Visit to the Store

By the title, you are probably thinking I got to go to the store today.  No such luck.  I actually had to go home while the Mommy went to the store today.  She bought all kinds of food.  I love it when she brings the food home because it smells really good.  I know she bought bacon and fish.  I could smell it.  Even Missy Meow Meow could smell it.  I said I would tell her when the Mommy cooks the fish.  Also, usually when the Mommy goes to the store, I know there is a treat in there for me.  I can usually smell my treats right away.  Sometimes, I will help the Mommy get them out of the bag by sticking my nose in it.  There are a lot of great treats that come from the store.  I wish I could go to the store sometime.

The Mommy did take me to a store called PetSmart once.  They let dogs and cats in there.  It was really great!  There were all kinds of toys, treats, and pretty much everything a dog could want.  They even had shirts, coats, and dog deodorant!  It was great.  I was super excited.  Unfortunately, when I get too excited, I have to go potty a lot.  I pretty much did my business in every aisle of the store.  The Mommy had to clean it up.  She hasn't taken me back to the store in a while.  She said I was too excited last time.  I do want to go back there, though.  I want to tell the other dogs, "Manny was here!"

My Halloween Costume

Hey, I'm sorry I have been really busy lately.  I am having a really hard time trying to decide what to be for Halloween.  I have a few ideas.  First, I thought I could be a Dog Groomer.  I could wear a little shower cap, have a loofah, and throw a towel over my shoulder.  One of my other ideas is to be a soccer ball.  When I lay down and roll up really tight, I look like a soccer ball.  The People could draw the lines on for me.  Another idea I have is to be a cow.  I could put on some fake ears and some utters, and I would look like a miniature cow....especially with my black and white stripes.  I also thought about being a Dog Divo...not a diva...a divo.  I'm a boy dog after all!

I am getting really excited for Halloween!  I can feel the People are getting all excited, too.  They are carving pumpkins, buying candy, and talking about parties and costumes.  My favorite part is all the candy.  Sometimes, the People forget and leave the candy out.  I run up and gobble it right up before they even notice.  I know not to eat the chocolate, though.  It's bad for dogs.  But, oh, I love how chocolate smells!  I do love the sweet taste of candy!  I also like Trick or Treat.  Now, I have to do a trick for a treat.  On Halloween, I don't even have to do a trick.  I just get Treats!  Yum! Yum!

Designer Dog

Okay, I want to address the whole issue with people dressing their dogs. I know there are some people always complaining about it. I'm here to tell you, I like it. I love my little sweaters. They keep me warm when I have to go outside.  Plus, I can put my sweater on and go out and style it for the other animals in my neighborhood. Everyone is like, "you look good, Manny." Of course, I respond back, "I know.  I always look good."

I also have a raincoat, a hoody, and a sports shirt. The sports shirt is for when I exercise. I like to exercise a lot. I will sometimes even chase my ball around the house just for an excuse to exercise. Sometimes, I run along the back of the couch.  The People think it is really funny! 

Oh, I also have a Halloween costume. It is a skeleton. Missy Meow Meow said that I should go as a cat. I think she has fur balls in the brain. I can't betray dogs like that! I don't know if I could even be another animal. I love myself too much! Let's face it, I'm pretty amazing.

It's Finally Fall

Hey everybody!  It has been so warm where I live this year.  Today, it finally feels like fall.  I was able to put my sweater on.  I know some dogs are embarrassed by having to wear sweaters or other clothes, but I like it.  I would much rather have a sweater on or my raincoat on than be cold or wet when I am doing my business outside.  I want the People to get me some shoes, too.  The bottom of my feet get cold.  I put them under the pillows or the blanket to get warm.  I like it when it gets a little colder, too, because then I have an excuse to take a nap.  I do enjoy taking naps.

The only part I don't like about Fall is that I don't get to see my other little dog friends as much.  They aren't playing outside as much, and neither am I.  There is a little kitten around my house that I have made friends with.  Her name is Missy Meow Meow.  I know the other dogs are probably thinking, "Manny, You're a Traitor!"  But, I'm not.  Missy Meow Meow is not like other cats.  She is cool.  Trust me, there is bad luck black cat that comes around here.  I don't care what his name is because I just bark at him.  He doesn't need to be hanging around my door.  Missy Meow Meow, though, brings her toys over for me to play with, and stands up at the corner of the door and window and plays peek a boo with me.  She is pretty fun for a cat. 

How to Hide A Bone by Manny the Dog

The other day, I heard the people talk about eHow and how you can look up anything on there.  I don't think I saw anything to teach dogs how to hide their bones.  Listen, I am a master at hiding my bone.  Sometimes, I can't even find it.  Today, I got a new bone, and I hid it several places before I decided on one. 

The first trick to hiding your bone is to pick a good spot.  Location, location, location.  Earlier today, I tried to hide my bone by sitting it on the couch next to all the pillows.  The Mommy saw it right away and started laughing.  So, I moved it to under the pillows.  That leads me to my second trick.  You want to hide your bone somewhere that you can get to it pretty easily.  I was able to get to the bone, but all the pillows kept falling on my head.  After that, I tried to hide the bone under the blanket.  That didn't really work too well, either.  The blanket would move when I would lay down, so I decided to change the location.  I moved the bone to the kitchen and hid it under the rug.  Okay, that brings me to my third point.  Make sure that it is not obvious you hid your bone there.  You could really tell the bone was under the rug.

I did finally find a place to hide my bone.  I can't tell you where it is, because then you will know.  But, I did hide it somewhere only I can go and it will be just for me.  The People haven't even found it.  I just hope I can find it next time I am ready to chew it. 

I'm So Tired!

Oh, I am so tired today.  I am sleepy after my long walk!  Plus, I am always super excited to go for the walk.  I like going on a walk so much that I know that W-A-L-K spells Walk!!  This morning, I met a lot of new People.  Even when they are walking far away from me, I can start to smell that they have a dog.  Then, I know for sure that they will pet me.  So, I stop and wait for them.  If they are not walking fast enough, I will start howling at them.  That's how us dogs call in the pack.  I want the People to know they can be part of my pack if they pet me.

Of course, I meet other dogs, too.  The other day, I met a beautiful poodle named Jessie.  She was so cute with her curly hair.  When I got home, I laid down and took a nap just so I could dream about her.  She is a little older than me, but that's okay. I'm sure that Jessie will be my girl.  I know I'm still young, but I am starting to get a moustache and a little beard.  Okay, so you can't see it as much because I have white whiskers.  They are definitely there, though.  If things don't work out with Jessie, I'm sure I will meet another cute girl dog on another walk.  What can I say, the ladies love me!

That Squirrel!

Okay, I have to share this with you.  There is a squirrel who sits outside my door and taunts me every day.  I stand by the screen door, and he sits out there and does his "squeakity, squeak, squeak" teasing me.  He is like, "Look at me! I'm free.  I can go where ever I want.  You're a dog.  You're in a house."  Then, he goes and gathers up his nuts and eats them right in front of me.  He does some more of his "squeakity, squeak, squeak" and then runs up a tree.  Then, he says to me, "You can't get me because dogs can't climb trees."  This has been going on for a while.

I decided to teach that squirrel a lesson.  When he wasn't looking, I gathered up a bunch of his acorns and hid them behind My Chair in the house.  I did my "barkity, bark, bark" and that scared him right up the tree.  You should have seen him shake.  Ha! Ha!  And, I would like to add that the squirrel is not as smart as he thinks.  Yeah, I might be in a house. In a few months, I will be in a house where it is warm, and he will be outside freezing in the snow.  The People bring me my food in a dish, and he has to go out and look for his own food.  Yeah, I can't climb a tree, but why would I want to?  What's the point?  What would I even do when I got up there?  I've been on car rides before.  The squirrel has never been on car rides before.  Well, not on purpose. 

That squirrel can keep on squeaking, because I am in my nice house with The People who love me, pet me, hug me, feed me, bathe me, and even pick up my poop!  What squirrel can say that! 

White Dogs Can Jump!

Whenever I want some TREATS, I have to do these little tricks.  Sometimes, I shake hands.  Sometimes, I give a high five.  Sometimes, I jump.  I jump really high.  One time, I jumped so high that I tapped the Daddy on the shoulder.  Then, I jumped up and tapped him on the other shoulder.  It was a pretty funny trick!  And, the People were super impressed.  They couldn't believe that a little dog like me could jump so high.  My response is, of course I can!  Rabbits have nothing on me.

You know, I see these rabbits running around all the time showing off with their cute little fluffy tails and their little bitty noses.  I really don't see the point of their little noses.  All they do is twitch.  What is with all the nose twitching?  Do they have an itch?  Then, they jump around the yard, and say, "I'm so cute, I'm so cute, look at me!"  Listen, I want the rabbits out there to know that I can jump as high as they can, run faster than they can, and I am just as cute if not cuter! Also,  I have real nose that I use for sniffing things out....like rabbits.  Okay, I admit that I am jealous of the fluffy little tail.  It looks really soft. 

I Want to Go to School!

I'm sure you all know by now that the Kids are back at School.  I see them leave on the Yellow Bus every day.  So many times I have barked and howled at them..."Hey, I want to go to School with you!"  They look like they are ready to have a lot of fun.  They have pink, blue, purple, and red bags full of books.  And, if my nose serves me correctly (which it usually does), there is food in those bags, too!  The Kids are always laughing and playing before they get on the Yellow Bus. 

One time, I went by the School in a car ride.  It looked like a lot of fun.  The Kids were playing outside in what was called Recess.  They were swinging on bars and playing with baseballs, kickballs, soccer balls and basketballs.  They were running and playing outside a lot.   I am good at running and playing, too.  I would be great at Recess and at School! 

I hear the Kids talk about Math, Reading, and Homework.  I do like to Read.  I will sit and look at a book for hours.  The Homework sometimes sounds fun.  One time, the Kids made food for Homework.  That is my kind of Homework!  I would love to take food to School.  I could eat, run and play at Recess, and read.  Yeah, I would definitely be great at School!

Back in Action

Hi Everyone!  I am so sorry that I have been slacking on writing in my blog!  Honestly, I have been so busy with the summer, chasing birds, running in the yard, sleeping, chewing my bone, spending time with my girlfriend...you know how it is! 

Sadly, my girlfriend has now moved away.  I begged her not to go, but her owner decided to go live in a different house.  Sometimes, I think I hear her bark, and I run to the window to look.  It isn't her.  The good news for all of you ladies out there is that now I am single!  Since they don't have a Match.com for dogs, I will tell you about myself.  I am a three year old rat terrier, who loves living life, who likes to sleep, run in the grass, chew on my bone, chase my tennis ball, and give hugs to My People.  I am a super smart dog as well.

I love life and a I wake up every day and say, "Hello World!"

Sweet, Sweet Summer Time

Hi Everybody! 

I'm so sorry I haven't posted since my birthday.  I noticed I need to update my picture, too.  The picture of me in the snow is still up.  Brrrr.  That brings back some bone chilling memories...seriously.  This past winter was super cold!

I am so happy that Summer Time is officially here with Memorial Day weekend. I love Memorial Day weekend.  I started it off right.  I had some tasty snacks, I had a good nap in the air conditioning, and I went for a walk in the park while I listened to a free concert.  Wow!  You cannot beat that. And, to top it all off, I saw my girlfriend today.  She was letting her hair blow in the breeze while she sitting under a shade tree.  She looked beautiful.  I could see the sun sparkling in her eyes. 

My family sometimes calls me Romeo whenever she is around.  I do sometimes feel like we are like Romeo and Juliet.  Why must she be a collie and I must be a rat terrier?  To sniff her, perchance to dream.  Oh, Shakespeare.  He knew the hearts of everyone, even dogs!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday to Me!  I am three years old now, officially.  Three years ago, I was born on a nice farm, and blessed the world with my presence.  In case you don't know this, I am pretty awesome!  I enjoy every day that I am alive.  Every morning I wake up, and I say "Hello, World!"  I also make sure the People know that I am excited that it is morning, and I am happy to see them.

So, what are my birthday plans?  First, I got up, got out of bed and had some treats, ate my tasty breakfast and went outside for the world to see me.  Then, I plan on coming back in and taking a nice relaxing nap.  Then, the people will come home, and they are going to have a little party for me.  I will probably invite my girlfriend over and tell my other dog friends about it.  We will have a party with bones, water bowls, and some music.  Then, the people will give me some presents.  Probably clothes, a lot of toys, maybe my own seat in the car and a brush to make me look really good.  I had my bath earlier this week, so I am looking especially good.  I can't wait for my party....I know we will be Raising the Woof, Woof!

I'm A Rapper, I'm a Rat Terrier!

Hey Manny Fans!  I am sorry I haven't been posting lately, but I have been busy working in the studio on my new song.  It's called, "Show You How to Doggie"...and it goes like this.

Let me show you how to Doggie,
Show you how to Doggie.
Cause all the girl dogs love me,
All the girl dogs love me. 

Put your paws out front
Shake your tail from side to side
Turn in a circle
And then chase your tail and slide.

Let me show you how to Doggie,
Show you how to Doggie.
Cause all the girl dogs love me,
All the girl dogs love me.

Put on your coats and hats
And go out and chase those cats.
Show them that you're the boss
And tell them to get lost.
SCAT CAT!
They are not cool
Cause they don't know how to Doggie.

Let me show you how to Doggie,
Show you how to Doggie.
Cause all the girl dogs love me,
All the girl dogs love me.

I want a thick juicy bone,
When the people get home!
Yum!
I will gobble up,
Cause I'm that kind of pup. Yum!
Then I'll show them how to Doggie.

Let me show you how to Doggie,
Show you how to Doggie.
Cause all the girl dogs love me,
All the girl dogs love me.

I Look Good!

This weekend, I had my bath. I am now going to tell you a secret.  Please don't tell the other dogs.  But....I like having a bath.  It's awesome!  I get carried upstairs, the Mommy runs warm water in the bathtub, and I get to stand in it like I am a person.  That is so cool!  Then, the Mommy takes a pitcher and pours the water all over me.  It feels so good.  Then, she puts some soap on me and massages me all over my body.  I love it!  Then, after the bath, she wraps me up in a towel and carries me around the house and treats me really special.  I get a special treat, and everyone wants to be around me. 

I do roll around and sniff around the house, though.  One of the soaps smells like trees, which I do not like.  I can't understand why anyone would want their dog to smell like a tree.  Listen, I am a dog, not a plant.  I also have heard that the People put tree scented hanging things in their cars.  Why?  The cars not made out of wood, either!  I think that is so weird!

When I was done with the bath, I had a chance to look at myself in the mirror.  And, I have to tell you that I am really handsome.  In case you didn't know, I am one good looking dog. The girls think so, too.  Every time after I have a shower, I have to go out and show the ladies.  Yesterday, the dog next door was outside.  She was like, "Wow, Manny, you are such a good looking, dog." I was like, "I know, girl. I look good."

Manny the Menace

I admit it.  Sometimes, I am a trouble maker.  I take my ball and throw it at the People if they do not play with me.  I will put it in a corner where I cannot reach it on purpose, so they will have to get up and get it for me.  I will drop my ball in their laps when they are taking naps, and I am ready to play.  I will stand and stare at them until they get the message that it is play time!

One time, the People bought me an unstuffed elephant.  That was pointless.  I ripped out the squeakers (I hate those things!) and then whatever stuffing the elephant had.  Then, I showed that elephant who was boss.  Within a couple of hours, that elephant was toast.  I was upset, though, that the Mommy threw it away before she went to bed.  That made me mad.  I went to my bed and pouted.  Then, I threw the ball at her.

Today, I ripped the end off my Kong.  That will teach them to go away and then try to make me happy when they come home by giving me treats.  They stick the treats in there like they think they are being funny.  Now, the treats will just fall out for me to get them.  Much better that way.  It was no match for Manny the Menace! I am one amazing little dog!

Dog Do's....

Hey Manny fans!  I am so sorry I haven't written for a while.  I was getting sad because my girlfriend wasn't coming out to play.  That...and it has been super cold!  I have been focusing on sleeping in my blanket and snuggling with the People.  I keep hoping for Spring time!  That is the time that the dog's world really gets exciting. 

You know, we dogs have our own culture...just like all the different cultures the People have.  Our culture is most evident in the Spring and Summer.  We go out, walk around, strut our stuff, show off for the girls, the girls show off for us, and we run around the yards.  We also let the cats know that we are around and not to mess with our turf.  It's like Dog Side Story. :-)

The other day, I saw a Robin...that's a bird.  He was in the yard by himself.  His other bird groupies weren't with him.  See, birds have their own culture, too.  They don't want to be standing alone, so they hang out together.  Anyway, when the dogs see them standing there, we know that we can chase after them. When my girlfriend is around, I really try to show off for her and chase some birds around.  She is like, "Oh, Manny, you are so fast" and "You really scared that bird".  I am like, "I know, Girl, let's rub noses." 

Strut My Stuff

Hey, everyone!  I am so happy today.  It is finally getting warm out today.  The snow is melting, the sun is shining and the birds are chirping.  I am so excited to get outside after having to snuggle in my blanket so much this winter.  When I get outside, I am going to play in the grass, run in the sun and bark at the birds.  Sometimes, I chase the birds, but not too much.  Then, I would have to run into the neighbors' yards, and I get yelled at to come back home.  The People start sounding worried, so I make sure that I stay by my house.  I love the People.  I especially love them on warm days, because they take me for walks.

Today, I just know the Mommy is going to take me for a walk.  She is going to get my leash out of the closet.  The People keep it there with my sweaters and t-shirts.  Every time they open the door, I am hoping to go for a walk.  Sometimes, the People put on their jackets and shoes, but I have to stay home.  Today, I will be putting on my t-shirt and showing it off to all the girls in the neighborhood!  I am going to go out to see and be seen.  I can see what is happening in the world, let other dogs know I am around by doing my business by the mailboxes and also walking down the street.  I always hold my head up high because I know I look good.  And, I want everyone else to see how good I look, too....especially the girls.  Hey girls, I may be a small dog, but I have plenty of love to go around.

Snow-Manny!

Hey Everyone!  I'm back.  I know all of my fans really missed me.  I have to admit, I have been busy snuggling in my warm blanket the past few days.  It has been super cold.  Yesterday, I went to look for my girlfriend, the Collie, so we could snuggle and keep warm.  I went outside her door and started howling at her.  Just when I thought she was answering me, the Mommy told me to come back inside.  That's all right, I will see her more when it gets warm. 

I did get a chance to go check out my handy work as Ice-Manny (remember the Superhero).  It turns out this time that there was a lot of snow, and not as much ice.  So, I may be changing my Superhero name to Snow-Manny!  There is so much snow, that the snow is now taller than me.  Sure, it's not that hard, because I am a rat terrier.  I may be small, but I  have a lot of love to give!  I just had to throw that one in there for the ladies.

Ice, Ice, Manny!

Why is there more snow!?  I thought I told the People I did not like the snow, now there is even more of it.  It is more than I have ever seen before.  There is so much, that I have to do my business right outside the door.  When they let me outside, I look at them like, "You have to be kidding me!"  They are calling it a blizzard!  I have seen Blizzards before, and I thought they were ice cream, not snow!  I tried to make a snow angel today, but my legs won't go like that.

The one positive thing about it is that I can pretend that I am a superhero, conquering the world through my snow and ice powers.  Whenever someone does something I don't like, I can bark and make it snow more.  I do a dance and say "I am the Ice, Ice-Manny".   Clearly, my powers are increasing.  I have teamed up with my other superhero friend, El Nino. Look at how much we can do together.

I will say that I did eat some of the snow that fell today.  It was really tasty.  I liked it.  But, I was sure not to eat the yellow snow!  Ewww! 

What I Did Today...

I wish I had a great adventure story for you today.  I don't.  I pretty much laid around all day.  The Mommy put my orange sweater on me, and I took a nap most of the morning.  I went outside for a little while.  When it was time to come in, I played the "I'm caught on something" game.  I pretended my leash was caught on a bunch of snow.  Since the snow was melting today, that game didn't last for very long.  The Mommy just let me in and said her usual, "Manny, you are so funny." 

I came back in for a while and took a nap some more.  When the Mommy made some cookies, I tried to get some from her.  I waited and waited for her to drop some on the floor.  She didn't.  Instead, she told me it wasn't for doggies.  Why not?  She did at least give me some treats.  I love the treats.  I do whatever I have to do for them.  I stand, I walk on my back legs like the People do, I do a twist in the air, I jump, I sit...and I don't move. 

I did learn that I am ticklish today.  The Mommy pet me behind my front leg, and I couldn't help but smile really big.  Then, she did it on the other side.  I tried not to smile, but I did anyway.  I liked it.  I even made a little noise like a laugh.  Then, the People talked to me for a while and threw the tennis ball for me to catch.  Now, I am getting ready for another nap.  It was a great day.

I Love My Toys!

I like to play with my toys.  They are so much fun.  Right now, I am playing with my giraffe...what's left of it.  When I first got the giraffe, it had these annoying squeaking things. I dug and dug on it until I finally got rid of those squeaking things.  I put them behind My Chair, so they wouldn't bother me anymore.  Giraffe is great because he had these ears that I chewed on.  It felt good to me.  The ears are gone now. Giraffe has a few holes, but he is still soft.  Plus, he is great for me to toss around.  I can toss him in the air, and he lands by me.  At night, I can snuggle with him on my bed.  I put my arms around him.  What can I say, he is almost as good as a teddy bear.

My favorite toy is my tennis ball.  It gives me hours of fun.  I toss it up in the air and try to catch it in my mouth.  I push it with my foot and then chase it across the living room.  Sometimes, I throw it into the kitchen so I can slide across the rug on the kitchen floor.  I pretend it is my magic carpet.  It's really fun.  I also give it to the People so they can throw it across the room.  Then, I run and get it and take it right back to them.  I also play a game with them where I get in position to catch the ball.  When I do that, I pretend it is a baseball and I am the player, "Manny Ramirez".  I also like to roll around with my ball.  It gives me a nice little massage.  I like my tennis ball so much that I sleep with it at night, too. 

Manny, The Dog Nanny!

I know that you think I have it made.  I get to lay around all day, eat my dog food, sleep, play with my toys, and pretty much do whatever I want.  That is true, but I also have a lot of work to do with these People.  I pretty much babysit the People every day.  In the morning, I wake them up, so they can feed me and let me outside.  Then, I have to watch them while they make their breakfast to make sure they are doing it right.  Once in a while, they will "accidentally" drop something on the floor, and I eat it.  I am trying to help them out by not making them sweep it up. 

After breakfast, I make sure they get their exercise in by bringing them the ball or other toys to play with.  This helps them because they throw the ball to me, bend over and get it and get pretty worked out by playing with me.  I am the best playmate, ever! Then, when it is work time, I lay down and watch them until I am sure they are working.  When it is time for a break, I let them know. 

I also let them know when it is lunch and dinner time and make sure they do what they are supposed to do then.  When the People come home, I run and jump on them so they feel loved.  People sure need a lot of attention!  After dinner, I play with them some more.  Sometimes, I will snuggle with them or play with them.  I usually snuggle with the one that needs me the most.  When it is time for bed, I wait until they go to sleep and then I curl up in my blanket.  I sleep really well at night because the People are simply exhausting.

Why Is It Still Snowing?

I have to admit to you...the last few days have not been the most fun of my life.  It snowed so much that when I sat down to do my business I actually sank in the snow!  The snow is higher than my legs.  I tried making the most of it by running and jumping in it, but that resulted in coldness.  I even went outside to follow the Daddy while he used a big machine to move the snow.  After about a minute of that, I decided it was enough and went back inside where it was warm.  I jumped on the Mommy and let her know that I wanted my sweater on right now!

I would like to make a statement how I think it is unfair that I have to do my business outside.  The People do their business inside.  They do it in something called a toilet bowl.  I think this is gross!  I thought bowls were for drinking out of...not doing your business in.  I have to do my business in a snow drift.  I want to tell you that it is not fun.  It would be like a person sitting on a bucket of ice to do their business.  When I am done, I come back in the house and let the People know that I am not happy with them by pushing them out of my chair and running around the living room really fast.  I can't wait until summer so I can go to the lake and chase birds and butterflies.

About Napping

Napping is an art.  I know a lot of dogs and people think they are great nappers, but I have them beat.  I have developed napping to an art form.  There is a certain way, certain time, and even a certain place to nap.  Napping is important so I get my rest and look good for the ladies.  This is how I nap.

In the morning, I nap right after breakfast.  I wait for the Mommy to feed me, I go do my business, then I come in and take a nap while she does her exercise and cleaning.  Watching her makes me sleepy. So, I go lay on My Chair and take a nap.  When I am done, I do my little stretch to let her know that I am ready for a treat.

At lunch time, I do the same thing.  Only this time, I pull a blanket down off the back of the couch with my teeth, gather a couple of pillows, circle around the blanket and the pillows until I find the right spot, and take a good nap.  I know I am getting a good nap in if I start dreaming about chasing butterflies, running at the lake, or taking a walk at the park.  You can usually tell if my nap is good because my legs start moving.  Sometimes, I even snore a little.  I'm not embarrassed, dreaming and snoring are part of a good nap. 

At night, the People are home.  I snuggle up next to them and act like I want them to pet me.  Then, I lay my head on their lap and roll over for them to rub my tummy.  While they are rubbing my tummy, I close my eyes and go to sleep.  Now, I am all warm and relaxed.  Sometimes, I try to push them out of the way so I can get into their blanket, too, but usually the People won't move.  They pat my head and tell me how cute I am.  I think to myself, "I know," and then I go back to sleep.

Yes, Dogs are Smart...

I have to get involved in this debate of whether or not dogs are smarter than cats.  A lot of cats will tell you that we dogs are dumb.  We do whatever our "Master" tells us to do, we go outside to do our business, we jump around the People and act all happy.  Listen, dogs act happy because they are happy.  Here is the reason.  Dogs are not dumb!  We are Kings and Queens in our houses.  I am definitely the King of my house. 

When the People come home, the first thing they do is let me outside to use the bathroom.  Cats have to go in a box and then hide it. Then, the People clean up my doo on the sidewalk.  People clean up cats doo after it has been there for a while.  Not right away.  How many times have you seen someone taking a cat for a walk? Hardly ever. 

Then, when I come back inside, the People feed me and give me water.  After I am done eating, I bring my ball to them, and they play with me.  I tell them what to do.  Then, I get to lay down all day and take a nap while they work to buy me treats, food, and special things.  They put blankets on me so I will keep warm. They even give me a bath and wrap me up in a towel.  Do the People even have this?  No, not unless they are Royalty.  The dogs have figured out what the People think is special, and we make them do this for us.  In return, we love them and thank them by licking their faces and slobbering all over them.

Snow, Snow, Go Away!

Look, I know the People love the snow.  Me, not so much.  Sure, it looks pretty.  It is fun to let the snowflakes fall on my head.  I also like to run and jump and play in the snow.  I have some friends who are Papillons, and they love the snow.  They run it, roll in it, and play for hours.  I have played in it with them for a while. I like it for about five minutes.  Then, my bones start to get cold.  It also makes me get dirty and my paws get cold and wet.  I like to stay clean and dry.

I don't enjoy going outside to do my business in the snow.  I have to sit down on a cold, wet ground.  Once again, my fur gets cold.  After my business is over, I jump on the door and let the humans know I am ready to come in.  I go right to my warm blanket.  I pull the blanket over me with my teeth and take a nap for a few hours.  In fact, I am starting to feel very sleepy.

The only good part about the snow is that I get to wear my nice looking coats and sweaters.  I wear them and make sure I go show the ladies.  Still, I can only stay out for a few minutes.  The ladies will have to wait until it is warmer, though.  It's nap time now.

This is My Chair!

The Mommy has a big comfy chair in the living room.  She sits in it a lot and thinks it is her chair.  I have news for her!  It is my chair.  I just let her sit there because I like her.  What can I say?  She gives me food, pets me a lot, gives me T-R-E-A-Ts (yes, I know that spells Treats, but don't tell her I know).  Also, when she sits in the chair, I can snuggle up to her and she keeps me warm. 

Still, the people cannot figure out it is my chair.  When they sit in the chair, I even try to push them over until they give me room to sit down.  When they get up and leave, I lay on it.  When they come back, I roll over on my back and do the "pet my tummy" bit.  They fall for it every time!  They forget all about sitting in my chair and just pet me.  Then, they ask me if I want a Treat!  I'm telling you, I am a really smart dog!

I'm Cute and I Know It!

I have heard comments all my life, "Oh, he is so cute", "Oh, what a nice looking dog," "Oh, he is so handsome." My response...I know.  I do my best to look good.  Every day, I get up and do a morning stretch.  Then, I make sure I get plenty of beauty rest in the form of a nap in the morning.  In the afternoon, after I am done chewing on my bone, I lick my fur and make sure it is all in place.  When I get a new sweater, I go outside to show it off to all the dogs and the people, too.  Of course, they all comment how good I look.  I do look good.

I know this because there is a mirror in our house.  When I was a mere pup, I used to bark at it and wonder where that other dog came from.  Now, I know that it is me.  Whenever I walk past the mirror, I check myself out.  I turn my head from one side and then to the other.  Yep, I am still handsome.  Yo soy muy guapo. Yes, ladies, I speak some Spanish, but I am fluent in the language of love.

Welcome to "Oh, My Manny!"

This blog is the daily diary of our dog, Manny.  He is a 3-year-old rat terrier who resides in our home.  He wants this blog to be for dog lovers everywhere.  This is what Manny has to say about his day so far.

My name is Manny.  I like the girls.  The girls like me, too.  I am not picky about which girl dog I fall in love with.  I love them all.  My first girlfriend, Missy, was a black labrador who lived next door.  She was sweet and quiet.  I didn't know the name of my next girlfriend.  She was a beautiful white terrier who showed up at my door one day.  Then, there was Kathy.  She was about five times my size and had a lot of fur.  I didn't care.  I snuggled right up to her. 

Now, I am in love with the girl next door.  She is a black and white collie.  How I love her.  When she barks, it is like music to my ears.  I run to the window every day hoping to catch a peek of her.  If I hear her outside, I have to go outside, too.  I haven't seen her yet today, so I am running back and forth between all the windows hoping I will see her.  I know she will come out soon because I heard her lady come home.  If I could talk to her, I would say, "Hey, girl, I'm a lover not a fighter."