Here We Are

There I am on the floor with Miss Moose lending her my support. You can see her shaved belly and the two spots that are shaved on her front legs...anything shaved on me...well, it is hidden (as it should be).

The second picture was taken by Dad when he was home with us on Wednesday. Moosey spent Tuesday with the vet. It is not good, after the surgery she had, to throw up at all and she did that 3 times on Monday night. I thought my Mom was going to have a heart attack! But Doc Everett said she was the picture of health, all things considered, while she was there with them. Our other vet and the doctor who did my surgery and Moose's is on vacation. Dr. Shaw told my Mom she better send a text a day while she is gone. Mom hasn't texted her today because Mom feels like she is being a pain in the bottom..when Dr. Shaw is supposed to be on vacation. Today Moose doesn't have much energy, but she is eating well (I should know I am right there to clean up the scraps of the "good" stuff!) and drinking and does not have a fever. Dr. Everett called Mom just a little bit ago to check on Moose. Doc told Mom that she was going to be in on Saturday but that she really preferred not to hear from her!! =] So when Dad took this picture Moosey felt good enough to crawl up on the couch. Dad couldn't believe we all sat there for him.

As for me?? I am doing great! I think laser surgery is awesome!! I don't know what "real" surgery is but this was easy as pie. I think I am driving my Mom crazy though. I have been storing energy. I am not supposed to run or exercise for another week!! I have torn up a lot of toys in the last few days!

It is Christmas Eve...so I should say to everyone that I hope that you have a Merry Christmas..this is my first Christmas in the world. The tree has been awesome to sleep under. Not crazy about the crinkley packages under the tree occupying my spot, but its okay. I like the smell of the house. And last but not least..we have a lot to be thankful for....besides all the obvious stuff, family, home, friends, vets, vets who are friends, groomers who are friends and give the most AWESOME gifts (thanks Kissty, Kissty), stockings hung with care..we are thankful that Moosey is still with us and here to celebrate Christmas and the New Year!

I am Hugh

I had Cake!!

Woooo hooooo! I graduated today!! Mom says this is a really bad picture, but I was just getting my command to sit to get my fancy picture taken by one of our trainers, Jerry. Liz, our other fabulous trainer, had two of her pack dogs there and she placed them as distractions for me and then called out to Dad what she wanted him to do. I think I surprised Mom and Dad...I actually did everything that Liz asked Dad to tell me to do. I had my game face on and I was workin' the floor! I got my picture taken and then we had cake!! I had a whole HUGE slice to myself. Mom fed it to me..the frosting was CHEESE WIZ!! Wow, I was in heaven!

Liz said that they are looking at having an intermediate class in January. Mom told her that we would be there. Mom said she thought all of the dogs in our class did really well. Even Rhia the aggressive shepherd got through her test without issue. She came over and sat next to Mom and kissed her. Rhia's Mom was surprised that her dog would sit next to Mom. Mom has a thing for shepherd's and they for her since she was a kid. The lady she showed and helped breed her Bichon's had a guard dog who was a German Shepherd from Germany. His name was Castel and Mom loved him a lot.

I got neutered on Friday. I don't know what that means. Mom sent a text to Dr. Shaw the next day and asked her if she was sure she operated on me? Dr. Shaw sent back that there were two cute little testicles presented right there for her. I had laser surgery so I have this tiny incision and well, I guess I just don't know that anything happened.

Miss Moose had to have surgery too on Friday, but her's was of an urgent nature. She had not been feeling well for several days. She has a very sensitive stomach. Mom and Dr. Shaw did everything they could to settle her gut down, but Friday morning she was back to having terrible pain. Turns out Moosey had started to bloat. Mom was given several options, but chose to have Moose's stomach tacked to her rib cage to prevent further bloat. This doesn't mean that she won't still have tummy issues (Dr. Shaw was quite clear with Mom that Moosey will need gas relievers for life), but at least the possibility of her tummy twisting has been reduced.

We had a family slumber party in the living room Friday night when Moose came home. Dr. Shaw graciously visited the house with some injectible pain killers as Moosey was breathing harder than she wanted to see and crying a lot. Mom was very worried for her. I was kind of confused as to why we were all sleeping in the living room huddled around Moose, but I went from place to place checking it out pretty much all night long driving Mom crazy! Yesterday we took Moose back to the vet to have her checked out to make sure she didn't have a fever (although I have to say Mom is pretty good with the thermometer now). The ride to the vet really tuckered Moose out.

Moose a lot better today. All of us poodles and Mom took a long nap with Moose this morning. She seems calmest on the bed with Mom. Mom took the opportunity to put ice on her BIG incision. Grandma came over and stayed with Moose while I went off to graduate!!

Christmas is next week...I am sure I am on Santa's "nice" list...well, maybe the "naughty" list, but hey....

I am Hugh

Christmas came early!!

Isn't it fantastic?? What you ask? The bed I am sitting on that is what...just in time for..well, everything!! My Mom got a message on her FaceBook page from my Mommy (you only have one of those you know and she was the first to help bring me into the world) asking if we had received a package for me yet?? Mom said no, but that she would watched for it. Mom called Dad and said, "we need to watch for a package for Hugh."

Mom got home just a little bit ago after running errands after work and Dad said to her "Hugh made out like a bandit!" Mom said, "oh no, you opened it without me?" Dad said, "I couldn't believe how big the box was and it was addressed to Hugh Stinson. I had to know." Mom said, "well, what was it?" Dad pointed to over by the Christmas tree. Mom came around the corner and she yelled, "HOLY CRAP!!" and then she laughed, hugged me, had tears in her eyes and said, "that is just lovely and amazing." Dad said, "I know. Vicki wanted Hugh to have his own beginnings and his own bed." They hugged. Dad asked Mom if she saw the box it came in. It was a really big box. I should know it freaked me out! I know there was something else in there, but Mom said I can have it on Christmas. Woo hoo!

So Mommy, if you read this..thank you very much. I love my new bed and it is just the right color! Merry Christmas and I send you lots of puppy dog kisses.

I am Hugh

What I didn't wear to the Snowflake Parade...

Yep, I am supposed to be a reindeer in elf clothes or some thing. I didn't like it at all. Mom put a coat on Miss Moose to wear during the parade because it was 14 or so degrees. Mom and Dad were looking for a festive flair. They ended up taking it off and putting a coat on me too.

We walked with our vets office in the Snow Flake Festival Parade. We were "float" 79 or so. We weren't really a float. We had to wait a long time before the parade started and it was really cold. The folks at the vet's office decorated all kinds of stuff for us to wear though. Moose and I wore red felt bandanas with a large gold bell that rang when we walked (all the dogs wore them), and little glow necklaces so folks could see us. Mom and Dad wore paw decorated scarves (Mom liked her's so much that she didn't want to give it back, but she did..) and Mom had lights around her neck. We all looked great. Moose took a great liking to Dr. Shaw's long haired chihuahua. Mom said if they hadn't both been fixed it would have been quite the romance. I don't get it, but it tickled Mom, so that makes it okay.

Miss Moose had a good time in the parade. She went up to little kids and gave them kisses and stuff. Me? I just hung out with Dad. He said I did really well. A couple of floats ahead of us were some Mountain Men musket shooters. I did okay with that, but it was really loud. Liz, who had her pack with her, had a dog that was really sensitive to loud noises, so they had to leave the parade. Kissty, Kissty and her husband were out on the parade route cheering us on. We had great fun!

Everyone wanted to know where Marcus was. Mom said that he would have just been miserable and was better off at home waiting for us.

We had our first BIG snow too! I have a pretty good time running around the apple trees in the snow. Mom says she thinks that I am growing again because I was doing really good with my coordination and now I am biffing it again. I weigh about 35 or 36 pounds now. I go for a big "procedure" on Friday...not sure what it is all about but Dad keeps telling me that my manhood is going to be compromised. I don't know what that means either, but it doesn't sound the best does it?

The last puppy left in my litter, my sister Jewel, finally found a forever home. She flew to Reno today to be with her new Mom. My Mom and Dad are really happy for her. Jewel's Mom's daughter lives here in Klamath Falls, so we are hoping that I will get a play date with her. That would be pretty neat.

I had my second to last training today. Next week is graduation. Mom said that it went fast. Dad just shakes his head. I don't know what that means...I do really well at home, but distractions (lots of other dogs) are tough for me. I'll do my best to do everything I am supposed to so that I graduate and get my picture taken.

I am Hugh

Visiting Santa!

• Okay, so it isn't the most dignified thing for a hunter to do and you would not have caught Oliver, TGH sitting with Santa and you can see by the look on my face that I am not too sure I want to be sitting here either, but hey, someone had to tell Santa about all the hunting gear I want for Christmas!!
• The picture was free with purchase, so Dad thought that Mom would get a kick out of this because they have never done the whole dog with Santa thing. He was right! She was tickled to get this picture. Grandpa Wally your picture is coming in the mail!!
• While Dad and I were roaming the dog aisles at PetCo a lady stopped us and wanted to know about me. She is a hunter and hunting dog trainer. Mom was with a friend shopping and saw Dad's truck outside so they decided to come in the store and say "hi!" to me. Mom and Auntie Shelby found the two of them talking hunting. I saw Mom and jumped for joy. Then Mom told the lady about my sister Jewel, who might still be available. The lady's Mom's dog is suffering from cancer or may have already passed and they have been trying like crazy to find another standard poodle for the Mom. She lives in Reno. So my Mom gave the lady all the info she could remember off the top of her head.
• I guess Auntie Shelby said that every time we are out with me that we get stopped and get into this big discussion on poodles and hunting. I am not sure why people find it so hard to believe that I will be a hunter...as great as Oliver, TGH. We were bred for hunting. Both the English and the German pudel - that's all they did was hunt birds. Shoot my ancestors may have hunted foxes for all I know, but birds for sure! The lady in the store asked Dad if he was embarrassed to hunt a poodle. Dad said heck, no and that there are 12 other hunters in town that hunt strictly with poodles. I guess I shoud say the lady's name is Bridget. She seemed super nice.
• Mom was on facebook this morning and she was crying and hugged me..she had just read that my sister Jewel is going to go live in Reno and will fly out next week! Cool, huh? Mom thought it was quite the twist of fate that my sister's "big brother" in Reno is named Indiana Jones and her name is Jewel. Mom said the poodle angels were working overtime on this one. So at five months, Jewel will finally have her forever home. I hope she is as happy as I am.

I am Hugh

p.s. it is training day...I will have an update later...unless I am so tuckered out that I cannot get my paws to type! =]

Tuckered out!

I had a lot to say to my Dad when he put this silly Christmas hat on my head. Sheesh!

I worked hard today. It really started last night. Mom and Dad kept bringing all this stuff into the house and my furniture was rearranged. Kind of freaked me out! Dad put up this lit tree thing right where I nap and then Mom built this little Precious Moments village with a tree and she wouldn't let me pick up the little people. Dad built a Santa & reindeer decoration and strung a bunch of lights around a ton of snow men.

Then I noticed there was a strange beast in my yard and it was making noise. Turned out to be Dad's ATV and I climbed on and Dad took me for a ride around the yard. Again, it freaked me out a bit, but in the end it was okay.

We had to go for a long walk today before my training class at 2pm with Liz Diver. There was another dog with major issues in class today. He is only 8 months old, but he is HUGE and does a high pitched cry because everything is so exciting to him. He reminds me of my vet's dog that passed away, but Dr. Shaw's dog was prettier. I squished myself under my Dad's chair until class started. Jerry, the other trainer, came over to evaluate me. He said that I was pretty shy today and that wasn't normal. Mom told him about the Christmas decorating and the ATV and he said, "Ahhh." I guess that means my behavior was normal for there being change?

We worked on everything we worked on last Sunday, but now Dad is taking treats away! What is up with that? I like treats. I will do just about anything for them. Yeah, a pat on the head is nice, but come on, I am a growing boy!!! I need me some treats!

We came home to more decorating and I am exhausted. I fell asleep between the cushions of the couch upside down I was so tired! Mom says that they wore me out and well, I would tend to agree. I think it will be an early bed time for me if the open the big bedroom door I will sack out on the bed and wait for Mom to come to bed and read.

I am Hugh

Thanksgiving, cleaning & decorating!

• Thanksgiving was surprising for everyone! I have only ever been around one little kid and he is the neighbor kid and he is as scared of me as I am of him, so we never really got off on the right foot. So going to Uncle Tom's & Aunt Shirley's house with all the grandkids around..let's see there was Isabella (I chewed on her pig tails and she just patted me and smiled, she isn't even 2!), Peyten is 3 and she wasn't too keen on me until later in the day (I kept trying to steal her rubber frog toys) and Chase is 2 and I got to clean up his face for him. I didn't freak out and Mom was proud.

Cousin Posie was there and I got to play with her a little bit, but then Gizmo showed up and the fun stopped. I don't like Gizmo. Why? I don't know. Dad said it is the first dog he has ever seen me not like. Giz is 3 and I pretty much tried to take his head off. Mom said "big teeth and all!" She said it wasn't behavior she wants to praise either. Mom also said that Gizmo has kinda an OCD thing going - (I don't know what that means) he kept bugging me and bugging me and wouldn't let it drop. Finally his Dad, Adam, had to tell him to "leave it" and believe me I was the "it" and he didn't want to leave me!

I got to meet Sarah and Scott - Mom & Dad didn't think they were going to get to see them so it was a cool treat Mom said. Scott has more tattoos than Mom!!

In the picture I am sitting on the coffee table. No, this is not something I am allowed to do. I was happily watching Alladin with the closed caption on (I am a smart Poodle, you know!) when vacuumming occurred - I will not get eaten by the vacuum cleaner!! I sneezed when the dusting began. I really sneezed when I ran into the windex that Mom was shooting on the front window! The decorating has not begun yet, Mom and Dad are trying to find the best layout because they are worried that I will try and crawl under the tree. See I am weird. Weird for a poodle, Mom says. I like to crawl under things and sleep. The tighter the space the happier I am. I still get into Marcus's dog house although I am much to big for it now. I like crawling behind the rocker. I guess where they usually put the tree is where I like to nap the most. What is the worst that could happen? I knock over the tree? Meh..not me!

We picked up my prize from Double C that I won for coming in 2nd place in the calendar contest. I think Mom is trying to be thankful and not be disappointed in what was given to me, but she isn't really talking. I think she is worried about sounding ungrateful, when she really is grateful. I look forward to the calendar coming out in December and I know Mom is too!

While I have been typing I think they have stopped cleaning - I should go check out what is going on. There has to be something I can get into?!

I am Hugh

Dog training, voting and being silly...

Today was our second puppy class...Mom was going to take pictures but she forgot the camera. We are working on "shaping." What does that mean? Well, something about shaping my behavior before I have a name for the action. I have to have the action 80% down and then Mom and Dad give it a name so that when they say it I know what action goes with the name. Dad said I did really well in class. Liz even used me for a demonstration and she couldn't get me to do the action she wanted wrong. She was going to show the correction, but I kept doing it right. Everyone was laughing, but I don't think they were laughing at me, but at Liz cuz I wouldn't misbehave.

The mean sheperd was there again. She scares me and everyone else there. Mom says she understands why she is there. I think she needs some private training before she comes in. Mom says she needs socialization and the correct correction. Mom says that she gets too focused on another dog before her owner corrects her. Mom says that if anyone can get her to function without attacking it is Liz. When we were leaving class Liz was bringing in her own pack members to work with the sheperd. Mom said she hopes it helps and works.

We worked on loose leash training - Liz had Dad running all over the place with me. Liz said, "keep turning around Michael. It may take you an hour to get to your destination, but keep turning around until Hugh puts his head where you want it." I guess I finally got it because we got to the truck and my crate and I got to take a nap! Whew! We also worked on "watch me," "easy," "heel" and "come." Mom says that I don't know that is what we worked on - yet. Liz said that the whole class was doing really well. She said we were the brightest - she said with two labs, a border collie, two poodles, a pom and a sheperd that we were a pretty smart bunch and weren't giving her to much anxiety. That's good.

Well, Mom says that the voting for the local calendar ends tonight at midnight. She told me to give a BIG thank you to everyone that voted every day and even if you just voted once she wanted me to make sure that I said that was really cool and thank you! Mom said we will find out in the Thanksgiving paper who makes it into the calendar and we will let you know. Pretty sure that the yellow lab that had a picture in will win the cover. Mom said she would be very pleased just for me to make one of the 12. Me too! Mom said that she is sure that Kissty, Kissty would be very happy not to get a status update with a request that she vote every day! Mom said she is pretty sure that she drove some of her friends crazy with the request. I say that a Mom's gotta do what a Mom's gotta do!

The picture for this blog post is the silly part. Mom has been working on laundry. When she would go into the big bedroom me, Miss Moose and Marcus would all hop up onto the bed like it was bedtime - well, except Moose knows she doesn't sleep on the bed because she is too big - Mom says that she is hopeful. Anyway, we all got up there and each of us curled up looking at her like well, are you getting in bed? She thought it was really funny that we were all ready for bed soooo soon. I am just plain tuckered out. I worked hard today. Marcus he will sleep anywhere Mom is and Miss Moose is always on Mom's heels no matter what she is doing. It seemed like the right thing to do...we did get kicked out.

I am Hugh

Dog training...

• I had my first puppy class...there were 8 other dogs..all different ages. There was a 2 year old very aggressive German shepard that I told Dad I would sit under his chair and behind his legs while that dog went by thank you very much. I didn't like her too much. There were lots of pups my age though. I got to meet them all. The one I liked the most was this shaved down pomeranian..I think his name was Teddy. He looked like a little teddybear. But all of them were nice to me.

There wasn't much to the class today because it was more orientation, but we started association training...I don't really know what that means just yet, but I tell you what - I got lots of treats!! Wooo hooo!! Mom and Dad took me for a long walk before class and they took me hungry. I thought it was pretty mean until I realized all I had to do was follow their hands and touch my nose to their hand and I got a treat. Taking candy from a baby!!! Not that I would do that..well, depends on the candy!

So Liz gave us homework...Mom and Dad have to make a list of commands and then they have to work on the hand association thing with me 20 to 30 times a day!! Can you believe that?? I have hit the mother load of treats!!!

I am Hugh

Time to Vote!!!

It is time to vote for me...Mom entered me in the local paper's 2010 Calendar Contest...there are lots of cute animals...but come on..this is me...Hugh!!!! Dad took this photo the first weekend I was in Oregon. I am much smaller and still really fuzzy.

I can't put in a direct widget address to get right to me, but I know that I am, so far, picture number 82...I think it changes every day, but I am around there. The web address is http://www.heraldandnews.com/ - you have to register to vote, but that's not soooo bad. I am shameless...please take a look and give me a vote! Your participation is much appreciated from this little poodle!

I am Hugh

Furlough day...

Dad says I am almost getting to big to be picked up! Doesn't look like it to me though..how about you?

Mom and Dad are off today. Mom for furlough and Dad for Veteran's Day. That means I get to be in the house which is okay by me!

Uncle Tom came to visit with Posie. Boy did little Marcus have a problem with her. Posie is the nicest dog I have met other than my pack and Marc was having none of it in his house. He chased poor Poosie out the back door. He actually nipped her three times!! My Mom was not happy with his behavior. Tom said to let them sort it out. Posie is a big dog, but she has an even bigger heart. Marcus is letting everyone know that since Oliver, TGH, died that he is the ruler of the roost, but Mom says that is still very bad behavior and could get him really hurt. Sheesh, as long as he stays off of me...no, I'm kidding, but really...

I think we were supposed to go hunting today, but the weather has turned poopy Mom says, so that is a no go. It has been good though. I got to go out and chase Mom around the apple trees and the trailer. I have this route that I take..I loop around one apple tree, around the post on the porch, back out around the rv in back and then around the apple tree. During this I am running by Mom and barking as I go by. It is really fun and it makes Mom laugh. Then I go take a nap and "store energy" my Dad says.

This Sunday is our first day of doggy class with Liz Diver. It sounds good now, but I have a feeling it is going to be lots of work! Mom says we can't have any bored poodles around here. Isn't Sunday made for sleeping in??

I am Hugh

Don't laugh...

Okay, Auntie Kiissssty, this one is for you...Mom says I look like I am in one of those old fashioned bathing suits. It's not so embarassing, at least I look manly. I do look manly right?

Today I was supposed to go and see Aunt Kissty early in the morning to get groomed, but my Mom and Dad forgot. Mom didn't remember until her cell phone rang while she was standing in the emergency room with my Dad. First time my Dad has gone to a doctor or hospital for himself in a very long time. His blood pressure was really high after training with me this morning. ER doc said he thinks he is fine, but that he really needs to get a physical done with a family doctor. Wheew, that's good right? I need my Dad. I don't know everything I need to know yet and I love him!

So I am still wandering around in different silly get ups from time to time. I still don't mind them much. Mom said she really wants me used to all kinds of stuff clanking on my or buzzing by my face so I am not startled. When Mom finally took me in to see Aunt Kissty...well, there was a terrier in there and he had skittery feet and was making a ton of noise. I didn't think that was too cool. Mom said, "see, you need to get used to stuff like that, so you don't freak out." What? Me freak out? All I did was go behind Mom and stand where my paws were on her back and peek around her to see what sort of freak of nature was coming around the corner at me. The scotty dog that came around the corner, meh, no problem, but sheesh the noise his feet made!!!

When Aunt Kissty came down to me she said I had really grown a lot. I was kind of shy with her at first and then all I wanted was to be hugged. I put up quite a yoddeling fuss when Kissty Kissty put me in the big dryer. She told Mom that I finally quit after an hour. She said that my fuss was much cuter when I was littler. Hmmm, I just don't know what she means..? I am sure my Mom will take a picture or two in all my fluffiness and I will share my handsome self with you.

I am Hugh

Sunday Training

• Well, it was a tough day for me with training....I was all over the place and I couldn't seem to figure out what I was doing and that I had done this before. Mom thought I was nuts and Dad, well, he says it is my stubborn stage and that it will begin to click again.
• The starter gun doesn't bother me at all - it never really did, but now when I hear it I am looking for something to fall. Mom says that is encouraging - that I am at least connecting the two together.
• It was such a nice day out in the field today that Mom just decided to run with me on my check line. She said that made more sense than getting frustrated with me. We saw five pheasant roosters. One actually crowed at us. Dad figures we startled it and that is why he crowed at us, but that rooster sure did run for cover once he realized what he had done!
• I heard Mom talking to Liz Diver..she is an animal behaviorist and is going to teach my puppy class. I hope I do well!
• I had fun with Moosey yesterday, but I did something naughty..I shredded her new purple scarf while we were in the kennel. Mom and Dad got home at the same time yesterday and Dad said, "Hugh shredded Moosey." Mom said, "Of course he did. And to think I was only gone 45 minutes. Oy!" She still have me a kiss though, so she couldn't have been too mad at me? =} I imagine that Auntie Kisssty is going to say, "oh that Hugh!"
• I am going to go curl up with my Dad - he is watching Harry Potter.

I am Hugh

I'm a Big Boy Now!

I went to see Dr. Shaw today...she played with me and emptied the treat bowl by coaxing me over to her. I like to hide under things when she is around. It isn't that I don't like her...I like her just fine, but today she was dressed up like a cowgirl and she had two BIG braids that coming forward and kinda freaking me out. The nice thing was that she didn't wear her white lab coat today!

Mom says I am a big boy now...I got my rabies vaccination today - last time I got my 1 year parvo/distemper, so I am done for a bit with the BIG shots...Mom says the next time I am at the vet will be a RUDE awakening. Not sure what that means, but I heard her and Dr. Shaw talking about cutting things off of me! Wow, not too sure I like the sound of that. Oh and I weigh 27 pounds! Dr. Shaw pulled me up into her lap to cuddle me and Mom said that soon she wouldn't be able to do that. Dr. Shaw said, "yep, that is only a few months away." Two big white Newfies came in while I was waiting for my shot and they were as big as horses - Mom said I won't get that big. Geez, I should hope not! I wouldn't fit in Dad's truck even!

Dad is going deer hunting in a little bit. Mom and I were go, but I think she has decided that we are going to stay home.

Oh, Dad just came in and reminded me to tell you about Marcus. He is still taking antibiotics for the tummy infection that he got and eating some canned food with his regular food (that stuff is yummy, I try and steal it!), but he is dancing again in the morning and being his normal self.

Moosey went to see Auntie Kisssty yesterday..she came home in purple and she looked really pretty. Well, I had to take care of that didn't I? Yep, yanked those bows out as quick as I could. Mom said at least she got to see her before I decided to play beautician.


OOooh, I hear someone in the kitchen....


I am Hugh

The stuff I go through....

• So, you may think this is for Halloween, right? Nope. This was Oliver, TGH's superman cape. Mom and Dad have been putting different things on me to get me used to stuff so that I don't just try and rip it off. Mom wants me to carry my own pack in the field and Dad wants me to be versatile. So here I am in "the" cape. I did good with it. I actually took a nap in it and Mom has a picture of that too. I have had a silly looking blue stripped vest on too, but Mom doesn't want to publish pictures so she won't put them on the computer for me. My Auntie Kristy reaaalllly wants to see me in the vest, but I think it will be a private showing.

We have been training again in the mornings...it is sooo cold outside now. I can do all kinds of things, but I am resistant to sit. Mom said it is the easiest command on the planet, but for some reason it just isn't my favorite. I am supposed to sit before I get out of the kennel and I have been being naughty because I just won't do it. Why? Eh, who knows. I'll get it though.

This next month I start a puppy class with Liz Driver. Liz runs Badger Run Rehabilitation Center taking in wild furry & feathered creatures who need help. She fixes them up and sends them on their way back to their natural habitat or if they cannot go home they help her educate people. Liz used to take care of our parrot Bella at the vet's office, but now Liz does Badger Run full time. Mom heard, through Dr. Shaw, that Liz was teaching dogs and she called Liz right away. Mom says she is very gifted with animals and has a no nonsense gentle approach to teaching and she likes that. Dad really likes Liz and thinks he will get some good insight from her. November will be a busy month for me. It should be fun too!

I just finished dinner and I am waiting for Dad to get home. Mom had a furlough day today - I don't really know what that means, but I know that she was home with me. Mom said that snow is coming - I have gotten to see snow once already, but there really wasn't enough to play in. Whooo, cannot wait!


I am Hugh

What doin?

• Moosey coming in for a close up and to say, "Hi!" Moosey is my pal for sure. She is kinda dopey and she acts more like a cat than a dog. Mom says because she was raised with cats and kept in a crate 8 hours a day for a long, long time so she developed some traits that are not very dog like. I think she is cool!

I am Hugh

Lazy Sunday

Mom says it is a lazy Sunday. Marcus still isn't feeling better. Mom decided to sit out in the sun, so there we are leaning against one of the shop doors. Marcus is curled up in her lap and I am guarding. Who you can't see is Miss Moose - she has her position at Mom's feet. The cool concrete feels good mixed with the crisp breeze and the warmth of the sun. Mom says it is perfect.

Dad has his tent spread out on the concrete by the shop to make sure it is really dry before he puts it away. I keep tripping on it. Dad says that I am growing because my coordination is totally off. Dad took me out to the Lost River dog training area this morning. I met a German Shorthair who I thought was going to kill me! I hid behind Dad until the Shorthair decided that we weren't all bad. She was scary. I then met an old lab girl..I liked her. There was nothing scary about her. She just came over and said, "hi, what ya doin?"

I think we are going for another drive later today looking for more birds. Mom usually has a protein shake around 2 and Dad takes her for a drive while she drinks it. It takes a long time to drink one of those things, but Mom says they are yummy. I am all for a drive that is for sure.

I am Hugh

Bummer...

Big "little" brother Marcus was very sick this morning..he has been sticking close to Mom. He has been in her lap all day. Moosey was sick Wednesday & Thursday, but seemed to get well quickly without the need for medical attention, but not Marc. His temperature was 103 and he was dehydrated. Mom & Dad took him to the vet. They gave Marcus sub-q fluids and an injection of antibiotics and sent him home with some pain killers. Mom said that he had a bad smell coming from his mouth that tipped her off along with the fact that he was walking a little hunched over with his tail tucked as tight as he could get it. They are not sure what both Marc and Moose got into - but I know Mom is not happy at all about it. Could have been bird poop or cat poop or something equally gross she said. She is very glad, however, that I didn't get sick too.

Mom bought me a vest to wear around to get used to wearing something and/or carrying something. I don't mind it. She hasn't taken a picture of me because she said it would look like I was playing dress up and that is not the idea. It is blue and white stripes and I look like a sailor. Dad put the vest on me because he knows Mom's intent, but he kind of curled his lip at it. It's soft and I don't care, so I guess that is good.

Mom said that I have been good not bothering Marcus today...probably cuz I know he is sick. I hope he is better soon because we like to play together. He ate all his dinner (he hasn't eaten all day, not even treats!) but he still isn't drinking a lot of water and that makes Mom worry too.

Well, I am off to find Dad. He is putting hunting gear away. Some of it scares me and some of it is kinda cool to climb on.

I am Hugh

Wind in the Chimes

• This is Oliver, TGH. Mom says he was at his wooley best in this picture with a new Christmas toy.

It is a gray, cloudy and windy day today. Mom says that her favorite sound these days is when the wind chime on the back porch sings. She says that on days like this that Oliver, TGH is across the rainbow bridge and all of his playing sends a breeze across the makes the chimes sing. She says she was told this is his way of saying "hello" and to tell us he is having a good time and is safe on the other side. Mom says when it is really windy and the chimes really clang that he has to be playing with Jax and Tessy Too Too to create that much wind. It makes her smile.

It made Mom sad when she realized she didn't have any pictures of Tessy Too Too the Red dog on this computer for me to share with you. Tessy was a rescue and Mom says she wove her way into your heart and was a good teacher.

Mom loaded me up this morning and we went over to Auntie Harry's for coffee, a walk through the cemetary and breakfast when human Grandma got out of church. We then came home and created a dog pile and went to sleep. It was Mom, Moosey on Mom, Marcus on Mom's shoulder and me across Mom's legs. It was great and then we all got too hot! But it was fun while it lasted.

Miss Moose and I have been playing most of the afternoon. She gets rough sometimes and Mom has to say, "hey, hey, hey" to Moose and she settles down for a little bit. Marcus sits on the back of Mom's chair and watches us. I think he probably thinks we are really silly!

Dad called today from the woods. The are working the ground hard. They have seen elk, but not one they want to take or can take. He said he is having a good time.

Well, my food dish calls...

I am Hugh

To the vet today...

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Mom says this picture is perfect! Is it clear? Nope. Is is a blur? Yep. She says I am always in motion that I am a blur. I offered to pose for her, but she seemed to think this picture was just fine.

We went to the vet today. Dr. Tawnia Shaw is awesome. She gave me a shot and I didn't even know it. She used "diversionary tactics," whatever that is, my Mom said. My mom thinks that Tawnia is pretty special. I think she is too, but her white coat freaks me out. She told Mom to bring me back in 3 weeks for just lovin' and kissin' so that she isn't that "nasty lady" in the white coat. Mom thinks that is a pretty good idea. She wants me to like my doctor. I tell you what, I would like her a lot if she would just keep her thermometer to herself! I heard that Oliver, TGH didn't like that part of the exam either. I think I am going to have to figure out how to "clamp it down tight" - if you know what I mean?

Mom thought I might be tired after my "big" shot, but Marc and me we had to take a tour of the back yard and check everything out. Mom says this is me showing good "form." I think it means that I stand well.

We did a little shopping after the vet too...Mom bought me a tag for my collar that says, "I am Hugh." Dad has a new collar for me so that is what it will go on.

Well, I think I have decided that it is time for a nap. Oliver, TGH's bed is looking pretty good right now, plus Mom wants the computer. Hope Dad gets a big elk...hmmm, wonder if I will get some elk puppy chow out of this? I'll have to ask.



I am Hugh

Keeper of the Keys

My human Grandma gave me the coolest toy today...it just might keep me away from my Mom's $130 running shoes..maybe.

You know how babies have a teething keyring? Well, I have one, but it is made for puppies. Mom said I can enjoy it now, but when my permanent teeth come in we have to get rid of the toy. The packaging that Mom read said it was specifically for baby teeth, but not for dogs with their permanent teeth. I like it a lot. When Mom took her shower tonight I got to take it in the bathroom with me. Mom said I wasn't such a whiner about being stuck in the bathroom with her because I had a good toy.

Thanks human Grandma!!

My Dad left for Elk camp today. He will be back next week, but it seems like such a long time away. Dad was telling me this morning that he wished I could go with him. He said it was really tempting to take me with him & to just work on my obedience and retrieving skills at hunting camp, but that he really wants an elk this year. He also said that it is super duper cold where they go and probably not the best place for me right now. Bummer. I cried at the door when he left. Mom hugged me and I kissed her on the nose for hugging me.

I am Hugh

I did good, huh?

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I worked hard today. We went for a long walk and I began learning "heel." There were all kinds of new sounds and smells and stuff. Wow, it was "sensory overload," Mom said, but good for me. There were cars and loud trucks and dogs barking from their yards. At one point Dad said to Mom, "those dogs are outside their fence." Mom said, "that's okay, if you have to you pick Hugh up and I will kick!" Mom said, "what ever it takes to protect the Hughman." It worked out. They were two older black labs and they didn't come out of their yard, but boy did they sound like they wanted to eat me for lunch. I didn't like it much, but Mom just kept up a stream of talking to me. She told me I was a good boy and that I would be fine, hold my head up, stuff like that. She said that I was doing really well. Dad gave me a lot of praise when I got home. This is the time in my life where I am supposed to be exposed to all kinds of different stuff so that I don't freak out about stuff when I am older. Mom says if it is done right with a lot of praise and comfort it will give me confidence.

So what was the one thing that really totally and completely freaked me out today? Dad put the weatherized cover on the bbq and I thought it was going to eat me alive! I mean ALIVE!! Dad coaxed me outside and Mom talked to me and patted the bbq to show me it wouldn't kill me. Whew, I thought I was a goner - give me two mean old labs any day!


I am Hugh

Dad made a bad toss at the apple tree...see we don't see orange very well so I have to use my nose, but I found it!

I am having a hard time with Mom's computer tonight, so I am having to post my pictures separately...Mom says, "sometimes that is just the way it goes!" I am okay with it, just me in more pictures..I know, right?

I am Hugh

I am a Retriever

We worked on blind retrieves tonight with a cap gun! I didn't really notice the cap gun going off. I noticed it when I came back to sit and Mom shot it off behind her back, but I just kinda looked at her like okay, I can do this.

Dad says that I am doing really well and that I use my nose much more than even Oliver, TGH. That has to be good right?

I am Hugh

My Boat

Well, what can I say...not much right? I look just right up here. Gosh, I don't even have a paragraph in my little poodle brain for this one. I just look gooooood!

I am Hugh

The vest

So, this is Dad trying my neoprene vest on me that I will wear next year, maybe. Dad says at the rate I am growing that Oliver, TGH's gear just may be too small for me.












Hmmm, definitely a little big Dad says, but that was to be expected...I am only 3 months old!

I look good though, don't I, I said to my Mom. She agreed. It helps that I got groomed today and I am soft and smell good.

I am Hugh

We went out looking for Elk on a smokey day. Mom says if the picture looks yellow that is because of the haze from the forest fires. Mom says I am like most poodles - I have to find that perfect spot to take care of my business - and I like grass! So Mom was calling me over to her and she says that I look like I am smiling at her as I come to her.

Since Dad has been out of town she and I work on my retrieving skills this morning. She said it was too cold to work outside at 6:30am, so we worked in the long hallway in the house. It was fun, but then I got distracted by Moose and I took off with the buck. The better part of valor was to let me have it Mom told me. I don't know what that means, but we didn't work long in the hallway.

My Dad is home tonight and he already told me to be prepared to work tomorrow. When Dad got home I followed him into the bedroom while he put his stuff away. I got up on the bed just fine, but then I couldn't get off of the bed. There is a bench at the end of the bed to jump on and Dad has even put a smaller step stool next to the bench so I can get on the bed by myself. Well, I just can't get down! I look down, even to the bench, and it freaks me out! It isn't that big of a step from the bed to the first bench, but boy from where I am sitting it looks like Everest. I don't know what Everest is either, but Mom said that I must think it is Everest, so that has to be pretty high, right? So my Dad talked to me to try and coax me down and he said, "when he doesn't want to do something he sure does give a lot of sass!" I think that means I was pretty mouthy about telling him I didn't want to try and jump down. But I did it! I did it on my own after I told him, "no way!!!" Dad came out of the bedroom laughing and shaking his head at Mom. But, hey, I did it!

I am prepared to be pooped tomorrow - Dad might even have part of tomorrow off to get the duck boat ready. He told me that I can try on Oliver, TGH's neoprene vest, just for giggles and a good picture he said.

Happy hunting!

I am Hugh

There is Dad and me and "big" "little" brother Marcus. Dad says that Marcus and I were once the same size (about a month ago) and that now that I have gotten bigger I need to be careful not to hurt Marcus. I think Marcus can take care of himself! Mom calls him the "schooler." He sure does school me hard sometimes when I have gotten out of hand. Dad says he thinks that Marcus is still going to be the leader of the pack - even when I get bigger. He says I may be bigger, but I will be used to Marcus telling me what to do. Moose will always just be Moose - not really the leader of much, but being silly.

Marcus and I had a circle burning race tonight. That Marc he is fast, but not so fast that I couldn't catch him. The thing is he doesn't like to be caught! My Dad has been out of town this week so I haven't done any bird training since Monday morning. Dad likes me to work every morning on my commands. Mom works on the basic stuff with me, but not the bird stuff because she and Dad have different hand commands and they are trying not to confuse me. Thank goodness, because right now it doesn't take much. I am not very coordinated right now either. My legs are growing and well, I seem to end up with my legs going it different directions at times and seem to biff it quite a bit. Mom comforts me and pats me on the head and tells me it will get better quick. I sure hope so.

Have a good night everybody...I am off to play!

I am Hugh

• My Mom says I have a "love button" face..what does that mean? Is that kinda like when she calls Hannah Peanut butter or oops, Mom says Hannah doesn't like the other PB name that she calls her. Hannah is my Dad and Mom's niece. Dad said that was the first thing Hannah asked him,, when he called up to Washington, was how I was..and I have never met her! Cool, huh? I met another niece, her name is Stormy, and well, she rubbed my ears really nice. I about fell off her lap it felt so good. I met her when she was with her Grandpa on her way home when I first got to Oregon.

I have gotten some of my retrieving commands down pretty good so far. I understand "back" and what Dad wants. I even bring him the wings without having to be asked twice. I still can't get that "down" thing. Mom says that I need to figure out "off" in a hurry. See, I am getting bigger and Mom makes a protein shake a couple of times a day and I really like the ice machine and I pretty much have it figured out how to get the fridge to give me my own ice cube. Won't that be cool? Need somethin' cool and I smack that paddle and out comes a ton of ice?? Well, I think it would be nifty, but I don't think my Mom thinks so. She keeps telling me "off!" Party pooper!

I will be a great counter surfer once I am tall enough. I am almost to the point where I can see when I lean against the counters. Dad says I am going to be worse that Oliver, The Great Hunter! Wow! That has got to be good, right?

I heard Dad say that Duck Season opens this Saturday and they are going out, but I am too young to go. He says I don't need a bad experience before I have a good one. Probably the right thing, but boy do I like to go rather than to stay. Next year though, right?

Well, off I go to play with Miss Moose and little Marcus, although Marc has kinda had it with me today. I think I have been bugging him too much. Nah, that couldn't be it?

I am Hugh

The wing

Dad brought me a forest grouse wing! Wow! It is cool. I took off with the whole bird and Dad said, "whoa, whoa, not so fast buddy!" He gave me one of the wings, I look pretty happy, if you ask me!!

My Mom says for folks that think this is icky, well, we are a hunting family. This is how we fill our freezer with food to eat. We don't hunt "just for the heck of it," she says. There is a purpose. I get to be part of that purpose. How cool is that?

I have lots to learn yet. Dad works with me on my commands every day. I have sit and stay down pretty good. I am not too impressed with the command for "down" my Mom says, but I will get it. My favorite part of the morning is when Dad and I work on retrieving. There are all kinds of words he says to me, I don't know them all by heart yet, but Dad says, "we are having a grand time!"

The other picture is me and Mom after a swim. I was super cold and she sat in the sun with me to help me warm up after Dad rubbed me down with a couple of towels. I am not very good at shaking off yet. I kinda just stand there and I get a lot of laughs.

This blog stuff is tiring...I think I will go take a nap.

I am Hugh

Family

This is my Dad picking up me and my brother DJ at the Portland airport on September 2nd. I am on the left. DJ was my bestest pal. We got to fly together so we didn't get scared or lonely. I threw up on DJ and my Mom had to clean him up before his new family arrived. See the wipes on top of the crate. She cleaned him up pretty good. Mom said that DJ was little, compared to me and very sweet.

The first thing I did when my Mom picked me up was give her a kiss. She liked that a lot I think. She said that I must have been giving my first Mommy, Vicki, kisses before I came to Oregon. Vicki didn't want to send me away. She said she loved me lots too, but that she thought I was going to be going to a special home to help heal a heart. I think she meant my Dad. I am working on that really hard. It is good to have a job and I have two. I am a hunter in training and a heart healer too. Awesome!!

I miss my brothers and sisters, especially DJ, but I have little Marcus to run around with and Miss Moose to really play with. My Mom sends my first Mommy pictures of me so that she can see me learn and grow too. She says that is important to her, to share me with Vicki. I like pictures taken of me. Mom says I am a show off. Dad says I am building confidence. I'm just playing!!

I am Hugh

This is my "big" sister Miss Moose. She wasn't very well taken care of where she was born, so Mom and Dad took her in a couple of years ago. She has really bad hip problems from being crated 8 or so hours at a time. She gets all locked up. It is a bummer.

Moose likes to play, sometimes she likes to play too rough with me and Mom and Dad get mad. I guess Moose and Oliver The Great Hunter used to play really hard together. Mom calls it Poodle Gladiators. A lot of crashing going on!

Oliver, TGH, had Tessy Too Too the Red Dog to teach him how to behave, be obediant and how to play. Mom says she was a good teacher. She says that Miss Moose isn't exactly the best roll model, like Tess, but that she is sweet and has a good heart. Moosey listens, but she likes to mess about too much for Mom sometimes.

This is me and Moosey playing on the couch. Doesn't she look meeeeaaann? She loves me though. As Mom says, "her bark is worse than her bite." I know she wouldn't hurt me, well, at least not on purpose. Mom says she doesn't have a mean bone in her body, just playful ones! This is good for me, but my parents have to constantly make sure Moose isn't too rough.

Dad says that I will do better when I am bigger and can out run Moose and all her jumping around doesn't scare me so much. When she freaks me out I go and sit on my Mom or Dad's feet until she calms down. Whew she is a handful! My Dad says that I am a handful too, so I guess that makes us even? I don't know, but I sure do like having her as a big sister.

I am Hugh

The First Swim

• Look at me! I am swimming. When I first looked at the water - well, I thought this might not be too fun. I just put my head down and got my feet going and away I went. Not bad for the first time. My Dad and Mom said that I took to the water really well. Dad said that I have an instinct for putting my head down to the water that even Oliver The Great Hunter didn't have at first. Cool, huh? Oliver is my hero. I never met him, but my Dad talks about him all the time. Oliver and Dad used to hunt together. Oliver passed away about 10 months ago. So I am here to help my Dad nab those birds and give him hugs on the side. The plus is I get to sleep on the big bed just like Oliver did! It is comfy and Mom lets me curl up.

• I have gotten to swim 3 times since coming to Oregon on September 2nd. I will probably only get to swim one more time my Dad says. He says that I cannot swim in water the is colder than 56 degress. Brrr, sounds cold! The weather has already changed here in Oregon. I heard my Dad say this morning that it was "spitting snow." I don't know what that means, but I imagine that I will find out. Mom says they get lots of snow. Not sure what that is either, but it sounds like it could be fun!

• After the last swim it will be about 7 1/2 months before I get to swim again. It sounds like a long time to me, but Mom says it will go quick.

• I am Hugh

I am Hugh. I am the first of 10 puppies born in Ohio on June 27, 2009. I live in Oregon and this is my story.

I was bred to hunt birds. My Dad is teaching me to swim, retrieve, obey commands and have fun doing it!

I hope you will follow along as I learn, make friends and grow.

It should be an adventure! I am Hugh.