We hate to end the year on a bad note, but.....

OK, I'm the new girl in the house and I have a few gripes concerning the holiday season. I've been living here with Jodie and Coco for several months and they told me about the great time we were going to have around Christmas. They mentioned getting toys and treats wrapped up in fancy paper that they would tear open to enjoy what was inside. THAT WAS A LIE!!

No, Sandy, it wasn't a lie. Coco and I always got some stuff at Christmas that was under the tree. Possibly a toy or two, but always a box of treats of some kind. Isn't that true, Coco?

That's true! I don't know what happened this year, but there was nothing under the tree for us. That's OK, though. What I really miss is Christmas Dinner with all the kids. You see. Sandy, all the adults eat in the dining room and all the little kids eat at a low table in the kitchen. They droop about as much on the floor as they eat, maybe more, and Jodie and I always stayed close to clean up.

I won't admit saying this, but the table is so low and the kids so busy fooling around that it's just so easy to grab a quick bite right off their plate.

Why is it that I only have to hear about the good old days? Did all this change because of me?

No, Sandy, this is the result of changing dynamics in the family. You just came in at the wrong time. Are there any other problems?

I have a gripe! Look at the following two pictures.

Did you notice the outside temperature? 17 degrees. 17 degrees!!!! Here in Florida!!!

Now look at the second picture and you'll see Sadie and Riggs in their winter coats. WINTER COATS!!! DO we have coats???? NO!!! 17 degrees and we have no winter coats!

OK, Coco, I'll admit that it has been cold, but we don't go out for very long and we're back in the house in just a moment or two.

You'd say that, you have an extra layer of hair to keep you warm. I get cold out there. What do you say, Sandy?

Well, last year was a cold winter and I didn't have a coat then either. I only go outside for as long as it takes to do my business and when it's cold, I don't waste any time.

Another problem is that the pool is so cold they won't let me swim! Some people have pool heaters, but do we? NO!!

You're really on a tear now, Coco. Anything else while you're into the ranting and raving?

Yeah, as a mater of fact there is. I've been sleeping on Dad's bed for eons. Just me and Dad. He has his side and I had the rest. It was nice. Then the weather turned cold and suddenly you and Sandy also want to spend the night on Dad's bed. He has most of his side, but I have to share the rest with the two of you. Who gave you two dibs on Dad's bed?

I'm sorry, I didn't know I wasn't allowed on the bed.

Sandy, don't listen to Coco. she has no say as to whether you can go on the bed or not. If Mom says to get off, or if Dad says to get off, then we'd have to get off the bed. Since the people make the rules around here, they are the ones who could forbid us to keep off the bed. I don't know if you've noticed, but just as soon as the folks leave, Coco jumps up in the love seat and lays on her back with her head hanging over the arm. It's as if she's in a coma. BUT, when the garage door starts to open, she's back on the floor so she doesn't get caught. Who does she think she's kidding?

I noticed that, but wondered why she'd get up there when there are so many beds and carpets around.

OK, make fun of me. I get bored. Life would be better if the folks would leave the door to the cookies open. A cookie now and then would sure pass the time and even help stave off the cold.

Yeah, and soon she'd be so fat that she'd never get on the bed or the sofa.

A note from the pack

Jodie here, trying to write something on the blog. The problem is that there has not been a lot going on. Sandy started heat worm treatment a couple of weeks ago and she cannot frolic with me and Coco for a while. Generally, Coco and I go out together and then when we come on Sandy goes out on the leash.

Well, Jodie and I run way out in the back and bark at something that's out there. WE could tell by the smell that it was some kind of cat, but Dad thought it was a coyote. We just can't make Dad understand what we're barking about.

He knows when he catches us barking at Marshmello, the cat across the street, but if he can't see what we see, he hasn't a clue.

I started my shots for heart worm and I have to be kept quiet for a total of eight weeks. All the quiet is driving me crazy, but you have to do what you have to do. The shot wasn't too bad, but they shaved a spot on my backside and it sure looks silly. In another couple of weeks I have to go for two more shots and I understand that they will shave a spot on my other side. I hope it grows back fast.

Well, we miss running around the yard with Sandy, but most of all I miss getting into the pool. Even though Sandy won't jump in the pool, she runs around the deck all the time Jodie and I are swimming. Since she's not allowed to run she can't go out with us and I guess the folks don't want to tease her by letting us in the pool.

We're also up on Riggs and Sadie and know that Riggs must be getting all the attention he missed while Sam was away. WE know that Sam's a real nice guy and Sadie aught to warm up to him very quickly.

I know how Sadie feels. I was very timid when I first came to the Tempesta house, but now I'm one of the pack and get all the attention that Jodie and Coco get. I'm still a bit shy, being timid when friends come over, but once we get to know each other all is well. When Rita and Barb first came over I was shy, but now I know them and I'm sure to get close to get my share of the petting. Rita and Barb are dog people and are not dismayed to have the three of us all over them.

Truth be told, we act as if we are starved for attention, but that's not the case. It's just that a dog has to do what a dog has to do, and if that means being a hog for cookies or attention, so be it.

Has anyone mentioned that Sandy is finding her way to Dad's bed on her own? The other day I went to chill out there and found that Sandy had beat me to it. No problem as there's plenty of room for the three of us AND Dad. If we dumped Dad, we'd have room for two or three more labs or twenty Sadies. Yorkies don't take up much room.

I guess That's all for now. We didn't have any new pictures to add this time, but we'll work on it.

Barks to all!

News from the girls.

There's not a lot going on right now. We've been going out and playing fetch with the tennis balls, but we don't go in the pool when it's so cold. Even a tough Lab like me doesn't like the cold and when I'm ready to come in I bark to come in, and I bark loud. LET ME IN! LET ME IN!!

Being the new girl in town, I haven't had to do anything to come in. When I get to the door, it opens and I'm back in where it's nice and warm. I'm doing much better about getting on the big bed and now join Jodie and Coco there. It's warm and comfortable and Dad is usually there to scratch all of us.

When I want to come in I look through the window next to the door. It's foggy, so I can't see well, but I can see if someone is coming. If I don't see anyone I scratch on the door and pretty soon Mom or Dad opens the door. Like Jodie, I don't care much for the cold weather. Mostly I don't like the cold weather because we don't get to use the pool, but I also don't like the cold weather because I don't have the deep fur that Jodie has.

We've been reading a lot lately about Riggs exploits. Riggs is a big, powerful male Lab and he lives with Sadie, a very small female. We love Riggs, but us girls have to stick together and we want Riggs to be more careful around the little lady. We three are all about the same size and we can't rough-house the way Riggs can. Which is not to say we can't get into trouble.

Ooh, ooh, can I tell?

Sure, go ahead.

OK. Each night, after we've made our last trip outside we get a special T-BONE cookie as a treat. When we get the treat we know that it's the end of our day and we should go to bed. The folks let us out and when all three of us are back in, they take the treats from the edge of the counter and give them to us.

They never saw me take anything!!!

Well, Jodie and I were in and we were waiting for Coco. A few minutes later Coco came in and Mom reached for the treats, but they were gone. Jodie was already in bed, which is unusual as we all wait for the treat. Now, I didn't see Jodie take the treats, but I know I didn't take the treats.

And they disappeared while I was still outside, so it wasn't me.

Be honest, nobody saw who took the treats, so why blame me?

It's circumstantial evidence. There are five of us in the house. Neither of the folks eats our treats. Sandy didn't take them and I was outside. You, Jodie, were all too comfortable on the bed. When Mom got two new treats for me and Sandy you didn't even come out looking for a treat because you knew you were not going to get any more.

Nobody saw me take anything. It could have been a mouse. Mom might have been mistaken and hadn't put the treats out yet. Strange things happen, right Riggs?

It was entrapment!!!

Coco here wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving and I sure hope that all my friends get some castoffs from the table. I find that if you hang around the table, a little stuff will fall on the floor from time to time. This is especially true if there has been a lot of drinking. Also, if there are two tables, by all means stick around the kids table. Not only do the kids drop more, they'll feel sorry for you and give you lots of good stuff right off their plates. Have a great day!






Now let me explain this picture and how I was caught in such a position. When the folks go out, I usually get on the couch and relax. Oh, I've been "caught in the act" a few times, but I was awake and all they actually saw was me slithering off the furniture. OK, so last night Mom and Dad went out ans I jumped on the couch. I laid back and soon I was in dreamland. What I failed to consider was that their son, P.T., was still in the house. I guess he came out while I was asleep and took the picture and showed it to Dad. Fortunately, they got a kick out of it and I didn't get yelled at.

I had another close call a week or so ago when they had a friend over. She sat on the couch and ran her hand over the leather and asked Helen where all the dark hair was coming from. It was the same color hair as their chocolate Lab, me! I hid out in the computer room until things cooled off. I can't complain as I seem to be getting away with murder now that we have Sandy. Hold on, Jodie wants to put her two bones worth in.

Hi, all!! This is some information for some of our friends. Sometimes a couple of our four legged friends will fight over a toy or ball. We don't have that problem, even with Sandy in the pack. I think the reason is that Dad buys tennis balls by the bag full, so there are always a lot of spare yellow balls around, so we never have to fight for one. Also, unlike Riggs and Sadie, who are so different in size, the three of us are all about the same height and weight, so when we rough house, we are evenly matched. When we were over the east coast a few weeks ago, we were not taken to Dad's brother's house. We usually go there and there is a very small Maltese that lives there. Coco and I have played with her in the past, but we don't play rough with such a little dog. Since Mom wasn't sure about Sandy, we were all kept from visiting. I felt bad about it because Paul's brother, Rick, is VERY generous with the cookies, if you know what I mean.

I think Mom worried for nothing. I wouldn't hurt another dog no matter how small it might be. I am a VERY GENTLE dog. Besides, I like cookies too and regret any chance not taken. I'm becoming more accustomed to the Tempesta household. Yesterday I learned how to jump up on Dad's bed. I know how to chase and retrieve a ball, bit I still don't want to give the ball back. Mom has been working with Mom and I'm learning some commands. I know "sit". Well, we've got to run. Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends from all the girls and people here.

A note from Jodie

Hello all. I'm taking on the job of communicating tonight by myself because Coco and Sandy are afraid of Dad. I guess Dad has been having an off day today and we were getting ready to recite our blog to him earlier, but when he posted his blog on our site he kind of went into overload. Enough time has passed that I figured he'd help me out now and I guess I'm right.

Coco Sandy and I are having quite the chuckle behind his back as he looks so pathetic when he's all greased up. A big guy like him greased up in so many areas. I'd take a picture but if I did I might have to look for a new home.

Sandy is sure making herself at home as you can see in the following picture. She has discovered the joy of Dad's bed. Fortunately there's room for all three of us, AND Dad!

You may not believe this, but Coco and I play a lot more since Sandy came. She is always ready to play and doesn't want to become a mattress muffin like us two. Consequently, we're in the pool almost every day and then we play fetch two or three times. I noticed that Dad came home with another bag of tennis balls a few days ago. Sandy loves to play with the tennis balls as much as Coco and I.

You may notice that we're changing the picture at the top of the blog. Actually, we're waiting for Dad or Mom to come up with a good character picture of the three of us to use, but they are coming up short. They got this "Great New Camera" but we get the same old pictures. Between the two of them they should be able to catch the three of us doing SOMETHING!!!

I'm going to stop now. I don't want to push my luck with the old.........er I mean Dad.

A big WOOF to all our four legged friends from all of us.

Jodie

A busy time is November

Usually, November is NOT such a busy time, but this year is going to be the exception. I mentioned the rash that I got, thinking that it was a reaction to medicine I was taken, but the doctor who prescribed it didn't think so. He sent me to my dermatologist to determine if it was an allergic reaction, eczema, or related to my lymphoma. I didn't like the talk about being related to my lymphoma, but if it's true, this is a very early sign and according to the internet it "will not have any effect on longevity". The dermatologist didn't want to do a biopsy at this time as he thinks it's just a rash, but he wouldn't tell me what he thought caused it. My treatment is to "slather" my rash with a mixture of steroid cream and moisturizing. Think of covering much of your body with lard and you'll have a good idea of what it's like. Now I know what a greased pig feels like. I'm supposed to see a big change in a short time. Yeah, right!

On a brighter note, my granddaughter, Kristin, and my great granddaughter Kimberly were over Thursday. Helen had made arrangements to take Kristin to our dentist. Seeing Kimmy was just a bonus. Pictures below.

It's amazing how pretty the females in the family are and how homely..........never mind.

My projects for the weekend are to clean out the clothes dryer vent and find the coolant leak in Helen's car. I use a leaf blower to blow out the vent and that works pretty good, normally. Today the blower was having problems and was sparking something fierce. New brushes were in order. Knowing that ACE Hardware stocks motor brushes, I drove down to pick up a pair. Of course they did not have the ones I needed for my Black and Decker leaf blower. The best I could do was a set of Makita brushes that were as close as I could get. A little sanding and soldering and I was ready to go. Nope, now the dryer is in use, so I'll go on to something else.

I jacked up the Lincoln. It's "Helen's" car, a 1996 that looks and drives like new. Mostly garaged so it shows very little wear. There has been a persistent minor coolant leak that's been driving me crazy. Today I pressurized the system to 16 psi and waited to see what I'd find. Oh, boy, I found three small leaks. Two are from the radiator where the PLASTIC end caps clamp onto the ALUMINUM cooling core. Remember when they were copper and brass and could be soldered fairly easily? No such luck. Fortunately there is one waiting for me at Autozone and for what you get I think the price is reasonable. Of course, I still have that third leak and it's coming from the upper rear of the engine under 1000 tubes and wires, so I can't see. From below, I can see the coolant as it runs down the side of the engine and drips on my face.

I shouldn't complain. Working under a car in the snow as I did in Massachusetts is as bad as it gets. Working in a garage with the weather cool and having the power tools is a great change.

Helen is working around the pool and cabana and wanted me to fix the light in the cabana. I took off the globe and I could hear the filament moving in the bulb. Easy fix! I put in a new bulb. Sorry me, that didn't fix the problem. I tried another bulb and a third, all to no avail. In the cabana we have electronic switches that can be operated remotely from a console in the house as well as directly from the switch. I will have to replace the switch,

In a few minutes I'll be on my way to Autozone and Radio Shack to get the items I'll need to complete my jobs for now.

I can rest during the week.

Lucy, I'm home!

Hello, I'm Sandy and that's my picture above. I am now officially part of the Tempesta home and I wanted everyone to know. I used that line from "I LOVE LUCY" as a gimmick to get your attention. Actually, I'm WAY to young to have caught the original show, but I do see it occasionally as a rerun of a rerun.

Now, Jodie tries to write in blue, and Coco writes in chocolate. However, sometimes all the colors just become black when it's posted on the web. I didn't like the bright red and thought that this color is more befitting a lass like me. The picture above was taken a while ago and I have to mention that I am well on my way to getting my girlish figure back. I'm getting a LOT more exercise and I play with Jodie and Coco a lot. The exercise is better for all of us.

I felt that I was becoming part of the family for a while, at least as far as Jodie, Coco, and Helen was concerned but I think Paul was very reluctant to take on another dog. Heck, I came from a house of 60 or more dogs, so three is nothing! The camping trip in the motorhome was the final hurdle. See, the Tempestas are a camping family and spend vacations in the motorhome, so if I couldn't handle travel in the motorhome it would be difficult for me to fit in. Well, traveling is a piece of cake! I can lay on a bed on the floor or look out the windows. The motion of the camper doesn't bother me at all and I heard them say that I travel better than Jodie or Coco.

There was one minor problem in that I never had to do my business while attached to a leash before, so it was impossible for me to go, at first. However, because Helen.....er....Mom was patient with me, I passed that hurdle as well. When I got the news that I was here to stay I was thrilled to the max.

OK, that's enough for now. I wanted to say Hello, but I don't intend to take the blog away from Jodie and Coco.

Woof with you later,

Sandy

The New Dog in the Family

Coco and I want to let you know that we now have a new PERMANENT addition to the pack. Sandy, who has been with us for a couple of months now has been adopted by Dad and Mom and will reside with us forever.

Jodie and I felt that this would be the case for quite a while as she quickly became more like a sister than a guest and though we were ready to let the puppies go, we really wanted Sandy to stay.

And I couldn't be happier with the arrangement. This is the best place I've been in my life and I was afraid that I might have to go back to the life I once knew. Mom was all for it for a long time, but it took a while for Dad to agree. I learned to play catch and come when I'm called. We're working on sitting down and I will try the pool someday......perhaps. Mostly I try to give at least as much affection as I am given.

Well, that's it from Coco, Sandy and me. We will all be making comments on this blog as long as we can get Dad to transcribe our work.

Hello from Palm Bay

Hello all! Barking out to Riggs, Annie, Lady, Max, Tucker, and........and......Dodi. I know there are more, but I can't remember any more names. Coco, Sandy and I came over to Palm Bay on Friday with the folks. We're staying at a campground across the street from water, but the folks don't let us get there.

And the ground bites, Jodie. Don't forget to tell them that.

Coco's correct. The ground has some nasty burrs that stick in our feet and drive us crazy. To be honest, it was a problem at first because the folks didn't know about it. At the first sign of a burr, Dad would look at my foot and take it out. Now he walks us another way so we don't get the burrs.

Hi, I'm Sandy, and I really like the dog park we got to every day. I like living in the moving house. I like my bed in the moving house. I even like the long ride in the moving house last Friday.

Sandy hasn't had to endure the drive to Alaska and back, so she has no idea what a long drive is. The ride to Palm bay was 140 miles or so. The Alaska trip was over 11,000 miles.

That may be true, but I like the ride anyway. How about the dog park? We take a short drive out of town and we get to a really neat park with a free dog park. We can run and run with no rope or leash. We can play with other dogs and sniff a million different smells. It's the greatest place I've ever been.

Yes, but you have led a sheltered life. Jodie and I spent a day with Riggs in a park in Missouri. Now that was a park. it was also a free park, without leashes or ropes, but what it did have was a POND. Do you have any idea how fantastic a pond is to a Lab?

Coco and Sandy, you're both right. How about if we add a few pictures to the blog?

I'll second that!

Me, too.

Here's one reason I like the moving house. I get to share the big bed with Jodie, Coco, and Dad.

One of our pals at the dog park enjoying the water feature. It was better than nothing, but it was not a pond.

Here's Coco strutting along the back fence. It keeps her from getting in the mud that you can't see behind the fence.

Here I'm getting a drink from the water bowl. I could just as easily have taken a drink from the fountain you see on the left.

This is on the way back. I can tell because my tongue is hanging out. I'm doing the job as navigator, showing Dad the way back to the motorhome. I keep explaining to Sandy that it's a motorhome and she still calls it a moving house.

Jodie and Coco on the prowl, and I'll call the thing a motorhome from now on. Jodie can be so picky.

This beauty wandering the range is ME!!!!

Intent on something?

Sandy has found a treasure, perhaps.

The Puppies are moving on!

The puppies are almost all gone. Today we have two, but one more will be leaving later today. Not all is lost, however as we still have Sandy and she is so much fun to romp with. We tried to play with the pups, but they don't play fair. I try to run around with them and make sure I don't step on one, but they run underneath me and bite my legs. They get in where I can't see them and then I feel their sharp teeth on my leg. Pretty soon I don't care about playing, I just want to get away.

Here you can see me sparring with the white tornado, though Dad calls him El Diabalo. He's murder all by himself, but when we had the other two it was impossible! You keep one away from your front feet and the others are after your rear legs or your tail. We can call him the white tornado or El Diabalo, but the bunch of them are canine piranhas.

Yes, Coco, I agree. I thought it would be fun to romp with the pups, but they're too much for me also. However, we are getting down to just one pup as the White Monster is leaving today. It seems like only yesterday that we had all nine pups in the pen and they were no trouble for us at all.

Jodie, you and Coco may feel that they were no trouble, but that's because you were not nursing them. That's especially true when they got teeth. I couldn't believe the way they pulled on me when they ate. I thought I'd be dragging my parts on the ground when I walked, but I guess it wasn't quite that bad. I'll probably NEVER get my figure back.

Seeing you with the pups, Sandy, brings out the maternal instinct in me, but when we see how they treat you, we know that motherhood is not for us.

Amen to that you two. I love having them around, as long as they're on one side of the fence and I'm on the other. This afternoon we'll just have Aria. Do you think the three of us can cope with only one pup to play with?

I don't think so Coco. She's tiny and if she gets under foot, she'll bite the heck out of our feet and we can't get at her. Two of us will be safe, but the one she picks on will have legs like hamburger.

You may be right, Jodie. You and Sandy are more agile than I am, so I would be the last one to get away. I'll have to rethink this.

Well Coco and Jodie, should we get ready to greet the people coming to adopt El Diabalo? I feel a rousing howl may make them think twice about having a dog.

No, Sandy, the fewer digs we have around here the more attention we older dogs will get. When all the pups are gone I expect to be showered with attention for awhile.

I'll second that.

You girls may be right. In my last home I shared with sixty dogs and rarely got any individual attention, except for those damn males when I came into heat.

Well, Coco and I were spayed early on, so we know nothing of that problem. We just stay so cute and adorable and get all the attention we want.

I'll second that.

My favorite ploy is to lay beside Dad when he's at the computer. I keep a close eye on him and when he turns his chair to get up, I roll over on my back and he can't help but give me a belly rub. It's either that or he'll trip over me.

I'll second that.

You'll second that. You'll second that. What do you mean ? You don't lie beside his chair and wait for him to turn.

No, I haven't in the past, but it's a good idea which I'll use in the future. How much is enough belly rub............more. Get it? More!!! Ha Ha.

Are you two always like this?

Another day in the pool

We've been having a lot of nice days in the pool. The temperature had gone down some so it's more comfortable outside, but the pool sis always fun, I don't care what the temperature is. Dad spent more time than usual with us and that had some different effects.

Dad and Sandy at play.

Here you can see dad and Sandy playing. Dad was trying to get the ball away from Sandy, but Sandy would have none of that. You know how it is when the playing gets rowdy, something happens and just after this picture was taken Sandy fell into the pool. I think she was shocked, but she didn't even get her head wet and she swims like a fish

I didn't FALL into the pool, I swear I was pushed!!! You won't catch me on the narrow side of the pool with him again. Of course I can swim, but that doesn't mean I like the water. You may have noticed that to date I have not chosen to go into the water on my own.

Well, whether she was pushed or fell, she sure showed us what a swimmer she is. She might actually like the water if she could get in very gradually, like at a pond. I don't mind getting in the water any way I can. Jumping off the side into deep water is no problem,in fact, it gives me a rush. Jodie, on the other paw, will only go in by the steps. She absolutely will not jump off the side.

I've told you before, Coco. I'm a lady, and ladies don't go jumping off the sides like some......barbarian!

A little touchy today? Jodie?

Dad and Jodie playing Tug!

My favorite thing is to play tug with Dad. He'll pull one way and I'll pull another . Then it will slip from his hand and he'll chase me all around the pool. Sometime he thinks he has me cornered, but I'll fake one way and then dash past him on the other side. If he can't catch me for awhile, I'll get close enough for him to grab the tug and we'll do it all again. I'm having a great time and the truth be known, the exercise is good for him.

The exercise is great for you too!

Do you two always argue?

Coco and Jodie swimming laps.

I have to say that I didn't have a pool at my last home, but Jodie and Coco certainly make the most of the one here. They swim and swim, and Coco will retrieve a ball until the water dish freezes over. I have never seen a pooch with such a zest for retrieving in the water.

Sandy, you ain't seen nothing yet. Wait until they drop a few toys in the shallow end of the pool. I pretend that I'm a giant sea otter going deep in the Pacific to nab an urchin or abalone.

Where is the Pacific and what are sea urchins or abalones?

You lead a sheltered life, Sandy.

Ah, ha, I've got the ball!

With all the swimming and tugging and retrieving that goes on you think that Jodie or Coco would have the ball. Nope! patience pays off and when they're not looking, I scored the ball.

Two bathing beauties taking a short break.

Here they are again. They are not really taking a break. Coco is waiting for Mom or dad to throw the ball and shell be off. Jodie waits in the water in the off chance that the ball will be thrown to her. I've only been here a few weeks, but Jodie and Coco are great. I could say that tthey are good friends, but actually, they feel like good sisters.

I guess there will be more later from the girls.

The World of Puppies

Hi Ya'll! Jodie here and yes, I'm going to complain about the puppies. While Sandy has become one of the pack, her offspring have become a pain in the tail. They get ALL the attention, ALL of the time. They poop on the floor and Mom or Pop immediately goes into action picking it up and disposing of it. Can you imagine the trouble I'd be in if I made a mess on the floor?

That's only part of the problem, Jodie. Yes, they get all the attention, but they also get to play with our toys! The stuffed pheasant that Riggs gave us has become a toy for them. They were swarming over it like a swarm of bees, yesterday.

Sandy here. I have to admit that the pups have been a bit of a pain. El Blanco, the big white male howls constantly! He's not happy in the crate, he's not happy in the outside pen, and he's not happy in the inside pen. The only time he is quiet is when he's running free. Fortunately for Momma, most of the time he can't get to me. When he's in any confined area, I'm on the other side and it's a good thing. If he can get to me he wants to latch on for a quick meal, but his fangs are so sharp that I'll have nothing to do with him.

Yesterday he found a way to climb out of the outside pen. I guess it was only a matter of time as he is constantly trying to make his escape. I actually had a nice time playing with him while he was out, but he does have very sharp teeth and claws. He thinks he can run like the wind, but I just trot up beside him and hit him with my paw and he falls over. What a riot!

Jodie and I have run into a little difficulty getting our blog done. Part of the problem is the PUPPIES! Ugh! Part of the problem is that Mom can't help us and we have to rely in Dad to do the typing, and he was away for a few days. You should have seen Mom taking care of all the puppies, Jodie, Sandy, and Me, and taking off for a while to go see Dad. We mature dogs tried our best to make her job easier, but the puppies are as labor intensive as always. Eat, sleep, poop, eat, sleep, poop, eat, poop, sleep, poop, poop, poop. What a mess.

I guess that's enough complaining for now. Just want to give a shout out to Riggs, Annie, and Tucker. Bye for now, Coco.

Our Little friends

Coco took the reins yesterday and wrote the whole blog, so now it's my turn. Actually, I have a better relationship with Sandy than Coco alludes to, but I'm just naturally more reserved. We all get along great and I will miss Sandy when she gets adopted.

The folks get a lot of calls and emails in regard to the Lab /Golden pups, but no one is giving the other pups much attention. Oh, they get plenty of attention around here, but there is no one contacting us about adopting them. It makes me sad because they are every bit as cute as the Labs.

So, if anyone can help find homes for these precious puppies, you can write to me at jodiecoco@gmail.com Below is a slide show of them.

Thanks for looking,

Jodie

Coco and Jodie and Sandy, Oh My!

Coco here trying to make some headway on a blog. I've been trying to post something for a few days now, but it is SO hard to get the big guy moving sometimes. Tonight I caught him at the computer and I'm in his way if he were to get up. A girl has do do what a girl has to do.

I'm still having a grand time with Sandy and we seem to be so much alike. Don't get me wrong. Jodie and I are a team, but sometimes Jodie can be kind of aloof, even to me. I also think she resents the fun Sandy and I have without her.

Here I just picked this toy off the bottom.

I'm still the champion swimmer and diver in the family. Jodie will go in the water, but she won't dive. I guess she's afraid to get her ears wet. Sandy walks around the pool and seems to enjoy our company, but she sure avoids the water. She will try to play with a toy from time to time.

Sandy just chillin' by the pool.

I've got my eye on the tug rope, Jodie.

And NOW I've got it, Ha, Ha.

The puppies are still here in the house. They go to such extremes to be cute that it nearly gags me. Look at this Bozo below, sitting in the dish. What's so great about that? Mom and dad thought it was just so cute! Bah!! Let me be 100% honest with you. The magic of having the puppies here is getting old. There is a saying that company and fish both smell after three days. Well, I don't know about fish or company, but these pups are starting to smell. It wasn't too bad when they were on milk, but now that they're on solid food, phew! I don't find the picture below to be "cute". It's a pathetic attempt to get attention. heck, I could sit in a dish......except that we don't have one big enough.

I KNOW I'm a cutie!

So thats my tale for today. I hope that Jodie will take over the next time, though there is not much new to tell. We swim, run, eat, sleep, and beg for cookies. Same thing tomorrow, and the next day, and.......

Later,

Coco

Beautiful weather and a great day in the pool

It was a great day to be a dog here in Florida. They talk about the "dog days of August" but those days are really too hot. Of course, the pool makes up for it, Today Coco, Sandy and I got the chance to spend some quality time playing in and around the pool.

Here I have a ball while Sandy is keeping her eye on Coco.

Sandy, here. Yes, I'm having a good time playing with Coco and Jodie, but the pool is NOT my thing. I'll grab a ball or another toy and run around the patio, but into the pool? NO!!! Which is not to say that I don't get wet. You can't play around water with these two and not get wet. They come out of the pool soaked and run up to me and shake. So, I don't get in the pool, but I get a shower anyway.

Yup, I'm the Queen of the pool, and while I'm chasing the ball in the water, Jodie and Sandy are doing laps around the patio. Heaven forbid that they should get too wet.

Here I am following Coco around the pool. She can fetch two balls at a time and I've seen her try for three. She has a BIG mouth, but the third one just doesn't get in there. It's nice being outside with my pals and away from the pups for a little while at least. I know what's waiting for me when I go back inside. It won't be much longer, though. Their teeth are really coming and I'm not going to be chewed on, if you get my drift.

Here we are just chilling out. Shortly after this picture was taken Sandy had to go in to feed the pups. I never had pups, and when I see what they do to Sandy, I'm so glad. That much abused from the little ones is just too much!!

Jodie and I stayed out quite a while longer and played in the water and relaxed in the sun. Finally we got hosed down and dried. The only down side to this whole thing is that as we are being dried, they put something wet in our ears. Jodie and I both hate it. We know it's coming after each time in the pool, but using the pool is so much fun that we will put up with it.

That's all for now, Coco, Jodie, and Sandy signing off for now.

Hello Folks, let me introduce myself. I'm Sandy and I'm hijacking Jodie and Coco's blog today. This is me:

As you can see, I'm a good looking Labrador / Golden Retriever girl. I've had some rough days in the past, but I'm having a heck of a time here with the Tempestas and Jodie and Coco.

Here I am coming back from a walk in the trails out back.

This is my main job right now. Having nine hungry puppies who have to be fed all too often. Some of them are so nice, but I have a couple who attack like piranhas.

There was a little spat between me and Jodie a couple of days ago. It was partly my fault and partly Jodie's. She was laying near the couch and I went over to say "Hi". She growled at me and I pounced on her. She shouldn't have growled and I shouldn't have over reacted. You see, I came from a home where there were so many dogs and if you let a growl go unchallenged, you quickly become the dog that they all pick on. So my actions were based on my previous experiences. Jodie is really a dear and we get along fine. Jodie and Coco go in the pool almost every day and I get to join them. I mean, I get to go out in the pool area with them. Coco is like a fish, the way she swims and chases a ball in the pool. Also the way she brings back toys from the bottom of the pool. Jodie likes to swim, too, but I don't think she likes to get her head wet. Me??? Well I like going out there and running around the pool with a toy in my mouth. I have NO interest in actually going in the water. In fact, my first bath here was a bit traumatic as I have never had a bath like that before. I had another bath a couple of days ago and I have to admit that it was much better. Jodie was telling me about the towel rubdown after and she was right. Aaaahh, a long rubdown with fresh towels is very nice.

Here we are just playing around on the patio.

So, all in all I'm having a great time here. I've only been here but I sure feel like I'm part of the pack. When we go out several times a day, the three of us dash out to the back yard together. A few days ago I saw a woman walking down the street. This was a stranger and I dashed down to the street and gave her an awful time. Jodie came with me and the two of us really terrified the lady. I guess it was a mistake because Jodie got into a lot of trouble over it. Mom and Pop told me "No" and I guess I know what that means. No barking at people in the street and no running out to the street. I can live with that.

I'm told that I will be her for about another 4 or 5 weeks. I'm not sure if I can hijack this blog again, but you can always reach me through Jodie and Coco.

Bye, All.

A little friction on the home front.

Hi Riggs, Annie, et al. Coco here still playing second fiddle to a batch of puppies. Oh, they are the cutest things you've ever seen, but they DO get almost all the attention. Originally, Jodie and I thought that we'd still get our share, but I don't think it's true. Moreover, there was a skirmish between Sandy and Jodie yesterday and it scared me to no end. See, most of the time, Jodie is a real mellow yellow lab. Most of the time. But sometimes she just wants to be left alone. When she's in one of those moods, if I get near her she growls. If one of the folks gets near her she growls. The folks ignore her and scratch her belly and Jodie just mellows out. Well, Sandy approached Jodie and Jodie growled. Next thing I know it's a real dog fight with Mom in the middle trying to break it up. It only lasted a few seconds and I didn't see much because I was running for a bedroom. Jodie went to her bed and in a few moments Mom was in there with some clear liquid and a cotton ball to wash off two places where Sandy drew blood. I've been a bit leery about being around the two of them or between the two of them, but it seems to be a one time spat and they run around together as before.

I have to admit that Sandy is one heck of a scrapper. Perhaps it's because she came from a home with so many dogs that she had to protect herself. Now, I don't think I'm unreasonable and I'm usually very easy to get along with, but when I'm tired, I'M TIRED!!! I don't want to play, I don't want to get licked. I just want to be left alone. So when Sandy approached, I let out just a little growl to let her know that she should leave me alone. I never dreamed that she would attack me. She's smaller than I am, but golly is she fast. At any rate, it's over now and we're friends again. The folks didn't seem to give it a lot of thought as they are so busy with the nine wee ones.

Yeah, well Jodie and Sandy got in trouble again this morning, but not with each other. We were just going outside to do business when a young woman came running down the street. Sandy, who has been very quiet for the most part, raced down the yard barking like crazy. She ran right down the driveway, crossing the place that bites. Being the good girl that I am, I just sat down near the garage. Jodie also ran for the street, but she ran through the woods to get there. Apparently Jodie thinks that there is no bite in the woods, but she is wrong and she will learn. The poor woman was terrified and the folks were very irate. The two yellow dogs were harshly scolded and Jodie got double. Of course, I didn't get in any trouble, but I kept out of the way anyway.

Even as I was running for the street I knew it was wrong, but with Sandy ahead of me, I just went for it. I know that there is a point in the driveway that bites me, but I think that there is a way through the woods that allows me to get to the street with out getting zapped.

Jodie, you are supposed to be the smart one here, but you are a fool if you think that you won't get zapped in the woods. I notice that you are wearing that special collar again and I promise you that if you wander through the woods near the road, you will get a good bite. I know I found just where I can go and where I can't.

What can I say? Us Labs have a special need to get into mischief once in a while.....right, Riggs?

Right now, I feel like the smart one in the family, so you can say "Good night" Jodie.

OK, I'll play the role......Goodnight Jodie.

Over and out, Folks.

We had a great day at the beach......er.....the pool.

What a great day we had today!! Jodie, Sandy and I had the pool to play in this afternoon. Plus, Dad got some nice pictures of me and he got some pictures of Sandy and Jodie, too. Here I am leaping so gracefully into the pool to fetch a tennis ball.

And this is the splash down. I love this so much! When they don't toss the ball for me, I will sometimes drop the ball in the pool and let it float away, then I'll leap gracefully into the pool and fetch the ball.

Here I am bringing the ball back. Do you notice the fine form I display in my swimming?

Of course you can see that Coco is full of............pool water. She does jump in the pool and she seems to like it. I choose to go down the steps gracefully, like a lady. I'm secure enough that I don't have to put on a garish display. You'll notice Sandy in the pictures. She ran around the pool with us and ran outside with us, but she wouldn't go in the. We feel that Sandy is not 100% Lab, but has some Golden Retriever in her genes. She is SUPER nice, but it seems that if she doesn't swim, she can't be a Lab.

Here we are again. I'm playing Tug with Mom. Coco is waiting for a ball to be thrown in the pool and Sandy is standing by.

I'm so fast that this picture came out a little blurry, but you can see the determination on my face. You know that I MEAN to get the ball before anyone else.

Another fantastic swimming picture. I'm practically an otter.

Here we all are gathered around Mom. We were pretty pooped by the time we were done. Coco and I had a busy day in the pool and running around. Sandy had a busy time feeding the pups. She seems a little tired, but she has great spirit.

We hope that Riggs notices that there is plenty of room for one more, or twenty more for that matter.

G'bye all.