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Scout Blogs: I’m Exhausted

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scout1

I’m exhausted.

No, really. You have no idea.

Herding these two people around, making sure I get to eat when I want to, barking at strange people who come to the door, watching and waiting for my dad to come back home when he’s been out in the car, pouncing, pouncing on cue because Mom seems to think I should perform for her, waiting for food to fall to the floor when dad is cooking….the list just goes on and on.

Lately, Dad has been getting up at the same time as Mom. What?????

This is a guy who has always, always slept in. So, Mom would get up and drink her coffee and I would get in the ‘tunnel’ and spend some time with her until Dad got up and then I would dutifully switch locations and spend some time with Dad.

Everyone was happy.

Now, I have to figure out where to go and one of my parents is always disappointed. Usually, it’s Mom.

It’s too much pressure.

I can’t make everyone happy.

scout2

Let’s not even mention the recent incident with the lamb costume.

And the hats.

I know you all saw it because Mom put pictures of me wearing that darned costume on the blog. Can’t I retain some sort of dignity?

Mom put that costume on me twice. And then she dragged out that camera and took lots of pictures. I tried to walk away. I tried to not meet her eyes. Does Mom realize how silly she looks with this black box in front of her eyes? I don’t get it. And I don’t like it.

The first time Mom put me in the costume was when Tina was here. Apparently, Tina made it.

The second time Mom put me in the costume, Dad was home. And once I was in it, Mom and Dad laughed and laughed. At me.

Maybe I should put them in a costume. I have some ideas. Oh boy, what I could do with a needle and thread!

Again, exhausting.

And Dad does things like this, he covers me with some sort of throw and asks Mom to come look and then…you guessed it…out comes the camera. Again.

Do you think Mom realizes I’m sticking my tongue out? At her?

I doubt it. She’ll think I’m just licking my chops.

Which, by the way, I do a lot. That’s my cue. That’s my M.O. When I lick my chops, Mom is supposed to immediately get up and feed me. I mean, right away. But she doesn’t. She sticks to something she calls her ‘schedule.’ She says things like “It’s too early.” Or “Not yet.” Or “No, you can’t have another treat.”

Even when I resort to my brilliant lick-my-chops-and-cock-my-head-toward-the-treat-cupboard move, she will stand there, look me in the eye and say NO.

What? That is a guaranteed, no fail and, in my humble opinion, adorable move.

And to top it all off, now I have to go outside to do my business in frigid temperatures. It’s cold out there! Why can’t I use that bathroom, too? Mom and Dad do.

It seems unfair.

By the way, I’m fascinated by the bathroom. I wander in there a lot during the day. I sniff the bathtub. I sniff the toilet. I sniff the trash. It’s now part of my rounds.

scout3

Mom had a birthday last week. I got to sniff all her presents. I even licked a few. I like presents. I get excited when I see them. I gave her a sign about eating cupcakes. I know her weakness.

I didn’t get a present. That doesn’t seem fair, either.

But my birthday is coming up in January. I’ll be 15 years old.

I expect some presents. (I assume Mom and Dad will be reading this – especially Mom because she thinks this is her blog.)

It isn’t.

Happy Saturday.

Scout

Comments

  1. I can only imagine how exhausting your life must be having to micromanage those two, Scout, but thank goodness you are there because apparently they wouldn’t be able to get through the day. I personally think you deserve an extra treat and you can tell your mom I said so. xo Laura

  2. Oh Scout! How adorable are you? Very, I would say. And that “costume” will make a cute coat when the weather turns icy. You also will be able to run with a pack of sheep and no one will spot you. I think the old saying is something like “a wolf in sheep’s clothing”. I’m going to do a little decorating today. Bringing up the Christmas dishes and hopefully weeding out some of the stuff I don’t use anymore. Have a wonderful day Scoutie.

  5. To Scout from Wendell. Dear scout, …..I feel your pain this weekend my mom and dad had another dog here. GASP!!!! I know but it is true. I know that dog got away with things I Don’t. Why they even let her chew my only bone and play with my toys. What is a Poodle/Maltese to do??? This morning she went home. ahhhhhhhhh to lay in the sunshine undisturbed. All is right in my doggie kingdoms once again. Wendell

    • Oh, poor you, Wendell! That must have been very hard. I’m glad you have your kingdom back again.
      What are our parents thinking??
      xo
      Scout

  6. Hey sweet Scout
    Christmas is coming before your birthday so I do hope mommy and daddy buy your lots of presents ;) I have a grand dog that’s part blue heeler part black lab he loves if I roll up one of his toys in a paper bag, he goes crazy with it. Your so adorable I wondered what type of dog you are? hope you and mom and dad have a fun blessed weekend.

    • Dear Erika,
      I am a Border Collie and I’m pretty smart! I like blue heelers and black labs.
      Thank you.
      xo
      Scout

  7. Dear Scout, You are an adorable, sweet, kind and patient pup to accommodate your humans as you do. It is a hard job, but I think you know how lucky you are to have secured and kept it in the current economy ~ being what it is. I imagine there WILL be presents in January for your special day. Maybe, if you woof a sweet wish to Santa, there could possibly be one in your Christmas stocking, too!!!! I know our two Greys are counting the days!!
    xox chris

  8. Well, for what it’s worth Scout…I’m on your side! That whole costume thing…..really, I’ll bet that was embarrassing! I can see that you are sticking out your tongue at someone….you look really cute, you know….all snuggled under that blanket. I bet your humans are planning something fantastic for your birthday. Hang in there…training humans is a difficult task! ;)

  9. Cute … adorable … loving … imagine what goes through the minds of our furry friends (ours happen to be two cats). I so enjoy Scout’s blogs.

  10. Scout, I thought you looked adorable in your lamb outfit! You better rest up well all get exhausted over the holidays. Greta said to tell you hi!

  11. Sweet Scout. You do have a tough job keeping your mom and dad in line. But you do look cute and cozy under that blanket.

  12. Hi Scout,
    This is Seraphena and Leo. I (Seraphena Sassypants Fickes) think you are sooooo outta site in the costume. Leo says that is because I am a cat and don’t get costumes put on me. Yeah, I (Leo Fuzzbritches Fickes) hate clothes as well. I have a coat lined in fur! Can you believe it? I have a beautiful red coat and She puts another on me. What’s up with two legged humans? I feel your pain. She fostered another Pom once and let her sleep on my spot on the sofa. The things we have thrown at us. By the way, You Rock!

    • Hi Seraphena and Leo.
      I’m glad you understand my feelings on the whole costume thing.
      Humans are strange.
      xo
      Scout

  14. Hey Scout, I hear ya! But I have to say, your situation is not so very bad. If you don’t believe me, search the net for “sad cat diaries”. Now those cats got it rough!
    If I had thumbs, I would figure out how to pull it up and attach it here for you to see.

    Signed,

    The future pampered pet that someday will live in this household when the humans decide to retire.

  15. It’s a dog’s life, isn’t it, Scout? Can I say how adorable you are in all those pictures your Mom puts you through? Keep up the good work! We luv ‘ya!

  16. Dear Scout…Lily and Jugsy saying “Hi” here. WE are a bit disgruntled as the snow is melting somewhat and we got to leave our lovely footprints all over the house…it’s fun…like human beings finger-painting, you know ? We were admiring our handiwork for awhile there and then Mom just mopped it all up.
    Humans are weird…we thought it was a pretty design we’d made! Now it is all plain and boring again. Oh well at least we can still shed !!! :) :) Happy Saturday, Scout…our favorite picture is of course the one where you are sticking your tongue out at your human!

    • Hi Lily and Jugsy,
      I want it to snow here but it hasn’t yet. Just a dusting, as my mom calls it. I LOVE THE SNOW! I dance, play, pounce and I could stay out there for hours. But them Mom gets the towel and cleans my feet (I hate that) and it’s no fun anymore.
      xo
      Scout

  17. Hello, Scout!
    You don’t know me, but you’d like to.
    They say I’m a miniature Australian shepherd, but really I’m just a child in disguise. As you are.
    I wish all animals could be as lucky as we are. Remember to count your blessings, Scout.
    Maybe some of Claudia’s readers will go out and adopt a rescue because of your adorableness (is that a word?).
    My mom would love to give you a big hug, and I would love to play with you. Maybe we’ll be in Hartford at the same time one day. My human grandfather and uncle live near there.
    Isn’t it lucky that somebody cared enough to teach us how to read and write?
    Woof!
    Love,
    Claire

    • Hi Claire,
      When my parents adopted me, they already had a dog who was an Aussie Shepherd mix. His name was Winston and he was my big brother. All of the dogs that have lived with my parents have been rescued and adopted. I hope some readers DO adopt doggies. There are many of my kind out there who need homes.
      xo
      Scout

  19. Well Miss Scout..I didn’t realize just how over worked you are..Maybe I should have a little talk with your Mom & Dad about all the pressure you are under..I’m at least glad to see that you got to lay on the couch for a rest and Dad was nice enough to cover you with a warm snugly throw..Maybe you should spend the day there with them bringing food and treats to you to make up for all the hard work you have been doing..Good luck Miss Scout and please try to forgive Mom & Dad..we humans are so imperfect aren’t we?? Hugs!

  20. A dogs work is never done, lol. Scout is so pretty, my dog Lucy (doxie) works very hard in the kitchen also. She guards the fridge just waiting for someone to open it and get some food out. She can be sound asleep and she might be old (14) and can’t see as well as she use too but her nose still works very well!! ((hugs))

    • I don’t see as well as I used to, either. Or hear as well as I used to. But I can sure sniff out food!
      xo
      Scout

  21. Scout – I certainly know what you mean. There are a lot of things our parents just don’t take into consideration when it comes to us. I mean, I alert them when someone comes to the door, tell them when the mailman or UPS are here, protect them from evil, play with Laynee when she is here and do all kinds of things. (Especially crazy things like Halloween costumes, Christmas, etc.) How humiliating. They definitely have us for our charm, looks and bodies, don’t they?

    I know how you felt in the lamb costume – last year Mom dressed me up as a bumblebee – Lordy, Lordy, Lordy. I couldn’t wait to get that thing off. But, after that, I found it and chewed part of it up. The only thing I’ve ever chewed in my life!! Guess I taught her a lesson. FYI – anytime my Mom gets down, she goes and pulls up those pics of you in your lamb costume and just giggles and giggles. I know that doesn’t make you feel any better.

    My dad can’t take me for walks anymore and I really miss them. But, he lets me lay beside him when he naps and that’s nice – especially in this cold weather.

    Well, chin up Scout, hang in there and we’ll get our parents raised one of these days!!

    Bella

    • Hi Bella,
      I know your mom dresses you up, too. My mom told me. You’d think after all we do for our parents, they’d give us a break!
      It’s okay if your mom laughs at those pictures when she gets down. If it makes her happy, that’s okay. Your dad and mom really love you a lot, Bella.
      xo
      Scout

  22. Oh, Scout! I feel so sorry for you. I can’t believe they have put a limit on treats for the Howlidays!!!!!!!!! What are they thinking??? You poor deprived LAMB!!!

    You could always dress up in your lamb suit and hire out for church pageants. That way you could have money for treats, and they wouldn’t know! Plus, you know the shepherds come equipped with candy canes in the pockets of their bathrobes. My friend Paw did this each year, dressed in terry cloth and cotton balls, until a naughty shepherd made him yowl and got him banned. But you have acting genes and could handle it. Think about it, k? It would mean you would have to wear the dreaded costume, but for extra treats, it would be worth it. xoxoxo Sheila

    • It might be a way to earn some money, but I like to be close to home and my mom and dad. I get nervous when I’m away from them. And I don’t like that costume!
      xo
      Scout

  23. Scout, If it’s any consolation, my mom tells me and my sister the same thing when we think it’s time to eat. “It’s not time yet,” “It’s too early,” “no, kitties, it’s just too early” – well, you get the gist. Gosh, when we think we’re hungry, we should know, shouldn’t we? And the costume, yeah…humans think they’re so darn cute, but when my mom put one on me, I just fell over and played dead. She picked me up and stood me up 2 more times before she got the message. She did say she was sorry, but stay on full alert. It’s all part of the job, right? I hope you get lots of toys and treats on your birthday! Ever vigilant, Claire (my sisters name is Rylee – sounds like a dog name to me, but whatever. We’re both black cats, so we don’t get too many pictures taken – guess it’s difficult to get good pictures because we’re so dark – seems we’re kinda lucky that way. ;)

  24. Hey Scout!!!! Take a stand!!!! You have rights!!! If I was you, I wouldn’t move from that cozy spot on the couch….let them figure out where they can sit….after all…you got there first!!!! Oh!!!!, don’t be too hard on them about the costume…..I think it was the ” laugh of love ” ♥♥♥

    Claudia…love your guest writer!!!!
    Addie

  26. That was fun to read.
    Oh, and Queen Lucy (the cat) says to Hang in there, Scout..I bet you get tons of treats on your
    birthday!! What really works for me at this house, is when I sit around looking real sad in front of the door to the pantry, where my treats are “hidden” from me. First I do this when dad is in the kitchen alone, and then again when Mom is in the kitchen alone. Double the treats… Works every time…

    • Hi Lucy,
      I try to work my parents too. It’s especially easy when mom is away and it’s just dad. I can work him pretty easily.
      xo
      Scout

  27. Scout what a busy and important life you have. Keeping those two humans in line can’t be easy! But I must admit to loving photos of you be it in a cute costume or under a blanket. Sorry…guess it’s cause I’m a human too. Big Hugs to you!

    • I taught Mom how to write, Valerie. She learned everything from me. What would she do without me?
      xo
      Scout

  29. Dear Scout, HELLO from me, Marley! I’m a big very fluffy orange tabby with caramel eyes and giant boy-kitty paws. I have a Mom and Dad, a brother and a sister, and LOTS of aunts, uncles & cousins. My aunt Janet is writing this for me now, so I don’t miss any very important bird-staring time. You’re lucky! You get to go outside. What I wouldn’t give to be outside & give those yappy birds a piece of my mind. And maybe a big old swat too! Now, I love my people a lot and I know they take very good care of me. I know I’m lucky too, because I could be outside cold and hungry and with no warm place to sleep. But I do feel your pain, too. My sister picks me up & squeezes ALL the time. And now she’s talking about getting me a blue sailor suit or a tuxedo for Christmas. And she’ll make me wear them! She’s a fashionista. So I can relate to your “wardrobe issues” as well. I must say, however, that you really do carry off that lamb suit terribly well. Some animals can just wear clothes, what can I say? But whenever my people start making me goofy, I just imagine where I’d be right now without them. They may be a little crazy, but they’re yours. And having people is so much better than not having them. I know you understand just what I’m saying… Take care and please write again soon! A big old “meow” from Marley…

    • I know I’m lucky, Marley. My mom and dad really love me. They say I am their ‘daughter.’ They are crazy for sure, but then again, they say I’m crazy! Thanks for writing, Marley.
      xo
      Scout

  30. Dear Scout- at least you get to lay on the comfy couch. Momma and Dad won’t let me on the furniture. They have ” new” couch and it’s supposed to be special because it’s so old … But boy is it comfy. I get scolded for getting on it. I have to lay on Trouble’s pillow… But that’s ok, because it smells like her and I miss her.
    Mom says I shouldn’t act out and chew things up because we all miss Trouble… But I can’t help it.
    I know how exhausted you probably get trying to get your mom and dad to do stuff for you… I’m just a young pup and mom and dad are old … They say settle down when I’m in the house and get rowdy. They no jumping when I want a hug. I think they want me to act older than I am. But I’d rather fetch the tennis ball.
    I don’t blame you for sticking your tongue out at your mom. If I were there I’d wag my tail and jump because I think you’re funny and your mom is clueless … Enjoy the couch. Your friend, Buster

    • Hi Buster,
      I’m sorry you are without your friend, Trouble. I know how that is. I miss my brother Riley.
      Thank you for writing.
      xo
      Scout

  31. Hay, Skout, it’s your neighboor kat Louee. Mom is putting away growsirees and I saw your blogg on her opened laptop so I’m writing you syruptishuslee (spelling’s not my fortay). Jeez, I’m so sorry about the lam costoom. O, the humanity! I tried to tawk her out of it. She tryed it onece with Pluffee and me years ago one Eestir. She put us in matching sweathers. Duh! Didn’t she get the memo? Cats don’t do costooms. And don’t even try to put auntlears on us. Not unless whant your arms to look like shredded wete. So I hid the lam costoom but she wasn’t phooled and phound it. My apaulowgees. Butt ewe did look kute. What worrees me and my mom is that wee haven’t scene your fameus smyle cince ewe war the costoom. Pleeze, show us your pearlees!

    • Hi Louis,
      Your Mom talked about you when she was visiting out house. You are lucky not to have to wear costumes.
      Don’t worry. I smile. Mom just isn’t quick enough with the camera to get a picture!
      xo
      Scout

  32. Scout, you sure are one pretty girl! Mom showed me your picture. She said I’d think you are something special, and I do! Do you like younger men? I’m almost 7.

    Love,

    Graham, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

  33. You are adorable, Scout. And so talented. Looking forward to hearing more from you on your birthday! In the meantime, rest up, Cutie Pie. Many hugs, Jill

  34. Thank you, Scout. I needed cheering up :) By the way, I know you didn’t like the lamb costume, but you were adorable! Hopefully you at least got a treat for wearing it!

  35. OH Scout, it’s Ella here again. I was so excited when my mom told me you had posted, We are both really lucky dogs. Me for one, as I was adopted by my people just 10 months ago yesterday! I was given up after 5 years and my now mom rescued me one sunny Sunday from the shelter. I don’t think I’d ever seen a cat before coming here, and certainly not a horse. Boy, he’s a tall one, too. I used to chase him around, but got over that. Now I’m still working on the cat. He seems rather strange, I noticed he’s missing most of his back leg, and although he walks with difficulty and he is sometimes called Tripod, we are now friends. I love the picture of you sticking out your tongue. Sometimes I do that to the cat! I noticed you live alone now without the friendship of another pupster. That’s the fun thing about living here, I also have two other brothers to play with when I’m bored. Maybe your Dad should get your Mom a brother or sister for Christmas. I mean how fitting would that be: Presents for all, especially you and the rescued one! Well, Scoutie, gotta go, it’s my treat time. PS We’d make such a cute couple: You’re all white and I’m a chocolate brown lab. Yeah, just think about it!

    • Hi Ella,
      You are lucky to have a new home! Mom and Dad aren’t ready for another pet. They just want to cuddle me. They still miss Riley a lot. It makes Mom sad. Me too.
      xo
      Scout

  36. Scout, I must say you are such a beautiful girl! And I am sorry that you have to put up with so much from your parents, but just know that they love you so much! :-)

  37. Dear Ms. Scout – actually you are living a life of luxury with such wonderful parents, and not even kitty cats bothering you – so don’t be sad! They are the best humans a lovely doggie could have………………and mom does take beautiful pics of you. They actually make we ‘dogless humans’ want to run to the shelter and find a ‘Ms. Scoutie’ of our very own.
    Love you and your blog posts – you are a smart gal, and a great writer – must get that from mom!
    Woofs – Mary

  39. Scoutie, the terrible things you have to live through. Come and visit Aunt Meredith, I will give you lots and lots of presents,
    Hugs,
    Aunty M

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