Riley - Fact or Fiction

Poor me!

2009-05-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

Poor me is right! She never lets me write anything anymore! What can I say? I'm working on her every day to let me say something, anything, just a word - ARF!!

Luv,

Riley
RFF

Cold spring walks

2009-04-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah, I'm cuddlin' down with my bear friend here after a cold a.m. walk. I don't mind the cold 'n don't complain - just love bein' outdoors with my person. She seems a lil' troubled by the cold, at least this a.m. anyway, she didn't have a warm jacket on n' kept walkin' faster 'n faster. Well, I don't mind - I can keep up!

BTW - my person, lovely that she is, has questioned me about a book of hers that is missin' - it's a book on loan from a friend entitled Thomas Merton/Care of the Soul. I swear I haven't seen it but she's misplaced it somewhere and is now threatening to go search the yard - she seems to think I might have read it sometime......some people never forget!

Luv,

RILEY
RFF

Oh my dear friends......

2009-03-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been too long 'n I've now insisted on some computer time - first of all, I have to send my apologies to this cute lookin' friend who contacted me weeks 'n weeks ago. Isn't this a darlin' letter 'n doggie?! Name is Dudley......

"My mum found your blog and showed me, you are really lucky.

My name is Dudley and I am a Silky Terrier and I am 11 years old. My mum found me at the RSPCA when I was about 3 months old, I was with some other puppies waiting for a new home. I how live near Newcastle, NSW in Australia.

I love going on daily walks (why is it that mum gets frustrated when I stop at EVERY tree, post and tuft of grass for a pee?) and I love the car, sometimes we go to visit Cousin Ben (a Shuz Itzu cross) and Cousin Sophie (a Miniature French Poodle).

I also love tummy rubs and getting my hair brushed but not so much a bath. Mum also buys me lots of toys, I like squeaky ones the best (especially when mum's on the phone).

Here is a picture of me (mum made me the quilt).

Your friend
Dudley"

Dudley, I would love to hear more stories from you and see pictures of your Cousins Ben and Sophie - they sound like doggies I'd really like to see and hear from. Thanks again for writing and for the picture!

Licks 'n Love,

RILEY
RFF

I'm Back

2009-03-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

Well, they're back at last, I mean they've been back for a week or so 'n I haven't been able to get even a minute on the computer!!!

Anyway, Andy 'n I are very glad to have our persons at home again. Things are back to normal, whatever that means, 'n hope they'll stay that way for a while.

I didn't do any reading while they were away or even go through the extra phone books that are always in clear sight around here. I pulled out one photo album but it was so old n' frankly tasted a little dusty that I lost interest pretty quickly!

I hope to be gettin' some computer time each day now, although she's working on some kind of Blurb project......again, I never know what she's up to and I don't know what Blurb means - I've just seen some notes about it!

Thanks for droppin' by.

RILEY
RFF

Maui, Maui - darn!

2009-02-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

Yep, I saw the equipment bag come outta the closet this week. It's got flippers, masks 'n snorkel gear, backpacks, beach sandals 'n beach towels labeled MAUI in it! Oh, I wish they wouldn't do this each year but there doesn't seem to be anything I can say to talk 'em out of it! So, you know what that means, unless I can get my hands on a computer, I'm grounded!

Oh, well, I'll let you know when I'm back:(

xoxo
RILEY
RFF

P.S. Andy's not happy either!

Of course, I watched!

2009-01-22T12:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I mean the television came on at 7:00 a.m. 'n both of my persons had already showered 'n dressed by then. I thought maybe they were leavin' town but when the tv came on, I was totally confused. Well, she never left the viewing area for the day 'n he drifted in and out for most of it also. Finally, I decided I better sit up 'n pay attention 'n so that's what you see me doin' here!

Well, for heaven's sake, why didn't they tell me it was the 'nauguration - I wouldn't have missed it for anything! I'm proud to be a 'murrican dawg, oh, excuse me, I mean I'm proud to be an American dog:)

Did you watch it - right to the end? Well, I did doze off a lil......

RILEY
RFF

She wanted a closeup!

2009-01-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

My person was so annoying with that camera yesterday! Well, she wanted me to look up - how d'ya like this close up - close enuf? Nostril nose! I'm sorry loyal readers - she drove me to this! I'll try to recompose myself by tomorrow:( Maybe......

RILEY
RFF

I'm not lookin' up!

2009-01-12T21:07:00.000-08:00

No more flashes - As you can see, I can't stand it when my person uses that flash on the digital camera!

I refused to look up and you see what's she's done - this is not my best exposure. I'll get her - wait'll you see tomorrow's picture!

RILEY
RFF

Ode to a weiner?

2009-01-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

"I wish I were an Oscar Meyer Weiner" - do you know that song? What kind of song is that? I heard some kids singin' it on a commercial. I'm wonderin' if it's an ode to dachschunds?

RILEY
RFF

Oscar Meyer Weiner Song

Dreamin"? - No, these guys are sleepin'!

2009-01-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

I posted about dreams yesterday 'n after I posted, I was reminded of my two friends in New York - Jack and Lucy. You can see from their picture here, these two have no trouble sleepin' - still as stones ' - whoops, I think Lucy was sneakin' a peak at the camera - I do not think they are dreamin' - although, I've been told they can make a huge ruckus in two seconds if the doorbell rings!

Sweet dreams to my friends, Lucy and Jack:)

RILEY
RFF

Dreamin' is for the dogs?

2009-01-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

Do you make noises when you dream? I mean, do you dream in the first place 'n then, do you make noises? I'm askin' 'cause I heard my persons discussin' the fact that they think I dream; I just consider it thinkin' while I'm sleepin' but again, they make a whole big deal about what I'm thinkin' or dreamin' as the case may be. Apparently, I make some little yippin' sounds durin' my thinkin'/sleepin' time.

Do your pets dream or do you think they do? In fact do you think all pets know how to speak their persons' native tongues?......I hear there are dogs who can speak Spanish, Russian and even Chinese! Wow, is that called bow-lingual?

Oh well - as usual, sincerely yours,

RILEY
RFF

The Snow is gone

2009-01-07T15:52:00.000-08:00

Bow Wow! It rained all day yesterday and seems to have taken all of the snow away. I don't know how that happens - but it confirms my reservations and misgivings about going out in the rain - I mean what's that "melting" stuff all about? Neither Andy nor I like goin' outside in a drizzle, much less a downpour. Don't worry though as my person is quite insistent that I get outside in the rain, although she doesn't seemed too worried about gettin' out there herself ! Oh well, didn't mean to complain.

I'm just happy to see the grass again and to feel the mud between my toes - nothin' better than a good muddy run up and down the fence with a squirrel racin' along the top.....I know, I know that I've talked about that before, but it is one of my favorite pastimes.

Thanks for listenin'

RILEY
RFF

Feast of the Epiphany - more than just Magi!

2009-01-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

You know it's the Feast of the Epiphany today 'n although I'm NOT noted for my theological views (I dunno why not, but anyway), I've been readin' and lookin' at picture books 'n it seems to me that there were some creatures there in adoration of the Christ Child besides the magi's camels.

As far as I can tell there must've been: cows, at least one donkey, sheep, camels, maybe some chickens (well maybe not), 'n I mean there must've been at least one sheepdog - a Sheltie? - (I'm just puttin' that Sheltie business in here for Andy's sake - that's a great picture of him don't you think?) - and although I haven't found the documentation yet, a Westie would've made it a truly exceptional event!

So, I'm proposing that any of that King's Cake that is still floatin' around in your house should be shared with your animals - they love cake:)

Luv,

Riley and Andy too!
RFF

I wish I spoke better English

2009-01-05T17:04:00.000-08:00

In the past few days when I've been upstairs with my person workin' on her blog 'n mine, I've heard a dog in the neighborhood barkin' and barkin'......I know which dog it is. He's a great, BIG, HUGE, white dog 'n he doesn't seem very nice to me. His owners usually walk him at times when no other dogs or persons are around 'cause he's sort of growly and scary to passersby - anyway, I don't think he's very nice!

BUT, his barkin' is worryin' me. It's been very cold here with lots of snow 'n I can't decide whether he's barkin' 'cause he's been left out in the cold or if he's just barkin' for the heck of it. But as I said, it's worryin' me. I've tried to tell my person with my best whines of concern but man, sometimes, she just doesn't get it. I wish I spoke better English and I sure wish she spoke better DOG!

Oh, my gosh, he's just started barkin' again.......I wish I knew. He's not so nice, I know, I keep sayin' it, but I'm worried he's in distress:( It makes me uncomfortable when I think somebody's sad, even if they're sorta mean. Ya know?

Sighs and woofs,

RILEY
RFF

Blogiversary

2009-01-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

Woof and whoopee!
I have 100 posts as of today.
I owe "some" of my amazing, brilliant posts, to my friend over at MINDSIEVE
And my overwhelming, acclaimed fame to all of you fascinating and devoted followers!

P.S. I think my person has a blogiversary today also.

Shovelin' 'n whatever.....

2009-01-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

My person keeps goin' out - she says she's shovelin' with "him". I mean I could help her, he's had a cold and really shouldn't be out there in the snow. She says that I'm not much help! Well, I could be, I like to keep busy.

I mean, after she's finished shovelin' she keeps puttin' me out alone (well, Andy is there too sometimes) n' expectin' me to DO somethin', I mean besides shovelin' - well, doin' it "on command" is not easy, especially with an audience. She just stares out at me from the kitchen window with sorta a frown on her face. I mean I don't HAVE to GO outside, I can do it in the house like "the persons" do, but no, I have to go outside.

I hope I haven't grossed you out.....but I mean - I'd rather be shovelin' or chasin' squirrels, ya know?

Cold nose, warm heart to you,

RILEY

RFF

Squirrel Chasin'

2009-01-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

The snow is still great especially when the squirrels come out 'n run on the fence with me - I mean they run on the fence, I run beside the fence. It's sorta like a race, ya know what I mean?

They're only runnin' for exercise but I'm in trainin' for the "capture and release" plan I have for when they make a wrong switchback 'n land right in front of me - on the ground! Wow, can you imagine?

I do worry a lil' sometimes about their "fallin", I mean they need to fall in front of me - not on top of me! That thought does make me a lil' nervous!

Oh, you can't see the squirrels?.....well, I'm tryin' to tell her here that I can't possibly chase squirrels on the leash - she won't be able to keep up! I luv my person but sometimes she's a lil' dense!

Woof,

RILEY

RFF

Yeah - more snow!

2009-01-02T10:22:00.001-08:00

I mean I chose the right word for 2009 - FUN - and with more snow fallin' I'm lovin' the word 'n the action!

My person took me out for a walk or run this a.m., I'm not sure which. You can see from the photo that I'm doing my best Yukon Husky imitation in the single car rut that was ahead of me - MUSH! My person could barely keep up, but then she does only have two legs.....

xoxox

RILEY

RFF

FUN

2009-01-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

FUN
is my word for the year!

It's Christmas.....and there's a story

2008-12-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

This is my person's favorite tellin' of the Christmas story, so even though she's not here with me right now, she 'n me 'n he 'n Andy 'n I dedicate it to our favorite Auntie Lucy, and all of our other aunties and uncles, and cousins, and blessed family 'n friends. Merry Christmas.

Luv from us all:)

The baby will be here today or tomorrow?????

2008-12-24T03:00:00.000-08:00

The baby, the baby, whose baby? Does anyone know? I mean I thought this was all about presents n' snowmen n' turkey n' dressin'.......I need some info!!

Help!!!

Luv,
RILEY
RFF

Walla Walla is gonna have a white Christmas.....

2008-12-23T03:00:00.000-08:00

Well, they shouldn't have left 'cause our lil' hometown is havin' a beautiful, snowy, white Christmas. Wow, everyone says that this is what they want n' Andy 'n I like it but it's a lil' frosty each mornin' tryin' to find a spot for you know what! I usually rely on Andy to clear an area for me before I give it a go.....

Oh, n' I heard somewhere you shouldn't eat the yellow snow - I don' know what that means!!

Luv and cold kisses,

RILEY
RFF

It's almost Christmas -

2008-12-22T03:22:00.000-08:00

It's almost Christmas 'n although Andy 'n I are missin' "them" we're always happy to have our buddy, Susa, come 'n stay with us while they're out playin' somewhere! Anyway, I won't go into the grumpy side of that from us:(

We're decoratin' the house or at least sorta, kinda, 'n we thought we would just share some of our pretty pictures with you today and maybe tomorra, and......you get the picture (literally:))

Luv,

Riley and Andy
RFF

Meditatin' n' waitin'......

2008-12-21T03:05:00.000-08:00

Well, as you might have guessed, I can't reach the Advent books and Andy is bein' stubborn about helpin' me get 'em off the desk. So, I've just decided to do a lil' meditating here in her chair.

After all, I know enuf' prayers by heart to communicate with my Creator - I think, I mean, I think I know who the Creator is - any clues out there?

I'll be thru with my deep meditation soon 'n you can feel free to send me your thoughts:) All comments will be read by the management - me 'n Andy:)

Luv,
RILEY
RFF

Advent, I'm waitin'......

2008-12-20T03:00:00.000-08:00

Well, first of all, 'bout my story of yesterday, I was on the pink coat so she couldn't leave 'n she just picked up that coat and left me high and dry! Very rude, don' you think?

Well, I'll show her in some way.....I'll find another jacket or maybe I'll read a new book. I saw Auntie Lu's new book, Unbounded Grace, here somewhere. I'm dyin' to look at that!

And while I'm waitin' for her to return, I'll just skitter upstairs 'n take a look at those Advent books she's had in her lap every morning for weeks! As you can see in the photo, actually I've found them - I just need a boost from Andy to reach them and I can get in some great readin' while she's gone:)

Luv n' licks,

RILEY
RFF

Her pink coat.....

2008-12-19T03:00:00.000-08:00

I think she's goin' somewhere - all the signs are beginnin', list makin', baggies with stuff in 'em - I think I saw some airline tickets on her desk. Although it is a little hard to really SEE anythin' on her desk! Boy, she's got a lot of stuff....I digress.

Well, she can't fool me or sneak out without her coat. I've been layin' on this thing for a couple of days and it's too cold for her to really leave the house without it. I'll just stay here and see what happens!

RILEY
RFF

Photographer's Assistant

2008-12-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

My person is always wantin' to take a picture of me when I don't want her to do that - I mean sometimes my bangs are askew or my feet are muddy - you understand, right? I like to look my best when bloggin' or even when just layin' around the house!

So, last night I came up with the perfect photo 'n then I just waited 'til she came in the bedroom. She was busy with stuff and didn't notice me for a few minutes but finally I made a lil' noise and she just gave me this big silly grin and said, "Stay!" Which, of course, I'm perfectly well trained and mannered (and very handsome lookin' at that moment) so I just stayed! Sure enuf' in she came with the Iphone 'n I was pretty sure she wasn't goin' to call someone.

I stayed, I smiled, she smiled - and now you see me at my best (I would say prettiest but I'm a guy!) I'll get a good picture of Andy for you soon - he's always posin' - I just need to assist my person in capturin' the perfect shot!

Have a great day! Woof!
RILEY
RFF

Where's the dog? Can you see the dog?

2008-12-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, sure I said that I liked the snow 'n I still do. It's still fun to run in 'though the temp has apparently dropped to some goofy number like 7 or 8? So's that a good number or a bad number - I don't really get the temp bit, but anyway, my point is, I love the prettiness of the snow 'n I better like it 'cause apparently it's gonna be around our backyard for a WHILE! BUT, where's the dog picture.....this is a dog's blog.....where's the dog????

Oh, whatever -
Riley

Photo - She said, no hat? No photo! Oh well.......

Princey - glad to be inside!

2008-12-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

Well, you remember that I love gettin' stories about doggies and kitty cats and just about any four legged lil' creature and I just received this nice picture today of Ella and her friend Princey.

Seems Princey managed to get himself locked outta the apartment for the night. He lives in a high rise building in Taiwan, Taipei - wherever that is(?) and I think he was probly on the terrace cause I don't think he's allowed to use the lift or the elevator or whatever they call it in Taipei! Anyway, he got locked out and when Ella awakened and found him missin' she was so happy that he was just outside the door!! He was happy too and curled right up here next to Ella for a really long nap!

Luv,
RILEY
RFF

P.S. I wouldn't like to get locked out of my house right now 'cause we have lots of snow on the ground. That could never happen though as my friend, Andy, is very loud with his barks when he finds that I've been left outside - thank goodness. Maybe Princey needs a dog to bark when he's left outside?

I love the snow!

2008-12-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been snowin' at our house 'n I think that is just terrific! I 'member earlier this year - January, I think, we had snow and it was the first real time I'd seen any. Being familiar with it now, I love to watch from inside and plot my capture of the birdies who are showing up lookin' for some birdseed. When I can coax someone to open the back door I roar out with full intention of nabbin' at least one or maybe two, but then often I get distracted 'cause I think there's a mouse house somewhere close to the back door and that smell attracts me before I can get to the birds ----- I've got to learn to concentrate or focus or whatever.....!!

Anyway, it is so much fun to run around in. I try to keep an eye on Andy because he only comes outside for ONE reason so he sort of tramples down the snow around him during and after "you know what" and then I've sorta got a place to relieve myself without all of that snow distracting MY backside. 'Scuse me? No, that's not gross, it's practical!

Anyway, the snow is so much fun 'n pretty too. I offered to help my persons shovel the driveway but they insisted on doin' it themselves so Andy 'n I just sat at the glass door gazing out - well, it was warmer 'n drier than outside but they seemed to be havin' so much fun!

Here's from me to you - Hope it snows at your house soon - remember to make a snowdog for me!

RILEY
RFF

Photo - SS

Going from Dusk into Day......

2008-12-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite comic strips is Buckles by David Gilbert. In the comic above*, Buckles has a great attitude about leaving Dawn and going into Day.....you may reference how I related to this comic from my person's recent posts.

*you can see Buckles sleepy-eyed at the bowl, refreshin' himself, then with his person askin' how he had gotten so chipper this a.m. I believe the next frame is the biiiigggg kiiiisssss:) Yum!

RFF

Off the wall? He's an ELK!!

2008-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I mean, I showed this guy yesterday but I'm gettin' a lil' creeped out now. You see, he's a great big, huge - what they call an Elk. That's only his head and it's stuffed and glued to the wall - why would anyone do that? I mean, you don't think my persons would have somethin' like that done to me, do ya? Yeah, I mean grossed out!!

I've done a lil' internet research this a.m. and it seems these Elks gather together in clubs and/or lodges all over the United States. They call themselves the BPOE or Brotherhood for the Protection of Elks - I mean this guy is hangin' on the wall - what kind of protection is that?! Anyway, they recite secret verses and do handshakes and toasts and such. They even wrote the poetry/jingle below to salute their existence.....oh my goodness, who knew? BTW, there's another group of these varmints that are called Mooses and they meet in lodges and drink and dance too - oh this is scary!!!! Let me know what you think?

"The Elk's Alphabet"
(Written on the Elks' Fiftieth Anniversary)

By Bro. Raymond A. Browne New York Lodge No. 1 BPOE

The "A" is for "Altar," where proudly repose
The Three Precious Symbols that ev'ry Elk knows.
The "B" is for "Brother, a word that we love;
It makes us all kin, does the term from Above.
The "C" is for "Charity, noblest of deeds;
It carries a blessing in each of its seeds.
The "D" is for "Discord" we never have known,
And "Duty," that bids us to take care of our own.
The "E" is for "Eleven," the hour of prayer,
When "Our Absent Brothers" our loving thoughts share.
The "F" is for "Fidelity," ne'er does it lag;
Just now it bids us to stand up for our Flag.
"The "G" stands for "God," the Omnipotent King,
Whose children we are, and whose praises we sing.
The "H" is for our "Home," where a welcome awaits,
The "Wandering Elk" who has come to our gates.
The "I" is for "Initiate," waiting the words,
That makes him an Elk, with a place in the herds.
The "J" is for "Justice," impartial and free,
Yet tempered with Mercy, as Justice should be.
The "K" is for "Knowledge," that thrills you and me,
That all the world honors the "B.P.O.E."
The "L" is for "Lodges," all over the land,
About fifteen hundred, and many more planned.
The "M" is for "Mem'ry," of each bygone prince
Who helped found our Order, just fifty years since.
The "N" is the "Nation" of which we're a part,
And love for it burns bright in ev'ry Elk's heart.
The "O" is for our "Order," and likewise our "Oath,"
As long as life last, we'll be faithful to both.
The "P" is our "Pockets," that we reach in, and quick,
To help the distressed, and the poor, and the sick.
The "Q" is the "Queens" of our hearts and our lives,
Our Mothers, and Sisters, our Sweethearts, and Wives.
The "R" is "religion," we know only ONE:
To do good to all, and do evil to none.
The "S" is the "Star" that looks down from above,
And sheds on our Altar the radiance of love.
The "T" is for "Time," with his scythe and his glass;
He bids us remember, "Do good as ye pass."
The "U" is the "Unknown," where are Brothers of old,
Found rest when the story of life was all told.
And "V" is the "Vision" that sometimes seems plain
Of that Other World where we'll meet them again.
The "W" the "Widows" who call not in vain;
We've helped them before, and we'll help them again.
"X" that's the "Xample" we set to the world,
Wherever the standard of Elkdom's unfurled.
The "Y" is for "Youngsters," for someone has told
How Elks are all children who never grow old.
The "Z" is the "Zeal" that we have for the Right;
The Alphabet's ended; I thank you - Good Night!

Photo Courtesy SS - the poem is NOT SS

My person's eclectic animal friends

2008-12-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

I don' know where she goes all of the time but often she brings home photos of animals. I've been thinkin' it over and I'm not sure whether I should be worried about her affection or pleased that she has such a warm heart for all of these critters. I mean I've managed to get these photos today off of her camera and IPhone......she picked up these photo friends in Seattle, WA, Bellville, TX, Coeur d'alane, ID, and Hood Canal, WA......what do you think - jealous or pleased she leaves me at home and goes off to pal around with other furry friends?

RILEY
RFF

Photos - courtesy SS and Riley

The Yellow Cat

2008-12-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

A very nice friend of my person threw a birthday party for my person last week. While everyone was gathering for the party, my person noted there was a handsome yellow cat sitting by the back door entrance. When she inquired of the hostess, she said, "Oh, he isn't ours, he doesn't live here."

As my person was leaving the party, she noted that the yellow cat, "who didn't live there" seemed to be quite comfortable in the basket pictured, her friend said, "well, he couldn't really live outside with it being so cold and all." My person said, "Is that a heated bed?" Her friend replied, "well, yes it is.....the cold and all." Wow, that's quite a treatment for a cat that isn't theirs and doesn't live there!

Nice warm story, don't you think?

Yours truly,
RILEY
RFF

I'm baaaaaack- my own site!

2008-12-09T10:39:00.001-08:00

Yeah, my person promised I could come back to my own site 'n HERE I AM to share a lil' newspaper photo of Westie pals!

Readin' our local paper last Friday, when my person was away, I spotted this terrific picture of my Westie friends Dani and Darby (and their persons). I'm not includin' the whole big article as I know some of you don't read as well as I do, but I just had to share the picture! Once upon a time, I lived with Dani n' Darby......but that's another story for another day:)

Come back soon! Andy 'n I've been savin' up stuff "to share 'n show:)"

RILEY
RFF

Photo - Courtesy Diana Schmidt

I'm Movin':))

2008-10-15T14:15:00.001-07:00

Well, a course you wanna know where I'm movin' - she and I have decided I should SIT 'n STAY over on her blogsite at MINDSIEVE. So, I'll see ya there and not here any more - at least not for now!

Arf!

RILEY
RFF

A New Friend

2008-10-10T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everbody -

I just received the cutest photo from one of my Aunties and I wrote off immediately to ask for permission to share it with you! The response to my request is below and you can see that noble face shinin' up outta the leaves......lucky dog, those leaves look positively wrecklessly dangerous - my favorite kinda props!

And Piper wrote -
"Of course you can post my picture, Riley. I'm just off for a run at Pacific Spirit Park. Wish you could join me -- lots of trees with squirrel-potential."

Enjoy!
Riley
RFF

Photo from - http://greensandberries.squarespace.com/edible-balcony-garden-journal/2008/10/10/a-big-pile-of-leaves.html

A little mud.....

2008-09-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

I think I got in trouble this a.m. with my person.....at least she had the look on her face indicating that might be the case! I mean it wasn't my fault the sprinklers had been on and that there's really no grass right next to the wooden fence!

My friend, Mollie - she's a terrier of "some" kind, was throwing herself at the fence and I had to do my best to stop her from doing that. My tactic was to run up and down the fence on my side and challenge her to do the same.....well, you probably get the picture.

I didn't see the mud or know that it would mean I had to stay outside. I was so happy that I'd gotten Mollie to stop barking that I ran inside, and up the stairs and oh my, my person actually yelped - at least that's what I heard and then I was banished to the other side of the backdoor screen for a couple of hours.

Gee whiz - I didn't know!

RILEY
RFF

I howled and howled....

2008-09-08T20:42:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday and Friday I knew somethin' was up. My person started stackin' things, running the washin' machine and tidyin' up. Then she was in her clothes closet (it can become quite a mess) straightenin' up the shelves and shoes. What's that all about?.... well, I didn't know for sure but I was suspectin' a trip!!

However, normally prior to a trip, she gets out a suitcase or two. This time she threw me a little curve in that she didn't really get out the suitcase but started stuffin' a backpack with all sorts of things that seemed unusual - a pillow, towels, flashlights?? I mean she was either goin' on a trip or runnin' away to the woods. I just didn't know for sure!

On Friday morning, Andy and I both did our best to discourage her - Andy pouted and I start runnin' 'round like crazy every time she went to the garage - sometimes she doesn't really get it all together without a few trips to the car and back - but, suspectin' the worst, I just sat by the door and howled and howled! Regrettably, I knew it was a lost battle when she filled the doggie kongs with peanut butter, gave Andy, me and our he guy each a great big kiss, laid the kongs on the floor and left!!!

Apparently, she went to someplace called camp or retreat or somethin' strange. She was gone for two days. We missed her very much but our guy person did a pretty good job of takin' care of us. He fed us and gave us fresh water but he did forget that peanut butter thing that she always remembers.....yep, we missed her!

She's home now - full of fun stories and lots of energy. That thing called camp or retreat or whatever must be a good thing! She needed to get away, I suppose.....but we're all glad she's home.

RILEY
RFF

P.S. I found the strange photo here on her camera!

Wow - am I impressed:)???!!!!

2008-09-04T15:59:00.000-07:00

Oh....with who, with whom, oh, never mind - with ME, of course. I mean it's not every day that a Westie receives an award so special, I mean, "I Love Your Blog" - now how special is that?!!! I mean, I suppose it's possible for many of us Westies to achieve even more than one can possibly imagine, but well, I'm, I'm just speechless.

My person will have to do all of the acceptance acknowledgments over on her blogsite - I'm just too excited......!!!!!!!

Auntie Tess, thank yhou, I mean thank you and I love ur blog too!

Luv,
RILEY
RFF

When I grow up.....

2008-09-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize when I tol' my last tale about Curry, that I'd soon have a sadder one to tell.....much too soon 'n much too sad. My friend Curry died on August 31, 2008, with his family right beside him lovin' him to the end. Dang, it's hard to write this!!

But when I grow up I wanna be just like Curry - swimmin' in ponds, 'n chasin' geese and, as you can see, ridin' in a Bug convertible with my beautiful person. I want to be smilin' 'til the end and I want to try to tell all of my family that it's o.k. that I'm goin' cause they have made me feel so special for all of these years. Why they've loved me from the moment they picked me up and claimed me as their own. The least I could do was luv 'em back with just a teensy bit of the love they showed to me.

I wish I could write more about this wonderful dog but the keyboard is all wet again and my person sez it's just too much - she knows what I'm tryin' to say! So, God bless Curry and his family - we will all miss him very much!

Yours truly,
RILEY
RFF

special photos from Lucy to Riley

An old friend

2008-08-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

I almost feel I should whisper to you when describing my "friend", Curry. Ya' see, he's really more a friend of my person's than of mine as I've never really met him. My person has great respect for him and quite a bit of love too - at least that's what she imparts to me.

Curry is 12 years old and when my persons approached his backyard in Seattle last week, not rising fully but raising his head in eager anticipation, he apparently let out a wuf, wuf - that sounded a lot like an old man with a case of laryngitis. His tale wagged, his eyes said hi but the old body just decided to stay in the down position. My person said the down position was a popular one as when he did get up it was with a great deal of effort and some skill in balancing on his wobbly hind legs. My persons thought perhaps Curry was beyond "real" living.....they changed their minds after spending the weekend in his presence.

Although tottery, Curry easily managed to push open the back door to the kitchen - that was when he decided it was time to eat. When my male person arose a little earlier than the rest of the sleeping household, Curry was quite able to tell my person that he was hungry and that as soon as he managed some quick business in the yard, he was expecting breakfast! My person, not wanting to overstep the bounds of a house guest, told Curry he would have to wait. But when my female person came upstairs and told HER he was ready to eat, she immediately dispatched fresh kibbles to the dish. A quick few bites later, Curry, said, "not enough," but he wasn't allowed a second helping until his person came down for breakfast.

Curry was with them off and on for the weekend and they witnessed a most loving, huge dog, the size of a small bear who lumbered about, loved a good pat, a roll in the grass, and a snooze in the shade. He seemed without pain and filled with patience. My person, upon leaving, gave him a big hug, a kiss, and permission to sleep his way into doggie heaven either under the shade in the backyard or perhaps with his head in his person's lap some quiet morning. Of course, she cried when she told him - shucks it even makes me cry now and I'm just a pup!

Anyway, I know he has had a wonderful family and has been an amazing presence in their lives for so long.....he really didn't want his picture taken very much, but my person did manage to get the photo here as she knew I would want to tell you about Curry!

Havanese - whatsa' Havanese

2008-08-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

My persons went off to Seattle for what they called a long weekend of relaxin', walkin', takin' in art galleries,eatin' in fine restaurants, cruisin' on a Puget Sound Ferry. Andy 'n I stayed at home, in the air conditioned house, on the hottest days our home town has seen in a while. The temp was at 106 degrees when they decided to return home - apparently it was sunny and breezy in Seattle....I thought it always rained there! Oh well!

But as usual, my person found lil' doggies somewhere, actually in one of the art galleries, and then asked me to post 'em on my site. I don' mind as I don't really think there are ever gonna be 3 of us doggies here in the house at the same time. But, "she" said that even "he" was taken with the Havanese - I know - me neither, never heard of such a breed. But you'll have to admit he looks awful cute in the photo. Regrettably, though, Sammy - that was his name - didn't like to sit still too long so most of the pictures were blurry, but she said it was really a great lookin' and actin' little dog. There was also a long-haired Chihuahua named, Kitty, who was very sweet and patient and attentive as everyone ooed and cooed over Sammy.....so my person asked that I show her too because she was so nice - she is adorable, isn't she?

I have a very sweet picture of my ol' buddy, Curry. I'll share that with you tomorrow:)

Woof,
RILEY
RFF

Friends say hello.....

2008-08-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

Happier news than my last post, my friend Darby sent me a photo 'n a summer greeting - he's such a thoughtful guy! He 'n his pal Dani also sent me a photo of their latest adventure to Mt. Hood, OR. They're soooo lucky - their persons take them everywhere they go! Andy 'n I stay at home when our folks pack up.... we do always have a wonderful person who lives with us and maybe spoils us a little when our persons are travelin', but we would like to go along some of the time! Hint, hint!

Speakin' of traveling to Mt. Hood, it's in Portland, OR, ya' know, our persons flew out of Portland to Hawaii, AGAIN, the second time this year - they said they HAD to go as it was a family wedding. In the meantime, I've heard 'em say that they swam and snorkeled in the ocean every single day and went to lotsa fun parties! Did they HAVE to do that? I keep gettin' sidetracked....

So, on their way home, they stopped back in Portland - and visited with their people kids for a few days. Their people kids were in Portland from their home in Taiwan just to visit the family here in the West before they took off to visit the family in the East. So, in all, our persons were gone about 10 days and that seems like a lot of time to me 'n Andy. Now I'm hearing our persons talkin' about visitin' Turkey in October - a turkey - why would anyone visit a turkey? It must be a BIG turkey - they plan to be gone for two weeks.....wow, gobble, gobble....Andy 'n I've decided maybe we'll definitely skip that trip, invited or not!

But before they see the big turkey, they're off this week to see family in Seattle. I understand they'll visit/eat, oh, I don' know......not meanin' to grumble, but some people have all the luck - great family 'n Curry! Well, maybe they'll bring us a little doggie bag although Andy doesn't really like Indian food so much:)

Tx for comin' by to check on me 'n Andy.

RILEY
RFF

Seamus - May he rest in peace!

2008-08-11T15:39:00.001-07:00

Many of you will no doubt remember my post about Seamus. He was a faithful and well-loved dog of my persons' friends.

My person saw Seamus' family member last evening and heard of his untimely death. I am very sad to have lost a friend and equally more sad over the grief of Seamus' family.....my family and I pray that they remember how well they cared for and loved God's gift of Seamus to you!

Warmest regards,
RILEY
RFF

My friend - Tweed

2008-08-08T05:41:00.000-07:00

A photo op was not perfect for my person as Tweed and I wouldn't stand still for long. The photos do allow you to see how much in contrast we both are - the black white thing being the most obvious! His is Scottish ancestry I believe and I find him quite a lot of fun to run with when we're both off leash. Occasionally, my person and I are walking and Tweed shows up with his master off leash, yes, the master off leash, and Tweed, not the master, sort of prounces around snorting, showing off, and in general behaving like a pup! I mean he still counts his age in months rather than years so I can understand his cavorting. But it is a little insulting to have him sniffing just anywhere and everywhere he pleases while I am being polite and obedient on the leash....you know it IS against the law to be off leash when you're out of your own back yard....some people and their animals!!!

Well, that was a tangent wasn't it? He is a friend, albeit a young one, (I wonder what that means?) and I'm trying to teach him all the great things I know. When he dropped by this week, you probably noticed CP's remarks on my last post, I taught Tweed to run with great abandon through all of the wet and muddy flowerbeds - even through the living room and out the back door a couple of times. My person did come downstairs from her space when we came through that second time. Apparently we weren't quite as quiet as we thought and our guy persons were too busy chatting to notice our activity!

So, that's Tweed - we are kind of cute together but he definitely has the advantage in the mudslinging/tracking department as after the adventure I looked really dirty and Tweed just sort of looked like Tweed unless you decided to give him a nice pat or somethin'.

Take care,
RFF

2:30 a.m. - wow, it's dark out there.....

2008-08-02T09:35:00.000-07:00

Last night was an exciting night! There I was, along with Andy and my persons, snoring away in "our" bedroom when the most unusual aroma came wafting across my nose. Being the ever vigilant and ready to go get 'em guy that I am, I immediately started around the perimeter of the bedroom sniffing and snorting on a logical trail as fast as I could possibly go!

Apparently, my shuffling aroused someone, everyone in fact, from their rest. Although, no lights came on, I heard "her" say, "There must be a mouse in here!" and him sort of mumble, "yeah, probably." I've heard him say this week that there have been some mice in the garage which he has dutifully been exterminating - whatever exterminating means... So anyway, I guess that's why she thought it was a mouse! But I didn't really think that was it - this smell was just too intriguing and really I thought it probably came from outside the bedroom.

Well, then of course the lights came on and Andy was moaning that he needed to go outside so the three, excluding "him", got up and went outside. Well, I took off like a shot and sniffed the entire patio, which happens to be right under the windows where I had been sleeping indoors, and was certain that I was on a trail to something. I sniffed and sniffed so fast that I had to stop occasionally and cough because the smells were just too much for me. Well, to no avail - the critter got away! Woof!!

So, Andy did his "thing" and was ready to go back to bed right away and then I with some REAL encouragement from "her" reluctantly came back in as well. (I can't remember exactly, but I actually think that "he" came out of the bedroom also and perhaps it was "he" who suggested strongly that I return to my beddy-bye.)

Well, it was too exciting for me and I eventually drifted off to doggie dreams....although I do remember "her" saying to "him" just after they turned off the lights - "Are you sure you don't want dog #3?" Whatever that means.....

Thanks for stopping by, I've missed you all and, of course, I know you've missed me:)

xoxox
RILEY
RFF

We feel pretty, we feel pretty

2008-07-07T19:17:00.000-07:00

Oh, really! SHE made up the post title just because Andy and I went to the groomers today. The groomer is plural because we each went a different place for our baths and haircuts.

I must admit, I was getting a little scrungy looking as I've managed to find a couple of really muddy spots in the flower beds in the last couple of weeks and ya' know, white just doesn't really do well with mud! At least that seems to be the popular opinion at our house.

My person has decided she wants me to look like a real Westie is "supposed" to look and has found someone that can produce that "look." It's o.k. with me. The new groomer is really nice and she has 4, yep that's 4, Jack Russells. They are great guys, I actually get to run around in their huuuuuugggggeeee back yard with them after I have my bath and clip!

But, wait I have to tell you something about those Jack Russells, today my person was ooohing and aaaahing over those dogs so much, I thought we were going to take one home in the car with us! I mean the groomer does have 4 of them, she probably wouldn't have noticed. It would be kinda fun to have another doggie in the house but the he person in our house has said NO, NO, NO! I mean we only were teasin' about it - but really.....

So, that's the news today - although I have to tell you that one of my favorite long distance friends is 13 years old today. I visited his person's site and wished him a happy birthday but I'm wishing it here also. You should go over and see him too - he's a real King of a Dog!

Come back soon,
RILEY
RFF

July 5 - thank goodness

2008-07-05T14:44:00.001-07:00

The picture you see is my pal, Andy, trying to get up on our male person's lap and beg, beg, begging, for a pill! That pill being a doggie tranquilizer, of course. I say, of course, because it was yesterday, July 4, that the picture was taken and the pop, pop, pop of firecrackers had just begun and it wasn't even dark yet.

Fortunately, early in the evening, Andy did get his "tranq" and, in spite of all the noise around us, heard even above the closed windows, doors, and airconditioning unit, we were all allowed to sleep through the night. Apparently our neighbors didn't read the papers or listen to local radio about the fact that all fireworks inside the city limits are illegal in our town!

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm just as patriotic as the next dog - even if I'm not sporting my American Flag pin all of the time - but fireworks are noisy and I understand quite dangerous. I also am aware of the reason we need to celebrate our Independence Day but I think it would be a lot nicer if we all just did that "eating and drinking thing" all day and skipped the fireworks. I barked and growled a lot to show my protest against the whole illegal thing but with my persons both barking out "Riley, Riley, Riley"....constantly.....I finally got the message and just sulked for most of the evening. (Andy is always way beyond barking once he gets one of those crazy little pills!)

Hope things were quieter at your house and if they weren't I hope you had the foresight to get tranquilizers for yourself and the rest of the animal family:)

Happy JULY 5 - it's the best:))

Best regards,

RILEY
RFF

SS Photo

Disclaimer - this is not me!

2008-07-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

Some dogs will do anything to get attention; I don' know, my person thinks this is funny. I've told her I think it's an optical illusion but she thinks not - persons, funny lot, huh?

RILEY
RFF

photo from my Auntie Carol S-W

Belated Birthday Congrats!!!

2008-06-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

Well, Riley here - at last! That person of mine has kept me out of the blogosphere for nearly a month - what's a celebrated author dog supposed to do?!!

In the meantime, two of my favorite friends had birthdays and they are posted here for your edification and for my belated celebration of their personal birthdates.

One, you can see, is the Beloved Abbess Petunia just turning 11, coming into her prime - her person resides over at Abbey of the Arts.

The second great pal of mine is Darby, a fellow Westie. He and his housemate, Dani, are regular readers of mine....we go a long way back with each other as friends. Darby has just turned 8 years old - and a fine looking 8 he is. (I know, I can't really tell them apart either:)

Now that I have a chance of getting back online regularly, I'll get some more of my deep philosophical posts out in the next few days - that is if my person continues to turn on the computer rather than whatever it is that has kept her busy for the last few weeks!

Again, a very Happy Birthday to my friends, Tune and Darby; and thanks to all for being such faithful readers.

Licks and love,

Riley
RFF

photo of the Abbess - Christine Valters Paintner
photo of Dani and Darby - Diana Schmidt

Olio - A fine cat - if there is such a thing...

2008-05-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

Hi ever'body,

That's just a little cat joke in the title:) I don't want you non-cat lovers takin' a statement like that too seriously from me. Cats, I can take 'em or leave 'em.

Just wanted to let you know that when Seamus, you remember him from my last post, wrote me a letter, his person slipped in this picture of that cat Seamus described. I would never cast aspersions or, is that the right word?....well, I would never say anything really bad against a four-legged friend, cat or dog, but this cat looks pretty tame and harmless to me. She doesn't look sneaky, and, well, I mean, Seamus even said that she curses a little kitty-curse now and then....I dunno - again she looks pretty innocent to me! You'll have to be the judge!

Do you think she's just pretending for the photo?

Thanks for droppin' by.

RILEY
RFF

Photo by Old Cactus Wren

Seamus by name - sage by trade

2008-05-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

My dear readers,
I've only had one dear old sage on my site before, you might remember Curry, but today I received a wonderful letter from a home town acquaintance who attended the same Blessing of the Animals that I did last year and I think he might be considered a sage also:) I hope you like his letter - I do!

Dear Riley,
You probably don't remember me, but I believe we met last year at the Blessing of the Animals. I'm one of the old dogs come every year. We try to stay away from the cute young pups like who are all chatter and sniff-no offense. Now that you're two, you may have an inkling of what I mean.

First of all, I want to congratulate you. You're the first dog I ever met who had his own blog, and now you've gone and won a poetry contest
I am so impressed! My human knows I'm too old a dog to learn to write poetry, but at least I thought I'd write you this letter. I want to make her proud.

I'm sending you two pictures, one where I'm lying on the new rug, back when life was pretty good. That was before my humans got a cat. Can you believe it? A cat!

My humans feel sorry for the cat. They think she is scared of me, even though I hardly noticed her at all at first. But then I saw her, dashing ahead of me and spying on my every move. She never even tried to be friendly, or rub up against me like my old cat did. My humans never hear her say, "Fttt" or "Hsss" at me, (pardon my language,) so they can't figure out why I won't come in the house any more. She has the evil eye, that one, and she says quite clearly in Cat that I'd better not step my foot across that door sill if I know what's good for me. No respect, no respect at all.

Now, if that isn't bad enough, I had to go get a haircut the other day. I can hardly stand that long any more, but I make the best of it. It did feel better to be cool again. But then the heat went away, and I got so cold I shook. My human took pity on me and wrapped me in her old pink shawl. I'm sending you the picture because, actually, it wasn't as bad as I thought. It was cozy, and sort of dashing, and I knew she loved me.

All the same, Riley, I may not make it to the Blessing this year. It's getting too hard on me to get in and out of the car, and I took a fall today. I was so happy to see my human come outside with my leash in hand to take me for a walk that I forgot I wasn't a young pup like you any more. I gamboled and prance, pranced around, waiting for her to open the gate, and I slipped on the porch and fell on my head. It took me a few minutes before I felt like getting up, but I finally made it with her help. Let me tell you buddy, you may think those harnesses are really jerky looking, but they make a pretty good emergency handle when you need one. After a while we made our walk around the orchard, I'm happy to say. I'm not feeling too good now though.

Anyway, buddy, just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how proud I am to know you. Happy sniffs!

Your friend,

Seamus

Photos - Old Cactus Wren

His name is Ocelot.....

2008-05-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

You remember that my persons took a trip to Bellville, TX this month and although they left Andy and I in very good hands of a new best friend named Susa, it has taken my person a while to produce decent pictures of the beautiful animals they found there in TX.....I mean besides those silly-lookin' "Longhorns" who I hope I never meet in person - whew - that was a long sentence for me!

Well, anyway, although you know I am partial to dogs, the handsome, playful kitty cat that you see is Ocelot - Occie - for short. He's apparently quite a dude. Struts and stretches just like a cat in charge and tells the dog, Bailey, to keep her distance. She has another kitty cat housemate named Lily, but apparently Lily is so shy that my persons barely got to see her except in her mostly concealed hiding places.

They all live in a beautiful house in the woods with their persons and all around the yard there are squirrels and birds and cattle and things that sometimes yip in the night. They all have to stay inside at night because of the yippers - apparently they like to eat smaller than them animals - yikes, I don't ever want to meet the yippers! Although, Andy and I like to sleep indoors whether there are yippers outside or not.....it just feels more civilized to sleep inside, don't you think?

Yours truly,

RILEY
RFF

Photos - Ocelot, Bailey and Lily

TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY

2008-05-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

Yep, today is my 2nd birthday - I'm beginning to feel like a real grownup.

My person took me for a special long walk this a.m. in the rain, well she said it was rain. I say it was just enough mist to assist me in cleanin' my coat on certain favorite pieces of furniture:) I think she's takin' me out for lunch too - or maybe she said "she" was goin' out to lunch today.....somedays my expectations don't quite match up with her plans!

Here's hopin' you have a great day too even if it's not your birthday!

RILEY
RFF

Donkey poem from Riley

2008-05-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

Christine over at The Abbey has issued an invitation to a poetry week and my person allowed me to enter this time. The picture here today is from Christine and the poem that I made up - all on my own is below!!!

The lady at the counter said, “Just try it! You’ll find yourself irresistible.”

Irresistible....
I just wanted a little attention, I didn’t expect a flock –
Now I’m stuck with all these ewes at every hour ‘round the clock.

I mean they’re cute as can be and their bleats are quite proud,
But every step that I take…..well, for cryin’ out loud!

I know they mean well and they think I’m a prince
They screamed and I ran there, kicked the coyote o’er the fence.

So, now - is it the perfume or just ‘cause I’m brave
That I have this great harem I’m signed up to save.

I’ll do it, I’m faithful but wouldn’t you think
The lady at the counter now owes me a DRINK!

Visit The Abbey and see how the poetry invitation works - enter too - it's fun and the poetry you'll find there is quite a bit more elegant than mine:)

Yours truly,
RILEY
RFF

Poem by RILEY/RFF
Photo by Christine/Abbey of the Arts

Texas Longhorns?

2008-05-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

Riley here -

I know, I thought she'd never let me back on the computer! Well, she's let me back on but has left me with these puzzling photos of some sort of parade thing in Bellville, TX!

First of all, these creatures runnin' down what looks like the middle of a street, I assume in Bellville. I've heard of leghorns - some kind of chicken - but my person says these are Texas Longhorns - they're cattle. Sort of like horses, I think.....I mean look at that crazy woman ridin' one!

Anyway, Longhorns - they look dangerous to me and I immediately asked my person where she was while these creatures were runnin' wildly down Main Street! She assured me she was far behind the baby strollers and small children that were lining the street and also in close proximity to a large stone pillar in case the baby strollers did not stop a stampede! Whew - what a relief for me personally that she was only thinkin' of herself!

And the ladies in red? - Why no one here in Walla Walla dresses like that anymore. I understand that when the town was originally founded there were many sites full of ladies wearing these fashionable lookin' duds! Life is a lot more borin' than that now - we just have a lot of jeans and teeshirt types around now:)

So, I'll be back tomorrow with more from Bellville. My persons had a hot-dang-diggety-dog time while they were there. Said their family treated them like royal guests - she talks funny since they came home - an accent or somethin'!

Yours truly,

RILEY
RFF

She won't let me.....

2008-05-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

What can I say????? She's feeling a little crummy and won't let me use the computer! Arghh. I have some new friends from Bellville, TX - they should be up here soon. I'm going to get her aspirin right now!!

Love,

Riley
RFF

Bug - his name is Bug:)

2008-04-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Well, can I tell you that my Auntie Lucy she is such a world traveler, gadabout or barfly - are any of those complimentary? - well, she just gets to the most interesting places.....and would you look at who she is introducing to me now....his name is BUG! Enjoy -

hi riley,

my name is bug and I met your aunt lucy when she was on her recent adventure to
mexico. while she assured me that she is mainly fond of "larger" dogs (whatever that means), I am quite certain she wanted to tuck me into her carry-on bag and take me back to seattle with her.

I am a Brussels Griffon and was just four months old when I met lucy. you might
be interested to know that I have lived on a sailboat since I was 8 weeks old
and my she-person, Lydia, surprised our he-person, Lou, with my arrival. I'm
not so sure Lou thought this was a great idea, but he has realized that we are
now a package deal (Lydia and me, that is). I imagine you might understand this
package thing ☺.

the excitement while lucy was visiting came when I decided to go for a swim. I
was perfectly content to cool off between the boats, but then lucy's friend,
kim, decided to "save" me and plucked me out of the water. can't a sailing dog
swim when she wants? evidently not, because everyone thought it was a pretty
big deal that I was "saved!� (is that biblical?-Riley, here, just inserting somethin')

I am now on my way to our ranch in steamboat springs, colorado for the summer. sounds like I will have much more space to roam and grow into my LARGE 10 pound
self.

anyway, I highly recommend sailing AND swimming. you might want to give it a try
sometime.

wishing you the best!
arf arf
bug

NOW, isn't that the best - I mean, my Aunt Lucy - luv her!:)

Zipper

2008-04-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

I haven't met Zipper nose to nose, but my persons tell me she is a peach! She's a Jack Russell and has all of the wonderful Jack traits I like - she's a hunter, a watchdog, a close companion, and dearest of friends to her persons. She would do anything for them and all they do in return is love her to pieces!

She recently lost her "he" person - he had been probably responsible for nudging her "she" person, years ago, into saving Zipper from endless cruelty and neglect. Zipper has been with them for many, many years and has led a wonderful life in their presence. Anyway, she misses her "he person" a lot and I'm sure she would like to comfort her "she" person even more than she does when "she" sheds tears and sometimes just wails right out loud - they both miss their "he" very much!

My "she" person is a little weepy as she tells me this story because Zipper's "he" was a dear friend and my persons miss him also! I think I have to go give my person a hug right now but I think you'll understand that sometimes a story of love and "missing" one's family and friends has to be told many times before one can begin to sorta, kinda keep goin' in their lives.

Sincerely,

Riley
RFF

The Kiss.....

2008-04-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone - ya know I receive stories now and then that are sorta funny, sorta strange, sorta wonderful. Well Zeba's person received this article recently from her granddaughter and it's one of those sorta wonderfuls - enjoy:)

She was pregnant and frightened - he had just saved her from a house fire, rescuing her by carrying her out of the house and placing her in the front yard.

He and his comrades continued to fight the fire and finally it was out. The fireman sat down to catch his breath and to rest.

A photographer having been a witness to the saving act noticed her in the distance observing the fireman. He saw her walk straight to her rescuer and wondered what she was going to do. As he raised his camera, she came to the tired man, the man who had saved her life and those of her yet unborn babies and kissed him just as the photographer snapped the photo below.

Tissues, please - what a nice story!

Riley - RFF

news article (revised) and photo/Charlotte, NC Newspaper

Maggie, Buster, Zoey and new wine club friends

2008-04-13T13:39:00.001-07:00

Long title, huh? Well, we have a lil' conflict today in that I wanna talk about my guests, Maggie, Zoey, and Buster and my person, pushy that she is, wants to talk about the great evening of fun they had with new acquaintances last evening. Our "compromise" is that I get to show my terrific photos and she is going to do a lil' wine talk!

Anyway, you can see why my friends deserve recognition - aren't they just adorable all curled up for a well-deserved dog nap. You know with all of the responsibilities we dogs have, it is essential that we have plenty of rest. I mean chasing squirrels, barking at the UPS person, guarding the yard from cat intrusions, well you get the picture - we do need our rest. Preferably in a spot that our persons would also find comfortable! O.k. she's pushin' in here now......

I'm still telling the story - I don't care if it's hers. Yesterday was a lovely 70 degree day clear into the evening. Brought out the white slacks and light tops for an evening with one of their favorite winemakers - they have a few favorite winemakers!! But last night it was with beautiful host and hostess, Justin and Liz Wiley of Va Piano. Besides their wine just being yummmeeee, they're a beautiful "family-first" couple - a joy to spend an evening with them anytime. The Wileys hosted an Estate Wine Members dinner last and besides the fantastic wines, all ate an absolutely scrumptious dinner prepared by Sarah Guerin, a talented chef in her own right, Sarah once served as sous-chef at Whitehouse Crawford alongside her extraordinary chef/husband, Jamie Guerin. Anyway, the appetizers, dinner menu (all lactose free for my he person) were all served during a vigorous and entertaining conversation with new acquaintances, preceded by a vineyard tour by their dedicated and articulate host, winemaker Justin.

So there you have it - today you got me and my person. (She's not so bad, it's just sometimes you has a little too much to say!) Gotta luv her - she feeds me:)

All the best,

Riley
RFF

Photos by MBZ's person

Zoey - zowie!!

2008-04-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

Would you look at this cute lil' girl in the snow!! I've had some wonderful guests recently and each time I receive one they just seem better and better. Zoey is an adopted lil' girl who joined the rest of her adoptee sibs in the warm, loving household of their person, Margaret.

My person tells me that all lovin', beautiful animals should show up at Margaret's door because she really is a sucker - I mean a sweetie - when it comes to takin' in just the most adorable pets. I'll show you the rest of her sibs later this week - but Zoey really needs to do her preview solo.

Thanks so much to Zoey's person Margaret for the wonderful pic. Margaret's love is infectious - both her animal and human buds can attest to that!

Fondly,

Riley
RFF

Jack and Clarice -

2008-04-07T19:18:00.001-07:00

Hi everbody,

Glad you've stopped by to see my guests. I haven't received comments from many of you lately but I see from my counter that you have been stopping by regularly - thanks for that!

Well, to intro the important personalities in the photo feature of the day, Jack is the big guy and Clarice is a very good friend of one of Jack's young persons. Clarice has quite a reputation in the family as she is a noted columnist in the Nakatani Newsletter. The NN is a closely-held family publication that is issued, I believe, on a quarterly basis. It is full of wonderful family adventures, photos, little known facts about our family's celebrity status and accomplishments in all sorts of areas:)

At any rate, Clarice, as I said, is a columnist in the NN and gives out advice to any who are bold enough to write her about their lives and daily challenges - good and bad. Clarice's column lists family events from NY, CA, HI, WA states and even as far away as Taiwan! When visiting the aforementioned (whew big word for me!) sites, Clarice usually arrives in a bag of her own with a selection of attire and accessories for the appropriate events of the season. I hear she gives out fab advice - so if you have a burning family issue or if you would like to receive a copy of the NN just drop me a line and I'll send it on to Jack and Clarice and their young persons.

Again, so happy to have you stop by. Remember to buy dog treats - you never know when you might need 'em!

Ever yours truly,

RILEY
RFF

photo by Jack and Clarice's publicists

Wag-tailed Wonder

2008-04-02T07:58:00.001-07:00

Hi ever'body,
My person received a wonderful email note the other day about love and doggies' capabilities. She asked me to share it with you and I hope you'll like it! It's about a beautiful Border Collie named Zeba....

I've always known that animals are never given the credit they deserve for love, determination and memory. Our Zeba is an example of all these things.

When Zeba was 8 months old, our nephew, Eric, and his wife, Jeannie, from Portland, OR where it rains a lot, brought Zeba to us. It rained that day and though we had a Dogloo outside for her, she preferred to sit in the rain! They brought Zeba to the farm because she had been digging up their small yard. She adapted quickly and loved our wide open spaces with unlimited digging for the rodents that came around.

Zeba didn't see Eric and Jeannie for about 8 years. When they came over for a family reunion, of course, they came to see Zeba. She couldn't give either of them enough love ;o))) and good doggie kisses!

One day, however, she was missing. For two days I called her, and the 3rd morning I saw her in the Dogloo. I knew something was wrong, she didn't really like the Dogloo. Luring her out of the enclosure, we found a badly injured hind leg that the vet had to amputate. She had probably been down at the intersection that leads to our farm and perhaps run over by a vehicle. But, after the amputation, Zeba was determined. She heeled and the amputation slowed her running down a bit - probably from 35 mph to 25 mph - but nothing else was harmed - her energy, or her love to us."

So that's the story of beautiful Zeba - now 14 years old and still runnin' like a dog!!! I hope you enjoyed hearin' about her. The pictures are of Zeba and her person, along with Zeba takin' it easy and surveyin' the beautiful farmlands and view that she "owns!"

Warmest regards,
RILEY
RFF

Black-Mouth Yellow Cur from Texas

2008-03-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

Dear fans,

I received this wonderful letter from a new friend named - Bailey - and the picture - look at that smile:) Enjoy!

RILEY - RFF

Hi, Riley!

I'm a black-mouth yellow cur (you might not know....my breed, like yours, is AKC- recognized!). I live in southeast Texas and used to live with two really nice people; but they weren't home very much.

I found my new home while scouting around for a new place to live and, oh boy, did I get lucky!! The new people I found are so nice. They called my former persons (they had heard through the grapevine that I might be looking for a new home) and asked if I could come live with them......my former owners said, yes, and again, boy am I lucky!

I love romping in my new yard and in the surrounding woods. I have great chew toys complete with dog treats and I'm learning to be very gentle with the two grandchildren that come to play here sometimes. I think that these little people and I are going to be great friends.

Right now, though, I'm busy training my new big people and their cats. It's quite a job! The people seem to be catching on pretty quickly, but the cats are another story...they have their own ideas about things! I think the best thing is just to pretend I'm sleeping and ignore them.

Maybe I can meet you some day. In the meantime, if I have any grand adventures, I'll send pictures and another letter.

Your friend,

Bailey

photo by MS, I think:)

Sit, Stay, Pray!

2008-03-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

Y'all maybe remember my good friend, Abbess Petunia; her person Christine is a blog friend of my person.....anyway, Petunia sent me a fabulous picture and story to share with you today!

"At a Zen Buddhist temple (whatever that is) in southern Japan, (wherever that is) there's a little black 'n white Chihuahua named Conan (li' dog, big name - get it?). Mimicking his master, a Buddhist Priest, he joins in the daily prayers sittin' up on his hind legs and puttin' his front paws up to pray. Conan reportedly goes though the routine with his master -- without prompting, before morning and evening meals.

If you wanna' - follow the link above 'n you can read the whole AP story.

Wow, Andy 'n I usually "pause" for the meal time prayers at our house, if we're eatin' too - but sittin' up and holdin' that prayer position - I dunno......

Hope you like the story - again, thanks, Petunia!

Yours truly,
RILEY
RFF

Photos - Toru Yamanaka, AFP/Getty Images

Wake up - I'm hungry!!

2008-03-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

Hi ever'body,

You know here on my site I'm a lil' partial to dog pals but recently my person was visitin' UTube and came upon a kitty cat cartoon that she thinks is just tooooo funny. She says you have to have owned a cat to really understand the cartoon fully.....I never owned a cat myself, so I'm humoring her!

Enjoy!

RILEY RFF

Shadow - he's a great lookin' dog!

2008-03-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hey, me Riley here - I found a new guy today on the SWAT site. His name is Shadow - cool name! They say he's a very sweet, energetic guy about 8-12 months old - still just a puppy. Wants to cuddle and loves to play with other dogs. He has the great head of a Boxer and the coat and coloring of a Lab. He'll probably be medium-to-large when he's full-grown. He's already had the "you-know-what alteration" and all of his up-to-date vet shots.

Shadow is already good on a leash, loves car rides. He's learning to "sit" and follow other exact commands. Please call Debbie at 509-520-6460 and she'll tell you even more about Shadow.

.....Can't you just feel and (for me taste) those sweet, soft ears. He does think he's had enuf' of the photos, though, pleeeeaaaasssee!!

Call about Shadow today - and hey, tell 'em Riley sent ya!

RILEY
RFF

Meet Mr. Ripley

2008-03-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

Hi ever'body,
As you may've noticed, I often receive mail from fabulous dogs - many of them dogs of "privilege".....by that I mean, warm homes, wonderful persons, lotsa food, water, and extra love! I mean - that's privilege for a dog!

Today I want to introduce you to Ripley, a new friend - great picture, huh?! Right now he IS privileged to be in a foster home. His former family loved him but just couldn't keep him anymore....this is the way his foster persons describe him:)...

Ripley is an 11 month old male Great Pyrenees/Anatolian Shepherd mix. A sweetheart who does well with children, dogs and cats. Ripley likes water and enjoys a good swim! Mellow guy - happy to lie down and be petted; 'cause he's a big dog, he needs a good sized fenced (at least 6' high) yard. He needs a strong, assertive person who will be his alpha. He was surrendered to SWAT 'cause his previous owners didn't have enough space for him. Neutered and up to date on his shots, Ripley knows "sit" and "down" and his foster family is workin' with him on basic obedience. He is housebroken - very good in the house. If you're interested in adopting Ripley, contact Sarah at 509-520-8263 - and tell her RILEY sent you.

Thanks for listenin'
RILEY
RFF

Quotes 'n Photo from SWAT site
Save Wonderful Animals Team
Walla Walla, WA
Phone: 509-522-5050

Remy - shiny, black pup

2008-03-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Riley,
Your person knows my person and she told me I could write you a letter 'cause these days I'm sorta happy and sorta sad.

The happy part is that my person brought me home when I was just a lil' pup. I fell in love with her right away, although, she had a bad habit of taking me outside every two hours (even in the snow). I don't know what that was all about, but after a time, she finally let me stay inside without draggin' me outdoors so often - whatever! I know she loves me very much!

The sad part is - I no longer live with my person, Carol and I miss her. Once in a while I get to visit her and we give each other lots of kisses. I guess my kisses give her lots of coughs; that's the reason I can't live with her anymore.

Lucky me tho', and this makes me less sad, I now live with my Grampy, who takes me on long, sniffing walks every day. We also go to Obedience Classes - 'though I don't know why - if he'd just do the things I want him to do, he could skip the classes! (I've met lots of friends there while Grampy is learning to be obedient!)

I have a vacation home to occasionally visit in the Blue Mountains where I see my cousin Kaiser, a German Shepherd; we have a grand time together playin' in a huge, high-fenced yard. The fence is supposed to keep us safe from cougars and black bears - yowee - I think I might just play in the house if Kaiser doesn't want to be outside with me!

Anyway, I love my new home and I'm happy to see Carol whenever I can. She is very special to me.

Thanks for listenin'Riley.

Your friend,
Remy

Photo by Remy's Mom, Carol

I listened to a whale song....

2008-03-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

Readin' my best friend's blog today, I decided to do somethin' that I've never done before....I listened to some whale songs that reader, Geezer Dude, had sent to her.

Wow, those big (I hear they're really big) dudes have some weird soundin' songs!

Have you ever heard a whale sing?

Here's to your hearin' somethin' new today at your house, or office, or doghouse, or kitty box or whatever.....
RILEY
RFF

photos by Sunrise Sister

Maui?? - Not Again!!

2008-03-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

Ohmigosh! Our person threw these paper leis around our necks and we just knew they were going surfing again! They talk about it all the time - "how much fun" and on and on! You'd think they'd "walked" on water!!

We were thrilled to find out that she was just participating in the Carnegie Art Center's Volunteer Recognition Brunch - each table was decorated in a different theme and she "who cannot let go:)" used Hawaii as her theme.....well, it does look kinda cute, but Andy and I think they should have invited mascots to Maui AND to the brunch!

Fondly and yours truly,

Riley and Andy
RFF

photos Sunrise Sister

A good read - hard to resist.....

2008-03-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

You may have heard from some of my friends, and probly from my person, that I like to catch up on my readin' occasionally. And, indeed I do!

Why, just yesterday, my persons were out of the house a little long - it seemed to me that it was a little long - and I asked Andy if he and I should pick out a book or two from the bookshelves. They're all around the den's perimeter (perimeter - big word for a dog, huh?), anyway, Andy said he didn't want to read so I was on my own.

I saw this one and its title, "The Good Book", sounded tasty to me.

So, here's what I thought of the book - it's a dense topic, worth chewing on for a while, but in general, a little too dry for my taste. Andy just kept pacing around while I was "reading" and mumblin' somethin' about my bein' in trouble again - I can never figure out what that Sheltie is talkin' about!

My person didn't seem quite as excited about my readin' as I did - but she mumbled (they all mumble around here) somethin' about it bein' good material now for collage pieces.

I've asked her about a "Riley's Book of the Month Club" but she doesn't smile when I suggest that!

My tip for the day is "be careful what you read - you just never know who's goin' to have a bad reaction to your selection!"

Warmest regards,

RILEY
RFF

photos by Sunrise Sister

Angus of Argyll & his friend Starbucks

2008-03-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

Well, hello Riley!

My human and I were so very excited to find your blog!! My name is Angus and I just left a comment on your blog and found the entry about sending you a photo and greeting.

I am currently living in Texarkana, Texas but am actually quite well traveled. My humans and I found each other in Budapest, Hungary, where I was born to an illustrious line of Westies with the names, "Happy White.... my parents were Happy White Monty Python and Happy White Movie Star. The Happy White names go back 8 generations. I am rather thrilled to break that line of naming with the very royal sounding name, Angus of Argyll. From Budapest, we traveled to Bosnia, (by car) then to Albania, where we lived for 2 years. Then we came on this huge thing, called an airplane, to California. There, we all stayed with my human Oma and Opa for 6 months. This is where Joshua came into the picture.

I now live with Charley, Marianne and Joshua (who is from China) and my cat friend, Starbucks. The two of us like to chase each other around the house and bark and hiss!! Such grand times.

I also love my Little China Boy, but he does get a little rambunctious now and then, what with being 3 years old and all. It took a bit of time to adjust to him entering my domain. Once I realized he was here to stay, I decided to care for and protect him with my life - no strangers, 2 or 4 legged, may come near him. I also make sure that he is okay when he cries! I enjoy an occasional bike ride, chewing on Pigs' ears, and love hiking in different nature reserves and chasing squirrels in my back yard.

My friend Starbucks is also an immigrant. She found our humans on the streets of Albania. I hear tell that she was a teeny tiny little kitten, pretty scared and alone in that crazy place, but when the gypsy lady put her in our human Marianne's hands, she just nestled in - it was love at first snuggle!! She, too, made the trip on the airplane. We were blessed to be able to both ride in the cabin under the seats. We were quiet and slept most of the 21 hour flight!! As far as cats go, I must admit she is a beauty! The glamour shot of her that I included is one of our families' favorites. She really is a great friend.

Well, I guess that about sums up our lives. It has been great to meet you in cyberspace and I look forward to checking out your blog on occasion. Have a blessed day!!

Your Fellow Westie,
Angus

PS Photos and our family blog are at Pitchford Journey

Dancing Darlings -

2008-03-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

Guests of the Day - TA DAH - Dancing Darlings - don't ya think? - I sure do! Look at these two from the Olympic Peninsula. Emma is 5 and Sidney is 4 - they are obviously Westies, just right for me to meet, although they are slightly older women than I....I being only "almost two".

I bet a nickel that they're as much fun as I am. I dance occasionally but I always have to dance solo as I can never get Andy to dance with me. He mutters something like "dogs don't dance".... but then he doesn't mind sharing in the treats that I've just procured for the two of us by dancing - really, Shelties, I don't know what's up with him some times!

Anyway, Emma and Sidney have a very interesting housemate! His name is Cool Hand Luke; he's 7 years old. Luke sorta seems, sorta kinda, sorta tough in the picture and I sure hope he's smiling if I ever meet him in person...I mean he's a big guy. But Emma and Sidney say he's really a sweetheart and that they feel very "secure" when he's around - sort of like a bodyguard, huh?

Glad ya stopped by!
RILEY
RFF

photos by Lucy

Cujo - UK digger extraordinaire

2008-03-11T07:36:00.001-07:00

This great lookin' guy, Cujo by name, looks a lot like me:) don't you think? Well, he should, of course, because he is another of us adorable Westie guys. (Apparently, this photo of Cujo was taken in New Zealand - so he's been around!)

His person is from the UK. My person says his person has just started a new site - one visually quite beautiful, with thoughtful, insightful posts regarding life as a young woman successfully launching herself into new roles and challenges - also, a great UTube clip on 3/10/08.

Cujo has a housemate besides his person. The housemate is another favorite breed of ours, a Jack Russell Terrier - I think it's a "Jack". You probably remember my introduction here of my cousin LUCY, not to be confused with my Auntie Lucy.

I hope Cujo and his ball in the sand have made you smile today. It made me and my person happy to see that other Westies like to "dig and hide stuff" as much as I do!

Favorably yours,
Riley
RFF

photo - Courtesy - Dogtales and Dreams.blogspot.com
City of Spires, UK

Waiting patiently

2008-03-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

Isn't this just a great shot? I can soooooo relate to this picture from one of my person's blog buds!

He (well, it might be a she) waiting in a Poulsbo parking lot outside a yummy bakery. I certainly hope the person inside was thoughtful enough to bring at least some yummy crumbs for the good pooch so dutifully guarding the car!!

Remember persons, we will wait, but there is a limit to our patience......well, you'll know when and if we ever get to that limit....I agree with my person's friend who thinks, "doggie may just be wondering whether he can hotwire that car!"

Warmest woofs,

Riley
RFF

Photo and thoughts - Abbey of the Arts

Cisco - he's Parisienne

2008-03-06T07:52:00.000-08:00

So, excited - Auntie Lu has done it again - another new face on my site.....and listen to this description. We definitely need to allow me and my pals into restaurants - yeah?

oh riley--
you cannot imagine the "luxury" allowed les chiens (doesn't that sound nicer
than 'the dogs') here in paris. tess and i were in a tres chic restaurant and one of your very close cousins was dining right next to us. while we tried all evening to figure out how to nonchalantly take a picture for you, the imposing french woman at his side (his person for sure) was a bit too intimidating.

next time your people go to whitehouse crawford, perhaps you could ask to go along? just tell them that is how it is done in france.

here is one more photo for your journal. his name - Cisco. his person - a somewhat gruff, cigar smoking, beret wearing man with quite good english. we asked to photograph him too, but were soundly denied. i believe Cisco is a more distant cousin of yours, but i thought you would enjoy his coloring. we met him at a sidewalk cafe in my neighborhood and i am hoping to see him again. he is 9 months old...just a little puppy :-)

i hope you are enjoying having your people home. i know they are glad to see you...not sure whether they are happy to be back home, but certain you and andy are getting lots of attention (we have not seen any of andy's relatives here.)

much love,
auntie lu

photo by Lucy in Paris

Another photographer for me in Paris....wow!

2008-03-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

I received the message below via my person today. This email is from a sort of new "Auntie" for me as she, too, along with Auntie Lucy, have been photographing for me on their adventure in Paris.

Dear Riley,

As you've seen, your Auntie Lucy has taken lots of pictures of dogs in Paris who are impersonating you, or who might want to be your friend. Well I found a very elegant oil portrait of another dog impersonating you, being held by a human who might look a bit like your female person. I found it in a wonderful place called the Musee D'Orsay, and took the picture with my flash camera (which you're not really supposed to do, but no one saw me). You might have to zoom in a bit to see your impersonator on the human's lap, and I think that blue ribbon might be a French kind of thing. It's a posh room in the painting too, n'est pas?

By the way, please can you tell your persons I really love the photographs of them surfing. It looks like fantastic fun.

Yours sincerely,

Tess

Wow - thanks Auntie Tess - I too feel the blue ribbon is a little too cute for me, but the woman is lovely and the room is exquisite. I don't know if my person resembles the portrait lady, but certainly you know that the portrait has captured our special relationship. WOOF!

Riley
RFF

Advice to Isaac.....

2008-03-04T14:20:00.000-08:00

Introducing...a great lookin’ Weimeraner – Isaac. Used to live in Virginia, I think, but his persons had a business transfer taking them off the USA Mainland to Hawaii - he's 100% Hawaiian doggie now! His female person is so excited to be back in Honolulu (she grew up there) and is opening a MY GYM business. (Watch out Isaac, your person apparently LOVES little kiddos....she might even start thinking about one living in your house!!)

Well, anyway, Isaac’s apparently a great guy, but still kinda a baby…..doing baby things, like going through door screens, eating good stuff out of the garbage can, and getting on the furniture against his persons' wishes.

Of course, he won't always be a baby....why, I’m almost 2 and I haven’t gone through a really good screen door in 9 months. Maybe ‘cuz my persons decided to leave the screen flapping – kinda tacky lookin', but certainly makes my screamin' out into the yard after squirrels a lot easier! Isaac - You might mention that to your persons:)

About that “not on the furniture stuff” - your persons will get over it and soon enough you’ll be able to sleep anywhere you’d like. Besides, they’re not always home so you can get comfortable when they’re away. Just remember to kind of fluff the bed up before you jump down from it. I made the mistake when I first came to live here of forgetting to put the pillows back on the bed – I like to take them all off when I first jump up on the bed or sofa. So much fun! But they always noticed - dang!

Same thing with the garbage - don’t worry, they’re people…..eventually they’ll forget and leave it where you can dip in for some goodies. I still can get away with something tasty when no one is lookin’.

Oh, and Isaac, I definitely recommend reading a good book occasionally☺

You take a great picture dude...take it easy!

Riley
RFF

Is it Riley or an impersonator?

2008-03-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

My Auntie Lucy sent me this photo and email today from Paris -

dear riley--
you have turned your auntie into a dog stalker. tess has had to restrain me
several times, but here is one that makes me wonder if maybe you are here
stalking me perhaps? :-)
xoxoxoxoxo

Auntie - I love that you've uncovered what would seem to be a spitting image of me in France - but alas, myself is planted here in the States for the moment, secure in the knowledge that my true ancestry remains firmly imbedded in the sophisticated West Highlands of Scotland!

Please, however, do not feel discouraged in your efforts to secure photos of the delightful doggies that seem to inhabit the French cityscape.

Ever longing to be with you,

Riley
RFF

Haiku to you too....

2008-03-02T12:49:00.001-08:00

I've heard through my person that I have some distant Haiku writers "in my family;" she said she heard actual stories of my cousins(?) composing Haiku when they were kids.

I've never thought much about the subject myself but you might remember that my person has been studying poetry as part of her Lenten Discipline. In her studies, she stumbled upon some info on the internet about Haiku.

Well, you know me, I never pass up a chance to try something new, so I've composed a little Haiku (I think) in honor of my friend, Tatoosh.

geckos run wildly
dashing cross lawn fearlessly
kitty says tasty!

If you would like to Haiku to Tatoo' too, why not just send your little ditties to me here and I'll share them with my faithful fans.

As ever your friend,

Riley
RFF

My Auntie is in Paris

2008-03-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

You probably have heard that my Aunt Lucy is in Paris "on her own" - well, lah de dah - (I think that's French or is it ooh lah lah?) well, anyway, she's on this grand adventure, sending us emails and beautiful pictures. As long as she is there, I asked her to send me a picture of a real live French Poodle. Very tres chic of me, don't you think? Oh, I think I'm getting this French stuff....

Would you believe that she hasn't really seen any true French Poodles but just LOOK at this beautiful little Lhasa Apso taking a stroll right in front of a real authentic French sidewalk cafe - now, I KNOW that is ooh lah lah!! and double lah de dah!!

Auntie Lucy, thank you so much - I love this little cutie. I know she would love me too - well, I mean who wouldn't??

Au Revoir or something like that......

Riley
RFF

Tatoosh

2008-02-25T17:40:00.000-08:00

I hear that my persons are at last getting closer to coming home. They're now in Honolulu visiting family there. The home in which they're staying is quite beautiful with a…get this…they have their own doggie swimming pool. Well, nobody really told me that but logically, it would be a great doggie pool because persons are seldom seen in it. Besides the great pool - the family also has a cat named Tatoosh - they sent me her picture - pretty cute, huh?!

Tatoosh is a great hunter (maybe not as great as I am) but a great hunter. She gets to hunt things that I’ve never seen or heard about. One of the things she hunts is a small lizard called a gecko. The little lizards live mostly outdoors but sometimes they're in houses too.

Tatoosh likes to catch and play with the little critters. Occasionally, she plays a little too vigorously and the geckos sort of end up in two or three pieces!!! Her persons are a little fussy about finding those little bits under their bare feet in the living room……persons are really particular sometimes, I mean really, a “great catch” one of those speedy little creatures – good work Tatoosh!

In my backyard, I don’t get to chase geckos but I spend a lot of time chasing squirrels. Tatoosh doesn’t have squirrels in her back yard as they were never "introduced" in to the Hawaiian Islands.

I know my persons think it’s great fun to see me chasing squirrels but I've heard them say they wouldn’t like to see me catch one! My persons are sort of like Tatoosh’s persons, very freaky about what they call “dead things” being dragged into the house. I made a couple of terrific bird snags, had mostly eaten each one prior to being discovered enjoying my catch, my person made a great lot of “yukky and gooey” exclamations and threw away the carcass - threw away the carcus, can you imagine?!

I've got so many metal things suspended from my collar – name, rabies tag, license. It’s pretty dang hard to sneak up on a bird with all of that stuff rattlin’ and clanking around! So, I'd think my persons would be impressed with my hunting expertise! Oh, well.....

So, anywho, I’m please to introduce Tatoosh to you. I don’t suppose I’ll meet her any time soon in person, but when we do meet we’ll have lots of hunting stories to exchange!

All the best,
Riley
RFF

Surfin' - they're surfin'????

2008-02-22T22:17:00.000-08:00

Well, so Andy and I received an email today from our persons. We were so excited because we figured it would be telling us when they would arrive home.

No!! It was these ridiculous pictures of them performing somewhere - they called it surfing!

I give up - they are impossible!

Woof!

Riley
RFF

I think they miss us

2008-02-16T18:38:00.001-08:00

Well, we got a note today with this picture attached.

My persons said they thought about renting a dog or two for the day but there were no dogs that could replace Andy and me:)! Thank goodness they really do miss us!

Riley and Andy
RFF

P.S. My person says that the town of Pa'ia blogmarked as a quiet, non-busy, inhabited by hippies only town is definitely no longer the case. In fact my persons found a recently opened art gallery full of contemporary work by 4 outstanding artists

Silver Siren

2008-02-15T10:11:00.001-08:00

Well, if there’s going to be a cat – there better be a Riley tale to go with it – right?

Silver grey, mewing, sleepy kitty whilst day
She sounds shrieking alarms to scare night owls away
Saving shrews, skunks and voles and mice all alike
From predator owls and coyotes’ bites

That’s stupid you say, she’s a cat - not a hero
Such antics from a kitty, a kitty that we know?
But keep that from Silver she’s feelin’ a kin
To the poor baby creatures who need a good friend

See, the last time that Silver saw her great and good mother
Was the night that the big owl ate Mom and her brother
Silver grey vowed right then that she’d watch out for owls
And save all the rest that ‘round her were fowls
And not only fowl, but shrews, skunks and voles
And anything else that could escape to their holes

So seen each night silhouetted in the environ
Is our super Silver Siren with mission of iron
Seen only by Moon’s non-judgmental eye
Silver Siren goes slinking and streaking right by

Their little lives spared from the hungry owls’ treasure
Their thankfulness to Silver would never be measured
But as she streaked by, streaked by the moonlight
Voles cried, "who’s the savior that saved us this night?"

And only the Siren knows deep in her heart
That she could just eat them - but knows not to start
They’re just little creatures and only small nibbles,
So she goes back to dream and awaken to kibbles!

Riley - Fact or Fiction? WOOF!

True Love

2008-02-14T22:51:00.000-08:00

To all my fans, I hope you enjoy these Valentine's Day photos compliments of my dear Westie friends, Dani and Darby. Aren't they the greatest?!!!!

Hugs and kisses and warm Valentine's Day nudges,

Riley
RFF

photos by D&D's person, Diana S.
RFF

Some Strays Just Showed Up

2008-02-12T22:40:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been hard to come up with someone as beautiful as my last guest, Sophie La La. Incredible little girl, huh?

So anyway, I've been gettin' suggested shots from my person regarding guest appearances for my site. The two attached photos are the best of the bunch. (Seems doggie types on Maui, yep, my persons are still there, are a bit stand-offish or somethin'). Anyway, as you can clearly see, these guests are of the feline persuasion. Although they're not bad lookin', as cats go that is, they do seem kinda sedate, sleepy...I dunno, is that what cats do all day? Just lie around and sleep?

I understand the grey one lives at a place called the Surfing Goat Dairy up on a hillside in Maui. Only wakes up when she smells the aroma of curdled goat cheese - yuk!

The black and white one is named Ricky, lives in a priest's house - get this - on the beach in Maui. My persons seem to think that is an all right location! Anyway, Ricky must be a member of Holy Innocents Church - at least his person is the Big Kahuna (the boss) at Holy Innocents, so this cat must be important too - well, lah de dah! What does a cat know anyway!

Hoping to show you more interesting guests in the future,

I remain your ever faithful, much admired,

Riley
RFF

Sophie La La - WHO???

2008-02-09T23:59:00.000-08:00

dear riley--

you don't know me, but my name is sophie la la. some would deign to call me princess sophie. i heard about your blog through some of the people who know my people.
i thought since you might be getting a bit bored while your people are doing the maui maui thing that i would introduce myself. fortunately for me, i am allowed to travel
most times with my clan. they take me to the islands (bermuda is my preference) and i highly recommend it. (sorry if you think i am bragging, but well, i am :-)

lest you think i have always led a charmed life, i will let you in on a little secret...i am a long-haired chihuahua as you can see and i was born with an unfortunate harelip (which
you cannot see, i hope.) some would say i should not have been allowed to live, but i was taken in by these kind-hearted persons who have taken quite good care of me
and also have found a photographer who can catch my best side. i think you may know him. his name is bill and he has a giant dog named, curry.

anyway, i know it can be hard with only your brother, andy, to play with, but i hope you will keep up on your reading and if you ever have a chance to hang out with
goats or cows or any other such things, try herding them. it is a thrilling past time which i, myself, have tried. (most princesses have a bit of the daring in them!)

wishing you the best-

sophie la la

photo © h3images
p.s. my photographer-check him out - Bill H

Bananas - has she gone bananas?!

2008-02-08T00:16:00.002-08:00

Oh no! I hear the Maui sun actually came out today and it may have gone to my person's head. She's quoting Country Parson, religion, politics and talkin' bananas, I mean real bananas!!!

Should I be prayin' for Maui rain again?

See ya later,
Riley RFF

photo by Sunrise Sister

Nip and Nap

2008-02-05T17:26:00.001-08:00

It's been rainin' or snowin' ever since my persons left town. There was really nothin' else to do today so Andy and I talked Joseph into takin' us on a wine tastin' tour.

Gettin' into the wine tasting rooms, difficult, not impossible. Once the vintners found out we were related to the Seattle Times Celebrity Wine Spies, we were "in" ......but I don' know, I don' feel so great right now. A nap, a nap.....our persons better come home soon!

Your slightly woozy fuzzy friend,
Filey, I mean Riley!
RFF

Some "Jacks" are girls!

2008-02-04T09:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Riley –

I have been dyin' to get on your site and at last, here I am!

First of all, Jack, Jack, Jack – I get sick of hearing everyone call me Jack! My name is Lucy! It’s true I am a Jack Russell Terrier – but my name is Lucy!!!!

I think I’m about 3 years old; I feel much older 'cause I was raised in a Manhattan apartment with my young persons only being able to visit me occasionally on weekends. The adult persons there in Manhattan, along with the traffic, elevators, and cement made me feel much older and very nervous.

When I came to live in the suburbs with my young persons and new adults, I found out that life is pretty Jack Russell good! I sleep on my young persons’ beds at night. I sit in the window and bark as much as possible during the day – that’s great - and most of all, 'though I’m not allowed to do this often – particularly if someone sees me – I really like to jump up on the kitchen table and eat all of the leftover pizza. (I would eat any leftover but I'm famous for the pizza:)Yummy!

So, that’s me for now – LUCY. If you have any other Jack Russell friends, I hope they'll send you pictures and tell you 'bout things that they like to do too.

With lots of love and admiration for myself, your friend,

LUCY

P.S. Coincidentally, due to my generosity, my friend whose name really is Jack is sharing this photo op with me.

A Goat - How Did a Goat Get in Here?!

2008-02-03T21:49:00.000-08:00

So my persons have really lost their gourds now! They've sent me a goat photo as a guest for my site. A goat - what the heck's a goat? Looks bigger than a dog, but smaller than I think a pony might be. I don' know. They wrote and said that they're still on Maui and had gone to visit the Surfing Goat Dairy

Too weird....one of my persons is allergic to cow dairy and apparently they've visited this dairy before; swear that the goat cheese is as good as our own Monteillet's.

Please, please doggies, send those photos!! I need doggies on my site - not goats!

Frantically yours,

Riley
RFF

Rules, rules - Yellow Snow?

2008-02-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

Rules, rules - don't get me wrong, we really like Joseph but right before our person left she asked Joseph to work on the "don't jump up on people greeting rule." I mean, what's that all about? Andy says to chill out as he learned early enough not to jump up on people and it seems an all right rule - but come on, I'm a little guy - do I have to go by that rule? O.k. ..... maybe, if it makes life easier, I guess it's worth a try. Andy says the rule that bugs him now is the "no barking at the doorbell" rule - I mean how is our person really supposed to know when she receives the number one million and one package she's having delivered by UPS. (At least she recycles the cardboard boxes after I've helped her to open them:)

But again, rules - rules. Now Andy says, "Don't eat the yellow snow!" I don' see no stinkin' yellow snow! What's that all about!

Oh please, everyone the rules are oppressive - please send mail and especially photos. Andy is miserable with the camera and I need to be shot in the right light!

Eternally yours,

Riley
RFF

P.S. See what I mean about the photos - is this really my best side??? Help!

My Persons - I think I know where they went!

2008-02-01T07:20:00.000-08:00

So, they're gone - my persons that is!
Andy and I are annoyed but grateful that at least they asked our new best friend, Joseph, to live with us.

Andy tells me they've been dragging out those suitcases occasionally over the years he's been around. Regrettably, he thinks they are ahead of last year's travel trend. Suitcases are coming out way too often - we think it may be that silly retirement thing again!

Sort of unhappy, I remain -
Yours truly,

Riley

P.S. Andy had quite a time taking this picture of me but he says this is a picture of where he thinks they've gone.

photo by Andy

Sage Old Friend - Still a Puppy At Heart

2008-01-31T17:03:00.000-08:00

To my wonderful readers - I must share this beautiful letter I received from a sage old friend. It definitely speaks for itself - enjoy - RRF

dear riley--

it seems like just moments ago that i was 12 weeks old and coming to live with
my people. 12 1/2 years have passed, however, and it has been a good life.
while i was never the voracious reader that you are i did find myself quite
enthralled with gardening and had (& continue to have) a special likeness for
what my people call "pinks"...they are quite tasty and fun to pull from the
garden. although they are not weeds, they are quite abundant so i have been
fortunate that my female person has indulged me over the years for my love of
this special flower.

it seems as though i should be able to bestow some wise words to you in your
youth, but it appears you are managing (your people) quite nicely. my best
advice comes from a bumper sticker my person read that says, "play like a dog."
i think you have that down quite well!

one final thing (and here is the wisdom, but DO NOT let this go to your head!!!)
always remember dog is God spelled backwards and that has to stand for
something!!!

bon appetit!
curry

Final thoughts from Riley - this post from this wonderful old man brought tears to my eyes and to the eyes of my person! However, I encouraged my person to wipe her tears and notice, in the closing, that Curry's person is teaching him French - she's going to Paris, ya know! Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks!! Woofee!

Isn't She Lovely - This is Tune

2008-01-30T06:30:00.000-08:00

This is the beautiful letter I received today from Tune - I've fallen in love with her and think you will too!!

Dear Riley,

My official name is Abbess Petunia, but most of the time I am just called Tune. I am a 10-1/2 year old purebred girl-dog Weimaraner. My people rescued me after a lifetime of living at a kennel working as a breeder. Years and years of churning out puppies with little affection from my previous people, then they turned around and tossed me out when they were done. My new people took me in to "foster" but it was only a matter of hours before I had worked my way into their hearts and so I am now a part of the pack. Over the last year I have slowly learned to trust the world a little more, feeling braver by the day.

The only toy I bother with is my rawhide bone, I love to chew! I spend very little time on the floor, basically hopping from couch to bed and back to couch again. My people let me sleep on the bed and my favorite place is snuggled in firmly between them. Snuggling is one of my favorite activities along with walking. Bring me outdoors anytime -- the world is one great feast of smells. I love our daily walks through the park. Just wish I could catch myself a squirrel one of these days!

Good to meet you Riley, maybe one day we can romp together in person, ahem, I mean in doggishness.

Most sincerely,

Tune

P.S. From Riley to all my readers - this beautiful girl has an equally beautiful person. When you visit Tune's person you will understand where Tune's title "Abbess" originates:)
RFF

Maui - What's a Maui?!

2008-01-29T07:43:00.000-08:00

Well, there's a lot of talk in our house these days about Maui????.......

I'm a little confused about our persons' behavior; I think it must still be the "retirement thing." They continue acting weird - sleeping better - but weird! For instance, Sunday night in a huge amount of snow they trooped off to attend a "going-away" party. They came home all giggly and wearing these silly flower "somethings" or another. Then she popped them around our necks and we were supposed to look happy. Do we look happy? We're not!

Seriously, I'm a little nervous too - the suitcase closet came open a few days ago. I'll keep you posted but I'm afraid they're going somewhere!! Do any of you pets out there get nervous when the suitcases come out?? Well, what do you do?

A Maui, a Maui, any clue about what a Maui is? Let us know - please leave your comments. Andy and I read 'em all.

Riley