This Bud is for me!

NO, NOT BEER, but a tiny, short, white haired , French poodle named Bud. He has become the four legged male in my life. He is a joy. I should tell you that I don't "own" him as he was on loan to me for the day. My aunt, uncle, cousin Deb and her funny husband, Mike along with my mom went out to MA to celebrate James' 54th birthday.

So, Bud opted to stay with me and keep me company for the day. Bud and I received our first phone call a bit after 9, I think. It was my mom, calling to ask how Bud was doing. I told her that he was doing great and that we were entertaining the neighborhood as I was on an O2 leash and I had Bud on his leash. We made quite the couple as people nearly drove onto our lawn as they gawked at our attire. It would have been something if Bud had been O2, too. We would have had drive thru through the house.

I asked Mom where they were at and she promptly said Oneonta, as they had stopped for a hearty breakfast. I thought to myself, self, how are these people going to be on time for Jim's birthday luncheon if they are stopping along the way to indulge in eating. Nonetheless, Mike had them out there in a fine amount of time.

Bud and I received our second call and it was his mother calling to inquire how he was doing. Well, I couldn't resist saying that when he came in from outside, I had handiwipes I was using to fastidiously clean his paws. She gasped and wondered why I was cleaning his pearly white toenails. I, then, proceeded to tell her that I tried to give him a pedicure and he was having no part of that. I added that he and I were painting soaps and I offered to paint his toenails red and he refused. He became a bit distressed when I tried to deck him out in Tiffany jewels. He conceded that he is a Mamma's boy, but Tiffany jewels and toe nail polish were way overboard. My aunt soon realized I was kidding. Or was I?

My friend, Holly came to visit and we had a splendid time. Her insight into life is so perceptive. We enjoyed her fine organic tea, while discussing everything under the sun. Bud was most interested in our philosophical conversation as he slept under the table.

Betty D. called Mom to invite her to a picnic in the park and not finding her home, Betty asked if I would like to go. I said,"Oh,no!! I have Bud here with me and I can't leave him in the house unattended."

The phone rang again. Can you guess who was calling?? Three guesses and you are out. If you are right, then you win the latest in squeaky dog toys. Well, his mom called again to inquire about her Bud's health status. "Yes," I replied, "he is doing great." I went on to say that he had cheese for a snack and there would be no problem with that as it was all natural. My aunt said she had given Bud too much cheese one time and he was so sick, that she had to take him to the vet. The vet wanted to know what she had fed poor Bud, only to find out a bunch of cheese. As you can imagine, our poor boy was constipated from the tasty cheese.

I expressly made sure that my aunt would not have to take him to the vet's because I gave him too much cheese. We had tea at high noon and crumpets at one. Furthermore, I told my aunt that he had his party hat on and he was one partying animal. She laughed out loud. Actually, she was probably wondering why she left her beloved poochie with me.

Before my aunt hung up, I asked her to make sure that my birthday present to all of them was dispersed at the time of the birthday and anniversary cake with the traditional ice cream. I assured her that my Mom would "forget" about my small gift to all. My aunt commandeered the gifts and distributed them with glee, no doubt, as they were the birthday tooters. Well, I knew that Jim would enjoy these and he did. While he was in the kitchen tooting, his family in the living room was tooting back and forth . Oh, what fun! No doubt, Jim is still tooting away. My aunt and uncle out in MA will love me forever with all that tooting going on.

Meanwhile, I feed Bud his dinner of fine wine and vittles all in the party spirit. Aunt Bea arrived soon after tooting her tooter and boy, was Bud a happy boy. He jumped, he waggled his derriere and sang to his momma. I think he was happy to be shedding me after his hectic stay at the Tiffany Jewel Hotel.

This morning, Aunt Bea called to say that Mike had been up half the night being sick and had my Mom been sick?!! Mom wasn't and hadn't been sick. Poor Mike-the attentive, inventive driver had fallen sick at the wheel. How awful on his and Deb's 25th wedding anniversary. Yikes. Needless to say, we wish them that the next 25 years are just as good as the past 25 years, if not better.

Aunt Bea also confessed that Bud was missing and that perhaps, just perhaps, he had run away from home to come and see me. I told my Mom to tell her that I was waiting here to welcome him with open arms.

May you have someone or your beloved pet welcome you with open arms.

I wish I could post a picture of Bud here as he is so very cute. I am not sure whether he takes after my aunt or uncle. All I know is that I will babysit him any time as long as his parents approve. I think they are going to be sending me to dog obedience school along with a course on how to care for a dog like Bud. Well, I am ready. Let's go!!!!!