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All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go.
I standing here beside my door
I hate to wag my tail and say good-bye.
But the kids are callin' they want me to come,
The taxi's comin' for Lady soon.
Already I'm so lonesome I could whine.
So kiss me and give me a treat,
Tell me that you'll be back quick,
Scratch me like you'll never put me down.
You're leavin' on the next train
I'll be here when you come back again
Oh,  Lady please don't go....

Animals Died, Too, on 9/11/2001

Lady and the other Americans are all remembering the terrible, awful day when their country was attacked by terrorists. Many humans died that day. Lady and other Americans are also remembering those left behind. But don't forget, animals died that day, too. A bomb-sniffing yellow Lab named Sirius died in the World Trade Center. After the first plane hit the North Tower, Sirius's partner, Sargeant Lim, put him in his kennel in the South Tower and ran to check out what had happened. He told Sirius he would come back and get him. The rest is history. Many tributes have been made to Sirius, including a dog run in Battery Park, a dog memorial in his honor in Canada, and some web sites remembering him. His remains were found on Jan.22, 2002, and they were treated with the same honor as the other victims. Sirius's partner called him a "big mush," a 92 pound lap dog -not your typical bomb dog. He said he was a very methodical worker, and he enjoyed watching him work. 

So, as you are remembering those who lost their lives on that tragic day, I hope you take a moment to remember Sirius, and other animals who lost their lives that day, and the people who loved them.

Monkey Watch

 Marley the monkey-watcher...

 There's one....

 and another...

 Ha! I can still see you behind the plant!! The most common monkey in north India is the Rhesus Macaque. They are smaller and more aggressive than the black-faced Langurs.

Marley the Monkey-watcher at rest.

Oh Happy Day

Oh happy day! (Oh happy day)

Oh happy day! (Oh happy day)

When I get pizza (when you get pizza)

Oh when I get pizza (when you get pizza)

When I get pizza and jiaozi on the same day!

Oh happy day! (Oh happy day! )

For those who don't know, jiaozi is a filled dumpling. I used to eat them in CHina. Here, they call them "mo-mo's." The mo-mo man brings them to our door. Lady and jerry don't particularly care for his mo-mo's but I do. Lady feels sorry for the man when he comes all the way here, so she'll buy a plate of 8 for me for $0.65. 

Today, the neighborhood ladies came and learned how to make pizza dough. They made a pizza and some bread sticks as well. After they left, Lady made a pizza just for me for my lunch!! Later on, the mo-mo man came. Oh, happy day!!

It's My Walk by Marley and Diana Ross

I can cover up my poop if it's on the path
I play it safe and walk with a harness
And if walking for myself is what I'm guilty of
Go on and punish me-
I'll still be free!

It's my walk!
I'll go just where I please
I hope you'll understand
This time is just for me,
Because it's my walk!
With no apologies
I've given up the heel
To wet bushes and the trees.
 But now it's my walk
If I don't walk so straight and steady
At least you know
I'll move when I'm good and ready!

So I'll let it rain
Cause the rain ain't gonna hurt me
I've got my raincoat on
The rain can't stop my peepee.

It's my walk!
With no room for compromise
Unless you're running late,
I'll hurry up and rise.
And now it's my walk!
Just let me choose my way
But you can keep me safe,
To walk another day.
It's my walk!
It's my walk!

Stupid Human

Lady is not too fond of irresponsible humans with dogs who don't use their safety leash. This fluffy gray dog in our neighborhood barks at me often. Usually, the man uses the leash, but today, he let that dog run loose and he ran right for me. I looked like Dumbo the flying elephant as Lady tried to pull me out of his reach. She was NOT happy with that human. You may remember we have had a lot of vet bills due to dogs attacking me. She doesn't like anyone messing with her baby. She didn't scold me for barking back at him. He barked first. The man didn't even apologize!! Stupid human.
We had guests for the weekend -two young ladies from the capital city. They loved our cool weather. A bunch of ladies came over Saturday for a training. They drew on each other's hands with henna. Good snacks, too. Lady took the girls sightseeing. They rode horses and yaks and taxis. I stayed home. The girls left this morning only to come back when their train was cancelled due to a landslide. They left after lunch to catch their second train four hours away. We had another bunch f neighborhood ladies here today. They made jewelry. The baby from downstairs came for awhile but she distracted her mom so that she left. I tried to entertain her, but she wanted my toys. She has a whole basketful to play with. I a not allowed to play with hers. Don't worry, I was a good boy. We had sun today, which was nice after all the rain. I've been a muddy boy. 

Holy Cow!

Our high temperatures don't see 70 degrees anymore. The humidity is high. Our clothes won't dry. I climbed a rock pile, took care of business, and couldn't get back down. Lady had to rescue me. Then, I didn't feel like walking back home, so I wagged my happy mete, planted my paws firmly, and batted my baby browns, signalling Lady to pick me up and give me a ride home. 

Last night as I walked Lady, two cows had forgotten to go home before dark. The white one turned around when she saw me and headed for me. Jerry took off running, and Lady and I didn't hesitate too long either! Cows go after small kids and short dogs. We always have to dodge their poop. They are holy here, considered the mother of all life because people drink their milk to live. And other reasons, but that is the main one. The cows have the right of way here. Hey, I yield. Indian cows have a distinctive hump on them. Their horns go every which way. There's a big caramel-colored bull in our 'hood we call "Rock Star," but we haven't seen him lately. He is a big beefy guy who thinks he owns the road. Well, I guess he does here. All cars yield to the cows.

 

Lady took this up in the mountains. 

Highjacked

No, not me. My e-mail address:littledogmarley@hotmail.com. I am so sorry if you have received some bogus ads apparently from me. Hey, I am not salesman, so you know I didn't send that stuff, but I know it is annoying. Lady wiped out all the contacts on my list in hotmail so that maybe you will stop getting them. I write here. I write back from my email. If you email me, I will write you back, with Lady's help of course. My nails get stuck in the keys. I won't let her trim them. Uh-uh. No way.
I do love to read your comments and get e-mail, so do write me.
The high today was 62. I wore my Pooh coat tonight because I start to ache in this chilly weather. The sun was hiding today. Lady put her suitcases away so maybe she is sticking around for awhile. She says we're having more company though. I hope they bring treats.

Full House

I was right about that suitcase -Lady took off again, but she's back. I helped Jerry paint while she was gone. She brought that baby and her parents with her. We had dinner, then the power went out. That's always fun. Lady was afraid someone would step on me. So we went for a walk, and guess what? LOTS of humans had the same idea. Nothing else to do.
Lady said she had a great time in Apple Country but she came home with lots of insect bites. I licked some for her. I am not so sure she appreciated it.

I've Got Mail!!!!

What a day! First, my Lady comes home, and then I get mail! I got not one but TWO cards from kids in Florida, USA. Lady got one. Vannette wrote me and asked me if I like to play outside. You bet, Vanette! Of course, I am not allowed to play outside without my harness and leash. I can play on the balcony without them though! Thank you for praying for me, Vannette.I love the horsey card.

Karsyn doesn't like to read but is very good at math. She wants to inspect bones when she grows up, or perhaps be a detective. Thanks for writing me Karsyn, and tell your brother Ethan hello for me. Aunty Marilyn, please tell Buddy Boy hello. Lady wants to thank Lauren, age 6, for writing her, too!! 

Lady unpacked two suitcases, but only put away the big one. Uh-oh.

Lady's Home!!

This morning my happy meter was wagging off the scale because Lady came home! She road in a taxi all night to get home to me! There are two major holidays in India these days, so trains, planes, and buses were full. Lady said she passed buses with people crowded on the top in the luggage racks!! I cleaned her face really well, lavishing her with kisses. She brought her suitcases in and I got really excited! Lady ALWAYS brings me something. Grandma sent me Slim Jim Beef Jerky which Lady didn't let me open myself -she fed me a piece at a time! Grandma also sent me a new squeaky toy. I rooted around in her suitcase looking for other stuff, but she whisked some stuff away and hid them.

 Of course, I unwrapped it myself.

Publish Post

Thanks, Grandma! I love my gifts! Lady gave me a Beggin' Bacon strip! yum! More to come!

Back at Home

Well, I am back from my vacation at the Children's home. The kids brought me back home to Jerry. I think she missed me. Lady's not here -I looked. She is still in the US with her mommy and daddy. But still, it's good to be in my own home. Aunty didn't give me the right dog chow. I wouldn't eat it until she added real chicken and rice!! I've got her trained! She even fixes me chapatti's, a flat read like a tortilla only made with wheat flour. I know, because I watch her carefully as she makes them.
Lady always brings me surprises when she comes home. I wonder what she'll bring me?

Lady's in the US!

I heard from Lady. She's with her mom and dad in the US. She misses me terribly. I'll miss her when I see her. I am getting lots of attention here. Lady is having a good time with her family and friends. I will give her a big greeting when she comes home to me. Thanks for remembering me!!

Back in the Children's Home

Yep. She put me in the Home on Monday, but guess what? She came back and picked me up today, Wednesday! I was so happy to see her so soon! She's leaving again tomorrow morning, so I have to return to the Home, but I have tonight. Lady said she just couldn't stay here even one night without her baby -that's me. We had a nice pizza dinner. She left all my stuff at the home, but I don't need anything. She's got the big suitcase out, so I know it is going to be a long trip. Aunty Prabha is taking care of me until Jerry gets back next week. Then I can come back to my house and stay with Jerry until Lady comes home. Jerry doesn't let me sleep with her, but she fixes a bed for me right beside hers.
Well, I better help Lady get ready for tomorrow's trip! I wonder what she'll bring me????

New Sweater

Rae, from Apple Country, finished my sweater. She took my old one home in Dec. for measurement, so I've been waiting for a long time. I like it. Lady says I look like a bee.
Lady's got her big suitcase out and she's packed it. I know what that means. I remember the first time she got out the big suitcase. I dragged my blankie and crawled inside. Lady cried. She left me for six months. She says she won't be gone that long, but that's what she said in January when she went to Thailand for three to four weeks and came back two months later. It has something to do with a visa. I don't need a visa when I travel but I do need special papers. And to make matters worse, Jerry is packing her bag, too. Lady didn't get my sky kennel down so I guess I am not going. Uh oh. Guess I am headed for the Children's Home again. At least this time my back is not hurting.

Chicken!

Sorry I haven't posted lately. Lady has guests here and has been too busy to help me with the computer. I am not allowed to use the computer without supervision. My nails get stuck in the keys, and I can't use the mouse.
One nice thing about guests is that I usually get meat! Aunty L. sent me some chicken last night. Okay, she sent it to Jerry and she shared! I love Jerry. She's a carnivore like me. But, she did buy me the wrong dog chow. I eat meat and rice flavor and she bought puppy chicken. I tossed it back up. Lady mixed it in with my regular but I still don't like it. Chicken helps.
I see the suitcase out again. That means Lady is going on a trip. I don't see mine out, which means I am not. This morning the neighborhood ladies are coming. Most of them like me. I am a good host. These ladies learn from Lady and then cook. Sometimes I get a taste, and sometimes not.
Our high today is only 69. The cool damp weather has bothered me some in the mornings. The forecast is for rain all week. Oh boy.

Lady's Home!

Lady went to the capital city to meet some American humans coming to visit. Two ladies are staying with us. The men are staying at the YMCA. Lady brought me a new baby. I promptly chewed it's nose off. I love it. I found it in her bag. I always check to see if she brought something for me. She was walking kind of funny. She hurt her back. Jerry made chocolate cream pie and that made Lady feel better -that and the dark chocolate m & M's the Americans brought her! She doesn't share her chocolate with me, or anyone for that matter.

The best part -these guys played tug-of-war with me!

Just Lady and Me

Deborah's gone. Jerry's gone, but she'll be back. Just Lady and me. Lady was gone most of the day, so it was just me. When she returned, I gave her the most enthusiastic and warm welcome! At least it didn't storm while she was gone. I took her for a walk, then we had dinner in front of the TV. Lady had been up on the ridge getting ready for some American friends who are fixin' to come. Now, there's thunder. Woke me up. So, might as well write my blog cuz I can't sleep. Nope, I can see the lightning through the window. I hide under the blanket but I can still see it and I shake. I don't like thunderstorms.
Rain, rain you can stay,
But send the thunder and lightning away!
Just Lady and me. I kinda like that.

Fixin'

We're always fixin' to do something. Lady tells Jerry, "We're fixin' to go out." If she cooks, she says, "we're fixin' to eat." Lady is always fixin' to do something or go somewhere. "I'm fixin' to plan for the Children's Home kids." Me? I'm fixin' to take a nap, fixin' to chase flies, fixin' to love the stuffin's out of my baby, fixin' to eat, scold that big yellow lab marking my gate, fixin' to take a nap, fixin' to snack, fixin' to lie in a sunbeam, fixin' to go to bed, fixin' to chase birds on the balcony, fixin' to water plants and fertilize trees, fixin' to nap...
Hey! I got to Skype with my Uncle Floyd and Aunt Virginia as well as Grandma and Grandpa last night! They have been to see me in China and South India, and they are coming again!! Yippee! hey gave Lady some real good news for Deborah, who is fixin' to leave early Monday. They collected some money for Deborah's tuition! Praise the Lord!! Deborah has one more year for her MDiv before she returns to her home country of Myanmar, next March. She has stayed with us for two summers. She took care of me for a couple of months when Lady was in the US. I lived in the girls' dorm! Fun! Until one of the girls left the gate open and I ran out and took on a big street dog. He bit me on the neck and on the ear. Five trips to the vet for after-bite shots and I was good to go. I will miss her. She eats meat.
Well, I am fixin' to go find a sunbeam in which to bask.

Babysitting

I love babies! My little buddy Wyatt came today. Lady, the baby's parents, and our other American friends had to go to a funeral. One of their close Indian friend's mom died yesterday. In India, they have the funeral really fast because they don't embalm. Christians bury but Hindus cremate. Lady told me. Yesterday, the men went to see the family. The lady was on a cot. She's with Jesus now, so it was just her body lying on that cot. People came and put flowers on the body. Today, they went to the service at the big church on the ridge. It was in Hindi, but otherwise pretty much like funerals in Lady's country. The open coffin was in the front. The lady was wrapped in white cloth with a veil over her face and cotton in her mouth. There was no eulogy. Lots of pastors came because she is a pastor's wife and a pastor's mother. They carried the coffin out and drove her to the cemetery. Lady and her friends took taxis to get there. They put the casket on a slab and said prayers and sang songs. They sprayed floral spray in the casket. Several people came and did that. Then, they carried the casket to the hole and sang some more and prayed some more. Oh, and they cried a lot. Then, they not so carefully put her casket in the hole. All the people threw rocks and dirt on the box. Then, they threw flowers onto the fresh dirt. Lady and her friends said their good-byes and left.
The baby is teething. He only slept a half hour at a time. He played with Jerry and was so cute though. She thought he was hungry but he wasn't -his gums hurt him. I tried to distract him.
Bless his little heart. He likes me.