Well, onward and upward! Dennis gave my blog site a makeover! He even included "My Life Slideshow" -- check out the top of the screen and you'll see a montage of photos from the past year of my life. There are even captions to let you know what was going on!
Here is what's been happening while I've been away from my computer...
November
- I attended my first puppy training class at Four Paws! We started working on basic obedience training, and addressed my *hmmph!* "behavior problems." Well, now that I'm more mature I know not to chew everything around me, especially when it doesn't belong to me.
- I had Thanksgiving with my mommy, Lisa, and her family. I had a lot of fun hanging out with Grand-puppyma and Grand-puppypa.
December
- My mommy got a new job, so she went from working at The Dwelling Place in Norfolk to Samaritan House in Virginia Beach. At both places she's gone a lot, but thankfully Aunt Natalie and Petey kept me company!
- Lisa went to Washington, D.C. for her job, and I got to spend quality time with Natalie. Awrf! I was beyond excited to see her when she got back. She'd never left me before!!
- Mommy & Dennis went on vacation to New York City, so I got to stay with Aunt Jill and her family and her dog, Ella. There was a field out back, and Ella and I just ran and ran. My paws were green when Lisa picked me up!
- I got to spend Christmas with Grand-puppyma and Grand-puppypa (Lisa's parents) and afterwards with Dennis' parents. Dennis' parents' house is so exciting! So many smells! And I got presents from Lisa and Dennis and Dennis' roomies!!
January
- My mommy, Dennis, and I moved into our own apartment in Virginia Beach, not too far from the beach. It's a dog-friendly community, so I see a dog every time I walk outside!
- My mommy was super stressy and busy with learning to do her new job, but now she works much closer to yours truly, so I get to see her more.
- Dennis and I hung out while my mommy went to San Diego, California, for her job. I got really sicky while she was gone!! Thankfully D took care of me. I was miserable, but D was so sweet to be patient and keep me clean while I was sick. (There was bacteria in my stomach, possibly from drinking standing rain water, according to the vet.)
February
- My mommy submitted her grad school application and finally was less stressed, but then she was sick for practically the whole month. I'm really good company, so I made sure to cuddle with her every chance I got. I like sleeping like a human on the bed. Lisa says I'm her therapy dog.
- I got spayed, my stomach tacked (to prevent this awful thing called torsion when the tummy flips on itself), and my eyes got cleaned out... it was awful, but mommy & Dennis were there with me at the vet when I woke up. D stayed up with me the first night -- I was scared and in so much pain. I felt better soon though! Lisa & D had to keep me still so I could heal.
- My mommy calls me "Iona Begonia," and D gave me begonias for Valentines Day! I felt so special. I'd never seen one before!
- I saw snow for the first time -- I don't know what it is, but I do not like it. Burrrr.
March
- I started on my second obedience training class! I'm really smart -- if you come see me, I'll show you my tricks.
- I got invited to Riot's first birthday party! I lovey love love dog parks! And I missed hanging out with Riot, so I had so much fun playing with him.
April
- D had more time to spend with me at home. We're best buds now. I love my Dennis so much.
- There was a housewarming party!! So many people! So much excitement! There may have been a point where I licked a burrito... and then another when I stole a burrito... so I had to spend time in my crate, aka castle. But I'm so pretty, people even visited me in my crate!
- I'd been to the beach before in Hampton, but now I've been to it in Virginia Beach, too. Still not a fan of the water, but I love walks.
May
- I worked on my third puppy obedience class! I am getting good at this stuff now!!
- I got to go to Uncle Paul's birthday dinner! Oh boy do I love giving him kisses. He's good at petting me.
- I got to go to Uncle Tony's house a lot! He and Shannon have their own house now, with a y-a-r-d!! Lilah and I tear around that thing like nobody's business. Dennis and Tony, just stay out of the way -- I can't slow down once I get going that fast!
June
- I turned 1 years old on June 4th!!!
- Mommy & Dennis made the day all about me. We went to the dog park where I ran my paws off, went to Carealot where I picked out my presents, went home where I got to munch on treats, and went to bed for snuggles!
- The pool has been open for a little while now at our apartment, so I make sure I stand guard and keep everyone safe. I have a great view from my balcony.
- I weigh 100 pounds now. I still look small to D and Lisa, but so many people have been saying I'm the biggest dog they've ever seen. Plus, everyone says I'm beautiful. I'm less shy now, but I still take a minute to warm up to people.
July
- My adventures continue!!
Please see the photos to see pics of all my latest happenings :)
Puppy kisses,
Iona
