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.

Vet Visit

I cried a lot this morning. Lady was glad we were headed to the vet. Tinku, the taxi driver, picked us up. I whined the whole way. Lady had my coat on and wrapped me in my black blankie to keep me warm. She paid 4 cents (2 rupees) to see the vet. We didn't have to wait too long. Two huge, aging  retrievers were getting shots. My regular vet wasn't in, but this guy spoke English well. Lady told him the problem and he basically said "he's old." He didn't even examine me!! But Lady persisted and told him that just recently I have been crying in pain up around my shoulders. So, he had me get on the cold metal table and he poked around. He pointed out my curved spine. He said it puts pressure on my joints. He told Lady he would give me an oral pain med for three days, and Vitamin B complex for 10 days. Done. Lady was wishing she had called my regular vet, but we'll try the meds and then see. My meds cost $2.00, and the taxi ride cost $4.00. Tinku stayed with us so he could go get the meds. You have to go to a chemist in the lower bazaar to get them. But we ended up going to three different chemists before we got both meds.
Baby Wyatt came over to play. His dad played tug-of-war with me and my new girlfriend. She's pretty much shredded now, and it looked like snow all over the living room. The baby liked it. Now I'm just hanging out with Lady trying to stay warm.
Lady's been talking to my uncle. He wrecked his motorcycle and his little dogs had to go pick him up and take care of him. They had to go on a very long car ride and stay in a hotel. Cousin Pepper walked into the pet-friendly hotel and promptly did what he shouldn't have. Cousin Casey knew better. Guess who got crated and who got to sleep in the bed? Lady wasn't happy when she found out I had been riding a scooter in Bangalore while she was in the US. So you know she wasn't happy that Uncle rode so far in bad weather. I had to give up scooter riding because it stresses Lady out too much. Oh well. Bangalore was very flat but this city is on a mountain. Our roads are very steep and windy.
Thanks for praying for me. I will keep you posted.

A Day later...

                                                   OOPS!

No Vet Today

Lady called our taxi driver and he told us that all government offices are closed today. So we have to wait until tomorrow. Lady bought me a new friend that won't chew on my ears.

Ow

I'm having a hard time. I hurt so much this morning. I cried and cried when Lady picked me up and put me down. I can't tell Lady where I hurt, but it seems to be around my shoulders. I do better after I am warm, but before that, I holler pretty loudly! Lady didn't give me a feel better pill (Carprophen) because she says I gotta go to the vet tomorrow. They may want to stick me with steroids or drugs and I can't have both. Lady thinks I may have hurt myself jumping on furniture when I was at the Home, because that's when the pain started. Or, it may be arthritis. Lady put me in the small bedroom with the heater so I couldn't jump on anything. So, I get to go on a car ride tomorrow! I like that, but I don't like the getting stuck with needles part.
You may be wondering if my wheelchair will help again. Nope. That was for my hind legs. I am hurting up near my front legs.
It's gonna be a long winter.

Baby It's Cold Outside!

Well, I just won't peepee in the house unless I just can't control myself...which is like, never. Okay, maybe on occasion when I was drugged and in pain. So, I have to don my sweater or coat and brave the elements. And it is not even that cold yet! ButI like to get out early. We're never alone. This one toothless old human totters along with his monkey stick, wrapped snugly in a woven wool shawl, and asks Lady the same questions every time he sees us. What's your name? Where are you from? Where do you stay? What do you do? What kind of dog is that? At first, Lady couldn't understand all his questions, but now she can, and she can reply. He smiles his toothless grin, nods, and mutters on his way. Another old man we often see has his head wrapped in a woolen scarf, and looks dapper in his patterned sweater. He speaks English very well, but he also forgets what he has asked us. And it is a good day when nobody yells at me for doing what dogs do, uh, doo. Hey, I perform a public service by watering the trees and bushes! There's no poop pick-up law here, but Lady makes sure my business isn't where someone can step in it.
PTL, we didn't see my ex-girlfriend this morning. Yes, ex. I am totally fed up with her chewing on my ears despite my vocal protests! It's so annoying! She won't let me dance with her, so what's the point? She makes it extremely difficult to take care of personal matters. She just won't listen. She wags her tail and thinks she's so cute. Well, she is, but sometimes cute is annoying! She hasn't figured out that I broke up with her.
We had house guests last night. Bill, from Apple Country called and said he, his brother-in-law, and his mother-in-law were in town to see a doctor and needed to stay the night with us. Lady said sure. No Pallu though. She and Rae stayed home. Rae's mother has been having pains for awhile, and the doctor three hours away from them can't seem to make a diagnosis and help her. So they had to make that long journey here to go to the local hospital. Lady made pancakes for them this morning. Of course she made some for me, but I don't use syrup. I like them plain.
After I come back from my walk, I settle in for my morning nap. I got up to say good-bye and my blankie came with me.

Play Date

Baby Wyatt is much for fun to play with than my girlfriend. She is getting soooo annoying. A guy can't even take care of business without a girl chewing on his ear and jumping all over him. She IS taller than me. I walk right under her to try to escape. When enough is enough, I look up at Lady and she rescues me and picks me up.
Baby Wyatt is so cute! He is a good baby. He doesn't throw tantrums like that other baby who comes a lot. I am a good boy. I don't lick him too much, I don't take his toys, and I stay off of his blanket. I let him pet me and I didn't even growl when he tried to take my toy. That's really good for me.
While the baby was here, the TaTa Sky man came to change our TV box. I was soooo good! Most of the repairmen make Lady put me away. She won't. She says it is my house. But she does put my leash on me and hook me to a chair so they can see where I am. Good grief! I am just a short dobie!

Happy Halloweinie!

Beach Bum

Diwali Aftermath

Man! It's hard to navigate around all the mess, so I just pee on it. I think the worst is over. Here are some photos from the night, and the morning after.

View from my balcony

View the other way

Those decorations are made with sand and are called rangolis. There are also clay oil lamps that the landlady's grown-up kids lit. They set off soooo many crackers and bombs right under our living room window!

You can see the mess it leaves. My girlfriend came by to visit.

I like her, but it is annoying when she bites my ears. I just want to dance.

The whole street looks like this, but the sweepers will come and clean most of it up.

Here is another example of a rangoli. all of the homes have them somewhere.

Hmmm. Good place to mark, but Lady won't let me because they recycle.

Shake Shake Shake

That's me. My nightmare continues. The sky is exploding. Bombs are going off right below my balcony. Thousands of firecrackers are popping. I hate Divali. Our neighborhood is all lit up like Christmas. Seems like everybody is outside popping crackers and shooting off fireworks. I'm wrapped in my new double-thick blankie, and cuddled up with Lady next to the heater. Still shaking. Lady doesn't know what else to do for me. We ate our dinner on the living room floor so I could sit with her.
I hate Divali. Festival of Lights? No, for me it's a festival of frights!

Bang! Pop!Pop!Pop!Ka-boom!

Yep, it is festival season again -Diwali -my most dreaded time of the year! It's worse than New Year's. Fireworks are for sale on every corner. Kids are practicing for the big festivities tomorrow and the next day. It will be non-stop crackers and fireworks for three days. Hard for a little dog to take care of business. I go out, I hear a cracker, I turn and run back to my gate-finished or not. This festival is as big as Christmas is for the Christians. They buy all kinds of new stuff, give gifts, and visit their families. Lady made treats for our landlady's family. She gives me a treat when I hear a loud BOOM! It doesn't really help me stop shaking, but I enjoy Beggin' Bacon Strips anytime. Sometimes though, I am so nervous I can't even eat. 
I've been at the Children's Home again. Lady went on a trip. I jumped too much there and was crying for a couple of days, but I am feeling better. It's really cold, so I think my arthritis is kickin' in. Lady gave me a feel-better pill. At least we have a lot of sun. When I lie in the sunbeam I feel good...until the BOOM Pop bang!

See Ya Later, Aunt Sheri!

Well, it was off to the home for me on Monday. Lady took Aunty Sheri to the capital city to fly back to the US. She wanted to take me with her but Lady said no way. Aunty Sheri really likes me a lot. I was a good host. Lady came back this afternoon, dropped her suitcase and came to get me. I was ready to go home right then. I kept running to the door, back to Lady, to the door, back to Lady...you get the idea. Well, apparently Lady didn't. She stayed for tea! She said it would be rude not to have tea with Aunty. Pearly carried my bag for me and visited for a bit. She missed the school bus today so she stayed home and played me with. I was mopey because Christy went back to boarding school last evening. But I am home now, with my Lady, where I belong.

My Trip to Apple Country

I'm back home now! Lady and I rode in an apple truck with Bill, Rae, and two friends from the US. Six other American friends rode in a brand new van they bought for Bill and Rae's school! Cool! They came all the way from Kentucky to help the school. We left really early on Saturday morning. It took forever to get there over super bumpy and winding roads. We didn't stay with Bill and Rae like we did last time. We stayed in the best hotel in the village. Well, it was the ONLY hotel in the village. They didn't even give us towels or soap -we had to bring our own. There were a bunch of insects in our room, but it had its own terrace and the view was spectacular! The terrace was closed off so I could roam as much as I wanted! I loved it. We were right on the river and could hear the rushing sound of it. The carnivores in the group ate chicken for dinner so Lady brought me some!
Sunday, we went to school to plan for the work to be done until time for church. Lady and I helped Miss Julie, who is a teacher trainer. She's really nice. The others started preparing to build the much-needed fence around the school. I have snagged my new sweater too many times on that awful barbed wire. While the others climbed up the hill to another village, Miss Julie, Lady and I rode in the new van to Uncle's house. We ate dinner at the hotel.
Every day I rode to school in the van and helped watch the kids, supervise the work on the fence and the ceiling, and keep the cows from coming on the school grounds. Rae fed me rice and chicken for lunch. Uncle Chuck brought me my favorite treats -Beggin Bacon Strips!!!! I helped him hook up the five new laptops and the wireless network. He also hooked up a new printer. Bill was elated to have all this new stuff for the school! He even wrote "Praise the Lord" on the new van. The children were so excited about all the great new stuff. They held a parents' meeting and they were so happy about what the friends were doing for their school. It was pretty cool when some of the neighbors came to work with the Americans.
Wednesday, we made the long bumpy ride back to our house. Pallu threw up. I didn't. I don't get car sick. Everybody stayed with us -eight more humans! More people to scratch me, I always say.
When we got back to our city, the temperatures had dropped! The humans went out for dinner. I stayed home.
 Lady made me pancakes this morning for breakfast. I shared. She also baked some apples for them. Our guests left this afternoon. Sheri is still here. She stayed with me while Lady went to get this bunch of friends. She's going to hang out with us for a few more days. She likes me a lot.
Today is Dusheera. Soem people lit firecrackers. I shook for hours. I refused to go out to take care of business. It is quiet now, so maybe I will go out in a bit. Maybe.
You can see some photos from my last trip on my April 15th post.

Suitcases Again

I moped around this morning as I saw my guests all packing their suitcases. Lady has her suitcase out as well. At lunch time they all headed out the door. I wouldn't even eat my breakfast. But Lady asked me if I wanted to go to lunch, too, and I said YES! We went to the Home for lunch. Aunty fixed a very special lunch for my guests. She was very happy to see me. She said, "Oh Marley I have something special for you!" I had rice and chicken! She asked if I were going to stay with her. Lady said no. Aunty Sheri is staying with me while Lady takes my guests back to the capital city to fly home to America. Lady says she is bringing even more friends to visit us. They arrive a few hours before these friends leave. Then, we're all going back up into the mountains to Apple Country. Yippee! I get to go!! And I am taking my new winter coat because it is cold there. We're staying in a hotel this time. I'll take photos and tell you all about it.

We're All Safe

Some friends have e-mailed asking if we were near the bomb blasts or recent earthquakes. No, we're not. We're all just dandy, but thank you for asking!
Lady's friends brought tons of stuff. It was all over my living room. Looks like when Lady plans for Christmas events. But, my snooping paid off! I found a Slim Jim beef jerky. No one could figure out why it was in there. I know why. My grandmother in America sent it to me! She also sent me my new winter coat from Dachshund Delights! Everyone here thinks I look so handsome! I had to seek shelter under the table or I might have been lost in the piles or stepped on. I finished off my chicken Mac Nuggets today. Yum.

Home Again Home Again!!

I'm home! I'm home! Lady's back and she brought with her some old friends of mine! Sheri visited me in South India, and Sylvia visited me in China. I never forget a friend. And guess what they brought me? Chicken McNuggets! There's one a couple of hours from here. I did my happy dance. Lady made them lasagna for dinner but I had Mickey D's McNuggets!!!!! Happy boy. My other friends will arrive tonight. And, I have a new friend, Susan, who really likes me even though she is a cat person. Oh happy day!!!

Back to the Home

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.