I became a farm dog for two days

I visited Iowa with my family and spent two days wondering about life as a farm dog. What did I learn? A lot.

I learned that corn is really tall. It was even taller than my dad and I have to look up just to see his knees.


I learned that John Deere tractors are super big too. In fact, I think everything on Iowa farms is big. I didn't get to ride in a tractor but I did get a chance to see the world from a higher-than-normal perch.


I learned that cats may never be my friends. I don't know very many but none I've met want to hang out with me. Maybe there's hope for this little fella though. He's kinda cute.



I learned that the Iowa sun can be super hot and the flies love it.

I had a chance to check out some antiques at SOS Vintage in Webster City.


Best of all, I found out that people eat well. We had a pork dinner that was out of this world - I did get to sample a couple of bites! Yum! They told me Iowa is famous for its pork, so maybe I'll get to return someday. At home, I just get dog food and, believe me, it's not as good.

Oh, I also made a whole bunch of new friends. I like Iowa!

Summertime blues!

After the groomer

I get hot in the summer and like to spend my days over the vent that blows cold air on me. I don't complain about it - much - but I do drink a lot more water.

Today I got a haircut by a new groomer. She was nice but I don't have much hair left. I don't think I'll need the cold air on me for a while.

Anyway, I got to go for a ride on the golf cart and the breeze felt really cool!

On the golf cart

Fun things happen when I'm left at home

Buffy

Mom is having fun in Pittsburgh and I'm home guarding the house. Lots of people at the lake today so I've been very busy, making sure we're safe.

Mom loves to meet other dogs and today she took a photo of Buffy, who is tiny. Mom says I'd make two of her since she only weighs four pounds. She looks like a friendly sort but I'd like to check her out.

I think Mom needs someone to take care of her when she's out and about. I hope she doesn't get into too much trouble.

By the way, Mom, I miss all my treats. When are you coming home?

What kind of treats do dogs like?

The true answer here is almost anything, but I will try to be more specific.

I like most things that Mom and Dad eat. I figure if they like it, I will like it. I especially like meat and eggs, but I'll eat spaghetti or whatever I get. I don't get much 'cause Mom says I'm little and she doesn't want me to gain too much weight. Do people worry about that?

For snacks, I like any treat as long as it's not too hard. I'll take Bacon Bits any day over hard cracker stuff. Mom likes to get my treats at Trader Joe's 'cause she says it's economical. Not sure what that means but I like them 'cause they taste good.

I like peanuts too but I don't get too many of those. Some stuff I like I can't have. Are people ever like that? I'd love to share some Peanut M&M's but I guess that's a no-no for me.

All in all, I can't complain. I've got them figured out. The more often I go outside, the more I get a treat. The more often I sit on their laps, the more I get a treat. If I give them "the look," I get a treat.

Don't ever think we dogs are dumb! We have our people pegged!

The Battlefield B&B at Gettysburg loves dogs!

Dad & I are learning about the Underground
Railroad near Gettysburg

I just spent four days in Gettysburg, PA. My mom went for something she called a "writers' retreat." It was like most human things - a bunch of people sitting around talking. Mostly they ignored me but that was okay.

The great thing - we stayed at the Battlefield Bed & Breakfast. They love dogs and I got to go everywhere. I didn't even have to leave when Mom & Dad ate breakfast. I know when to be quiet and if I'm extra good, I can count on Mom to slip me a treat or two.

There was lots of yard for me to check out. I loved it except I'm nervous around cats - and there were plenty of them around the yard. I know I have a cat phobia because of Newton, the meanest cat in the world. He lives in Kansas City and every time we go to his house, he hisses and carries on. I bark at him but he doesn't listen. I don't think these cats were that mean but I can never be sure.

Battlefield B & B

Anyway, I loved Gettysburg. I met bunches of friendly people during our trip. Dad and I are back home now and I like that too.

Great big cats

I love the jeep!

As usual, Mom and Dad have all the fun. We went to Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory today where people rescue big cats (tigers and lions). I had to spend most of the time in the car because dogs aren't allowed inside. Do you suppose those big cats are afraid of me?

I hope they're nicer than Newton, a devil cat that hisses at me every time I visit him. You think he'd know I only want to play.

Anyway, Mom and Dad loved the cats. At least I got to play-drive the safari jeep.

Oh, did I tell you? Mom bought some animal crackers and I got to eat a tiger! Yummy!

To my people friends, it's a great place to visit in the Kansas City area. To my dog friends, hang out in the jeep. It's fun! Ask for animal cookies too!

My visit to Pittsburgh

Aaron, Rebecca, Nathan and Maddy with me

I'm loving Pittsburgh. I especially like the parks, the green grass, all the rabbits and squirrels, and the friendly people.

Rosie, the little poodle that Joyce and Johnny live with, is becoming a friend. She's friendly and she knows how to get treats all the time. I'm sticking with her!

I think I have my own fan club now that I'm an author dog. Check out the picture taken with some of the kids that helped me with my latest book, Fun Days in Pittsburgh. We introduced it at a fundraiser at Papa Gallo's (where Joyce takes Mom and Dad for breakfast - while I sit in the car or wait at home!!!).

The kids loved autographing the book. Sure made me proud!

Aaron autographing my book with his grandmother, Karen Scott