Day 51: The 7-month debate

Dear world,

I am confused. It is the end of the month, but it is not the 31st. I was born on July 31st, so am I now 7-months old? Or do I need to wait another 3 days?

Please help me figure this out!

Is Gracie now 7-months old?

Just in case, here is what could be my official 7-month photo.

Wish me luck, world! Only 12 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 50: Sitter will be pleased

Dear world,

I know I am taking a risk that the sitter will read this blog and find out about my new skill, but it delights me too much to stay quiet.

I have figured out how to jump up on the dining room chairs! I have been able to do this for about two weeks now, but am only practicing when the sitter is not watching. I want to surprise her with my acrobatics after I learn to how to jump from the chair to the table.

I know she will be pleased when she finally learns about my new ability. She may even reward me with treats (and cats.)

A girl can dream!

Wish me luck, world! Only 13 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 49: TBT Gracie (again, again, again, again)

Dear world,

It is Thursday again, and perhaps the best day of the week.

This is a picture from the first few days during my stay with the sitter. I was playing dress-up, going for the newborn human baby look. (It made sense at the time.)

Am I not the cutest puppy ever?

I got into a little squeeze trying to pull the onesie off over my head, but the sitter helped.

I still play with the onesie, but now I just throw it around in the air. I would not want to get stuck again. I have grown a bit since then, I believe.

Wish me luck, world! Only 14 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 48: A bittersweet reminder

Dear world,

It would not be an exaggeration to say that I miss my cat toy. So please imagine my little heart breaking even more when I learned that my cousin Sam has his very own cat toy!

Remember Sam? Here he is.

This is the picture that Sam's Mommy sent me. Do you see his cat toy? It is a real cat. What a fun toy! I want one!

Forget about sending cat toys like the one I used to have. Now the only way to repair my fractured heart is to send me my very own live cat.

Wish me luck, world! Only 15 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 47: Cat toy imposter

Dear world,

First I would like to say that there must be something wrong with the mail service because my not-so-subtle hint for cat toys did not result in any cat toys.

You should know that I still look longingly at the table where the cat toy used to live. I may even whimper. That might explain why the sitter tied my red ball to the old cat toy string.

She had me fooled for about five minutes, making me believe that the new toy could possibly fill the void left by that little stuffed mouse's untimely departure.

Not quite. Five minutes of play was all I could manage until my tender little heart was overcome by grief and I had to lie down.

True story.

Wish me luck, world! Only 16 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 46: Play time with the sitter

Dear world,

If my Mommy and Daddy ever leave me with the sitter for another 63 days, I may have to post to my blog twice a day. When I posted my playlist yesterday, I thought that would be the most exciting thing that I could possibly do on a Sunday. I was wrong.

This may come as a shock to anyone who has heard about the sitter's career as a trickster, so believe me when I say I too was shocked by her actions.

Yesterday, she packed me up in my travel crate, we went to the doggy day care and then she stayed with me! All of a sudden it was puppy and people day care.

Lots of other people came by with their dogs and we all played together. There were balls and a rubber chicken and a tunnel toy (which was too dark and scary for me.)

This is me playing. The sitter was kind enough to take my picture.

I wish that she also took some pictures of my new friends, but that kind of oversight is typical for the sitter. So here I am playing again.

After we got home, I curled up in my day bed in the kitchen while the sitter cooked her dinner.

Overall, I was left conflicted about this doggy day care thing. If the sitter sometimes can come with me, then maybe it will not be so bad. Maybe I can learn to have fun when I am there.

Wish me luck, world! Only 17 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 45: Beautiful Gracie -- Part 2

Dear world,

I still feel beautiful after going to the groomer's yesterday. Did you know that I often bark in the mirror because that other puppy is so cute, just like me?!

Here are some songs that always help this little puppy feel beautiful.

Finally, here is yours truly, a real jaw-dropping beauty!

Wish me luck, world! Only 18 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 44: Beautiful Gracie -- Part 1

Dear world,

Today was a special day. I went for my very first grooming appointment. I have had my nails trimmed before, and some parts of my fur clipped, but never before did I get the FULL spa treatment.

I am one lucky puppy! This is me before I went to see the groomer.

For anyone who does not know, this is what it looks like to be at the groomer's. This photo was taken earlier during a quick touch-up visit, but you get the idea.

Finally here I am all pretty and perfect.

Still perfect.

Now I am tired and am going to chew on some sweet potato before heading to bed.

Stay tuned for tomorrow. Part 2 of beautiful me will continue.

Wish me luck, world! Only 19 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 43: A pleasant accident

Dear world,

Sometimes accidents happen and they are terrible (like when my cat toy broke a couple of days ago.) 

Sometimes accidents happen and they may at first seem terrible, but in fact are really, really good.

One of those really, really good accidents happened. My kibble bag fell over and dropped lots of pieces on the carpet.

How exciting and delicious! It tastes so much better directly from the bag.

Wish me luck, world! Only 20 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 42: TBT Gracie (again, again, again)

Dear world,

This is my fourth TBT posting. They are becoming one of my favourite parts of the week. I love thinking back to how little I was. I also like thinking about how long I have spent with the sitter. Only a few weeks to go!

This is me as a baby when I was playing with Blue. He is still one of my favourites, but he seems much smaller now. (That is because I got bigger!)

This is me now.

Wish me luck, world! Only 21 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 41: Sitter sham exposed!

Dear world,

I may be a puppy, but I was not born yesterday. Something felt off last week when I got "lost" for a whole day, so I did not think it was a coincidence that I managed to get "lost" again today under the same unusual circumstances -- early morning departure, car ride, travel crate door opens, scooped up by a stranger.

I spent my day with a pack of other dogs and puppies. They were nice to me, but I am still a little shy around them (and now suspicious!)

Here I am hopping off the pillow bed while "lost." One of my new human pals, Bev, took the photo for me, so I would like to thank her for supplying me with the proof of today's ordeal.

As expected, the sitter "found" me at the end of a very long day. Now if my account of today's calamity ended there, I would not have been so enraged. Once I was returned to the sitter and safely tucked away in my travel crate, I saw something very, very terrible.

A transaction! Suddenly everything made sense.

The sitter PAID for me to get lost today. She outsourced her duties of tending to my needs! When she should be playing with me, and tickling me, and taking me around the block, and giving me food, she had someone else do it for her.

My little heart is metaphorically broken to think that I can be shuffled around so easily. Do not get me wrong -- my human pals at Ottawa Doggy Daycare are nice to me, but I am appalled that the sitter calls herself a "sitter." She is a scam artist, as far as I am concerned. Obviously I will be watching her much more closely now.

Wish me luck, world! Only 22 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 40: That mysterious dot

Dear world,

For months now, I have been tormented by something so small and quick that it is impossible to catch.

The dot.

The sitter lets it out sometimes and it runs around the living room like it owns the place. When that dot is getting really sassy, it even climbs the walls and crosses the ceiling. It is infuriating.

I want nothing more than to catch it in my mouth and finally taste it. I imagine it is delectable like my sweet potato treat.

You can barely see the dot in these pictures, but maybe if we work together we can find a way to corner it and catch it.

Wish me luck, world! Only 23 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 39: Kibble firestorm

Dear world,

It is as much fun as the blog post title suggests. 'Kibble firestorm' is what I call it when the sitter pulls out the treat launcher and starts blasting bits of tasty bliss all over the living room.

That is not dirt on the carpet. That is kibble (and all my toys!)

You may ask what a kibble launcher looks like, so I managed to sneak it away from the sitter when she was not looking.

The launcher is the black contraption at the bottom of the picture. The treats go in under the plastic dome. When the sitter presses the button, they fly out of a hole on the top and soar through the air. So. Much. Fun.

Wish me luck, world! Only 24 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 38: A sad Sunday

Dear world,

Today I have the unfortunate duty of announcing that my cat toy is now broken.

It was very unexpected. I was at one end, while the sitter was at the other. Then without any warning, the string that was attached to the little mouse on my end came loose.

Here is what is left of my cat toy.

I know you understand how distraught I am. If you would like to cheer me up, please send more cat toys.

I will miss my cat toy and I feel it is appropriate to look back at the fond memories. Please visit Day 18 when I was playing on my back.

Here is another photo of me with my cat toy. This one was taken very early into my stay with the sitter.

Wish me luck, world! Only 25 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 37: Ode to socks

Dear world,

Here is my Valentine's Day poem. I call it “Ode to socks.”

Their fumes excite me when they have been worn for some time.

Their softness delights me when I know they are mine.

I love how they fit on the sitter's feet so snug.

I love to pull them free as I tug, tug, tug.

How wonderful a sock can be, a true love affair.

But what I love most is that they come in a pair.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Wish me luck, world! Only 26 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 36: Time to "unwind"

Dear world,

It has been a long week. A few days ago, I somehow ended up in a big room with a lot of other dogs. It may have been the oddest thing to ever happen to me. First the sitter was opening the door of my travel crate to let me out in a place that reminded me of the pet store. Before I knew what was going on, someone scooped me up and carried me away, putting me in this huge pen with other dogs.

I made a new friend -- Marty the Beagle -- but I was really shy with the other dogs, and maybe even a little scared. It took the sitter the whole day to find me! I must have been really lost.

Thank goodness it is finally Friday night. The sitter and I are looking forward to spending the weekend together.

The sitter must still be feeling really terrible about losing me earlier this week, because today she came home with a new bully stick, perfect to help me unwind.

Get it?? "Unwind!!"

It took me a while to get the hang of it. When bully sticks are all curly, they do not go where you would like them to.

But do not worry. I finally figured out how to wrangle that stick.

Wish me luck, world! Only 27 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 35: TBT Gracie (again, again)

Dear world,

Remember this thing called "No Snow"? I have a hard time remembering too. This should help you out.

This was me in the backyard at my Mommy and Daddy's house. This was taken a few months ago when there was NO SNOW! Really amazing, right?

This is me in the backyard when I recently visited the house with my sitter. You cannot even see the deck boards. There is so much powder!

Wish me luck, world! Only 28 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 34: PB & G

Dear world,

Me and peanut butter make a great team. It sticks to things to make a big mess and I happily clean it up.

It is an unusual relationship, I will admit, and despite the added challenges it causes me, it will always belong to me.

I love how it seems to mysteriously find its way deep into my Kong. My tongue likes to work extra hard to clean it out.

I also love that peanut butter has a sense of humour.

Wish me luck, world! Only 29 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 33: Gracie, the misunderstood helper

Dear world,

This sitter is completely aggravating. It is like she has never been in the presence of a fashion genius before. I have an impeccable sense of sock style and freely offer my services.

The sitter will sit on her bed in the morning and usually tries to put on a hideous pair of socks. It is insulting to see her make such devastating choices! I mean, clean socks?! Honestly!! Why would anyone sane want to wear those with their tuity-fruity no-foot scent?! Disgusting.

I try to help her out, clamping my delicate teeth into the sock and pulling it free from her foot. But I am sadly under-appreciated.

She has started to hide behind this door in the morning, and when she emerges, she has already applied the socks to her feet. A complete tragedy, really.

Wish me luck, world. Only 30 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 32: Counting is fun

Dear world,

If you have been following my journey, you should notice that we have now crossed the halfway mark. I have been counting every day.

I never thought counting could be this much fun until the sitter and I started to play the kibble game. She counts out 10 pieces of kibble and balances them on the arm of the chair. Then I try to eat the 10 pieces of kibble without letting any fall to the floor.

Here I am playing the game. You can see that I have done fairly well so far.

On no! Some fell!

That was not my best result. I have had a perfect score many times before!

Wish me luck, world! Only 31 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 31: Bonus Post

Dear world,

I love you all so much that you deserve a bonus clip.

It is a snowy day today! I hope everyone stays warm.

Wish me luck, world! Still only 32 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 31: Proof!

Dear world,

There are some readers who questioned whether Bear was still with us, or whether I had in fact eaten him as a delicious breakfast. Please let the record show that Bear is still a part of our lives.

Here he is in the crate at my Mommy and Daddy's house (just like I said!)

Here he is sitting next to me after I came in from the backyard. You can still see the ice and snow hanging from my fur.

Here we are relaxing on the couch.

I trust this will suffice for anyone who doubted his existence. I would not dare eat Bear for my real breakfast, although he may in time be de-fluffed like my other toys. (If you do not believe me about this too, please read about Bunny and Cow.)

Wish me luck, world! Only 32 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 30: Oops!

Dear world,

I had a rough night. My big mistake was drinking a full bowl of water right before bed. I was really thirsty, and the sitter kept telling me I would wet my bed, but it did not matter. I was really, really thirsty!

So when I woke up in the middle of the night, I had to do my puppy business. I would not let the sitter be right and wet my bed. Instead, I whined and whined until she heard me so I could use my potty. Then I went right back to bed after a lullaby from the sitter. (She does lullabies for me, which I love. Did I tell you that?)

So I was able to sleep through the rest of the night, but I must of had some really intense dreams. I do not remember what they were about, but they kept me busy. When I woke up, my Dragon was face down underneath me and fluff was everywhere!

It was like a toy murder scene, and I was the culprit.

It took me a moment to calm down and I realized that Dragon was just acting like a comfy pillow and all that fluff really belonged to Cow. She fluffs all the time because of where she should have a fourth leg, she really has a fluff-producing hole.

Cow was okay (for her.) My tongue is out in this selfie. So funny!

I think that was enough excitement for one day.

Wish me luck, world! Only 33 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 29: I ♥ bully sticks

Dear world,

Bully sticks are magical. Earlier this week my bully stick was small and ratty. Then after one quick trip in the car, it was again big and scrumptious. I think the sitter had something to do with it, but I cannot figure it out. It is like she is a magician, or it is a trick of light.

If the sitter ever read this blog, she would probably be really sad to know that I actually forgot about her! I am sorry, sitter, but it is true. As soon as the big, fresh bully stick appeared, I was overcome by the wafting power of bully scent.

It was just me and my stick as the rest of the universe faded away.

Wish me luck, world! Only 34 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 28: TBT Gracie (again)

Dear world,

Ever since I posted my TBT last Thursday, I have been so excited for Thursday to come again. 7 days is a long time to wait, just not at long as 63 days.

This is a funny picture from when I was little. I call this one "Bear for Breakfast." Please do not worry. I did not really eat him for breakfast. He is just a toy and now lives in my crate at my Mommy and Daddy's house. I can post a picture as proof that he is still with us, upon request.

Please have a safe and happy Thursday, everyone!

Wish me luck, world! Only 35 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 27: They do not make them like they used to

Dear world,

There has been a mishap. Apparently the manufacturer of my ball and rope toy failed to account for certain variables, like my razor sharp teeth.

Once my incisors made the incision (as they were designed to do -- no malfunction there), it was too late. The ball did not stand a chance.

I will still play with it, despite its shoddy condition. I have, however, also welcomed the arrival of a new ball and rope toy. (Perhaps the sitter's apology for that coat and booties stunt?)

Hopefully the workmanship on this ball is more suited for the rigours of puppiness.

Wish me luck, world! Only 36 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 26: Gracie 1 -- Sitter 1

Dear world,

So this happened.

Please...

Please...

Please...

Wish me luck, world! Only 37 days to go.

Love, Gracie

Day 25: Hello Sam!

Dear world,

This is my cousin Sam. He is just a baby, only 3 months old. I keep hearing so much about him, but because he lives far away, I have not met him yet. I hope to meet him soon.

He is only part poodle, but please do not hold that against him.

Here is another one of Sam playing while watching TV. He liked the Super Bowl a lot. 

Sam -- Because I have not met you in person yet, I am considering this to be our first introduction. Hello little buddy! I cannot wait to play with you!

I hope that sounded friendly enough. It is easier to say hello to someone in person. Here is how I usually do it:
1) When I see someone, I start jumping up and down.
2) If they do not look in my direction, then it helps to start barking. That usually does the trick.
3) Once they come close, I give them some positive reinforcement. I reward the person or puppy with my affection. There is no such thing as too much affection. Trust me.

I try to say hello to everyone, whenever and wherever it is possible. The sitter has some neighbours that live next door. They are really nice.

Sometimes I poke my head around the fence in the backyard just to see if they are there. "Hello, neighbour!"

Wish me luck, world! Only 38 days to go.

Love, Gracie