Life Through the Eyes of a Labrador Retriever

Maintaining My Cool

2005-07-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

I don't know how the weather is where you live, but in the San Francisco Bay Area, it's in the 90s. Too cool me off, Dad offered
me a refreshing (and down-right delicious) Frosty Paws ice cream. I couldn't resist!

Consuming Frosty Paws is serious business...

Summer of Smiley

2005-06-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

If you're a Seinfeld fan, you're probably familiar with the "Summer of George," George's fantasy about lying around in shorts munching on a huge block of cheese. My fantasy may not be quite that good, but I am having a terrific summer. To begin with, my cousin Kelsey is staying with us while doing an internship in San Francisco. My buddies Mack, Ryan, Kylie, Michael, and Darren have also stayed with us for short periods. All this activity and we're just mid-way through the summer. It's all that this 8 1/2-year-old Lab can handle... Not!!!

A Birthday Wish

2005-06-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

To Mom who slips me tasty treats, takes me out for long walks, and rubs my tummy: I wish you a very happy birthday!!!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed your card!!! I chose the card and Dad helped me sign it...

Love,
Smiling Shadow

The French Disconnection

2005-06-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

My Mom and Dad just returned from a wonderful vacation in France, the country where dogs rule. Canines of all sizes are welcome in department stores, pastry shops, vegetable stands, restaurants -- just about everywhere. Why they didn't take me I'll never quite understand. After all, I'm a perfect gentleman and I bark in French -- wee wee!

The morning after

2005-05-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

It's an oatmeal morning. Yesterday evening, I munched on the stack of firewood -- in a big way -- and paid for it later on. In the middle of the night, I got so sick I thought I was going to barf up a lung. Fortunately, my Dad had the oatmeal ready to settle my rumbling stomach.

The right priorities

2005-05-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

On April, 24, my Mom and Dad traveled to Monterey to do a 10.6 mile walk, an event at the Big Sur Marathon. Later that afternoon, they noodled around in Carmel. At the end of the day, they realized they spent a measley eight bucks on themselves and about forty dollars on stuff for me. I'm glad they've got their priorities straight!

The silence of the Lab

2005-04-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Labs are very oral creatures -- a trait I've taken to the extreme. If given the chance, I'll munch on tanbark, rocks, the wood pile, just about anything I can get my teeth into. Then, the barfing starts. (I try to do that outside the house...) To avoid this charade, sometimes Dad sends me outside to "go potty" (another wierd human term) fully equipped with protective body armor.

My impression of Hannibal Lecter

Backseat driving

2005-04-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

My Dad thinks I'm a backseat driver. Sure, I jam my wet nose in his right ear and lick it as he drives (I can't reach the left one), and yeah, he can feel the intensity of my hot breath pressing against the back of his neck, but what the heck, it's my nature to dominate -- to get ahead of the cars racing down the road. A Lab has got to do what he's got to do!

My cuppa joe

2005-04-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

Every morning, my Mom and Dad have a cup of coffee. Sometimes Mom has a latte. It looks so delicious, she bought a doggie latte for me -- minus the foam and caffeine. I could become a java junkie!

Sawing wood

2005-04-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

This morning, Mom told me that during the night, Dad and I were snoring up a storm, me on one side of her and Dad on the other. Like father, like son -- sawing wood in stereo!

Pining for the Parisian life

2005-04-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I wish I lived in France where dogs are welcome in meat markets, grocery stores, restaurants, and bakeries. I know a Parisian dog who visits a patasserie every morning to munch on delectible little lemon cakes, called madelines. Ooo la la. What a life. In France, dogs rule!

Levitating at the thought
of living in Paris

Our lawn, the minefield

2005-04-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, traipsing across our lawn is like venturing into a minefield, painstakingly trying to avoid stepping on "bombs" of grass-camouflaged turds (mine of course). Yesterday, before mowing the lawn, my Dad did a "clean sweep." Thank heaven for small miracles!

Tools of the trade

My expanding vocabulary

2005-04-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

Last night, a TV program reported that dogs are capable of understanding 100 words. My Mom said I probably know about 200 different words. I beg to differ, after all, I write my own blog everyday (with the help of my Dad who does the typing). I figure I know at least 1,000 words... and counting!

A bone of mammoth proportions

2005-04-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

Today, my Mom returned from the supermarket with a bone the size of a '57 Buick. Chomping on a juicy bone sure beats eating dirt, tanbark, or my Dad's firewood.

Sixty pound lap dog

2005-04-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

Mom refers to me as her sixty pound lap dog. Every morning I greet her by leaping onto the bed, plopping on top of her, and digging my pointy elbows into her chest. She'd prefer a gentler approach, but frankly, it's just not in me.

Me and bones

2005-03-30T16:53:00.000-08:00

In my world, chomping on bones is serious business. Next to eating meals and walking, it's my favorite passtime. Can you tell?

Annual carrot hunt

2005-03-27T08:34:00.000-08:00

Humans have rather odd rituals. Case in point: every Easter, my Mom hides carrots around the yard, and then sends me out to hunt for them. Who knows why? Since food is involved (carrots are one of my favorite treats), I humor her and go along with the drill...

Protein supplements for Labs

2005-03-26T07:58:00.000-08:00

I never miss the chance to gobble up bugs. This morning I spotted one sprinting across our kitchen floor. There was a mad dash. Mom tried to stop me, but I got to it before she did. In a heartbeat, that bug was history. Nothing like a little extra protein to keep a Lab energized!

We're oral creatures

2005-03-25T10:20:00.000-08:00

Labs are very oral creatures. Everything goes into our mouths. In the yard, it's not unusual to catch me munching on tanbark, grass, and dirt, or chewing bark off a log. But yesterday I really overdid it and today I'm stopped up big time! So this morning, my Dad gave me oatmeal and blueberries for breakfast in attempt to make me a "regular" guy. Only time will tell...

Labs don't plant; we unplant

2005-03-15T09:53:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, Spring is in the air. That means it's time to plant the vegetable garden! Actually, I don't do the planting; my specialty is unplanting -- that is, harvesting the fruit and vegetables. My philosophy is, why wait 'til they're ripe? Life is short. Low hanging food -- green or ripe -- is fair game as far as I'm concerned. Over the years, my "personal eating habits" have become a bone of contention (pardon the pun) with me and my parents.

A Lab has got to have priorities

2005-03-09T18:38:00.000-08:00

My Mom just returned from a long weekend in Las Vegas. She didn't bring back much loot, but brought back plenty of treats for me. As soon as she entered the house, I rummaged through her suitcase until I found what was rightfully mine. Afterwards, I said hello to her. It's a Lab thing...

Living with reborn dog owners

2005-02-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, is getting on my nerves. Ever since my Mom and Dad started watching (and TiVoing) that TV show, my life hasn't been the same. Cesar is a dog behaviorist who has a keen sense for understanding and rehabilitating dogs with "behavioral issues." His show has transformed my Mom and Dad into reborn dog owners. I've just got to figure out how to erase all those episodes before I go discipline crazy!

Longing for warmer days

2005-02-04T21:53:00.000-08:00

Everyday, I look forward to going for a walk. But, lately, it's been so cold around here I've been freezing my tail off. I can't wait for Spring! To make Winter more tolerable, my Mom enrolled me in a "fun and games" class. Whereas I'm having fun, she thinks I'm out of control. She just doesn't understand how the Lab mind works... We're complex creatures.

My buddy left town

2005-01-17T21:52:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit sad today. My buddy Mack moved to Modesto, about 1.5 hours from our home. I'm going to miss him and his cat, Elvis. We'll still hang out from time to time, just not as often. I know Mack visits Lovealab.com. So to Mack and Elvis, I'm sending a great big HELLO! Don't forget to visit me!!! I'll even share my juicy bone with you...

A New Years' wish for dog lovers

2005-01-07T21:51:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year my dog-loving friends. Like you, I survived the holidays. On Christmas morning, I tore open more packages than ever. Some weren't even mine! By all accounts, the jolly old man (Santa, that is...) must have approved of my attitude and behavior this past year. I'm looking forward to 2005: the year of the Lab!

The nose knows

2004-12-13T21:51:00.000-08:00

My Mom and Dad just put up our Christmas tree this weekend. When they put up our stockings on the mantle, I went right to mine -- I can still sense the remnants of goodies from last year. Sniffing stuff is what I do. The Lord knows a Lab's nose is good for something!

Fun in Half Moon Bay

2004-11-16T21:50:00.000-08:00

This weekend, my Mom and Dad took me to Zaballa House, a dog-friendly B&B in Half Moon Bay, California. I strolled around town, munched on delicious dog treats, and played hide and seek with my Mom. I lived like a king!

Kicking back in my own room (not really,
I'll share with Mom and Dad...)

Post pumpkin activities

2004-11-09T21:49:00.000-08:00

Halloween is history yet I'm still finding candy around the house. Boy, kids are a great source for blessed little snacks! Since my last blog entry, I've resumed obedience classes. Martina, my instructor, has designated me her demo dog. Imagine that. Fooled her again!!

Elvis is in the House!

2004-10-29T21:48:00.000-07:00

Halloween is just two days away and am I excited! This year, my cousins Danielle, Michael, Kylie, and Ryan will be trick or treating in our neighborhood. At 6:30 p.m., there's going to be costume parade in our neighborhood. I'm going as Elvis, the spooky-tooth Lab!

Elvis is in the house! Oh Yeh...

Back in fine form

2004-10-12T21:48:00.000-07:00

My Mom and Dad have been in the UK on vacation, so I haven't been able to publish my blog. Although I do the writing, I rely on my Dad to type the stories for me. My paws are too big to work the keyboard! For the record, I've fully recovered from the dog bite of a few weeks ago. I've also managed to close out the growing season by raiding every single tomato in my Mom's garden. I'm definitely back in top form!

I've had better days

2004-09-04T21:47:00.000-07:00

Dog days aren't always happy days. During my walk on Friday morning, I was attacked by a dog wandering the neighborhood. My guardian angel must have been watching over me, because a kind stranger (thanks Dave!) helped my Mom and Dad pull the dog off of me, avoiding serious injury. After a few stitches, I should return to fine form in about a week.

Tomato fights

2004-09-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

My parents and I have been wrangling over ownership of the tomatoes in our garden. They insist on keeping me away from that delectable fruit, but I have different plans. Anytime they're not looking, I conduct clandestine raids. It's gotten down to a battle of wills...

Pork fat rules!

2004-08-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

My Dad and Mom hosted a barbecue this weekend for about 20 friends and relatives. For the party, I was up at 5:30 a.m., helping my Dad smoke a Boston pork butt. You see, I'm the official food taster. Fourteen hours later, it was scrumptious. When it comes to pork, I'm with Emeril: "pork fat rules!"

The blueberry champ

2004-08-13T21:46:00.000-07:00

With the Olympics upon us, my Mom thought I should enter the blueberry retrieval competition. On the right I can be seen snagging a couple of "blues" tossed into the air. Move aside Michael Phelps, I'm going for the gold! Or should I say blues?

Teasing just for the fun of it

2004-08-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

I get a charge from teasing my Dad. While he was in the shower this morning, I slipped into the bathroom and slithered out with his shower mat. I thought that was cute. He wasn't amused...

Birthday #8

2004-08-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

On August 2, I celebrated my eighth birthday. Imagine that... My Mom and Dad bought me a personalized cookie and some cool gifts. More stuff to add to my mountain of toys!

Wrong place, wrong time

2004-07-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

The other night, my cousins Danielle and Kylie were busy doing some craft projects. While working, they accidentally dumped glitter on my head, which didn't make me very happy, but certainly made me sparkle!

For the love of apples

2004-07-26T21:43:00.000-07:00

I like when Grandma "O" visits. She always brings me an apple. I love apples almost as much as carrots and bananas!

Grandma carefully cutting and coring an
apple for me.

Jenga

2004-07-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

My cousin Kylie is a guest at our home this week. During the day, she attends a day camp. During the evening, she plays with me -- her favorite Lab! Last night, we played Jenga, stacking rectangular blocks into an 18-story tower. She tried to get me to knock it over with my massive tail, but I outfoxed her. Or should I say outlabed her!

Shedding gobs of fur

2004-07-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been shedding big time. To prevent our home from becoming totally engulfed in fur, today my Dad brushed my coat -- from stem to stern. I despise being brushed. It's like aliens touching my body!

A superstar in the making

2004-07-12T21:40:00.000-07:00

Didn't know I was a ball player did you? A baseball player that is... No ball gets by me. I'm all over the field -- infield, outfield -- anywhere the ball goes. Labs are natural ball players. This weekend, my skills on the field were impeccable!

All work, no glory

2004-07-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

Boy, time flies when you're having fun! During the fourth of July weekend, my Mom and Dad took me on two long walks -- a total of 14 miles. On a quest for optimal health, they're preparing to walk a half marathon in Big Sur, in October. The upside is: I get to work out with them. The downside? Dogs aren't allowed to participate in the marathon. How could they do such a thing to us Labs? I'm walking my tail off!

Need I say more?

Hustling for treats

2004-06-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

Every summer, my cousin Danielle stays with us an entire week to attend day camp. I like hanging out with her. I particularly like hustling her for treats. I've got to be subtle about it to avoid getting the "evil eye" from my Dad, who knows all my moves!

Hanging out at Jerry's and Posie's

2004-06-24T21:38:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we drove to Sacramento to visit my Uncle Jerry, Aunt Posie, and Aunt Joie. Within 15 minutes of our arrival, I found three tennis balls, a football, and one golf ball in their backyard. Then, I came upon a real treasure trove: an apple tree from which I consumed about 12 juicy apples. We have to visit those folks more often! Their home is a Lab paradise!

Birthday wishes for Mom

2004-06-23T21:38:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday, Mom! You're the best Mom a Lab could ever have. I love you now and always. Have a wonderful day!

-- Smiling Shadow

Good vision, bad judgement

2004-06-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

Today, while walking, my Dad was rather amused when I started barking and growling at a statue of a Black Lab that had been placed in the front yard of a house in our neighborhood. Dad contends that my vision isn't impaired, my judgement is. He may have a valid point...

Greetings to fathers everywhere

2004-06-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all human fathers and their canine counterparts! We can't say enough good things about you. Chomp on a juicy bone (or steak) and have a wonderful day!

Onward at any cost

2004-06-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

I love walking, even on warm Summer days. I dodge hot pavement wherever I can, but even that won't slow me down. Water break? Out of the question. My Dad is beginning to wonder if I'm part Camel! Since I won't drink any water, Dad pours it on my back. He's so thoughtful.

Skunked again

2004-06-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

My Mom was out of town on business the entire week. Then, shortly after she returned, my Dad and Mack went shad fishing on the American River. Neither of them caught any fish. If they had taken me, I could have demonstrated my abilities as a bona fide water dog! And maybe caught a fish or two.

Turds of different colors

2004-06-13T21:35:00.000-07:00

As a Lab, it's beyond my comprehension that Crayons are for drawing, not for eating. In the next few days, my Dad will learn this as he discovers the multicolored gifts that I'll leave around our yard...

In a word: dominate!

2004-06-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

As a dominant kind of creature, It's my nature to lead. I'd venture to say that if I had big pointy elbows, my Dad would have lots of bruises from me vying for his position as "head honcho." Take our sleeping arrangements, for instance. If Dad were to leave his place on the bed -- even for a moment -- rest assured that I would move in a heartbeat to assume what I consider my rightful position.

Tuning in

2004-06-07T21:34:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, my Dad's cousin, Ron, visited us to play guitars. One of my favorite pastimes is listening to him and my Dad play music. For the entire day -- and most of the evening -- our living room was inundated with guitars, amps, stomp boxes, and other kinds of music paraphernalia. Sometimes Ron accepts song requests. In the picture below, he is working out the licks (pardon the pun) to my personal favorite, "Who Let the Dogs Out!"

Strut'n my stuff

2004-06-03T21:33:00.000-07:00

During my walk each day, I pass one particular home in my neighborhood with a Chocolate Lab usually laying in the front yard. My Dad thinks I'm silly because just before reaching the house, I start huffing and snorting and craning my neck to see if the Lab is there. Lately, she hasn't been. My Dad thinks I should forego my shenanigans and opt for a cold shower instead...

Raiding the garden

2004-06-02T21:25:00.001-07:00

This afternoon my Dad planted his vegetable garden. Every year -- from planting to harvesting -- I conduct clandestine raids, plucking and consuming veggies as soon as they appear. It's only day one of the planting season and already I've been warned to stay out the garden. Do you think that's going to stop a persistent Lab like me? WRONG!

Gifts for Redmond

2004-06-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

When my Mom and Dad returned from Redmond on Monday, I scrounged through their suitcase -- as I always do -- and uncovered a cool stuffed toy they brought back for me. When I was resting on the bed after breakfast this morning, my Dad kissed me what seemed like a hundred times. I didn't mind. I let him.

Hanging out with Mack

2004-05-28T21:22:00.000-07:00

During the Memorial Day weekend, my Mom and Dad are flying to Redmond, Washington to visit my Aunt and Uncle. While they're gone, Mack and I are going to watch the Indianapolis 500 and have a barbecue. As you'd expect, I'll continue to guard the homeland against insurgents, such as birds and squirrels!

Remembering the Vets

2004-05-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hey, it occurred to me that Memorial Day is just around the corner. I want to wish all the Vets -- and their service dogs -- all the best from all of us at Lovealab.com.

Visiting with the relatives

2004-05-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

This morning, my Aunt, Grandma, and cousin visited us. While they were here, I scammed a banana from my Aunt and gobbled up smoke rings as Grandma puffed on a cigarette. Where do you place a nicotine patch on a Lab?

Cheesy parlor tricks

2004-05-22T21:20:00.000-07:00

My Mom is back to teaching me cheap parlor tricks. This time she is trying to get me to turn on and off a light switch by putting peanut butter on it. How do humans dream up these ill-conceived ideas? The problem is my Lab nose can turn on the switch; it just can't turn it off! Bring on more peanut butter!

Labs on the job

2004-05-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

This morning, like all Friday mornings, my friend Mack cleans our house. Generally, I supervise, but today I decided to pitch in and help him clean up. I snatched his rags and ran throughout the house, dusting this and that. Although everyone considers Labs sporting dogs, we're working dogs, too!

The dutiful son

2004-05-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

In the past few days, my Mom has been ill with one of those bugs that can't be killed with bug spray. Since she always takes care of me when I'm sick, I've been taking care of her by keeping her feet warm, fetching the paper, and licking her face when she is sleeping. I think I've missed my calling; I should have been an doctor!

Sleeping through class

2004-05-16T21:18:00.000-07:00

On Saturday afternoon, I finished the last session of eight-week obedience classes. I've attended classes since I was four months old. Needless-to-say, I've got the commands committed to memory. Half the time my mind is on vacation. Out to lunch. Strictly on automatic pilot. My Dad thinks these classes are beneficial. What's a Lab to do? I humor him...

Hunting for Rolaids at 4 a.m.

2004-05-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

Did I tell you that I have a thing about Rolaids? At about 4 a.m. a few morning's ago, I was nosing around the bedroom and spotted them on my Dad's nightstand. I know I'm not supposed to touch them, but hey, everyone was asleep and those tasty little peppermint tablets were just inches away -- too close to pass up. I was just starting to make my move when Dad bellowed, "LEAVE THEM ALONE!" He had been watching me out of the corner of one eye the entire time... Foiled again!

Mary Jane (a.k.a. MJ)

2004-05-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my Dad received pictures of my cousin, Mary Jane, to post on Lovelab.com's "Hall of Friends" page. The last time I saw Mary Jane was during the holidays a few years ago. I snatched her gifts when she wasn't looking. Among her talents, Mary Jane can bring her Dad a can of beer from the refrigerator. But one thing she can't do? Write her own blog!

Resisting my instincts

2004-05-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

Since returning from her trip to Pennsylvania, Mom has resumed her quest to teach me food restraint -- a near impossibility. Today, she placed two large dog cookies on my paws, then dared me to eat them. My fragile Lab brain nearly blew a gasket!

Greetings on Mother's Day

2004-05-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom and to all Mom's who love Labs and look after them throughout the year. Have a wonderful day!

Awaiting Mom's return

2004-05-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

I can't wait for tomorrow! It's not just Mother's Day, my Mom is returning from Pennsylvania. I miss her when she's not around. She always plays with me and rubs my tummy. She's also much more generous about doling out carrots than Dad is. And she never fails to bring back something for me in her suitcase. Maybe a juicy bone or a squeaky toy? Who knows. I'll have to wait to see.

Yanking Dad's chain

2004-05-07T21:08:00.000-07:00

Teasing my Dad is one of my favorite pastimes. I do it everyday before we go walking. Just as he reaches down to put on my leash, I dart around the house, bobbing and weaving like a four-legged version of Muhammad Ali. Oddly enough, Dad doesn't always appreciate my charming, irresistible sense of humor...

The no-squirrel zone

2004-05-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

Squirrels and I don't get along, especially when they enter my yard. The way I see it, guarding against squirrel invasions keeps our family safe. Usually, squirrels try to infiltrate our yard to snatch food from our bird feeder. When I spot them along the fence, I bolt like a gazelle and chase them until they're out of site -- high up in the trees. Who says Labs don't make good watch dogs?

The wonderfulness of walking

2004-05-04T21:06:00.000-07:00

Going for walks is one of my favorite pastimes. The fresh air, the wafting odors, the leg lifting -- I love it all. I know where every dog lives in my neighborhood. Dad contends that I can read the "Beware of Dog" signs on the fences and gates. If I do, I read with my nose, not my eyes. But, don't tell him.

The strawberry mind game

2004-05-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, Dad caught me rummaging through his strawberry patch. It's kind of a mind game that I play with him on a regular basis. It goes something like this: I sneak around when he's not looking and then knock over as many berries as I can before he discovers what I'm doing. Am I going to stop? What a silly question!

2004-05-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

Today, my cousin Ron came over to play guitars with my Dad. I listened to them all day (and most of the evening). Six strings. 12 strings. All that music talk. I lay right next to the amps so I don't miss a single note. I'm Ron's and Dad's biggest fan. Actually, I'm probably their only fan (with the exception of a few tone deaf relatives).

2004-05-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

I'm pooped today. I've been up since 4 a.m. I wanted to say goodbye to my Mom who was leaving for Pennsylvania. For the next eight days, Dad and I will be "baching it." While I'll miss my Mom, there's nothing like quality time with my Dad!

2004-04-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

Oh happy day! I really get pumped up when people come to visit. My grandma and cousins are staying the evening before leaving for vacation in Grove City, Pennsylvania. How exciting! It's time to sprint up and down the halls and parade around with my toys -- all 50 of them!

2004-04-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

After watching the Cell Dogs TV show the other night, my Mom decided that it was time to teach me to balance treats on my paws. Needless-to-say, I wasn't thrilled with this idea. At first, I could barely control myself. The treats: so close, yet so far. I could only imagine the tastiness of those tender little morsels. My single-minded, food-motivated Lab brain nearly short circuited! When it comes to Labs and food, it's a Zen thing: we are one!

2004-04-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

My foot is back in top-notch shape and I'm itching to go walking with my Dad. I look forward to it everyday. It's also one of the reasons I'm in such good shape. I've had elbow dysplasia since I was a youngster, so walking keeps my joints lubed and limber. I've got my leash, I'm by the door, and I'm ready to go!

2004-04-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

I like when Mom and Dad return from trips because they always bring me cool stuff. This time wasn't any different. Hiding in their suitcases were two new stuffed toys -- a pig and a snake -- to add to my collection. I also smelled a knuckle bone in there somewhere, but I haven't found it yet!

2004-04-25T20:58:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 25, 2004While my Mom and Dad walked 10.6 miles in the Big Sur Marathon, I spent time with Mack and his cat, Elvis. It's a strange thing: I like to play with Elvis much more than she likes to play with me. It must be that great divide that exists between dogs and cats. Anyway, the three of us watched the Giants get tromped by the Dodgers, nine zip!.

2004-04-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

Today, my Mom and Dad are driving to Monterey to walk in Sunday's Big Sur Marathon. I wish I could go, but I can't. No dogs are allowed. I just don't understand it. I've logged the miles -- matching Mom and Dad stride for stride. And I'm not a youngster either! The bottom line is: rules are rules. I guess I'll just have to dream about being a marathon dog.

2004-04-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

Every Friday, I get to hang out with my friend Mack, who cleans our house. I follow him from room to room and watch him as he works. Sometimes I get in the way, but he doesn't seem to mind. What I really like doing is stealing his rags and racing up and down the halls with them in my mouth. It's so much fun! Sometimes Mack watches me when my Mom and Dad leave town. We enjoy playing together and watching reality TV. By the way, I've been thinking, why don't they do a reality TV show about Labs?

Me and Mack

2004-04-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

I've been lounging around while my foot is on the mend. No walks for me this week -- doctor's orders. I guess I'll make the best of it and help the Lovealab.com staff fill orders. They'll work; I'll supervise.

2004-04-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

I love carrots. I'll do almost anything for one. On Saturday, I hurt my foot doing a cartwheel for one of those pointy orange roots! I was limping this morning, so Dad drove me to the vet. After poking and prodding, my doctor x-rayed my foot. No broken bones. In a week, I should be as good as new.

Injured foot