Teusday Telling and A Birthday Party Invitation!!!

I started off my day my favorite way with the tasty breakfast foods! And then just a short shower later, the Mom pulled the trolley out and around. Oh and when she did deboard, I began to bark and bark in my deep sweet voice...

"WHOOOOOOOOOOF.......

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOF.......

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOF!"

My call was heeded, and I boarded the trolley quickly and without the slightest consideration of our destination! And it was with little surprise and a minor amount of disappointment, that we arrived at Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists where in spite of my fears, I am always greeted and comforted by My The Sweet Judy who takes care of me!

Today I was there for a CBC test and results. And My Sweet Judy also trimmed my nails, [thankyouthankyouthankyou!!!] saving me a stop by Fairbanks for a pedicure! I was able to wait for my results while laying on my sweet green rug in the waiting room with my the Mom... and while talking to My Friend The David who is also The Hospital Administrator!

And I guess now is a good time to tell you that SLVS recently asked if they could share my thoughts and feelings about the quality of my experience and care in local print media... And here I am!!!

The Bleu has hit the newsstand for November,
and here is my spread [ha!]!

It's a little known fact, but my the Mom was the architect for Dirty Hairy Dog Wash, top left... but I SO digress!!! And now back to the waiting room for my results:

~My white blood cell count is low, but it's not low enough to warrant antibiotics.~

This isn't the preferred news, but it's far from the worst, so we'll take it, run with it and board the trolley, thank you very much!

There was joy in my heart as we sang our songs, as I munched on berry treats and as I retraced our turns in reverse: Freeway to Beltway to Freeway to Exit! Life was grand, and then the skies grew dark and the rain began to pour. By the time we got home, lightning was strking the ground a few streets to our north and the thunder was rattling my bones!

It was a very stressful afternoon. I panted. I paced. And upon the Mom's request, I tried to settle.

And that leads me to another stressor for today: Little Reufus is also not feeling well... though he was happy to tend to my ears this afternoon.

As an aside, I'm in what the Mom calls my 'thunder spot'. This is where I retreated when The Luke was sweating full blown storms. And on a lighter note, you will see our plastic bag waste basket hanging on the door knob. Sad, but it's the only way to keep Reuf from eating the contents of our beautiful hand crafted woven twig waste basket.

Before I knew it, Reuf who idolizes me... had taken up my spot for some comfort time. Poor boy...

Though I never settled completely, the weather did calm a bit... giving the Mom opportunity to do some Birthday Baking!

You see, I have a BIG BIRTHDAY coming up!!!
11 / 11 / 11Yep... This Friday!!!

And I was wondering if I you would like to party along with me...
If I may include you in my post???
If so...Please send me a festive photo with Yeu in Party Mode, Party Hat...Yeu know... Celebrating my Big Day!I'd love to have you appear here with me!Email photos to outtathebleu-at-gmail-dot-com 

Love, Relationships and Time are My Biggest Treasures!!!

And Treats, too!!!

[These treats are just Part One of the Mom's Birthday Baking Extravaganza!
It's a pumpkin, peanut butter and cinnamon recipe.
It's YUMMMMMY!


And if anyone is interested... Ask! We'll post it!]

And here is Little Reufus, who has had some pretty bad tummy problems today. Poor boy. He doesn't feel well at all, hence his laying down in the middle of the day on my woobie green rug.

He's smelled the fresh baked treats, but really hasn't begged much for them... and that makes the Mom worry! Poor Sweet Boy...

Tuesday is Training Class night, but Reuf and the Mom stayed home. Reuf ate a bland dinner and was given one of my diahrrea pills. He's a bit lethargic [he is never reclined at 615 pm!] Mostly, the Mom can't imagine 'treating' him in class tonight. And though this class begins to wean from the treats, they are still necessary for many of the new commands.

He and the Mom will contact their instructors. And they'll work on their Week 5 Homework. Next week is the last in this class, but we're not sure if there's a graduation ceremony! I mean, this class has been more technical and less... dramatic.

I guess you can tell from these photos... as well as those from the last few days... Reuf and I are getting along MUCH better. Little boy is mellowing. He's always been loving, but he's just been too freaking boisterous to be loved on by me too terribly much!

We still have our moments of anxiety with him, but knock on Reuf's head... Life is much easier, much calmer, much quieter. It's almost peaceful...

Nite Nite for Now.
But hope Yeu will Join My Birthday Celebration!

Friday Night Wrights: Howl-O-Ween Edition

Happy Friday,
and Welcome to Our Dress rehearsal!

I'm Dr. The Bleu,
and I'm wondering what ailment brought you here to see me this evening???... [tee hee]

I may be a Retriever, but I think we can all agree that I rock a lab coat! [That joke never gets old! hee hee].

"They" say "Imitation is the highest form of flattery." And I have two EXTRAORDINARY doctors in my life. I am grateful, beyond words, to each of them... and I'm secure enough to say... I love them dearly.


Dr. Mark Rieger... Along with my the Mom, I could write a book on all the wonderful ways The Mark has cared for us, gone the extra thousand miles, given wise and thoughtful advice... and put up with my the Mom! I know we can always count on him, and it's a comfort to know that he's on my Team The Bleu!!!

Dr. Andrew Novosad... Clearly, when the going gets tough, my the Mom trusts him with her Sweet Boy! We can always count on him to explain our situation, condition and options thoroughly. He truly connects with us personally. He understands my personality, my emotional and physical limitations... and he's customized my treatment day, so that they are as easy on me as possible!

Yes, My Doctors are TOPS! And though I've never had to have surgery... The Luke sure did. And here I am, rocking the Surgeon look!

The Mom says that I would surely bring comfort to a concerned family if I came out of surgery to consult... with my ear inside out, and not to mention my irresistable freckle. [Just saying.]

If that doesn't work, I'll flash them my cute grin!

Yeah, yeah... Enough about MY dress rehearsal. I've hinted around and many of you have expressed wonder as I've dedicated my spare time, crafting a costume for Little Reufus.


And well... here's his dry run dress rehearsal!

Getting a good photo wasn't easy...

He was two bits or so uncooperative!

It's not as simple as POW ZOOM...

Positioning of the rocket is more of a problem than I anticipated... so I've got some more crafting to do!

And with a little time out of the rocket, here's the Reuf in his skulls-n-cross-bones!

He's all about wearing the bady boy muscle shirt... clearly!

Wiggle Wiggle...

Then the thought suddenly occurred to him... and he wondered if the Food Fairy had placed anything in his bowl.

Realizing not... He gave the Mom a grrrriiiiiiinnnnn!

I, on the otherpaw, am chilling in the Howliday neckware...

Reufus has caused quite an unwarranted hub-bub, but I will not allow it to cut into my ZENful  Friday evening situation...

Just saying.

Oh, and I've been saving these next photos since yesterday... for FrEYEday SkEYEday! [Thank you for the inspiration, Miss Khyra!]

Noon. Tend to the Bleu Trolley Tour. North Sky.

Noon. Tend to the Bleu Trolley Tour. West Sky.

5pm. Return to the Trolley Barn. North Sky.

Trolley Stop at Red Light in River Oaks.
South Sky, and The Big Bird appeared FAR larger to the naked EYE!

 Yesterday's skEYEs were awesome.

And I'm happy to report that a bit of liquid fell out of it last night!!!

It's still a little dismal today, but also a little cooler. And I welcome it!!!

We will be heading out in the morning for Bridgeland's Big Howl-O-Ween Fest! Reuf and I will be working the GRRH tent, and if you're in the Houston area, I hope you'll come out to see us! And if not, we hope to take some better photos to share with you!!!

Team The Bleu Members, thank you for your continuing support! Your prayers and well wishes have worked tremendously so far. I've got quite a way to go, so please don't forget me! Teusday is a big day, so some weekend overtime overdrive might be appropriate... if you're up for it!

The Bleu Scale: Life's Stuff Comes In All Sizes

As most of you know, I'm a quiet, unassuming, sweet boy who is high strung on the inside about maintaining my laid back lifestyle.

I learned a lot about Life from my brother, The Luke... some funny stuff, some ever-so-slightly wicked stuff... and a whole bunch about Treasures, because Treasures were his thing!

Like The Luke, I love Life! And when you love it, you must also embrace its Stuff. And lately, I've been given cause to reflect on such matters, and just for fun... I've begun assigning Sizes to The Stuff. There are no calipers, no scale, no higher math... just what I scientifically refer to as The Bleu Scale.


XL


Many of you know that I went to see my The Doctor Mark a few weeks ago, with some very minor swelling in the lymph nodes in my neck. The Mom might also have told you that tests revealed a diagnosis of lymphosarcoma.


I'm not sure what that is, but for me... it sounds like a challenging DWTB [Dancing With The Bleu] dance move. I can meet this challenge... for it is no match for The Bleu! The Mom is far more worried and concerned and far more calculating in her approach, but then... that is what makes her the Mom.


More later on such Stuff, with help from her. Old gal and I are like a loving the mom with her sweet boy and though I view Life as a Dancer...

I sometimes think my the mom views us as a trainer and a prize fighter! It's all very complicated, and I am just happy she is on My Team!!! I pity the poor enemy, that despised and evil c!


L


In spite of all rumors to the contrary... Little Reufus... ::ARE YOU SITTING DOWN???:: ... is set to graduate from 'Beyond Basic' next Thursday night! Picture me, rubbing my eyes and pinching myself... to make sure this is not a dream! Heh heh...

As a review, here is a list of what he has learned:


Obedience/General Training:

• Self Control / Focus / Pass By. Remain keyed into your person and ignore dogs in your space.
• Heel. Varying Speeds. Quick Sits. Reverses.
• Sit / Stay. Lay / Stay. Pretty good in a vacuum. Still hard at distance when distractions are involved. [Reuf grabs the toy on his way to split second recall, every single time]

Agility:

• A Frame. Agility Obstacle. Left and Right approach, and the ever so hard... call away.
• Tunnel. Left and right approach.
• Bridge. Left and right approach.
• Hoop Jump.
• Jumps/Hurdles. Bunny Hop. Left and right approach.
• Tire Jump. Left and right approach.
• Ladder walk. Varying Heights.
• Rocker Bar / Boogie Board / Teeter Totter. Maintain Sit until Release.
• Unstable Disk... i.e. round platform with ball underneath that renders 360 degrees of instability. Maintain Sit until Release.

Tricks:

• Spin. Spin in clockwise direction.
• Twist. Twist in counterclockwise direction.
• Wave. Ain't happening. He is NOT going to wave.
• Roll Over. He's getting close to being really good at this.
• Legs. Figure 8 around the legs. He's not great at it, but he will be... soon.

M


Saturday morning, Reufus laid down by the Mom... not on top of her, not pushing her, but just beside her. He was quiet and still. He didn't bite, scratch or bruise the Mom. He didn't chew on the furniture. He didn't try to chew or swallow any other thing. He just laid there, alert... but calm. He acted for about three minutes... like a normal boy!

Now... I'm not sure about how Life's Stuff is sized... This might be scaled M or... XXXL! Perspective is EVERYthing. Just saying.


S


Though I labelled it XXXL then, I give it an S now... Wednesday night was full of thunder, lightning, wind and TWO drops of rain. We lost power at 745pm and it didn't come back on until 115am.

It was hot (though I had a battery operated fan on me). It was dark. And there was nothing to do. The worst part, by far, was being trapped with the manic the Mom. Just saying.
XS


Then, there are the things that seem so XS individually... but are really XXXXL in importance and enjoyment:


Nose Kisses.
Head Rubs.
Ear Skritches.
Berry Treats.
People Food Bits.
Fresh Waters.
Extra Night Outings.
Getting "Tucked In".
Shmuggles and Shpoonings.
Lunch Rendezvous.
Random Times with The Herd.
Overdrive Prayers.
Serious Conversations.
Sweet Nothings.

I love Life. I know I must fight the bad, while basking in The Good. I'm up for the challenge, and I've signed the best and most trusted agent I could ever hope to have represent my interests... my the Mom. More on the fight later, today I bask in The Abundance of Good Stuff!!!

Before I close, however, my the Mom would like to ask for your prayers, positive energy and healing thoughts. The Love Protocol lives on! Please join Team Bleu!

Friday Facts, "Fireworks", Fun and Fund Raising

Some of you know that I took a sudden and unexpected trip to see The Doctor Mark this week...

And I enjoyed a little time away from the perpetually attention seeking little BOTHER ( sp intended) while away from the Reufus, I had a bit of time to relish the attention of both the Mom AND the Doctor Mark...  

And I guess in the course of my enthusiasm, I might have said some things on FaceBook that worried some of you. From the bottom of my heart, I apologize. And if it hasn't already been invented, I would like to invent the term... TIC!!! [tongue in cheek!]

And now for the FACTS:

1. I had a hard bump on my left ear. Doctor Mark determined it to be an adenoma... too small to remove surgically.
2. Doctor Mark recommended cryosurgery " i.e. 'freeze it off' ", and he advised me and the mom of the process and results (familiar to both of us) and we agreed. Let's do this thing!
3. Doc also... didn't just give me a "twice over", but examined my mouth, toofies and took advantage of my docile nature... and looked deep down my throat. [I hope the over-the-top-loving-mildly-paranoid-hypochondriac-the-mom is satisfied... and yet, I know she still has her doubts and worries.] 
4. I also got me a pedicure!

The spot on my ear is forming a blister, then I'll get a series of scabs. There will be hair loss initially, but it should grow back with time. Basically, I am counting my lucky stars and have no reason to complain or seek sympathy... but I share my the Mom with the ever-attention-seeking Reufus. And sometimes I do something puppyish, something spiteful, something hard-of-hearing... just to re-capture a bit of FOCUS!

I am really feeling great. There is no need to worry. And still, I would appreciate any help you can give me in milking this incident! Please?!

FIREWORKS!

OK, maybe not real fireworks... But this morning, we were surprised with two gorgeous blooms on our The Night Blooming Cereus!

We had two blooms this morning, and we truly celebrate them like fireworks...!

FUN...

One thing fun about this photo is that... there is something about my face, my expression, my stance... that reminds my the Mom of Our The Luke. I think I see it, too...

But then again, this is my sore ear... Just saying.

And here I am, turning the other cheek...

And now the REUFUS plays our FUN GAME... "what the Bleu deu, the Monkey deu" R1

"what the Bleu deu, the Monkey deu" R2

"what the Bleu deu, the Monkey deu" R3

"what the Bleu deu, the Monkey deu" R4

And now here's another fun moment where my delusional [or is she?] the mom thinks I am taking on the looks of my brother, The Luke...

She may be right, or she may be crazy. Feel free to weigh in... As for me, I'm honored!

FUNDRAISER!!!

Golden Retriever Rescue of Houston is hosting an Online Jewelry Party!
ONE DAY ONLY... JUNE 10th!

Featuring Hand Crafted Jewelry for the Animal Lover

Sponsored by Three Scoops of Vanilla

25% of the Daily Proceeds on June 10, 2011

Will be Donated to GRRH!

Shop the many beautiful bracelets, keeping upcoming holidays, special occasions, friends, family... and yourself in mind! Honor your loved ones by customizing a charm... and wear it with pride, because you've helped save a Golden in need!

Bracelets come in a wide variety of themes, colors and finishes... and almost all are customizable!!!

Please visit our website... and mark your calendar! And next Friday... SHOP TIL YOU DROP!!!