Oh What Fun

This year, decorating for Christmas felt extra-special: due to our move, it had actually been two years since we'd gotten out all the Christmas things.  Everything old was new again, and we found some things we'd forgotten we had!

Like these curious little musical toys:

...when you wind them up, the little rides start spinning, and they play Christmas music.  Okay, cute.  But Alfie found them totally amazing. 

He carefully watched us wind one of them, tilting his head first to the right, then to the left...when the music started to play he was surprised and very excited.  We set it down where he could see it and it seemed as if he wanted to play it himself, first flipping the toy over with his paw, then nibbling at the key to try to get it to work! This went on for quite a while, until I fear the tiny Victorian people on the ride were getting a great deal more excitement than they bargained for. We laughed til we cried, then I finally thought to take a little video before we had to take the toy away:

Enjoy your Christmas season -- in the midst of it all, Alfie reminds you: don't forget to let go, play, and have some fun!  

...and take time to snuggle with someone you love...

Must Be A Guy Thing...

You know, it's an interesting thing about Alphini...that out of all the pups we've either raised or puppysat for GDTx (and it seems like that number adds up after a while!)...Alfie just has this most special affinity for, and bond with, my wonderful husband Tim.  Don't get me wrong -- they've all liked Tim and he enjoys them too -- but Alfie just has a special devotion for him.  It's gotten so that in the mornings, Alfie won't leave with me to go outside without first going over to Tim's side of the bed, nuzzling up, and getting a few pats. 

Well, yesterday morning Tim, who had to jet out early for some meetings, was already up having breakfast when I got up and let Alfie out.  I opened the bedroom door and called Alfie so he could go outside, but he was having none of it -- he had to see Tim first!  When the usual nudging of the covers didn't get him anything, Alfie escalated to jumping on his hind legs and scratching the bed with his front feet -- I'm standing at the door a bit sleepily, but knowing that this isn't acceptable guide dog behavior, I tell him firmly, "NO, Alfie, OFF!"  He grudgingly gets off with an apologetic wag in my direction...only to go over to MY side of the bed and repeat the performance --maybe Tim was tricking him by hiding over there?!  "NO, Alfie, OFF -- let's go OUTSIDE!" I called again, but he was having none of it!  Where was his beloved Tim?  So he rushes around again, getting all agitated and starting to growl and woof in frustration -- at last I call out to Tim where he's having breakfast, "Hey honey, would you mind telling the dog where you are?" Tim walks over and enjoys the show for a couple of seconds before he says really quietly, "Hey, buddy, who are ya looking for?" ...You should've seen Alfie's face!  I don't think I have ever seen a dog so relieved.  He really thought his world had come to an end!

We guys just have to stick together, that's all!

Favorite Grooming Tool

A high-tech gadget?  Nope.  For Alfie's basic grooming, all you really need is a good comb and 2 of my secret weapon:  yummy (I guess, haven't really tried them!) organic dog cookies.  They're big enough that he can crunch on one for quite a while as I'm combing...then I show him the 2nd one, and he knows he can't get it 'til I finish. 

Alfie doesn't really like being restrained for grooming...he used to put up a fuss and make this noise that sounded exactly like a Tasmanian devil straight from a National Geographic nature documentary.  Yikes!  I think persistence is paying off though, and he does enjoy cuddling on my lap...that, and the cookies!

Cuddle Bug

Someone thinks he is a lap dog. Every time I sit down on the floor I've got a buddy. Good excuse to stop and sit a spell!