I was a bad dog last night.

I was outside for my final sniff around the yard before bedtime. Suddenly, over in the bird feeding area, I saw something. Swift of foot and faster than lightning I was over to the area and what did I see..............a baby possum!

This was so EXCITING to me I just had to bark (non-stop) and try to poke the baby possum with my nose. Trish misinterpreted this as me trying to harm the baby and she came running out of the house screaming at me. Does she have any idea just how annoying it is to hear "DILL! DILL! DILL!" shouted over and over again? Well it is so annoying that I decided to ignore her. Until she said the magic word "COOKIE!" Then I paid attention.

Later it was discussed with me that I had been a very bad dog for trying to harm the baby possum. I tried to make it known that I was just being neighborly, but my message did not get through. I just don't get people sometimes.

I would like to send a shout out to my peeps in Oregon who have left nice comments about my prior posts!

I have been doing much thinking about friends. Recently, Scout, my very first girlfriend back in my puppy days at the Pt. Loma Lighthouse, has moved to Chesapeake. I adored Scout and followed her endlessly when I was a young pup. She basically ignored me and, at best, tolerated me. I like to believe she was being coy. Anyway.......
I have made many friends since those days and I have pondered much about which are better, old friends or new friends. Here is what I think: All friends are equal - old, new, those yet to be met.
I just feel lucky to have friends and to be a friend. It's as simple as that!
Feel free to comment below.

I have been pondering today about the meaning of life. My friend Hurricane Jack the Berner believes it has something to do with cheese. Although my love for cheese knows no bounds, I feel life is more than that. I'm thinking cheese, squirrels, cookies, Pedigree Breath Busters, and constant attention come in to play somehow.

People often ask me, "Dill, how do you stay so cute?"
Well, I have to say I have several factors working in my favor.

First would be genetics. At the risk of being labeled a breedist, Shelties are just naturally good looking dogs. I have no control over this. It is, what it is. It is a blessing and curse.

Second factor would be the sporty, healthy life I live. There's nothing quite like a romp outside followed by a good crunchy cookie (my preferred choice - Breath Busters) to put the roses in your cheeks.

Thirdly, I would have to say my positive outlook contributes to my overall cuteness factor. I try not to let anything get me down. Sure, I suffer the occasional thunderstorm induced panic, momentary fits of pique when I don't get me way, and I do have fleeting concerns over the state of the world - will the bad economy result in a shortage of tennis balls or Breath Busters? But, in general, I am a happy go lucky, upbeat kinda guy.

The final factor, and it is no small contributor, is the attention, love and devotion lavished on me by my human companions. Yeah, they annoy me sometimes and can be a little "too much" other times but all in all they are fine folks to live with and call my own.

So there you have it - the secret to my cuteness. I think there is a lesson to be learned in this for anyone.