BarkingProse

I am so happy. It’s the feeling you get when you know you have a special friend. A friend who not only likes you but understands you. A friend who wants to hang with you whether you’re showing your good self or your bad self.

River is that kind of friend. I met him when he was a puppy and we hit it off right away. I like his older brother Wind too, but Wind is more serious and really doesn’t have time for me.

River and Wind were at the dog party when I started barking and couldn’t stop myself. I was annoying people and I felt sorry for mom because she didn’t know what to do to help me. She finally put me in my training mode and I got my good self back.

A couple days later River wrote me and explained that I was just yapping at the universe. River said once in a while we all need to yap at the universe. Isn’t that just the best expression? It’s exactly how I felt when I couldn’t stop barking. I had to get something out and didn’t know how to say it, so I just kept yapping.

It’s pretty neat that River knew about the universe and how we all need to yap at it. He’s only been in this world for eight months. I think he’s an old soul and this isn’t his first time here. He’s a really special friend and I can’t wait till I see him again. Thanks River!

This is gonna be a short bark but I want everybody to know. Mom and dad were invited to dinner at the home of their friends. These are the people who have Frieda, the golden retriever.

They also have two young cats who don’t get to meet many dogs. So they invited Jack to come to dinner. His job was to show himself to the cats.

Jack was happy that he got to go in the car. He had no idea he had been invited to dinner. He’s still insecure because he never learned good house manners. He doesn’t know what he’s supposed to do.

But he was on a leash and he stayed real close to mom. The cats came out to see who was in the house. When they saw Jack they got kinda hissy with him. One ran away and the other puffed up like a big toad. Jack looked bewildered. He didn’t understand why they would act that way.

Jack is mellow and easy going these days. He knew the cats were worried about him. He acted all meek and turned away so they wouldn’t feel threatened. That was exactly the right thing to do. Pretty soon the cats came out and watched him for a while. He finally got bored being the center of attention and went and took a nap on Frieda’s bed.

Me and Tess were envious that he got to go, but we were really proud that he did so well. Our friends said he could come back anytime. When he got home he kept babbling about his trip. He said it was the best possible day. He went for a ride, got a bowl of grub and a bunch of treats. Best of all he got lots of praise. He’s feeling pretty good about himself right now. I can tell because he’s making silly sounds in his sleep. Way to go Jack!

I gotta get this bark out before I fall asleep. We had a dog party today and things got pretty wild. My pals River and Wind came and they brought River’s mother! Her name is Sima. My little Corgi pal Pippen came too.

We ran and played and barked and had a grand old time. Wind made a pass at Tess, River chewed mom’s hair and Jack minded his own business.

I’m not sure what happened next. Mom said the devil got ahold of me. I started acting goofy and wouldn’t shut up. I kept barking and barking and acting like I had no manners.

Everybody tried to get me to calm down, but I just felt out of sorts. Mom played long ball with me and gave me special attention, but it didn’t help.

Finally mom decided I was too tired or too excited or too something. She put my training collar on me and held me close to her on the leash. Somehow that made me feel better. Maybe it’s because I didn’t have to think about what to do. I could only stand close to mom and follow where she went.

Mom gave the leash to dad and told him to be real gentle with me because I was having a hard time. It was nice. Nobody got mad at me. They were just worried because I was acting strange. As soon as everybody left I fell asleep and didn’t wake up until it was time to post my bark.

I feel better now. Everyone was kind to me even though I was a jerk. I’m sorry for my bad behavior. I guess we all have bad days. Maybe the next time you see somebody having a bad day you can cut them some slack. Maybe they don’t mean to be that way. Maybe they just got a little crazy and can’t help themselves.

I’m gonna take a long nap. I’m gonna ask my mom to rub my toes and tell me how much she loves me. I’m gonna fall asleep with my head on her shoulder. I’m gonna dream about playing with my friends. Gotta go now.