My name is Madeline. Metropolitan labrador extraordinaire. I live in the hip Dupont/Logan neighborhood in Washington DC. I was adopted about a year ago and I've been loving life ever since. I hope you enjoy reading about life from my perspective.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Confused, Annoyed, and Exhausted



Hi all,

Sorry to be gone for so long! I have been very busy these days and VERY tired. I started therapy because I am FREAKING out about this crazy little being that has invaded my world. I think it might be a very small human but I am not sure. It all started late on Saturday May 19th -- Miri was acting very strangely and Tom was too. Miri kept getting on her hands and knees and acting like she was uncomfortable and Tom was looking at his watch a lot and writing stuff down. I heard them say words like contractions and lets see how far they are apart?!? I am not sure what they were talking about. Anyway, next thing I knew, they took me out to pee and then they left with a whole bunch of stuff. I just went to sleep and figured I'd see them later. Then Juan came over in the morning and picked me up! I ended up being with him for what seemed like a week! Then I came home and Miri and Tom were here and they smelled WEIRD! And they had this little being with them that was pretty much attached to Miri's chest and has been since I got back. I've been smelling him a lot to check him out and find out as much information as I can but the details are still murky to me.

I am confused and annoyed. Why is this being here? Why are they paying so much attention to him? Why does he wake up in the middle of the night screaming bloody murder? Why is he attached to Miri's chest? Why doesnt she have as much time to play with me? Why isnt she taking me on our walks in the morning? I miss her!

The being cries A LOT! And he makes all these strange noises. He also smells weird. And it seems like he makes a huge mess all the time. Miri and Tom are using that washing machine at least once a day if not more!

Miri and Tom also look exhausted and to be honest, they dont look that good. I am also tired and am annoyed that I am not getting my beauty rest. However, despite the tiredness, they seem very happy about this little being. Due to that happiness, I decided to take on a new role of protecting this being even though im still not sure how I feel about him. I can just tell that he is important to Miri and Tom and I want to make sure he stays safe so I bark at everyone that gets close to him. Its pretty fun being scary and imposing!

More later kids. I need to find out more information and Ill be back to update you soon.

In the meantime, Miri and Tom created a blog site for this little guy:
http://babymcdonald.vox.com

Check it out. Its a little embarrassing to be honest! But I am in some of the photos so you will at least think those ones are cute.

Love
Madeline

Monday, May 07, 2007

Gotcha Jennifer!

Jennifer came over briefly last night and we went on a walk! I think she thought Miri was exaggerating about my passion for squirrels so I thought Id give her a little show. We were coming out of the building and Miri saw a squirrel so she let out a little gasp and tried to divert my attention so I wouldnt see it. But im too smart for that people! I saw that little guy and man he looked good enough to eat! So I lunged and cried out to the world "That squirrel is MINE!" but he was too fast and Miri was pulling me in the other direction. I couldnt compose myself for a long time. I was so excited. I think Jennifer was freaked! It was kind of funny. Also she kind of jumped to the side all scared and such. We have to thicken up her skin a bit. I think when this baby comes she will be coming over more often so maybe I can get her used to my outdoor antics.

More later.
Mad

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Too many birthday treats...

well folks - I indulged too much in birthday treats and now im paying for it with some fun diarrhea! Its a real pain in the butt -- pun intended!

Hope it clears up soon.

xoxo
Mad

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Two Very Important Things

Hello Dear Readers,
There are two very important things I must report.

#1 -- its my birthday! Not officially because my real birthdate is unknown. But today is the date two years ago that Miri and Tom adopted me so they made it my birthday. Please shower me with gifts and treats!

#2 -- We found out more about my breed mixture! There is a company called Metamorphix that does DNA testing and research. They have a new test called the Canine Breed Heritage Test. Miri ordered one and Tom and Miri got a cheek swab and sent it into the company. Well, the results came back yesterday! Guess what I have in my "breed mix"? Chow Chow and POODLE! The chow chow explains the striped/spotted tongue of mine and it also explains some of my personality traits. I'm not sure how I feel about the Poodle. Maybe my snout is kind of poodle-like? Also some of the standard poodles have a similar body type to mine. But the WEIRD thing was that my sample did not reveal ANY LABRADOR DNA!

Well, we all felt that this was impossible so we called the company! (Miri called but I picked up the other phone and listened in). They said that the labrador DNA samples that they are able to detect are the American Kennel Club Standard for Labrador which is more of the show breed version -- also called "English Labrador" -- as opposed to the American Field Hound Labrador which is more of what they think I might be. They don't have the DNA strains for that type just yet. They said in 6-12 months their test will have more certified breeds to include the other labrador stains and we will be contacted for a re-test.

If you didnt know there was a difference in types of labradors, I'm here to tell you all about it.

The English Labrador has a BIG head and wide body and also shorter legs. They are also more "mellow" and easy going. Field dogs tend to have a lighter body and longer legs. Their coats aren't as thick and their tails tend to be thinner. The field bred Labrador's head is generally not as wide as a show bred Lab and the muzzle tends to be longer. Personally, I think the field lab is more attractive but maybe I'm biased?

I read a bit more about the Chow Chow and I'll share with you a snippet that I think describes me pretty well:



The Chow Chow is usually well-mannered, but can be willful and protective. Bossy, serious and very independent. They are self-willed to the point of obstinacy. Often a one-person dog, very loyal to his family, though he may act reserved, even with them. If strangers push themselves on this dog, he may become aggressive. This very dominant breed requires a dominant owner. The owner of this breed of dog should be a calm person who is naturally fair and firm. With such a handler, the Chow Chow can develop well. Don't expect great obedience from them. They are born stubborn and with minds of their own. The dogs can learn because they are certainly not stupid, but they must see the point of your command. Most Chow Chows like to dominate other dogs, but in contrast, they are quite good with children.

Here's are some things about poodles that could describe me:



They are pleasant, happy and sensitive. They need to be with people and dislike being alone. The Standard Poodle is good with other dogs. Some Standards are good guard dogs and some can be trained as hunters. Most poodles make good watch dogs, barking at the signs of strangers.

I hope you feel you know me a bit better now! I certainly feel more informed.

Oh - I'm thinking about changing my blogspot from Blogger to Vox. Not sure about it but it seems like a better site particularly because I could post videos of myself! Blogger doesnt have video capability which in my opinion is pretty lame. Let me know what you think about this idea! I value my reader's opinions.

XOXO
4 year old Madeline