Going on a walk

Oh, the Virginia weather is SO cold today. Leader of the Pack’s wife – my favorite human believes I am to have a walk every day. Most days this is an enjoyable prospect. Today was no exception. The cold air is invigorating for beagles and gives me lots of energy. I run and pull her except when she decides it is time to be authoritative. At moments like that I am yanked to her side and meant to be in “the zone.” I have to admit on a day like today that was a little difficult. The deer have visited our yard and left many little presents all over the place. It is Bella candy. Leader of the Pack’s wife – my favorite human thinks this is not what inside beagles should be eating and therefore I am brought to her side promptly. Additionally, on this delightful day there are so many cat aromas to get my energy flowing. Ohhhhh to get a hold of the cats is my dream. Supposedly, I would fail the living with cat test. Well, you would too if you had to live with what I live with – Psycho Kitty. She was at it again this morning. I am snuggled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, sleeping peacefully and she decides to have a look at me. I open one eye and before I can say ‘CAT” she reaches out her paw and gives me a swat for no reason at all. Enough of thinking of Psycho Kitty. She gives me the chills more than freezing weather!

Are we back to normal???

It is a cold day in Virginia and a lonely day for me. Are we back to normal school days? They all got up and rushed out of the door before I could get a good lick on a face. At least they remembered to feed me the yucky dry food. They went to the dentist - whatever that is where they scrub teeth I am told. Fortunately, I don't have my gnashers scrubbed. Did the dentist decide to keep them? I was alone and more than a little sad. My pack was gone. I decided all there was for me to do was sneer at the monster cat and go back to bed.

Journal Entries

12/25/09 – Christmas Day.

I had a wonderful day. Finally, I was given a new toy. With all the construction in this house, all my toys have been chewed and gotten dirty. My monkey was gone; my turtle was gone. All put in the trash as if they don’t matter to me at all. I know my family wants to have a clean house, but REALLY, to throw my toys away and not replace them for months was a little much. I don’t complain though. I just find my own entertainment when I need to chew something, like a paint brush. Never a good idea though. Michael, the pack leader gets VERY angry about that move. I have tried socks and as much as I like them they get washed too often. So Christmas comes and guess what I got – toys, one from my family and one from Granny. Granny walked in to the house with all those bags and I found mine IMMEDIATELY. She had even brought me raw hide toys. What a day! Two toys and raw hide with my family around all day. What more can a beagle ask for??? I even got to lick the turkey platter when dinner was finished.

P.S. Psycho Kitty and Suzie didn’t get any presents. I must be the favorite.

12/26/09

Well, it is Boxing Day. Only Beagles who have an English heritage know that. See how smart I am.

This house is a mess. Pack Leader’s wife – my favorite human - needs to get off her computer and get busy, but at least I have a warm body to snuggle up against.

Guess who is hovering around as usual. Bully, Psycho Kitty. They call her Fifi. I have never heard of such an inappropriate name. Fifi is a name for cats who are pleasant to everyone and who like dogs. She lurks around corners and comes up behind me and just attacks for no reason at all. I try to keep a low profile around her, but she is just out to get me. Every now and again I am able to get a good bark in but then she lunges at me and scares me to death. You should hear the hiss and see the claws out. I don’t even like walking down the hall if she is there. I have to go against the wall and try to edge my way down. Then there is Suzie. She is not out to get me, but personally I think she is STUPID. Pack leader thinks the same and says so. Suzie goes outside and climbs on the roof and gets stuck for hours until someone pulls her down. The funny thing is, she has told me she can actually get down herself, but likes to see the family make fools of themselves on the stool climbing up to the roof. “Who are the stupid ones?” she asks. I tend to agree. But I am a loyal pet and would never call my heroes, who I adore, that terrible word. Do you see how insolent cats can be?

12/27/09

What a night!!! Last night the pack’s dear friends came over for dinner. Finally, I got to act like my true self when company was around. I was feeling FREE!! I love Granny and Grandad coming over, but the Cesar Milan of Fredericksburg inspires excellent beagle behavior. It isn’t my true nature though and is so boring. All my inhibitions were let loose last night and what a joy that was! First, they arrived and I ran around like a crazy beagle. This is just how I am meant to act! No one was paying too much attention. When the appetizers arrived my nose was in action. I smelled much better food than that dry stuff they call food for beagles. Consequently, as alternative snacks were around I did what beagles do, which was come within two inches of the table and attempt to eat crackers and cheese like everyone else. Why are beagles not allowed to do that when the food is at my level? Pack Leader’s wife, my favorite in the house, decided to do the “CHHH” thing. Now honestly, who on earth has heard of “CHH” working as a discipline tool? Not me that’s for sure. “CHH” is the sound trains make, not prevent my fine nose working and my fine mouth eating. “CHH” is the silliest thing I have ever heard. She really should listen to herself making that ridiculous noise.

On with the tale. This isn’t about the discipline of Bella, this journal is about the adventures of the evening. The highlight was almost getting my nemesis - Psycho Kitty. She was doing her usual attack Bella tricks. I had an audience though and it was just like a boxing match. I went after that cat like never before. She thinks she can humiliate me in front of people, but I have another thing to tell her! She lunged at me; she hissed at me and had those claws out. As I said, it got everyone off their chairs and looking at ME. I started barking and NOT backing away. My adrenalin was going and I chased that little monster right down those basement stairs and was after her. I thought I would finally get my revenge. Unfortunately, she jumped high on to the shelves and that was it. My beagle tracking nose was out to find her WHEN….. Pack leader’s wife comes along and drags me upstairs and shuts the basement door. Who was she protecting? Me?? I finally had enough courage to tell that little rat like creature what I was all about AND I get stopped. I will dream of this evening for many a night. It got such a lot of attention. Everyone looking and yelling at ME!! I was the focus of all eyes.

P.S. Update on chew toys. I have managed to take a wing of the bird and pull out the squeaker and delicious fluffy stuffing. It spreads through the house so easily. The raw hide is most enjoyable.