It's a week before Christmas and all through the frig not a thing to be found, not even a smidge. The kitchen is cleaned, the floor is clear. My heart is sunk, for no crumb is near. The pack leader is gone, chasing a ball, the children are screaming and running down the hall. The mamma has left, to Meijer I hope, if I don't get food soon, it will be my worse mope. It already has been quite a week. My hair is too long, and my girl friend thinks I'm a freak. All I need to turn this whole thing around is a big juicy steak and ... wait ...what is that sound? The garage door is up, could it possibly be? The Mamma is home with a snack for me!!

"You are my Bella and I am your Edward, Sometimes I'm afraid I am going to eat you"

Absence makes the heart grow fonder...

are you getting my good side?

So Mom is playing around with the camera and the blogspot. I think I look good.

Need a Nap!

The Sikma's play hard in the summer, almost as hard as they work in the winter. Naps are the best! I especially love sharing some couch time with the Pack Leader.

Summer Fun - Great Memories

Photo #1 - I call this one "Cool in the Pool". I did finally do some independent dock jumping this summer. With the help of my counselor got past my issues. (Long story why I don't swim, perhaps one that I will save for my book). I still however, prefer the cool clean water my kiddie pool provides me.

She is trouble but I love her...

Pooch Pilates

I'm thinking about my old age and considering some pooch pilates or perhaps a yoga class. Mom caught me practicing in the pack leader's chair this a.m. Actually if he would just pick a bigger chair to leave his scent on, I would sit there instead. Forget the class, and bring on the comfort!

Can you buy floaties in a pack of four?

Boy "raining cats and dogs" would have been preferable. Last Saturday night we watched our basement go from fun to flood a matter of minutes. The thunder and lightning started early. I was on high alert. I think I paced and barked for at least an hour (no one listened!), when all of a sudden, I heard mom and Joe begin their own style of barking. I ran downstairs to find 2 1/2 feet of water staring at us in the window well (see the line in the picture on the window?). All hands and paws on deck! We ran for every piece of terrycloth we could find and began jamming them in the window wells. It didn't work. The water was just bigger and better than we were. Pack Leader (out of town golfing) sent Superman through the backyard (via the cell phone) to save my family. He did an amazing job.
Note to self ... Pack leaders need each other. Grandpa and Grandma also showed up around 12:30 a.m. to lend a hand. It was crazy! but I knew what I had to do. I escaped out a door and raced through the torrential downpour, dodging lightning bolts, saving my family, from I don't know what, but I was out there! When I finally returned I found out that Tess with mom and grandma went to the ER at 2:30 a.m. for a high fever, Grandpa was in the bedroom trying to wet vac. the carpet, and Superman had flown home in hopes of getting a few hours sleep before having to chase down his trampoline that had flown over to the neighboring cornfield. I thought I saw that thing airborne but in all the excitement I failed to report it. Unfortunately for me I couldn't find a dry towel anywhere! I am happy to tell you that things are quieting down now. I gotta go - weather report is coming on soon.

Isn't she beautiful!

Where do I begin? Her name is Brooklyn. She is a little sassy, but I think I am falling in love.

My family counts!

No really - They are counting all the time! Every time they see each other they announce another number. I think it has something to do with summer but I'm not sure. I first thought they were counting the number of times I have attempted (and been successful might I add) crossing the great divide (the dreaded electric fence line). I have a new friend, but I'll save that for another post. Today I'm pretty sure the counting has to do with school, working, and general stress - I really can't relate so I'll go back to making my next escape plan. Stay tuned!

Do you see me in the pool?

No you don't! Family went on a field trip and left me home - nice

Happy 4th Birthday Lucy - wherever you are...

Have you ever had one of those encounters that you simply couldn't get off your mind? That memory that lingers from your past. The one that crosses your mind when you see a certain color, hear a certain bark, or smell that special smell. I certainly have. It was back in 2004, sometime during the fall, that I spent a couple of the craziest few hours of my life. It has taken me a few years to get over the initial embarrassment and sense of loss, but I think I'm ready to face it and perhaps find some peace. At least that is what my therapist suggests, so in the name of mental health here it goes... Like I said, it was early afternoon on a sunny,warm fall day. I had spent the morning doing my regular puppy type things. I don't do many of those things anymore (sigh). I was about to settle down for a little afternoon siesta (yes, I am taking Spanish) when all of a sudden the most amazing brown eyed, silky furred creature entered my side yard. My heart beat out of my chest, I began to sweat, I began to salivate. I had never seen such a magnificent four legged beauty. Her name was Lucy.
I simply lost control. For the next 4 hours I was out of my mind. We chased, barked, and ran like the wind. It was truly glorious. She matched my every move. She could out run me, out jump me, and even out pant me. I am happy to say that I was the best a drooling. That is perhaps the embarrassing part - When we were done "playing", she was soaked head to toe, but I swear to this day, she had a smile on her face. Then as quick as Lucy popped into my life, she was gone. I only have the memory, which in my old age is fading now. I miss the energy and vivaciousness of my puppyhood, but most of all I miss Lucy.

I got a haircut!

Finally - I was so appreciative I didn't even pee on the groomer's wall this time. Actually it was because I was with the mom. I wouldn't do that to her - BUT...My pack leader now that is another story. He and I enjoy a lot of mental gymnastics. Which by the way isn't easy for him. Oh you also should know I think I'm in love again. Her name is Michelle, I like Kris too. They came to my house last night for Bible Study. I just simply couldn't get enough of their glorious smell. I'm pretty sure I embarrassed the pack leader. He didn't act very Godly when dealing with me. But I guess I will be the bigger man and forgive him for his behavior.
I heard the mom on the phone today talking to my first love - Val! She's coming to Hamilton!!! I can't wait. So glad I got the hair cut. Now I just have to figure out how to get this ridiculous handkerchief off my neck. Bob (the groomer) thinks it looks cute. I think it is just a stupid way to get another $5 from the pack leader. Till next time! Jack

Some Random thoughts

Does this fur make me look fat? Seriously I have been begging for a haircut for over 3 weeks. I think I heard someone on the phone yesterday getting me an appointment with Bob the Barber. FINALLY! So my family seems to be spending a lot of time in the big tub outside. I can't quite figure this thing out - on the coldest of days (or even nights) they get their swim suits on (not a pretty sight this time of year - but I don't say anything) and dive out the slider. I usually hear some screaming and then an eerie silence. This drives me crazy - what am I missing??? I bark long enough to get someone to open the door again and let me out. I survey the land, check the borders of the territory, and take a peak into the big tub. Everyone looks very content and warm, meanwhile I start to freeze. I stand on 2 legs (not an easy task mind you) , lay in the snow (I saw that on a Disney movie once), pace back and forth across the deck, and generally try to keep warm. Meanwhile no one is really interested in helping me get back inside. I hear something about " living with my decision" yada yada yada... Maybe I should try to keep the fur (at least for a little while longer).

Here it is! If you look carefully you can see me in my new seat.

Cool Cooper!

The Alpha dog in my pack pulled off a huge surprise for Momma this weekend. She turns 40 on Friday. With the help of some really great friends, he threw a huge surprise party for her. Of course, I had to stay home to guard the territory, but they were all so excited when they got home.
To top it all off, for her birthday gift, My Alpha got us a new" Jack Carrier" - very sporty. They call it a "mini cooper" . I call it a really cool ride with the sunroof down and the music blasting. It doesn't like the snow nearly as much as I do - When I get ice balls stuck in my paws, I can spend the day licking them out. Add a little salt and you have a nice happy hour type thing - When Cooper gets ice in his "paws" - he just sits and spins - what a baby! I'll have to spend some time with him one on one to help him get his life together - apparently in Florida (Where he came from) -They don't have snow. Welcome to Michigan Bro!

A seasonal look I am thinking about using

Don't be alarmed by my eye color. Just notice how natural my antlers appear.

Snow Day!

I absolutely love snow days - except for the fact that I have to go outside. But even with that chore, I have decided to mix it up a little for my family. They are used to letting me out the back door and then they wait for me to bark to let me back in. Sounds easy right? It can however, get a little boring for all of us. So just to keep it interesting, I now am going out the back door BUT... I am barking at the front door. I can't tell you how fun it is to watch them run from one door to the other trying to find me. Do they really think I'm that confused - Not at all, just amused at my power. Tonight we are all in the basement watching American Idol. Seriously I could do better than most of these people. Howling is a special talent that I use just for special occasions. Wait a minute -someone just said that I smell like a wet hamster - Should I be offended? or just put off that they haven't made me a doggy shop appointment in like 6 weeks. You would smell too if you hadn't been bathed in more than 40 days. Good Grief!