Too much youngin takin over my blog!

My Mom is from the South and she said the title of this post was allowable.  Joey has taken over my blog the past few weeks, I felt like he needed something extra to do to get out some of his energy.  He has A LOT OF ENERGY.  He's always bouncin or slitherin' under me.  He makes me skid on the scary floors sometimes.  He actually wipes out on the slippery floors all the time and he gets right back up and does it again!  Nonsense!

In good news, the temps have been cooler this past week!  It's been awesome.  In addition to our regular dog park afternoons, we got to go on a run last week down the long road.  Mom looked kinda funny dragging me behind her and Joey pulling in front of her.  She's a good sport.  Joey did trip Mom up once or twice, which I've done before.  But the 2nd time, she actually fell!  Guys, Mom has never fallen before.  I had no idea why she was laying on the ground.  I knew it was Joey's fault though.  So she's layin on the ground and I'm lookin' at Joey like, "Great, jerk.  Now we're never gonna get home.  Why'd you have to make Mom made and we're not even home yet!?"  Joey was just lookin' around like nothin' had happened.  Mom got up and she wasn't mad.  She said, "Accidents happen.  Let's go home."  I was down with going home.  2 miles is a long way, even with walk breaks.  We ran to the water hose where Mom washed us down, which Joey didn't like, then we went home for breakfast.

After that, Mom said she was sore and we went to the dog park for a few days, and since the accident, we've only been running along the beach road, where there are no cars for Joey to be afraid of.  She bought this ball throwy thing.  Joey chewed on the handle, which didn't make Mom happy.  Joey REALLY LOVES running after the ball.  I do not.  Mom throws the ball and I run after it once, then turn my nose up.  I have better things to do than run after a ball, like sniff all the pee spots and mark over them.

Mom says this is proof there are monsters under the bed.
It's name might just be Joey.

Joey thinks he's sneaky sleepin' on the couch, but Mom knows.

I taught him how to be a toy hoarder.
Mission = success.

Joey's bed in Mom's bedroom.

... but I stole his crate!

Joey stole my bed...

Mom let me have the rest of the yogurt.
Joey and I both got to clean out the peanut butter jar too!

Videos from the dog park:

The Whipper-Snapper vs The Gentleman

You can best tell the difference between a Gentleman and a young Whipper-Snapper via playtime.

Let me give you examples of each:

Whipper-Snapper playtime:

Gentleman playtime:

Mom, I'm keeping my bunny safe from that crazy dog.

Please also note that the significant difference between these 2 things is that one requires Mom to use her flashy thing for what she calls "video" instead of blinding Joey for a second like she usually does with me.  Mom says that he's very hard to clicky-flashy-blind because he's always moving!!

I'm tolerating him well.  I keep giving Mom "the look" but I don't think she's getting it.

So far Joey has gotten 2 extra snacks that I didn't get!  I was a little upset, but Mom says Joey is soo skinny that he's got to get bigger like me.  At least for our "after school snack" Mom gave me some carrots while Joey ate his snack.

Mom says that tonight Moe is also coming to stay with us for the weekend.  Guys, thats TWO extra dogs I have to share with?!?!?!  Mom says that Mizz Erin is Moe's Mom and she says he's a lot like me.  He'd much rather be napping than bouncing prancing around with toys.  He's also a big Greyhound like me.  So much excitement in my house!

Lets just see how much Mom likes it when she's taking us out for a walk and we all are squirrel huntin' at the same time!

How you should be doing it...

I'm going to show you how retirement should look:

If you don't look like this, then you're not doing it right.  Unless you're doing this on a cushy couch then you're doing it extremely right, but Mommy and Daddy don't let me up there.  Something about Dad doesn't like being covered by dog hair??  Pffth.  Silly Dad doesn't realize that dog hair is an asset to his clothes.  You don't need accessories if you have enough dog hair!  Duhh!

Mommy and I went on a jog this morning.  I loooove being outside.  I especially love when the squirrels are out.  I like to try to chase them up my pee targets.  I know all their hiding spots.  I look out for them, which usually means I run into Mom while we're walking/jogging because I'm not paying attention to going straight. I mean, she knows that when I lean into her it means that I love her.. she should realize that's exactly what I'm doing!

This morning I almost had one.  Mom thought I was going to pee in some grass, but instead, there was a squirrel that needed chasing up a target.  I started to run at him... but I forgot I was on the leash!!  By this point, we were only walking because Mom had sprayed me down with the water hose and we were headed back home.  I ended up skidding a half circle around Mom and landed on my right thunder thigh.  I wasn't deterred, I stood right up and tried to get that squirrel again.  By this point, Mom realized I wasn't peeing, so she snapped her fingers at me and yelled, "PHIL!" and made me walk on.

I got it together, but I was on the best lookout the last 5 minutes of our walk.  Meaning... I walked all over Mom's feet and walked leaned into her and made her shorts all wet since I was wet.  I WIN!  I WIN!

In other news, Mom probably just figured out how I got that scar on my right thigh....  There was one race that I got tripped and I spun out.  I immediately got back up and finished the race (not in last!), but she thinks that where my fur-less scar is from.  I didn't get any scratches this morning.  Mom was glad.  She hates it when I look like she doesn't take care of me, because we know that's just not true.. but some people don't like to believe that.

Although.. she doesn't let me on the furniture... so... you know..  .... :)
I <3 my mommy!

Did you miss meeee???

So the past few weeks have been pretty busy for me...  and by weeks, I really mean the month that Mom was gone to Australia and the week of July 4th and the week after.  You see, I only got a week with Mom before Miz Monica came and got me again!

I was so confused, but happy of course.  Mom is starting to realize that I'd be happier with a sibling, but she says there's really not enough space for another puppy... yet.  She's also working on Dad to get another Greyhound, cause Mom loves me..  but Dad says we need a different kind of doggy.  He's silly.  For once, Mom is right.

But anyways, Mom was slow getting around after she came back from Australia. I thought she was just out of practice, since she was away from me for so long, but apparently she was broken! The morning Mom found out she was going to the hospital, I could tell she was nervous. Since Mom had been moving really slowly, I knew something was up, so I always made sure I was watching her. More than normal. This wasn't, Oh you're going to the bathroom, I'll come with you since you will have no where else to go to avoid petting me... This was, I'm going to make sure Mom is going to be ok, Oh you're going to the bathroom, I don't need pettins today, but I'll be watching you. When she called Miz Monica early and she started packing stuff in a bag, I started to get a little nervous. When Mom did leave with her lap-clicker-machine and another full bag, she told me that everything was ok and she would see me soon. She made sure to give me my PB Kong before she left, she's such a trained good mommy.

Miz Monica came to get me the day Mom went to the hospital and I stayed with her while Mom was getting better.  No Grampy this time!  Instead, it was all Boston Terriers and Greyhounds and Humans and a backyard for zoomies and new squeaky toys and it was just sooo much fun!

Miz Monica met Mom at the California Meet and Greet, so I got to hang out with every more pups before it was time to go home!!  Sooo much excitement in my life.  Dad tries to tell Mom that I think she's deserting me, but I know that sometimes these things can't be helped.  Mom does a good job making sure that I'm taken care of.  

Miz Monica said that I had no issues with the loud sky boomers going off on July 4th.  Mom was very proud of me.  I can tell Mom is very glad that I'm home.  She's spoiled me soooo much!  She says she's got to go back to work next week and then things will be more like normal, but she better not stop with all these treats!  Mom isn't very good at finishing her foods, but I'm a pro, so I help her finish her foods (sometimes, when she lets me) and mine!!

But how about some pictures to make up for lost time????  

Gettin pettins at the M&G

Mom wanted to take my picture...

There were WAY more interesting things going on.

THUNDER THIGHSSSS!!!!

Look at what a good job I'm doing decorating the living room!! 

Mom was doing this photography thing.
Please excuse my nostrils, but I do have a REALLY long nose...

I am so very handsome.

Mom, really, let me sleep.  Stop blinding me.

Fine, I'll make everyone think you killed me.

I wasn't lookin at the camera, but Mom seemed satisfied enough.

Last night there was a storm comin in and I went to the bedroom to hide out, but I kept hearing some boomies, so I came out to investigate what was going on.  This was as far as I'd come out of the doorway before I would go lay down again. Mom thought me poking out my head was particularly cute.  Obviously, she didn't understand that I was protecting us, you crazy lady!

Mom, do you smells that?  Are you sure there isn't a treat for me somewhere?

Every move you make...
I'll be watchin you.
Even if I look completely uncomfortable....

Adding to the Toy Inventory

My Mom is pretty great.  I might have mentioned this.  But here is evidence why:

These are my two newest toys in action.  The red thing is actually a Mother Bunny and the blue thing is a Tribble.  They are supposed to be indestructible.  I'm a little sad the bunny doesn't squeak, but the Tribble does!

Mom's been telling me all week that she has to go away for a few weeks, so I think this is her trying to win my love.  I'll be staying with the Keller Family while Mom is gone.  I'm excited, but don't tell Mom, I want her to think I'm sad that she's leaving..

I picnic like a Greyhound.

This weekend was the GEGR annual picnic!  Mom has been planning on going to this since she found out about it, and I knew something was up, I just know things.  Then again, Mom did finally clean, so maybe that was the biggest clue...

First off, Fright night we had company.  Diane brought her two pups, Snowy and CJ to stay the night.  We started the sleepover early!  

After everyone was fed and went taken out for business, we put on our best retired faces.

The next morning was like normal, kinda.  I woke Mom up at normal time, but she wasn't having that.  But with some incessant whining prodding, she was motivated.  Really, I just wanted to see what Snowy and CJ were up to, cause I heard them and knew they were already awake.

They left after getting breakfast and Mom and I went back to bed, which is our usual ritual on Saturday morning.  Finally, when Mom got up again, she started getting ready and packing our stuff.  I asked her if I was going and she reassured me that today was all about me and my peeps.

When we got there, there was so much excitement to be had!  I saw Miss Scarlet and Temporary Mom and Brother from when Mom went to Scotland.  I think they missed me!  I also saw Mr. George, who I've seen recently.  I tried to make sure I said hey to everyone at the picnic.

Mom took some pictures to share with you.

A gaggle of Greyhounds..  pretending to not be retired.

We were allowed to run free in color coded groups.  Certain colors were allowed to roam around (muzzle required, and NO ONE liked that!) at certain times.  Mom got caught in the middle of a running pack and I just pretended not to know her.  Silly Mom should know better than to stand in front of a speeding Greyhound (no bus pun intended).

They were running really fast.  I didn't run with the group though.  I was off attending to more important matters...
Like marking every tree/bush/tall grass spot possible.

The pools were set out for the hounds to cool off in.  Several pups were just laying in the pools.  I was just thirsty!

Chillin' my paws. 

Scarlet and I hung out for a while when I wasn't marking what was mine running around saying hey to everyone.  Temporary Brother gave me lots of pettins.  I had a super fun time just roaming around, even though I didn't like my muzzle being on.  I tried to tell Mom that a muzzle isn't part of retirement by rubbing my nose on her leg, but she said suck it up.

Every time Mom found me, I was at Lisa's door.  Lisa's house was the first place I ever received TLC, so I really, really wanted inside.  

Excuse me, I'm being good.  I already looked in the window, I know you're home.  Just let me in please!!!
PS.  It's hot out here and I'm retired.  Duh.

After my Temporary Family left, Mom decided to go exploring with me.  She took me to the real water area.  Mom and Dad both have taken me to the beach, but I wasn't a super huge fan...  but it didn't really seem like they were either.  But this girl was nice enough to hold my leash while I was in the water, and since she looked like she was enjoying it, I figured it was safe for me as well.

It is pretty hot out here and this water is nice.

OOOOOOO, that was cold on my happy place!

Nevermind, it's niiiiicccceeeee in here.

Look how far out I am, Mom!!!  Look!  Look!!

This was the deepest I went.  The water felt really nice and I couldn't figure out the zoom-zoomers that were driving by.
The girls were really enjoying the waves after they passed though!

After I got out of the water, my tongue slipped out of my mouth.  Mom caught it for blackmail.

Mom actually won a door prize at the picnic.. but she also bought some stuff!

Top Left: Red Mother Bunny.  "Red for NC State," said Mom.
Top Right:  Yellow knitted scarf and hat Mom picked out as her door prize.  She also got a box of treats which didn't make it in the photo.
Bottom, L to R: My new collar (it has a matching tag collar.. I'm like a real retired greyhound now!), my new Tribble (which I luuuuuuvvvvv because it squeaks), and Mom's new GEGR t-shirt.

Overall, we had a super time.  I think once we get to know more people, since we are just GEGR babies, the picnic will be more fun cause we'll be like one of the groupies!  Now, Mom also knows what to expect for next year.  Eventually, she'll become a pro and bring her own tent and maybe she'll even spoil me enough to buy me my own xpen.  She says probably not anytime soon, but I'm working on her....  I mean she did get me that big bed a few weeks ago AND she bought me a Mother Bunny today.. and a Tribble...  She's a pretty great Mommy, even without an xpen for me.

So much excitements!!!!

This past week has been sooooooooo exciting and busy and full of new things!

Ok, so the week kinda wore me out, but it was so much fun!

Mom's friend got married on the 24th, and we went to Grampy and Grammy's house for the weekend!  YAY! I got to hang out with Judge and Noodles, aunt Courtney's doggies.  They are little.  Judge is like the size of my head.  Hahah, so small!  Noodles was kind of a fattie, but he could sit on his butt really good.  They both kept getting in Mom's lap, which would make me super jealous and then I'd have to go over and put my head in between both of them and get the most lovins, cause Mom loves me the mostest, duh.

A pic of Noodles and Judge from Christmas (before I was adopted into the family)
Top:  Noodles
Left: Judge
Bottom: Zeplen (who was 30lbs light than I am)

 Just some pics from the last week:

This was the first time I ever really snuggled with one of my toys.
Mom thought it was "sooo precious".. my face is actually showing how manly this really is.

On the way to NC.  I was watching for the po-po out the back window for Mom.

The only place we could fit my crate was behind the seats, it made me much more sturdy in my hammock,
so I didn't mind.

We stopped on the way for dinner time.  I happily greeted Mom when she opened the back hatch.

I can sit, I just don't.  :)

Hi, Mom!!  I love this ride!  Do you love my breath?!?

I took over Judge and Noodle's bed.. and their Nylabone..  

In Mom's defense, she was pretty busy for most of the weekend and didn't get a chance to take many pictures.  Maybe Grammy or Grampy will contribute some photos?

Catchin' a breeze out the window Mom cracked for me.  Another strange sit behavior taking place.

Weeeeee!!!!

Mom had surgery this week, and Grampy (Mom's Dad) came home with Mom to take care of her (and me).  I really enjoyed hanging out with him while Mom was away while her friend got married and I really liked it when we'd go on so many walks.  Grampy really liked walks with me.  He took me on walks longer than Mom does, Mom says he's just trying to make me like Grampy more than her.

Grampy also took care of me after Mom's surgery, since Mom wasn't able to.  I'd wake up Mom in the morning and she'd wake up Grampy who would take me out in the mornings and feed me.  I still slept in Mom's room every night, cause I love her a lot, even if she has to have someone else take care of me.  Grampy would take me out at lunch time, would take me on my evening stroll, and out for my bedtime business session.  Sometimes he would take me out on extra walks when he was bored, I definitely didn't mind!  I love squirrel scoutin' sessions!

This week I exhibited some true Greyhound hoarding.  Mom got evidence.

Yesterday, Granny arrived (Mom's Granny) and today Grampy left.  I've been pretty mopey since he's been gone, but I got to ride with Grampy and Mom to the airport to drop him off, and then I got to meet my foster family for the 2 weeks that Mom is gone to Scotland!  I'm really excited about hanging out with Scarlet and Jester for 2 weeks.  Foster Mom is excited that I play with toys and I run after balls when we're at the dog park (even if I don't bring them back).

Mom forgot to bring the good blindy-flashy-clicky-thingy, but she used her cell phone to get this pic of me while Grampy drove to BWI.  I was being particularly cute today.

PS.  Mom bought me some new toys, since Noodles ripped all the squeakers out of my favorite toys.. and Mom bought me a Nylabone since I loved Noodles and Judge's soooo much!  Such a good (trained) Mommy!!