Someone's on the Naughty List...

I am often amazed by the ability dogs have to "just know" some things, even when us sensory-limited humans have tried extra hard to keep any clues hidden.

For example, how did Shadow know that beneath the Christmas tree... buried between little ceramic houses and amidst a bunch of other presents of the two-legged variety... was a brand new Kong dog toy just for him? Sure, the tag said "To Shadow," but... well, I'm not that crazy.

The Crime Scene

Just like a little kid on a quest to uncover all of Santa's secrets,  Shadow's suspicions began several days ago, when all the gifts sat in a pile on my desk, waiting to be wrapped. He couldn't see the Kong. And I can't imagine how he could have distinguished it from everything else by smell. But more than a few times I caught him staring anxiously up at the pile, wagging his tail, and whining.

But since we already unwrapped his big gift (a bed), I was not about to give in.  He had to have ONE gift Christmas morning. So this weekend, I  stole a few minutes to wrap the toy and place it under the tree with a nice little "To Shadow" tag.

(Click here to check out Shadow opening gifts on his first Christmas last year.)

Exhibit A

There it sat, untouched and peaceful for one whole day. But then... what did I hear just a few hours ago while typing away in my office? Rustling. Rustling like paper coming from the family room.

This is what my mind said: Shadow doesn't usually make noises like that. Shadow makes noises from chewing, bouncing his toys against the floor, and drinking water. But the presents would make that noise. Especially the tissue paper in the bags for my parents, but... no... no way. Shadow never EVER touches things that don't belong to him. He's good like that. He knows... but...


Slightly worried but certain that all would be fine, I walked into the room... and right in on the crime. There, in the middle of the floor with a tear and obvious signs of a struggle, was the gift. And there, a few feet further was Shadow... frozen and staring at me -- not with his usual tail wag, but with a look of "What? I didn't do it."

Ah, the joy of Christmas. Fun for kids and dogs alike!

The Remorseful (?) Culprit

Next time you think you're having a bad day...

... just be happy no one's doing this to you:

Shadow's first Christmas

Shadow's received a lot of presents in his eight months with us, but Christmas morning was a whole new experience.

As usual, he was a curious puppy.

He has yet to understand how to unwrap gifts..

... but he got the general idea.

And like a true kid, Shadow ended his Christmas cuddled up in his new bed with his three new presents.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!

From Shadow's family to yours, may this Christmas be filled with love and blessings.

What's with all this Christmas stuff?

Shadow curls up beside the Christmas tree in his new bed.

It's Christmas-slash-birthday time, and both I and Shadow are playing with new toys: a big cozy couch bed for him and a brand new camera lens for me  ;)

I apologize for the looong delay in posts; I've just finished a year-long project that I'll keep you posted on in the coming months.

Stay tuned for more shots of Shadow discovering the joys of  * snow *  and Christmas (including the mandatory Santa hat, of course).

Happy Father's Day

Shadow and his owners would like to wish a very happy Father's Day to the men who taught them how to walk, how to enjoy life, and how to stay.

In honor of Memorial Day

Not sure if "happy" is the right word for it, but all the best to you and yours on this Memorial Day. I can't thank them in person, but here's to all the men and women who gave their lives to defend our home, our families, and our way of life. May you all have a wonderful, happy Memorial Day.
From Laura, Chris and Shadow.