The Hounddogger: February 2013

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Healing in Palm Springs

Dear Chadwick, this post is for you.

Chadwick the house just isn't the same without you. It's much quieter and lonely without you. Mom decided a change of scenery might do us both some good, so she planned a little road trip for us. She packed up our stuff, well most of the "stuff" was hers, we hopped in the car and headed for Palm Springs. She got us a room at a really nice place in Indian Wells that's very pet friendly. Chadwick, remember the road trip we took to Arizona with Mom? Well this place reminds me a lot of that place, except we didn't have to be in the car for quite so long! We got here a lot quicker. But it is a desert and has lots of sand and mountains. I want you to know, I have been making Mom take me out for lots and lots of walks, just like we did in Arizona. Remember that? We made mommy take us out every 5 minutes and drove her crazy. I haven't been making her take me out quite that often, but I have gone for multiple walks everyday. The rest of the time I've spent snoozing. Now they don't have heavenly pet beds here like they did in Arizona, but they do have a comfy couch! I've been snoozing on the couch quite a bit and of course the big bed too. And it's a really big bed. Way bigger than the one we have it home. Mom forgot to bring my bed, so what's a pup to do?! I mean, as you know Chaddy Paddy we can't be expected to sleep on the floor! Luckily Mom did remember to bring the puppy blanket so I at least have something that still smells like you. Chadwick, please don't be upset with me when I admit I have enjoyed my time here but I have really missed you. I know we would have had so much fun together! We could have romped and played in the grass, run mom ragged and just generally goofed off.

My dearest Chaddy Paddy, you are always top of mind and will always be in my heart. I love you, I miss you and will never forget you! Love and miss you buddy!

Saturday, February 9, 2013

I Miss You "Sweet" Chaddy Paddy

There's something I want you two-legged humans out there to know. Dogs can have broken hearts too. My buddy Chadwick passed away in his sleep last night and I miss him. My heart aches, a lot. Now Chadwick wasn't really a "sweet" hound in the way I am. He was kind of a grumpy old man, but he did have a lot of charm and he took good care of me. He kept me company when mom was away and he taught me a lot. He was independent, stubborn and a really fast eater. He drank water like a camel. I also like to think that I took care of him too, especially the last couple of weeks. When we went for walks, I guided him around trees, around the curb drop offs and generally kept him from bumping into things along the way. He was my brother, my constant companion, my partner in crime and most importantly my friend. So Chadwick, Chaddy Paddy, Big Butt, I love you and miss you. I know you'll always be with me and mom in spirit and will still be watching over us. I wish we had one more to day to play, to snuggle or get into trouble. Yes, hounds have broken hearts too.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Happy Birthday to my Mommy!

A shout out to my momma on her birthday! I hope she has a beautiful day. What I don't understand though, is why she has to work on her birthday! She should not have to work on her birthday. She should be spending it with me and Sir Chadwick!

Allow me to introduce myself

My name is Abigail, although personally I prefer Princess Abby. I live, make that rule, a household in Los Angeles. I have a big backyard to play in, a couch to sleep on, and lots of love. I'm on my 3rd, yes 3rd, male companion. My first bud was Sherlock and he taught me everything. I was just six weeks old when I met him. He was five, so he knew everything. He took me under his wing and looked after me until the day he died. He died a week before his 13th birthday. That was almost 5 years ago and I still miss him. He was a special dude and for 8 years, we spent every minute of every day together. I was really lonely after I lost my best bud. So mom decided I needed another friend. In walks Brutus. Now Brutus was nothing like Sherlock. He'd had a really rough life but he didn't want to share what he knew of the world. He said his past was just too ugly and he wanted to forget it. He was just grateful to have nice place to sleep and people who loved him. He followed my mom around everywhere. He would never let her out of his sight. At first I was a little jealous, well a lot jealous. But then I realized he didn't grow up getting the kind of love and attention that I did, so I let him have the spotlight. I wound up learning a lot from him. I learned how to be grateful for the things I had. I'd grown up having it all so I didn't really appreciate anything. Brutus however was grateful for everything. I learned that the more love I give, the more I get back in return. He was a very special friend but unfortunately he got really sick and our time together was cut short. My heart ached after Brutus was gone. What was wrong with me that my two best buds had to leave me? As I sat feeling sorry for myself, mom pulled up in the Jeep and out jumped Chadwick. Now let me tell you about Chadwick. Chadwick walked in like he owned the place. He walked around like he was royalty or something. I don't know who he thought he was, but I quickly put him in his place. I established myself as the alpha dog in this household. He challenged me at first, but he finally acquiesced. Now Chadwick is a pain in my ass. I mean that literally. You see he's blind. I don't just mean he can't see well, the dog has no eyes. It's kind of freaky if you ask me. It is kind of funny though to watch him bump into things. He gets around by his sense of smell. Now let me translate that for you. It means he walks around with his snout stuck up my butt! Now you may laugh and you may think it's cute, but let me tell you, it's annoying as hell! I'll admit, he's quite a looker but boy does he bug. He gets on my nerves to no end. So the reason I tell you all this is so that you'll realize how much experience I have with love, with friendship, with life. I know I'm not getting any younger and I realize that after twelve years in this crazy world it's time I do something to give back. So I've decided my legacy will be to pass on my hound wisdom to all who are willing to listen. So please read my ramblings, my rants, my observations. You just might learn something.