Cool
Hello again everyone. I hope you had a good season. Mom and Dad took me lots of places this year and I certainly was quite the man about town. Of course, it is so nice to come home and snuggle into my own sofa with my own blankets. I will say, being a fashion model for Mom’s collars can tire out an old guy like myself. Did you know I will be 12 in June? My mom says I look great and she says I still have quite the way with the ladies.

Since this winter has been so cold I have spent more time lying around reading. Usually, I tell Mom and Dad I want to go for frequent walks. After all, I might have an adventure, but this year it’s been downright painful on my paws to go out. As you know I am not a booties guy. Mom tried to put them on me and I pulled a little tantrum so Mom took them off.

Oh well, spending more sofa time has allowed me to do a bit of research on some things I have noticed. For example, when we go to horse shows, sometimes I see a pack of foxhounds parading on the grounds. Funny, I have yet to see a fox. Too bad, because if I did, boy you sure would see me chase it. The tradition as I understand it is for a member of the clergy to bless the hounds before the hunt. This I learned from my readings. Anyway, I started to wonder how that started.

Well, it actually dates back to the age of Charlemagne. It seems that in AD789 the nobles would bring their dogs into the church to attend mass. After all, we dogs are noble companions and for the most part very quiet and well behaved. (Save for Freesia, but that’s another matter). Charlemagne did not like this practice and ordered that no dogs were allowed inside the church. The noblemen took a stand. They would continue to attend mass with their dogs by their side, but would only go as far as the church doors.

The priests now had a problem, which they solved by starting the custom of offering the benediction at the church entrance. Thus began the custom of "laying on the pack." I love historical stories, especially the ones involving dogs.

I must say there sure are many types of dogs out there. Mom says she loves them all, but that she loves Freesia and me best.

Well its time for me to say goodbye, Mom is ready to put a new fancy collar me because she says we are off to a store that sells her stuff. I love going to pet supply stores because I get to do a little shopping myself! I am also assured of a cookie or two.

Bye for now. I hope to see you when I am at some of the shows Mom and Dad attend.

Freesia
Hi everybody! Well here I am again. I just came in from my walk. I had to tell the new dog in the neighborhood that I am the Queen! Dad and Cool thought it a bit embarrassing but I just had to bark and dance and jump around so he could see that I am the undisputed Queen of the neighborhood and I had to do it in a way he would not soon forget. He got the message!

Well, all that activity plum tuckered me out so I am now on my back draped all over my sofa. While we are on the subject, I would like to talk to you about sofas. You see, Mom and Dad got rid of my old sofa. It was a sad day. I saw my sofa being pushed out of the house.

I was VERY upset. After all it’s supposed to be that Cool and I each have our own. Of course, I can use his, but I really don’t like it when he uses mine. Now, I have none. This bothered me to no end and I would not be consoled. Mom and Dad told me they were going to get another one, but I did not understand. I cried at night and Mom and Dad had to come downstairs and tuck me in on Cool’s sofa and tell me not to worry.

Well, a couple of days later, we all went for a ride. Mom said "we are sofa shopping," so I am ready. We went from place to place. Mom and Dad weren’t in these places long. They came out with these puzzled looks on their faces and the words "way too expensive" were heard (Whatever that means) Dad said to me, "don’t worry Freesia, I will take care of you. We are going to a discount furniture place and we are getting you a sofa!"

Well Mom and Dad went inside. I didn’t know why I had to stay in the car; after all I am the one who will be using it. But, a little while later Mom and Dad came out, all smiles. They were laughing about the reaction the salesman had when Mom told him she did not care what color the sofa was, or whether it was a "sleeper." She told the salesman it was for a dog and he could not believe it! I don’t understand why not. Well, to make a long story a bit shorter, I got my new sofa. Mom put my blankets and pillows on it and I am very happy.

Of course you may be wondering what the perfect sofa is by dog standards. After all, we do have our preferences, and we are very specific about things. So, if any of you out there are “in the market” for a doggie sofa, I have prepared the following pointers for you:

1: It must be long enough so that I can lie on my back and stretch my legs without touching the ends.

2: It must be high enough so that I can look around the room and see everything (Like who’s eating what!)

3: It must have upholstered arms so I can drape my head over the arms with comfort. Wooden arms, YUK!

4: It must have cushions that really tuck in so I cam roll around and not have the cushions come out and fall to the floor.

5: A couple of extra pillows would be nice. I like to rest my head on them.

I realize these are rigid criteria, but we doggies are an exacting group. Of course for me, my Mom says whatever it is it must be suited for a Queen.

Well bye for now, it’s time for dinner.