The Easter Beagle Came!

Happy Resurrection Day! A bit late, I know but we have had internet trouble. The man came and "fixed" our land line, which hadn't worked in three months. Now it "works" but is full of static, and our internet connection is worse than ever. Lady went to church Eatser morning and hid 125 eggs for the Sunday School kids. They had never hunted eggs before. After lunch at church, Lady returned home to me. Under our egg tree, she found a chocolate bunny, some Peeps, Skittles, and gum! I found a nice, new pillow!

I have been having a rough time lately. You know I always have "issues." After all, I'm black, I'm short, I'm Chinese, and I live in India. Well, there's this babe on our street...Lady has another B word for her...anyway, she always flirts with me. So now that she is ready to tango, she bites me in the face! Daily, I drag Lady over there to see if she has come to her senses, and she teases me, then bites me in the face. All the "real" male dogs are coming on our street to see if they can get anywhere with her. It's been quite noisy at night! Our street dogs don't want the other dogs here, so they bark...a lot! Last Thursday night as we were walking home from Auntie Jo's after American Idol, that big black bully that gives me such a hard time ran up from behind me and bit my butt! What a coward. I cried. Lady looked for a puncture wound but didn't find it. She didn't look low enough. After two days, and chewing off the hair around it, Lady found the hole. The doctor came ot our house today to check it and give me some antibiotics. He said he saw two other dogs with the same thing today, only they both had maggots in their wounds! Mine wound is clean. Lady put ointment on it. So she had to shove a pill down my throat. My poor butt is sore and I am miserable because of all the rejection. On top of that, My landlady gave me the forbidden chicken bones and I threw up three times. Life can be rough for a little black Chinese dog living in India.

New Auntie Arrives

Remember me telling you about eating the rat poison in the old principal's house? Part of the house is used for the school. Well, I went back today to welcome Auntie Jo. SHe arrived from the US at 5:00 AM. She is here to teach music. She is older than my Lady. Now that's old! I went in the house but Lady wouldn't let me explore. Later, Auntie Al and I went back to pick her up and walk her to our house for an early dinner. Lady made quiche and I cleaned up the dropped cheese. Auntie Al made fruit salad. This morning, Lady made pancakes. She makes little, plain ones for me. She and Auntie Al eat them with chocolates chips or cranberries. I just love pancakes. I will dance and sit and speak for pancakes. Whatever it takes.
After dinner, we walked Auntie Jo back to her new home. She was really sleepy. The mosquitos about carried Lady off! We ran into Lady's new language tutor, Dhanu, and walked ot her house. We met her landlord who invited us in for coffee. I was ready to go inside but Lady said we had ot get home. We don't go off our street after dark, and darkness was fast approaching.
Saturday is Lady's day to do chores so I have been helping. I go up to the roof with her when she hangs laundry. I let her know when someone is at the gate. I soak up the rays while I am guarding the house. She won't let me get on the fresh sheets though, because I haven't had my bath! We have company coming tomorrow! Our friend Katrina is here from China. She taught with Lady at the same university. She was a frequent visitor to our home. She would even come and walk with me when Lady was too sick to take me out. She's a good friend.
Yes, I stay busy on Saturdays, supervising Lady doing chores, and cleaning up dropped food off the floor. I'm exhausted now! After all, I am just a little dog.

A Gift

Lady had the day off from school today, so she , Auntie Al, and Auntie A. all went to the movies and shopping. The Jane Austen book and the movie are for Lady, but the new baby is for me. I am not allowed to chew on Eyore.

I almost got introuble again. A friend brought Auntie Al spicy chicken on bones. She couldn't eat it all. Lady gave me the meat but I am not allowed to have chicken bones. She wrapped them in foil and planned to put them in thetrash after they returned from dinner. She thought maybe I might dig in the trash and try to get them out if she threw them away. I know how to step on the pedal and open the trash. I know how to drag stuff out then leave it upright so maybe Lady won't notice. Anyway, I managed to get up to the counter and get the foil packet down. By the time Auntie Al and Lady returned, there were only a few pieces of shredded foil on the rug as evidence. Foiled. Scolded. Lady worried a bone might splinter and poke a hole in me, or I might choke. She says I am giving her gray hairs, but I don't see any yet.

Lady and my Aunties had a scary adventure getting home tonight. The autorickshaw driver demanded more money than the prepaid amount. The is the whole reason for getting a prepaid slip. He said it was too far for the amount. He threw the money down and when my aunties started to walk away, he picked up a large rock in a threatening manner. Lady used her loud teacher voice to say, "are you threatening me?" to attract the neighbors. They came out and helped settle the disbute. Lady gave him a little more money but not the huge amount he had demanded. Thankfully, they had gotten out away from Auntie A's home so the driver didn't know where they lived. They are home safe and sound. I took Lady out for a walk and protected her. Nobody messes with my Lady and gets away with it!

Still Here!

I'm still here! I made it through the night just fine, showing no signs of poisoning. I stuck close to Lady all night. Only when twelve hours had passed from the time I inadvertently ate the rat poison did Lady heave a sigh of relief because I had shown no signs of sickness.

Lady went to church, I stayed home. Again, I did what little dogs left alone do - I got into the trash. By the time Auntie Al and Lady returned, I had the front door mat covered in litter, and half of the living room as well. She opened her mouth to scold me, but I gave her the pathetic, "you almost lost me yesterday" look, and she backed down. Let's face it -I'm precious!

One of Lady's girl students gave her a bag of hair ties and clips to give away. So, we did. The girls were so excited to have new colorful hair ties. The moms fought for some as well. Auntie Al put braids and clips in the girls' hair. The boys stuck their hands out wanting something, too! The moms all laughed! Imagine - a boy wearing purple butterflies in his hair! Not this boy! I let Lady dress me, but I draw the line at hair bows. Thank you to those who prayed for my well-being yesterday.

A Close Call

I'm just a little dog. I do what dogs do, despite Lady's warnings -I eat things I find. How was I supposed to know that the yummy black cake was actually rat poison?
We were helping the parents move the school library to the annex, recently vacated by the principal and his wife. They had a rat problem, so after it was all clean, Auntie put out solid cakes of rat poison. Auntie Beth spotted it in my mouth and tried to get it out. I growled at her and ran off. She told Lady I had rat poison. Quick as a wink, Lady yanked it out of my mouth, despite my growl, and swiped my mouth several times. She tried to clean the inside of my mouth and get any of the granules out, but wouldn't let me have a drink. She scooped me up and rushed me home. I still didn't know what in the world was the big deal, but Lady started crying. By the time we got home she was a mess. I had all I could do to kiss away her tears. She called Pastor S. who had his son call the vet. Lady cradled me in her arms the entire time until the doctor arrived...and she cried. She was scared. I mean a lot to my Lady. I came all the way from China to India just to take care of her. The doctor arrived about thirty minutes later and stuck me two times. I didn't even bite him. He said it was antidote for the poison. He said it was a very potent but slow-acting poison. Six hours later, he returned to stick me one more time. He says I am going to be okay. Lady wants to wait until that twelve hour mark when normally I would be getting violently ill. The doctor said that by the time they know it is a poisoning, it is too late to do anything about it. He said it happens often, but because I have had the antidote, I will be okay. Lady is thanking God for me, for Pastor S. and for the doctor who came to my house to treat me.
Auntie Al even gave me some of her chicken dinner! I guess I had better listen to Lady when she tells me not to eat junk. I am thankful Lady has finally stopped crying.

HAPY NEW YEAR

I know it is a little late, but Happy New Year! We spent New Year's Eve as quietly as possible -okay, I was shivering under the covers hiding from the firecrackers! On New Year's Day, Lady made a visa run to Thailand while I stayed home to take to care of things. I didn't make any new year's resolutions but I did set some new goals for 2008:
1. Eat more meat.
2. Bark less and listen more.
3. Share with the less fortunate dogs on my street.
4. Avoid big piles of poop.
5. Love my Lady as much as I can any time I can.
6. Be a better neighbor.
I hope you have the best year yet, and may God bless you!

The girls are happy to open their gifts. They got journals, stuffed animals, lotion, body wash, candy, and a silk scarf. Ten girls from church plus two American friends came to my house.

Lady's Birthday

The girls from church came over for a Christmas/Birthday party last Thursday. Lady and I left up our decorations for when Auntie Al came back from America. She and Lady had gifts from the states and Thailand for the girls. Auntie Al made a chocolate cake for Lady. I am not allowed to tell you how old she is. She had a great day, though. She ordered pizza for lunch for her class, and they brought her a lot of nice gifts -mostly chocolate ones!

Party Time!

Playing a "pass the gift" game

Last night we had a party for some of our neighbors -the ones who speak to us, plus the government official's family who live across the street. They have two cars and two drivers and lots of servants. They didn't come. But, six of the eight invited families came. We played games. My job was to retrieve the snowballs they through through the snowman. On the right is the youngest boy upstairs. We play together a lot! In the next photo, on the left in green is my beloved landlady. She gives me meat! She takes care of me when Lady goes "out of station." The other lady is our back door neighbor. We are separated by iron safety bars and wire mesh. I can't get through.

Merry Christmas!

Lady and I went for a sleepover at D. & B.'s home for Christmas Eve. We had a progressive dinner with three families. It was loads of fun! I got a lot of gifts last night between the ones my human grandma and grandpa sent me and the ones my friends gave me! Then, this morning, I opened my stocking and even more gifts! Santa brought a new Pooh bear, squeaky toys, and lots of chews. Auntie B. gave me chicken for breakfast! I had buffalo for dinner! I've had a really good Christmas. I hope you have, too!

Merry Christmas and God bless you!

Love,

Marley

Lady and I went for a sleepover at D & B.'s house. This is Christmas morning. Santa has been here and we are opening our gifts and stockings. I don't need any help.

That's a baby boy. The mother will put dark spots on his face to ward off evil spirits. They keep their hair long until they are about three, making it difficult sometimes to tell the girls from the boys. We can tell when they run around with no pants on.

Our Construction Worker Christmas Party

Not everybody was happy about our party today. One of the neighbor ladies became very angry with us. She called some people to make trouble for us, but it all worked out in the end.

We passed out meal packets and gift bags to all our guests.

Our guests listened intently to the story and songs.

Christmas Party

The kids were the first to arrive at our party today. I helped entertain them. They love to have their photo taken.

Cows and Goats

While Christians prepare for Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, Muslims are preparing for a different Holy day. It's called Baqri, or "cow sacrifice," but, Muslim families will also sacrifice a goat or a sheep, or some other appropriate beast. We've been hearing the bleating of a goat for days. He is tied to his gate and being fattened up. Poor guy, doesn't know what's coming. Some of the water buffalo and cows on our street have also been grazing daily. We won't know until tomorrow if one of these has been chosen to be sacrificed in the name of some family members. A special butcher will come to bleed the animal before it is cooked and eaten. Part of the meat will be distributed to the poor. Our neighborhood tent families hope to be recipients. This sacred festival is in commemoration of the ram sacrificed by Abraham in place of his son. You can read the whole story in Genesis chapter 22.
As you know, we have many Hindu neighbors as well. This morning we received a flyer pleading for people not to kill cows and bulls. "Indian cows are endangered species -please protect them from killing." It goes on to say, " Cows give us milk and cow dung which is very essential for agriculture which is the backbone of our economy. Cow is like our second Mother. Mother feeds us milk for one year, but cow feeds us throughout our life."
Living in such a spiritual country with Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhists, and others as neighbors is a different experience from living in China. Most people we knew didn't believe in anything. Many were Buddhists. You can check my archives to see some of the temples I've visited. We are learning more about this culture every day. Tomorrow is our Christmas party for the tent people. We're putting up a big tent for them because the weather has been so bad. If it stays very muddy I may have to stay home. I got both my raincoat and coat filthy dirty!

Bags of Blankets

I'm a very tolerant little dog. I'm sitting atop forty blankets Lady purchased yesterday for the tent families. We went around to each tent area on our block and recorded the names of the families and kids. Well, Samson recorded the names. Lady and I entertained the kids. They love for her to pick them up and pretend to drop them. They come to her and throw their arms up in the air and say, "Whoops! Whoops! Auntie!" Some of the tent families are Muslim, and some are Hindu. Most are non-veg which is a surprise to Lady. The Muslims won't eat pork and the Hindus won't eat beef, so we're serving chicken biriani. Lady brought home more than blankets yesterday! She bought me some ground buffalo meat! I can't wait! She has a special pan for frying my meat and rice. Lady and I are so thankful to Auntie Jeano in America, and Auntie C. and Big T. here in our city. They provided funds to help pay for the food and blankets. Lady and I got all the stuff for the kids. They are getting Milky Bars, milk biscuits (which they love), some chocolates, lollipops, pencils, sharpeners, eraser, and a new toothbrush and toothpaste. The families are also getting some cooking spices. I will be handing out goodies to the neighborhood street dogs. Lady says I should share. It's Christmas. Auntie R. and Auntie B. came over last night for a packing party. They helped pack all the blankets into bags, and packed all the gifts into the kids bags. Auntie Al's room is covered in all the bags! We had pizza, macaroni and cheese, and carrots with ranch dip! All my favorites. I am not allowed to have very much dairy at one time, though. But I love carrots! I lick off the dip and want more. Lady says, "no double dipping." So, I chew the carrot. It helps clean my teeth. We have one more day to prepare for our big Christmas Party!

HoHoHo!

Here I am at my desk, getting ready to blog. Would you like a cookie? It's a cold, dreary day here in India, but warm and cozy inside thanks to Lady's baking in the oven! I brought the silk tree from China. We are missing our friends in China!

More Baking

Lady is preparing cookies for a Christmas party. We can't give this kind to the tent kids because they contain egg. Most Hindus don't eat egg products. They are vegetarian like Lady!

Party

This is my living room and my tree. Lydia drove the boys over for the party. Sim won an alarm clock. Mang won a special pen. They sang Christmas carols, but I just listened. They look just like my Chinese friends to me. Qing Qing is in Lady's class but she couldn't come tonight. Her heart language is Chinese, so that is what she always uses with us. It makes me feel at home! After all, Chinese is my heart language, too.

Cookies

I love it when Lady bakes Christmas cookies. But, this plateful is not for me. She makes mine with no sugar, and different flour. Oh well, a guy can try, can't he? We had a small party for Lady's ESL students from the seminary where Lady goes to church on Sundays. She volunteers each week in a class for the Burmese students. These boys had never had any kind of American food. It was fun watching them eat pizza, quiche, chips and salsa, and veggies and dip for the first time. They didn't want to eat these sugar cookies. They just wanted to look at them.

SUNDAY

I miss Auntie K. I used to go to her home on Sundays, and watch the cat that lives across the street. She went back to the states to be with her family. She's not coming back. She sent my bowl and my mat home with me. How sad is that? So, now Lady doesn't take me there anymore. I have house church at home.
Lady was walking to the store today and got invited to a Christmas Program at a City Harvest Church. The girls (about 25 of them) were from a girl's home for disadvantaged girls. Some are learning to be tailors, and some are learning about computers. Most are orphans. The girls sang a song and did a dance with sticks. Most of the churches are having their Christmas parties now. Lady went to another one last night. The tradition here is to go caroling to all the church members' homes. It takes weeks to do this, in some cases. Our landlord's church caroling team came here last week. We thought they were coming to our home, but they went upstairs. We didn't know how it worked, but someone explained it to Lady. There are lots of Christmas decorations around, but still many, many temples, gurus, and mosques. We have a very large mosque nearby, and hear the call to pray at 5:30 AM, and other times throughout the day. We often pass girls in full burka, with nothing showing but their face, or sometimes only their eyes. Lady speaks to them and they giggle.
So, there's a lot going on this holiday season. It is very different from China. The Christian church there has a Christmas Program, but other than a couple of songs, it really has nothing to do with Christmas. There's no pageant. In China they are really good at having a Christmas celebration without Christ. Here, there are all kinds of programs, but we haven't seen the story of the First Christmas yet, but we do see people freely worshipping the Christ of Christmas. That's different.

Gingerbread Stables

Here the kids are working on their stables. A mom and a friend came to help! They made the baby Jesus out of peanutbutter dough with tinted coconut hay.

Christmas Party

Lady's class made gingerbread stables, then ate them. Lady brought hers home and shared. I love holidays!

My Stocking

My stocking was in the box that finally came from China. We don't have a chimney, or even a banister. In the case, you can see where we have received some Christmas cards from friends in America. Lady gets so excited whenever she gets a card! That's usually my role! I'm excited every time Lady walks in the door. Notice our new potted plant? A family moving to Thailand gave it to us! Thank you A & M!

It's a lot warmer here in India than it was in China. By now I was always wearing a sweater or a coat. Sometimes I even walked in the snow and wore my sweater AND a coat. It's chilly in the mornings and evenings, but very warm during the day.

We're both excited about our first Christmas in India. Lady has two Christmas functions tomorrow. She is having lunch with her Korean student's family, and then going to a church's Christmas dinner with Pastor Sam. Monday, her ESL class will be coming over for their Christmas party. I love Christmas parties! We're also planning our party for the tent kids. Every day they ask for food and clothing. Lady's students gave some candy to give them. We hope to give each family a blanket, a hot meal, and some provisions. Of course, I am planning the street dog party. I'll be giving out doggie cookies and flea spray. For Christmas Eve, Lady and I have been invited over to Auntie Beth's to spend the night! I'm taking my stocking! And my blankie, and my rug, and my Pooh coat, and my doggie dishes...

My Box Finally Came!

Our tree was a little bare, but yesterday, my box with all our Christmas ornaments and decorations arrived from China. We've been waiting for months! It had been opened but we think everything is there. Lady was most concerned about her handmade ornaments by her Gram. They are precious to her. She also has ornaments made by other family members, friends, and former students. Some of them Lady made. She also has ornaments from different parts of the world. She used to leave these packed in a box at my American grandma's home, but she decided to keep them with her and use them. The tree holds many memories that way. I have several ornaments on the tree. I have an apple with my name on it from my first Christmas with Lady. I have a stocking ornament with my picture in it! Speaking of stockings, that's what I was concerned about. Where would Santa put my presents? If you want to see photos from past Christmases, check my archives. Lady was glad to get some of her craft materials in the box. She had her class Christmas party today. I got to go after school to help Lady pack up. I got some of the gingerbread stable the kids made. Auntie Beth not only brought the gingerbread stables, she also brought candy canes. She told them the candy cane story. I already know that story. We used it in China last year to share the true meaning of Christmas. Lady and her friends gave out thousands of candy canes with the Christmas message. We had so many Christmas parties last year. So many of the Chinese wanted to know about how Americans celebrate Christmas. I think they just wanted Lady's cookies. Now that her cookie cutters have arrived, she will be baking some Christmas cookies! She makes a batch of doggie cookies just for me. I will share them with the street dogs.
Auntie Al left for America, but we don't know if she has arrived yet. We miss her.

I'm Helping

I'm helping pass out the new shoes! The kids came running when they saw Auntie Al and Lady bringing bags to their tents. Unfortunately, we didn't have shoes for the little bitty humans or the older kids. They kept following us and begging for shoes, but we didn't have any to give them. Pastor S had to yell at them and tell them to quit. We've told their parents that when we have things to give them, we will bring it to them. But they come to our gate and yell, "Auntie, Auntie, biscuit, Auntie, bate (clothes), Auntie..." Our landlady gets upset with Lady, and Lady gets annoyed. When we give them things, they always want more. Lady says we must do what we can and leave the rest to God. It is not our place to judge them. I was good. I didn't bite the boys who were grabby and following us. They just want some shoes. I don't know why. I don't wear any. It's not just the kids who come to our gate and beg. The street dogs come and whine! We have a rule: we never give out anything from our gate. It seems as soon as the kids learn the rules, they go back to their home village and new ones come! We have to start all over again. Some of our favorite kids have gone back to their home village. Their neighbors say they will come back in a month. Even when they are annoying, Lady and Auntie Al still love them, care about them, and want to help them. And so, every day, I walk Lady through the neighborhood, and we try to love on them a little bit.

New shoes!

New shoes! We brought the school kids here for Children's Day. They practiced their local language with the people. The students in Lady's school donated clothing for these poor kids. It's been cold, so she is very happy to have long sleeves and jeans.

These kids were so happy with their new shoes!

Giving

Today we went to the tent families to distribute shoes that Auntie Al's mom had sent, plus some Lady had bought. We saw them Sunday afternoon. This little one was sick because she was so cold, so Ladyand I went back and took them some more clothes. They like me. Lady and I walk by their village every day. They run out to see if Lady has any biscuits (cookies) to give them. While there I ate some poop and now I am not feeling well. Lady was furious with me. What can I say? I am a dog. Lady can tell I don't feel well because I didn't dance for Beggin' Bacon Strips (my favorite). I am droopy. I wanted to go unstairs and see our landlady but I didn't want to climb the stairs. Lady wouldn't carry me. I just stood therewaiting for her to come carry me, but she wouldn't. The other little one in the photo is wearing some clothes we brought her, and the new shoes. Pastor S. went with us to translate. He speaks several languages. Not all of the tent families speak the same language. Some speak Telagu or Tamil, or the local language. We are going to serve a meal to these families on Dec. 21st. It's a Muslim holiday so they won't be working, but they will work on Christmas. They do construction work and follow the work. They set up their tents near the construction site. While their, one of the moms used the pastor to translate for her. She had tried to tell Lady the other night that when we gave away gift bags on Children's Day, women from the other tent village snatched the bags from three of their kids. It may be true, it may not. Lady saw them with the bags. Sometimes they hide what we give them to try to get more. The children claim they didn't get any shoes when they have them behind their back. We have seen moms snatch gifts right out of the hands of little kids and give them to their own kids. Lady gets mad. She tries to give to all of them, and she knows who she has given to. Still, they will claim they didn't get anything. Sometimes it gets really cutthroat as they push and shove and even grab at Lady's bags. Lady says we have to remember that they are poor, and are just trying to do the best they can for their kids.

I share, too. I shared some of my Pedigree dogf ood with one of the street dogs. She had a litter of pups but they died. Our neighbor wanted to build up her strength. Now she's gone. I have donated to other mom dogs as well. Lady says I should share with the poor street dogs.

Christmastime is Coming!

How do you like my new tree? It's short like me. Lady still isn't used to the prices here. We had a much nicer tree in China, but I like this one just fine. My stocking is somewhere between China and here. I sure hope it gets here. All of our decorations are in that box, so we only have a few decorations right now. Lady wanted to decorate now because Auntie Al will be going home for Christmas soon. Auntie Al popped popcorn to string on the tree, but they ate it.
Well, I am all up to date on my rabies shots. Lady took me ot the White Coats here. I was hoping they didn't have White Coats in India. If you have been reading my blog, you know how I feel about going ot the White Coats. I thought we were out for a nice ride with friends. Millie, the cutest little wire-haired dachshund you have EVER laid eyes on, was also in the car. Well, as soon as we entered the building, I figured out where we were. White Coats hurt little dogs. They stick us with needles. This White Coat was no different, except he spoke English instead of Chinese. I was good. I didn't bite him. Millie cried. She also got her second rabies series, and had her nails done. I won't let them touch my nails, but she's a female. I can't wait until Friday! Millie is coming for a sleepover until Monday! Her humans are going out of town. I can't wait until she grows up! I will be sure and post some photos.
My human grandparents in Florida sent me two Christmas gifts! I have to wait. Auntie Susan in Florida sent me my favorite Beggin' Strips. Lady gave me some to help me feel better about getting stuck in the you-know-where.
It's cold in the mornings and evenings, at least it is for little dogs. I wear my Pooh coat. But, it is nowhere near as cold as China. You can check my archives and see photos of me walking in snow! It doesn't snow here. It's hot during the day.
You can write me at littledogmarley@hotmail.com

Counting My Blessings

It's Thanksgiving Day and Lady says I should count my blessings. As we took our walk this morning, I noticed the street dogs I usually try to ignore. They were sleeping in the streets, in dirty holes by the road, and in garbage piles. A mama dog Lady feeds (some of my dogfood) is already searching for food. Her ribs poke out of her skin. She looks so tired. I am so thankful I have a nice home, a huge bed, Lady to take care of me, filtered water, good food (even though Lady doesn't give me enough meat to suit my fancy), lots of friends, toys, a rug, my own chair, and coat to wear on cold mornings. I see the street dogs shivering in the cool air. They are scratching. I am thankful Lady puts that strong medicine on my back to keep the fleas from multiplying. I am thankful for my chair, from where I can survey the street and all who come and go, including the water buffalo. I am thankful for the medicine Lady shoves down my throat when I have a cold. I am already feeling better. I had a fever and I was sneezing. When the street dogs get sick, they die. Just last week the little white puppy got sick and died. Yes, I have many blessings. I know I will be fed and taken care of. I know where to find clean water. Lady is always telling me to be sweet to the street dogs and not bark at them. They can't help being poor. And when she gives some of my treats and food to the poor, I shouldn't try to snatch it back.
May God richly bless my readers this day, and may you count your blessings. It's hard to be grumpy when you're thankful!

Still Diwali Time

I can't believe there are even MORE fireworks tonight! They've been going on all day but the big stuff is tonight. Lady says she has only seen these kinds of fireworks done by professionals on the Fourth of July and at the theme parks - not in front of private homes! Huge fireworks burst into several colors high overhead. They also roll out yards of firecrackers and set them off. They take almost thirty minutes to finish popping! My landlord's son said there are 50, 000 crackers in them. Some have 10, 000 or 1,000 crackers. The people across the street are rich so they are setting off the expensive fireworks, and LOTS of them. The neighbor two doors down is also setting off the huge ones. They are so loud! Lady says it sounds like bombs going off. They are so close! They are being lit just 15 feet from our home.
I am glued to Lady and shaking like a leaf. Auntie Al went to church, but Lady wouldn't leave me. I am so glad. She already took me outside before all the loud stuff started, so I am in for the night!! There are NO dogs on the street now. Even cars have to wait for the huge strings of crackers to finish! What a night!

I hate India

Well, I hate India- today anyway. It's Diwali Festival time. You may remember that I am not fond of firecrackers and fireworks. I am a little afraid of them. Okay, they terrify me. Well, they began last night and went on ALL DAY today. Tonight is a really big night for firecrackers and bombs and other kinds of explosions. Festival of Lights? What's wrong with candles? The Indian schools were out today. Lady's kids jumped out of their skin whenever the bombs and crackers went off. Made for difficult learning. She doesn't know why on earth they had school today. The streets are littered with remnants of the fireworks. The street dogs are hiding. Even the water buffalo stayed home today. They didn't walk our street past the early morning. Lady stepped in evidence on her her way to school and tracked it into her classroom. She had to clean it up before the kids came in and noticed the awful smell. Her day didn't start off very well. Then, all day long, "BOOM! KaBOOM! BANG! BANG! BANG! POP! POP! POP! SIZZLE SIZZLE BOOM!" I was so happy to see Lady come home from school. She tried to take me for a walk but I didn't want to go. She had to drag me out the gate. We walked to the end of the street and turned around. I couldn't get back to my house fast enough. Last night I went as far as the bush outside my gate and wouldn't go any further! Inside, I stay glued to Lady's heels. While she is on the bed, I am UNDER the bed. It's safer. The landlord's van is right outside our window- inches from my chair. The car alarm has gone off three times in the last hour. I hate this day. Auntie Al felt sorry for me and gave me some of her hamburger for dinner. Lady gave me some leftover paneer masala. Lady has earplugs but I don't. They help a little but not much. You can't imagine how bad it is. When India won the cricket championships, we thought we were under attack! Well, this is WORSE. Lady says it is twenty times worse than their fourth of July celebrations. Well, this little dog is staying inside and under the bed.

Buying Flowers for Dewalli Festival

The marketplace was so crowded! Not a good place for short dogs.

A Few People

More Flowers

In the marketplace

Lady passed temples and mosques of all kinds.

Festival Time at the Market

Yesterday, Lady left me home and went with friends to the huge city market area. She said a little dog would get stepped on. Looking at her pictures, I agree. It is near festival time, so many people were out buying parafin lamps, firecrackers, and flowers. Lady went to the flower market and couldn't believe all the flowers!

Online at Last

The broadband man finally showed up on India time. It's almost as bad as China time. I've been having to write at Aunt K.'s on Sundays. Lady still isn't very happy because her phone isn't working right. She can't call her mommy. And we aren't going to Aunt K.s this Sunday. Lady's praying she can get the phone to work.
Well, I had a traumatic walk with Lady after school today. That big, black, bully with the stumpy tail attacked me again. Last time he left a small hole by my eye. Lady shouldn't see it until it formed a scab. He bit me again but she can't find a hole yet. I sneezed and pawed at my face afterwards, so she thinks he got me. She whacked him on the nose with a stick and he reluctantly backed off. His mommy came out and called him back, but didn't put him in the gate. Several tent children had been walking with us and they ran back. Just a bit up the road, five more small kids ran up to Lady and took her hand.She was walking along with them when she suddenly realized she didn't have her keys!!! Oh, no. Big problem. Did the other tent kids slip them out of her hands? Did she drop them during the melee with the bully-dog? I didn't know. Lady starts praying to God to help us find the keys as we turned around and dashed back up the street. Oh great. Back to the bully. We were looking everywhere and there they were, in the street where she had whacked that bully on his snout. She was so relieved, and started thanking God! Many people were around but no one had noticed the keys! Amazing! Lady says it was God.
I got extra attention because of my difficult time, but no meat. Oh, well.

Sunday Again

It's Sunday again. Technically, Lady can sleep in a bit longer because I go with her to church. But, I can't tell time. I wake her up about the same time everyday, school or not. When I find out it is raining, however, I return to the warm comforts of my bed. We've had quite a bit of rain lately, here at the tail end of the monsoon season. It's rather chilly for a short-haired dog.

Rain or shine, the buffalo wander by, leaving the evidence behind. I am not allowed to poop where anyone can step in it, but I guess the buffalo mommies aren't as strict as mine.

Lady, Auntie K. Auntie Al, and the whole school went on a neat field trip Friday. Little dogs couldn't go. The kids went to an environmental education center to learn more about God's world and how to take care of India's resources. Saturday, Lady, Auntie Al, Auntie K. and the others had a fun day welcoming new Americans to the city. Lady knows one family from China. They weren't in my city so I don't know them. Their two kids are going to Lady's school. She is so happy to have them in her same city again. Lady was going to take me but thought that I'd be too high maintenance with all the goings on. They had carnival activities for the kids, and sack races. There are a lot of street dogs around, but I met them when we lived out there. I don't know why she couldn't take me. I would have been a good boy (mostly). Milly got to go. Lady says she and Milly's mom have arranged a marriage for us when Milly grows up some more. That's the way they still do things here in India. Arranged marriages are common. Lady wanted me to be with my own kind. Milly is a black and tan wire-haired dachshund. I hear she is quite the looker, but I haven't met her yet. Her family fell in love with me when I went to visit their home, so they searched and searched for Milly. I can't wait! I can't wait! But Lady says I have to. She is only three months old.

Shopping

Auntie K. and Lady went shopping yesterday but didn't last long in this 'hood.

More Tent Kids

Tent Kids

Photos from the 'Hood

This is another one of the tent kids we pass most mornings and evenings.

In the 'Hood

This little guy runs out whenever we walk by. They live on the backside of our block. Lady took her camera out this morning, and all the kids wanted their photo taken. This little guy always cries out, "Auntie, bye! Auntie, bye!" over and over again. It rained and poured yesterday and last night. I didn't want to go out, so I peed on the landlord's car tire. Lady washes away the evidence. I woke Lady up very early again. Ha! She thought she would be able to sleep late during her week off! Well, this little dog needs to go take care of business whether it is vacation time or not. I know just how to get Lady to get up. I Stand on her chest, pull the covers off her face and lick her until she relents.
The humans here aren't used to little dogs like me. The street dogs are big, the dogs humans get are very big. So, they actually ask Lady if I am full grown! They ask how big I am going to get! Yeah, like I am going to grow long legs and become a doberman!
Lady loves me. I know because she bought ground chicken for me and cooked it for me!! She has a special pan for cooking meat, and a special spatula as well. I know she loves me because she gave me some cheese pizza from Domino's last night. Auntie Al and Lady were trying to make the most of the last days of their holiday. I am atAuntie K.'s now and will wait while they go to big church. Somebody's got to hold down the fort!

Holidays

Lady has the whole week off! Yipeee! She took a day trip to a nearby city to see a palace. She left very early in the morning and didn't take me. She did take me out to take care of business before she left. The Landlord's sons came down to take me out later in the morning. I hid. I am not supposed to leave my house without Lady. I love Sucil. She gives me chicken parts. So I followed her upstairs, hoping for some chicken. Every morning I run up the stairs in search of chicken. Some days I am rewarded and some days rejected. After a while of lounging around on the porch, I took the boys for a walk around the 'hood. They carried Lady's stick, that reminds the street dogs not to mess with me. We saw my friends Doe and Dino. And, of course i had ot dodge the buffalo piles. The are huge and very green!
Lady came home about 9:00 pm, so I took her out for a walk. The little tent children run and greet us and grab Lady's hands to walk with us. She sings songs with them as we walk. Children's Day is Nov. 14th. Lady's students are planning to do something for the tent kids. They are learning to speak the local language. So am I. I will learn whatever gets me meat. The students will sing some songsthey are learning. They are preparing gifts for the kids. Yesterday, Auntie Al, Lady, and a friend gave away some used clothing to the boys on the street. They were so happy to have Spiderman shirts, jeans, and plaid boxers. The girls got candy and stickers. Lady doesn't have enough clothes for all the girls yet. She is trying to collect some baby clothes because they either have on a shirt or nothing at all. The moms came out and begged for the tee shirts even though they swallowed the little boys. One of the older boys really wanted this hooded red jacket that was too small. He wanted ot try it on so Lady let him. He was convinced it fit him. He was so happy to have htat jacket! His mom was so happy she made a funny trilling sound. Lady felt bad she didn't have more clothes, but she is working on it. We see them every day and do what we can. I donate treats and dogfood, and flea treatment to my friends on the street. I try to set an example and not poop where humans can step in it, but the street dogs and the humans still need improvement in that area. Lady has paintings in our home painted by the kids on day - on Gandhi's birthday. The loved the watercolors and used up the whole palette! Lady bought them nice brushes but is not sure what they did with them. Now they come up to her and say, "Auntie, paint?" Or they say, "Auntie biscuit?" "Auntie, chocolate?" And most recently, "Auntie bate?" That means clothes. They need clothes.
Lady found out that a government school picks them up at 10:00 am and takes them to a school and feeds them. They come back at 2:00pm. Some of our neighbors are very kind to these poor kids, and give them leftover food, and cookies. The children sweep the driveway and get some treats for their work. Lady thinks the children are beautiful. She says God loves them so much. But they don't even know it.
I like having Lady home, but she stays busy. I go with her as much as possible. For some reason, I am not allowed to do my own shopping here as I was in China. I don't know why. Oh well. After all, I am just a little dog.

Update

Lady's been having internet issues, so I have not been able to update my blog. I've heard my friends are concerned about us. We're fine. Some things in India are about like things in China, such as trying to get anything done! We are on a long waiting list for our internet hook-up. We're told that paying a "facilitation fee" may speed things up. This is the kind of fee you get no receipt for. Anyway, we're at Aunt Kay's using her connection. While Kay and Lady were at church, I held down the fort. When they came back I seized the opportunity to rush out the gate after three cats who had been tauting me. Lady wasn't happy with me and made come back inside before I had a chance to catch one. Speaking of cats, I tried my best to get to the cats that crawled up inside our landlord's vehicle. Lady thought I was stuck, and crawled under the van to try to get me out. She was happy when she discovered I wasn't stuck at all, but just chasing another cat. But, she made me come in anyway. She WASN'T happy about getting down on all fours trying to get me.
We have been having torrential rainfalls. It makes walking difficult. The water in the streets comes up to my chest and i get covered in mud. It's hard to avoid the water buffalo patties when you can't see them. Lady was still at school working on Friday when it began to rain so hard. The playground turned into a lake. Rain blew in her windows and doors and soaked the floors. It comes so fast. I had to wait awhile before I could go out and teetee. I never go inside. I put on my raincoat and went out. It was only drizzling. Lady walked me for quite awhile because she was afraid it would rain again and we wouldn't be able to go outside again before bed. The tent children rush up to Lady and shout, "Auntie! Auntie!"
We ordered pizza from Domino's. I ate the garlic cheese bread and Lady's leftover crust. Aunt Al gave me dip.
I've had a lot of visitors lately. Lady and Auntie Al named the spayed female Doe, because she looks like a deer. Doe really likes me. She tries to climb through the gate. Sometimes she howls to get my attention. She manages to get our landlady's attention, however, and she shoos DOe away. When she wags her tail, it doesn't go side to side but around in a circle! My other regular friend is Dino. Lady says it's a he, but I get confused because some parts are missing. I think it's a girl, and I sniff her a lot. S/he doesn't seem to mind. Anyway, when Dino wags his tail his whole hind end wags. Lady gives them both treats.
So, we're both fine, just very busy. Lady had Open House at school last Thursday. It went very well. All of her students' parents showed up. The students sang some songs. Friday, they had an American picnic for their social studies unt. Lady made potato salad. They had KFC, and apple pie! I didn't get any though.
E-mail me and I will write back when I can. We sure will be happy when we get broadband!