A December To Remember

Well, I must say December was indeed a lovely month. First, my dear friend, Steve, came to visit. Following our annual tradition, we stopped on the way home from the airport to buy our tree.

Then we scurried home to enjoy hot toddies and Christmas music. My dear neighbor, Raymond, came by to help us celebrate, and a lovely time was had by all. I must confess I got a little tipsy, and put on my elf outfit.

I should explain that the reason I have this costume is because I got a job as Santa's Little Helper at Urth Cafe over the holidays. I can't begin to tell you what a wonderful time I had! Hugging and kissing everyone who passed. I especially enjoyed the children and they all seemed to like me, too. As an added bonus, I now having an entry for my resume -- surely my elf impersonation will show any director that I have wide ranging acting abilities.

As if my December wasn't already overflowing with wonders, my dear friend, Helen, invited me over for a play date with Bella and Toby. She has a HUGE yard, and we ran up and down the stairs for hours. Do you know about stairs? I'd never actually seen a whole flight before, but after a couple of tries I got the hang of it. Just remember, if the step is as tall as you are, get all your feet on the first step before you try to climb up to the next one.

Pour La Pooch

Not a day goes by without someone asking me, "Boodles, how do you always manage to look so fabulous?" So, I thought I would share my "secret" with all of you, my adoring fans -- It is Gia and her wonderful staff at Pour La Pooch. Not only do they primp and pamper me, but Gia always gives me a yummy chicken treat before I leave.

We Have A Winner

Modesty almost forbids me from mentioning the fact that I won the most creative costume award at the West Hollywood Dog Costume Contest yesterday. However, since I know how disappointed all my fans would be if I didn't share this wonderful news, I'm notifying all of you and sending along photos. I went as "A Sheep In Wolf's Clothing," and I must say that I was greeted with a warm reception by the spectators, the judges, and, especially, the MC, who I rewarded with a good licking.

I just love strutting down a runway, don't you? The flash bulbs, the applause, the joyous laughter -- it is just heaven. And then afterward, having all the paparazzi come over to take close ups and interview moi, well, it was just a lovely, lovely day. Plus, my beloved Godmother, June, came along to share it with me. I've already started making plans for next year. A gin fizz, Charles Lamb, Babe...well, I have a whole year to think about it.

West Hollywood Book Fair

I know this is a little late, but I wanted to tell you about the wonderful time I had at the West Hollywood Book Fair. Mom and I met our dear friends, Oliver and Aunt Joy, there. We walked around to all of the booths, including the one for West Hollywood West PAWS. We stopped at a face painter -- she was terrific and made me up to look just like a lamb! I recommend this event highly. Anything that encourages people to read in a fun way is great. Mom reads to me all the time.

A RAT As Big As Your Head

According to 2e, it was a mouse and quite dead when I found it. However, here is the true story of my Defense of the Family. I was standing on the kitchen porch surveying the backyard, when I saw the RAT over by the barbeque. I immediately realized that it was a danger to my family. So, I crept closer until I was in pouncing range. With one mightly leap, I was on it, grabbed it by neck and gave it a fearsome shake. Now, I'll admit I'm not quite sure whether it died from the shaking or from terror at the sight of me, but I know it was not already dead. And that it was a RAT, a RAT as big as your head. Really.

DJ Is [Not] Coming

I have wonderful news! My litter mate, DJ, is joining the family. He is a wonderful guy and will be a great addition to the household. Haven't seen him in ages, but I sure he is still same playful knucklehead I knew as a puppy.

UPDATE: Sad news. Things didn't work out with DJ and he went home to Ontario yesterday. So, it is just the two amigos once again.

My Brother, My Friend

I am sad to report that Riley has passed. He was my teacher and my protector, and I miss him everyday. I will try to remember all the life lessons he taught me. Rest in peace, sweet Riley.