Adieu.....for now!

Hello Everybody!
I know it's been soooo very long but I have been going through some life changes and was undecided about the fate of this blog for a few weeks. I have come to the decision that this blog has served it's purpose in documenting my first year of doghood. Hold on!! Don't fret, I will be setting about a quarterly newsletter about what I have been up to and will be emailinn g my most loyal friends. If you wish to subscribe, please send me a request to writehubie@gmail.com, and my assistant, Mommy, will do her very best to add you the the mailing list asap. In the meantime, just a few things that have happened since I turned one:
-I got two haircuts, the first was a trim, the second a full Westie cut!
-I switched from Orijen Adult Formula (original) to Orijen Fish
-I developed a taste for eggs and tuna....not together, but that would be yum!
-I sleep in my comfy bed and not my crate at night.
-I got a nice new leash and collar set
-I graduated from Level II obedience!
-I'm almost nineteen pounds now!

Well my friends, this blog has been good while it lasted, hope you'll read my newsletter when it starts! By the way, it will be called The Hubie Courterly. Stay tuned!

Happy Birthday to Me! Happy Birthday to Vaughn! Happy Birthday to my other Brothers wherever you are!

Well, happy belated birthday to us anyway! We turned one on Saturday February 28. It was a terrific birthday! Mommy bought me a giant Bolt toy and set it up in the living room so that when I was finished having breakfast, I would walk out and see it. Boy was I surprised! I wasn't sure if my dream came true and Bolt was really there, or if it was a trick of the mind! Anyway, I sniffed him (including in the bum bum) and circled him until I was certain that he was not going anywhere and then I taught him a lesson! Oh yes I did!!!! Anyway, Poppa also got me a Nylabone (my fav!!!) and a new basketball toy because my baby one is torn now. Poppa promised that he would teach me how to dunk so that one day I could be on the David Letterman show for Stupid Dog Tricks. Stupid my bum!!! During the day, Grandma and Grandpa Toronto came over and brought me two squeaky toys! One shaped like a chicken leg and the other a shoe! They make soooo much noise and they are sooo much fun. In the evening I had another great surprise, Grandma and Grandpa Gibbons were there!!! The people folk went out for their dinner and when they came back they sang Happy Birthday to me and then I got to eat Carrot Cake Muffins that Mommy baked for me! She frosted it with Peanut Butter and topped it with Banana! It was sooooooo dericious and heavenly. After that they played with me until I was so tired that I could barely keep my eyes open. Grandpa drove me and Mommy home and then as soon as I got back, I fell asleep and the next time I woke up, I was one year and one day old. A big boy! On that note, I am now on Level II obedience which Mommy finds more fun and which I find a little bit more challenging. Yesterday was so mean, they were throwing around toys and food and Ola's dog Jabba was there and she was running around all over the place, and all the parents expected us to just sit there and "Stay" it was sooo hard, I can't believe Mommy did that to me. At least today she made it up to me by giving me a Peanut Butter filled Kong!!! Yum!!!!

Happy Birthday Poppa!

Happy Happy Birthday Poppa!

Here are the top ten reasons why I love you (besides the fact that you didn't give me Craniomandibular osteopathy like my Westie dad):

10. You let me sleep on your blue computer chair

9. You play shag-a-lac frag-a-lac with me

8. You helped name me Hubie and made sure I didn't have a stupid name like Frou-Frou

7. You let me taste your toast when there is peanut butter on it

6. You take me for my last pee-pee when Mommy is passed out

5. You play Wynton Marsalis and Miles Davis (not Mommy's Jack Johnson) when you leave

me alone and play Method Man when we are home together (I'm done with Katy Perry,

Mommy).

4. You buy me baby wipes when I run out

3. You bought me a Chuck-it and allow me to chew on it indoors

2. You are going to make me a movie star with "Hubie goes to Church" (and others in

production)

1. Because you rescue me from Mommy...I mean, because you are my Poppa, plain and simple

Hope you have a wonderful year Poppa. Many licks and snuggles Poppa!

My Wintry Vacation

Well it has been almost a month since my last entry. I must say that I am a very rested and relaxed puppy. So last time I told you about Sydenham and how much fun I had there. I was quite depressed coming back to the city and being in crate all day again but Mommy had a surprise for me! One night Auntie came back from Cabos (that is in Mexico you know), and I was soooo happy to see her that my tail wagged so hard I nearly fell over. Anyway. instead of relaxing she did a lot of laundry and started packing again. Mommy on the other hand was putting clothes and accessories into her luggage for a whole week so I thought nothing of it. All of a sudden Mommy started packing my stuff up! I was so happy thinking "oohhhh Granda Grampa Gibbons!!! Bear hunting!!!" Then Mommy got a call and I thought we were going to see Cousin Rufus so when Mommy put my leash and collar on me I was very eager, but then she grabbed my bags and not hers and then I got really nervous. "Deep breaths Hubie," I told myself, "Deep breaths like the Dalai Lama, like Mahatma Ghandi, like Snoop Dogg smoking the grass." We then walked downstairs to the drive way and then I took a pee on the garbage can and when I looked up I saw Ola. OLA!!!! From obedience school!!! Oh #$%*^!! What did I do now!!????!! I decided that she couldn't correct me if I were already correct, so I told myself to Heel! Heel Hubie! Heel!!!! I was so freaked out when I saw her vehicle too. I was actually quite torn, I love going for rides the rocking rhythm makes me drowsy and euphoric, but I didn't want to leave Mommy and Poppa and Auntie, and I knew that's where we were heading. At the last second I put on the brakes but being disadvantaged in size and weight, Mommy picked me up and put me in the front seat and told me that she was going to Cancun in Mexico. At that moment the only thing that comforted me was the sight of a chuck it tennis ball. I knew that I wouldn't be alone at doggy bootcamp. You know what I am talking about, don't lie. You've watched Maury Povich when they send rotten teens to bootcamp and they cry and promise to be good. I promised myself then and there that I would be tougher than them because I knew that I did nothing wrong. Anyway, all I remember next was that it was a long ride. The next couple of days were kinda a blur for me, I was shy and nervous so I didn't want to really play with Ola and Eric. Lucky for me they have five other dogs there! Also Sophie the beautiful Rottweiler from my class was staying there too! My best friend there was Jerry, he is a coyote and shepperd mix, we would wrestle all the time. I also recognized Jabba the French Bulldog who would occassionally visit our class. She laughed at me when I told her I thought we were at bootcamp. She explained to me that she lived there and sometimes other dogs like myself and Sophie would come for a visit or a vacation. Anyway, much like Sydenham I had a couple off pee pee accidents until I eventually caught on and would scratch the door for outside. We also got to run a whole lot, even went to the doggie park and running on their massive property. I adore the country so much! T'was like a winter wonderland, but without Parson Brown. Well let me tell you, I had a blast, if I could write a raving review on Trip Advisor, I would. Ola also told Mommy how good I was and that we would cuddle in front of the fireplace almost every night. Mommy told me I was a traitor but I know Mommy is just jealous. Jealousy is a sin you know. Oh well, we all have our shortcomings, my sin is gluttony. My stay was about a week long then one night Eric put me in his car and an hour later we were at Poppa's Place. I was so happy to see Poppa when he met us in the lobby but I was also a little confused. I also wanted to show him that I was more mature and worldly so I tried not to be so happy but my wiggly bum gave me away. Then we got upstairs and Mommy was there. She saw write through me so I gave in and hugged and kissed both of them until, well... I didn't want to anymore. They said I smelled like woodchips so I let them think that. In actuality Jerry and I smoked a cigar in the back of the house before I left. Ola said that I can come back whenever I wanted and I would like that very much. I love being home now but I do miss them very much. Mommy said that I am starting Obedience Level II in a couple of weeks. I kinda dread it but I'm happy that Ola will be there and maybe Jabba! Oh, and Mommy bought me souvenirs! A black tee-shirt that says "Bitches (Heart) Me, Cancun, Mexico" and a sombrero. She said for Halloween she will knit me a poncho to go with it so that I can be a chihuahua!!! So ever since we've been back from vacay we've been staying at Poppa's place on the weekends and Mommy and Poppa have been taking me to the park a lot. The days are staying brighter longer now so a lot of my friends have returned to the park at a later hour which is terrific because Mommy gets home from work later than the older people or the retired people. Well I guess the retired people aren't at work at all! Oh! This last Sunday morning we made a great discovery called Sherway Park. There is a great off leash area in a big trail. We explored some of it but hardly put a dent in the discovery walks. Now I have something else to look forward to. Next time I will bring my camera to take pictures. In the meantime, hope you enjoy the photos above!

Update Part Three! My Wonderful Country Christmas! aka Country Mouse Time!

So now we're onto my favorite time of the year! Christmas time!! For a while, Mommy kept talking about Sydenham (near Kingston, Ontario) and visiting Grandma and Grandpa Gibbons. She was excited about it and nervous that I was coming so she kept trying to prepare me by talking incessantly about it. It not only drove me crazy but it drove Poppa mad! She can be very annoying that way you know, she's very good at obsessing over things. Anyway, On December 22 and 23 she was running around making lists, checking it twice, and packing and repacking my suitcase and her suitcase. What? I have luggage! It's an oval storage unit that snaps on snuggly onto my crate! Why don't you Google it? Pet Cargo 500. Poppa calls my crate the Millenium Falcon. It's Krazzzy like that! Then on December 24 Mommy woke up extra early to get ready although she was not leaving for work like usually. All of a sudden Auntie's friend Carmen was there. She loaded up her car with the luggage and my crate. We swung by Auntie's work to pick her up, and then we headed to Union station. When we got there, Mommy checked our luggage and my crate. Then for about 30 minutes we walked around exploring the station. There were so many delicious smells emanating from the fast food joints. Before I was able to snag a piece of sumthin sumthin Mommy lead me back to the baggage area. Then, she put me in the crate! The audacity of some people! I was nervous at first but I channeled my inner Zen and meditated. Good dogs indeed practice this technique as to not whimper and cry out of separation anxiety. I'm thinking about writing a book, I believe this calm state is natural to me for I have a laid back disposition but my fellow Canines may benefit from my youthful but wise philosophy. Anyway, I digress. I was also happy to learn that I was not the only doggy in there. There was a party of us. We held a doggy choir and indeed I sang a few bars but quickly decided to put my head down and sleep. The train was delayed about 30 minutes so about three and a half hours later, I was sitting in another room full of luggage. Then I heard some familiar voices and then the crate door opened and Mommy and Poppa were there! Mommy kept telling me that I was such a good dog and a good traveller. I told her to please be quiet so that I could ask Poppa how he got there, and what he was doing there! Apparently we were visiting Sydenham and Grandma and Grandpa Gibbons and Poppa had gotten there a day before us. We went out to the car and Grandpa was there waiting for us. We drove for about 20 minutes and then we were at Chateau Gibbons. It is so beautifull! They have lots and lots of land there I was able to run on. In fact, everyday, they took me on the trails through the woods! I got to chase rabbits and sniff animal tracks! In fact, I saw deer and bear tracks! At night I hear coyotes and was very anxious to find them but Mommy said that they wouldn't be too nice to me. Ah well. I had lots of fun with Grandma and Grandpa Gibbons. Everyday they would play chase around game with me. Grandpa Gibbons was very generous by supplying multiple pairs of socks for me to play with. Grandma Gibbons is an excellent cook! How do I know? Mommy couldn't stop stuffing her face for twelve days! Also, I got the crumbs that fell on the floor! My favorite was the banana bread that Grandpa dropped on the floor. Wow, Paradiso! On Christmas day I got to open up presents! Mommy and Poppa bought me a Pedipaw for my nails, three nylabones, two squeaky animals, a dragon and a moose/deer (not sure what it was), P-Nuttier treats, a greenie, and a Santa hat which was so embarassing! Grandma and Grandpa bought me an adorable stuffed dog, and Auntie Deirdre bought me a squeaky rabbit that Poppa hates because it is ugly looking. Speaking of Auntie Deirdre, she came with her husband Rob and my cousins Abby and Graham. Graham didn't bother me so much but Abby is four years old. Kids of her age scare the daylights out of me so my reception of her was not so toasty. She tried to bribe me with treats but when she bent down later on to pet me, I was so startled I snapped at her! I feel so bad now! Mommy kept me on my leash for a few hours that evening while I got used to her. The next morning I had to be leashed again, but by the end of the second day, it was all good. I mostly ignored her because the few times I tried to play with her, eveyone freaked out. Chill people! Just wanted to extend the olive branch! I didn't really see any dogs because Abby's family did not bring their dog Kara, but when morning Mommy and I went for a long walk with Grandma and we ran into a nice dog named Bandit. He was a nice yet skittish dog. Oh! Funny story! Mommy and Poppa blocked up the pipes with my bum wipes! They were flushing it down the toilet even though they shouldn't have. It made all the pipes back up and no one was able to use the toilet, have a shower or do the dishes properly for days! Actually, if someone were to shower, they used the wet/dry vac to remove the water. Toilet sessions didn't seem fun. Mostly the went to the gym to take showers. Hee hee! Mommy blamed me because they were my wipes, but I wasn't the one that flused! Poor Grandpa and Rob had to dig up the septic tank to fix it! Mommy felt terrible but I think they forgave her. One night we went to have dinner at the Burley's in Belleville, they are Poppa's godparents and best friends of Grandma and Grandpa. They had a pool in the backyard and I tried to take a dip but unfortunately it was covered up for the winter. I jumped in anyway and the water came up to my ankles. I didn't know what to do so I just stood there and Mommy had to rescue me. So embarassing!! Whatever, I tasted some dropped floor lasagne that evening. A couple days later Auntie Deirdre et al. left for home in Ottawa. The next week or so I spent relaxing in the sun, playing, watching lotsa tv with the family, bear hunting, and on Saturday ice hockey! Mommy and Poppa against the Grandparents! I was the odd man out so I played defence for both sides for a while before deciding that Mommy and Poppa sucked, so I defected to the other side. Grandpa made a nice ice rink which I helped clear. After that, we cozied up and dreamed by fire of t-bone steaks, and bone marrow. I loved it out there because I never had to be on leash, well, not very much anyway. I really miss them out there, and was pretty resistant when it was time to go back to the VIA station and back to Toronto. I was happy to see Grandma and Grandpa Toronto and Cousin Rufus, but I was depressed because I knew Mommy would go back to work and leave me at home by myself. I'm still getting used to it again but Mommy has been promising that I would go to a farm to play for a week starting Thurday night. Don't know what that is about......