Biscuit's Great Escape

I was in Houston this weekend, and the dogs who didn't go to Houston went to Camp Kingsbury for the 5 days I was out of town. This was Biscuit's first visit to Camp, and he found his time there very exciting. My dogs love going to Camp, because Jacque and Don's dog yard is bigger than our yard at home, and there are lots of fun things to explore out in "the country."

By Friday, I got a text from Jacque, saying that I would be receiving an email from Biscuit, a "confessional" of sorts. uh-oh. ...

So here's Biscuit's confession:

Dear Momma,

This morning I escaped from the prison these people call a kennel. I hefted my weight on the wall of chain and pushed my way into Momma Syd's run, and out into the yard with the "lifers" (sk-my other dogs who can be trusted to be left out in the yard). I could hear lots of fun and frolicking across the way, so I busted out of the prison yard and made my way over to the house. I met my cousins Lilly and Henry. I wanted them to break out, too. I told them that I knew where Auntie Michelle's car keys were, and that we could go for a joy ride. I was pretty sure that Henry could buy us some beer cuz he looks a lot older than us.

We were planning our fun when Uncle Don came out and caught us. I told him I was "doin nuthin" and wagged my tail and tried to look real cute. He picked me up and I licked him. I was wet and muddy, but it was fun. Now I am in solitary and can't break out. But I am still real happy and waggin my tail.

Luv,
Biskie


Oh Biscuit, what a character! I should have checked when I put the dogs in the kennel, I should have chosen a better room for Biscuit, because I knew there was one run made for good dogs who would never, ever slip under the fence!

Biscuit Hanging Out

Poor Biscuit, a fluffy is just trying to relax and chew on a nylabone. Giz and Momma Syd just had to tell me all about it!

Biscuit and Syd Reunion

Biscuit would like to thank everyone for their efforts in the FREE The Biscuit campaign. It seemed to work, and his is now enjoying some freedom to run and play like a real dog.

He and momma Syd were reunited for a big wrestling match after their separation. These two totally deserve each other, they play so rough. Most of the other dogs decline any offers to wrestle with Syd and/or Biscuit.

FREE The Biscuit! FREE The Biscuit!

For those not on Facebook, you might have missed the horrifying news and the saga over the last 10 days or so about Avery and Biscuit. We had the dreaded parvovirus rear its ugly head. Avery became ill last Monday, and Biscuit was sick by Thursday. It's been an exhausting time, with twice daily visits to the vet clinic to see the pups and get an update on their condition, cleaning the house, bathing the other dogs, and worrying about the health of the other dogs.

I always worry about parvo in young puppies, and I'm probably overly paranoid about it. But Avery and Biscuit are fully vaccinated, they've both been out and about in the world, and we've all been homebodies for the couple of weeks before Avery became ill. It's likely that a day trip to the vet for a shoulder injury was the potential exposure for Avery, and then Biscuit was exposed to Avery. It never occurred to me that my older puppies would be at-risk and contract parvo. But now I know, it can and does happen, and I've heard from many people who have been through the same thing with their older puppies.

So to lighten things up, once Biscuit came home (Monday, a much thinner version of his former self), he began a Free The Biscuit campaign, because he believes he's being unfairly incarcerated. With the other dogs and Olive and Brecon (formerly Mr. Brindle) visiting, I want to minimize the exposure Avery and Biscuit have with the other dogs.

Biscuit's grassroots effort really took off and has support from around the world, mostly because of a slight misunderstanding by other dogs. See, other dogs, like Spencer and Scout, thought the campaign was a FREE BISCUIT campaign. haaa.

So to prevent further confusion, Biscuit has hired Avery as his new campaign manager.

Avery showing an evil grin upon hearing the news of her powerful position of Campaign Manager.

Avery decides that her voice has not been heard, so she decides to start shouting the Free The Biscuit campaign slogan.

Just a few more days and we can consider the cycle broken as long as nobody else gets sick. I'm hopeful, and the other dogs are all doing well so far. All paws crossed that this is all behind us now.

Free The Biscuit! Free The Biscuit! Free The Biscuit!

Redeeming Qualities

Some days, Biscuit is lucky he's so cute. The trip to Perry, GA was a very quick trip, but I will admit, Biscuit was a slight pain in the arse for a good portion of the trip. I had Breezy with us, because is in season, and I never gave it a second thought that Biscuit would have any clue about these matters. Suffice it to say that Biscuit was a bit out of sorts and confused about Breezy, which led to him being a bit more needy, and a bit of a whiner. I think it would equate to taking a restless toddler on a long car trip, but I'm just guessing!

However, Biscuit did have some normal, sweet, happy Biscuit moments. He loved running in Janet's yard (pain in the arse moment when he *thought* he was going to tell Scout she couldn't have her own bone, but Scout told him swiftly where to go). He dashed around with Spencer and Scout, and he loved running up the hill and trying to figure out Janet's multi-story deck in the back. He liked going on a walk, and Friday night, Cheryl and I walked him on the fairgrounds in Perry and he got to practice "Walk Up" with a group of geese hanging out. They were just about Biscuit's speed-very slow. And on Saturday morning, Biscuit woke up happy, popping his head up on the side of the bed from his little xpen bed. It was as cute as can be, those fuzzy ears tilted and Biscuit just staring at me.

And then when we got to Georgia, he did settle a bit when he got his own side of the hotel room away from Breezy. Well, he settled when he was getting attention, and he whined when nobody was there to entertain him. sigh.

But. Oh, Biscuit, when you are good, you are so sweet and cute, how can I ever stay mad at you? I know it was tough to be in the car all that time, right next to Auntie Breezy.

Now that we are home, Biscuit and Jasper have decided they are best friends. They are physically complete opposites. But they love to wrestle, and frap. Here is a link to a cute video of the two boys playing and wrestling. I love how Biscuit lowers himself to the ground when he's thinking about trying to run fast. silly dog!

Biscuit, 5 1/2 months old

Photo taken solo, just Biscuit on the table, and me with the camera. Here's how it went:
Hey Biscuit, can you please stand like a pretty puppy and let me take some pictures of you?

"You want me to do what? Phhhttttt on you!" OK, so I know it's asking a lot of you to stand like that, but what if I throw some cream cheese into the equation? (note: when taking photos by yourself, stick some cream cheese on the end of a Chuck-It handle, it works pretty well!)

"Cream cheese? Well why didn't you just say so! Gimme the cheese, I'll do anything for the cream cheese!!!"

Good boy, Biscuit, what a handsome boy you are.

"Is this good? Does this angle make my butt look fuzzy?


I think Biscuit did a great job, even with those back toes curling over the stacking box!

Dishwasher Inspector, Reporting For Duty

Step 1. . Thoroughly inspect all dishes to be sure pre-wash clean up has been properly completed. Perform additional pre-wash duties if necessary.
Step 2. Fill receptacles with appropriate dishwashing soap and rinse agent. Be sure your dishwashing inspector can read to determine which receptacle is for soap. This is the most common failure of dishwashing inspectors, according to customer satisfaction surveys.

Step 3. Ham it up and celebrate another job well done, Dishwasher Inspector #7.

Optional Step 4 (mostly applicable for larger inspectors). Buy new dishwasher when door breaks off at the hinges...

Gimme a Cookie or the Tulip Gets It

Look at the pretty tulips, Biskie! Aren't they pretty?

"Hmm, I think I need a closer look."

"Yes, this definitely tastes like a tulip. The red tulip tastes much better than the yellow ones from last week."

"Nom, nom. Mmmmmm. Me like tulips."

"I hear you calling me, mom. I'll be right with you, I just need to finish my snack."

"High five for red tulips. Best snack all day."

"Burrrppp. Oops, excuse me..."

Out of Denial

I've been denying it for several weeks, but today I'm officially out of denial, and admit that it would be in Biscuit's best interest if he lived in a home where he has fewer resident doggy friends, and more time with the humans. OK, that made me really sad and choked up just to type it.

But I see in Biscuit's face that he's so happy when most of the others are outside, and he and Darby and sometimes Uncle Gizmo are sharing a dog bed, chewing on a bone. Biscuit likes to sit right beside me, and he occasionally stops chewing his bone to look up and check in with me.

Biskie loves the adult dogs much more than his girl cousins, and given the choice, he would hang with the big dogs all the time and let the stoopid girl puppies do their own thing. Much like Kane, Biscuit is more of an old soul in a puppy suit. Just this evening, I was hanging clean dog towels out on the line, and the other dogs and pups were out playing and frapping in the yard. Not Biscuit. He was sitting at my feet (meaning I almost broke my neck multiple times trying not to trip over him), occasionally leaning over and licking my ankle. Oh Biscuit. sob.

And just in case you think I'm biased (I totally am), and making things up about how smart and fantastic Biscuit is (not a bit exaggerated), here's some video of Biscuit walking along with me, just happy to be with me. No leash, just a happy puppy. He didn't care to go over and see our neighbor's dog Paulie, he wanted to be with his momma.

And a fun puppy recall, using the cookie toss game. Good boy, Biscuit.

I think Biscuit is destined to be someone's heart dog. Maybe he's an obedience dog, he has the perfect attention for the sport. He would love agility, although he's not going to be the next lightning fast MACH prospect, but he loves to work with me, and I know he would be like Kane, he would do ANYthing for his person. And because Biscuit just wins over everyone he meets, and he's so endearing, I think he has a future in therapy work, whether officially, or just providing therapy for his friends and family.

I've given a thought to pinning notes on all the other dogs and dropping them off at the Greyhound station, but of course, that's not likely to happen. I know I have to do what's best for Biscuit, even if it's not easy for me. Biscuit isn't *quite* perfect, he does have his quirks. First and foremost, he can't hold his licker. He wants to kiss people all the time. He also insists on doing refrigerator inspection every time the door opens. He has a big-boy bark, but when he's super excited, he does have a certain bark that could wake a cave full of hibernating bats. I'm not sure where that comes from, but thankfully it's not the only bark he has! Oh, and of course, Biscuit does have a love of reading, and he especially likes to peruse the phone book.

So we'll officially start looking for the perfect family for Biscuit, knowing now that I can't just keep saying no to everyone who inquires...

Oh, Biscuit...

Biscuit, Avery, and Olive rode to Wichita yesterday to cheer for our friend Skyla, and also to show in the puppy match. The puppies were so tired, they went right to sleep on the drive home. The girls curled up in their crates and never moved during the trip. Biscuit, always wanting to be different (and dramatic), was a different story. The full set of photos can be viewed HERE on Facebook , and they are in chronological order over a 3 hour time period. If you need a laugh, it's well worth the 45 seconds to watch the progression of Biscuit's sleeping arrangements!

Don't worry, Biscuit. We are laughing with you, not at you. ;-)

The Nose Knows Where To Go...

... To wait for supper!

Biscuit Withdrawl

I was suffering from some Biscuit Withdrawl, and I see him every day. So I had to snap a few new photos of the big man tonight.


Ahh, like mother, like son. I can't even count the number of shoes lost to Sydney (although I can definitively count the number of Palm Centros she destroyed- TWO). In fact, the laces on this shoe are tied together at the top, because Syd chewed the lace in half, and who has time or can remember to go buy new shoelaces? Not me!

Nice job, Biscuit, thanks for your assistance.

Baaa, Babies

The puppies went to a beginning herding clinic on Saturday. I was really taking Syd, but the babies tagged along so we could test them. The day was full of more silliness than herding (except in the case of Syd), and the puppies had a great time. It's that time of year.

Michelle's feet. Michelle was tasked with holding puppies while I took them one at a time for their turn in the pen. She also had her boy Ozzy (left), so it was a real adventure in puppyholding!




Olive. She enjoyed herself immensely. But then, she has fun no matter what she's doing.

Olive and Avery in a play pounce standoff.

I was holding this post to upload the cutest video of Biscuit in the round pen with 3 sheep. However, I could not get it to upload, so I'll try again another day...

And now, what you've all been waiting for. The Biscuit. First, I have to forewarn that you really only need to watch the first 11 seconds, that's where Biscuit shows his pure herding genius that will amaze and astound everyone! After that first 11 seconds, well, he couldn't stick around, he had important business at the gate to attend to. Really, what can you expect when those alien creatures turn and LOOK at you? But the bonus was some stinky stuff to roll in. . .

And Then There Were Three...

And I decided to walk them all at once tonight! :-) I got home a bit later than I wanted to, and we had class tonight, so I opted to try to get in a walk before class. That required all three at once. For the most part, the pups did good, and we almost always all walked in the same direction!

Walk to the left.

Walk to the right.

Was that a squirrel?

Run puppies, run! But wait for me!

Puppy Pandemonium!

We have a fun evening routine these days. Every evening, I take each puppy on their own walk. Sometimes by themselves, sometimes one of the big dogs joins us. Then I swap out puppies, and the "walked puppy" spends time with Darby, the designated puppy sitter, while I walk the next puppy. We rotate through so that each puppy has individual time away from the other puppies.

Then, when everyone is fed, walked, played with, and pottied, all heck breaks loose. I let the puppies run wild in the living room, and they just go crazy. It's the best part of my day by far, and I just sit on the floor and play with them, and egg them on, and keep watch over the sofa for any wayward puppy that gets past Darby (playing Storm The Castle), so that no puppy (cough, Olive, Avery, Phoebe) launches off the couch!
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Phoebe, announcing herself, and getting the party started with her sweet "awoo-woo!"

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The Biscuit Man. What a goober. You can't really tell, but he's sitting literally up against me, just where Biscuit loves to be. I'm thinking he would really be all about getting carried around in a baby bjorn made for cardigans! ;-P

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Avery, providing a great dental check opportunity. She thinks she's really tough. .

Or Not!

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Olive. Cardigan, or Easter Bunny?

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Biskie got the ball! .

Woops! We need a refill, aisle 2!.

Olive waiting Avery out..

Um, yeah, your guess is as good as mine.

What's the Matter, Biscie-boo?

"Why do all the other puppies have new families waiting for them, but not me?" -You are extra special

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"Nobody loves Biscuit"-Everyone loves Biscuit .

"I'm so depressed." - You are so dramatic. .


"What? What did you say? What do you mean you have said no to people? Yes, I know I'm special, but you told me that maybe the perfect family could be out there, just waiting for me. And that I can live here forever if we don't find them. I just want to be a special boy, for you or for a new family." - I told you, only the perfect family can take home The Biscuit Man.

After all, I put a lot of work into growing up with a well-rounded education, so I have a lot to offer...

I can't quite jump up on the sofa yet, but I'm working on it..

I taught this boy how to hold me up so I could see everything going on.

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Then I showed him what a super snuggler I am.

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I'm really great at snow removal.

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And I love to pre-warm the bed.

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I'm still working on this one, but I'm sure I'm close... If I think really hard, I'm sure I can make that ball move with my mind!

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I'm an expert at looking cute, and have been from a very early age.

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And I'm The Best at being sweet.

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I do a great sleeping bunny impression.

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And nobody can resist the power of this smile.

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I can make funny faces.

"Maybe somewhere, a family is just waiting for The Biscuit Man. And maybe I'll be a special boy right here at home, playing with my mom and my friends. I guess I'll just have to sleep on it. Because I'm a good sleeper. No, I'm a great sleeper!"- Don't worry yourself over it buddy. Oh, I can see you aren't too worried. But can you stop snoring?

...Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I think Biscuit might have a future in show business, he's quite the little drama queen!