Christmas is Coming!

Hi Mom!

Guess what? Lynn and Craig have put a reminder tree up in our living room! Having a reminder tree in the house is just the BEST because it smells like the trees outside and reminds me of the things I love to do - play frisbee in the park, go for a walk, or hunt for bunny cocoa puffs. Because of the reminder tree I am asking Lynn and Craig to take me to those places more often and sometimes they do! 

Even better, they have put some interesting boxes and bags under the reminder tree. I like to go over to them and sniff them - MMMMMMM! But for some reason, Lynn and Craig tell me that I have to wait until Christmas to see what's in those packages. 

Now, that doesn't seem fair. Christmas is a long way away and I have a hard time waiting. But Lynn told me not to worry, that she had something that would not only help pass the time, but help me count the days to Christmas. And she went into her closet and pulled out a huge box!

Photo of a 3 foot by two foot advent calendar box with numbered doors on it.

She said that every day she would open one of those doors and that I would get the treat that is hiding behind it! WOWZA!!

Photo of Pepper in her red plaid collar with white snowflakes sniffing her advent calendar.

There are 24 doors and, this just keeps  getting better and better, there are 44 treats inside. That means I get two surprises on some days! DOUBLE WOWZA!!

We have opened four doors so far and I have to say, everything has been tasty. Lynn tells me that I can count on opening a new door every day but that I have to wait until we come home after playing frisbee in the park. (The reminder tree told me to ask about that this morning when we first got up, but Lynn said that 5:00 AM is not the best time to play frisbee. Doggone!)

Well, that reminder tree just reminded me to ask to go outside. (I will use my puppy eyes, too - neither Lynn or Craig can resist those!)

Sending wags, licks, and wiggles to all,

Peppermint (my holiday nickname)

My Birthday Party!

Dear Mom,

Lynn says that I am now a mature dog since I turned four years old on September 25. Do you think that means she plans to take away my balls and donuts and rope tugs and frisbees? Oh, I hope not! Especially the frisbees - they are my absolute favorite toy!

Oh, wait. Lynn just  used the "Oh, Pepper" phrase. And then she said that she had no plans to take any toys away from me. Whew! I was a bit worried there for a minute.

Anyway, Lynn and Craig gave me a birthday party! And my favorite folks came - Nacho (swoon!), Millie, Molly, Lisa, Curt, Ian, Mila, Lukie, Kathy, Mary Anne, and Bill all dropped in during the day. And they came to celebrate me! Oh, did we have fun.

Lynn hung a birthday banner up and set out a squeaky toy birthday cake and candle, cupcakes and cookies for the humans, and the yummiest doggie cake EVER for me!

Photo of Pepper sitting in front of the table that is set for the party.

It was made for dogs, but Lynn said it smelled so good, she was tempted to try it. I gently pointed out that she had cookies and cupcakes and to please leave my birthday cake alone. (Photo of the doggie cake which smelled like gingerbread and had white icing and sprinkles on top.)

After we were all set up for the party, we sat down to wait for our guests.

She also put a bandanna on me that said, "Happy Birthday to me." I wore it all day so that everyone would know that it was my special day. Photo of Pepper wearing her blue birthday bandanna.

Lisa was our first guest, and she brought Millie and Molly with her. And you know what? Even though Lynn said to not bring me any gifts (why she said that is beyond me; I can always use more toys and stuff), Lisa brought me a box of treats! Of course we opened them then and there. (I was a good girl and shared them with Millie and Molly. Lisa, Lynn, and Craig declined. Their loss.)

Photo of Lisa with the dogs gathered around her, handing out treats.

Lisa had to go to work, but Millie and Molly stayed all day with me. Oh, how I love it when they come over to play! But we soon had more visitors - Curt arrived and he brough Ian, Mila, and Lukie! They were SO EXCITED to come to my party, and the first thing they did was to sing Happy Birthday to me. Ian played the Happy Birthday roll on our player piano while Mila, Lukie, Lynn, and I danced.

Ian pedaling the piano with Lukie and Mila dancing around the living room. 

Then we played games. One was to guess how many dog biscuits were in a jar. Ian won, and his prize was to feed me a biscuit. Mila and Lukie's consolation prizes were to also feed me biscuits! It was my favorite game of the party!

Next we went outside to play some games with my beloved tennis balls. The kids lined up and all three threw their balls at once. I went running for the balls, and whoever's ball I picked was the winner! (I asked for the prizes for this game to also be biscuits, but Lynn said I had had enough already plus we would be eating birthday cake soon.)

Lukie, Ian, and Mila with me standing in front of them. Will they EVER throw those balls for me??

And then something REALLY funny happened. Watch this video, Mom!

Lukie's ball just smelled so good, I had to switch! He'd grabbed a cookie and had frosting on his hands. I just couldn't resist!

Well, after the games in the backyard, the humans ate the cupcakes and Millie, Molly, and I had some of our special birthday cake. Curt took the kids home and things were quiet for a while.

A few hours later, my sweet Nacho (swoon!) arrived.

And promptly grabbed my new birthday cake squeaky toy! I almost broke up with him over that, but he gave it back.

I was still a little miffed - after all, it's my new birthday toy! - so I sat by Craig and well, Mom, I am a little embarrassed to say, but I pouted.

Nacho (swoon!) slipped up behind me and gave me a sweet kiss on the ear and all was forgiven. Photo of Pepper sitting at Craig's feet while Nacho stands behind kissing her ear. Mary Anne is sitting on the couch watching. (There are ALWAYS chaperones around - the two of us never get any alone time!)

Bill gave me one of his legendary ear rubs, and he, Mary Anne, Kathy, and Nacho brought me a new frisbee! Oh, joy and rapture! (I have decided that I like it when people ignore Lynn when she says, "No gifts, please.")

The afternoon party just kept getting better and better - Lisa came back!

We four dogs were so happy to see her that she finally sat on the ground so that we could all cuddle her. (And be cuddled, too. We are pretty smart like that.) Photo of Lisa with Nacho (disappearing around the side of the couch), Molly, and Millie.

Oh, Mom, I just had the best day. But I still was a little sad because some other important people weren't there - you, Dad, the kitties, and Ursula. Maybe next year you can come to my party? (Lynn just said, "Wait! What party? We just got through this one, Pepper!") 

Okay, so I'll talk to her privately and let you know. Anyway, I love you and send lots of licks, wiggles, and wags to everyone. Please pass them on for me!

Love always,

Pepper the Birthday Girl

My New Toy!

Dear Mom,

Oh, boy, just wait until you hear about this! I have a new toy and I am so excited because I absolutely love it. Can you guess what it is? Here are some hints for you.

First hint: It's round. 

I'll bet you guessed a tennis ball. Nope! It's not a tennis ball. They're fun, but this is funner. (Lynn says that "funner" isn't a word, but I had her look it up and she discovered that by normal rules of adjective formation, it is a word. She says she still won't use it herself but agreed to type it in for me.)

Okay, here is another hint. My new toy is round and flat.

I can hear you now - you think I got donut #5368, right? It isn't a donut! (Although I love, love, love all my donut toys. Lynn says the food donuts are even better, but she won't share with me when she eats one. She said that if I want to stay svelte for my sweet Nacho, then edible donuts aren't for me. Hmmmm...)

One last hint. My new toy can fly! Well, it can fly IF the person playing with me has a good arm. ::cough cough:: (Lynn needs practice; a lot of it. Just sayin'!)

It's a frisbee! Did you guess? (Photo of Pepper lying in the grass, green frisbee beside her.)

Lynn and I have been going down to the park every day to play with it. (Picture of me loping after a green frisbee. Lynn would like to point out that it IS FLYING despite what I said about her ability to throw. I say that she got lucky.) 

When Lynn pulls my frisbee out of the cabinet by the front door, I grab it in my mouth and carry it all the way to the park. (Photo of me carrying the frisbee in my mouth.)

I don't mind that I can't sniff at all the trees and things to see who has visited the park before me. It's more fun to carry my frisbee and worth missing out on the pee-mail. (Another photo of me carrying my treasure.)

Lynn has promised to practice throwing it, and she said that, in the meantime, I should be glad that she hasn't (yet) thrown it into the lake or someone's back yard by mistake. (Picture of me lying in the shady grass with my frisbee between my front paws.)

Call me one happy dog!

Flying high into the sky I remain,

Your Pepper

Bedridden

Hallo, Mom!

So, how is your summer going? Lynn tells me that Dad had hand surgery and that you were a big help to him while he recovered. I send licks and wiggles to you both! Oh, and the kitties and Ursula, too.

I have another puzzle for you. Lynn and Craig have a new term that they use around me. They smile when they say it (sometimes they even laugh), but I am not sure what it means. Can you help me? The term is "bedridden."

Here are some examples that may help you figure this word out for me.

 When I am upstairs in the spare bedroom and jump onto the bed like this (kong firmly in mouth), Lynn will say, "Oh, Pepper! Are you bedridden again?"

 When they find me stretched out on their bed taking a snooze in my COMFIEST position (on my back, legs akimbo, kong by my side), Craig or Lynn will shake their heads and go, "Yep! Bedridden again, aren't you, Miss P?" (That's one of my nicknames. I have a lot of those.)

It was a double Kong moment when Millie and Molly slept over while Lisa traveled.  I tried out each of their beds and they tried mine. We played Goldilocks all night, but how come I am the one that Lynn and Craig called "bedridden?" 

And when I choose to nap on the floor next to my bed in Lynn's office, Lynn asked me, "Why aren't you bedridden in one of your many beds, Peppermint?" Gosh, can't a girl choose the floor now and then, Mom?

Nacho (swoon!!) has a chaise lounge in his enclosed patio, and when he offered it to me, of course I was polite and climbed up. He also let me play with his gigantic donut. Not only did Lynn remark on that being donut #6847 for me, she told Kathy that this was an example of me being "bedridden." Can you see why I am a little confused?

There is a chaise lounger on our patio, too. Honestly, no one ever sits in it; I have heard Lynn tell Craig that it's too low for her. So why shouldn't I climb up into it, then? No one else wants to use it. "Bedridden, again, Pep!" I hear.

 I hear that word when I stretch out on the single bed in Craig's office.

 And when I am relaxing on the princess and the pea bed with my kong.

Using Lynn as a pillow in her our bed?  Bedridden.

Perhaps I am worrying too much. After all, I can tell they are not really unhappy with me when they say that word. As a matter of fact, they are always smiling, and often I hear, "Oh, Pepper!" and get a good ear scratch or belly rub after it's said.

Perhaps you could gently share with Lynn and Craig that it isn't my fault that there are four doggie beds, a single bed, two queen sized beds, a king sized bed, and a chaise lounge in our home. I'm just putting them all to good use, right? And, it might be good to remind them that I don't get on the couches. (Well, usually I don't.) 

Anyway, I'm going to focus on the fact that they always smile when they say "bedridden," and I guess it doesn't matter if I know what it means or not.  YAWN. I'm feeling kind of sleepy, Mom, so I'm going to sign off now. 

Off to snooze on the closest bed, I remain,

Your Peppermint

Oh, Pepper!

Hallo, Mom!

Are you staying inside and being safe during the pandemic? Lynn and Craig have been staying home, but luckily I still get two to three walks every day. 

Mom, I know that you are really smart and know lots of things, so I wanted to ask you about something that Lynn and Craig say all the time. It's, "Oh, Pepper!" and they usually laugh when they say it. I am a little puzzled about what it means. Lynn said that she would post a few photos to help me explain.

In this photo, Lynn is seated at her desk and working. (She wanted to write, "trying to work" but I told her to take that out.) I am curled up around her legs and holding onto one of her legs with my front paws.  I ask you, why say "Oh, Pepper" to that? 

Here's another example. Lynn says that this photo reminds her of the story about the camel in a sandstorm, asking to put his head just inside the sheik's tent. Then his neck, then his shoulders, and so on until the camel is completely inside the tent. (Makes sense to me. Who wants to be out in a sandstorm?)

All I am doing in this photo is sitting in her lap on the couch. Well, okay, I'm not supposed to get on the furniture, and I did start out by just leaning on her. But she can pet me so much more easily if I am in her lap, so it just makes sense to climb into it. (And how does that relate to camels??) 

Now, in this next example, Mila and Lukie are visiting our house. I am trying to get them to play by rolling around on my back and offering them three of my favorite toys - the donut (Lynn says that is donut #42; eye roll!), my donut-shaped squeaky red ring, and Squeaky Cow.

Lukie and Mila are hanging back, unsure what to make of me. (Lynn did tell me that their other grandma's dogs are not very nice to them and that they are a little afraid of dogs.) I rolled and I wriggled and I tried to be so cute that they would come play. And what happened? I hear, "Oh, Pepper!" yet again.

Now, while I am not allowed to get on the furniture (um, true confession, I do get up on it at Nacho's house but Lynn doesn't know. Shhh!) I am allowed to sleep on Lynn and Craig's bed. It took me a while to convince them that I belonged up there, but they FINALLY accepted it, and so I hop up whenever they go down for a snooze.

So, why did Lynn wake up and go, "Oh, Pepper" when I snuggled up beside her and stuck my hind paw in her face? She puts her hand on my side while I sleep; I am just returning the favor. 

And sometimes she reads in bed. If she can bring a book to bed, then why can't I bring my kong and Squeaky Reindeer to bed, too? As you can see, I kept them right close by me (in case she wanted to play during the night) and they weren't bothering her. So why the "Oh, Pepper!" remark?

This last picture is just for fun, although it probably was an "Oh, Pepper" moment, too. I am cuddling Squeaky Cow between my front paws as I lie under the dining room table and make puppy eyes at the camera.

So, there you have it, Mom. Knowing how smart you are, I am sure that you can explain the "Oh, Pepper" phrase. It doesn't really bother me, but it does puzzle me. 

In the meantime, I hope you, Dad, Ursula, and the kitties are doing well. Give everyone hugs from me.

Happy, wriggly licks,

Pepper

The Biggest Dog EVER!

Dear Mom,

Oh, my goodness, I met the biggest dog in the world today!  Lynn took me to the vet for my monthly Percorten shot, and when we got back into the car she asked me, "Pepper, do you want to go to the barn with me?"

Well, I don't know what "the barn" is, but it sounded like fun, and as you know, I am always up for fun. So I smiled at her, wagged my tail, and off we went.

When Lynn stopped the car, I bounced out onto the ground and stopped short - oh, my, the SMELLS! Some were a little familiar - I'd smelled them on Lynn before. Was this where they came from?

 Picture of me standing in the grass and looking out at the pastures and barns.

Lynn let me wander around for a while, and I heard her make crackling noises in her hands. That usually means she has something to eat, and once in a while she shares with ME, so I turned around and asked her if I could have some of whatever she was eating. Lynn was not in a sharing mood. She told me that peppermints were not for her or for dogs. (I don't know why. Couldn't she at least have let me try one?)

Suddenly I heard a loud, weird sound. I looked over and there was the BIGGEST dog I have ever seen in my life standing right by the fence! And it was making that loud noise! Lynn just laughed and called, "I'm coming, Abby!"

 Me standing stock still and intently looking through the fence at the big dog.

And then, I could NOT believe it, Lynn stepped over to the fence and began giving the big dog those peppermints! Now, that simply is not fair, Mom! I was very hurt, but Lynn told me that she would put some extra peanut butter in my Kong this afternoon, so I guess it was okay. (You can bet that I will remind her about that if she forgets.)

I walked over to the fence and put my nose close to the big dog. We looked at each other, almost nose to nose through the fence.

 Pepper and Abby, noses to the ground, checking each other out.

The big dog put her head up and finished off all the peppermints. (It is NOT not very polite to 1) eat in front of me, and 2) not drop a crumb or two on the ground for me!) Lynn patted her and said, "See you tomorrow, Abby."

The big dog with her head up looking at Lynn while I keep my eyes on the ground just in case she really did share with me after all. 

It was quite a surprise to learn that Lynn has another dog, but at least I now know why she leaves the house for a little while almost every day and comes home smelling like... well, like big dog.

But, when I thought about it, the big dog stays out at "the barn" while I get to live at home with Lynn, Craig, my toys, and the princess and the pea bed. I guess I shouldn't begrudge the big dog those peppermints after all, right?

Kisses from a small dog who lives at "the home" and not "the barn,"

Pepper

Peeps and Spring Peepers

Greetings, Mom!

I am so excited. Easter is coming, and Lynn said that the Easter Bunny is going to bring me an Easter basket! Even better though, the Peeps for my basket are already here! Last night Lynn took me out to do my business and we could hear the Peeps calling to me from the woods!

I tingled all over with excitement and asked Lynn if we could go and get those Peeps. I really wanted a purple one but you know me, I'd settle for pink or yellow or just about any color. Lynn started laughing (she does that a lot) and said, "Oh, Pepper! You big goof!" (She says that a lot, too.) 

Lynn explained that there is a difference between Peeps and spring peepers, and that what we were hearing were the spring peepers. I responded that I don't mind if my Peeps talk; I am sure that talking Peeps are just as good. (Maybe a little more expensive, but I'm worth it, right?) But then Lynn told me that the spring peepers were really frogs that were talking to each other in the woods.

Frogs?? FROGS??? Eeew! Why are there frogs in the woods! They're supposed to be in ponds and creeks. And why are the frogs talking? Are they telling each other where the Peeps are hidden? Even worse, are they eating my Peeps??

Mom, I am so confused and could really use your help. Will you please talk to Lynn and tell her to let me go to the woods and get the Peeps before the frogs eat them all? I would really appreciate it! (You know how hungry I can get.)

Wags and licks,

Hungry for Peeps Pepper

Adventures While Walking

Hallo, Mama!

I hope you and Dad and the kitties and Ursula are faring well during this pandemic. We are doing fine, and I love all the extra time I get with Lynn and Craig because they aren't going anywhere - they stay home all day long which means more family time! 

They tell me that they are trying to stay healthy, and so naturally, since I am concerned about that myself, I have suggested that we go on more than our three walks a day. They smile at me and say, "Oh, Pepper! You are so goofy!" and then they grab the leash and away we go.

Works every time. Just sayin'. 

And how I love to go down by the lake and listen to the fountain splashing, and then on the walking path. Our first stop on the walk is to visit Annie, a big chocolate Lab who likes to come up to the fence and bark at me. Lynn tells me to stay back as it may take some time for Annie to warm up. She's kind of old and maybe just a bit grouchy.

After Annie's home, we head down the path and our next stop is at Luna and Zeus's home. Luna is a yellow Lab and Zeus is a black Lab. Luna is the boss and always has a tennis ball in her mouth. Sometimes those balls pop out and sail through the fence, so we throw them back to her. Luna and Zeus bark a little, but they also wag their tails madly at me and we have become good friends.

Next up is Bella's home. She is a black Lab mix who reminds me a lot of Lisa's dog, Molly, because she is very timid. Her parents told us that she is a rescue and that we are welcome to pet her through the fence. Oh, how Bella loves that! She flops onto her back so Lynn can rub her belly. Bella and I also love to play by running back and forth by the fence. I think that, next to Nacho, Bella is my best friend.

Speaking of Nacho, I go over to his grandparents' home once or twice a week for a few hours so I can play with him. Kathy gives him a few hours off every day to "just be a dog," as she calls it. Mary Anne and Bill love to have us both because we play, play, play. (Nacho sneaks in some kisses when they are not looking, too. Be still my beating heart!)

During one of our walks at the park, I found the best ball ever. Even though Lynn had one of my tennis balls in her pocket, I wanted to play with this new ball. (There are still a lot on the living room floor, but now three have been moved to the back yard and two to the front porch. Add in the one in Lynn's coat pocket and that means only seventeen are on the living room floor. Lynn says that is STILL too many. I tell her she is unreasonable and that I need my balls. After all, you never know when someone is going to throw one your way!)

ANYWAY! I found a ball at the park on one of our walks. I'm going to let you listen to Lynn and Kathy tell the story - they used it in a remote learning lesson that they made for another teacher friend. 

Such a beautiful ball that was! I asked Lynn if she would buy me one just like it, but she said that the tennis balls were more "durable." Not sure what that means, but there's no changing Lynn's mind so I won't get another soccer ball. Doggone it!

Wait a minute! Lynn got so busy writing that she forgot it was past time for my first walk of the day! I have to go fix that mistake right away!

Stay healthy, Mom. I love you!

Pepperoo

Life is Good!

Hallo, Mom!

I hope this finds you doing well, especially with all this COVID-19 craziness going on. Lynn has assured me that we have enough toilet paper to get us through, so we have just been hanging around the house and enjoying the peace and quiet! You know, like this!

Me stretched out on my back, legs akimbo and sound asleep, on Craig and Lynn's bed.

Millie and Molly come by a couple of times a week and spend the day with us, and usually during that time, Craig cooks us each an egg while later in the day, Lynn gives us our own personal kongs with some peanut butter in them.

 Me, Millie, and Molly all lying on the living room floor, hard at work on our kongs.

Lynn and I usually go up to her office early in the morning so that she can write while I sleep on the bed next to her desk. Sometimes she gets so involved that I have to remind her that it is past breakfast time. (She says my clock is WAY off but I disagree.)

 Me sitting up with my paws on Lynn's legs.

Sometimes I make good use of my puppy eyes - she can NEVER resist those!

Me with my chin on Lynn's leg and showing her my big, beautiful eyes. (Nacho says that they are my best feature!)

I am really enjoying my life with Lynn and Craig and they tell me all the time how much they love me. In fact, they love me so much, that they installed my very own outdoor water fountain for me! It only works when the snow is melting or it's raining, but still, isn't that thoughtful of them? Lynn says it is actually a rain gutter, but the water from the melting snow that comes down it is irresistible!

Me in the front flower bed (so I can access my water fountain) drinking the icy snowmelt.

I hope you, Dad, the kitties, and Ursula are doing well. I miss you all! Please tell Ursula to give you some licks from me!

Love always

Pepper

Daily Life

Dear Mom,

I hear that you and Ursula have returned home and that things are going pretty well! I'm so glad. Please remind her to reread page 937 in the notes I left for her. There is some pretty important information there that will help her adjust. (Honestly, I recommend that she refer to that page a couple of times a week if not daily.) 

I am doing great! We've got a routine going (breakfast, treats, walking, napping, brushing, treats, napping, walking, playing, playing some more, kong time, Cocoa Puff/bird granola time, dinner, playing, walking, napping, bedtime.) Lynn and Craig do take me out to do my business, but Lynn said you probably would not want to know that detail. But rest assured, I do get my business done!

Did you know that I am really fond of donuts? I have a bunch to play with. (Lynn would like to say that I HAD a bunch but that I have destroyed three. Not sure why she needed to point THAT out.)

This is me with my blue frosted squeaky donut. I am wearing it like a bracelet while I get the peanut butter out of my kong.

Here I am with my chocolate frosted donut. I am wearing this one on my muzzle. Lynn says that she wonders how I can see anything because it is flipped over my eyes. Her friend took a look at that picture and summed it up by saying, "Never underestimate the ability of a guide dog." Okay, then! I like that!

Lynn also wonders how I can sleep on the princess and the pea bed when I am sprawled with my head on the floor and my body up on the bed. I replied that she should give it a try, but for some reason, she said she'd pass. Something about a bad back.

 Of course, I still sprawl on my back in the legs akimbo pose all the time, but now I try to do it so I am on Lynn's or Craig's feet. Lynn says that I make a nice foot warmer now but when summer comes, lying on her feet will not be happening.

 Can you tell where I am in this next photo?

You can see Lynn's arm on the left cuddling my head, and a big fluffy orange blanket. I think I look pretty cute in this picture. Lynn says I am using puppy eyes on her (and that they worked.)

Here's a bigger photo and you can tell that I am in Lynn's recliner with her. She is covered in the orange blanket and is reading. I hopped up and got comfy, flipping over into the legs akimbo pose. Lynn says that that is the only time I will be allowed in that chair. Hmmm. I've heard that before!

Usually she gets down on the floor with me like she is in this photo. I flop next to her with my front half in her lap and she gives me the best ear rubs!

Craig gets down on the floor and gives me ear rubs, too. I just go back and forth between them to get the rubs. I have to be fair, right? And make sure they both get a turn to do my ears?

Millie and Molly are here, so I'd better go downstairs and see if they want to play. We all just had our afternoon kongs so I think they may be feeling a kong coma and are napping on their beds. I think I can get one of them to play, though, so toodles!

Much love,

Peppermint Patty

We Have Snow!

Dear Mom, Dad, Ursula, and Kitties,

Ho! Ho! Ho! I know it's not Christmas, but we finally have snow on the ground and I feel very merry. I like to run around in it, slipping and sliding as my lean and lithe body bends into those turns. (Lynn says to tell you that, with all the walking, playing, and running that I do, I am maintaining my weight and not getting floofy. Whatever that means.)

Craig and I went out for a walk this morning and the snow was really coming down hard! I ended up looking sort of like a reverse Dalmatian - kind of funny. Lynn and Craig keep a big fluffy towel right by the door and rub me down whenever I am wet with snow or rain. I've had a lot of rub downs today, but I don't mind! I wriggle with happiness when they wrap me up and dry me off! (And they wonder why I go out more frequently when it's rainy or snowy! Hahaha!)

Do you know what "winsome" means? It means "sweetly or innocently charming, winning, engaging" according to Lynn's dictionary. She says this picture of me is winsome.

I had been playing with my favorite donut squeaky toy and decided to chew on my kong for a while. (Yes, there is a tennis ball in the picture but Lynn says that I am doing a better job of not having them all over the floor.) Somehow the donut got onto my leg like a bracelet. Lynn snapped a photo of me just as I looked up at her. I will admit (modestly), my eyes look awfully big, brown, and beautiful. I'm going to ask Lynn to send this photo to my Nacho. Maybe Kathy will put it in a locket on his collar.

Anyway! Enough about me - I wanted to tell you how Molly just about made Lynn cry yesterday. Millie and Molly spend Wednesdays and Fridays with us while their mom, Lisa, is at work. I LOVE having them here (although Millie chews MY bones, antlers, and toys without asking. She needs to learn some manners.)

Well, Molly, as you know, is a rescue who came from a terrible place and has many fears and anxieties. She has been with Lisa, Lynn, and Craig for two years but still gets very frightened sometimes. Recently she has been letting Lynn rub her belly, and even invites her to do so by rolling onto her side when she sees Lynn and lifting up her hind leg so that Lynn can get to her favorite spot.

Yesterday Molly invited her to rub her belly, and when Lynn reached down to do so, Molly lifted her head and touched her nose to Lynn's nose! She has never, ever done that, although she will occasionally touch Lynn's leg (my family calls that "booping.") If Molly boops you on the leg or backside, it is a time for celebration. To be booped on the nose is absolutely unheard of!  Lynn is still smiling about that and says she is so glad that Molly felt comfortable enough to boop her nose.

Lynn just reminded me that I should ask you how you are and how things with Ursula are going. She has let me listen in to all her phone calls (Lynn corrects me and says that there is no "letting" me. Since I am always by her side, there is no privacy in this house with me around so, of course I heard those phone calls! But she smiled when she said that, so I think she likes having me tag along wherever she or Craig are.)

Please tell Ursula, "Ralph! Ralph! Ralph! woofiytywoof, BARK!" I just told her where I hid a few things. Nothing big, just a nylabone or two. She is welcome to them!

YAWN. I think it is time for another nap so I am going to say goodbye. Love to everybody!

xoxoxoxoxox
Pep