He's Got the Blues

A few years ago our dog, Buttons, injured his back by jumping off my bed the wrong way.  It hasn't happened since then, until this past Monday.  My son and I came home from a meeting and found Buttons just huddled on the floor shaking.  I knew that shake wasn't fear, I remembered it from the last time he was hurt.

I made an appointment with Buttons' vet for the next day, and my son took him in to be checked.  Sure enough, Buttons had tweaked his back again.

It seems while at the vet however, Buttons didn't want to cooperate.  Understandable, as he was in pain and hasn't ever liked strangers touching him. He tried to nip at the vet and his assistants, resulting in him having to be muzzled.  Then when it came time to have his x-rays taken, the assistant put a pair of "doggles" over his eyes to protect them.  It was at that point my son decided he needed a picture of Buttons in his new attire, so he whipped out his cell phone, snapped a shot, and posted it on his Facebook page.

Though I felt bad for Buttons, I did think it was a cute pic of him.  The following day, I showed my co-workers the pic, and told the story of what had happened at the vet.  One of my co-workers, Jeanne, said Buttons looked like a blues singer.  The idea got stuck in my head and just wouldn't leave until I did something about it.  That "something" was to write a blues song for Buttons.  I then took the song to Jeanne, who became my co-writer, making suggestions of how to make the song even better.

Long story short, I decided to share Butttons' blues ditty with the rest of the world, (or at least my friends), via my blog page.  With that said, following is the pic and blues song it inspired.  When reading the lyrics, it's helpful to keep a common blues riff in mind; the one that's slow and goes, "duh duh...duh duh duh duh duh..."  (I tried to find a sample to put here, but had no luck.)  If you're not sure which riff I mean, I'm sure any slow, bluesy riff will work.  Enjoy!

THE BLUE MUZZLE DOGGLE BLUES

Went to my doc

'Cause I had a pain

Doc told my owner

"He's got a strain"

"In his back"

"Same as before"

"He's got it again"

Oooooh yeah, I got it again.  (Pitiful howl)

Then that doc

Though I was sore,

He poked,

And he prodded 

Til I couldn't 

Take it no more

(Low growl)  No more, no couldn't take it no more

Went on the defense

Wanted him to stop

So I took a nip

At his fingers

Yeah that doc, 

He almost got bit

(Kind of snarling)  Oh, oh, oh, yeah, almost got bit

And in return

What did I get,

A blue muzzle wrapped 'round my lip

Yeah, a bright blue muzzle right on my lip

(A second of silence because of the muzzle, then restart)

But the doc,

He wasn't done yet,

Oh, oh, oooooh no, he wasn't done yet

Took x-rays 

Of my backside

But 'fore he did

Made sure I had

Doggles covering my lids

(Hoarse whisper)  Doggles, goggles for dogs

Oh yeah, he put doggles on my lids

Then to my dismay

See my owner

Aim his cell phone my way

(Pitiful howl)  Oooooh, no, no, no, don't do me this way

Didn't care

How silly I looked

Just snapped a pic

And posted it to Facebook

(Sad sound)  Put it on Facebook for all to take a look

(Moaning howl)  Oooooh the humiliation

(Moaning howl)  Oh, oh, oh, the shame

Don't think

No, don't think

I'll ever

Be the same

(Long, pitiful howl)  No, I'll never be the same

Yeah, I got me 

A bad case of

Those doggone

Blue muzzle

Doggle blues

(Low voice)  A bad, bad case of

(Low voice)  Those doggone

(Low voice)  Blue muzzle

(Low voice)  Doggle blues

(Go from low voice, to loud howl)  I said a bad case of

(Continue loud howl)  Those doggone

(Continue loud howl)  Blue muzzle

(Continue loud howl)  Doggle

(Pitch voice up to a howling shriek)  BAH - LOOOOO - ZZZZZ

A Better Vote for 2016

I've always been a firm believer that, if you don't exercise your right to vote in an election, then you've waived your rights to complain about who others have elected.  This year though, I've honestly considered waiving all my rights to complain, and not vote for anyone as president.  My reasoning is, no matter who's elected, I'll still have the right to say, "not my fault".

One day however, I realized I know exactly who I'll be voting for in 2016.  Continue on, and discover why I believe these two fine creatures will make the perfect president and vice president for our ailing country.

The most obvious thing you'll notice about my candidates, (and what is the foundation of their campaign), they both have great hair and personalities.  Never mind what the photo at the bottom of this post shows, the candidates can be very personable, and downright friendly, if approached properly.

Though, like Donald Trump, my presidential candidate is quite orange, their hair is much, much nicer, and real looking, than Trump's.

For those hoping to see a woman president in 2016, my candidate fits the bill perfectly, and as a bonus, has a nicer demeanor than Hillary Clinton.

Beyond looks and personalities, my candidates are capable of tackling the real issues of the day. For instance, though they are complete opposites, my hopefuls prove daily that it's possible for anyone to get along, if they at least try.

They're able to relay great messages to future voters.  They live what they believe, demonstrating this by getting plenty of sleep and exercise, and practicing good eating, dental and hygiene habits. 

Many have said that my candidates are excellent at putting others at ease, allowing those around them to relax and melt away their stress.  To me, this is a great quality every president and vice president should have.

Once in the White House, there are several ways my candidates can save taxpayers money.  My presidential hopeful has extensive experience with pest control, and therefore would not need to call in outside exterminators, should the need arise.

There wouldn't be a need to maintain a blaring alarm system in the White House, with my vice presidential hopeful in residence.  The candidate is nearly overqualified at being able to throw their voice loudly for great distances.  For those who don't think this is enough protection, rest assured, both candidates are professional protectors and guardians to all those around them; and though they are polite and friendly, you wouldn't want to do something you shouldn't; it wouldn't end well for you.

Above all, my candidates will save even more taxpayer dollars by not taking any paychecks during their tenure at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.  Yes, that's correct, they will ask for no money while in office.  Instead, they would only require food and water on a regular basis, plenty of treats, and an occasional toy or two on special occasions and holidays.

Yes, after much consideration, the political candidates I've described above are the ones I'll be voting for this November. You may have figured out by now where this post is going.  If not, I now present my candidates for president and vice president in 2016:  Rusty Predmore and Buttons Falan. 

Buttons' Big Adventure

 

It's been awhile since my mommy, Nola, has written anything on her blog; so I decided *I'm* going to write something for her.  Since it is my post though, I've taken the liberty of changing the title of her blog to one that suits me better.

As the title of my post states, I had a big adventure the other day.  Usually my mommy goes to work and leaves me home. Yesterday though, she took time off, but still went to work; and took me with her!

We got up really early and got ready, then mommy put me in the car and we left.  Down hills, and on straight roads mommy drove while I rode in the seat next to her.  We were going along quite nicely, when all of a sudden mommy had to stop.  Lots and lots of other cars were stopped too.  Mommy said there was something called a "wreck" and we were stuck for awhile.  I knew then I should have went potty before we left, like mommy said.  I was a good boy though, and didn't have any accidents.

Once we got past the traffic, mommy drove the rest of the way to a place she said was called "Gateway".  I don't know what that is, I just know we got out of mommy's car, then got on something even bigger that also moved; mommy said it was a train.  I got to sit next to the window and watch out the window.  It was definitely faster than sitting like we had earlier.

We rode on the train until mommy said it was time to get off.  That's when I finally got a chance to really stretch my legs and walk.  It was kind of scary though, because it was dark, and there was lots of noise and things.  I was brave though, for mommy; I didn't want her to be afraid, so I pretended I wasn't.

During our walk, we met lots of nice people, including a man who had a really cool squeaky toy.  He talked to me and told me I was cute.  I heard that a lot throughout the rest of the day; not that I didn't already know I was, of course.  It was nice hearing it from other than family though.

When we got to mommy's work, she picked me up again and carried me; I guess it's frowned on to let puppies walk around in the building; oh well.

We visited a nice man named Earl, and made him happy because we stopped by.  Then we went to mommy's department and waited for the rest of her team to show up.  I got to meet everyone, and though I was a bit shy, really I was having a lot of fun. Who wouldn't love getting lots of attention from everyone they meet?!  One of mommy's co-workers even shared his water with me, because I was thirsty; that was so nice of him.

After a little bit, mommy took me outside, but I was too excited to take care of business; there was just so much to see and do, I didn't want to miss any of it!  We met a lot more friendly people while we were outside; I think mommy must have told them my name, because they all seemed to know it.

We went back to mommy's department, met some more people, then took a walk to another building downtown.  That was a little scary, because there were so many more cars than earlier, and lots more people.  Again though, I was brave, for mommy.  I pretended to play, so mommy wouldn't know I was afraid.

In the new building, we met mommy's friend, Patty.  Again, I was shy around her, but I didn't bark or growl at her, and eventually I did let her pet me.

When we left, mommy and I went back to where we'd gotten off the train earlier, to catch one back to mommy's car.  On our way, we saw the same man that had the squeaky toy, and he remembered me!  He even called me by name; it made me happy and I wagged my tail at him.

On the train, instead of setting on my own seat, mommy let me sit in her lap.  I tried to stay awake and look out the window, but a couple of times I did doze off; but not for too long.

When we got back to mommy's car, she said we were going home, but first she had to get gas for the car, and food for me.  I really didn't care what gasoline was, but I definitely wanted to be sure mommy got my food!

Mommy got my food at this store that lets you bring puppies in, and mommy doesn't have to carry me; I love that store!  Mommy got my food, and on the way out, she said I'd been such a good boy that I could get a new toy; YAY, I love toys!

This is the toy mommy bought me; his name is Moo Cow.  I love Moo Cow, because he squeaks a lot.  He's my new favorite toy and he's all mine!

When we got home, I wanted to play some more, so mommy played with me, and then mommy's "Josh", (that's what mommy calls him), came home and he played with me too.  Lots and lots of play for me yesterday!

Then all of a sudden, I woke up.  I don't remember going to sleep, but when mommy noticed I was awake, she called me "Sleepyhead", and asked if I'd enjoyed my long nap; as a matter of fact, I did!

I got to play with Moo Cow some more; then I took another nap, this time in mommy's lap.  I was such a sleepy puppy, but oh what fun I had on my adventure that day!

Puppy Update...

(Today's word will be in red and bold.)

My last post was about the new puppy I got from SW Washington Humane Society on December 30th.  At that time, Buttons, (my new name for him), had to wear a cone, because he'd been neutered.

Last Friday we were able to take Butttons' cone off, so I've taken another photo of him, to show is adorableness.  (Well, he is to me anyway. :)  )

In my last post I also mentioned that there would probably be more posts about Buttons; I'm pretty sure *this* one isn't the last either!

We've noticed, since Buttons isn't wearing a cone anymore, he's got a little bit of an attitude.  He's a bit bolder about some of the things he does, and we're working on teaching him not to do certain things.

For the most part, our newest little addition is being a normal little puppy; and learning fairly quickly.  He's already learned to fetch his toy and bring it back to be thrown again.  Yes, I'm as easily entertained by this routine as Buttons is!  And he knows his name now when he's called.  Still working on potty training; and there has been improvement.

Over all, having been only a little over a week since coming to live with us, I'd say Buttons is progressing quite nicely.

Buttons, Buttons, Who's Got the Buttons?

(Today's word will be in red and bold.)


 I realize that some may think the title of this post is an error; that it should be "Button" and not "Buttons".  In this case however, "Buttons" is the correct word.

Then there's the answer to the question posed in the title of this post:  Me!  Yep, after four months without a pet, a new little semi-fluff ball has come into my life.

The photo here isn't the best, however, for now it will have to do, as it's hard to get Buttons to sit still when a camera is aimed at him. I'll also have to get a pic of him when we can take his cone off.  Right now he needs it to keep from tearing his stitches from being neutered and micro-chipped.

Buttons' history is a bit of a mystery, as he was a stray at the SW Washington Humane Society.  We know he's four months old, and part poodle; beyond that there are no answers.

At the humane society Buttons was known as "Coco".  I wasn't crazy about the name, so that's how he became Buttons, because of his little button nose.

He can be a timid pup, though once he gets used to something, he's fine; and he's a quick learner.  He's only been with me since Sunday, and already he let's me know when he wants down, or outside.

He's a stubborn little guy though too, and we're working on that.  Oh, and already he's very protective.  My son hadn't been with me when I got Buttons.  When he finally got to meet Josh, Buttons growled and barked at him.  It wasn't until I said it was okay, and showed him Josh was family that he stopped.  They're buddies now.

Since it's been less than a week, that's really all I can say about Buttons for now.  I'm sure there will be plenty of stories in the future though.

(Buttons does have eyes, you just can't tell in this pic!)