A fun day at a National Historic Site

Thomas and me

We attended the 175th anniversary of the Ft. Scott National Historic Site in Ft Scott, KS. I'd been once here before but this was the first time I saw soldiers in uniforms. Mom said that's the way they used to dress back when the fort was new.

I also met some women in long dresses. They were all very friendly and they loved talking about how life used to be. They were called "re-enactors."




I had my picture taken with several. Later we watched soldiers shooting guns and a great big gun called a cannon. I didn't like that part because it was so loud. However, I got to say "hi" to lots of people - especially the kids.

Evan and me

It was a good day except it was hot. I panted hard and couldn't wait to get back to the car and my water bowl. I know one thing - I'm glad I don't have to wear all those hot clothes.

A dog's view of St. Charles

Yesterday we visited a place that Mom called "old historic" St. Charles, MO. I think I learned what "old historic" means. It means buildings and sidewalks that smell like so many dogs that I couldn't keep it straight.

It means so many smells that I couldn't tell them apart - from people, dogs, critters, old and new wood and all kinds of stuff.

I will tell you though that it is a dog's delight. Lots of delicious food smells - meat, candy, cookies, ice cream. It sure made me hungry. One ice cream store - Mom said it was Kilwins - even had a bowl of water waiting for me.

Old buildings have lots of smells too. I love to sniff out old smells and new ones.

Lots of dogs brought their humans to visit. I stopped and made friends with a dog that lives there. Even though he was bigger than me, he was a friendly sort. I liked him.

Then we went down by the Missouri River, which has its own smells - some humans might not like but I loved them. Dad didn't allow me to walk through the mud but that would have been fun.

Then we went to see a statue of Seaman, the dog that led the Lewis & Clark Expedition. I had my picture taken right in front of him. He has been my hero since I learned about him when Mom and I were writing Famous Dogs & a Cat.

I had a lot of fun and hope I get to visit St. Charles again.

I'm having fun in Texas this winter. I have gone to lots of events to help sell my books. Today I went to the Winter Haven Writers Group. Mom talked about our books and I sat there with Dad, proud to be with a group of writers. She told them about several of the famous dogs in our books.

But I'm not sure everyone believed her when she told them I help write books.
I wonder why.

New friends

I love making new friends and I had a great time last week at the RGV Birding Festival.

I probably got more attention than anyone else, except maybe the owls and eagles. You should have seen people taking pictures of them.

Anyway, people come by, talk to me, pet me and want to take me home. I wag my tail and let them know how much I appreciate all of the attention. Mostly, I sit on Dad's lap to keep him company. I don't want him to get lonely.

I'm sharing some pictures. Hope you enjoy them.

Nora, a true hero!

I hope you've read my books about Famous Dogs. I love to share stories that show how we help our humans whenever and wherever we can.

But every time I finish a book, I find another story. I just learned about Nora, a dog who received a John P. Haines medal from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New York City.

Nora lived with the Coast Guardsman in North Carolina. Like most of us, she had a sense that told her when humans needed help.

One day, Evans Mitchell, one of the men guarding the coast, fainted and fell to the ground. He lay on the beach at the Oregon Inlet, unconscious. Nora knew something was terribly wrong. She grabbed his cap and ran back to the station. After she alerted the guardsmen there, she ran to another guardsman on patrol and led him back to Mitchell. Without her warning, he may have died from exposure. Nora saved his life.

She's definitely a hero in my book.

I like hotels that like me

Sena & me at the Baymont Inn
in St. Robert, MO

It's hard to believe that not all hotels want me, but that's the way it is. When we travel, we usually stay at La Quinta Inns & Suites because I am always welcome there.

In the past year we've stayed several times at the Baymont in Pulaski County, MO. Sena, who works there, gives me more treats than I've ever received from anyone else. As you can guess, she's one of my favorite people in the whole wide world! Everyone else is friendly but she's exceptional.

My bed at the Hampton Inn
in Fort Smith, AR

This summer I stayed at two new hotels - at least new to me. In Fort Smith, AR, we stayed at the Hampton Inn. They really know how to treat dogs. They even gave me my own box of goodies. When I left, I had my picture taken with the manager and she invited me back anytime. I hope we go back soon.

Last week, we stayed at the Candlewood Suites in St. Robert, MO. They are dog-friendly and gave me a bag of treats when we arrived. I didn't spend time with any of the staff but they must be nice because I saw lots of smiles.

My bed at the Candlewood Suites
in St. Robert, MO

All of them have comfy beds. My idea of a comfy bed is good covers and a good mattress. The best part is settling in next to Mom and Dad.

I wonder why some hotels don't want me as a guest. I'm very, very good when we travel.

My Weekend Adventures

My bed at the Candlewood Suites

I had another fun weekend. Mom went to a conference and I went on some of the adventures with her. We stayed at the dog-friendly Candlewood Suites and the beds were comfy. Oh, and they gave me some treats when we checked in.

Bob and one of his goats

We rode out in the country to the Blue Jay Farm on a hot day. I found lots of green grass and flowers, and spent some time in the shade of a big old tree. I met some goats - I had never seen such a critter before. They climbed all over everything. I guess they were okay but I can't imagine having a goat friend. To tell the truth, they scared me a little. I stayed away from them as much as possible.

Chris and me in Roubidoux Spring

The next day we visited Roubidoux Spring where Chris Hill told us all about diving and exploring the underwater cave. He talked about diving and showed us all kinds of equipment. Then he put on a funny looking suite and took me to the spring. Thank goodness he didn't put me in the water.

Chris is really nice but I think I'll leave the diving to him.

I'm home now and holding down my favorite chair


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