My New Year's Revolution....

Today is New Year's Eve and I have decided that rather than having any resolutions that I have to attend to, I would like to stage my own quiet revolution in the hopes of obtaining what I want to see happen in 2007.

Since I am a responsible dog with jobs of my own, I think that my demands should at least be considered!

First on my list has to do with....FOOD...you guessed it! I want more food and more treats, more often, this coming year. I want my Mom to take treats to the Therapy Dog sessions and let folks feed me while I am doing my jobs. And also, if some one offers me food from their own stash, you should just get over it and let it happen.

The second demand has to do with burping while I am at work....I no longer want to be reprimanded for doing this...I cannot help it and every one laughs when I do it, so I just do not see what the big deal is about burping! I do not even want to hear about it....period.

Wearing clothes is a biggy.... I know all the folks love it, so I will put up with it, but I no longer want to wear girlie attire....It is beneath me. I will wear ties and hats and clothes that make me look more manly, but the girlie things can go! Take them back to Claires!

I also am not willing to work two days in a row. I have tried to tell you nicely by pouting but it has not worked. The fact is that Therapy Dog work is exhausting because I give it my all, so, please do not schedule me for two days in a row again...ever.

I am an independent dog and if I think that there is something I can do to make a person feel better, then you need to LEAVE IT! If I start to crawl into a bed with a person, you better figure it is for a good reason and I know what I am doing. If I pull you to see someone and you have another agenda, once again...LEAVE IT! That is why I am paid the big bucks and you are at the end of the leash! LOL

Riding in the car is one of my favorite pasttimes and I want to ride in the car EVERY day. I do not want to be left to guard the house.....My "sister" does a fine job of that and we all know that "being a guard dog" is not one of MY jobs! Besides, if I am being patted, they can steal us blind...LOL

And lastly, I want to romp and play in the mud more. Yes, my coat is a pain but you knew that when you got me...so just suck it up and deal with it..I need my play time! And mud, is after all...my friend! And no, this does not mean I am willing to get more baths!

Now that I have gotten my thoughts out for all to see......I feel much better.

Here's to the best New Year ever! Cheers!

CHAMP

Merry Christmas..with love from CHAMP

I hope you all had a good Christmas! I had a nice one...with good food and good folks......

I got to spend time with some of my very favorite little people.....my nieces and my nephew....and of course, my human Grandmother. I adore them all and the photos are of me, of course...trying to get in the car with my grandmother...and then, standing on the front porch with Brock, Brantley, and Lindley.

They love me and I know it. I am extra sweet around them and I am careful not to step on them....I do not pout when I am with them either!

It has been a good day and I hope it has been as well for you......

CHAMP

Busted....Again!

Well....I was caught in the act yesterday, December 22. Not only was I caught in the act, but my Mom took a picture of me actually commiting the crime. I just do not know why I have such a fetish for paper towels and toilet paper...But I do!

Maybe I was stressed with the holidays that are upon us..but I guess that is a pretty lame excuse.

Maybe I was bored as it was a nasty rainy day and I did not get my long walks.

Maybe I was looking for a little diversion as I have been playing Santa and visiting quite a bit this month.....and though I may look cool as a cucumber, I do have to be on my BEST behavior!

Honestly, I do not know why I did it.... but I did get BUSTED!

So here is my question....

Do you think Santa is done making his list and checking it twice?

I really need to know!

CHAMP

Champ's Very Own Christmas Tree

This Christmas tree was made by Champ's foster Mom Denise...check out her tree farm !

Santa ( aka Champ) Goes Visiting....

I went to an assisted living facility last Thursday with my Santa hat on. This is a really nice place with lots of sweet folks there that make me feel like I belong. ( OK...forget the two little monster dogs there and the man who literally cries WOLF when he sees me and runs!). The place is always decked out in style for the holidays. A group in one room was singing carols, which I stopped and enjoyed for awhile. It was really special because I got petted the whole time I was there!

There were lots of smiles and I saw numerous people who were giving to each other...every one there seemed to have a little present in their hands and they were carrying them around with them held tightly in their grasp.

I do not even know what the item was in their tiny little package they held so dearly in their hands.....and it truly does not matter.....

They had been given the true gift of Christmas.

CHAMP

Any Soldier.......and Any Dog...

Today I am doing my duty and being a patriotic dog.

There is a website called Any Soldier and it has the names of servicemen and women that are all over, many are based in Iraq. It has a note from each one and some of the things they could really use to make their lives a little better while on their tour. Yes...I think a couple of them asked for MP3 players...which I cannot blame them for doing. Music is a wonderful thing....
BUT....I digress....

Some one pointed out to me that there was a soldier on the list that was the Master of the Kennels....and this fellow was not asking for anything for himself...he was asking for something for the dogs! What a thoughtful man to ask for something to cheer up the dogs, as they do not have dog biscuits or toys...or much of anything extra. Things a dog really needs..those extra little special treats in life.

Well, today I am sending Cpl. Anthony Akers a little care package for the dogs over in Iraq.
I am sending dog biscuits and a few silly toys in the hopes that it will make things a little better for the doggies and Cpl. Akers.

I cannot imagine being a dog of war. It would be an incredible task..and while I do have respectable jobs, they pale in comparison to the jobs of the soldiers and dogs of the wars. I can only have the utmost respect for them and the job they do from afar...but I CAN give them a little something to show my appreciation and help them on their way.

Maybe for Christmas this year, we can all ask for PEACE......and the hopes that soon these brave men, women, and dogs will be able to come home....and maybe....just maybe....Santa could find a way that we could all be kind and gentle on this planet.

Until then.....Here's to all the soldiers AND, of course... their dogs.......

CHAMP

HO...HO..HO...

I think I make a pretty fair Santa! Don't you? I like to dress up as Santa this time of year when I go to the nursing homes and assisted living centers, and even more for the children at places.
All ages seem to appreciate this seasonal gesture!

Actually I do not have much choice in the matter as I get dressed up whether I like it or not!

I have gotten a couple of new items to wear this Christmas...with my luck they are MY Christmas present!

My Mom went to the Mall and got me a rhinestone Christmas crown...it would really look better on a FEMALE! But I do it justice of sorts! She also bought me some red and green braids to go in my hair.....I have not had to try these on yet, but I imagine they will look pretty silly.

If I am nothing else, I am a good sport and what better time of the year is there to be decked out for the season?

You should try it some time...just stick a Santa hat on your head for the day and see what a difference it can make in your attitude!

I am certainly going to have MY opportunity to do this over the next few weeks! I will let you know how it goes.

I also promise NOT to steal any of the residents' Christmas goodies!

If I can help it........(grin)

CHAMP