A Holiday Message

This is going to be my first Holiday Season with Momma and Cracker. And I want you know I am very happy.
Things started out pretty rough for me in this home. I had a broken leg and couldn't run and play. I had to go to the vet every week to get my bandages changed. I had to endure the first grooming I had in a long time and learn the rules in a new home.
Sometimes I would get really sad and think about all the fun I used to have before my leg got broken. I felt like I was always on the sidelines watching while everyone else was having fun.
But, Momma kept telling me that life wasn't always going to be that bad, and she was right. Slowly, little by little things got better. My leg was declared officially healed, I was spayed and vaccinated and trips to the Spa for grooming became fun.
Cracker and I became great friends and as much as I complain about him, he really means the world to me. I love it when I curl up next to him, he is very cuddly and has nice soft fur.
I met alot of people too. I've been to hockey games, pet stores, lots of vet offices (haha) and I even met Santa Claus! I went to school and learned how to be a better dog ( I was already good lol).
I've been on holidays, met family and lots and lots of dogs (and some cats). I live in the forest & get to go walking there every day. I get trips to the beach quite often too.
I've had many jobs this year. From backhoe operator to surgeon, I've tried it all. I chase rabbits out of the yard & I've even chased a couple of deer. The rabbit leave blueberries behind for me and sometimes I get to snack on one or two before Momma tells me "Leave It".
I write two blogs & I have an advice column. I have my own Facebook Page. It's been a pretty good year.
So, why am I telling you all this? Well, because I think it's always good to remember that no matter how bad things may seem, time will pass and things will change. You just have to be patient and trust.
You can trust anyone or anything you want; it doesn't matter who or what, you just have to believe things will change.

Happy Holidays everyone. Celebrate whatever brings you joy. Look for the good in everyone and everything.

Love your friend Muppet xoxo Yip, yip!

Living & Loving Life

Well, it's been awhile hasn't it? I haven't been doing much though.

Momma was on holidays again, but we didn't go away this time. Instead we stayed home Momma did something called "cleaning from top to bottom". I have no clue what this was all about, I just know that it really bugged me. I would get comfy somewhere & she would make me move. Doesn't she know who I think I am?
We had a dog stay here overnight for a sleepover. Her name was Honey, but now it is Charlee. She went to live with my friend Miss G. I'm so happy for everybody in that story. Miss G has a dog of her own, Charlee has a family of her own...It a win/win!
Cracker has been ok.
Now, I have really big news! Are you ready? I got a job!!!! Yup, I sure did! I am working in the Community Relations Department of Victoria Adoptables. I'm the official dog blogger. I'm going to talk about alll kinds of things like responsible pet management, health, training, diet etc. I'll also keep everyone informed of upcoming fundraising events and give updates on past adoptions. I'm very excited. So in order to help with my new position I have been set up with an email address muppetrescue@shaw.ca is where you can find me. As well as my two Facebook pages Muppet Rescue and Ask Muppet.
I'll still be here though..I just have too much to say haha

Bird Brain

I've told you before that I have to share my house with a parrot. His name is Michael P Grey. Momma says the P stands for Parrot & Grey cause he's grey. I just call him Bird Brain. Momma loves him a lot and if you ask me spends more time with him than I think is necessary...it's not like he's a poodle or anything. This is what he looks like.

Mike knows how to talk. He can really speak over 600 words and in several different voices. He also knows some words in Spanish & French. His favourite things to do is sing songs. He can sing Katy Perry, Tony Bennett, Justin Timberlake, Pink, Barry Manilow and a whole bunch more. He can even sing Soft Kitty (from the Big Bang Theory).
He also likes to talk on the phone. He make beeping sounds like he is dialing the phone, then when his imaginary friend picks up he'll start asking them questions. Then he says good-bye, hangs up and calls somebody else. Here is a link to his videos on youtube.
Mike Sings Katy Perry
He knows his name...he says "My name is Michael P Grey" and then he'll say "Mickey is my mom". He knows his phone number and how to spell Momma's last name. He knows all the names of his favourite foods and will ask Momma for what he wants. He says "Do we have any strawberries" or cherries, or bananas etc.
I don't really like Mike very much. He bugs me. He's always telling me "Muppet Sit", "Muppet Down",  "Muppet Stay" and he NEVER gives me a treat. Then he'll ask me "Wanna go in the car"? Wanna go to the beach?" And again, no car ride, no beach...he can't even drive!
Then sometimes...he'll throw food on the floor and he says "Hey Dogbreath...clean this up". And I do. He doesn't have very good food though.
Anyway, I have to go now. Momma says we have errands to run. I don't know why she says that...we never run, she always drives the car. Happy Saturday Everyone!! Love you xoxo

My Dog Shadow

Today we went to the beach. I was getting stalked there. There was this grey dog there and it was following me everywhere. Not only was it following me, it was copying everything I did.
I would smell the ground, that dog would smell the ground. I would run, that dog would run, I would sit, that dog would sit. It followed me nearly everywhere I went. The only time it would disappear is when I went behind a tree or something. Can you see it?

Momma said "There is no other dog...it is your shadow". I don't believe her..."It's right there Momma. Why can't you see the other dog?"

I asked Cracker to help...this was his response. I don't think he cares at all. He just wants to look for stinky dead things to roll in.

Eek, look how big the grey dog is now!

I don't know what to do! Cracker doesn't care, Momma doesn't seem to care. She just keeps taking her picture. Maybe she's my dog? That must be it! Now I get it! I have a dog of my very own & her name is Shadow! Yay me!!

This is what it looked like at my beach today. Pretty good for Canada in late November...I didn't even need my jacket on, it was that warm. :)

Santa!!

Well, as most of you know, in between trips to the Spa and the pet store and being a social butterfly I work hard in the PR department of Victoria Adoptables.
This past weekend I volunteered as a greeter at Pet Pics With Santa. I got to meet many people, dogs, cats & even a ferret. There were lots of kids there and everyone loved me.
Cracker went too and we got lots of treats.  We got to have our pictures taken with Santa.

I met a dog named Mila there. She has a fractured leg & just like me has to stay still and calm while her leg heals. She has been on bedrest for weeks, but got to come & see Santa for a short visit. I chatted with her & told her to hang in there. I let her know it was going to get so much better very, very soon. This is her. She was giving sweet kisses to Santa :)

Later, I had a very serious conversation with Santa. I wanted to make sure he knew just how very good I was this year & I asked him to bring me toys and treats and bones and a trip to the Spa. And I told him Cracker wanted a lump of coal.

He seemed to really understand how hard it is for a girl like me to live with a smelly boy. I love Santa!

Mr. October

Well, you all know by now that I live with another dog. He is a Bichon/Shitzu cross & his name is Cracker. I mostly call him the Big White Giant though. He is so much bigger than me, he weighs 16 pounds. I think he has emotional issues and that is why he had to grow so big.
Cracker came to live with Momma a long time ago, (like 28 dog years ago or something). He needed a home cause his other Momma got really sick and went to a place Cracker could not go to. He was a foster dog at somebody's home and Momma was looking for another dog after her dog went to Heaven. She would check the Victoria Adoptables website every morning. She knew what kind of dog she was looking for, she just had to be patient and wait. Then, one morning....there he was.
She sent her application right away and then a girl named Laura came over to meet with Momma. They talked for a little while and then she went away. A few days later Momma went to meet Cracker.
She asked if he liked to ride in the car (cause we do lots of that), if he was kind to other animals and other questions that were important to Momma. Momma Carol asked my Momma lots of questions too, she wanted to make sure Cracker would be getting a good home.
It seemed like he was the perfect dog for her lifestyle and  Momma knew he was the dog she was meant to have. He left his foster home that day & has been living with Momma ever since.
Cracker is actually really easy to get along with & he is a very good teacher. He has taught me so much already. He taught me how to chase deer & rabbits, chase balls, chew on bones, play tug-o-war (he lets me win sometimes) and how to behave at the groomer. He tried to teach me how to disguise my scent by rolling in stinky dead things. However, I have no problem with my scent, so don't feel the need to change it. I want no part of dead or stinky. He shares his toys, his beds, his car, his life & his Momma with me. He is my best friend.
When I was scared and homeless I showed up here with my busted up leg he took me into his home. I'm sure there were days he didn't want me here. and I'm sure he didn't like sharing his Momma with me cause I took so much of her time while I got better, but he never let it show. He was always kind and patient with me. And he is just as kind and patient with every other foster dog that comes through the door.

Momma was going to take his picture for this blog post, but I photobombed it. It still is my blog afterall.

Anyway, in the spring before I came to live here, he had his picture taken for a calendar. The calendar is going to be used for a fundraiser for Victoria Adoptables. He is Mr October. If you would like to purchase one, please send me a private message on my Facebook Page & I'll make sure my Momma gets in touch with you.

The money raised from this calendar will help homeless dogs find new homes. We really appreciate your help, cause without people like you, Cracker & I would not have success stories to tell. Thank you so much :)

Hey!! How'd that get in here?? Oh well, he deserves a moment in the sun too. Love you Cracker! Even if you are a Big White Giant xoxo

Other News

And in other news, Hershey & Latte were adopted. Latte went to live with a very nice retired couple that live in Victoria by the water. And Hershey went to live very close to me with a nice lady that has 2 Shitzus, so she'll have some nice dogs to run and play with. Yay Hershey & Latte!!

People often ask Momma if my leg is healed and if I have full use of it. Well, this should give you the answer. WARNING: I tend to get a little barky when I'm excited.

Next weekend I am going to volunteer my time with Pet Pics For Santa. It is a fundraiser for Victoria Adoptables and you can bring your pets to get their picture taken with Santa. Even if you don't have pets, you can still come & you can get your picture taken. You can even get your picture with me if you want to (providing I'm there when you are). Momma bought me a pretty dress to wear :) We will be at Pets West on Saturday November 24 & Sunday November 25 from 11 AM - 4 PM. I will be there Saturday. You can click here to get directions.

Winter is on it's way. It gets dark out very early & the last time I went to the beach, it was cold and windy. Lots of leaves fell of the trees and I don't see many rabbits in the yard anymore. Just a squirrel today. He saw me and started squawking at me. He thought I was going to steal his winter stash of food. No thanks, Momma gives me better food than what you have Mr. Squirrel.

Halloween was fun. Cracker & I were Zombies. In truth, I had many costumes. You can see them on my Facebook Page.

I've been trying to help around the house a bit more too. I was trying to help Momma fold laundry, but still don't have any thumbs.

So, I tried to help by cleaning out Momma's purse. Ok, all I really was doing was looking for dog treats.

Oh well, at least I keep the floors clean.

Well Hi There!!

It's been so long since I have been able to say hi to all of you. Momma has kept me very busy. Now that I have a few minutes I can get caught up.
Do you remember when I went to an audition for a movie? I must have made some sort of impression, cause I got mentioned in the newspaper article about the audition & I made the highlight reel, so once again, I dazzled the peeps with my beauty.
The winner will be decided by Facebook votes. We are voting for a little Yorkie named Tessie. She is very smart and did everything she was asked to do. She even does volunteer work in the community. Her Momma takes her to places where people live that don't have any dogs so that they can pet and play with her, just because she is so nice.You can click on these words and it will take you to where you can vote for her too.  From there, you can just click on her picture and then click the word "Like". Whoever has the most likes, wins! Here are a couple of pictures of her.

Tessie's Momma and Daddy have a Harley Davidson, so Tessie has a leather jacket, a helmet & goggles so that she can go riding too. They even have a special carrier for her on the bike to keep her very safe.

Sometimes if her folks have to stop, Tessie gets to be watchdog & guard the bike. I think she dozes off from time to time though.

Momma Is Sad

Momma is sad tonight. She read a story about a dog that had a really bad life. He is only 1 1/2 (same age as me) and he never had a real family. The people that were in his life kicked him. They tied him up and kids threw rocks at him. This was his collar. He flinches and cowers when you reach down to pet him.

Momma Carol from Victoria Adoptables heard about him and went and rescued him today. She brought him to a foster home where he will be safe, warm & dry. He'll get yummy food and love and have his very own Doctor. The Glam Squad will move in a he'll get a makeover.
His foster home will teach him that not all people are mean. They will teach him to love & trust and to wag his tail. He will get treats and get to go for rides in the car. He will get to go to the beach too.
I hope to meet him one day. I would tell him not to be afraid, not to worry. It's all gonna be ok now. Somebody told me that & they were right.
I know I have a lot of people reading my blog. I would like to ask that you please do what you can in your community. Foster homes are desperately needed by every shelter & every rescue. Please find out where you can help in your community.
The Holiday Season is coming and everyone should have a home for the Holidays, so a foster home is a great thing to offer a homeless animal. If you cannot foster, please find out what you can donate. Blankets, towels, food, treats, toys and money is always needed.
Even if you just drop by your local Shelter and take a dog for a walk, or spend some time cuddling one, or just brush his hair. If you have any training experince at all, just teaching a dog to sit and take a treat nicely will go a long way in helping him find a home.
That is all. Thank you.

Auditions, New Siblings & Halloween.

Well, there has been so much going on this week.
First, I went to a casting call on the weekend to see if I could be in a movie. It was fun! There were lots of people there, lots of dogs and so much excitement. I was number 19. When they called my number I got my picture taken and I had to stand on a table. Then I had to show them that I could Sit, Stay & Down. They asked if I could Speak and Momma said "Not on queue". Everybody laughed. Sadly I did not make the cut, but I had fun anyway.
Then we went & saw Justine at her work. Then I went to see Momma Carol & Poppa Dave. Momma left me with Poppa Dave for a while so he could cuddle and love me. He likes that.
Momma came back to pick me up & she also brought 2 new foster dogs home. Their names are Hershey & Latte. Hershey is a puppy & I like playing with her. She plays with all my toys & I pretend it bothers me, but really I don't care.

So Momma called in the Glam Squad and their makeovers have begun. Hershey has been groomed, vaccinated, and micro-chipped. Latte was already vaccinated. Both of them were spayed yesterday. Here are pictures of them...aren't they just adorable?

So Momma says it's something called Halloween. She says kids dress up in scary costumes and go to people's home and ask for candy. Seems odd, cause I heard somewhere you should never take candy from strangers. Oh well, Momma will let me know what to do. She's pretty darn trustworthy (so far). Here is a picture of me & The Big White Giant. We are Zombies!!

Happy Halloween everybody! Stay safe & keep your pets indoors xoxo

Bye Bye Barney

So, a couple of nights ago Momma put us all on the bed. I know what this means; we are having a family meeting. She always says, "We're gonna have a little chat". But it always turns into her talking and we listen.
She told us Barney would be leaving the next day. If you don't know Barney is a foster dog that came to live here when his owner passed away. He was here for 2 months until a new owner decided that Barney should live with him. Momma told us not to be sad, that it is a good thing that Barney is leaving and going to his own home.
We are a foster family for Victoria Adoptables. That means that dogs that have nowhere to go can come & live here until a new family adopts them. I was a foster dog & so was The Big White Giant (although, Momma didn't foster him, somebody else did). People always ask Momma "Ohhh, how can you give them up"? Momma says it's actually really easy because she knows they are going to good homes and that they will be loved. We are just a stepping stone in their lives. Momma says she wants to help lots of dogs while she is here on Earth, so if she kept them all, it would be too much. This way, we can help many, many more if we foster.
Anyway, Barney went to live with a really nice man that had no dog at all. He will really like being the only dog.

Bye Bye Barney :)

Night School

Well, as you all know I was having some trouble finding a job. So, after much thought and reflection I had to admit that I had no skills. So, what do people do when they need skills? They go to school. So that is what I did.
Momma signed me up for some classes at Smart Dog Training. My teachers name was Sherry and she was very smart and nice. She knew lots of stuff about how dogs learn and how to keep us focused. School was fun and I liked going.

I tried to be a good student & I studied very hard.

This is me doing "Sit".

This is me doing "Stay".

This is me doing "Down" (I really don't like doing this one).

This is me doing "Come".

Here I am at Graduation in my cap & gown.

School was alot of fun and Momma and I had a really good time. There were other dogs there, so I learned how to behave better in groups of people and dogs. Momma says that although I am very small I still have to have all the manners that big dogs do. She knows that she can take me anywhere & I will behave like a lady. That's rule number two you know. I must always behave like a lady :)

So I learned a whole bunch of stuff. Aside from the obedience stuff, I learned that education is important. I learned that it's ok to be different, we are all dogs, big or small and we should all get along. I learned that sometimes people have trouble with training their dogs & that's ok. Just find a nice lady (or man) like Sherry and they will help you. Most importantly I learned that a trained dog, is a free dog.



Time to catch up :)

Well, first let me say I'm sorry I've been so bad at keeping you updated on what I've been up to. I can only get on the computer when Momma helps me into the chair & we have been busy lately.
We went on holidays. I went to a place called Barriere where I saw some friends I already knew, but mostly met new people. They were all very nice to me. I made sure everybody got to cuddle me at least once while I was there. They liked this, and I'm all about making the people happy.
Two guys played catch with a football & I was showing them what a great athlete I am by chasing the ball when they threw it. We had fires outside every evening and my friend Gypsy gave me her light (it goes on my collar) so that everybody could see me in the dark.
The people ate something called turkey with chocolate cake for dessert & I had Science Diet Small Bites with Milk Bone for dessert. I had fun, I played and chewed on bones and got rides in the car. Cracker was there too. Barney stayed home to keep Mike company.
We are home now & Momma says winter is here now & that we are going to get lots of rain. I do not like the rain. It messes up my hairdo and turns into a hairdon't.

I went over to see Momma Carol too. She also went on holidays. She went to a different place than me though. You know what? She brought me home presents! The first thing was a really nice pink business suit. It's pink with black polka-dots and even has a necktie to match. I will wear it to a business meeting (if I ever get a job).

I also got a beautiful purple dress...it is from Chinatown in San Francisco. I think I will wear this when I'm just lounging around the house & wanting to feel pretty.

Then, if I want to go out, I can just put on my hat and I'm ready to go!

I'm the luckiest dog ever! Did you folks know I am also on Facebook? Click here to reach my facebook page.



Six Months :)

This picure was taken 6 months ago today. That's the day I came to live with Momma & Cracker. Did you know I was only supposed to stay here one night? Yup, it's true.
Momma was going to keep me overnight & take me to grooming the next day. After grooming I was supposed to go to a different foster home. Hahaha...joke's on Momma. I'm never leaving :)

Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For...

So Momma could not find any Poodle Thumbs so I had to keep looking for work. I would like to report that my search for a job has finally paid off. Sadly, it has not. I got very excited and hopeful when I got a job at the vet clinic. I mean, who better to work at a clinic than me? I certainly have spent enough time at one. So, I went in and scrubbed for surgery.

It was very difficult putting the surgical scrubs on. But I eventually got it right. I stepped into the OR & I was ready to perform surgery on Elmo. He had a tummy problem.

But alas, I could not do it. I was told I could not do surgery because I was wearing nail polish. Have you ever heard of that before? Ridiculous!

So then I decided if I could not do surgery perhaps I could still work with animals someplace else. So, I went to learn how to be a Carriage Horse Operator. Here I am with my trainer Megan & Bud the horse.

Then before we even left the curb Bud pooped. It was so gross. Megan didn't seem to mind at all, but there is no way I can watch that. I think I'm still traumatized. She held me close & tried to calm my fears. It helped a little bit, but I cannot be a Carriage Horse Operator. Yuck!

The search continues...

Writers Block?

I cannot be a painter :(

Well, that was a total bust. I cannot be a painter. I fought and fought all morning, but could not open the paint can.

Then I tried again after lunch.

Eventually I gave up

Then I went to work as a TV rep at the hospital.

That wasn't any fun at all. Turns out that I cannot read, so I got all the patients confused. And, I have no thumbs so I cannot use the remote control to change channels. I tried using my nose, but it didn't work.

So, I left that job too.

Momma says she does not know where to buy Poodle Thumbs...It would really make my life easier if I had some. Do you know where to get them?

It's Monday!!

Hey! Can you do this?

Life Ain't Easy On The Unemployment Line.

Well, let me tell you...it's been a whirlwind of a week.
First of all, as you know, I lost my job as a backhoe operator last week cause The Man didn't like my hard hat or steel toes. So I went for a job interview at PetSmart.

I did very well in my interview and got the job! I was so excited I packed my lunch and put my shoes by the door the night before.

But, turns out I do not know how to count money, so my job at PetSmart did not work out.

Then I got a job at a place where they weigh gravel trucks as they come in & out of the yard. I paid very close attention to my trainer.

But, there is dirt & gravel there, all the boys were always flirting with me & I couldn't get my work done. So I quit my job there.

Now, I am going to be painter. It's quiet and I can work alone so I can get my job done. It will also give me a chance to let my creative juices flow! Cross your toes, maybe I have found my niche in life :)