Shaggie Maggie (aka Woolly Wonder)

Hoo Boy Folks,

It's not even 1 September and its way over 30 degrees C (that's 86 F for my overseas fan base)... in fact last week it was 38 degrees (or 100 F)!

Yeah, no kidding and to make matters worse, He forgot to schedule an appointment for me at the cleaners last time I was there, which was so long ago, I forgot I had to suffer the ignominy of the whole process (which includes a mortifying bow and obligatory photo op). Anyway, He called up about 4 weeks ago, because it was already getting hot even then, and Teagin of Four Paw was too busy and then she was going on holiday. So because I can't be trusted to any other groomer on the planet, I have had to wait until Teagin gets back, which is thankfully next week. I've been sweeping the floor ahead of me with my tongue it's been hanging out so far in the heat, and quite frankly, I've had enough of the grit!

Anyway, They've tried frightfully hard to alleviate my suffering, and a couple of weeks ago They came up with a Road Trip! They feel bad that Elsie, Eric and Max have a weekender at the beach and I don't, so They finally arranged with Aunty Amanda and Uncle Brian that I could go too. So on Friday evening, even though I had no idea anything was happening because I had my Pooscapade and dinner as usual, suddenly there was this flurry of activity. She packed my blue and yellow back pack with my bowl and my food and I knew this was gonna be good... Then, when everything was in place, I got bundled into the car and off we went. It's generally a lovely soothing drive (until the inevitable roadworks soon followed by the directions argument) all the way up there, and it wasn't too late when we got there. Boy was I excited when I saw My Best Friends; we had a good old chat about what was going down and settled down for scraps from the beautiful meal Aunty Amanda made for Them.

I got to sleep on the bed with Them ( Forbidden Behaviour at home - in fact, I don't even know if They have a bed, because I'm not allowed where ever it is They go after lights out). She didn't have a good night sleep what with me and Him occupying most of the bed; and I guess I do feel lucky I don't have to sleep with His snoring all the time!

The next morning we all went for a long walk on the beach. She had made chicken treats for me, so I was allowed to run and walk off lead, because well, I have to confess it's not worth running away if there's chicken on offer... and She knows it!



I went exploring








I tried to get the fisherman to show me how to do it, or in the alternative, give me some of what he got (no bites there...)







I took a moment to enjoy the moment








I took a rest (note aforementioned tongue!)








After the walk, They took me with to breakfast at the local cafe, and then I followed Max and Elsie's example because a place can be very comfy place when you're allowed on the furniture!





I lazed around reading the latest journals and watching Tiger play golf







and sunbaking








Eric was too busy requesting food as a reward for a good sit. He's looking hot after all his beach walks, but it sure makes him even more determined to find (or make) that elusive food opportunity.




Later as promised, They took me along to look at some real estate to see if there was a place I liked that They could get for me to have more frequent weekends at the beach.

I don't remember much of the drive home though, because it was late in the afternoon and I was all tuckered out. It's hard to be a ball of energy where you're hot and shaggy! Lately, my most important task of the day is to find the breeziest spot and play possum! Roll on Saturday, I don't even care about the bow any more...

It is possible to have too much fun!

I've finally emerged from my state of overwhelming exhaustion following my long anticipated visit to Aunty Kim, Uncle Paul, Tiffany and Marlee-Jane. A few weekends ago we stopped by their house, but noone was home. Much to my embarrasment, She let Aunty Kim know how disappointed I had been, and practically invited ourselves over. But Aunty Kim is very kind and she arranged for us to visit this weekend gone by. Now I didn't know that, so you can imagine my delight when I got ushered into the car bearing gifts. I personally picked out the one for Tiff and Marlee, but that doesn't mean I didn't have an interest in it myself, being edible and all...

Anyway, the miles whizzed by and it was soon exit 20. I know where that is (I'm good with directions), and I am sure to let Him know, because He always says He knows where He's going, but actually has No Idea. Then She gets annoyed because we go round in circles or miss the turn or Whatever, and then there's some raised voices and then ultimately silence and I don't get to go where we were going.

So when We pulled up everyone was waiting for me. But I was so excited I bowled them all over and raced around leaving pee - mail in my favorite haunts and reacquainting myself with all my favorite spots in and out the house. I barked and barked and generally just ran around like a mad thing until I had to make my I'm-so-excited-I-have-to-poop poo. It was with some consternation that I noticed the poo patch out front is now pebbled, but I chose a discrete, distant corner and She dutifully made sure my present wasn't left behind for some unsuspecting passer by.

Since I was there on vacation, there have been some other changes. The budgie barks regularly and if I didn't know better would be completely fooled into thinking there was another pooch on the premises. Uncle Paul turned his deft DIY hand to some bifold doors which when folded back I learnt the hard way by knockin' my noggin on the glass, make the garden seem twice as big ... Uncle Paul also got a flash red Mustang for his birthday, but try as I might, I wasn't allowed to go in and check it out.

Also, much to my surprise and delight was Aunty Kim's neighbour Maggie was there. Maggie is just like me, bright, beautiful and full of fun! She babysat me, Tiff and Marlee the first night of my vacation at Aunty Kim's and Uncle Paul's, but she pointed out that I never so much as gave her a mention! Even with my extensive imagination, I can't come up with an excuse, so I'm sorry Aunty Maggie, and I do love being around you!

So after watching dance video (actually me, Tiff and Marlee were just tussling it out for the best spot on the bed to watch said dance video), scoring scraps from the beautiful lunch, and performing my repertoire of tricks designed to impress, all too soon it was time to go home. It's fair to say I collapsed in a heap that evening



There were absolutely no signs of life the following day...








Late in the piece I moved a shade when the word "Dinner" was yelled out







But immediately after that, once again I couldn't keep my eyes open... So its absolutely true, I can have too much fun! And losing a day is a small price to pay.