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.

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.

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.

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


.

Dog Days of Summer

I think I know what "dog days of summer" means. We've been home all week and I've been in trouble most of the time.

I've had fun all summer but now it's over - at least for a little while and it seems like a long time to me. I need to go on another adventure! I don't get in as much trouble when we're traveling.

Arkansas Likes Dogs

My bed at the Hampton Inn

Calling all dogs to take your families to Arkansas, a state that proved to be a dog paradise for me!

As I've told you in an earlier post, the Hampton Inn in Fort Smith treated me like a king. It's the only place that's ever given me my own treat box. Usually I have to look pitiful to even get a bite of Mom and Dad's goodies. (http://lukethedetectivedog.blogspot.com/2016/08/my-trip-to-ft-smith-arkansas.html)

Me at the top of Petit Jean

We visited a farm and I got to hang out with the cows. I didn't get very close to them or the chickens. Those chickens may be small but they move fast and make lots of noise.

We ended our trip with a visit to Petit Jean State Park and I loved it. I know people love to climb on the rocks but I'd rather check out all the smells. While Mom and Joyce took pictures, I discovered lots of new places.

The roads are twisty and turny and I had a tough time hanging on the car seat. I jumped in Dad's lap and that's always the most comfortable place to be.

Arkansas River

Mom loved the views and the Arkansas River down below us. It was too far away for me to check out. I let Mom take my picture a couple of times.

We saw some blue butterflies but they flew away before I got close to them.

Mom's friend, Evelyn

We met Mom's friend, Evelyn, in the park. Of course, I had to sit in the car while they ate lunch. Afterwards we went down the mountain to her home, where I spent some time with Spooky.

It was a great trip because dogs are welcome in Arkansas!

Spooky and me

Family time

Maggie and me

I had fun with my cousins this week. They live in New York and were visiting their grandparents in Kansas.

Hannah and me

I really got a lot of exercise because Maggie took me for long walks.



Hannah took tons of pictures of us. I even helped make ice cream - best part, I had my own taste of it too. Yummy! I wanted more.

After all that, I snuggled up next to them and took a nap.

A dog's life is good!

Making ice cream

I love parks

We went to the park today. The sun was shining and the green grass was filled with dog smells. I had a great time!

This park has a fountain in the center and it always cools the air. I love to stand close to it and sniff out all the great smells.






Mom wanted to take my picture in front of a statue. That was okay except the statue was so tall she couldn't fit it in the picture with me. She said it's a WWI monument.




Then dad put me in the swing and pushed me. It was okay for a while but I'd much rather be smelling the grass.

Pulaski County, here I come!

I'm so excited! I get to go back to Pulaski County this weekend. I had a lot of fun there because the people are nice. We're staying at the same hotel - the Baymont Inn - where I met Sena. She stopped to see me every day I was there AND she always had treats for me. What more can a dog want in a friend, huh?

We got to go lots of neat places and I think we will again this weekend. Mom is going to something called a Civil War re-enactment. She has already warned me there will be loud noises - so I probably won't like it. I hope I can just see Sena and her friends.

If you're going to be there, look for me. I'm getting a bath tomorrow so I'll be all cleaned up and ready to go.

Obedience Training

Mom went to a dog event yesterday. They had classes on obedience training and agility. When we wrote my book, Famous Dogs, we included Tiffany, a 15-year-old Yorkie from Pittsburgh. She has won all kinds of agility awards and has more than 700 hours as a therapy dog.

Here's a picture of Tiffany and Amber. Amber is a therapy dog and does agility too.

Mom wants me to do that. I think I'd love it except I really like obeying commands on my schedule instead of hers. I find it much more enjoyable if I don't hear her call me the first time or two. That way I can come when I'm finished checking things out.

I'm not sure Mom and Dad have that figured out yet cause they still give me treats!

I like my life.

Old Drum

Hi, I'm Luke!

Mom hasn't written my post for a long time but she agreed to tell the story of Old Drum.

We visited Warrensburg, Missouri, and I found a new hero. Old Drum was a hound dog who lived a long, long time ago - in the 1800s in people years. He was an awesome hunter known for his tracking skills. However, one night he wandered onto the neighboring farm and the owner shot and killed him. Old Drum's human, Charles Burden, sued his neighbor (and relative).

It went to court three times until George Graham Vest gave a closing argument that won the case for Mr. Burden.

Here are some of my favorite lines from his speech.

Statue dedicated to Old Drum

Gentlemen of the jury, the best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. .. The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world—the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous—is his dog.

Gentlemen of the jury, a man's dog stands by him in prosperity and poverty, in health and sickness. ... When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens...

This became known as the "man's best friend" speech. All dogs try to live up to this standard. We love our people unconditionally with our whole hearts.

The county courthouse in Warrensburg is home to a statue in honor of Old Drum. Wonder if I'll ever have a statue?

If you want to read the whole speech, check out http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/hunting/2010/01/case-old-drum-inspiring-story-every-dog-owner-should-know.

What's an author dog to do?

Fun Days on South Padre Island,
my favorite book!

Okay, I'm pretty upset with my mom. She's out running around the country, accepting my awards, and doesn't even give me credit.

It's not easy being an author dog and she should give credit where credit is due.

Just ask her where she'd be without Luke the Detective Dog, Luke the Reporter Dog and Luke the Author Dog. You'd think she'd get the picture.

I'm thinking I may have to replace her - but she is an awesome treat machine. If I give her that 'look,' she knows what it means. Dad's much better at saying no, so maybe I should keep Mom around.

I'm waiting for her to post some dog pictures from all her trips too. Sometimes I think she forgets about the really important stuff.

If you see her anywhere, will you tell her to take a picture of my awards so I can see them? Please!

I think I'll ask Dad to read my favorite book to me.

My Books

Yippee! I jus found out that two of my books have been selected as finalists for the Military Writers Society of America Book Awards. Famous Dogs: Changing History One Dog & Cat at a Time and Grand Slam Grooming Dogs Speak Out.

Both books show readers how dogs make the world a better place.

Wow, I could become an award-winning author dog! I wonder if that smells good!

Dogs are busy too

Mom thinks she's busy working on her books but look at my life!

I have to motivate her every day. I start by waking her up - I figure if she sees my energy, it will rub off on her. So far, it hasn't worked very well.

If she starts work and just stares at the computer screen, I have to do something special to give her ideas. I sit on her lap and keep her warm but I know she thinks better when I'm close by.

I spend a lot of time letting her give me massages 'cause she needs thinking time.


I ask for a lot of treats during the day because it gives her exercise. I give her plenty of breaks when I let her take me outside.

I have to tell you, by the time she puts her computer up for the day, I'm worn out! I need more naps.

It's a working dog's life but somebody has to do it!

My New Book

DeAnne and her husband, Otto Orive, own Grand Slam Grooming in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania.

Becky letting DeAnne know she's a good Mommy.

They loved my last book, 15 Dogs & a Cat Speak Out!, so much that they asked me to interview many of the dogs that they groom. Mom has to help too.

Anyway, Mom and I are busy working on the interviews. The dogs are so cool and I love to read their answers - plus I learn a lot of new stuff. Most of all, I get reminded how much all of us dogs love our families. I wonder what they'd do without us.

Gotta get back to work. I stretch up next to Mom and her computer and relax for her while she works. I even let her stop to pet me. It's a hard job but somebody has to do it.

DeAnne, we're working!

Names

I've been thinkin' about my name - Luke.

It's a good name and I like it but one little word can mean so many things. Sometimes it's hard to understand people but not when they speak your name. I've learned that some people - like my doctor and my groomer - stick my family name on the end of it. That's okay.

When people call me Luke, it's a friendly sort of greeting, meant to tell me they like me.

Sometimes Mom calls me Lukie or Lukie-baby. That tells me she wants to be all cuddly and if I don't watch it, she'll try to kiss me.

Mom also calls me her "Baby Boy" while Dad calls me "Little Man." Go figure.

When Mom calls me Luke, that means she's talking about me. When she calls Lu-u-uke, that means she wants me to come.

When either of them call LUKE, that means I'm in trouble and I better listen.

The worst - when they call LUKE!! I hide.

Mom, come home

Me - protecting our backyard

Mom's been gone forever... It's just Dad and Peanut and me. Pretty dull around our house. But I've done a great job of keeping Mom's chair warm. I chase all the squirrels away, bark loud to protect our house, take care of Dad, and just keep everything ready for her to come.

I think when she gets here, I'll give her a big sad-eyed, I-haven't-had-any-treats-since-you've-been-gone look and see if it works. She's a softie anyway. I won't chase Peanut for at least the first few minutes and I'll give her plenty of chances to play with my toys.

Wouldn't you think she'd hurry home for that? I don't know what else I can do - besides lots of kisses. I may even let her hug me.

Me - keeping her chair warm

If you see her, will you ask her to hurry?

Understanding people

I try hard, I really do. People are just hard to figure out. I'll give you some examples.

I hear people walking by our house and I run to the door and give it my best howl to let Mom and Dad know. They don't appreciate it, though. When they yell, "Luke," really loud, I'm in trouble. Geez!

I like to share dinner with my sister, Peanut, but I'm polite. I sit, watch and wait for her to eat first. I still hear, "Luke," in that tone of voice that tells me to get away. I'm just trying to keep her company. Mom and Dad eat their dinner together. Go figure!

I love to hide my toys in Peanut's bed. She might want to play with them too. As usual, I get in trouble for that. Well, I guess I better admit it also gives me a reason to get in there with her.

Life with people can be a challenge but I love it when they hold me or play with me. Guess we just have to work on understanding each other.

Medicine

Good news. I don't have allurgeez. Bad news. I have some kind of mites. The doctor gave me an awful tasting medicine. Mom and Dad try sneaky ways to get me to take it. Peanut butter is their favorite weapon. I love peanut butter and if they want to stick in those little hard things they call pills, that's okay. But when they try that icky stuff they squirt in my mouth - no way. I'm smart enough to not fall for the peanut butter trick then. Today when Mom got my medicine out, I ran into my house. Can you believe that Dad just got down on the floor and talked to me until I felt sorry for him and came back out? Then Mom came over and squirted that stuff in my mouth. Last time I feel sorry for Dad. They'll have to think of a better trick tomorrow 'cause I'm on to their games.

My doctor and me

I think I'm in a hospital. I don't know for sure but I'm staying with my doctor. My allergies keep getting worse and I have new medicine. My doctor checks on me every day. Everything's good here but the shots. Uggghhh!

Have I told you I love going to my doctor and my groomer? They are in the same place and everyone loves me. I just try to be friendly with everyone I meet 'cause I LOVE people.

I don't know when Mom and Dad will come back for me but I'll be ready to go home. I miss my sister, Peanut, even if she doesn't like to play with me.

To be honest, I like it wherever I am - as long as I'm with people who love me.

It pays to be a handsome guy but it's my charm that makes people love me.

Life is good, isn't it?