Resolutions From Bunny

Bunny here, taking over the keyboard for a bit!  I hear that New Year's is the time to make resolutions and turn over new leaves.  I thought I'd give it a shot!  So, here are my resolutions for the new year.

1.  I resolve to perfect my sweet, innocent face.  I suspect that this will lead to more petting.  This can only be a good thing.

2. I resolve to finally teach Mom to take me for long walks every day.  She's been rather lax about this.  I hope to whip her into shape on this issue soon!

3.  I resolve to give my stuffies more of a work out.  Some of them are getting a bit flabby around the middle.  This must mean that they need more exercise.  I won't let those toys get lazy!

4.  I resolve to finally get that hole dug to China.  A hound needs to see the world, after all, and China is as good a place to start as any!

5.  I resolve to find the perfect hiding place for my midday kibble stash.  Blueberry keeps finding it, and this simply won't do.  I will find a place that nobody else will discover!

So, there you have my resolutions!  I'm curious to hear what other hounds and humans are resolving to do this year.  Feel free to let me know, or mention things you think I may have left out.  I can always add to the list!

Wordless Wednesday 12/30 -- All Settled In For A Long Winter's Nap

Christmas Treasure, Not What You Think!

Mr. Taleteller's family has a tradition of passing along a "treasure" every year at Christmas.  It started as a big box, wrapped up and presented to his sister and her husband.  It is a large, blue vase that is not particularly attractive.  The idea being that they would wrap it up and include something interesting in with it as they passed it on.  Of course, this year, it was our turn to recieve the treasure. 


When we opened the box, we found that not only did it contain the treasure, it also contained this guy.

Mr. Taleteller kept asking what it was.  Finally, his brother-in-law confessed that he didn't know what it was, either, but his original intention had been to stick it into the vase and let it stand up in there.  The only problem with that was that it didn't quite fit, but we laughed about it as did most of the rest of the family. 

After the gift opening with Mr. Taleteller's family, it was time to go visit my family.  We had a great time and then bundled up and headed home to let the dogs out.  I forgot about the treasure for the time being, caught up in thoughts of what a lovely Christmas we've had this year.  We drove home, unleashed the hounds and then carried all our Christmas loot inside to begin unpacking it and putting it away. 

Soon enough, we unearthed the treasure again.  Somebody here knew exactly what that thing was.  The most ginormous stuffie ever invented to entertain a small greyhound is what it turned out to be.  I have to admit, the true treasure of the box was watching Bunny have her way with that toy.



Now, I just have to figure out what to put in the treasure for next year.  If you have an idea, we'd love to hear it! 

Honest Scrap

We were challenged by our friend Feral at Thoughts of A Yodeling Goatherder to participate in the Honest Scrap.  Basically, you have to tell ten honest things about yourself.  Since I'm not nearly as interesting as the dogs, I thought I'd share this a bit with Bunny, since she likes telling about herself.  So, we'll take turns and see how it works out.

1.  I find more and more that I prefer the company of my dogs to most people.  I think a lot of it is that I'm a pretty direct person and I've never been good at "playing games" with other people.  I don't try to hide what I want or how I feel.  It's right there in the open most of the time.

2.  I feel that I am one of the luckiest people alive.  If I were an animal, I'd unfortunately be a cat, because I've certainly gone through nine lives.  I survived an unusually difficult childhood as well as several very close calls with dying young and leaving a beautiful corpse.  I am married to the only person who could possibly put up with anyone from my gene pool and he treats me wonderfully.  Many times I wonder how I could possibly deserve the happily ever after that I find myself living.  No, we aren't rich, but we have enough, and that is enough for me to be happy.

3.  I once got a private tour of the White House from a Secret Service agent when I was in college.  I got to see a lot of things that many people don't in the White House.  It was a really cool experience.

4.  I hate winter!  I could hibernate through the entire thing with no regrets. 

5.  Adopting my first greyhound changed my life for the better in immeasureable ways.  It was truly one of the best things I've ever done!

Excuse me!  Bunny here!  You know, we coauthor this blog!  Perhaps you'd care to give me a little face time!

Of course, Bunny!  I'm sure people are asleep after reading my stuff anyway!  Go right ahead!

Thank you!  Here's where this entry gets interesting, folks!  These are some things you might not know about me.

1.  I sleep under the quilt every night, and I prefer to sleep naked.  No jammies, no collar, just me under Dad's my quilt, right in the middle where I can snuggle between Mom and Dad both.

2.  I graduated at the top of my obedience class, but lost the tie breaker to a Westie when we had a sit off.  I still say I was robbed.  I mean, come on!  Have you seen the difference between the distance a greyhound butt is to the ground and a Westie caboose?  It was rigged!

3.  I knew my mom was the one for me the minute I laid eyes on her!  I walked in that meeting room and beelined for her.  She had greyhound princess servant written all over her.  When she gushed over me as I leaned against her, I knew she was the one I'd been waiting for!

4.  I still have a brother who needs a home.  His name is Andy and I can't believe nobody has taken him home yet!  The guy totally knows how to play.  Mom says the inn here is full, so I am hoping that he'll find the perfect home somewhere!

5.   I patrol the driveway every time I go out to make sure there are no cats lurking.  There's one who likes to hide in the wheel well of the van and I inspect it every time I go past to make sure they aren't going to leap out and attack my people.  One can never be too careful.  Cats are always subject to suspicion in my book!

Alright, Bunny, that's five.  We'd better give it a rest so people come back to read another day.  So, to sum it up, we're supposed to tell ten honest things about ourselves and name someone to carry it on.  We're going to name Dennis the Vizsla mainly because we think his answers will be hilariously funny.  If anyone else would like to use it for themselves, though, please do!  We'll be curious to see your answers.

I Made The List

Bunny here, taking over the keyboard to write a little message about how I fared for Christmas.  I'll confess, I was a little worried about whether I'd get presents after it turns out the eating the delicious needles of the tree is not considered nice in any way.  I'll just say that they're a delicious snack and no one should tempt an innocent puppy with a greenery buffet right in her own living room if they don't intend her to partake!

Anyroo, Christmas morning arrived and I sprang out of bed before the crack of dawn.  Okay, at first that was just because I really had to visit the outdoor powder room, but then I remembered as the cold air cleared my brain that it was a special day.  We came back inside and there was a special Christmas breakfast waiting for us (sans pine needles, sadly) that really made my mouth water.  I saw that there was something in my stocking and I approached with caution, since I heard Mom mentioning things like coal for naughty greyhounds.  Mom got it down for me and -- it squeaked!  Roo hoo!  It was a flying squirrel.  I also got a reindeer antler to chew on.  That brings new meaning to bone apetit, let me tell you! 

We all got some nice surprises!  Blueberry and Lilac got antlers and stuffies, too.  I was really a happy puppy, and then the surprise happened!  I got a pink Snuggie! 

I guess I made the nice list after all!  Best of all, Mom will be home for the next few days!  Christmas is wonderful!

A Small Brag

A few months ago, there was a post on Greytalk, a greyhound message board that I frequent, by the editor of Celebrating Greyhounds.  They were asking for essays about how your greyhound has inspired you.  I thought I'd give it a shot and see what happened.  I worked on what I wanted to say for a little while and sent it off.  Honestly, I heard some of the other stories that people had to tell and I figured I didn't have a shot at getting accepted.  One man told about how his greyhound had inspired him to beat cancer.  I didn't have anything nearly that earthshaking.  I put it in the back of my mind and went on with life.

Imagine my shock and surprise when I got an e-mail back saying that my article had been chosen.  I couldn't believe it.  I was asked to write a short biography and find a good photo of Treat, who was the dog I wrote the essay about.  Finding a good picture of her was nearly my undoing.  They needed a picture of her that was at least 300dpi.  The digital camera that we had most of the time while we had Treat did not take photos that were of very high quality.  I was frantic to find a good photo.  In desperation, I e-mailed Mark Caughel, who took some wonderful photos of her while we were at Dewey Beach on vacation a few years ago and asked for permission to use a photo he'd taken.  He sent me the digital file and graciously gave permission for his photo to be used. 

When we went to the post office today, my issue of the magazine was finally here.  I opened it, and there Treat was, looking amazing.  I'll admit, I missed her again for a few moments.  It is a cool feeling to see my words about her in print and know that other people will read them.  The whole process gave me time to reflect on how I've grown as a person since we brought Treat home.  For people who are curious, I did not get paid for the article.  Celebrating Greyhounds is run to raise money to help more greyhounds get adopted, so profits made go towards that end.  That is fine with me, it's just another small legacy she leaves behind.  I'm just happy that a journey we began almost exactly ten years ago has come to this point.  Her gift keeps on giving.  It's yet another gift left for me by her in this wonderful holiday season.

Merry Christmas

Some people who read the blog may not celebrate Christmas, and that's okay, but we do.  So, on this day when we celebrate the birth of a tiny baby many years ago, we'd like to extend our wishes for the happiest of holidays, no matter what you are celebrating.  We wish everyone peace, joy, contentment and a little bit of magic in the spirit of the season we celebrate.  Merry Christmas, Zalig Kerstfeast, God Jul, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad or Happy Festivus, or whatever else makes your heart merry!

Bunny would also like to send out a special thank you to Mikayla for sending her the ball!  She loves it!

Wordless Wednesday 12/23 -- The Stockings Were Hung...

Greyhound Stockings made by Greytstockings and yes, she does breeds besides greyhounds. 

What's Yours Is Mine, What's Mine Is Mine, And What's Yours Is Mine, As Well!

We got another Secret Santa package in the mail last weekend and the girls were thrilled again.  Mr. Taleteller handed me one with Bunny's name on it first so that she would be occupied while Blueberry and Lilac got their presents.  However, as soon as each present was unwrapped, it somehow wound up in Bunny's pile on the dog bed. 

I'm not quite sure how it happened.  I helped her open two with her name on them, and she quickly transported those to her bed.  Mr. Taleteller opened one for Blueberry and she took it to a bed with her, but the next thing I knew, it was in Bunny's pile.  One for Lilac was taken right in front of her mouth since she wouldn't take it herself.  As my husband opened the last stuffie, he handed it to Lilac and she finally laid down with it on her bed.  Bunny stared at her with that toy intently, even though she had nearly a dozen toys piled up around her. 

I knew that she'd be the one to play with them mostly, but I didn't expect her to have them all to herself in a matter of minutes.  Fortunately, Lilac and Blueberry don't seem to mind.  Honestly, if Blueberry wanted one, she'd have one.  I imagine Lilac would bark at us until we gave her the one she wanted as well.  So, it's not as if they're being deprived of anything.  It does crack me up a bit, though.  She just turned three and in some ways, she acts a lot like a human toddler.  Her mindset seems to be If I see it and I want it, then it's mine!  So far, we humor her, but I imagine there will come the day when she doesn't get what she wants.  At least she's sweet enough that we won't be suffering through a tantrum when that day comes.  She certainly loves her toys!

I'm Innocent!

Bunny here, firing up Mom's old laptop while she's away to post the truth.

Yesterday Mom wrote that I have been eating the Christmas tree.  This is based on one unfortunate incident of me dropping a few pine needles in the kitchen.  If a cute little greyhound happens to take a whiff to enjoy the fragrant aroma of the Christmas tree and a few pine needles lodge in her nose and throat, does that make her a criminal?  Does it have to be only one greyhound who was eating the Christmas tree?  Couldn't there have been multiple hounds snacking on the delicious, succulent needles of the white pine? 

Oh, Mom, I didn't hear you come in!

Mom:  Bunny, what are you doing?

Me:  Oh, just setting the record straight for our blog reading public about something...

Mom:  And what would that be?

Me:  Well, you know, there's no proof that it was me eating the Christmas tree.

Mom:  Bunny, you threw up a gob of pine needles!

Me:  Santa Paws is going to read this!  Are you trying to kill all my hopes for Christmas?

Mom:  Being curious about the tree doesn't put you on Santa's naughty list.  You didn't know.

Me:  Really?!  So you're saying there's a chance?

Mom:  You're a very good girl, I'm sure you'll get some presents from Santa!

Me:  I wonder if he can make a hound-sized Snuggie...

Well, now that I've set the record straight, I need to go and write a letter to the jolly old elf!  Santa, if you're reading, a pink Snuggie would be a great present!  If that doesn't work out, I have a list of other things like a coat from Posh Pawz, some new martingales and some biscuits from the dog bakery.

There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays

This time of year is hard on me.  I freely admit that.  While I love Christmas with all its rich traditions and the true meaning of the season, I'm usually exhausted by the time the blessed day arrives.  My parents divorced when I was seven years old, and I got used to celebrating most of the holidays twice.  Christmas was never a big issue because my dad's family holds to the Scandinavian tradition of celebrating on the twenty fourth, so my sister and I always went with him to my grandparents' house and celebrated there, then came home, stayed up late together watching the old Alistair Sim version of A Christmas Carol together, went to bed and then woke up and spent Christmas Day with our mom.  Growing up, we had it made!

Now, I find myself married and in the beginning, working in one extra Christmas celebration wasn't too bad.  After I got married, both of my parents remarried as well.  We've also been thrown work parties into the mix.  My husband has three siblings with birthdays in December and my sister's birthday is a few days after Christmas as well.  December is now an incredibly busy month for us.  There's no weekend that doesn't include a party or two.  This past weekend we had my dad and stepmom's big family celebration on Saturday and my stepdad's big family shindig was on Sunday.   Christmas Eve will find us with my dad, stepmom and sister while Christmas Day will find us with my husband's family and in the afternoon we'll join my sister at my mom and stepdad's house. 

There's also the fact that we need to go and shop for gifts for all these parties as well.  That has left us very little time at home.  This evening, Bunny let me know in no uncertain terms that I needed to be at home with her.  As I sit here writing, she sits with her paws hanging on to my leg and her head on me as well.  Lilac has been over, laying her head on my arm as she stands beside me (although I did have some Christmas cookies at the time).  Blueberry came over to wipe her snot off her nose on my arm numerous times.  It's as if they can't believe that I'm really home tonight.  I confess, being at home with them tonight is much better than going to the movie we were thinking about going to see. 

As we sat at my mom's house this afternoon, I watched her two dogs.  They aren't well-behaved.  The more they barked and threw tantrums, the more I wished for the quiet of home and my own hounds.  It's nice during the hustle and bustle of the holidays to be able to relax a bit at home with those who love you the most.  There's nothing like the greeting of a dog who's missed you, no matter how long you've been gone.  Sitting on the couch with my hound is better than any tub full of Calgon.  That's the best gift of the holidays as far as I'm concerned.

A Weekend Awards Show

Dennis the Vizsla was kind enough to bestow this award on us, and now we are charged with sharing it with fifteen others!  Whew!  This is going to be hard to do to find fifteen blogs we know that haven't recieved it.  Actually, we only have a list of ten, since many we know have already recieved it.  If you know fifteen, please list them when you pass it on!

1. Wilf and Rigby Discover France
2. Emma Rose
3. Who's Driving?
4. Mr. Rugby Sevens CD
5. Things Buddy Wilson Ponders
6. What Dudley Does
7. Writing Chances
8. World of Turbo
9. Treasure What You Have
10. As The Rabbit Runs

Case Closed

Well, our Christmas tree snacker was caught in the act last evening.  Saturday morning as we were preparing to go out and do some shopping, we heard that tell-tale sound that no dog owner ever wants to hear.  It's the sound of something nasty about to be deposited on your carpet (never on the linoleum floor, mind you).  My husband demonstrated his quick thinking and leapt over the baby gate to drag the offender to the kitchen for easier clean up. 

Husband:  I think I found out who's been eating our tree!

Me:  Who is it?

Husband:  This time it's your dog!

Me:  You always say that when one of them is in trouble.

Husband:  Well, Bunny just threw up pine needles in the kitchen.

Me:  Not Bunny!

Husband:  Yep!

I saw a look pass between Lilac and Blueberry that seemed to say "Sweet vindication!"  Bunny slunk back into the living room and curled up on a dog bed.  So, it appears that "Baby Face" Hound is the guilty party.  We'll see if she gets parole in time for Christmas!

Could They Be Too Spoiled?

For as long as I can remember, Blueberry and now Bunny have this habit of scooping up a mouthful of food from their dog bowls and carrying it to the living room where they willl spit it out on one of the dog beds and then lay down and daintily eat it kibble by kibble, occasionally hiding a bite or two for later.  I tried to discourage it at first, but it was a losing battle and I figured they really weren't hurting anything anyway.  Besides, who doesn't enjoy breakfast in bed once in a while?  For anyone who doesn't know greyhounds, they take retirement very seriously.

Perhaps it is because they're the descendants of beloved companions to kings (the only thing celebrated more by a family than the birth of a litter of greyhound puppies in ancient Egypt was the birth of a son), or perhaps it's because they work hard in the early years of their lives, but they certainly seem to feel that they are entitled to live the good life when they begin their lives as pets.  Honestly, they are such sweet dogs that it's not difficult to want to spoil them at all.  I freely admit that I have gladly enslaved myself to their whims and I accept that it's my own fault that they are princesses and divas of the highest order.

You may recall that Bunny has a particular fondness for yogurt.  She is a bit disappointed on the rare morning when one of us does not have yogurt for breakfast so that she can enjoy licking the cup clean.  I find myself relieved that her obsession is yogurt because she's got a tongue more acrobatic than any anteater ever dreamed of owning.  She will snooze away the morning until she hears Mr. Taleteller or me reach the bottom of the yogurt cup with the spoon and then she leaps into action. 

Bunny sleeps on the bed with us at night.  Lilac and Blueberry both prefer to stretch out on their own dog beds, but Bunny likes to be under the quilt.  If the dogs go out particularly early because of Lilac's geriatric bladder, she often comes back to bed and curls up beside me again.  If she were able to, Bunny would spend about twenty three hours of the day in there on our bed. 

This morning, she found the best of both worlds.  The baby gate was left down since I was still getting ready for work and my husband was finishing his yogurt.  Bunny will take it off the coffee table or floor and move it to where she wants it.  She'll even turn it between her paws to get it postitioned just so.  No drop of yogurt ever gets left in one of those cups.  Somehow, she had a revelation this morning and decided that she could have breakfast in bed.

At least she hasn't decided that we should carry it in there to her yet!

Wordless Wednesday 12/16 -- Visions of Sugarplums or Dogbiscuits