Day One Hundred and Sixty Seven

It is the last day of the year. Emmet told me. I caught Emmet last night. Ha.

We almost ran out of my food. Zita had to drive and find some. That is good.

I saw the nasty dog on my corner. I barked at him and he went away. It did not look like he got any presents from Santa. That is good.

Zita says we will have a new year tomorrow. I do not know who brings it. May be Santa or Uncle Bill.

Craig said Auntie Louise got a big prize. She gets another name for herself. It is CC.

I do not know what she can see now, but Craig said it was very good. That is good.

Emmet says Auntie Louise makes really good potatoes. Maybe that is why she got the prize.

Uncle Bill makes good sausages but he did not get a prize. Maybe next year.

No cheese parties. That is good. I ate too much cheese. It is known.

Day One Hundred and Sixty Six

A quiet day because it is the Christmas holidays.  I helped Zita clean the driveway. It is very cold out. I was warm but my green ball got lost.

When I was in the house watching Craig drink his coffee I found my green ball. It was in the snow bank right in front of my watching window. That was good

We cleaned up the house and used the vacuum machine. It is very noisy. I went into the kitchen and had a nap on my kitchen bed.

This afternoon I went to Jamie's for a visit. I had lots of fun. I get snow between my toes and have to have help getting then out. Jamie's feet are smaller and he is from way way up north so his toes are better in the snow.  Oh well.  Jamie is a shy dog.  So is Zorro.

When I got home I was very tired and went to sleep on my big bed.  That is good.

Day One Hundred and Sixty Five

I had a very quiet day. We had even more snow.

We played throw the Red Ball in the snow. It gets lost in the snow. I have to dig for it. I slide a lot. I run into the gate. It is embarrassing.

Zita is off shopping so I am in charge. That is good.

Uncle Bill brought sausages over. He could not stay. Nowhere to park his truck. Too much snow.

I like snow. I jump in it. But it gets in my paws and it hurts to walk. Oh well.

When I come in from playing throw my Red Ball Craig and I have to use my towels to dry off. His tires get very snowy. He should go to Zita's tire store and get new tires.

Emmet slept all day. Silly Emmet.

Day One Hundred and Sixty Four

I am late tonight. They went out to a very long movie. I stayed here and guarded the house.

I thought the cheese parties were over but we had a little one last night. I was too tired and I just went to sleep on my duvet.. Too many cheese parties for me.

Craig said in the movies they saw a man had a bunch of guests. He did not invite them.

They ate all his cheese. No more cheese parties for him. He had to go off on an adventure with his guests. They must have still had the cheese.
 
It was a very scary movie Craig said. He jumped a lot. Niamh and Emmet and Zita said it is very funny to watch him at scary movies. I do not know. Dogs can not go to movies they said.

They cleaned off all the snow again. They did not use the scary, noisy machine. That is good. They would not let me help. That is sad.

Zita and I went on a car ride. We went to the tire store to her other tires put on. I helped a lot. We had a nice walk home.

There are lots of things to sniff at the tire store. It is good.

Day One Hundred and Sixty Three.

The cheese parties are all finished. Too many cheese parties. I was very tired. I fell asleep in the middle of the party. On Tara's feet.

We got more presents. Emmet got all the coke in the world. He gave Tara a hat. He found it himself in a ladies store. Emmet is brave.

Craig got something that flies. Maybe it is a dragon. Emmet says dragon fly.

We had so much snow I could not play throw my Red Ball. Too much snow. I was afraid I would loose it and the big red scary machine would throw it away. In little pieces. That would be sad.

Zita had to get the scary machine to move all the snow. It is very loud. I do not like it at all.

Zita and Niamh stayed out for a long long time with the scary machine. Emmet was asleep. Silly Emmet. Zita will pour cold water on him. Ha.

We watched my corner. The cars could not drive on it. They all got stuck. They were all cross. Ha.

Then they got out of their cars. They were still cross.Oh well.

Day One Hundred and Sixty Two

We all slept in. Except Niamh who went shopping with Cara and Emily. They are silly.

We got lots of presents. I got a very big kong to chew on. It keeps rolling under things. I have to get help to get it back. Silly kong.

Emmet got lots and lots of clothes to keep him warm. Zita says he is too skinny and will fly away when it is windy. He should take me along I am not afraid of the wind.

Emmet got a big chair for his table with all the computers. He has lots of computers. Computers like the basement he says. Emmet got a dragon too. Emmet likes dragons. I have never seen one. He says they are very big. His dragon is not very big though.

Craig got books and clothes. He has way too many books. He got ancient elephants that are only bones now. That is sad. I like elephants. They were with the Punics Emmet said.

Zita got things for her boots so we will not fall down on our walks. And special gloves so she can still give me On My Walk treats and keep her hands warm. That is good.

Niamh got a big thing to fall down on and not get hurt. That is good. Niamh got lots and lots of clothes and boots to keep her warm. She never wears socks. Silly Niamh.

We are having another cheese party tonight. All the Mahoneys are coming over to eat. The are very tall.  We laugh a lot when they are here. They are silly.

Day One Hundred and Sixty One

I had a happy Christmas. I got a big red ball. Not a throw ball. It is a chase ball. It is hard to catch on the ice.

We got lots and lots of presents.

I hope you did too.

Day One Hundred and Sixty

We are getting ready for the nearly Christmas party.

We have the sheets on the table. That means we will have lots of cheese. I have to help.

Zita and I are going to bring Christmas presents for the cats who live with the people who leave treats for me. Christmas is a nice time. Even for cats. Not for squirrels. They do not get Christmas presents like me.

Merry Christmas from me and my people, Craig, Zita, Emmet and Niamh.

Do not eat too much cheese. I hope you were good and Santa brings nice presents for you.

Go to bed early. Morning comes faster that way. It is known.

Day One Hundred and Fifty Nine

I got a Christmas present from the nice lady from our newspaper and her dog Lady Herb.

It is a dog statue for our big green tree. Niamh put it on right away. What a nice Christmas it is.

We all slept in. Craig was still getting dressed when Uncle Bill came by to say happy Christmas. I went in and jumped on Craig to hurry him up. He is slow.

We gave Uncle Bill his Christmas present from Emmet. Emmet was still asleep. Silly Emmet.

Craig and Bill drank more coffee. They like coffee.  And cookies. 

Niamh is making peanut butter cookies. I love peanut butter.

I went for a run in the garden and got snow in my toes. I do not like that. I should get toes shoes like Niamh.

Craig spent all day wrapping Christmas presents. He is messy.

Zita is making pies for our nearly Christmas party tomorrow. More cheese I bet. I will be careful.

We are nearly ready for Christmas. That is good.

Day One Hundred and Fifty Eight

I am sorry I could not write my blog last night. I had a sick tummy and had to have a quiet time.

Craig said I ate too many things that fell on the floor at our Making a Better Christmas For Someone party.  He is right. He said he would not tell Dr. Smith. That is good.

I am feeling better now. That is good.

Craig and Zita went out early after our walk and came home with lots of bags of presents.

Craig's friend Rick gave him a box of candies he makes. It is a Christmas present.

Zita said that Craig can not eat Rick's turtles because they would poison him. Only she can eat them. Who would want to eat a turtle?

I licked a frog and it tasted very bad. Silly people. Zita will get a sick tummy too.

Emmet is out cleaning the driveway. He will be tired. Niamh is cleaning the cars. She will be tired too.

We will go to bed early tonight. Except Emmet who is silly. He will stay up way too late talking with Chris and Sava. It is known.

Some people said our world would be all done last night.

They were wrong. Zita was right. The world did not end last night.

When I got up there was more world than when I went to sleep. Zita had to move it with the scary blue shovel before our walk.

Emmet said some people thought space ships were coming to take us all away. If they came I know where they would take us. To the Dog Star. Ha.

Day One Hundred and Fifty Six

Very busy. It is the go and help people have a happy Christmas day. They are wrapping presents and looking at lists.

Craig and I played throw the Red Ball. Way after he made his coffee. He takes too long to drink his coffee. I even put my feet and his shoulder to remind him I was there. He still drank his coffee.

Zita slept in and I had to wait for ever for my walk. It was a very pretty day. You could hear all the birds. Zita said they were singing Christmas music.

There are no Christmas songs with dogs in them. Just donkeys and cows. That is sad. I bet there were dogs there too. Who could take care of a baby better than a dog? It is known.

Zita and Emmet and Niamh are off getting all the stuff to make people happy. All the Mahoneys are there too.

They are all coming here after for the party. They will laugh a lot. That is what you do at parties. And eat cheese.

We had Tony's pizza store bring us pizza. Cheese Piizzas.  Kathy likes cheese. That is good. There was lots of cheese. Some fell on the floor. Ha.

Richard and Zita like scotch.

Day One Hundred and Fifty Five

The present man did not come today. We must nearly be ready for Christmas. That is good.

We played throw my Red Ball a lot today. That is good.

Zita had to go to her university to do her big test today. She will be late. She will not be here for dinner. Oh oh.

I have to get Emmet and Craig and Niamh to share my carrots Zita said.

Emmet had to to go out to do more Christmas shopping. Maybe he got me a present.

I gave Lorraine a Christmas present. Smelly soap to scare away squirrels.

Lorraine lives in the wilds where there are kabillions of squirrels. She has dogs too. I hope they are big like me. I like Lorraine. She throws my Red Ball when she is here.

Emmet and Niamh and Zita and all the Mahoneys are going out tomorrow to get a big box of Christmas stuff for some people who need a bit more to make Christmas happy. That is good.

Craig said they do it every year. That is good. You should be happy at Christmas if you can. It is known.

They are going to come back here for a party. I bet there will be cheese.  The Mahoneys like cheese. It is Christmas. That is good.

Day One Hundred and Fifty Four

Another rainly-snow day. Too slippery. Craig and I watched all the cars not stop at my corner.

There are people sliding on the hill into the duck's pond. I do like the sleds. Sleds are for Jamie and Zorro to pull. Not people People are silly.

Emmet went Christmas shopping. He came home very wet and cold. He did not wear his big boots. Silly Emmet.

Craig was using the scary blue shovel and snow fell off my shed on to him. He was wet and cold too. Silly Craig.

Zita has her test tomorrow so she was at her university studying. She is tired of studying.

Niamh had to talk to people at her dance store so she can help out with all the dancing. That is good.

Emmet is very upset. People built an army store on top of one of his very old cities. Maybe the oldest city. Who knows. But they broke some of it and Emmet is sad.

He will talk to Uncle Bill. Maybe Uncle Bill can fix it for Christmas. Or make more sausages.

Zita says he makes good sausages. Too spicy for me Dr. Smith said. Oh well.

I like bean treats.

Day One Hundred and Fifty Three

More snowy rain. Too slippery. I can not catch my Red Ball because I slip and fall. That is sad.

The cars are all covered in ice. Zita and Craig and Emmet had to use the blue shovel that makes the scary noises to take away the ice.

Niamh stayed home. Too slippery for buses. Not too slippery for Uncle Bill. He came over to get Emmet awake and drink coffee. He and Emmet talked about the giant eagle movie.

Uncle Bill wants to go too. He will like giant eagles more than turkeys I guess.

Zita was at school studying all day at her university. Niamh was studying all day on her experiments.

All Craig did was make coffee and ask Niamh questions about her experiments. And made more coffee.

Zita forgot her coffee his morning. Oh well. She will not be happy.

We rolled my Red Ball on the ground so I would not slide into the fence. That is good.

I once hit the fence so hard catching my Red Ball that a piece of my nose came off.

Craig says I have a big nose. Ha. His is way to small to smell anything at all. It is known.

Day One Hundred and Fifty Two

It was a very busy night with the ladies sleep-over. They did not drop much. Oh well. They laughed a lot.

Emily and Cara draw beautiful pictures. They do not think they are very good pictures. They are wrong.

I got to try all the beds. That was good. I slept on my own bed. Zita and Craig would not like it if I was not there to keep them company. It is known.

Emmet got in so late I was all asleep. He saw a movie with swords and magic and giant eagles. He said it was the best movie ever. No dogs though. Giant eagles would take care of the giant squirrels I bet.

Emmet is finished all his test. He is going to sleep he said. And drink ice tea. Ha.

My cheese friends sent more presents for Niamh and Emmet. It is Christmas time you know.  We get lots of presents.

Auntie Jane sent presents. We will put them under the tree. I sniffed them. No squirrels. That is good.

Our tree is beautiful. We put lot of shiny balls on it last night and lots and lots of lights.

It is not nice out today. The snow is silly and make the ground very slippy. It freezes on my face. Then I look like Craig.

Day One Hundred and Fifty One

My house is full of Niamh's friends. They are having a birthday sleep-over and I am invited.

Zita and I are putting the tree up. It is very big.  I like the smell of trees. No squirrels in the tree. I checked. You have to be careful with squirrels.  It is my job. I am good at it. I hate squirrels.

When we are finished all the ladies and I are are going to put all the decorations up and have pizza. I can't have pizza. I would get a sick tummy. Craig will give me bean treats.  That is good.

Emmet is at his university writing his dead kings and scary religions test. He and Chris and Sava are going to a movie after the test. I think he is hiding from all the ladies's party. Ha

They are making cookie houses. Maybe they will drop pieces. That is good.

Craig is hiding in the den. I will go keep him company when it gets too loud.

Day One Hundred and Fifty

Emmet and Niamh have a birthday party tonight and I am invited. That is good.  Emmet says they asked silly questions on his Punics test. Where was a dead Emperor born?

I think if he is dead it does not matter. Oh well.

Zita is still writing her Why Do People Do What People Do test. She has to look at pictures of people and say what they are thinking. They are asking where the dead Emperors were born I bet.

Craig says he got presents for me for Emmet and Niamh. I hope they are nice.

I bet they are going to have cheese to night. They put the white duvet on the table. That is how you know there will be cheese. It is known.

They are cooking I have to go to see if anything drops.

I got Niamh a movie about a princess with red hair. Niamh has red hair too. She could be a princess if she wanted to be.

I got Emmet a movie about the old war when they broke the american house. Zorro and Jamie will like that. 

Zoe brought Niamh a dog pencil sharpener. That was nice.

Day One Hundred and Forty Nine

Guarding the house. All day. Everyone is busy. Emmet has his Punics and Lets Kill the Emperor test tomorrow. He has his All The Dead Kings test on Saturday. He is very busy.

Zita is at the university all day writing her test on why people think.

Craig drove Niamh to school this afternoon. She says she is feeling better. Craig does not believe her. I do not believe her either.

The present man brought a box so big Craig could not carry it. We hid it. Do not tell anyone.

It is Niamh's and Emmet's birthdays tomorrow. That is good. People say it is strange that they have the same birthday. It is not strange. My brothers and sisters have the same birthday as me. People are silly.

Craig is not silly he is stubborn. I had to wait and wait this morning until he made his coffee and then drank it. He had two cups. He drinks too much coffee. He needs to be outside throwing my Red Ball.

Lorraine threw my Red Ball. Lorraine does not drink coffee.

Jessie is coming over to help train Niamh's dragon to talk all about the planets. That is good. Some dogs talk to the moon. Not me. The moon never answers. It is known.

I am worried. I did not get Emmet or Niamh a birthday present. Craig said it was OK. He will get them something from me. Just like he does for his mother. That is good. I am still worried.

Day One Hundred and Forty Eight

I had to have my Choke Me collar on because it is icy and I pull way too much. Zita is sad that we have to use the Choke Me collar. Me too. I just get to excited sometimes and I am too strong. Oh well.

Niamh still has a bad tummy and can only eat Cheerios and toast. I get the used pieces of toast.

She is learning all about planets. That is what stars are she told me. Stars are nice. They make the scary night not so dark. They are far away she says. Too far to drive.

Farther than even Ireland she says. They have all been to Ireland to see the castles and the cousins. Not me. Ireland is too faraway for me. I like here. There are no lions here.

Craig is going out for diner with his really old friends. At night. With the giant squirrels.

He said he will take his friend Winchester with him. He said giant squirrels will not bother him. 

Zita says he is silly. She says he and Uncle Bill are two of a kind.

She is wrong. Uncle Bill is not furry like Craig. Craig does not have a loud motorcycle. Silly Zita.

Zita and I are going to walk with him to the restaurant just in case. It is the smart thing to do I think.

Sometimes we go to get Niamh when she comes home from toe dancing at night. That is good. I am very brave when Zita and Niamh are there. It is known.

Day One Hundred and Forty Seven

I caught Emmet last night. Ha. I won. Ha.

Zita had her big test this morning. Craig drove her and when he came home we played throw my Red Ball until we were too cold. Then we had toasts.

My cheese party friends sent Emmet and Niamh birthday presents. That was nice. It was a big box. It was full.

Niamh has a sick tummy and could not go to school. I helped her eat her Cheerios. I am a big help when one of us is sick.

Some girl knocked Niamh over and stepped on her shoulder in their run all around class. That would not have happened if I was there. I would have knocked the other girl down. That is why they need to take me along when they go out. Especially at night.

Zita says she might take Niamh to Mrs. Louise who fixes you when you get hurt. She is one of the Go-Away-And-Eat-At-Clean-Restaurants Ladies.

I get in trouble for pulling on my walks. Zita says I forgot how to listen.

Maybe I am getting old like Craig and Uncle Bill. That would be sad. They are very old. They told me so. They are so old they used steam engines. That makes Emmet laugh.

I did not tell them I did not know what an engine was. It is not important for dogs to know everything. We know what we need to know and then a bit more. It is known.

Day One Hundred and Forty Six

There was ice every where this morning.  More trouble for pulling. The snow is very crunchy and I got very excited. I tried hard. Oh well.

Emmet had to go to the dentist today. He had to get up early. He was very tired. Silly Emmet. Craig drove him. Too much snow.

Uncle Bill brought presents over. For Niamh and Emmet's birthday.

Craig and Uncle Bill had strong coffee. Emmet listened to their stories. I went to sleep. They laugh a lot. I do not have to wake up. I know laughing is good and I do not have to worry about everyone when the are laughing.

Uncle Bill is fifty years older than Emmet. Emmet thought that was funny.

Zita was writing. I stayed on the bed to help.

The present man came again today. More presents I bet.

More nose collar tonight. It is sad. I got very wet and had to stay in the kitchen until I was all dry. Craig said I smelt like a wet dog. I was. People are so silly.

Craig said that Niamh has forgotten how to put on her socks. That is sad. She will get cold and her feet will fall off. I dont need socks.

The little machines that push the snow are going up and down my sidewalk. They are scarey. Maybe they will run over the squirrels. That is good.

Day One Hundred and Forty Five

Dance party day.  Emmet and Zita and Craig went to see Niamh at her dance party. It is a party without cheese. What kind of a party does not have cheese?  Oh well.

I stayed home to guard the house.  I get a peanut butter treat when I guard the house.

My Red Ball broke my outside light this morning.  Zita and I were surprised.  I could not help clean up.  Zita was afraid I might cut my paws.  It is all right now. We need a new light.

I got in trouble this morning. Too much pulling. I had to have my nose collar. I hate my nose collar. I should not pull so much.  It is hard not to pull.  Oh well.

Emmet fell last night when he was trying to catch me. He hit his head. He had to use my ice to make is head better.  I was scared when he fell. I gave him kisses and put my paw on his shoulder so he would sit up. He is better now. That is good.

I will not chase him so hard. I will not tell him. He would be sad.  It is known.

Day One Hundred and Forty Four

It snowed today. I can catch all the snow flakes I want. All by myself. I am good at it. Zita said so.

Niamh has her big dance party tonight. She is very excited. She has another one tomorrow. She is a very busy dancer.

She is nervous. She told me so. She had to get all her hair piled up on top of her head. She did not have to go to the make me beautiful store. That is good.

It would not be nice if Niamh had no hair like me.

Emmet and Craig went out with our newspapers. They left the chair in the kitchen. I did not like that. That empty chair is not right. There is no one to tell it where to go. It will not listen to me. It is only right when Craig is in it. It is known.

Emmet is studying about his Rome and all its emperors and who killed them. I would not like to be an emperor. I am happy being a good dog. Good dogs get to sleep on the nice and warm duvets all night long. I get all the peanut butter left on the knife when Craig makes his sandwiches. That is good.

Zita is very busy. Essays and tests and more essays. She drinks lots of coffee. Emmet drinks coke. Oh well. I like my water from the bath tub.

Day One Hundred and Forty Three

I was very tired this morning and I went back to bed. Craig was still in bed so it was OK. It was OK to sleep in because Craig said this is an infamous day. That is good.

Emmet knew Mr Lee's middle name on his big test. He guessed it. He was right. His first guess was Elijah but Emmet could not spell it. Lucky Emmet.

He was very happy and told me twice. Before dinner he picked me up and we danced all around.  I had to scratch my ear. Emmet says you can not dance and scratch your ear at the same time. We had to stop. Oh well.

He was so tired with all his writing and studying about the Punics and Mr. Kipling that he did not wake up until it was nearly dark. Silly Emmet.

Craig was Christmas shopping again.  Niamh asked and asked and now we can have Christmas music. Niamh loves Christmas. It is known.

She is toe dancing tonight. With her toe dancing friends. That is good.
 
Niamh was happy too her test said she knew everything there was about her science. That is good.

I know lots too. Not about Punics or flowers. I know all about my family. That is very important too. It is known

Day One Hundred and Forty Two

I am famous. Niamh wrote a letter for me to our newspaper. It is in the newspaper this time and there is a picture of me too. It is a picture of me when I was furry. I like my furry me better than my beautiful me.

I wrote a letter to thank the nice people who leave me treats in the little box when I go for my walk. I am glad it is in the newspaper so lots of people will know about the nice people. That is good.

Emmet took me for a walk tonight. he said I pulled. I was excited. It was the first time Emmet took me for my walk. I will try harder next time. I promised him.

More presents came today. Maybe some of them are for me. I have been very good this year. Santa knows dogs are always good all the year. He is sorry that people can not try as hard as dogs.  It is known.

Niamh says I sould let you see my letter. She says not everyone gets our newspaper. Oh well.

"Dear Editor,

I am Miss Poppy the dog.  Christmas is coming. I do not have money to buy presents.  That is sad.
If I had money I would get a very nice present for the people who leave me biscuits treats in front of their house.

Sometimes when I go for my walks in the morning we go down by the canal. That is where the people live, on the Colonel’s road.

That is where the treats are; right beside the path where I walk. In a nice little box with a lid, so the squirrels cannot steal my treats.

They have a cat. It must be a very nice cat. Nice people would not have a nasty cat like the ones who leave paw marks on my cars.

When I go for my walks I scare all the awful squirrels away from their house. I think that is why they leave the biscuits for me.

I do not like squirrels. Niamh says squirrels do not get Christmas presents. That is good. I get Christmas presents. That is good.

I do not eat the treat all at once. I get a bit. If I do not try to catch the ducks I get more until it is all gone. They are good treats.

Thank you and I hope you have a Merry Christmas. Your cat too.

Miss Poppy the Dog.

PS  If you have trouble with the squirrels leave a note. Craig will read it to me and I will come and help. I do not like squirrels. Either does Santa. It is known."

Day One Hundred and Forty One

It is the newspaper day. It is early. I was surprised that they came and I wanted to help but I can not. I get too excited.

I worry too much Zita says. Ha.

That is my job. They do not make my job easy. They go out without me, they talk to strange dogs and they do not listen to me when I tell them to be careful. Oh well.

I saw Jamie and Zorro today. Zorro is very shy. Me too.

It is the day that the men come and take our garbage. We got up early because we could not sleep and walked in the dark. The garbage cans on wheels were every where. They did not get me this time. Zita said I was very brave. That is true.

Craig is very stubborn. It took forever to get him to throw my Red Ball yesterday. He always wants me to bring the ball to him. That is not fair.

Christmas is coming. The Christmas tree arrived. Craig and Paul got it. Niamh was afraid Craig would get a small tree. I do not know why. We always have great big trees with lots of presents. That is good.

Day One Hundred and Forty

Everyone is very busy. I hardly got to catch my Red Ball at all today. I was too busy guarding the house.

Uncle Bill and Emmet and Craig went to see the movie about the man who talked about the broken house.

They liked it a lot. Emmet said it was very good. Emmet said there was not one dog in it. It could not be a great movie with no dogs in it. It is known.

Uncle Bill sent them home with his own sausages. They are too spicy for me he said. I like carrots and lettuce. They do not have carrot sausages. That is sad.

I have to wear my nose collar. I pull too much. That is sad. I hate my nose collar.

I will try not to pull. Sometimes I do not pull. But not all the time. Oh well.

Niamh is at her dance practice. There is a dance party soon. No cheese at dance parties. That is sad.

I do not get to go to Niamh's dance parties. Too many people there she says. That is sad. I am a good dancer too. I dance with Emmet.

Day One Hundred and Thirty Nine

I am not magic. My blue ball broke. I put a hole in it.  I can not carry it around anymore. That is sad.

Zita says that if I get Niamh to write my Santa list she thinks I will get a new big ball for Christmas. That is good. Maybe it will be Red.

Last night I chased them all around the house with my rope. I am much faster if I am holding something in my mouth. My blue bone works best. That is how I catch Emmet.

Emmet is studying for all his tests to see if he can remember everything. I know lots - Mr. Kipling was not a Punic and he did not break any houses. I listen when Emmet reads his essays. It is known.

I could go to the university if I could drink coffee.

It was so rainy yesterday that Craig only threw my Red Ball once. That is sad. Today he threw it lots. Then I had carrot treats.

Zita says I need a warmer cape. Maybe Santa will bring me one. I hope it is tartan so I can still  pretend to be Scottish. When I am Scottish I get to bark at all the English dogs Craig says. I don't know why though.

Barking is good. Zita says I bark too much at silly things. I do not

A man put up a sign on my corner and didn't ask if he could so I barked at him a lot. I got in a bit of trouble. Oh well.

Then he took it away so I barked at him some more. Oh well.

It is hard being a dog. Even for me.

Day One Hundred and Thirty Eight.

I am magic. I have turned my purple ball into my purple egg just carrying it around. Craig says it must be magic.  That is good.

Everyone is writing except Craig and me.  It is raining and there is no snow.  We have not gone for my walk. It is too wet and cold. I am having a nice nap instead.

I try to get everyone to go outside by looking sad.  Craig says my song should be "Sad-eyed lady from the lowlands.".  That is true.

Niamh's friend is very nice. She is a McDonald. She can pretend to be Scottish too.  I sleep on the bed between Craig and Zita's legs because I am not so warm after my make me beautiful day. Oh well.

There was a squirrel on my patio this afternoon. Emmet had to go out and scare it away for me.  I hate squirrels. Like the Romans and the Punics Emmet says. Emmet learns lots of stuff at his university.  He likes it. Some times I understand.  I liked the parts about the elephants. Zita reads her essays to me. There are no elephants or broken houses in her essays. That is too bad.

Day One Hundred and Thirty Seven

It was very cold today. Zita and I went for a very fast walk. No squirrels. Zita and I are very tired. We were up very late doing our essay. I had a nap on my warm bed duvet.

Uncle Bill came for for coffee and cookies.  He said I was very skinny. I must be. Uncle Bill does not lie. He was a policeman detective when he was young. Now he is old like Craig. 

He and Emmet and Craig are going out for a movie about Mr. Lincoln next week.  Emmet has a tall hat like Mr. Lincoln.

Emmet does not want to be a president like Mr Lincoln. He wants to be Pope. He likes the uniforms he says and the Swiss Guards. They must guard the Swiss chocolate that Zita gets.  He is silly.  You have to be very very old to be a Pope. As old as Craig or Uncle Bill. Or older. It is known.

Zita is at the university looking for better books for her writing. Emmet is taking the Gaul apart. Three pieces are best he says. Niamh is toe dancing. She brought her sparkly costume with her.

Craig is reading and throwing my Red Ball. We did not throw it so much today. It is cold. Craig like reading. He has lots of books. All about castles. He and I listen to music in the den. I get to sleep on the warm blanket. That is good.

Niamh friend from her school is coming over after dance and I will be very good. No jumping. No giving her my blue bone. They are going shopping. If they get lost Emmet and I will go get them Emmet says. Ha.

Day One Hundred and Thirty Six

Craig says it is Saint Andrews Day. It is a day for all the people who pretend they are Scottish, like Craig and me.

He said we would eat porridge and scones. We did not. We ate the peanut butter cookies Niamh made last night. That was a better idea.

It was so cold we only went for a quick walk. I wore my tartan coat. My feet got cold. I went in and slept on the bed while Zita wrote her essay. That is good. The bed is very warm.

Silly Emmet came home from his university so cold he nearly broke in half. He had to chase me to get warm. Silly Emmet. Then he had his hot chocolate. He is writing essays too. He says he does not need me to sleep on his bed to help. That is good. There is only one me and I have two essays to help.

Zita is going to drive Niamh to her dancing store. Niamh said that if she walked her toes would break off when she jumped.

They did not take me with them and it is dark out. I do not like it when anyone goes out at night without me. I get very worried. Craig says I should not. I do. What does he know. There are dangerous things out at night. Giant squirrels Emmet says. I believe him.

When Zita comes home we are going for a walk. It is even colder tonight. I will wear my new coat. It is known.

Day One Hundred and Thirty Five

Zita made me a beautiful winter jacket. It is tartan. Now I can pretend to be Scottish like Craig. Craig says I can be MacPoppy-Tana.  Emmet says it is a cape. It is very nice and warm.

I need a jacket because all my fur was cut off and I get too cold.  Niamh says now I am skinny.

Craig says a long time ago a lady said you can never be to skinny or too rich.. It must have been said by a rich skinny lady.  I am a bit skinny but not rich. I don't have pockets to put money so I don't need it.  

I just need my family altogether and my Red Ball. I do not need money for that. That is good.

My tummy is getting better but I am sleepy. That is good. Zita is writing more essays and needs a dog sleeping beside her to help.  I am good at that.

I caught Emmet again last night. I think he let me catch him. He said I looked sad without all my furry fur.

I am not sad. I just get scared when my family leaves me somewhere strange. I worry that they will forget where they left me. They did not forget. That is good.

Day One Hundred and Thirty Four

I am going right now in the car to the make me beautiful for Christmas store. I am going to try not to bark a lot. But it is hard because going to the make me beautiful store is scarey.

I am home. I do not like going to the make me beautiful store. I do not have any fur left and my tummy is sore where my fur was all tangled. Zita and Niamh say I am very snazzy. I hope that is good.

 Zita says she is going to make me a coat to keep me warm. That would be nice. Craig says he can see my eyes again. I did not have any trouble seeing him.

I am very itchy. I hope Santa bring me presents now I am beautiful.  Craig says he is sure he will because I am such a good dog. That is true. I am.

I am going to bed early. Being made beautiful made me very tired. Night Night...  Craig says all the ladies in the house are beautiful. It is known.

Day One Hundred and Thrity Three

A very quiet day. This is the day that Zita and Emmet spend all their time at their university.

I stay home to take care of Craig. I make sure he gets his exercise throwing my Red Ball. If I was not here he would forget to eat. Except for his hard peanut candy that is not for dogs he says. Ha.

It is hard taking care of Craig. He does not listen so well. Maybe he is deaf. There was a squirrel on my fence this afternoon. It was eating my red berries. I jumped up and scared him away. I nearly caught him. I hate squirrels.

I am going to be beautiful. I am going to my make me beautiful store tomorrow. That is good. Niamh says I am so messy I look like Emmet. That is not nice. Emmet is nice I chase him.

If I did not chase him to his dinner chair he would not eat. Then he would get sick and Zita says she would kill him.

She would not kill him. She would make him make his own hot chocolate. He would be very sad if that happened. It is known.

Niamh is at toe dancing. Then she goes to her other dancing. She is always sleepy in the morning.

This morning I got Craig to throw my Red Ball before he had any coffee. I win. Ha.

Day One Hundred and Thirty Two

It snowed. When they opened my door there was snow everywhere.

I had to get up very early because our party guests went home. I got up to say good bye. When I went out to check for squirrels there was snow. That is good. I like snow. I dont like it when I get ice in my paws. I stick my face in the snow. Then I look just like Craig.

Zita says I really have to go to the make me beautiful store. That is true. Niamh says so too.

I won an award. We were playing throw my Red Ball and Craig said I won the stubbornest dog award. That is good. Zita says we are all stubborn. I won the award. Ha.

Craig says Niamh is going to turn into a popsicle because she does not wear her real jacket. That is not true. She would melt when she got home.

Emmet has a hat that covers his ears. People are not furry enough. That is why they get cold.

Day One Hundred and Thirty One

It is the day when they play football.  They have horses at the football game. That is good.

The cheese guests and all my family are watching the game in the den on the new bed. I got to get on the bed to watch the game. That is good.

Emmet and Craig and the cheese guest went to where they keep all of Emmet's favourite tanks.

Emmet wants a tank. I could ride in the tank and bark and no one would care. It is known. Then we could run over all the squirrels.  That is good.

Niamh got a Christmas present today. I can not tell anyone.  Christmas is a surprise. That is good. I do not like surprises. But Niamh says it is different at Christmas. Niamh knows all about Christmas so it must be ok.

We had a party and there was lots and lots of cheese on the little table.  I did not eat any. I was perfect. I got bean treats.  Niamh got lemon squares.

Day One Hundred and Thirty

Our Guests came today. They brought me a present. That is good. We had a cheese party. No one dropped any cheese. That is sad.

We had a good walk. We nearly forgot to check the cookie box.  We did. There was a cookie. That is good.

I went into the neighbour's yard and got very dirty. I had to get into the bath and wash my feet. Oh well.

The cheese guests are very nice. They are going to sleep in the den with the new pillows. I can not wake them up early. Oh well.

I saw the Bring Me a Parcel man today.  Christmas is coming Niamh say.  That is good. We have parties at Christmas. People drop things at parties. Craig says Mr. Newton is the god for dogs. He is right.

Day One Hundred and Twenty Nine

I won. I caught Emmet.

He had my new Red Ball. He ran away with it. I chased him and I caught him before he got to his chair. He lost. He laughed and laughed. He gave me back my Red Ball. Ha. Red Balls are hard to find.

I walked with Jamie this morning. I walk faster than Jamie. My legs are longer and he is slow. Jamie is a nice dog. He always smiles.

We got lots of new pillows and sheets for bed in the den for our cheese guests. I can not use them Zita says. Oh well.

Niamh stayed home today and did all her home works about all the plants, the air and water. She said it was interesting. I get my water from the tap on the bath tub.

Niamh got gold costumes for her dance. They do not fit me. That is good Emmet says. Emmet says I am just fine the way I am. Just like him.

Emmet and Chris and Sava went to their chips store after their university. Then they went to an expensive donut store. Emmet is saving his for later. Silly Emmet.

I had a good walk. No nose collar. That is good.

Day One Hundred and Twenty Eight

Zita went and got her Christmas hair cut. When she came home she had a New Red Ball for me.

Zita has a very good hair cut store. It has Red Balls too. My make me beautiful store does not. Just combs and brushes. Too bad.

I have a new bouncy Red Ball. My paw is ok now. Craig says I must have hurt it running into the fence chasing my Red Ball. He says I am not very careful when I chase my Red Ball. That is true.

Catching the Red Ball is important. Like catching Emmet when he takes my blue bone and hides. I always find him. He has to go to his chair for his dinner or he will be in trouble and Zita will not make him tea. I know this.

I need to go to my make me beautiful store now my paw is fixed. Christmas is coming you know. Niamh tells me this every day. You need to look beautiful for Christmas or you do not get presents Zita told me so.

The bring presents to you man is very nice. He does not mind when I bark. He has a great big dog too. Bigger than me he said. That is nice for him.

Day One Hundred and Twenty Seven

I cut my paw. It does not hurt but Zita says she might take me to Dr. Smith.

They are making the house very clean for the cheese party guests. That is good.

Everyone was busy today. Lorraine threw my Red Ball. Lorraine said I had chewed my Red Ball so much it does not bounce so well. That is sad. Oh well.

Emmet is writing all about bad king John. He lost all his money in the river. That is what happens when you are bad. He ate two much and died. Ha.

Niamh is studying and dancing. I am not chasing her. She is studying her plants.

Craig is counting Emmet's words. I do not know why. Maybe if there are too many words it will be too heavy to carry to his university.

They made sandwiches tonight because Zita is at the university. Nothing dropped. too bad.

Niamh and Craig took me for my short walk. They said I was pretty good. I like being pretty. 

Day One Hundred and Twenty Six

A nice day. I nearly had good walk. Oh well.

Craig and Zita went out to get Niamh's lost bus. I got to guard the house. I get an extra peanut butter treat when I guard the house. That is good. I like peanut butter.

Zita is at the university for a long time today. Craig gets to help with dinner. He makes the beans shorter. Sometimes the too long parts fall on the floor and I get them. That is good. I really like beans. They are crunchy.

Niamh is toe dancing today. My Red Ball does not bounce very well. I need a new Red Ball.

Craig says I am a rascal dog. I get too hot laying on the bed. I like the bed but I get too hot on it. I like the floor. I like my floor bed too. I chew on it and get into trouble. It is still a nice bed. Not too hot. That is good.

Emmet is always cold. Niamh is always hot. Niamh never has socks. She must have lost them. She only has underwear for her toes.

Emmet has smelly slippers. That is good. I can always find them. Ha.

Day One Hundred and Twenty Five

I had a perfect walk this morning. I was perfect. There were ka-billions of things to smell. It is getting cold out side. I like the cold. It makes my tail wag.

There were people walking in the pond. That is not right. It is the duck's pond. Those people are trying to steal it. The ducks would be sad.

When they come back I will tell them. It is hard to talk to ducks. They fly away when I get close. Silly ducks.

The package man comes to see us. Christmas is coming. Niamh loves Christmas. She plays Christmas music when she and I are alone in the house. She dances too. That is fun. I help her dance. I chase her when she dances. That is good.

Day One Hundred and Twenty Four

They put the Christmas lights up on my patio. They did not need my help. That is too bad.  I would be a big help. I would hold the rope with all the lights. I would not chew it. I like to help. But sometimes it does not go so well. Oh well.

We have lots of Christmas lights on my patio trees. I like the Christmas lights. They are pretty. When they are on the raccoons do not walk on my patio. We can all see them. Not just me.

Niamh and the twins went present shopping   They got me a present. That is good. I like Christmas

We are having guests next week. I know we will have a party with cheese. That is good. I like cheese.

Craig is cleaning the den. I am going to the beautiful dog store to get my Christmas trimming.  Craig and Emmet need trimming too I think.

I have been helping with all the essays. I have my pillow at the end of the bed.  I do not go to Emmet's bed room to help him.  It is way down the scary stairs. He plays his music too loud for me to have a nice nap I think.

Craig was happy. Some of his teams won. I had a good walk.  No nose collar.

Day One Hundred and Twenty Three

The cat came and lay down on my patio. It would not move. I was very upset. Zita went out to scare it but it ignored her too.  She is going to get the water gun that looks like an elephant. A wet cat. Ha

Emmet is going to make me a Ballista. That will take care of the cat he said. I dont know how. It is something Emmet learned from the Punics at the university. Maybe it is to catch their elephants and then they can step on the cat. Just like the lions Uncle Bill saw. Just smaller.

I am sure it will work. Emmet says we can build one in the spring. No body sells them. Not even Mr. Lee Valley. Oh well.

Zita and Emmet got to use the blowing machine today. They wont let me help. So I bark at it. Ha.

Everybody is writing. Niamh, Emmet and Zita. Craig just drinks coffee and writes on their essays. I dont know why. He should get his own essays.

I am a big help with Zita's essays. I get up on the bed and have a nap. She does not have to worry about squirrels sneaking up on her when I am there.

I am going for my walk. Maybe we will go where the nice people leave biscuit treats for me.

They are going to have pizza from Mr. Tony's store. I dont get pizza. I get carrot treats though. That is good.

Day One Hundred and Twenty Two

Niamh had a holiday today. She went shopping for costumes. For her dance party at Christmas. I did not get to go. I would be good at shopping. I do not get to practice. That is sad.

I had to stay here and make sure Craig and Emmet ate their breakfasts. They are lazy.

Emmet would only take one piece of cheese and Craig would just have coffee. If they do not have good food there is nothing for them to share with me. That would be sad. So I stare at them until they have real food. And give me the little bits leftover. Then we can go and throw my Red Ball.

Zita gives me carrot treats when I do this. That is good.

Zita came home at lunch time. She is writing another enormous essay for her university. When she writes I get on the bed and have a nap. It always helps writing if there is a sleeping dog beside you. Emmet says that is why they let sleeping dogs lie.

I do not like that saying. Dogs always tell the truth. It is known.

Squirrels do not tell the truth. Emmet says some people hate the truth. They believe in polls instead. They are wrong. People are silly. They need dogs or things would fall apart. The squirrels and racoons would take over.

Day One Hundred and Twenty One

I am going to my barbershop store.  Everyone says I am getting shaggy. Zita says she can not see my beautiful eyes. There is too much hair. It is in two weeks.  I had to make my appointment with Miss Mai. She is kind.

We went for our walk by the canal this morning.  The kind lady left biscuits for me.  I scare the squirrels away for her.  That is good.

We met another Bouvier today. He was in a car. He has probably forgotten how to bark I think.

Craig and Paul went and got my big bag of dog food.  I had run out. I might have starved. I did not.

Paul took Craig's old computer. That is good. We have too many computers. Too much time looking at computers. Not enough throwing my Red Ball. It is known.

Emmet has to eat more or Zita will kill him she says. Emmet forgets to eat. Chris and Sava have to take him to the hamburger store so he will remember.  They should get him some poppies.

Day One Hundred and Twenty

Zita saw Jamie and Zorro. They did not talk about Emmet.

 Jamie looked into the big hole. He could not see any squirrels. Too bad.

Craig and uncle Bill and Emmet went to the movie about the sky falling. They did not forget. That is good.

It was a very good movie.  They ate popcorn with way too much butter. They laughed a lot Emmet said. Next time they will go out for more food that is bad for you. They are silly.

There were no dogs in the movie. Emmet says that is good. In movies the good dogs always die. That is sad.

Lorraine came and threw my Red Ball a lot.

Emmet is sad. He says he has to take over a country filled with gold. He has to do this before he is twenty years old. He says if Mr. Pizarro could do it he should too. He said it is hard to find a country to take over now with out some one getting upset.

Mr. Pizarro was lucky Emmet says. I do not think the country was lucky.

They are making another big hole down the street. People like to be very busy. I like watching my corner. The black dog with the white tail walked on my side of the street. I barked a lot and he ran way. Going to play with the squirrels. It is known.

Day One Hundred and Nineteen

Cold today. Niamh had a headache this morning so Zita drove her to school so she could sleep in.  I sat in front of her door until she felt better.

She lost her lunch bag. She should a nice silver bowl like mine. She would not lose that. It is too nice.

Emmet finished writing all about Mr. Din and all his water. He says Mr. Din was a better man. Better than what? People are confusing. Especially my people.

Craig and Uncle Bill and Emmet are going to the movies tomorrow. If they do not forget. Craig and Uncle Bill are very old. They had to wear poppies to remember.

I saw Jamie yesterday. We still can not talk about Emmet. His person teaches Emmet about the very old war. Not with the punics, it is about the broken house war. I dont think she would mind knowing that Emmet going to the movies with Uncle Bill. Oh well.

We threw the Red Ball a lot today. That is good.

They have dug a very big hole where the house across the street used to be. Maybe the squirrels will fall into it and not get out. Ha.

Day One Hundred and Eighteen

I was the most perfect dog in the whole world this morning. Zita told me so. That is good.

She had to to to university all day because testing time is coming. She and Emmet have lots and lots to write. Emmet is writing about Mr. Din who brings water to soldiers and is very brave.

Niamh is learning all about what makes life good for animals. She said they do not talk about Red Balls. That is too bad. I need a new Red Ball.

After school Craig drove Niamh to the fancy store. She got new underwear. She did not want Craig to help her choose. Oh well.

Emily is sick. Her mom borrowed Craig's car. Emily has a hat with ears and I did not recognise her when she got into the car. So a barked a lot. She did not look like Emily I thought she was going to steal Craig's car. Oh well.

Craig took a long time to throw my Red Ball this morning. It took a very long time to make his coffee.

He says he needs a new coffee holder. I dont know why. Maybe the new one would not leave all the coffee in the bottom of the coffee cups. Then he could throw the Red Ball more and not fuss with the coffee holder. That would be good.

He should drink nice cold water from the bath tub tap like me. It is known.

Day One Hundred and Seventeen

Airplanes flew very fast over my house this morning. They were very loud.

Craig said they were to remind every one about the people who died in the wars. That is why this is a sad day Emmet says.

He said dogs were in the war too. Where my ancestors lived was in the middle of many wars. He said Bouviers often helped the soldiers. That is good. We like helping.

I am glad our soldiers made sure we did not have wars here for a long time. That is good.

Craig's dad had to take his airplane and go far away to fight in his war. Going far away is not nice.

I would not like it if they went away. I do not like it when they go out a night without me.

I like it when all my people are right here in the house where I know where they are. It is known.

I can only find one of my Red Balls. It is not so bouncy anymore. The squirrels stole the other one. I can smell them.

They try to hide but I know where they are. Craig's shirt says Winter is Coming. It is true. I can smell it too. Maybe they will freeze. Ha.

Day One Hundred and Sixteen

Saturdays Craig goes off with his friend Paul for breakfast. I stay here to guard the house.

Zita has to go the her university for her exam. I am in charge of the house. Emmet is asleep. The squirrels could run away with him and he would not wake up. It is good I am here.

The squirrels from the dead house have to find new homes far away. Some people worry that the squirrels are homeless. Ha. Wait for the squirrels to move to their house. Ha. People are very silly.

A man was digging in the empty pond. I barked at him. He should not be in the pond. The pond is for the ducks.

Niamh said he was digging for pirate treasure. He will find an old bicycle. I saw a person push it into the pond. At night. Maybe he was a pirate? It is not a good treasure.

Emmet says tomorrow is the day we remember all the people who were in the wars. Emmet says we remember Craig's dad and the old Colonel. We have all their medals on the wall in the den.

The old Colonel left Emmet his special sword. It is Emmet's room. Craig has his dad's airplane book. It smells sad and scared. That is too bad.

Everybody buys poppies Zita says to remember. They do not buy me. I am not for sale Zita says. That is good.

They should get Craig's Mom a lot of poppies to help her remember. She says she forgets a lot. She always forgets I am a lady dog. Oh well.

Day One Hundred and Fifteen

We went for my walk this morning. I will not go by where the house used to be. It smells wrong. I will not let Zita go there. Squirrels lived in the roof of that house and now it is bad. We went down the other street. That was a good street.

Lots of people came to get the papers. I hardly barked at all.

Uncle Bill came over. He bought some meat for a dinner part he is having. He says he should bring his rifle to protect it.  He brought sticky things to have with their coffee. I went to sleep. They talked about politics. I went back to sleep.

Mr. Bill came over to take pictures of the dead house from Niamh's window. Mr. Bill takes good pictures even of dead houses Craig says.

Uncle Bill and Craig and Emmet are going to the movies next week and will eat chips and pop corn. And not tell anybody.

Niamh is off dancing till late. Sometimes Zita and I go and get her in case the dog with the white tail is out at night.

Zita has an exam tomorrow. I thought people had Saturdays to stay home and throw my Red Ball. I do not think this is fair.

Day One Hundred and Fourteen

We had a very busy day.

The big machine started to tear down the house across the street when Niamh got up. When Emmet got up it was gone.

Now the squirrels will not have a house. Ha.

The big machine was very noisy but it did not wake Emmet up.

Emmet has to read another Roman book about a person turned into a donkey. I would not like to be turned into a donkey. Donkeys live out side. I would not like that.

The men who bring the papers are late today. It is confusing when things dont happen when they are supposed to.

Mr. Bill has a new book with his pictures of Jamaica. It is a very nice book. It has some pictures of dogs in it. None of me or Ollie or Maggie. Ollie and Maggie live in Mr. Bill's house.

The mailman brought parcels today. That is because Christmas is coming. It is known.

Paul came over for a visit. He is back from England. He did not get lost. He is old too.

Day One Hundred and Thirteen

We got up early.  There was frost on the grass beside the pond. I like that. It is crunchy under my feet. That is good.

Mr. Obama made a speech last night. He said he did not need another dog. That is too bad. I think he could use a very fierce dog. Emmet thinks so too.

Craig said if he won that election he would get another dog. Craig likes dogs.

Niamh went to university with Zita today. She went to lunch and bought a sweater. That is what you do at university she says. Emmet says that is not true.  I do not get to go to university so I do not know who is telling the truth. Too bad for them.

Chis and Marissa came over to see Emmet after university. They were all very tired. Their new box game made them stay up late again. They are silly.

When Lorraine was here Craig went out. I do not like that at all. I barked at him. He went anyway.

What happens if he goes out and gets lost? If I am not there he will not find his way home. The racoons will get him. He is getting old. I am not old. My fur was always grey.

Zita is going to university tonight. Craig and Emmet and Niamh will have sandwiches. Zita will tell them to put vegitables on the table. I will see if they do. They need help to pay attention. It is known.

Day One Hundred and Twelve

A busy day Craig says. Emmet and his friends get their new box game.

The Americans finish their game tonight. Craig says they will not have real have winners. They are too angry. Like me and the Dog with the White tail.

Emmet is going to stay up late with his game and will be grumpy tomorrow morning.

Craig says I am grumpy when I wake up. That is not true. I just like barking at people when I wake up.

Everyone is at school. Except Craig. I had a long nap.

Craig had to wake me up. I was dreaming so much I was barking. I do not know what I was barking at. I do not understand dreams. It was probably squirrels.'

When no one is here Craig plays bagpipe music. It is good music to bark with I think.

Day One Hundred and Eleven

I nearly starved to death this morning. Everyone forgot to feed me. I lay in the hall and cried and cried.

Finally Zita sent a message to Craig. She asked him if he had fed me. He said no. Oh dear! Zita said. It was not too late. I recovered. That is good. I had some peanut butter too.

I get to walk Niamh to the bus every morning. It is a very important job. I get very excited you know.  If she misses the bus she would be late for school. Niamh really likes her school.

I like jobs taking care of my people. Sometimes I get so excited I pull too much and Zita's arm gets sore. That makes us sad. That is too bad.

Craig went Christmas shopping today. He said things were on sale. He did not say what he got. Craig loves Christmas surprises and never tells anyone about their presents. Not even me.

Emmet is writing about India and men who wanted to be kings but died. Lots of people die in Emmet's books. That is sad. He should read happy books.

Chris came over when his university was over today. They are downstairs. They are waiting for their new box game. They and Sava will be silly about this. It is known.

Winter is coming. Craig has to find all the gloves in the big blue box. I am going to help. I like helping. It is known.

Day one Hundred and Ten

Squirrels were trying to eat my pumpkin. On my porch. I barked and barked. They ignored me. Craig threw a rock at them and they ran away. I hate squirrels.

Maggie came over to make sure they did not come back. Maggie hates squirrels too.

There was a car race today. They had lots of accidents. That is a silly sport. It took forever for Craig to get up and throw my Red Ball.

It is cold today. Zita put fur on Niamh's new coat so her ears will not get cold. I already have fur to keep my ears warm. People are not very well made I think.

Not all of Craig's football teams lost today. That is a surprise.

Niamh studied all morning. Niamh knows all about plants now. I hope she knows all about beans. I get bean treats. Beans are good for you.

I saw Jamie today. Jamie has more fur than me. Jamie has a tail that curves over his back. He says he is very warm in winter. Too warm in the summer he says.

Emmet is studying again. He likes studying he says. That is good. He has a lot of books to study Craig says.

Day One Hundred and Nine

Craig went out last night to get Niamh. I did not like that. I was sad.

I get very upset when my people go out at night. They don't know all the dangerous things out there in the dark. They don't see very well in the dark. I do. They should take me. I would try not to bark. I would try very hard.

The back dog with the white tail is out at night. I can smell him. Sometime Ollie sleeps outside. The black dog with the white tail is afraid of Ollie. Ollie has one blue eye. He chews on big bones until they are all gone.

Some time when everyone is asleep I go to my watching window and look out. There are so many things out there. Cats, racoons, rabbits skunks, rats and people wearing hats. I do not like hats. I can't see their faces when they have hats on.

Emmet has swords. That is good. I have my blue bone. When I have my blue bone I am very fierce. It is known.

Today is Niamh's dance all-day day. She will come home after my walk. That is good.

Day one Hundred and Eight

I had a good walk. No squirrels. Just rain. I was very wet and a bit dirty from jumping in puddles.  Oh well.

Emmet had a test today on the Romans again. He said in Rome if you were in charge some one would poison you. Or stab you.  People are hard to understand. Emmet says he is going to be in charge. He better be careful of his pasta I think. 

Uncle Bill came over. He brought lunch from Mr. Nates. It smelled very good. Zita said it was probably not good for you. They ate it all anyway. They laughed a lot. Zita says Uncle Bill is a very silly man. She is right.

One of my Red Balls bounced over the fence. Craig would not find it. That is bad. The squirrels might find it.  Craig says Niamh will get it before they do. I hope so.

Niamh has gone to her friend's house and Emmet is over at Chris's house. It is not broken any more he said. That is good.

I am here taking care of Craig and Zita. They are quiet. Writing about important things. I will have a nap. That is good.

Day One Hundred and Seven

A rainy day.

We had lots and lots of people for costume night. I was very good. Everybody said so. Only a few little people were scared of me. I am kind of big. I wagged my tail a lot so they were not scared anymore.

Emily and Cara had costumes. I did not know them when they came to my house. Then they talked. I knew who they were then. I wagged my tail for them too.

Niamh got lots of candy to share with Zita. I can not have candy. I would get a sick tummy. Dr. Smith would be sad.

Emmet went to the dentist again today. No candy for him Zita says.

Lorraine threw my Red Ball lots of times today.

Craig and Emmet and Uncle Bill are going to go the Mr. Lincoln movie. Then they will know how to divide houses too Emmet said.

I don't know why they would want to know that. We have a very nice house. So does Uncle Bill.

People are confusing. It is the university that does that I think. Emmet says he learns new things every day. He and Zita have to write lots and lots for the university. I think new things can be confusing.

I had a very good walk this morning. No cars. No squirrels. That is good.

Day One Hundred and Six

I had a bad day. We took Niamh in the car this morning. It was raining. There was a squirrel. I tried to get out the window. I got in big trouble. I was very sad.

Zoe brought her costume over for the costume night. Niamh says Zoe can be my aunt. That is good. Like Uncle Bill.

Emmet is still dividing houses. He says it will end badly. That is too bad. He says they are still dividing their house. It takes a long time to fix a house like that he says.

We are having pizza tonight. Zita is going to be a Knight with Emmet's armour. That will be scary.

I don't like costume night. Too many people come to my door. Some are very silly.

Emmet says it is very old night. We changed it a long long long time ago. That makes him sad he says. Emmet likes long long long ago. It is known.

Craig says he is going to be a tank for costume night. He always says that. He is lying.

Went on my walk. I was perfect. Then this car came by. It made a funny noise. I tried to eat it. I got in trouble again. I don't like cars today.

Day One Hundred and Five

I did not blow away. Either did Niamh. It was very windy this morning. It made my ears stick straight out Zita said. It was a very good walk. No pulling. I tried very hard. Sometimes it works. Not always.

Emmet has to have a big bag on his back to keep him on the ground.

A car just missed a squirrel. Cars are scarey. Craig says they never stop at my corner. They should. I am sure I scare them away.

Tuesdays are very busy. Craig threw my Red Ball. Then I had a nap. Then we made peanut butter sandwiches. I get the peanut butter left on the knife. That is good. Then we threw the ball again. That is good.

I do not like the word Coffee. It means not now Poppy.

Tonight Niamh gets to go to her juice store before her toe dancing. She won her science test. She was very happy. Me too. We ran all round the house.

Emmet is reading about dividing a house. He said it wont stand. That is too bad.

Too many broken houses. That is sad. People should be more careful with their houses.

Niamh made a feather mask for her costume. It is pretty. It is scarey too. I don't like costumes.

People should be who they are. I can not protect my people if I don't know who they are. It is known.

Day One Hundred and Four

Another silly day. Craig got up early.

He did not throw my Red Ball. It is lost. He only threw my green ball once.

He took Emmet to the dentist.  He took him to the University after.

When Craig came home he only threw my ball once. He had to have his coffee and his toast.
I got two pieces of toast. He took a long time to drink his coffee. I fell asleep.

Niamh came home and chased me all round the house. I caught her. She is not so fast.

It is getting windy. Emmet was right. They should tie Niamh down too. She is only a bit bigger than me.

We found my Red Ball under the the BBQ. The Racoons stole it I know.

Day One Hundred and Three

Emmet says there is going to be a big storm. Emmet is going to tie ropes to my feet. Then the wind will not fly me away. That is good. I do not want to be a duck. Or a Turkey. Uncle Bill might try to shoot me. He would be sad.

Craig got into the big gold chair. He folded his chair up. It is scarey when it is folded. I am a bit afraid of it. He got back in. It is OK now. That is good.

Niamh says that sometimes the North Pole does not have any night times. She needed my green balls to show Craig and Zita why. I would not like that. How would I know when we should go to sleep. That is why Santa leaves at Christmas. It is known.

Niamh needs white feathers for her costume. She is going to be a swan. It is like a big white duck. I wont chase her. I promised. Maybe Emmet should tie her down too. And tell Uncle Bill it is Niamh. Not a big duck.

After his movie Emmet went to the five guys for his hamburger with Sava and Chris. It was not expensive he said. They ate all the chips. Oh well.

I met another Bouvier on my walk this morning. He had to have a bib. Maybe he is messy. Not like me.

Day One Hundred and Two

Emmet and Chris went to a new hamburger store. It is beside Niamh's toe dance store. Emmet likes the Hintonburger better.  It is cheaper too. Chris's house is broken. Too much electricity.  He said it went bang. His dog Seven was scared he said.  He was scared too I bet.  Too many broken houses. That is sad.

Craig and Zita had Indian food last night.  I had carrots as a treat.

Niamh came home hungry and had the rest of the Indian food. She gave me some nam bread. Dr Smith would not mind. It was very chewy. I liked it. Emmet should try it. It won't hurt his tummy. The gentleman from India who wrote me is probably right. But Emmet is stubborn like Craig.

Niamh stole Craig's chair last night.  She is not very good at stearing it. She got lost in the kitchen. I had to show her the way back to the bed room. She should not take the chair. It is Craig's chair. I don't like changes.

Paul is in England so Zita and walked with Craig to his breakfast with all the old guys. I pulled a bit and Zita was sad.  On the way home we went on the streets I know and I was much better. It is better when things are the same for me.

Emmet has gone off with Sava and Chris to see a movie. Niamh is toe dancing and making a costume with her friend Julia.

I have to stay here because Zita is writing her essay. It is easier to write if I am there on the bed keeping her company she said. That is good.  She does not mind if I fall asleep.

Craig is in the den watching his football teams. They are not losing. He is surprised.  Me too.

The radio says there is going to be a big storm. I can't go out in storms. I get too wet.  It is going to be very windy the radio said. Maybe it will blow all the squirrels out of the trees.  That would be good.

Day One Hundred and One

Jessie came over last night to help train Niamh's dragon. It was not being a good listener.

I am a good listener. Except for squirrels.

Niamh was sick last. Her friend gave it to her. She should have said no thank you.

Craig drove Niamh to her school. She had to get her homework.

When he got home he threw my Red Ball. I was waiting for him at the window. I had my Red Ball already for him when he opened the gate. He was happy to see it.

He said I was very persistent. That is true. That is why Bouviers are good dogs for taking care of people. We don't forget what our job is. People do.

People get too distracted and forget what they are supposed to do. I think sometimes they forget on purpose.

Zita and Niamh are out. They have to get Niamh a winter coat. I just let mine grow. I am very warm. I keep Craig and Zita's feet warm at night. Then I get too hot and sleep on my floor bed.

Emmet got out of his Romans Are The Best class ten minutes early. He says ten minutes doesn't count as early.

It is very warm today I slept at the back door in the sun. That was nice.

Craig is very stubborn. He was at his computer. I cried and cried and I had to poke him with my nose before he came out and Threw My Red Ball.

It was nice outside. He should have been outside playing with me all afternoon. If he spends too much time inside he will be Emmet. It is known 

Day One Hundred

Not a good day. Too confusing.

Craig got up and did not even throw my Red Ball. Or Brush his teeth. Niamh had a dead phone and Craig had to go to her school with a box of electricity for it.

That is not how the day starts. It is confusing and I don't like confusing.

When he came home he had to drink his coffee. He did not throw my Red Ball. It took forever to drink his coffee.

Emmet called from his university. He left all his money here and was going to die of thirst very soon he said. That would be sad.

Craig had to drive to the university with Emmet's wallet. Emmet's wallet has a dragon of it. Emmet likes dragons.

I don't like it when things are changed. I don't know what I am supposed to do when no one is where they are supposed to be.

Niamh came home early. Emmet is late. Too confusing. It is not nice to be confused. Craig told me it was all fine and threw my Red Ball a lot this afternoon. I don't think it is fine.

They should all be here where they should be. Where I can know where they are. It is my job. It is known.

It is not easy being the dog in this house.

Day NInety Nine

A very quiet day. Everyone writing something. Except me. I was on watch the corner duty.

Emmet saw his friend Tara. She is home from school for a visit. She is going to be an actress. She plays the guitar and the banjo. That is good. She has been Emmet's friend forever.  She always comes here after Christmas for leftovers. She brings her family too.

Lorraine was here to help Zita make the house tidy. She is a very good Red Ball thrower.

Niamh and Zita are getting Niamh's new shoes for her toe dances. They are pink. Niamh told me so.

The very end of my tail is white. That is worry. What if I am turning into the dog with the white tail. That would be bad.

Craig says I am silly. The dog with the white tail is all black. I am mostly grey. Having a little bit of white on my little tail does not mean I am possessed. I hope so.

I had a nice walk with Jamie yesterday. Jamie is very polite. He eats his treats one at a time. I don't. Oh well.

Day Ninety-Eight

We had a party last night. Gramma and Auntie Jane came for dinner. There was cheese and I was perfect. I got beans for a treat.

Tuesday is a busy day.I went for a walk and then I got Craig out of bed. I run very fast from the den and jump up on to his bed and he gets up. It always works.

He threw the ball before he had his coffee. I win. Ha.

Uncle Bill walked over from his house. It is far far away. He wants to get thin he said. They all had coffee and apple pie.

He and Craig are going to a movie and will take Emmet and eat food that is bad for you.

They will get sick to their tummies and have to go to their doctor.  People think they are smarter than dogs. Ha.

Susan is back in her house. It is not broken any more. That is good.

I saw Jamie so we are going for a walk with him. That is good.

Cassie is visiting Ollie and Maggie. Cassie is very big. Bigger than me or Ollie. He is a nice dog. He loves Niamh too. That is good.

Day Ninety-Seven

We must be having a party. Zita put the white cloth on the table. She left a piece of paper for Craig with all the rules about dinner. She had to go to school.  I hope he and Emmet pay attention. Peanut butter is not good for parties.

Emmet is still writing about Mr. Kipling. It must be the story with dogs in it as he has been doing it for a long time.

I hope I will be invited to the party. I will be on my best behaviour. Even if there is a lot of cheese. I promised Zita. 

The UPS man came. He is a nice man. I do not bark at him any more. He says I am a good watch dog. I am. It is known.

Niamh is still taking care of the birds. They are not ducks. She told me that. That is good. Ducks are silly.

Christmas is coming. I know about Christmas. We get an inside tree. With lights. The UPS man brings packages that Craig hides. That always happens when Christmas is coming.

Craig and Zita loves Christmas. I get presents at Christmas. I don't have any money to get presents for Niamh and Emmet. That is sad. They get me presents. Oh Well. 

Day Ninety-Six

Niamh and Craig and I went to the bagel store for my walk this morning. Zita is away in Montreal so they took me for my walk. I was very good and I got bagel bits. I saw two squirrels and I ignored them.

Craig says I have a big nose. I do not.

He has a way too small a nose. All people do. They can not smell anything like I can. They don't know what is happening all around them. That is why they need dogs. It is known.

I can go out in the morning with two sniffs I know everything that happened around my house all night long.

Craig has to listen to the radio and they don't know anything interesting at. Did they tell everyone that there are big big raccoons living in the willow tree.  Or the lady with the yellow dog has a cold. No.  Ha.

They went out for dinner last night. I had a nap.

Zita is coming home today. That is good. I had to sleep on her spot in the bed so Craig would not fall out of the bed by mistake. It is hard being a dog in this house. But they love me so it is OK.

My Red Ball went down the stairs to Emmet's place. He will bring it up when he wakes up Craig said. Good thing I have an extra Red Ball. That is good.

Day Ninety-Five

Zita has gone to Montreal on the train. I have never seen a train. Emmet says they are very big and scary. And very loud.

Niamh wants to go on a train. Emmet says Craig is so old that he was on trains that were on fire. I don't believe him.

I should have gone on the train with Zita. Then they would not be scary if I was there.

They have been eating peanut butter. Craig always gives me what is left on the knife when he makes his sandwiches.

Niamh is off toe dancing.

If it is nice they are going out for dinner. Craig can only make peanut butter sandwiches and chilli.

They should go out for dinner where they have vegetables. I never get beans when Zita is away. Craig can't find them in the refrigerator. Niamh can only find the ice cream.

They would be sick if Zita was away for a while. When she was in Ireland Craig and Emmet got scurvy Emmet said.

Good that my food comes in big bags and they cant loose it.

Mr Kipling's poems have dogs in them. That is good.

Day Ninety-Four

A rainy day.  A man come over to ask Craig about getting computers to get people make decisions. I was very good and slept in the kitchen to watch. Just in case.

Everyone is very busy. Zita is writing about ladies and Emmet is writing about Kipling.

Mr. Kipling writes poems that rhyme. They are the best kind of poems Craig says. I don't know I can't read yet. Craig reads poems to me. Some are very exciting. Some are not.

There are squirrels digging up my flowers. Zita throws stones at them. That is good.

Niamh is taking care of her friends birds. One of the is very big. Maybe it would like squirrels.

A nice person from India wrote to say Emmet would like India if he went. That is true.

They have elephants in India. Uncle Bill told me so. He has been there. It is hot in India he said. I may be too furry for hot places Niamh said. I like the snow on my face.

Zita is going away tomorrow with her lady friends for a night. I have stay here and make sure the rest of my family eat properly.  Not just ice tea and peanut butter. It is hard being the dog in this house.

Day Ninety-Three

Zita was at school last night. I went for my walk with Niamh and Craig. I was very good - except for the first part. Oh well.

Emmet read my blog and said he does not hide in the bathroom. He hides behind the door to the big bed room. Ha. Now I know. Silly Emmet.

Niamh has so much hair Zita has to wash it for her. Just like me.

I found my other Red Ball. It is confusing to have two Red Balls outside. I am saving one for extras.

We had to go in the car this morning because Niamh forgot her bus pass and the bus driver would yell at her. We drove fast and gave it to her before the bus got there. I will find that bus driver some day. Yelling is not nice. Ollie and Zorro will come too. Ha.

It is very nice today. I slept outside when they were studying.

Emmet is not going to India. It is just a book he is studying. The one without any dogs in it.  He would not like India. Emmet does not eat Indian food so he would starve.

Maybe the next book will be in Italy. Emmet loves pasta. I like beans and peanut butter.

Zita likes whiskey. So does Uncle Bill. It comes from Scotland like The Haggis. Craig does not have Scotch or eat The Haggis. He just thinks he is a Scotsman. He is wrong. It is known

Day Ninety-Two

Craig has to eat scones lots of times a year or he can not pretend to be a Scotsman. Porridge or oatmeal cookies count too he says. He took a long time to eat his scones and drink his coffee this morning. He had to put jam on them. He is very slow in the mornings.

I don't know why you have to eat scones to be a Scotsman. Emmet says they are going to get to vote to be Scotsmen in Scotland. It wont be for two years he says. I am glad I am just a Bouvier and did not need to vote to be one.

People like things to be complicated I think.

Niamh and Emmet and Zita are Irish. They did not have to vote to be Irish. Emmet says Zita's family had bombs so they did not need to vote.

Craig says Scotsmen did not need bombs. They had The Haggis. He told me what Haggis was.
I don't think Dr. Smith would like it if I ate Haggis. I think oatmeal cookies would be OK.

Lorraine came today and threw my Red Ball a lot. She is good at Red Ball throwing.

Niamh took her hat to school. It was a Mad Hat. I hope she leaves it there. It is not good to be mad. It is good to fall asleep on Niamh's high bed. Or to chase Emmet before dinner. He hides in the bathroom but I find him. He is not a very good hider. Catching Emmet makes me happy. Then I know where he is. That is good.

Day Ninety-One

Niamh made a top hat for school. I don't know why. She is going to be an evil person on her computer game. I don't know why.  She lost her person on that game.  She was upset. Maybe that is why she is evil now. That is sad.

I bet the Black Dog with the White Tail did it.  I saw him today.  He stayed on the other side of the street. That is good.  He is friends with the squirrels.

Emmet got an A on his Punics test.  That is good.  He was happy. He worked very hard.  No more elephants I bet.

Zita had to go to her board meeting last night. They are long.  I can't go to sleep until she gets home. It is the rule.  Everybody needs to be home before I can go to sleep. If they are not here how do I know if they need me.  It is hard being a dog. It is known.

Day Ninety

Squirrels got me in trouble again. I had to have my nose collar on for some of this morning's walk.

I hate my nose collar. I hate squirrels. I met Jamie this morning. Jamie hates squirrels too. 

Everybody here is busy. I got Craig to throw the Red Ball a lot. Then I had a nap.

Ollie and Maggie came over for small visit. Ollie is famous. He is on the computer. I saw him. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC0-Oi8s9ew&feature=youtu.be

Maybe some day I will be famous for chasing all the squirrels away. That would be good.

When Craig and Zita have their coffee in the morning I have to wait. I don't like waiting.

Craig says I am a good waiter. I am not.

He takes a long time to drink his coffee before he comes out to throw my Red Ball.

Some times he has another cup in the middle of the day. I sit and watch him until he is finished. He is very slow. It is because he is old Emmet says. Craig always throws my Red Ball when he is finished. That is good.

Day Eighty-Nine

I had a quiet day. It is raining and they dont want me to go out and drink the water from the roof.  I have to stay inside.

I jumped up on Niamh tall bed and nearly fell off because I am a bit big. She caught me. That is good.

Niamh went out to help with a birthday party. Zita is helping paint Susan's broken house. It is nearly fixed.  That is good. Susan got one of our extra beds for her broken house. It is good we collect beds.

Emmet is reading another long book all about going to India. There are no dogs in it he says. Too bad. Long books are better if there are dogs in them.

Craig is fixing Zita's computer so it can speak dragon. Computers must be difficult to talk to I think.

Niamh came home and I jumped up on her tall bed and went to sleep.  She has a cozy bed. That is good.

Cara is here and they are laughing a lot. I am going to the den and sleep on the sofa. Craig is watching his teams loose.  He needs new teams I think.

Day Eighty-Eight

I had a nice birthday. I got presents. That was nice.

They sang Happy Birthday to me. Craig can't sing very well. I did not tell him.

I ate something in the garden and had a very sick tummy last night. I am ok now. I don't know why I eat garbage. It always makes me sick.

Zita and Craig said they like the other rug in the living room better anyway. That is good.

Emmet came up from his room very late. He was writing an essay. He went for a walk; He cant think any more he said. Zita tells him he does not eat enough. He stole my Red Ball on his way out and I had to chase him to get it back. He is very silly.

Niamh is toe dancing and Zita is at school because she has a big exam. Craig threw the Red Ball a lot of times. That is good.

I am going to have a nap. Having a sick tummy makes you tired.

Day Eighty-Seven

I am two.  That is what Niamh told me so it must be true.  It is very busy here today.

Niamh was still sick so I had to take care of her. Zita and Emmet are at the university.

Craig is at the doctor's being shot for the flu.

I am here to take care of Niamh. To make sure she sleeps in and brushes her teeth. I sleep in the hall outside her door so I can keep track of her.  It is a lot of work being the dog in this house.

Niamh said they are going to have a party for my birthday tonight. I hope I can come. I don't get to go to many parties. It is my cheese problem you know. Oh well.

Maybe Niamh should rub some of Dr. Smith's cream on her head. It makes my ears feel better. I bet it would work. Dr. Smith is a good doctor.  He likes me.

Zita has a exam tomorrow. Emmet is writting a paper. I will be extra quiet tonight.  When Zita studies I just lie on my duvet on the bed and sleep.  Dogs are a big help studying. It is known.

I saw snow. That is good. My feet like the snow. My feet don't like the ice.

Craig has a t-shirt with a fierce dog on it. It says Winter is Coming. It is known

Day Eighty-Six

I walked Niamh to the bus stop this morning. I got a bit of a bagel, but I pulled too much and had to have my nose collar on.

The papers came today. It is always very exciting when the papers come. I don't get to help though. I would like to help.

I bet I could carry lots of papers to the cars. But they don't let me. Some times I forget and bark at the people. Oh well

Zita forgot her rain coat at the university.

Niamh has a bad headache and had to come home from school. That is too bad. I will sleep on her bed. That will make her better.

Emmet went out and got her a bagel. She shared it with me.

Zita has to put Dr. Smith's cream in my ears. It is not nice but I get a carrot treat when it is done. Carrots are crunchy.

Day Eight-Five

Uncle Bill came over. He got a turkey. He showed Emmet the picture. Uncle Bill said it was a very small turkey. Turkeys are not smarter than Uncle Bill. That is good.

Squirrels in my garden. Eating my vegetables. Zita says it was too cold and the vegetables left were not good to eat. Maybe they will die. They were eating and eating and no matter how much I barked they ignored me. I hate squirrels.

Maybe Uncle Bill can come over and shoot them. Say they were pretending to be turkeys.

I had to go to see Dr. Smith. I had a sore ear. He gave Zita some cream for my ear, It smells funny.

Emmet is making dinner. It smells good. Emmet drops stuff when he cooks. That is good.

They nearly forgot to feed me. Dinner was very late. I had to have lettuce from making dinner. That was good.

Day Eighty-Four

Niamh had a bad day. She left her wet running shoes in her locker and it smelled so badly her nose stopped working.  Good thing I was not there. I have a much better nose than Niamh.

She is going to toe dance to make her feel better. She will buy a smoothie to drink between her two classes. Niamh like smoothies, but not grass smoothies. They are for squirrels she says.

Emmet and Zita are at school.

Emmet is writing about a dark heart.  He has read this book before. He is tired of it.  It is better than the kabillion page poem lying about why the Romans were better than the Greeks he said.

They read silly books in university I think. They should read Call of the Wild. It has dogs in it.

Craig is reading about a detective in Quebec. He has a dog too. It must be a good book.

Day Eighty-Three

Saw a squirrel on my walk this morning  and ran away to catch it. It ran up a tree and I got in trouble. It was a mistake and I was sad.  When I got home I got up on to the bed and slept beside Craig untill he got up to throw my Red Ball.

Maybe every one will forget.

Sometimes squirrels get the better of me.  I don't know why.  It is embarrassing. Craig understands he says he has done some embarrassing things too.  I don't think it was squirrels.  Zita says it was before her time and she is not responsible.

Uncle Bill would know.  But he is too good at keeping secrets,  He knows I am a mountain goat. He promised not to tell anyone. That is good.

Paul is going to England. Heather's house must be broken again. Heather's house is made of chocolate bars Paul said.  Zita would like that.

We watched a Terry Pratchett movie.  They have huge elephants and even bigger turtles.  They are very silly movies. They are Emmet's favourites.   It is known.

Went for my walk.. Had to use the nose collar.  I hate my nose collar. It says I don't listen very well. It is embarrassing.  Saw the ducks.  They quacked at me. I hate ducks.

Day Eighty-Two

A very quiet day. Every one is busy getting Thanksgiving done.

They are having turkey. The kitchen smells very good. But I cant have any. Dr. Smith would be sad if I ate turkey and got an upset tummy. I will stick to beans. There are lots of beans. I will get some.

Uncle Bill tries to shoot turkeys. They hide from him.  He says he thinks the turkeys are smarter than he is. He bought his turkey again. That is sad. He should take me. I could find the turkeys. I have a very good nose. I can chase the ducks and make them fly. I bet turkeys are not as smart as ducks.

I had better walks today. Not so much pulling. Zita and I are both happier.

Zita and Emmet had the blowing machine out. It is very loud. They said I could not help. I bet I could.

Emmet stayed up all night talking to his friend at the university in America. I bet he drank all his ice tea.

Day Eight-One

I don't like Saturdays. Craig always goes off to his breakfast with his friends. They are all old too.  I have to wait for so long for him to come home and throw my Red Ball. It is not good. Today he brought home green beans from Mr. Nicastros. That is good. I like green beans,

I have learned to be a mountain goat.

Niamh and the twins were making pumpkin pies for the party dinners tomorrow. They went into the den and I climbed on them and got all of my feet on the top of the sofa. On top of the sofa is the best way to look out that window.  I can see all the way down the pond from that window. And my garden.

Niamh looked a me and said I was a mountain goat. Better than a duck.

Uncle Bill came over for cookies and then fixed Zita`s dryer which had exploded. Did not wake Emmet. Emmet likes to sleep.

When Emmet got up I was asleep on the kitchen floor. He gave me cheese. He went off to the ice tea store.

Niamh is toe dancing again on her new shoes. I hope she does not fall off her shoes. They are very pointy.

Mountain goats live out side and don't have their own duvets Emmet said. I will keep being a mountain goat secret.