I Was A Hit At The School! by Abby

It was very hot but I went for a walk with Gerard around 1:00 this afternoon and we stopped by the school to say "hello" to the kids.  In no time, I was surrounded with lots of giggling girls who want to pet me up.  I loved it!  Gerard called Karen to tell her to come with the camera.  Here are the pictures she took:

You can barely see me in this.

They were all trying to hug and pet me.

Gerard was very happy too--he expected only a couple would come over!

I am a very popular pooch!

Walk Now? I'm Busy! by Abby

I got a bone Saturday!  It's been a very long time since I had one, other than the few little ones I found on garbage day.  My owners are taking the week off because they always do to celebrate their wedding anniversary.  To include me in the celebration and to let me know this is a special week, they brought home a bone for me.  I didn't get it until 5:00 when the Browns-Lions game came on so when Gerard wanted me to go for my usual after dinner walk, I really wanted to stay and chew on my bone. 

Since I am a good doggie and want to please my master, I did go with Gerard, BUT, I brought my bone with me.  I did not want the cats getting it or Karen hiding it from me while I was gone.  I carried it with me the whole way around the block!  Hope you liked my video!

So, what would you rather do--eat or walk?  Woof!  Woof!

Oh, if you want to read more about Karen & Gerard's anniversary plans, here's the link:  It's Another Wedding Anniversary--13 Years!  I'm featured there too!

I Can't Wait To Go! by Abby

On Saturday, Gerard told Karen to take a video of me running to the van to show everyone how excited it get when they say we are going to the park, so here it is:

Woo Hoo! I’m a “Picture Perfect Pet” by Abby

Where Can You Find Cool Stuff? by Abby

I am so glad I make Gerard happy.  You know how I know? Because he just bought a shirt today that says "My dog makes me HAPPY, you, not so much!"  Isn't it neat that he wears a shirt like this when we go places to let people know how happy he is with me? 

He got this from The Animal Rescue Site and by making a purchase there, helped other animals who do not yet have homes!  How cool is that?  I bet if you went there, you could find something you like too! Woof!  Woof!

I Am Afraid Of Storms by Abby

My Happy Gotcha Day Anniversary by Abby

I am 6 years old (I think) but this is my first year Gotcha Day anniversary!  I had a very nice day.  It did not rain, Karen and Gerard were home most of the day, I got to go to the park and got treats there.  I saw two big deer and a few squirrels that I chased.  I came very close to the one.  I got more "Better Than Pig Ear" treats and Karen gave me one for an evening snack.  I watched some of the Indians and Red Sox ballgames with Gerard and had some porch time.  It was a very good day! 

Gerard put my book on the hutch in the dining room and set up a special group of my pictures near it.  He is a good father to me!  Happy Father's Day everyone!  Woof!  Woof!

I Passed Intermediate Training by Abby

I completed my intermediate dog training class last Sunday!  Yippee!!  They were kind of boring because there was only one other dog in my class and the trainer spent most her time with her.  I did learn to heel better, to go to my rug, and to come and stay with distractions--as long as the distractions aren't food!  In that case, I usually still go for the food first before I come.  They gave me a graduation cap to wear again and took my picture.  This time along with a certificate, my humans also got a bumper sticker that is now on our refrigerator which says "MY GOOD DOG IS A PETSMART TRAINING GRADUATE." 

I Got Blessed Today! by Abby

I sure had fun today!  We went to The Parma Animal Shelter and there were a whole lot of other doggies there that I got to meet.  I was very good and did not bark at any of them.  First we walked around to greet all the people that were selling things or running raffles.  Then we went to the tennis court where a Priest prayed for all us dogs and blessed us with what he called "Holy Water."  I'm not sure what that is.  It looked like regular water to me.  Then afterward, all of us dogs and their owners went for a walk together through State Road Park where I go all the time so I was right behind the two leaders leading the way.  You can see me having a great time on this video.  Oh, and they gave me a big bag of treats and I won a good dog picnic pack.  I guess it's a container to bring along food for me on a picnic.

Do You Stop For Ice Cream? by Abby

Off To Buy Flowers by Abby

One of the reasons I like car rides so much is that we sometimes go to new places.  When Karen and Gerard decided to buy flowers for the yard, Gerard said I could come too.  Karen did not like the idea much, but Gerard said he would keep me with him.

When we got there, wow!  There were lots of pretty flowers everywhere.  A man came over and told Gerard he had to keep me on a short leash.  In the picture you can see how short it was.  The man seemed very jumpy to me.  He was a bit worried the whole time I was there.  He told Karen he had a cat on the premises but she told him I do not chase cats.  He said that I was in the cat's territory and she may attack me.

I was not afraid of any cat though.  Gerard and I mostly walked around outside in the bigger area and the customers liked me and gave me pets. 

Karen took my picture with Gerard on the way out.  Later that day, we went to Snow Road park.  It was a beautiful day, not too hot.  I worked on heeling and greeting at the park and Karen was very happy with my performance.  Woof!  Woof!

I'm Back In Class by Abby

I started my intermediate dog training.  There is only one other dog in the class besides me, Clementine.  She is a puppy and very jumpy so provides entertainment.  We reviewed waiting the first week and I learned to lay down now when my owners just point to the floor. 

I am also learning to heel and did very well at walking next to Karen and Gerard in circles round and round the training area in the store.  It was a boring walk.  Outside walks are way better!  We also worked on the stay and leave it commands.  It is very tempting to go get those treats when the trainer throws them all over the floor, but I must wait until I am released from my stay.  I am learning that the longer I stay, the more treats I get. 

I like going to class.  Karen and Gerard are very proud of me.  I overheard the trainer telling Karen that she thinks I could definitely be a therapy dog one day because I have a nice temperament for it.  I think that would be lots of fun!

Obese--Who ME? by Abby

I'm So Excited! by Abby

I can't wait!  I am going back to PetSmart for more dog training classes starting this Sunday!  I am so excited to learn more things because I am getting bored with just wait, come, sit, down and stay.  I want to learn more and in this class Karen says they will teach some games I can play with my owners too.  It sounds like fun.  Oh, and did I mention I'll be getting extra treats again?  I am also excited because this will be a new trainer that I can meet and impress with my charms.  I wonder what other dogs will be in this new class and if I Odot or Chewy will be back.   

Relaxing Time by Abby

At the end of the day there is nothing better than laying on the couch with Gerard watching TV and just relaxing.  It's great to have him home; we just enjoy being together! This is a rare moment because it's seldom we are both on the couch like this at the same time.  Gerard loved it though and called to Karen to come and take our picture! 

Do you lay on your humans?  I am not really a lap dog because I weight 38 pounds, but Gerard and Karen don't mind if I lay on them.  That blanket on our couch is so my dog fur doesn't get all over the couch.

I Love The Snow! by Abby

Today Karen & Gerard surprised me by taking me for a ride in the car to my vet place for Heartguard to keep me healthy and dental chews, then PetSmart for more meatsticks where I met other dogs, and then the best of all--Snow Road Park!  There was still plenty of snow and they both ran along with me so I could do some serious squirrel chasing.  I didn't catch any but came pretty close!  I had a great time and I think my owners did too!  Hope you had a fun weekend!  What did you do?  You can look at Karen's blog and see a video of me in action at:  We Went Squirrel Chasing.  Woof!  Woof!  

I am entering the Cat-O-Lympics in the category of squirrel watching.

My First Christmas with Karen & Gerard by Abby

This was my first Christmas with Karen and Gerard.  I got booties in my Christmas stocking which they gave me on Christmas Eve.  I do not want anything on my feet and they soon figured that out after trying for 15 minutes to get one boot on.  Ha, ha! They returned them yesterday and the cashier said she wasn't a surprised.  Most dogs don't like these.  She only saw one dog ever that actually wore them.

Then because they felt bad I didn't like my first present, they gave me another one--a real big soft pet bed but I didn't like that either!  It was too squishy and big.  Besides, I like jumping up on the bed with them.  I don't need that thing.  Here is a picture of Gerard trying to get me to use it.  I got off as soon as I could.  Even the cats didn't go near it and they usually inspect EVERYTHING!  Karen was surprised at that because she figured I may not like it but at least the cats probably would, but they didn't go near it either. 

They gave up then for Christmas Eve and saved my other two presents for Christmas Day--finally I liked these.  A big bone (pork--not rawhide) and the Furminator.  Gerard knows what I like--give me a bone!  Since they felt so bad I didn't like my other two presents, they got me a second bone when they returned the boots.  Karen brushed me twice with the Furminator and it works very well.  Lots of loose fur came off only she found out it's best not to do it near a heater because it blew the fur back at her when she was trying to throw it away.  It was pretty funny!

I highly recommend bones and the Furminator if you have thick fur like I do.

Oh, and since Christmas is about giving, when I went to PetSmart with Karen one day, I picked out a gift for Manny and Spunkty that they like:  it's a long cat tunnel that both could fit in at once.

Hope you had a Merry Christmas!  The best part of Christmas is that Karen and Gerard are home with me through the day!

Woof!  Woof!

I Like Peanut Butter by Abby

I had a fun time cleaning out the Skippy Peanut Butter jar.  What a treat that was!  Karen had a hard time getting any more out so she let me lick the jar.  That was fun because I never did that before and challenging too because the jar kept rolling away from me.  I had to hold it tight with my paws.  It was pretty deep and my tongue couldn't get all the way to the bottom so I started chewing around the top of it but then Karen took it away.  She said she didn't think it was a good idea for me to chew on the jar.  I like peanut butter, do you?  Woof!  Woof!

Do You Like My Jacket? by Abby

Looky, looky!  I got an early Christmas present because it got so cold outside this weekend and even snowed on Friday morning!  It goes on real easy because it has velcro strips that just attach aroung my neck and belly, even Gerard can do it! 

Pretty red on the design matches my color and it has soft furry trim at the top part that goes around my neck.  It will keep me dryer in rain and snow and warmer in the cold weather too, although so far I don't really mind the cold. I got several compliments from other dog walkers already too!  I'm glad I didn't have to wait all the way until Christmas.  Did you get any early Christmas presents yet?  I love my new jacket!  Woof!  Woof!

I Feel Like Such A Bad Doggie by Abby

I went to the spa again on Tuesday but when they went to brush my teeth, NO WAY!  They only got a little bit on some of my front teeth, but I did not like it.  I'm not too crazy about those blow dryers either, but I did look very pretty when I was done and got a holiday picture to surprise Gerard!  (Unless he reads this before, oops!)

Anyhow, that is not why I feel bad.  I feel bad because I have the runs.  When Karen got home from work yesterday, I tried telling her I had to go out but she ignored me and went shopping instead.  By the time she got back, I had made a huge mess in her den.  (I'm not even supposed to be up there.)  She could smell it as soon as she came in the house.  She did not yell at me though but took the blame for not listening to me earlier. 

I thought I was done with that but it happened again early this morning, only this time I did it near the front door.  Only a small spot got on the carpet but a big mess on the tile in the dining room.  I barked to let my owners know and Gerard got up then at 4:20 a.m. to take me for a walk--a little late.  Karen had it all cleaned up by the time we got back.  I feel very bad about this but really can't help it. 

I felt a little better though when Karen assured me she'd keep me no matter what and told me not to worry about it, but I heard her say I may have to stay in the basement when they go to the zoo and out to eat today. 

Can anyone help me?  PLEASE?  Woof!  Woof!

Trick or Treating is Fun by Abby

I got to go outside with Gerard on Halloween to help him hand out the candy to the trick or treaters!  It was so much fun to greet the kids and I got a lot of pets!  Manny and Spunky Doodle watched from the dining room window.  They didn't want to come out but liked to see what was going on.  Here's a short video of some of the highlights of my evening--Woof!  Woof!:

Pampering At Bartels by Abby

Friday Karen took me to Bartels Resort & Spa for doggies.  This place let her stay and watch and also video my whole experience there!  They were very nice to me and fussed over me quite a bit.  I felt so special!  I didn't have to go in any cage like I did at All Paws and they gave me treats too!  I didn't mind getting wet at all, but wasn't too crazy about the blow dryers coming at me.  I had three people working on me and it only took about half an hour! 

They gave me a special Halloween scarf to wear and made me smell real nice too.  When I got home, Karen gave me a meat stick treat.  Karen was able to get me home and get to her radiation treatment right on time!  I was glad I didn't have to be there by myself. 

I highly recommend Bartels--they were very nice to us!  Woof!  Woof!  Here is a video Karen took of me at the spa:

Related Post:  Marvelous Monday--I got Groomed (All Paws)

My First Halloween Party by Abby

Bartels (the place I went for my spa day) had a Halloween party for pets on October 17 so we went.  It was fun!  I wore the scarf with the owls on it that I got after my bath but other dogs were even more dressed up! 

One even had wings!  I am going to sniff her in the picture but she was very nervous and shaking.  Sorry you can't really see her too good in this picture, but you can see me.  Notice how busy my tail is?  I was wagging it the whole time I was there! 

Another little doggie was pretending to be a horse and had a little doll riding him.

There were a couple really big dogs, one wore an Ohio State sports shirt. 

The biggest one moved as Karen snapped the picture so you can only see part of him, too bad his head is missing (hee, hee).  

I liked meeting and greeting lots of dogs but the best part was the treat lady who gave me a couple doggie cookies.  Karen didn’t really seem to enjoy it much because she was too busy trying to get good pictures while Gerard and I were always on the move.  We did sit down on the way out by the decorations by the door so Karen could get a good picture of us.  I wonder what the next fun thing for me will be!   Gerard says that if it’s warm enough outside on Halloween, he’ll take me on the porch with him so meet all the trick-or-treaters who come.  Maybe I’ll get more pets. 

What are you Halloween plans?  Did you ever go to a Halloween party?  Happy Halloween--Woof!  Woof!

Go Browns! by Abby

Last sunday I watched the Browns game with Karen and they finally won their first game of this season against the Buffalo Bills.  Being a dog, of course I am a Browns fan. 

In honor of their first win of the season, Karen gave me this cool Browns scarf.  I proudly wore it when Gerard took me out for my walk, but it was getting in the way of my sniffing so Gerard took it off. 

In my dog training class, I would bark along when everyone clapped for a dog who did something well and my trainer called me a cheerleader.  I enjoy barking along when Karen and Gerard cheer for their teams while watching sports on TV too. 

Spunky and Manny still get scared of me when I bark though and usually take off.  It's actually pretty funny to watch them run away together!  Hee, hee. 

Do you enjoy watching sports with your family?  What teams do you like to cheer for?

Poor Gerard, It's All My Fault by Abby

Poor Gerard got hurt again because of me, although he told me it wasn't my fault.  See, he has to walk me before going to work and he leaves so early that it's still very dark outside.  Usually, we don't even see anyone else at all on our morning walks.  He usually takes me for two.  One at 5 a.m. and then again around 6 a.m. for a short quick one.  He feels so bad that I'm inside all day while he's at work. 

This morning, the first time we got back, his key wouldn't open the door so he rang the bell and Karen had to come let us in.  (That wasn't my fault but the next part is.)  You see, when we went out the second time, he tripped on something and fell on his face on the sidewalk because it was so dark outside!  We were two streets away too and his upper lip was bleeding or else it was his nose, we really couldn't tell for sure. 

When we got back home, Karen was very upset too when she saw him and heard what hapened.  If I didn't need to go out, none of this would have happened.  Karen did find a flashlight for him to use from now on.  In the summer it wasn't so dark but now that the days are shorter, it is VERY dark!  I felt bad that he fell and got hurt walking me.  He says it wasn't my fault, but I think it really is.  Karen says she's going to look into getting our backyard fenced in before winter so he doesn't have to walk me far.  She says they could just let me out in the backyard.  I don't know about that, I like my walks!  Our yard is very small.  Woof!  Woof!

Related Post:  Read "Sorry Gerard" to find out about the first time he got hurt because of me.

The Dog Park Was Fun! by Abby

On Labor Day Karen and Gerard took me to a Dog Park.  It's a park for dogs although their owners are allowed in too.  There were no "No Dog Owners Allowed" signs up anywhere.  My first time there I met four new dogs.  They all came over to welcome me.  Lots of sniffing going on!  I noticed though that they were all off their leashes except for me. See, in this picture you can see me on the leash and all the other dogs coming over to me.

This is a picture of the dogs running by me.  I am in front of Gerard so you can't see me in this picture but you can see we're right on a main street and the two dogs running along the fence.  Oh yeah, I forgot to mention it has a fence all around with a gate so that is why the dogs are allowed of the leashes.

At one point the Boxer came hopping up at me.  Karen and Gerard didn't go for

that so we left shortly afterward.  It's name was Rusty.  It looked like it might rain and they wanted to get home before it did so I went to say good-bye to all the dogs I met there and we left.

My next trip was even MORE fun because there were EIGHT dogs.  Unfortunately, Karen didn't bring the camera or Flip along that day so I don't have any pictures of that.  This time they let me off the leash.  It wasn't as much fun as when I got off the leash at the big park, but this time I could run along with the dogs too if i wanted.  Most of the time though, I just pretty much stayed with either Gerard or Karen.  Karen and I ran to the far fence together and tied.  Gerard stayed around the middle and I came right away if he called me.  This made him very happy!  Then I went to Karen when she called me right away too which made her very happy.  They practiced some of my simple commands, sit, stay which I did and they were amazed.   I heard my dog trainer say that it's necessary to practice the commands both inside and outside in different places with lots of distractions.  The other dogs were running around, one was playing fetch with a ball, the other dog owners were all sitting or standing around the two picnic tables.  The only thing missing that would have made it really hard was a squirrel.  I thought there's no place with more distractions that this so I practiced like she said I should.  I got a nice meat stick treat when we got home!

Gerard wished we had a video of this but Karen isn't up to fussing with doing a video yet.  She's still recovering from her surgery and tires easily still.  Gerard doesn't have a clue how to get it to the computer, but he does know how to use the Flip camera.

Here's the link to Karen's post about our dog park visits:  http://zemeks.blogspot.com/2009/09/abby-never-ceases-to-amaze-us.html

Have you ever been to a dog park?  How was it?  I am such a lucky dog to have a dog park so close by.  Woof!  Woof!

Saturdays Are SO Much Fun!

Today I got lots and lots of outside time!  First, I went for my early morning walk around 5:30 a.m.  Then Gerard brushed me on the porch and we went to a close by park where I chased lots of squirrels.  I think I could have gotten the one, but Karen was holding me back.  She doesn't run as fast as I do!

Then I had another training class at PetSmart and got lots of treats today.  We worked on walking again and the stay command.  I was like a social butterfly going to visit all the dogs and their owners in my class and sniff them.  The trainer said I act like an old lady because I don't run through the house but Gerard says I'm just well-trained. 

Then, we went for a nice ride on I-77 to go to another park!  This park had lots of people sitting around talking and eating who were happy to meet me.  I got lots of petting there and Gerard kept taking me for short walks away from the shelter house.  (My leash stayed on today).

When we got home, i got one of my new treats--a meat stick!  Yummy! After I watched Gerard wash the car, he took me for another walk around our neighborhood.   I will sleep good tonight! I wish days like this would never end!

How was your day?  Woof!  Woof!

What A Great Adventure I Had!

Saturdays are always good.  I was up early with Gerard and went on two walks in the neighborhood even before Karen had breakfast! 

Then, we went to the Metropark.  I was so excited when I saw all the trees on the way there because i recognized them.  At first, things started out a bit slow because Karen kept making me wait so I wouldn't pull on the leash but then I got the hang of it and since I was doing so well, we crossed the main road and continued on in the next section.  Now here comes the best part of all!

We went over to a bench to take a little rest and everything was very nice.  Karen was holding the leash but all of a sudden, it just came off so away I went!  I ran and ran and ran.  I heard Karen and Gerard calling me to come but I was having way too much fun and they sounded kind of upset too.  I took off around the bend and had so much fun running free like a wolf! 

After a little while I did turn around and head back and met a nice guy who was working on the shelter.  I stayed with him until Karen and Gerard caught up to me.  Then I stayed with Gerard while Karen went back to get the car because they didn't trust my leash anymore. 

Then we went to PetSmart to shop before our training class.  I got a brand new red collar and a new red leash that is thicker than my old one was.  In our class, we worked on the "come" command today.  I did really good in class with it!  I even won the challenge against Odot because I came and sat before she did.  Today Killer and Chewy were both friendlier to me.  Class was a lot of fun becaus we got to walk a lot again and this time I took some of Killer's treats that were just laying out.  

Here's a video of my dog training class and me getting my new red collar!  Woof!  Woof!  You even can hear me barking on it after meeting Diesel, the big black dog that came by.  Click here to read about this incident from Karen's perspective.

What A Busy Fun Day! by Abby

I love Saturdays!  First we went for a car ride to a different park that was very close by.   I am still working on a video about this trip but Karen was very pleased I sat nicely on the floor between the two front seats.  We went to get more treats taht I like, but the vet place didn't have anymore.  I liked the park a lot!  It was shady, had nice paths, some other dogs, no mean doggie signs and a squirrel!

Then I had my training class.  I was happy to see Odot and Killer again and didn't bark near as much but Chewy wasn't there.  Poor Gerard had to clean up my pee in aisle 21 when we were learning how to walk along properly.  I was just doing what I usually do when we go for walks, but somehow I don't think he was very happy about it.  We worked on the WAIT command and although I took several tries before getting it right, maybe 8 times or so, everyone clapped for me and the nice lady who is Odot's mom even gave me a yummy treat!  She knew I liked them because she had some set aside by her chair and when no one was watching me, I sneaked over quick and took some!   Karen also learned a "sit" signal that works really well--it's dog sign language!

My owners bough a small pool for me and put some water in it in the backyard.  I guess they thought I'd be all excited about sitting in it, I'm not really sure what they expected I'd do, but I could tell  they were a bit disappoionted that I wasn't all excited about it.   Here is a link to the video of it:  What A Big Bowl! just in case this one doesn't work:

Why Are Police Mean To Doggies? by Abby

Since Karen was off today, she took me for a walk to my favorite neighborhood park but my day was almost ruined!  She saw some mean signs that she hadn't seen before that said "No Dogs Allowed Police Order."  We were very sad to see these signs and left, but when we got home she called the Mayor's office to register my complaint and was transferred to the Parks department. 

The lady was very nice and said the signs are there because people don't clean up after their dogs.  My humans always bring along a bag to clean up after me and Karen told her that.  She said we don't really have a dog park in Parma but to go ahead and just make sure people see that we have a poop bag.  If anyone says anything to us about not being allowed there, then we should leave but she said that was the reason why the signs are up.  Irresponsible dog owners make things bad for all of us. 

Do your owners bring a poop bag along on your walks?  Woof Woof!

Here is the video I made about this experience:

I Wrote A Book! by Abby

That's right!  I wrote a book about my first year with the Zemeks.  I am so happy to have a forever home with them.  I was scheduled to be put down at a shelter because it was overcrowded, but thanks to a nice lady named Barb, I now live with Gerard, Karen, Spunky Doodle and Manny.  Karen helped me write a book about my life with them for Gerard for Father's Day with lots of pictures too using Blurb.com!  It was quite a project but it turned out great and Gerard was very, very surprised.  He kept saying over and over how awesome it is!    Karen was very happy with how it turned out too.  

We made it public so you can even buy it if you wish.  Any profits we receive from the sale of this book will be donated to Canine Lifeline, Inc., the organization that Barb started to place dogs from over crowded shelters in foster homes until they find forver homes like I did.  Oh, the name of the book is Abby Finds A Good Home--From Death Row To Adoption.

I Won! by Abby

I won!  I won!  My very first ever gold medal!  I truly am a great squirrel watcher, but didn't expect to win in the Cat-O-Lympics since I am what they refer to as a "Woofie."  The Furry Bambinos hosted this even and declared it a tie among all the participants.  

Okay, so maybe I'm not actually the best squirrel watcher in the blogosphere, but it was very nice of them to include me.  I do think I am the best squirrel chaser!

Woof!  Woof!

Thanks To Canine LifeLine by Abby

Today I Saw Santa Claus by Abby

Gerard and I took a long walk to see our Christmas parade.  (Karen did not come because it was too cold for her and she's trying to get over her cold.)  I wore my new coat so I was comfy cozy.  I enjoyed the three bands and all the people.  I saw three dogs in the parade!  I wish I could be in a parade.  At the end I saw Santa Claus.  I've been a good doggie so I'm pretty sure I'm on his good list.  Going home, Gerard said maybe I could be in the Fourth of July parade.  I hope so!  I would like that a lot!  Woof!  Woof! 

Have you ever been in a parade?  Did you ever see a parade?

So I Ate A Little Cat Poop--What's The Big Deal by Abby

I recently found out that upstairs (where I'm not allowed) there is sometimes some cat poop--yum!  One day I ate some and was very happy I found it, but Karen wasn't.  She made a big thing about it and now is trying to come up with all sorts of ideas as to how to keep me away from it.  She even took me to the vet to make sure I was all right.  It did smell awful when I vomited it up on the upstairs carpet.  Karen smelled it as soon as she came in the house from work. (Sorry, no picture of my vomit--it was gross!)

Today I Went To Church!

Today Gerard walked me up to Parma Heights Baptist Church to surprise Karen.  It was a great walk--45 minutes but I was full of energy because it was a cool day and I was so excited to get to explore a new route and go to a new place that I never was at before. There's quite a bit of grass and some trees and I had fun chasing some squirrels as soon as we got there.

The people there were very nice to me, probably because I was a first-time visitor.  I got lots of pets and was told how nice and good I am.  I even waited in the hall nicely until Karen's Sunday School class let out.  I didn't want to barge in and disrupt her.  See what a good doggie I am? 

I sort of wanted to stay for the 11:00 service but Karen hurried me out.  I liked church!  You should go some time too!  Woof!  Woof!

To read how surprised Karen was to see me, check out her post:  A Visitor Came To Church Today

I Lost 20 Pounds In 4 Months! by Abby

When I first arrived at the Zemeks the end of June, I was overweight at 55 lbs.  Gerard quickly started taking me for several walks a day.  At first, on the hot days of summer, I would stop and lay down along the way to rest.  I usually found some shade to rest in for awhile.  When we got home, I would just lay down breathing hard.  Karen would pet me if I laid near the computer where she usually was and tell Gerard he tuckered me out.

I began losing some weight and ate the Iams weight management food twice a day.  I got better and better and started being able to go on longer walks without getting worn out.  Now I can go on six walks a day including some really long ones and don’t have those love handles anymore.  My owners can feel my ribs now.  Of course, the cooler weather helps too! 

I can easily do an hour walk now and everyone says how good I look.  I can even beat Gerard up the basement stairs now and jump in and out of the car, jump up on the couch and on the bed much easier too!  I’m on the regular Iams adult dog food now since the vet said I could stand to gain a couple pounds.   I think they need to give me more treats!  With winter coming up, I’m sure I won’t be getting as many walks as when the weather is nice so I’m not worried about losing too much.  Oh, Gerard lost some weight too and is in great shape!   

Walking is good exercise—do you go for a nice walk or two every day?  Hope all my doggie friends get lots of good walks in and if you are a human who would like to lose some weight, I suggest you get a dog to take you on walks with them.   I bet those extra pounds will fall right off.  Woof!  Woof!

I Can Be On The Bed Too Now by Abby

To get your way I have these words of advice:  be persistent, be nice and be patient and be adorable!  I am now allowed on the bed--yippee! 

On Friday, when Karen decided to sleep in and Manny was on the bed with her, she actually called me up to be on the bed too!  I guess Karen wanted to see if it would be all right with him.  Manny was at the bottom of the bed on her left. 

I was so excited and happy that she finally let me lay on the bed with her!  I love being close to my humans. Since it was okay with Manny, I guess it was okay with Karen then.  Thanks, Manny, for staying even when I came aboard!  The cats rule you know.

So, Saturday morning, while Karen went on the computer and Gerard was still in bed, I joined him too!  He, of course, didn't mind at all and called for Karen to take our picture.  I am so happy I have fully been accepted now and almost have equal rights around here!  Upstairs is still cat territory only--no doggies allowed.  Woof!  Woof!

It's Not Fair! by Abby

Last Sunday night I decided to try laying on the bed with Gerard and Karen.  The cats didn't come in the bedroom so I thought there would be plenty room for me.  I jumped up on Gerard about 11:30 p.m. but Karen woke up too and said I couldn't stay, that the bed was for them and the cats, but I had to stay on the floor.  Does this seem fair to you?  It doesn't seem fair to me! 

Since this was the first time I ever did this, Karen thought maybe I needed to go outside to take care of some business so Gerard took me out.  I did go, but when we came back, I tried going on the bed again.  Gerard gave in to Karen because she didn't want me on it, especially since it was a hot night.  He told me to stay on the floor so then I did.  Maybe in the winter she would let me because I could keep her warm.  Maybe I'll give it another try then.  Woof!  Woof!

Where Did My Bone Go?

I like chewing on my rawhide bone at night, but Karen doesn't want me to bring it into the bedroom with me anymore because she says it keeps her awake hearing me chewing on it.  I was happily chewing on my bone one evening while she was on the computer and it got to be bedtime.  She tricked me!  

I followed her into the kitchen with the bone in my mouth and she gave me a treat!  Of course I had to put down my bone to eat the treat and poof, when I finished the treat, my bone was gone!  I circled round and round looking for it because I know I left it there.  I even went back to check the computer room but I couldn't find it anywhere so I went to sleep.  

The next morning, Karen got my bone out of the cupboard.  Very sneaky!  Do your humans hide your bones from you?

Woof!  Woof!

I Love My Bone!

These rawhide bones are the best!  Very tasty and fun to chew on.  It keeps me busy for hours! 

It started out much fatter than this when I first got it.  I always start in the middle first, then chew off the ends.  I got this far on it in just one day!  i highly recommend rawhide bones for any big dog who has a lot of free time while its owners are away.

I like these so much though, that I'll even chew on it when my owners are home.  What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

I Feel Naked!

Oh no! I've caused a family crisis!  I lost my dog tags!  I had a red one with my dog license number on it and a blue one shaped like a bone that has my name, address and phone number on it so if somehow I get lost, a kind person would know where I live and could call my owners.  Of course, if I lost them outside and someone finds them, we could get them back.  

Gerard just disovered they were missing this morning when he was putting on my leash to go for my morning walk.  I feel so naked without them!  I hope we can find them.  Karen is already upset with me for keeping her awake last night when I was chewing on my bone in the bedroom and now this! 

I wish I knew where they were.  Karen and Gerard both looked through the house and couldn't find them.  Gerard checked the car too.  Karen even commissioned Spunky Doodle to show her where they were but I don't think Spunky knows either.  

I am not worried about it myself, by my owners are upset about this. 

Woof, woof!

Sorry Gerard!

Yesterday Gerard got hurt and broke his glasses because of me.  He was brusing me on the porch which I like but when another dog came walking by, I took off after it to say "hello" and Gerard fell down the steps trying to hold me back.  The cops came and everything to make sure I was a nice doggie.  I put my best paw forward and sat and let them pet me real nice.  I didn't even bark at them. 

Gerard was still very nice to me and didn't yell at me at all.  In fact, we all went to the park together and had a great time.  You can read all about it if you want to check out Karen & Gerard's blog at http://zemeks.blogspot.com/2009/07/excitement-to-start-off-day-happy.html

Happy Abby Day

Both Karen and Gerard were off work yesterday because of the holiday weekend!  It was great!  I went for 7 walks!  Even though it was a bit cool and rainy in the morning, it finally stopped raining later on.  I walked all the way to a new neighborhood park much farther than the first one I went to.  I was full of pep and Gerard was very pleased.

I met two more of our nighbors who said I was a nice dog and pet me up.  I also got to chase some squirrels at the park. 

Karen even came along on my early morning poop walk to get a picture of my very cool poop bags that I also got from Susan and Phoebe.  It was so nice being with Gerard and Karen all day.  They pet me up a lot and I got some treats too.  I love holidays!

A Surprise Gift

Today Karen brought home a surprise for me Susan and Phoebe.  It's a whole big bag of "Better Than Ears" the soft and chewy pig ear alternative.  They are 50% lower in fat than regular pig ears and are very delicious.  These are the smoky bacon flavor.  I ate it up right away and it was all gone by the time Karen got her camera to take my picture eating (it took me less than a minute--I love to eat!).    That's why it's just a picture of me with the bag of treats.  It was so good, I just couldn't wait!  Sorry about that, woof, woof!

I'm Too Big!

I saw Manny go under the computer desk while Karen was at the computer so later I thought I would give it a try too but I couldn't fit!  I'm too big and Karen told me to get out because there are so many cords under there.  I think she was afraid I might chew on one of them.  Ha, I know better than that!  I'm a very smart doggie.  Woof, Woof!

A Fun Morning Walk by Abby

I love my early morning walks with Gerard at 5:20 a.m.  Today I had a great time chasing after Mr. Hippity Hop, a bird and a possum!  I miss Gerard very much during the day when he goes away to work.  He misses me too!  Woof!

Yea For Garbage Day by Abby

Wednesday mornings is my favorite walk time all week because it's our garbage day.  I get lots of interesting scents to sniff along the way and Gerard likes it too.  Can you guess why?  Because when I make my poops he doesn't have to carry it with him.  He doesn't like carrying it because I make real stinky poopers.  He always says there's nothing wrong with my plumbing!  Sometimes I'll even go several times on the same walk so since he had to pick it up in his hand once he brings along a whole roll of those pretty colorful poop bags.  Woof!  Woof!

I Worked For My Breakfast! by Abby

Normally Gerard feeds me my meals. I can gobble it up real quick because he just puts it all in a little bowl for me. Sometimes though, Karen feeds me and then I have to work for it. She'll scatter my food around so I can't gobble it up as quick.

It's actually pretty fun to hunt for it, especially when she tosses some on the floor. This morning though, she even told me to sit and stay while she dumped my delicious breakfast out on my table for me and then said "leave it." I did just to prove I could and she was very, very excited about that and pet me a lot, telling me over and over what a good girl I am. It took me 3 minutes to eat it this way instead of my usual one minute!

Woof!  Woof!  Doesn't this look like fun?

Now That's More Like It! by Abby

Karen gave me this Kong toy filled with peanut butter a few days ago.  I liked it some but wasn't all that keen on it.  Karen was disappointed because she thought I'd really like it.

Spunky Doodle even came by to check it out but I told her it was MINE and she left.  But on Spunky Doodle's Gotcha Day celebration today, Karen made it better.

She added treats to it and that got my attention!  Here is the link to the video of me really working on it on You Tube:  I Love My Kong toy Now!

A Simply Splendid Sunday!

Today I started with my favorite place to walk--the close playground park!  Then, Karen and Gerard were only gone for a few hours this morning and after that, spent the whole rest of the day with me. 

I did some blogging with Karen, as you can see, but she also went on a very nice walk with Gerard and me going in a new direction with lots of new scents to sniff.  I came back and rested for a bit and then we went out in the car.  This time I rode in the KIA but I like the bigger van better.  Karen and Gerard took me along to watch them play tennis and I met another cool dog who wasn't even on a leash.  It was about the same size as me and we greeted each other very nicely. 

It was a bit hot and not much shade where I was so Karen brought me a nice bowl of water that I could drink.  She's so nice to me.  I love being with them!

I Want To Be Friends

Spunky Doodle and Manny seem to be afraid of me.  They'll come slowly toward me and then stop about 4-6 feet away and just stare at me.  Don't they know it's impolite?  I know karen likes them very much so I am trying very, very hard to be their friend.  I don't chase them at all!  Manny will come down and look at me in the computer room in the morning when Karen is on it but then leaves right away.  In fact as Karen is writing this for me, I am laying on the floor by her feet looing at Manny laying in the hallway staring back at me squinting his eyes.  I'm not sure if he's squinting them at me or at Karen.  He is the same color as I am.

Last night while I was watching the Red Sox game with Gerard in the basement, Spunky Doodle came down and went in the other big section of our basement under the ping pong table.  Gerard has a blanket hanging over the edge so I just stuck my nose underneath it and touched nosees with Spunky Doodle.  This was about the 3 third I did it.  Then I left and Spunky didn't run away but didn't follow after me either.

I know Karen was not very happy with me this morning because I slept in the bedroom on the floor by the bed all night and neither cat came on the bed.  She blames that on me.  Maybe it was just too warm and it wasn't my fault.  I don't know for sure, but I love to be near Gerard whenever he is home.

What more can I do to make friends with Spunky and Manny?  Any suggestions?

My New Home by Abby

Things are really looking up for me now!  I sas placed in a shelter and scheduled to be euthanized because is was so crowded and no one wanted me.  I was very sad.  I am such a nice dog and just want to be loved and cared for.  I am very eager to please.  A nice lady gave me a foster home so I could have more time in order to find my new forever home.  Boy, am I glad she did.  

Karen and Gerard saw me on Petfinder.com and emailed Barb to make arrangements for me to come to their house to meet me.  I am still here on a trial basis this week, but I really, really, want to stay!  They are very nice to me and have two nice cats which I am trying to make friends with.  They are still a bit scared of me because I am such a big dog.

Karen made a video of me that you can watch if you click on this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7lrHiH8IzM&feature=player_embedded. (It's the one up on my sidebar called "I Love It Here.")

I like going for walks and meeting all the new dogs in the neighborhood.  I like watching the Red Sox games with Gerard.  I like chewing on my big rawhide bone while Karen is on the computer or when I am left alone with the cats.  I like laying on the couch too.  I just love this place.  Gerard is now my bestest best friend ever!  Karen is very nice too, but Gerard is the one who feeds me and walks me first thing in the morning and pets me all during his TV shows.

I was lost.  Then confined.  Cared for but homeless.  But now I am found.  I have my forever home!  I will soon be officially adopted and be a member of the Zemek family.  Woof!  Woof!

Pet Pride Is Pawsome!

Click here to check out this very cool site where pets share their posts and share yours too!

I Graduated! by Abby

Yesterday I graduated from my beginning dog training class.  They took my picture with my graduation cap and gave me a treat and certificate.  Karen and Gerard have the certificate hanging on the refrigerator until they can get a frame for it.  My doggie friend, Odot, also gave each of us in the class a goodie bag with some biscuit treats inside!  I had one of those this morning--it was very good!

Sad to report that Killer dropped out so did not graduate.  He was coming along too!  Chewy and Odot graduated with me.  Chewy even brought a bunch of people along to watch our graduation day.  It was a bit distracting to have them there.  When Chewy's owners called her over, whe went to his grandma instead!  It was funny!  The trainer said she enjoyed our class and tried getting us to advance to intermediate training.  I would like to.  I am going miss Chewy and Odot. 

If you have a dog, you should try some dog training classes--they are a lot of fun and will help give you a closer relationship with your pet.  Woof!  Woof!

Dog Trainer is Impressed With Me by Abby

After being off for a week from my dog training class to let my trainer go on vacation, I was happy to be back.  My trainer keeps telling Karen and Gerard what an "awesome" dog I am and that they were really lucky to get me.  Many shelter dogs have issues like Killer and Odot have.  They are very scared and Odot doesn't listen at all to her owner when she's outside.  Killer pretty much is afraid of everything, even the little bell his owners used to try to get him to go outside to do his business. 

I made her laugh last Saturday when I barked to let her know when Chewy moved and didn't do it right and called me a "tattletail."  I was just trying to help.  She tried setting me up to do it to show Karen and Gerard what I do, but I didn't do it then.  She said I was very alert and have a lot going on in my head.  I'm not sure I really like her letting my owners know my secrets.  She's very perceptive!  

We had fun practicing stay, wait and walking with our owners without the leash!  Gerard was surprised I did it but Karen wasn't surprised at all because she pracitices with me doing that around the house and knew I could.  I did follow Chewy though for part of the way.  She weighs 90 lbs. and we are now friends.  Odot made me look very good when she grabbed the trainer's glasses that were in the glass case laying on the bench.  It was funny!  Karen laughed and Odot's owner was embarrassed but got the glasses out of Odot's mouth with no problem.

I only have two classes left.  My trainer says we're going to work on some fun things next week--can't wait!  Maybe I'll learn a trick or two.  Woof!  Woof!

Marvelous Monday--I Got Groomed! by Abby

Monday, August 17, was marvelous!  Karen and Gerard were both off work so I had a great time going for an extra morning walk with both of them.  Then we practiced the "come" command outside and I got a special meaty stick treat when I came.  Karen was walking me up the street and Gerard called me from the backyard so I went back there and he gave me a treat.  I had fun rolling around on the wet grass too!  Spunky was watching me from the back window. 

Then they took me to the groomer for the first time.  It was bad at first because they put me in a cage which brought back bad memories of when I was at the shelter.  I barked and barked because I didn't like it in there and Karen and Gerard left without me.  Karen wanted to stay and take some video of me getting a bath but they wouldn't let her!  Oh, I was so scared!  But then, the nice lady gave me some treats and I calmed down.  She made me smell nice, gave me a bath, and brushed me real good with a furminator.  She even gave me a pretty pink bow on my collar.  When Karen and Gerard came back they hugged and pet me up and I was so glad to see them.  The nice lady told them I liked it and did real well for it being my first time and that I deserve a special treat.  Karen kept saying over and over how nice I look and how soft my fur was.  She said she's going to buy a Furminator. 

Okay, Maybe I Wasn't The Star of the Class by Abby

Today was my first class at PetSmart and I think I embarrassed Gerard when I had a little pee accident in Aisle 8 before it started.  I was just so excited to see all the doggies!  The first one I met when we went in was Odot.  She was a bit nervous but we became fast friends.  She jumps up on people and tugs on her leash a lot. 

The other dog I met before we got started was Chewy.  She even had a muzzle on when I first saw her!  We had a barking exchange but she started it!  We both got squirted in the face with a water bottle by the trainer right at the beginning of class.  She even weighs more than I do and she must really be bad because this is the second time she's taking this class!  She is less than a year old but bigger than me!  I hope we can be friends. 

Then there was another dog named Killer.  He's the only male dog in our class but he was the most scared of all and his owners kept telling about all the bad things he does.  He is not housebroken and he eats cat poop at night!  Oh, and he gets into the trash too!  I think that's funny!  The trainer told his owners they had to be patient with him when trying to teach him "leave it." I think he should change his name.

I already knew some of the commands and when she tried teaching "leave it," she didn't have anything I wanted!  When the trainer came over to demonstrate the command "off" she couldn't do it with me because I never jump on people.  She just said that was good and didn't try to get me to jump on her and just moved on to Odot who was more than happy to jump on her. 

Karen said I bark a lot when other dogs go by our house or if I see a squirrel and the trainer told her to just let me have 2 or 3 barks and then say "enough" and give me a treat when I stop.  That sounds good to me!  I think I can easily learn not to bark "excessively."  I just learned that word today!  

Oh, and by the way, in the van, I sat nicely on the floor between Karen and Gerard most of the way.  Woof!  Woof!

Dog Training, Who Me? by Abby

I heard Karen say that she signed me up for dog training at PetSmart starting the last Saturday in July.  I think she is wasting her money big time.  I am already trained.  I am a good doggie.  What do you think?

My First Time At the Park! by Abby

What a fun time I had at the park for the first time.  There was so much to explore!  I saw ducks, lots of dogs, a squirrel in a tree and went up and down hills and through water and tall grass!  I had a great time and when I got home, Manny and Spunky greeted me!  Then I watched Gerard wash the car from the porch and he brushed me very nice.  I like that too!  I love it in my new forever home.  I wish all doggies could find a great home like I did!  Thanks to Petfinder.com, Karen and Gerard found me!

Watch the above video of my park adventure.  The only bad thing is when I broke Karen's camera when I got a bit excited when she didn't expect it.  Oops.  Woof!  Woof! 

I Went For A Fun Ride Today!

Today Karen surprised me by taking me for a ride when she did some errands and left her van at the repair shop.  We walked home and I wanted to chase a squirrel that I saw on the other side of the street but she wouldn't let me.  Oh well, the ride was very fun!  There is plenty of room for me in the van!  It is very big. 

Gerard said we will go to the park tomorrow!  That will be so much fun, I can hardly wait!

Watch the video of my first car ride and vote for me!  Woof, Woof. 

Here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrfIo6yicp8