SOMETIMES IT'S JUST ME AND ELF.
The harried activity of the holiday season is half way over and I need a nap. All the food, all the company, all the guest fawning over me and all the special attention I get from my Daddies at times becomes overwhelming. I ate too much; I worked too hard on opening my presents; I wore myself thin trying to be "cute" for the guests and company. Now, I just need a nap with my little snuggle-buddy, Alf. Sush.

DREAMING OF LOBSTERS.
T'was the night before Christmas when all through the house hussle and bussle could be heard in every corner. David and Thom were preparing for tomorrow's feast. The house smelled of all kinds of goodies, but the one scent that captured my soul was sitting atop the dining room table. Lobster, yes, it was lobster. And I knew there was one with my name on it. I had already eaten my supper and was having a snooze while visions of bright red crustaceans danced in my head. Oh, will tomorrow ever arrive?

SANTA PAWS CAME TO MY HOUSE.
I knew when they put up the tree there were going to be presents for me to open. Sure enough, I came downstairs the other morning and the place was dripping with bright colored packages. I only wish they were all for me; but I made out all right. In fact, the week before, I got my doggie cousins' Christmas gift because I smelled it in the bag the minute Daddy David brought it into the house. I was just my persistent demanding self and never left his side until I got those doggie chew bones. I guess Thom and David must have bought more for Patrick, Lytton and Benny because I devoured all three from the initial purchase.
I really enjoy tearing the paper off my gifts. Christmas is so special. We always have lots of good food too. This year we had lobster and naturally, I had my very own. Company came, supposedly for dinner, but I understood they just came to pay a social call on me. Boy do I get lots of attention and praise when the house is full of guests. I deserve it too. I wish Christmas was more that once a year!

FASHION DOGS
Fall is here and winter is approaching fast. I love the cold, the wind, and the snow. I can remember last winter and can hardly wait for the first snowfall. I hope it is light and powdery so I can kick up white dust as I trudge along. At the moment I must be content with rustling the dried brown leaves; I love that crunching sound.
This winter I am a year older and a little slower physically. My constitution is worn a bit from my traumatic experience with my bleeding ulcer and my blood transfusion. I think that is why I do get a bit chilly now. A few weeks ago it was really cold and windy and I found myself shivering a little. Daddy Thom bought me a winter sweater. It is knit and of course, the color is fire engine red. It has a turtle neck and is actually quite stylish. What could be more striking that a perfectly spotted black and white Dalmatian in a flashy red sweater. I do like it, but I don't care for the fuss of putting it on and taking it off.
We read on Grani Frani's blog that my cousin, Bailey, is also sporting winter togs this year. She has a coat and it looks to me like she has a lot less trouble getting it off and on. I think she looks quite stylish too - kind of like a long-distance hiking dog. I used to be a long-distance walker myself, back in the day. I still get around well enough and my staff provides me with lots of stimulating adventures.

A SOUTHERN LADY.
This is my good friend and neighbor, Lady Emma Mullins. She lives down the drive from me and retains a lovely and competent staff of two, Bill and April. We get along so well having so much in common. We both try to cut down on household expenses by retaining small but effective full time staff. We both are pampered and well treated in the style to which we are accustomed. Emma is 15 and I am pushing 12, so we both are proud members of the doggie senior division. Emma has a touch of arthritis as do I. Some days mobility is slow and tiring, but the staff responds with love, attention, medication and human stair escalation.
On these beautiful summer days here in Eastport we each occasionally get a burst of puppy fever and frolic wildly till the exertion catches up with us.
Emma wanders freely around the property as do I. I think we each get a bit befuddled at times and have to be gentle reoriented - that's what staff is for. Sometimes when we are both out and about our estates, Emma will start up the drive and I will descend the deck steps and proceed down the drive to met her half way. We chat a bit Eastport style and catch up on things. We complaint about our little aches and pains and console each other. April and Bill, Thom and david understand this exchange as they are so well doggie attuned.
Emma left with her staff last Thursday for her Southern estates in Tennessee. I will miss her, but her smiling face will be returning for Thanksgiving and I am counting the days.
Oh yes, Eastport is the "way life should be" even for us doggies!

A GIRL AFTER MY OWN HEART.
This past may I got a visit from my Aunt JoAnne from Las Vegas. It is always a joy to see Jo. She smells so good and she treats me like the royalty I am. She also brings me expensive stuffed toys even though she knows I can totally eviscerate them in about 20 minutes if I am so inclined. Daddy Thom buys me inexpensive stuffed animals at thrift shop as he understands their life expectancy around me; But Aunt JoAnne has class and spares no expense. My gift this trip was a white polar bear from the endangered species list. I took a little pity on him and he did not become endangered with me for about 4 days. Eventually he met his doom and became just an empty pelt of road kill with all stuffing removed through a tiny nose perforation. I guess this evisceration complex just one of my inherited genetic memories.
Aunt Jo and I can also can quality time together without fuzzing and getting all goo-goo over eaxh other. Here we are just lounging about,on the deck in the sun. In my old age I have begun to fully enjoy the art of lounging in the sun. Hum-m-m-m!

JOB DOG.
A few days ago I meet a new friend. I think his name is Mo and his person is Don. Dog comes everyday now to make us a new dooryard with the paving tiles we had stacked in the back yard like some kind of war memorial. Since Mo is Don's "job dog" he goes to work everyday with his daddy and sits in the back of the truck or wanders about keeping tabs on the situation, like I do.
I think Mo looks like a small bear and he has intelligent loving eyes. Once in a while he comes up on "my" deck and watches the workers. Now, I was not thrilled about that and had to voice my objection quite loudly. Daddy Thom took me outside on my leash to meet Mo face to face thinking that would rectify the situation. I liked Mo and I think Mo liked me. We both are older dogs and probably have much in common - I know we both have a devoted and well trained staff as Don dotes on Mo. Mo and I did a little sensory greeting and things were cool, but then I guess I startled him by being too anxious; He snapped a little and growled at me. Naturally I growled back - had to get my two cents in and have the last word. We now have an understanding and cordially tolerate each other like proper Older Maine gentlemen. Seems we have worked it out.
The influx of people has decreased now as the dooryard is complete except for the finishing touches which will be down by my staff. Brent still comes almost everyday - I like Brent. He works mostly in the house and treats me well. He lets me observe all the work as I keep tabs of the indoor improvements.
Besides - Brent is building me my own storage cabinet for my personal things. I say, "It's about time."

THE GOOD LIFE CONTINUES.
Yes, life continues to be good. My general health is consistently improving, although the weekly trips to my Vet, Dr. Teer, in Machais remain on my social schedule. I love the short road trip; I love my Vet and all her assistants; but I am getting tired of the frequent needle sticks for my blood work. My doggie H&H is now normal and the more complicated tests show I am regenerating. This is a very good thing.
My new pain pills, Tramadol, are successfully controlling the annoying discomfort in my hips from my arthritis and so far have displayed no horrid side effects. Thank goodness for that as I do not relish the idea of another trip to Portland for a blood transfusion.
Living in Eastport has wonderful benefits for dogs as well as people. I have my own little circle of doggie pals and we occasionally get to visit and chat. Mikey hardly ever passes by the house without stopping to say "Hi". Emma down the driveway comes up into the yard to greet me once in a while too. Emma and I are both older and have learned the concept of gentleness. We seem to respect each others conditions.
People are good to dogs here too. When David and Thom go to The Blue Iris for breakfast I almost always get a treat upon their return. Usually it is Hilda's delicious ham slices. On one occasion there was no ham on the menu and I was treated to some sausages. Sid was cooking that day and when he found out the sausage was a take-out order for me he most kindly gift wrapped it. I love opening packages; and to discover sausage inside was an added delight. There is nothing more satisfying that a gift that can be eaten. Oh yes, " Laissez Le Bon Temps Rollez."
Life is good for doggies in Eastport.

LIFE IS GOOD - REALLY GOOD.
Yes. life is good. My health is slowly and steadily improving and I am getting my strength and personality back. I have discovered since my crisis that I can manipulate my environment a little easier. Things tend to always go my way unless I overdo it and get a bit too pushy. My diet comes to mind. The Vet stresses my need to eat and gain my normal weight back and my Daddies were instructed to give me "anything" I would eat since eating was the goal. As you can see by the photo I can now demand my own lobster by boycotting a meal or two. My staff knows I will always eat lobster. Since I don't have thumbs, I must still rely on David to remove the meat from that spiny, nasty shell.
Another new freedom enters the picture. I had been accustomed to two or three walks a day to check out the neighborhood, meet people and exercise my sniffer. There are a lot of good scents up here. After my mobility decreased and my energy level dropped the walks also decreased as I just had no endurance or sense of distance. The door to the deck is always open now and I spend much time in my outdoor living room. I have strengthened and every once in a while I realize I do have the energy for a walk. So - I just go. I don't bother with the leash or alerting anyone; I just go down the deck steps and amble up Water Street. Of course I am always observed by the staff and one of them will just drop what they are doing and amble along behind me. I must admit though sometimes one of the Daddies has to signal the time for the return trip to the house. I seem to forget I have to walk the same distance to return to the beginning. Ah yes, life IS good!

NEW FAMILY ADDITION
This is Bailey, the newest addition to our extended family. Aunt Frani rescued her a few weeks ago from a holding facility where she was scheduled to go home in a matter of hours. Ta-dah, My Auntie Frani to the rescue and now Bailey has a loving, caring, safe home for all her life. She also has a great new feline companion , Cujo. We will introduce him a little later. Apparently Cujo wasn't too thrilled with Bailey at first - you understand, a doggie in the house and it wasn't Zoe. Now they have become friends and in fact Cujo likes to play chase with Bailey.
You can see by the photos that little Bailey is an eviscerater just like me. Oh how we love to pull all the stuffing and squeakers out of our toys and leave only the limp pelt dangling. I guess we are both tuned into out primal instincts.

COUSINS BY THE DOZENS
Moving to Eastport opened my life to even more cousins and here are three of them. From left to right, we have Patrick, Benny, and Lytton Walton. Their mom is Cheri who teaches my Daddy to paint. These boys are spoiled and pampered too. My circle of friends and family tends to consist of Humans who really love and cherish their canine companions; so, it is only naturally that we are treated so special and kindly. We are the pride and joy of our humans. The boys live down the street from me and when I go for a walk past their house I like to snoop around and get them all rousted up and barking. Daddy Thom says this is not polite and discourages me. Sometimes in the summer Benny, Lytton and Patrick come to visit and we get along pretty well. I share my toys with them and offer them a doggie snack. They are pretty possessive and protective of their mommy though and I have to get my pats and hugs from Aunt Cheri on the sly when we are all together.
Since I moved to Maine I have my own little social group of canine friends - it's a good life here. I am so glad we moved.

MY COUSIN, JEWEL
I am feeling so much better that it is time to blog about something other than my health. When I went to the vet on Friday, Dr. Teer found my blood counts were stabilizing and increased my dosage of pain medication which was a really big boon - my pain is much decreased and I feel a little euphoric - h-m-m-m!
Anyway, I discovered my Aunt JoAnne is coming to visit me soon and she was not happy that her baby, Jewel was not mentioned in my ramblings.
Look to the left, here she is - my beautiful cousin, Jewel. She is a lovely white German Shepherd and spoiled and pampered just as much as I am. Before she moved to Las Vegas, Jewel lived two houses away from me in Florida and we went for walks together and visited each other all the time. I love my cousin but I must admit she is high maintenance. She always wants to be alpha and does not accept the realization that her mommy MUST be alpha. She is a bit of a control freak and has occasionally snapped and shouted at me. Of course, once I did hide one of her toys in my mouth while visiting and walked home with it. Daddy Thom caught me and the item had to be returned. Oh well, I was young and I tried.
I always liked Jewel, although I am not quite sure she was so crazy about me. She did learn to tolerate and accept me. Perhaps the problem is in the fact that we both are high maintenance royalty with out own private staff and therefore naturally have a bit of competition going on between us. Are our personalities kind of like our staff - the real cousins??

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP.
I had a few rough nights over the weekend especially on Saturday - lot of pain and I could not settle down and get comfortable despite all the fussing and attention given to me by the staff. I couldn't take any of my pain medicine as that may be what caused my trouble in the first place. Finally Daddy Thom decided to cover me with an nice white throw. I still shivered a while and then all of a sudden, I dozed off. I wasn't cold; I think the blanket was just the bit of security I needed.
Sunday was better and Monday was the big turn-around. I went to see Dr. Teer for my blood work and I felt great. My legs and hips were still a bit sore and stiff, but that "sick" internal feeling was gone. Dr. Teer gave me a script for some pain medicine that won't harm me and I had a wonderful night - slept like a puppy. This morning I greeted the day from the balcony and checked out my territory. Then I had a big breakfast of liver and rice (with a bit of my prescription dog food sneaked in.) I knew it was there, but ate it anyway.
Now I am napping in the sun in the dinning room. It is a beautiful sunny day and the furnace is off and the doors are open. I just had another pain pill and I feel great!
Later this afternoon I'll have another nap with Daddy Thom - What a life - Eh?

DADDY, I DON'T FEEL SO GOOD.
Boy - a week ago on April 25th I really got sick. I didn't feel good at all. I had been taking the medicine for my anemia for a while and was feeling better. All of a sudden, I had a big relapse. Daddy Thom was in Florida selling the house there; so it all fell onto Daddy David. I had every confidence and knew he would get me through this frightening episode. Thom's the nurse, but David is smart too and he did everything correctly. Unfortunately it was not a lot of fun and there were a lot of road trips I did not enjoy; and I love to travel. I had to be taken to my Vet, Dr. Teer, in Machais and she recommended I be taken to Brewer to the emergency animal hospital right away for hydration IV's - I could eat a thing and I wasn't drinking nearly enough water. Daddy David packed up our bags and put my bed in the Escape for an overnight trip to the Bangor area. Wrong - the intelligent doctor in Brewer discovered I had a bleeding gastric ulcer and would probably would not survive the weekend without a blood transfusion. Nearest doggie donor was in Portland. So - we hit the road again. We arrived at an amazing animal emergency hospital staffed with wonderful, kind and knowledgeable people. They were so considerate and treated me so well. I had an immediate blood transfusion and started my new medications to heal my bleeding ulcer. But - the overnight jaunt turned into a week of hospitalization during which I had to have more IV's and be kept in an oxygen cage for a time. Daddy David stayed in the motel and worked on his web pages and came to visit me twice a day and kept Daddy Thom in Florida up to date. They worry about me so; I know they really love me. It's a good thing David remembered to take his "stress" pills along because I really scared and stressed him out. I am home now and recovering and happy knowing not only am I loved unconditionally, but I am also treasured. Even Aunt Cheri, Aunt Frani and Aunt JoAnne were worried for me. Mikey and his mom came to visit today; they were worried too and wanted to check up on my progress. I am a lucky Dalmatian.

More Extended Canine Family.
This is my friend, Mikey, who live a few doors South of me. His Mommy's name is Lynn and she is a good friend of ours. Mikey goes for a walk everyday and usually passes my house. We usually bark a greeting to each other.
Mikey likes to bark at cars and tries to chase them. Of course, this is not permitted - a safety issue you understand. But - I must admit I had to give it a try myself. First barking at a truck moving too fast up MY STREET. Serves the driver right - he must be cautioned as to the rules of behavior in my territory. Then I made an error - as I barked I tried to run after a car. Whoops - the choke collar is still there although never applied till now. This definitely was not going to be accepted. My staff suddenly became my daddies again and I got the message. I still grumble at cars occasionally and sometimes I give them an angry shout - no more attempting to chase them. The staff is ever on alert.

Regaining Confidence.
Although I am doing so much better due to the excellent care of my staff (my two daddies and my magical Veterinarian, Dr. Teer); There were still some problems with the stairs. In Florida there was no second floor. I became accustomed to stairs on my first summer holiday in Maine. As I got older and my hips got a little stiffer, the stairs become more of a challenge. After I slipped a few times and fell once, my confidence was down and even though Thom or David were always there to steady me, encourage me, and catch me if I slipped there was still a wall of fear between me and those stairs. The bare wood is smooth, my foot pads are smooth, the stairs are steep and narrow. When the weight of my back half comes down, the speed and gravity make my pads slide on the smooth wood - thus the problem.
Daddy David carpeted the stairs for me. Wow! Now I have traction and no fear of the stairs. Although I am still not allowed to conquer them unattended; sometimes I just get too excited and fly up or down before the staff is aware. Freedom, independence, and confidence are mine again.
Oh, I am a happy, loved and pampered Dalmatian - as I should be.

Blossom Again.
You have met my friend, Blossom before. I found some pictures my Daddy took of her and thought I would share them with you.
Now, I realize a lot of us canines have some peculiar and idiosyncratic habits and nuances like rolling in dead fish at the shore chewing up tissues or newspaper just for the fun of it; but I find Blossom's past time a unique one. She eats ants. Her Mom allows it and it has no ill effect on Blossom. It just doesn't seem too appetizing to me, but to each his own. Blossom has several methods to her art that I have observed; perhaps there are more that are secret or personal. My favorite is when she stalks her tiny prey. I am a fan of stalking myself and would dearly to surprise an unaware cat. Blossoms prey may be small, but her eyesight is good and she is a successful huntress. The other method I enjoy is what I call her "lazy princess" mode. She just lolls in the sun on her deck and watches the small critters crawl about - sometimes they even get on her paws. Then, with a sidelong glance and a quick lash of her pink tongue a partial colony becomes an afternoon snack. Could there be a cuter pest controller?

FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
I guess it's time to introduce you to my family and friends of which I have many. We may get to introducing the human element later; right now I am giving my attention to the canine element.
This is Zoe (Princess Zoe to non-family members as she too is of royalty).
Princess Zoe was the proud owner of Thom's cousin Fran. While Zoe was a baby she was wise enough to adopt Fran. She knew life and service would be good in that house although she would have to accept a feline in the mix.
I never actually met Zoe, but I always heard about her. She lived in Arizona when I lived in Florida and we frequently exchanged small appropriate gifts via our staff.
Zoe moved to Ohio and I moved to Maine where we each experienced winter and snow for the first time in our lives. We both liked it. Wish we would have had the chance to romp together.
Zoe crossed the "Rainbow Bridge" a little while ago. She wasn't feeling well and at home all will be well while she waits for me and her Mom. Bye Zoe - Run free!

SOME SAD NEWS.
Last week I heard both my daddies crying. I don't like it when things are sad and I wanted to cheer them up, but I just didn't have the energy. The sad news we received was about my health. Dr. Teer checked my blood and found out I was anemic among other things. My kidneys needed attention by method of medication for my renal blood pressure. Now everybody in the house is on BP meds. We are aging together in a house full of love and we are all trying to do it with a little class.
After a week of new medicine and a new diet I am feeling a lot better and am not so darn sluggish. Just last night I had to shout (bark) at my Daddy Thom for not paying enough attention to me while he was cooking; and I coerced Daddy David into a game of "toss" and "tug" with my new toy I got from my Bangor Doggie-sitter. I must take control again as I am "The Prince."
Let me tell you of my new diet - Dr. Teer insists and I agree. It seems I am to have a lot of shrimp, fish, and lobster - Now, should I complain? Also the staff is required to serve me 3 times a day - small delicate meals, of course. With all this fussing, feeding, medication, exercise and love I am doing just fine.

THE WOODS IN WINTER.
Yes, I have decided - I do like the snow. I love it. It's especially nice when we go to Shackford Head and roam the woods in the clean, fresh, unsoiled snow. There are lots of animal tracks to sniff and all the new and wonderful scents that winter holds in this frosty ground covering. The squirrels and chipmonks are all still in hibernation and they can't tease and taunt me. In the summer they run about and annoy me; then run high up into the trees and chatter and shout at me. Somehow they know I can't climb a tree; although once I did make an attempt. Now - if I had my own cat, I could send him up the tree and teach those pesky squirrels a lesson.
I like the soft powdery snow the best. I can kick it about as I tromp along. I am not fond of the firm crusty snow that looks stable only to give way under my weight and plunge me belly deep into it's depths. It's a little humiliating. Ice presents a problem too and I have learned to navigate it successfully after many a trial and error.

THE STAFF INCREASES.
Mini-holidays, vacations and road trips are nothing new to me being the seasoned traveler that I am. I love hotels and I adore room service. Our recent trip to Bangor required my Daddies both to be absent for a few hours tending to business where I was not welcome (can you imagine royalty being excluded?) This required a temporary addition to my staff which was promptly resolved.
I met and became good friends with my companion and doggie-sitter, Auntie Deb.
Auntie Deb sat on the bed and on the floor with me and gave me her undivided attention for the whole two hours my Daddies were occupied elsewhere. Daddy Thom, who is usually quite reliable, forgot to pack my toys. Auntie Deb to the rescue; she brought me some squeaky mittens which I love and cart about everywhere. I even tried to pull them out of my traveling bag to show Kim, the hotel manager, while we were checking out. Oh - the good life!

THE WAIT AND ANTICIPATION ARE OVER.
So, this is snow. It's white stuff and it drops from the sky. It is cold on my pads, but not unbearable - perhaps a little refreshing. The air certainly is invigorating. The smells are much more pronounced and seem to linger longer. Snow - Huh! I think I like it. We shall see.

BLUE SKIES ON THE HEATH.
Here I am on the Heath with my Daddy David. You can see I am wearing my leash because the Heath overlooks a dangerous drop over very rocky outcroppings to the beach and sea below. I guess you could call the leash my "safety line", besides it helps me keep track of my staff; although I doubt they see it this way.
This is actually a small blueberry barren. Blueberry brambles turn a lovely scarlet color in the Fall and this lasts throughout the winter. Winter - Snow? I am still waiting.

Lounging in Style !!
One of the joys in traveling with David and Thom - elegant hotels. Of course, I love the room service too. The staff always fusses over me as they should. I am a well behaved and princely guest. Check in is always a great bit of pomp and circumstance for me as I amble through the lobby with all my regal bearing. I have turned many heads and elicited many compliments. I can never quite make it into the restaurant or the bar. The food smells entice me, but I can never manage to steer us in that direction.
At some of the hotels I am a frequent guest and well remembered.
It is all part of the adventure of our road trips. Thank goodness I was never acclimated to flying in a damn crate.
The last great trek was our permanent move from Florida to Maine. I still go to the hotel in Bangor when somebody is departing or arriving by plane and always get to stay overnight in cushy comfort. This I thoroughly enjoy.
We arrived in Eastport in mid September and my new live began at age ten. Being a sub-tropical dog, I found out I had a lot of adapting to do now that I reside in a seasonal climate. Again I ask, "What is snow?".