No longer a puppy

Liam will soon attain an important milestone. He will turn two on August 1, 2009. Yes, he is a Leo like me, and most likely a first born like me. He had a brother at North Shore who was adopted the same day as he was. The staff told us Liam had beaten up his brother the day before, so I am sure he is the first born because that is what we first borns do-beat up our younger sibs.
There seems to be a consensus that puppies are adults by age two. The smaller the dog the faster he/she matures. Liam is still mistaken for puppy on his walks and at Petco; he looks like a mini lab so he is treated like a puppy.

Liam asked to bark in the blog this week as a treat for attaining his adult milestone. Sure, why not? Following are some thoughts from Liam on a variety of topics.

Liam's thoughts on:

Naps- the best rest in the world anywhere, anytime, woof

Toys- my favorite is Mr. Pepper, then red Kong boney filled with treats

Walks- best with Daddy Paul, he lets me poop and pee anywhere, even on people's lawns. He allows me to lead. I can eat dirt and grass. I can scratch any tree and sniff all spots.
Mommy Carol watches too much Dog Whisperer- she will not allow any of that. This pack leader stuff is for the birds.

Birds- my favorites are doves, and cardinals-I love to chase them. If I come across a dead bird I will pick it up and try to scare my parents. They then call me "bird breath." I am not upset. "Dog breath" is a far worse insult.

Dogs- I bark at them all when I am inside. Outside I just look I do not like any dog that wears cutesy outfits Wussy dogs.

Squirrels- never tire of lunging and leaping for them. Hurt Mommy bad last year, but now I wear special harness and she stays upright most of the time. And we have a lovely framed eye as a result- very Van Goghish

Bedbugs- recent infestations have been identified in NYC. I can help. Beagles are the canine searchers and I am one quarter beagle.

The backyard- a place of infinite fun and relaxation woof woof woof

Obedience training- A big fat waste. I did not learn anything. I played with Murphy ( classmate) each week. The last session the instructor gave in and let all of us play for the entire session. I consider it my biggest victory over humans so far.

Hydrogen peroxide- Mommy Carol thinks this is the remedy for everything. Whenever I see the big brown bottle I run She loves to dab it on my cuts and bumps. She uses it on all of us.

Middle of the night eating. Mommy Carol does this when she cannot sleep. I can leap VERY high, I wait till she makes her sandwich then I leap. About 75% of the time I get some. One time I got the entire sandwich. I hate when she snacks on cereal. So boring. She should thank me for joining in-otherwise she would weigh 500 pounds. Daddy Paul often asks why the cold cuts disappear during the night. I get blamed. How does he think I open the fridge?

Water -hate it Grrrrrrrr That is how I know I am not any part lab.

Brushing my teeth. Another OCD thing from Mommy Carol. She is so proud of my white teeth, Whenever I see that tube of peanut butter flavored tooth paste I hide behind the couch.

Peanut butter-yummo, my favorite human food.

Jumping on people. I do it. I get squirted with a water pistol. But some people love it so I keep doing it.

Barking - I bark at passersby. I bark when I want to play. I bark when I lose a toy. It usually works. I have been told that I have a big voice for my size.

Getting older- I have some grey hairs around my chin, on my belly and on my legs
I still get mistaken for a puppy, because I am high energy, I lick faces, jump at folks-all puppy behavior. I am small like a puppy.

Petco- my favorite store. I sniff all the food, bark at the birds and cats. I always get a treat from the cashier. I am petted and called a cute puppy. I am an adult dog but I go along with the charade.

Chewing underwear- If it is reachable I am there. Most of Mommy's bras have one strap. I chew it so clean it looks like a scissor cut. Works with the one strap dresses quite well. Guess that toothpaste is helping.

Springsteen- he rocks, love the Boss

On being the subject of Liamlicks blog read by hundreds- I am a first born Leo. I welcome all attention and fame.
"Leos love to be in the spotlight. Their greatest strength is their playful and loving nature. The Lion-king of the jungle!"

Thanks everyone for reading looking and following forwarding commenting

Woof, woof, arooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo got to turn back to my bird watching. Love and Licks, Liam