My official name is Winnie, but I go by many names. There’s Pooh Bear (self-explanatory), Munchie-Munch (I love gently holding my parents’ hands in my mouth — I think it’s cute; they aren’t so sure), Mini-Winnie (for 50 pounds, I have quite a large personality) and Princess Puffy Pants (I’m not so sure about this one, but the coloring on my coat does look a bit like I have a pair of white bloomers on…). My parents also call me puppy-dog. I think it’s because I’m as cute as a puppy and as strong as a dog.
Personally, I think the name puppy-lion is more accurate, but it doesn’t seem to stick. I used to be small and had tiny teeth, and over the past couple of years, I’ve grown myself big paws, a full mane and huge teeth. I am very proud of my teeth. And my fur. I am also a great swimmer. And a terrific jumper. Life as a puppy-dog is pretty great!
I have a busy schedule when I’m in the studio with my mom. My first responsibility is security. I work 24/7. There are so many dangers lurking in the hallways and outside the windows — my mom is quite oblivious. She has no idea how many umbrellas and suitcases I’ve saved her from. Once I’m satisfied the perimeter is safe, I like to give my mom advice on her projects. I’m more of an idea dog; my mom handles most of the day-to-day execution. This gives me ample time for well-deserved midday naps.
There are a few excellent napping spots in the studio besides my bed. My first choice is to curl up on my mom’s lap when she is working on the floor. Sometimes it looks like there might not be room for me, but I can always find a way. I like to say, “If I fits, I sits.” I think this is where she is most productive because of all the extra puppy-kisses I give her.
When my mom works at her desk, I have to find other places to sleep. I particularly enjoy laying on top of the comfortable knit pieces she makes — they make a perfect puppy-bed. I also like to sleep under her desk on my back so she can rub my belly with her feet while she works.
Today is going to be the best day of my puppy life.
Sometimes, my mom works too hard and forgets we should be taking 10 walks a day. I try to get her attention by wagging my tail loudly against everything, and sometimes, I even tempt her with my prized ball. I particularly like “losing” my ball under the couch, so she’s forced to get up and retrieve it for me. But don’t worry, I never actually lose it. I could get my ball if I wanted. I’ve never lost my ball before, ever. My ball is my No. 1 priority. If you’re looking to get a ball of your own, I recommend getting a used Chuckit! ball. You can find some in the woods near dog parks. I’ve found several balls there all by myself.
Ball is life.
As soon as I’ve had a good nap, I’m ready to work again. I inspect everything my mom makes and give it an approving wag if the smells are correct. Many people don’t know this, but I actually gave my mom the idea to make floral wall hangings. I thought it would be great to be able to eat flowers off the wall. For some reason, she keeps hanging them too high for me to take any puppy nibbles out of the plants. I’m still working on getting them at floor level. But for now, instead of having snack time whenever I want, I have to stare longingly at my treat dish that she keeps on her desk when I want a treat. It’s suboptimal.
Occasionally, my mom has me pose for photos in front of her knits. She says I’m an excellent model, and I quite agree. Sometimes when I’m posing for photos, I realize there are treats hidden in the knit pockets, and I sniff them out. What terrific luck! I think treats must grow on flowers because I’m not sure why else they would be there. I always look great sniffing in those photos. I don’t have any bad angles, so it’s easy for my mom to take good photos of me. She’s very lucky!
When I feel like I’ve put in a solid day’s work, I head home with my mom. I love the car ride back because I know I’ll have a big bowl of food waiting for me, and my mom and dad will take me fetching! If it’s warm out, I’ll be sure to sneak away and take a quick dip in the stream before coming back inside. I like to thank my parents for a great evening by rolling around in the living room and making sure it smells like the great outdoors. When it’s finally time for bed, I fall asleep happy and wake up in the morning with my tail wagging because I know it’s going to be another fantastic day with my favorite humans!
My official name is Winnie, but I go by many names. There’s Pooh Bear (self-explanatory), Munchie-Munch (I love gently holding my parents’ hands in my mouth — I think it’s cute; they aren’t so sure), Mini-Winnie (for 50 pounds, I have quite a large personality) and Princess Puffy Pants (I’m not so sure about this one, but the coloring on my coat does look a bit like I have a pair of white bloomers on…). My parents also call me puppy-dog. I think it’s because I’m as cute as a puppy and as strong as a dog.
Personally, I think the name puppy-lion is more accurate, but it doesn’t seem to stick. I used to be small and had tiny teeth, and over the past couple of years, I’ve grown myself big paws, a full mane and huge teeth. I am very proud of my teeth. And my fur. I am also a great swimmer. And a terrific jumper. Life as a puppy-dog is pretty great!
I have a busy schedule when I’m in the studio with my mom. My first responsibility is security. I work 24/7. There are so many dangers lurking in the hallways and outside the windows — my mom is quite oblivious. She has no idea how many umbrellas and suitcases I’ve saved her from. Once I’m satisfied the perimeter is safe, I like to give my mom advice on her projects. I’m more of an idea dog; my mom handles most of the day-to-day execution. This gives me ample time for well-deserved midday naps.
There are a few excellent napping spots in the studio besides my bed. My first choice is to curl up on my mom’s lap when she is working on the floor. Sometimes it looks like there might not be room for me, but I can always find a way. I like to say, “If I fits, I sits.” I think this is where she is most productive because of all the extra puppy-kisses I give her.
When my mom works at her desk, I have to find other places to sleep. I particularly enjoy laying on top of the comfortable knit pieces she makes — they make a perfect puppy-bed. I also like to sleep under her desk on my back so she can rub my belly with her feet while she works.
Today is going to be the best day of my puppy life.
Sometimes, my mom works too hard and forgets we should be taking 10 walks a day. I try to get her attention by wagging my tail loudly against everything, and sometimes, I even tempt her with my prized ball. I particularly like “losing” my ball under the couch, so she’s forced to get up and retrieve it for me. But don’t worry, I never actually lose it. I could get my ball if I wanted. I’ve never lost my ball before, ever. My ball is my No. 1 priority. If you’re looking to get a ball of your own, I recommend getting a used Chuckit! ball. You can find some in the woods near dog parks. I’ve found several balls there all by myself.
Ball is life.
As soon as I’ve had a good nap, I’m ready to work again. I inspect everything my mom makes and give it an approving wag if the smells are correct. Many people don’t know this, but I actually gave my mom the idea to make floral wall hangings. I thought it would be great to be able to eat flowers off the wall. For some reason, she keeps hanging them too high for me to take any puppy nibbles out of the plants. I’m still working on getting them at floor level. But for now, instead of having snack time whenever I want, I have to stare longingly at my treat dish that she keeps on her desk when I want a treat. It’s suboptimal.
Occasionally, my mom has me pose for photos in front of her knits. She says I’m an excellent model, and I quite agree. Sometimes when I’m posing for photos, I realize there are treats hidden in the knit pockets, and I sniff them out. What terrific luck! I think treats must grow on flowers because I’m not sure why else they would be there. I always look great sniffing in those photos. I don’t have any bad angles, so it’s easy for my mom to take good photos of me. She’s very lucky!
When I feel like I’ve put in a solid day’s work, I head home with my mom. I love the car ride back because I know I’ll have a big bowl of food waiting for me, and my mom and dad will take me fetching! If it’s warm out, I’ll be sure to sneak away and take a quick dip in the stream before coming back inside. I like to thank my parents for a great evening by rolling around in the living room and making sure it smells like the great outdoors. When it’s finally time for bed, I fall asleep happy and wake up in the morning with my tail wagging because I know it’s going to be another fantastic day with my favorite humans!
