Last week was a very good week for me! It was my Mom's birthday and she and Dad rented a house on the beach. I didn't know what on the beach meant, but I soon found out!!! It meant sea birds & crows to chase, it meant wind and wet paws, it meant water to chase with Dad, it meant climbing on rocks...wow, it meant ADVENTURE! They took me every where with them. I still don't really like other people much. Mom and Dad have been working hard to expose me to many different situations and people. They said they don't know what my problem is - but they are going to continue to work with Liz to get me going in the right direction instead of turning it into a bigger problem.

Dad was sick with bronchitis last week too. He had to sit up a lot so he wouldn't cough so much. At home I would usually follow him and stay with him while he watched t.v. or something. But while on vacation I decided to guard Mom when ever she was left alone. Mom said that I was taking advantage of Mom time because Marcus is always in my face if I try to spend to much time with Mom. She said I was trying to make sure not a second went by that I didn't tell her that I was there for her. Dad said he was surprised the first morning when I left him and got back into bed with Mom. I think Mom liked it though. She said she slept good - that had to do with my guarding abilities I am sure. Don't you?

I really think the ocean is pretty okay. I didn't get hit with any waves really because the tide was pretty far out according to Dad. I did have some water run over my toes a time or two that caused me to jump a little, but other than that it was just long walks to me. Mom said that I was doing typical poodle stuff though. What does she mean? Well, Mom says that poodles are picky about where they will go to the bathroom. I would not go on the beach. I would wait, even if it was a long time, until we got back to the house and I could go in the yard. I guess I am weird that way. I like to know where I am going?

I got to meet a crab! No, not my Mom, silly - a red rock crab. A fisherman caught one while he and Dad were talking crabbing and he set the crab down on the rock and I barked him good! I wasn't going to let him get my nose with those big pinchy things!

So we are home again. It is good to be home. My Mom has a few more days off to recoup (she says) from their vacation and Dad is out of town all week.

Remember when I wrote about my sister Jewel going to live in Reno? Well, it turns out her Mommy died unexpectedly and then her friend Indy died too. It was really sad. Mom got a call today from the animal search folks who call her if a poodle has been brought in or if someone is inquiring about rescue. Mom had a very weird feeling that it was Jewel. Mom said her name is now Gracie. Depending on what Dad says - Gracie Jewel may come live with us. Mom says we need another poodle like we need a hole in our heads..not sure what that means...but she follows it up with..now wanting another poodle to love and give good life to? Well, she says, that is another story entirely! Gracie Jewel may have some problems if she comes to live with us - but at least we know lots of people who can help us get the help she needs to be healthy.

I am off for a snooze with my friend Miss Moose and I am sure that Marc will tag along.

I am Hugh