I'm Dreaming of a Chlo's Christmas

 

Chlo here dreaming of the best Christmas ever!  We are in the final days before Christmas and if you don't feel the holiday cheer then there is something wrong with you.  We have finally had our official first snow transforming the outdoors, the lights have been hung, the tree is in place, and St. Nick will soon be brining a few presents.  I can't help but to hum along to the Christmas songs that fill the air.  My tiny brain is so full of Christmas cheer I have to get it out on paper.  Here is my best attempt at the perfect Christmas poem.  No judging the level of brilliance, it all came to me in a dream.  

Christmas time is here, 
Happiness and cheer, 

With presents all around, 

With snow on the ground, 

Songs fill the air, 

Reminding me to care, 

Of those who are near, 

    Even the reindeer, 

Charlie has been happy, 

He is getting quite sappy, 

When mom begins to cook, 

Or she is reading a book, 

We are all together, 

Even in bad weather, 

The best gift to me, 

Is all those I see.

I am thinking about becoming a poet, but I will have to work hard to continue to develop this skill!  (Writing can be so difficult!)  I hope you all have a wonderful holiday!  I may or may not blog over the holidays!  

Cho's Christmas Wish

My Number 1 Christmas Wish

 Hello everyone!  We are getting down to the final days for Christmas shopping.  I know everyone has been checking their lists twice and thinking of the best Christmas gifts to give me, but I thought I might make it easier for everyone by compiling my top 10 gifts I want this Christmas.   They will be ordered from most wanted to least wanted.  

1.  I want my mom to stay with me everyday all day for the rest of time

2.  a steak

3.  a roast

4. vacation with my mom

5.  greenies

6. snausages

7. a walk or nap with my mom

8.   a new long toy (like a long dog, giraffe, or cheetah- Barnabus ate mine)

9. cans of vegetables (peas, carrots, potatoes, green beans, mixed vegetables)

10.  a picture with a voice recording of my mom

10. bacon

10. Charlie to have his youth restored

I don't count so well or maybe I want too much.  

PS  I would also like to meet the people who made this video.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rg-Q-V3vVAo 

The memories of Christmas Past

 Today I wanted to reflect on the memories of Christmas Past.  It is one of my favorite things to do.  I love thinking about the people that have come in and out of my life and have meant so much to me.  First, I want to shout out to my very first family!  Thank you for keeping me safe and helping me become the adult dog that I am.  I couldn't have done it without you.  I hope the Hunt family has a very merry Christmas!  I also want to bring back the memories that I have shared with my mom.  It has been amazing spending the holidays with Gma and Gpa.  The cookies and candy debacles are my favorite.  Lots of things get dropped on cookie day.  Mom never lets me have sugar and then it accidently appears on the floor!  I don't know if it will happen this year, but I now know what sugar tastes like now, so I should probably cut back this year anyways.  I also want to give a shout out to my Christmas eve family at the Verdun household.  The magic of pajamas, movies, and the absurd amount of presents.  This family tradition is truly heartwarming.  Thanks for letting even the little dog come!  Then there is Christian and fur family that usually comes up for the holidays.  You will be missed, but it was great having a spooky Halloween with the Barnapire.  Then of course all my mom's kids at school.  A big shout out to the people that make my mom happiest.  To Olivia, Tate, Bodie, Kamrynn, Jamie, Holly, Grace, Gayla, Aaron and many more, I hope these few weeks come quickly and bring you happiness that only a little dog could know.  Have a great holiday season!  I have been watching too much Hallmark and I have started to get a little mushy!  

Happy Gotcha Day!

Soaking up the sun

 I had a special day over the weekend.  It was my happy gotcha day or the day my mom adopted me!  We started together right after Thanksgiving 2016.  I did the math and it has been 4 years!  I wanted to give a shout out to my mom with one of my favorite memories.  My mom had high hopes for me becoming an adventure dog, but as you all know I am somewhat of a diva.  My first kayaking trip was quite the experience for everyone, and I guess the very best way to become an adventure dog.  We were stationed in a campground by Lake Shelbyville.  We were staying outside.  I knew my mom was crazy when she told me that a tent was home sweet home.  Then she expected me to get into a boat and float down a river!  At first I was like no way, but then being stuck in a boat riding on my mom's lap or really close to her wasn't so bad!  We were literally on the water for hours and it was getting dark.  I could tell the group was getting worried, but at dusk we found our takeout spot.  I was an excellent travel companion the entire day!  I stayed in the boat and was the inspiration that led the group to victory!  Maybe the last part was made up, but my mom was so proud that I was a good adventure dog!  I got the official title.  I am so happy I got this opportunity!  I was pulled out of my comfort zone, but I tried something new and I liked it.

Checking out the scenery

Resting

Home Sweet Home

Sleeping in a Cooler

  Happy Anniversary mom!  

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

 Thanksgiving was a success with a visit and a stay with Gma and Gpa.  We did lots of eating and sleeping!  I think that is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday.  Gpa and Gma stayed for a few days to trim the tree.  Don't you just love trimming Christmas trees.  Gpa and mom had to go out into the forest to chop it down with a rugged ax and a saw.  At least that is what I think they did.  They were gone forever (36 minutes), so it must have been quite the adventure and I am sure there were wolves in the story.  They came back with a tree on top of the roof of the car.  Then there was this long process of getting the tree in the house.  My mom and Gpa really know how to make putting up a tree look very difficult.  But once the tree was in the house, it was quite magnificent.  We decided it was a keeper and this years Christmas tree is named Fitz.  I do believe they make Christmas music upbeat and inspirational, because it really is a lot of work to put up the tree.  I did my share of work by comforting Gma on the couch.  I was exhausted from all of the good cuddling I did.  I hope you enjoy the picture of our tree!  Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Gpa thought he was an angel, but he is not dog.  

Step 1 The Wreath

Step 2 Pick out the Tree

Step 3 Put it in the stand

Step 4 In the House

Step 5 Decorate the tree

Step 6 All Decorated

Thankful for Pumpkin Hair

 Happy Thanksgiving!  I am not really thankful for pumpkin hair, but I have it.  The things I am thankful for are my family that spills pumpkin in my hair.  Charlie and Mom might have been laughing at me, but I can take a joke, because I know they love me.  Thanksgiving will look a lot different this year without my aunts, uncles, cousins, and dog friends.  I am disappointed that I will not get to meet two new dog additions to the family, but I am sure Flash and Mickey will come visit soon.  Instead, I think grandma and grandpa are coming to stay for a few days which is fine by me.  When my mom is not being a lap, grandma will hold me.  I did hear some crazy talk about no turkey or pie.  We always have enough pie for everyone!

Last Year Pies

  I don't know how I feel about it.  Grandpa demanded Lasagna.  I am really starting to confuse what holiday it really is without turkey and family.  The weather is supposed to be nice, so I think Mom and Grandpa talked about going out for a walk or hike.  Grandpa said something about needing exercise.  Does a workout count if mom carries you on a walk?  Asking for a friend. When they come, we pull out all these decorations and put up a Christmas tree, but this is not the kind of tree that is used as a bathroom.  Mom had to remind me about that once.  We then start singing the Christmas tunes.  My favorite is All I Want for Christmas is You.  It brings out my most inner diva or is my diva an outer?  I think that Thanksgiving will still be a lot of fun.  I hope everyone enjoys their holiday, and if you want save me a piece of turkey and pumpkin, but please don't put it in my hair.  Missing my family like crazy!  

Thanksgiving 2019

To Be With You

 

Do you ever feel like a song was written for you?  Well, I think that To Be With You by Mr. Big is my theme song to my mom, but just as best friends.  Sometimes you just need a best friend and I think that this weekend my mom did.  I might be little but I did my very best not to let her spend even a moment by herself.  Even Charlie got in on this best friends action.  He was cuddling on my mom's lap, but I told him the more best friends the better.  Some people don't say that dogs can be a best friend, but then there is this saying "Man's best friend" even though my mom is a girl, so it would be Woman's best friend.  So what does friendship look like?  It comes in so many different forms.

  The love between dogs and humans, Co-workers, cousins, mom, dad, a Christian, brother, sister, and people you know.  It is simply knowing that someone out there loves you. So how do we find a best friend?  We start by being kind to other people, adopting an animal, or being a part of the family.  I know I complain sometimes about my sibling Charlie, but I do get up and give him kisses every morning!  So today, go out and find your best friend or at least think about someone who is up to filling that role.         

         To Be With You by Mr. Big

             I'm the one who wants to be with you

                 Deep inside I hope you feel it too (feel it too)

                     Waited on a line of greens and blues (waited on a line)

            Just to be the next to be with you

          

  
                

Returning to my wolf origins

 I have been hearing the howls of my ancestors recently, so I thought I needed to try to restore the practices of my pack by howling back.  They don't always respond though.   In my dreams, I am most definitely running and communicating with the pack.  My legs get moving and my upper lip snarls and I know that I am this enormous white wolf.  Sometimes I have to protect my mom and a bring the inner wolf to her aid.  The howls, growls, nips, and bites.  I will continue my training and maybe someday I can audition for a pack when they are in the neighborhood.  I can be really fierce when I have to be. 

Then mom ruined my day. My mom says I definitely more related to a human than I am to the wolf pack.  I don't like it when mom says I am a fur baby, but I can't seem to get off her lap when she is giving me belly rubs either.  Why do I like being held like a baby?  I don't think I will ever know.   She said that the howls weren't even wolves at all, but the extreme wind we have been having.  This wind is such a nuisance.  It blows me around and the leaves hit me and try to take me out.  I would prefer to be inside than be dangling on a leash hoping I will not be blown away.  I guess I prefer to be indoors most of the time.  I wonder if I can convince a wolf pack to come inside and live with me? 

Chlo Knows: You are what you eat by Veggiechlo

 Hey everyone!  The holiday's are coming and I want to be the healthiest Chlo that I know.  I truly mean you are what you eat!  How do you think I look so good at the age of 10!  I might be hotdog shaped, but I don't eat those regularly.  I am much more of a steak and chicken connoisseur.  I am particular about my food intake and don't enjoy normal dog biscuits or carbs.  Don't get me wrong, I love a cookie here and there, and who can really resist a dinner roll treat?  But that's besides the point, I am here to talk to you about eating healthy for the holiday.  

Here are my tips:

1)  Eat Breakfast every morning-  I prefer science diet nutrition for adults.  I top that with a side of vegetables that I take with my medication.  My favorites are carrots, green beans, and peas.  

2)  Drink lots of water all day long.  

3)  Use the big eyes to get mom to give you a dinner roll dog treat to greet you when you get home.  

4)  Eat dinner every evening.  Once again I prefer science diet dog food.  (I only eat when my mom is home.)  Mom sometimes makes me a special meal of leftover meat and vegetables.  My favorite is sweet potatoes and steak.  

5)  Get a treat with my evening medication.

6)  Exercise.  I like to stroll the neighborhood or do me a good round of chase my tail at home.

Finally follow up your day with a good nights rest.  I have perfected this!  

                                                     Yours Truly, 

Veggiechlo

Follow the Red Brick Road

 

I love walks.  I love our cute little neighborhood.  Mom came home last night and she said she was a little sad, because she missed seeing her students.  She asked if I wanted to go for a walk and I said of course.  She put on my stylish sweater.  I love it even though it matches Charlie's stylish sweater.  We were on our walk destressing from the long day.  Me missing my mom while she was working, and mom missing her students since they are now at home.  The walk makes us both feel better.  When times get tough, sometimes we need to just keep walking and follow the red brick road.  These walks lead us back to being in a state of happiness.  So when times get tough for you, find something that you love doing.  Walking, listening to my mom's music, and seeing the sites does it for me.  Give extra snuggles to all of your dog friends, I know that always makes me feel better especially if I am that dog friend. 

Chlo's: Did you know??

Did you know?

 Did you know that the leaves are falling?  I went on a walk and kept getting pelted by the trees!  The leaves were just everywhere!  I would be going about my business and bam one would hit me in the face.  Charlie and I went on walks around the neighborhood and saw all the fallen soldiers in these big piles.  They were tempting me to run and jump in, but then I saw Charlie mark a pile and thought that other dogs might have done the same.  I don't need to be jumping into that.  The walks ended and then mom started attacking the leaves with a rake.  I thought I would help by barking at them to get out of our yard. 

Charlie and the Tree

Those pesky leaves are sure pretty, but then they get stuck in my hair!  I look like a multicolored Dorkie with leaves sticking out of my head and under my belly.  Then I find these leaves have invaded my home!  The leaves really are everywhere.  Then, mom started attacking them in the house with the vacuum.  I also helped by attacking the vacuum.  

Finally, when all the leaves were done, it was laundry time.  It is hard to be an adult Dorkie.  

I really did help!

Parting is such sweet sorrow- Chlo Shakespeare

Sweater Weather

 Goodbyes are hard.  As much as those other dogs can drive a girl crazy, I started missing them a little today.  I started a list of 10 things I hate about you, but then they turned into the 10 things I love about you.  I can't believe I am saying this!  I had to endure the terrible of Barnabus the stealer of my mother, Barnabus the stomper, walking all over me to find the perfect cuddle spot, and Barnabus the terrorizer, making me play with him.  Even though he annoyed me, I guess we created some good memories.  We had a blast running around and chasing squirrels together, looking out the window, losing our minds over the mailman, and doing a happy dance for treats.  We had fashion shows trying on our sweaters for sweater weather.  I guess that little Barnabus has become my very good friend.  Now that it is me and grumpy Charlie, I realize that the house is a little too quiet.  Charlie and I did a little playing, but Charlie even said it wasn't the same.  My mom is back to work, and Christian is not there for the extra cuddles in the morning.  True friendship is a beautiful thing.  See you guys in the Spring!  

Dalek

Barnabus

Another Scary Story: The Legend of Barnabus Grey

 There is a legend about a puppy named Barnabus Grey.  His life started as a wee black tiny pup, but as he grew his ferociousness also grew.  In a sleepy town of Stockton, Missouri, he grew up with his mom and master.  Life was pretty normal for Barnabus Grey until the day he ate some poison.  He was sick for many days while the toxins ran through his body.  Master took very good care of Barnabus Grey nursing him back to health.  However, Barnabus Grey now had two personalities.  His sweet puppy self tricked everyone into snuggling him and loving him, but little did others know the dark crazy side that was his inner most self.  I, Chlo Klepp, saw this side from the moment I met him.  His puppy kisses and his puppy love did not fool me one bit.  I knew deep down inside he was filled with the rage.  Whenever master and mom wasn't looking, the rage came flying from across the yard to attack.  I ran to tell my mom about Barnabus, but she told me he just likes my new haircut, but look closely at his eyes.  Pure evil. I will have to sleep with one eye open to catch the Barnabus Grey before he attacks.  

Introduction to the Dog Pile

Typical Sunday

Perfect Pile

I am not sure if this is normal in other families, but sometimes we have dog piles.  You know piles of dogs.  It usually happens on a Sunday afternoon after everyone has eaten and it appears to be naptime.  They all pile on top of each other. Charlie and I don't always participate unless it is a mom pile, but today it was a good day to be in the dog pile.  We are also adding a new dog to the dog pile.  I did a facetime with my cousins this weekend, and it appears that we have a new dog.  His name is Flash and he is little like me, so I will have to warn him about being squished.  I bet he would like to be in a dog pile.  I think he is experiencing his own dog pile at his house. I can't wait to meet him! 

Rules to a dog pile:  

Dog Pile Tutorial

1)  No Growling

2) No using the bathroom

3)  Stop the squish when asked

4)  Don't step on people's faces

5)  Don't do too many licks

6)  Listen to mom 

Welcome Flash

PS Charlie needs a hair cut.

I need advice on Puppy Love: I don't want to be a heart breaker

This week I have been observing Barnabus.  The most puppy of them all.  He is funny, goofy, and has a lot of energy which are all very entertaining, but he also occasionally comes in for the kiss. I think he has a crush on me, and I am not always sure what to do.  I like Barnabus, but I am afraid he more than likes me, he loves me.  I think it is what they call puppy love.  I want to be his friend, but when he gets too close, little growls come out of my mouth.  I promise it slips out and I can't help it.   Then he has to run to tell his Master that I was being mean.  I don't mean to hurt his feelings, but I just don't feel the same way.   I really am a good little dog.  I know, because my mom tells me all the time.  I used to have puppy love feelings towards Charlie, but they too passed.  Now, I just have love for my mom, but it is a different kind of love.  Someday, he will grow up and meet someone special.  Until then, I need advice on how to get through these next few days.  Do I tell him?  Do I move on to the next room when he is around?  HELP!!!

Yours truly, 

- Stuck in a hard place