Merry Christmas Friends!!!

Lady and I had a great Christmas. Our friends from Apple Country stayed with us. We had pancakes for breakfast! But Lady and I shared out Christmas by Skype with our family in the US before our guests even got up! 

I quickly opened my stocking and gifts. Thanks, Santa Paws!

I decided to help Lady open her gifts! My grandparents were watching by Skype. I got to see my cousins, Casey and Pepper, open their presents. The cat, Beau, his in a gift bag! Teddy didn't make an appearance.

Content!

Oops! The tree fell over! I didn't do it!

No worries -we have our Jesus tree we put in its place!

Christmas gift-opening aftermath! I love my new Bobo! It squeaks!

Christmas Eve, for the second year in a row, we hosted the kids from the Children's Home and the staff. I was a very good host. These kids love me. I stay with them when Lady goes out of town, so they are like family. They came at 3:30 and the last ones left at almost 9:00 pm! Best of all, Lady ordered chicken chow mein and cheese pizzas for them (among other things). I got CHICKEN!!! I'm Chinese-of course I eat noodles! Lady shared about the True meaning of Christmas and how to keep it going. We played games and sang songs. Lady let the kids go into Secret Santa's Shop and choose presents to give away. Then, they decorated the paper and wrapped the gifts. Then, Lady and I gave out gifts to everyone. She even let me open another one! I got a new Santa! Finally, we lit the advent candles and sang "Silent Night." I was one fat, pooped pup by the time they left! After I got into bed, I didn't move all night! Here are some photos from our Christmas Eve celebration:

When I opened the door, the kids sang Christmas Carols to me!

 Even Aunty joined in the games! She sent dinner to us while Lady was on her back. We love Aunty!

 This baby is Nobel. She LOVES me! Her parents cook for the children and help take care of them.

Colorful socks in the local pattern! Can't lick the toes if they are in socks! I have been loving on an early present Baby Wyatt gave me. I loved the eye and the nose of (but I didn't swallow -I know better; I just leave them for someone to step on).

 I'm helping with the JESUS Bingo game.

 Lady wants to keep this girl! She is wrapping gifts she chose in Secret Santa Shop.

Satiya wraps gifts he chose. He's one of my favorites. In all, twenty-three kids came.

 I was trying to help with crafts, but I stepped on a sticky baby Jesus.

 I'm under the table waiting for the food to inevitably drop.

 Indians eat with their paws, er, hands.

With thirty-five humans eating, there were lots of drops! Lady fixed me my own plate of chicken chow mien and cheese pizza.

And God bless us every one!

Still Down

Lady is still flat on her back. Christy is still here helping. Lady really wanted to shop today but she can't. Christy has been taking me out. I'm fine. Sonya, our new helper, came back today and cleaned the floors for Lady. I sure hope Lady's back is better soon!

Taking Care of Lady

Christy, Rev. Paul's 13 year-old daughter, came yesterday to take me out since Lady can't lift me. Her mom told her to stay here with us and take care of us. Rani came for awhile, to but only CHristy stayed the night. Christy loves me. Her mom brought us dinner.Lady had cabbage and mashed potatoes but Christy and I had chicken and rice! um! Christy is non-veg! Hallelujah! She will stay again tonight because Lady still can't lift me and she is moaning a lot. She coughed all night and woke me up several times. I was sleeping at her feet too close to the edge. She stretched out her legs and SWOOP! Off the bed I go -blankie and all. Woke her up. Woke me up! She had to scoop me up and help put me back on the bed. We left the heater on all night because of Lady's back and sickness. She feels much better today because she is taking meds for her cough and her back. She's been on the heating pad half the day. I think she overdid this morning. It's great having Christy to bring her things that I can't. And Christy does a better job of doing the dishes. I clean them up but then Lady just has to wash them with soap and VERY hot water!
Lady says I am such a good boy! I haven't been any trouble at all. Christy went ot pick up dinner. Hope we get chicken again!!!!

Back issues

No, it's not me. It's Lady. Her back is out again. She borrowed my heating pad and strapped it to her back! That's a switch. I think Christie is going to have to take me out today. I can't carry Lady on the stairs. Lady says she feels old today. She has a bad ocugh an dit kills her back when she coughs. 

We're having delivery for dinner. Well, at least we don't have another Christmas party until Saturday. Lady let me up on the sofa to cuddle with her. I think it made her feel better. She took care of me when I had bad troubles, so I help her when she has hers.

Another Christmas Party

 Waiting for the party with my BoBo.

 My Christmas tree,

 We did the story of the first Christmas. I played a sheep with the little kids.

 The baby Jesus in the manger.

 One of the crafts.

 Today is Tanya's birthday -she's 15. She likes me and I like her. She doesn't squeal or scream or run from me. Lady told the kids if they didn't quit squealing about me they could leave, because this is my house! Go Lady. They stopped squealing.

 All the kids were opening gifts so Lady let me open one too.

 I got a paddle ball but I don't know what to do with it. Oh well, I had fun opening it.

 Waiting for hand-outs.

 Staring her down.

Asking for my bone cookie!

I Got My Very Own Christmas Card!

 Lady let me open my Christmas card by myself.

I shredded the envelope but didn't hurt the card!
Thank you, Lily and Muffin! My very own card!!! Lily wrote me a newsy letter about her life. Lady read it to me. We're exhausted after our party today. So it was nice just to kick back and read my card! Thank you thank you Lily Belle!

Out in the Back Yard

(to the tune of Up on the Housetop) 

Out in the back yard Kitty cat claws

Out jumps jolly Santa Paws

In through the doggie door with lots of toys

All for good doggies Christmas joys!

Ho Ho Ho! Who wouldn’t go?

Ho Ho Ho Who wouldn’t go

Out in the back yard Ruff! Ruff! Ruff!

In through the doggie door with Christmas stuff!

I Love Christmas

We had another Christmas party Tuesday for our weekly neighborhood ladies' group. I helped Lady by cleaning up dropped cookies and other food. Even grown humans are messy. No meat though. They are all vegetarians. 

Lady had them play a game where they unwrapped gifts. She had an extra one and put it beside her. Since everyone was opening gifts, I figured it was mine, so I opened it. I got a star ornament. Lady wouldn't let me chew it up. The ladies laughed. What? Last time Lady let me open gifts and help the baby open his. So, I figured that one was mine. Lady just thinks I am smart.

Lady had another party for a women's group but it was in another town. I helped her prepare all the stuff. Lady made some Christmas tree cookies to take and made some little bone shaped cookies for me! They are yummy. It's been so cold, Lady leaves me in the small room with my blankie, bed, toys, treats, and the heater! She got back at dinner time, so when I took her for her walk, we went by the dhabba and got rice, yellow dal, mixed veggies and chappattis. Yum!!

We have the neighborhood children's party tomorrow. They are real messy! Lady has been baking cakes and cookies for them. Mine are plain. So, maybe I get to open more presents tomorrow!!!

Early Christmas

Our friends left for the capital city this morning. In a few days they will fly home to America and won't return for six months. They stayed with us for a few days. We had an early Christmas. I really like them because they eat meat and bring me leftovers!

                                                        Merry Christmas, Marley!

This is how you open a gift!

I'm just learning how to do this.

Marley is a pro.

I dressed up for the occasion. Lady gave me a new Christmas neckerchief!

Lady let me open a present early so I wouldn't be overwhelmed on Christmas!

A new Rudolph Bobo!

I gave Wyatt a hand opening his gifts. He's new at it.

Marley shows me how it is done.

Lady gave me a shopping basket full of plastic fruit! It kept me entertained for a long time!

 I am really going to miss this little guy and his parents. They drop good stuff on the floor. They eat meat! Wyatt's dad plays tug-o-war with me. Lady says they won't be back for a long time. We're sad.

In the Dog House

Lady has been trying and trying to get me not to pee on car tires. I'm a dog. That's what we do. Most of the time I pee on trees and I only mark tires that other big dogs have unloaded on. Lady doesn't like it when she gets yelled at. This morning a man who has yelled at her before demanded she clean his tires! She pointed out that about four different dogs had christened his tire. He accused her of lying and said he saw me do it. Doesn't he know the difference between marking (a few drops) and really letting loose? Doesn't he know I couldn't possibly have been the one because the pee was at least 12 inches off the ground! I am only 8 inches tall, and my pee reaches at about 4 inches or less. Dumb human. Rude human. Lady said, "give me some water and I will wash." He told her no, go bring her own water. She said okay and dragged me home fussing all the way. She scolded me good but I think she is really just angry with that rude human. He never ever greets her or says anything nice. He only speaks to her to fuss about me. He even claimed one time that he had to change the tire because of the pee!!! Who's lying now? Do you know how many street dogs and house dogs go there to pee? LOTS! And every single one of them is taller than me! So, Lady fills up a pitcher and put some disinfectant in the hot water and goes back to wash the tire. Car is gone! So she washed off two other tires so maybe he would know she had been there. Was she mad! I treaded lightly until she calmed down. She prayed a lot. She prayed for that poor stupid, rude human. Better pray I don't pee on his tires anymore.

A Letter to Santa Paws

Dear Santa Paws,

Just a reminder that I am still in north India. Thanks for all the loot last year. I've been a very good boy. Okay, an occasional slip like jumping on furniture when I am not supposed to, eating Lady's dinner, or barking too much. I share my treats, and I have been very patient with the babies that come here. I have a good home and lots of love, so I don't really need anything. But if you'd be so kind as to remember me when you come by, I'd like some bacon treats, beef, chicken, a new Bobo, and a new warm sweater or jacket. Please remember all the homeless doggies, and the street doggies here in India. I hope you can find us because there aren't many believers here. We don't have a chimney-just use the door.
Love,
Marley

Taking Care of Lady

Lady doesn't have a helper to do the floors, so she has to do them even though it really hurts her back. Most everybody has someone come in daily to clean their floors. We haven't found anybody yet. Lady has to sweep the carpet and the marble floors, then mop with a rag on her hands and knees. Well, that cute baby was coming over so Lady was cleaning. She finished before he came but while he was there, her back caught and that's all she wrote. I licked her to make her feel better. I lie right beside her. She had to send for muscle relaxers from the chemist, and we're having dinner delivered tonight. I love chili paneer and steamed rice. It is a spicy local cheese dish with veggies in a gravy, and we serve it on the rice. Lady and I share it sometimes, so we'll be eating on the floor tonight as soon as the guy delivers it.
I know how Lady feels. I certainly have had my back issues and she took care of me. Now it is my turn and I am doing a good job. She won't let me walk down the stairs though. I htink Pearly is coming to walk me. So pray Lady feels better soon, okay?

Home in My Own Bed!

Lady came to the Children's Home to get me on Friday. Aunty had just told me she was not coming until Saturday, but I knew better. I ran to the door and there was Lady!! I gave her a good bath of kisses! I forgot and jumped on the sofa and hurt my shoulder again, but after an hour's visiting time, I was okay. My friend Lily Belle forgets sometimes, too. Aunty made chai for Lady and gave her store-bought chocolate chip cookies. Aunty forgot I couldn't have chocolate and gave me one. I know better but hey, I'm a dog. I never eat chocolate candy, but I thought these were my regular tea biscuits they give me at tea time. Aunty also told Lady I got scolded by uncle for barking at 4:30 in the morning. I was good after that. I only slightly barked.
After visiting for awhile, Pearly helped Lady get me and all my stuff home. Lady didn't bring any chicken home for me. The driver went right past McDonald's. Oh well, she did bring me some doggie treats from the Rescue booth at the Christmas Market. She also bought me a new Christmas kerchief to wear! Our tree is up and my stocking is hung!! There are a few presents under the tree but I don't think they smell like they are for me. I can always tell. Last year I found one of my gifts and opened it early!
Lady and I hung out in front of the TV by the heater last night. It's good to be home.
That cute boy baby is coming over with some other new friends. And the girls from the neighborhood are coming soon. I better get busy and help Lady prepare!

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers! I hope you get lots of good treats to eat and get lots of scratching, too. Don't forget to say thank you, and have an attitude of gratitude! 
I thank God for all my blessings, today and every day!  

Over the Poop Piles and Down the Street

(To the tune of Over the River and Through the Woods)
Over the poop piles and down the street to the Children's Home I go!
I know the way so I run all the way
past the trash and things that grow!
Over the poop piles and down the street
Be swift my tiny feet
They scratch my back
and give me snacks
to the Children's Home I go!

Back to the Home

Lady packed my bag and hers. I thought I was going with her. We got up super earlier this morning. She grabbed up my blankie and bag and off we went. We ended up at the home. Emanuel and Aniket were already headed to school. Pearly was waiting for me. All the kids were excited to see me. Lady put my mat down and I got on it. She covered me with my blankie and kissed me good-bye. She hates leaving me.
Lady went to the capital city to see a dentist and get her eyes checked. The, she is going to celebrate Thanksgiving with some American friends. We celebrated early with the neighborhood girls and moms. Lady tells me every day how she is thankful to God for me. Well, I have a list of things I am thankful to God for:
...Lady
...heaters and warm blankies
...car tires
...chicken
...Beggin Bacon Strips
...sunbeams
...fish to chase
...nice humans who let me stay with them when Lady travels
...interesting smells
...carrots and ranch dip
...car rides
...being scratched anywhere
...friends who read my blog
...Lady

Babysitting

That cute boy baby, Wyatt came over today. I was good. I didn't take any of his toys, but I can't say the same for him. Oh well, he's just a baby. I helped Lady get him down for his nap. I let him pull my nose and I'd lick his hand. For some reason, he really likes this and he went off to sleep! I wanted to lick his bottle because I smelled the milk, but I didn't.
Lady brought me chicken kickers from Domino's pizza! I was sooooo happy! She let me have half yesterday and half today. I'm doing good. I have cried since I took the pain medicine! I got busted though. Lady leaves me in the small bedroom so I won't jump on the living room furniture. Well... I left evidence that I had jumped up on the cot in that room! She took the cot down and put the mattress on the floor. I know I shouldn't jump but I forget. Baby it's cold outside so I am going under my blankie by the heater!

 The baby likes to go for a walk -just like me!

 Keeping a watchful eye.

 Getting sleepy...

 He's out, thanks in part to me!

Back Together

I'm feeling better. I haven't cried since Lady started giving me the pain meds and Vitamin B Complex. She gives it to me while I am still on the bed by the heater. She doesn't try to move me until the meds have kicked in and I am good and warm.
Last night SHE ran up to me. I guess I forgot I was annoyed. I was actually happy to see her and we rough and tumbled a lot. Two little boys thought she was bothering me and threw rocks at her. Lady told them to stop. They said her name is Tommi. She is a street dog, but cared for. Street dogs are not strays. They stay on the same street and people feed them. They like for the dogs to bark and let them know someone is nearby. The street dogs don't wander unless they are real boys, and there is an eligible female on another street. That's when the fights happen. It gets ugly. If a dog encroaches on another dogs' domain, they fight and it is noisy. Dogs get hurt. In my old city in the south I was bitten twice that way.
Tommi still tried to chew my ears, but I got  her good as well.
Thanks for praying for us.