and I am planning a trip to the post ofice tomorrow if the sun is out.   That gives me something to look forward to.

My foster dad commented today that I'm VERY spoiled.  I was so pleased to hear that - I'm sure spoiled is a most excellent thing to be, so I'll continue to work hard at it.  I've decided that I'm not planning to take any more pills, not matter how well hidden they are.  I'm like a detective - I can find them no matter what.  I don't need any more pills.  Hear me?  No More Pills.  I'm considering a hunger strike.  That will really scare them into compliance.  The thing they worry most about here is whether or not I eat.  I love having such control over them.  I think I'm going to make up a list of things I'd like to have for breakfast tomorrow and leave it by the stairs.

Off to sing the foster parents to sleep now.  They enjoy my singing so much that I've agreed to a little lullaby each night when we all go to bed.  Just a short one - 2 or 3 minutes.   Sometimes they all sing along, even the 5 other dogs who live here.  Our voices blend nicely together, and they've invited me to join in with them for their morning serenade.  It's nice having friends.

Wishing for sunshine tomorrorw!

Good night,
Magoo

 

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Sunday, Sunday



Another day, another leaf pile.  They're insane.  I still can't convince them that we have to save the leaves.  They actually put me back in the house today, saying that I wasn't really helping, when I was doing my BEST to keep things under control.

Still, I did get a nice reward - a good, long walk in the sun.  We went all the way down to the end of the street and then turned and went down a big hill and walked all the way to the entrance of the Arboretum.   It was interesting to see some new territory and investigate all the different smells.  I walked really nicely today, and once again got many admiring glances from people passing in cars.   I think I must look really dapper in my plaid coat.  It's just the right shade of blue to bring out my eyes....

I'm not entirely sure why people are so big on furniture  This loveseat thing is intriguing, but I'm not convinced it's all that comfortable and I barely fit on it.  I do like to stash my toys along the back though.  Since I'm having such a good time being out and about I figure my toys enjoy a change of scenery too.  I was a little worried earlier today when I couldn't find my witch though.  Desmond and I were quite concerned, but then my foster mom remembered that I'd put her behind the chair for safekeeping.  Whew.

Off to bed - have to get my beauty rest, you know!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Leave the leaves!

People are so incredibly weird.  We worked outside today, and you wouldn't believe what they were doing.  They were taking the leaves away! 

OMG - I threw myself down on the piles and tried to hold them together.  Clearly, both of my foster parents had lost their minds.  Maybe they'd eaten mushrooms or something.  I guess they didn't realize that we have to save the leaves because when we're left outside alone in the winter with no shelter, we have to have the leaves to nest in  That's what I always did until now.  They said that I don't have to do that anymore because I never have to sleep outside again, but I'm not so sure I believe them.  Horrible things have happened to me before, and people have broken their promises.  I need my leaves.

My foster mom said she knows we think they're important.  My daughter Bea, who is living with another foster family, tries to sleep in a leaf pile every night.  She hasn't figured out yet how nice it is to have blankets and, of course, a mattress (but the mattress is only for the BEST doggies).   She'll catch on soon though.  I heard the other day that she finally sat down inside the house on the rug instead of pacing and worrying.  That's good progress.  I'm proud of her. 

I'm going to bed now.  Before I fall asleep, I plan to work on a new song about how important the leaves are.  I've already been practicing a few bars tonight, and now that I've had my evening walk and snack I might put together some more verses and sing the foster parents to sleep.  You know - the whole sub-liminal, power of suggestion while you're sleeping thing.  (What - you think I watch public television for the Antiques Roadshow?  I'm learning important stuff every day.)

Don't forget to turn your clocks back.  (Yes, I heard that on TV too.)

Friday, November 5, 2010

People Let Me Tell Ya









'Bout My Best Friend!!!!

That would be the witch.  We went for a walk in the road today, and she came along.  I just loved having a friend to share the experience with.  She got a little bit tired though, so I tucked her under a shrub and she rested there until we were on our way back and I picked her up again.

It was another fun day here with all of my toys.  I was really looking forward to a nice jog in the sunshine, but the foster mom isn't all that swift, so we went for a walk.  In the interests of keeping myself very fit and buff, I figured out a nice zigzag pattern in front of her so that I could trot smartly while she trudged along.   I think it worked quite nicely for us both, and I got many admiring glances from people in vehicles as they passed us on the road  Naturally, I smiled at everyone.

I remembered to pick up my witch en route home, and we were all feeling much better after a nice stroll in the sunshine. 

I do have another new skill these days, too.  I had an inspiration last night and I started humming a tune.  I was so taken with my composition skills that I started to sing!!!!  I think I have a BEAUTIFUL voice, and the foster parents agree, though I don't think they were all that thrilled when the creative juices hit me at 3 AM and I just had to run through the melody to commit it to memory.   They'll feel differently about it, I'm sure, when a major record label picks it up!  Now I just need a agent.....

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Milk Burps and Cow Beer

Or something like that.  Making lemons from lemonade maybe?  (Magoo - I've told you several times - it's making a SILK PURSE out of a SOW'S EAR - pay attention!).

Whatever it is it doesn't make any sense to me; people say such silly things.  I, on the other hand, know exactly what to say and how to say it.  Today, I made a play date out of a poop date.  Like magic.  I can make good things happen no matter what the circumstances.

First, it all started out badly, with my old coat on instead of my new one (because it was raining).   Everybody knows that Bullmastiffs DO NOT go out when it's raining, but The Old One can be such a drag.  She made me go out, but she promised to stay outside with me until I was finished so that I could rush right back inside.   That sort of made up for getting rained on especially when, as I often do, I ran between her legs from behind. This time, though, I stopped, so that my head was covered too and she was the only one getting wet!!!!  I'm so clever I can hardly stand myself.  But that didn't last very long because she was insisting that I walk around (in the rain in wet grass no less) a little bit before I went back in to have breakfast.  I did, and when I peed, she clapped and told me I was good. 

I got SO excited that (drum roll....) I did a PLAY BOW.  I was a little bit uncertain about how to exactly execute one, but I tried, and she seemed to like it, so I did it again.  Then The Mom play bowed back but it scared me a little bit, so then she got down on the ground and did a really good play bow and I understood and we played and rolled around in the leaves and grass and we had SO much fun.  I was grabbing her arms and she was grabbing my neck and we were wrestling.  It was probably the best morning of my life even though it was windy and raining hard.  I think she really enjoyed it too.  It was my first real play date!

Then we went inside and got dried off and I had my breakfast and a little rest, and then I had to go out AGAIN because (she never forgets) I didn't poop the first time I went out.  It was raining even harder this time, so I went really quickly and ran back to the door.  Mostly I run everywhere now - I'm feeling so good these days!

We had to stay in most of the day because of the rain, but I got lots of opportunities to  play with my toys.  I love taking them all out of my basket and arranging them.  Sometimes I move the basket to a different place too.  I don't always get it exactly right the first time, so sometimes I have to move them several times before the arrangement is to my liking.  When everything is all set, then I go into my crate and nestle in my blankets and pull all my toys under my chin so I can keep a close watch on them.  Sometimes, if one squeaks, I whimper a little bit to comfort it, just in case it's worried.  I think I make a very good friend, don't you?

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Betrayed!!!

Just when I think life is all good, don't I get a reality check.  This morning, I was betrayed by my cream cheese. 

I was eating my breakfast (kibble, a little bit of cottage cheese - not too much - some chunky canned food, several pieces of Sam's chicken jerky, and - ugh - the cream cheese) and I discovered the horrible truth.  Inside my cream cheese were three disgusting pills - smelly, horrible tasting and GREEN.  I panicked, and somehow upset my bowl, and there I was, trapped in my crate, with a ball of cream cheese and kibble and jerky pieces stuck to my foot  and the poisonous pills were still in there, and now they were attached to me!  It got all over my fresh sheets, and stuck in between my toes.  It was really awful, and nobody knew what happened for days (well, hours, I guess) until somebody came down to take me out at lunchtime. 

I fled out to my field where I knew I'd be safe.  I stayed out there while The Mom cleaned everything up and changed my bed - again.  I'm really lucky because I have two mattresses now, so that every morning I get a fresh one and the cover and all my blankets get washed, and then the mattress gets to go outside in the sunshine for a few hours.  So even though I was only outside for a little while, I came in to a nice fresh crate.  The floor was washed, and there was no evidence anywhere of the dreaded cream cheese.  I even avoided another shower - I just got a sponge bath and then I got to play with my toys.

I discovered something new today - TUG!  I've never played that before and I had a lot of fun.  When I got tired of that, I took ELEVEN toys out of the toy basket and since it was getting a little crowded in my crate, I hid some of them behind a chair.   One of them is a Halloween witch that cackles and screams and I really enjoyed that - I never made her scream before today, but once I figured out how to do it, I made her screech over and over again.  It was the best afternoon!

Later in the day, we got a phone call from my new friend Joe.  I got to talk to him a little bit over the phone - he likes my voice a lot, I could tell.  The whole conversation was about me (well, isn't everything????) and my likes and dislikes and the improvement in my vision and hearing and especially my skin.  The Mom mentioned that I might really be a redhead, or at least a red fawn, because in the sunshine, she could see that my new hair is growing in a beautiful shade of autumn red.  I bet I'll be looking pretty spiffy by the holidays - I hope I get invited somewhere for Thanksgiving dinner.  As long as they're not serving any cream cheese!

Good Night, Everybody!
Love,
Magoo

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Is that a wig?

At last, a reasonably quiet day.   It gave me some time to mull over my current situation, and I have decided that I need some more experience at this whole trainer thing, because I'm not quite as good as I thought.

I TOLD the Mom that I don't like lamb, and I told her I'm not so sure about cottage cheese, and today for breakfast, she tried to trick me by including both.  I think I've solved the problem though, since I carefully picked out and ate all of the kibble, pushed aside as much of the cottage cheese as I could, and left every piece of the lamb (fortunately, she remembered that I don't like ground food, so I was able to eat around the chunks - whew!).  There was no evidence of either of the offending substances in my lunch or dinner, so perhaps I am a decent trainer after all.  Hmmmm.....

I was nice and snug in my new coat this morning, even though the temperature was below freezing.  I didn't have to stay out as long as usual though, just in case I was chilly.  In the afternoon, it was nice and sunny and I was out for about an hour, playing in my field.  I love to drag my Kuranda bed around - I pretend I'm a lion and it's an antelope carcass.  I saw that once on Animal Planet and I thought it looked pretty cool.

We had a near catastrophe at dinnertime though.  As you all know, I simply MUST have several pieces of chicken jerky on all of my meals.  Not duck (which is sort of OK for a snack) and definitely not beef.  It has to be chicken.  Well, I wasn't paying attention, and two pieces of my jerky slipped through the crate bars when I was eating.  I tried banging on the crate for a bit, and then scratching (which wasn't all that effective since I have so much bedding in there) and finally I embarrassed myself by crying.  The Mom ran down to see what was happening and spied my jerky on the floor.  Actually, it might be a good strategy to use going forward since I got a few extra pieces...something else to think about!

Tomorrow I have the oil burner repairman on my schedule - I'm sure he'll be happy to have my assistance.   And I think I saw a package or two that have to go to the Post Office so I'm sure I'll go along for the ride so I can visit my friends.

And the final very important bit of news to share - I AM GROWING HAIR!!!

Monday, November 1, 2010

We Need a Concierge!


We're SO busy!  Another day of firsts, just when I thought I could kick back and relax.

Today I tried cottage cheese (the jury is still out) and decided that I definitely don't like lamb, nor will I eat beef jerky even though my favorite thing on earth is chicken jerky tenders from Sam's.  Did I mention that I only like canned food if it has chunks?  None of that unidentifiable ground up stuff for me.   So, those were the day's culinary adventures.

Then, in addition to my usual outdoor explorations, we went to the Post Office.  I thought I would die from happiness because Jimmy and Justin came out to the car to visit with me and they said that I am definitely their most favorite rescue dog ever. 

In case that wasn't enough for one day, then I went SHOPPING!   It was SO cold here this morning that I had to wear two coats, and one of them was that pink one again.  NOT cool.  So, after the Post Office we drove about a thousand miles and finally got to the store (check out the picture of me navigating).  I had a private fitting (well not really so private since everybody in the store was looking at me) with a tailor.  The foster mom acted as fashion consultant and benefactor.  Well, sort of benefactor - we all know that the dad is the one who supports this whole endeavor.  Anyway - I came home with a very smart blue check coat.  It's a little bit big on me, but everyone assured me that it would be just exactly right when I am finished gaining weight in a couple of months. 

And then - the best thing of all - I got a PACKAGE!  My flea propellers arrived (bee propolis, Magoo.....bee propolis) so now I have some more supplements to work from the inside and some new stuff (salves and ointment and such) to work from the outside.  I think I'm going to be positively sparkling with good health in a few weeks, don't you?

Hope you enjoy today's pictures!

Halloween Three







I finally convinced her to give up on the big piece of the costume and just use the vest.  I figure I'm man enough to go "commando" in just a vest and headgear!

I was so happy when I was finally dressed.  The gang was hoping for a portrait shot or two, but I had other ideas.  I wanted to explore some more and also wanted to let the local wildlife have a chance to admire my new duds.  The squirrels were especially appreciative, I think, but the bunnies looked a little frightened.  If you look carefully, you can see me doing my Dance of The Chicken Jerky, which always involves grabbing the leg of my partner with my hand.  You can see that it was a successful endeavor because I'm dashing away, chewing on my reward!

You'll have to excuse the last photo.  We were trying for a more youthful look (brave vs. chief) and I tried to put the wig on myself, and it got a little messed up.  My foster mom had to help me and she forgot to bring a comb along.  See what I mean about needing more competent help????

Happy Halloween!

Love and kisses,
Magoo