Messing about on the river

Ok, so it's not actually a river, it's the Chesapeake Bay at Quiet Waters, near Annapolis. And it's my bestest new place - the dog beach! Not sure you can quite see on this picture (mum's not exactly David Bailey) but there are about thirty dogs there, all having a fantastic time. 

Including me!

And if this is my bestest new place, my bestest new toy is Mr Duck. He flies (see below). He floats. He squeaks. He's chewy. What more could a dog ask of a toy? 

So needless to say, when a few of the locals took a shine to Mr Duck as well, it was time for a bit of friendly competition. I'm happy to say that with my superior doggy paddle and almost Phelpsian physique I was easily able to hold those pesky labradors at bay. 

Go team GB! 

beach bum

Mum and dad took me to the beach on Saturday, and it was awesome! It was a dog beach. That's right, guys, a whole beach just for dogs! It was a gorgeous hot sunny day, perfect for bounding through the surf, and some strenuous doggy paddle. Needless to say I rose to the occasion magnificently.

First I swam for my ball, until it got a hole in it and sank. Next I swam for sticks. And more sticks. And some more. Then I played with some other dogs for a bit. And then I swam for my favourite floating duck toy.

And then... I slept all afternoon on the sofa. Mum and dad were so impressed with how tired I was that we're going again next weekend. With a picnic! Hurray!

Humans call it Quiet Waters Park, near Annapolis. I call it Vizsla heaven.

Phew!

Mum and dad got home today after a week away. I was a bit worried cos they left met at home. Literally. Not on my own, obviously. They know I'm not very good at cooking, or at door handles. Or at being on my own, for that matter. So one of my dog walkers came to stay with me. I wasn't very sure about him being here at first, but after a few days I decided he should join my pack - and soon had him twisted round my little finger. He wound up letting me sleep on the bed and everything. Ha! 

I got some good presents, too. Dad got me a stars and stripes bandana so I can blend in at the dog park. Very fetching. And mum got me a cookie cutter in the shape of a bone. No cookies yet, but hopefully soon. If anyone knows any yummy dog biscuit recipes, please pass them on! I also got some soap. I think this is of dubious merit as a gift, but dad says it keeps bugs off (it's made with something called citronella) so I guess I'll give it a chance. 

They also told me that next time they go on vacation I might be allowed to go with them. They thought it would be difficult finding places where I'm allowed, but apparently everywhere around the Chesapeake seems to be really dog friendly. In North Carolina, I'm even allowed on the beach. Woo hoo! 

Am off for some quality cuddles on the sofa. Then I'm gonna see if I can persuade mum and dad to carry on the fine new tradition of letting me sleep on the bed. Fingers crossed...

Am I being silly?

Mum and dad are getting a tiny bit annoyed with me at the moment. You see, when they go out to work (to earn money to buy pigs ears for me), they leave me behind, so they get someone else to come and play with me at lunchtime. I get lots of attention when they're home, a nice long walk in the morning, and another in the evening, as well as playtime in the middle of the day. They've done this ever since I was small, and although I much prefer weekends, I'm usually quite happy. 

The last few days, though, have been a bit different. Dad arrived in America for good at the weekend, and I was really really really pleased to see him (I gave him my best wagging and wiggling and bowing routine). He doesn't have to go to work at the moment, so he's been at home with me quite a lot. 

Thing is, when he's here, I'd rather be with him than with my playtime person. So I've been refusing to go with them. I mean, no offence, but dad's ears are the tastiest in the world, and he's super good at throwing sticks, and he's great for sharing a sofa with. Playtime person just can't compare. 

For some reason this makes mum and dad cross. They think I should go with playtime person and enjoy myself. I say I'm a traditional velcro Vizsla and they should know better! 

What d'you think? Am I being silly? Or are they?

Lazy days of summer

Hi all. Sorry I haven't been very good at writing my blog recently - I've been a bit busy. Like I explained last time, there are lots of critters to keep an eye on in our new garden. Don't want those squirrels getting ideas above their station. 

And I've been going to my favourite water hole in the woods most days. First I learnt to dive in to fetch sticks...

... and now I've progressed a bit and I'm starting to practice walking on water. They say it can't be done, but I'm determined to prove them wrong. If only I can get my legs to go fast enough!

Oh yes, and there's always plenty of lounging to be done. Mum says I can be quite decorative when I want to be. All I know is this new sheepskin thing is darned comfy. Zzzzzzzz.

Neighbours

So, as if moving from London to Washington wasn't enough, we've now moved house again. Mum says we're staying put this time, though. Fingers crossed, because I like this place a lot. There's a creek right across the street where I can paddle. And a forest at the end of the block with a pool where I get to go swimming most days. I'm also meeting lots of new neighbours. In our back garden, we have:

 Deer, like Bambi's mum

Baby deer, like Bambi

Racoons, who look like cartoon bank robbers

Foxes, just like in London, only cleaner

Fireflies, which are confusing cos they disappear just as I get close

Chipmunks (but sadly not the singing kind)

Black squirrels

Grey squirrels (a bit dull after the others, but still good to chase)

Hopefully I'll get some photos of them soon. Mum says they're a bit elusive, but she'll keep trying. 

A watery weekend

Hi y'all. Do I sound American yet? I'm trying. 

I'm also doing some exploring, in the manner of a Hungarian Columbus. This weekend I discovered the Potomac River, at a place called Great Falls. 

And inspired by Buster B. Brown, the renowned canine scientist and investigator, I conducted an experiment to confirm that water does in fact have the same buoyancy in America as in Britain. Evidently there was some doubt about this, as I wasn't allowed off my lead. All the better for pulling dad in to join me for a swim... 

My next discovery took place on the banks of another of America's fine rivers, the Shenandoah. Here I unearthed what I think must surely have been The Biggest Stick In The World, and persuaded mum to throw it for me. I will be submitting photographic evidence to the Guinness Book of Records, and fully expect to be published as a record breaker in due course.  

All in all, a highly satisfactory weekend!