Thanksgiving? It's a Puppy Reunion! Dog Party!

It's all a blur. We got back from Chicago, Mom and Dad and PJ picked Annie and me up at the kennel, and then my birth sister Ellie and her human mom and dad (Kristen and Ryan) arrived for Thanksgiving.

I recognized my birth sister Ellie right away! 



Our family is very close. You recognize Annie (in front, because she's the Queen.) That's Ellie with the worried look. She's not really worried, she's got premature wrinkles. And that's me, always trying to get my nose into everything. You can always identify me by the white ring around my nose like my Mama Kelle's.

At first I thought I'd be in charge--I mean, after Annie. But when Ellie and I play, I'm always on the bottom. She's longer, and I'm stockier. I let her think she's winning when we rumble. (Shhhh.) Annie was happy to watch. I think I'm a bit hyper for her and playing with Ellie gave her a break.



Mom was happy when things were quiet for a minute, but we only look like we were sleeping. We were just gathering energy for the next round of puppy craziness. It pretty much happened all weekend. And it was a long weekend.

Annie was good about letting Ellie and I catch up. Ellie and I had a lot to talk about. She's surprised that I'm not shy and quiet and hiding anymore. I told her Mom says I've come out of my shell. Of course, Ellie said, "You don't have a shell. You're not a turtle. Or a crab." So, okay, I don't know what Mom means. Ellie hasn't changed a bit, in my opinion. Except we're both bigger.

Mom bought Ellie a smaller crate just like Annie and mine for Christmas and gave it to her for Thanksgiving. We're pretty sure she'll outgrow it, but you never know. Ellie hasn't warmed up to the whole crate idea yet. Annie and I love love love our crates. Great napping happens there even when Mom and Dad and PJ are home. Can you see there are three crates in a row? Awesome. With a great view of the big screen TV, too!

Ellie loves to give kisses. Annie wasn't so sure about the whole kissing thing.

 

Ellie has spots on her tongue!

She does not have monster eyes. She does have a great smile, like me!

See? I don't have spots on my tongue!



Ellie wanted kisses. I gave her kisses--and a few nips!

See? I really don't have spots on my tongue!

Well, I'm out of time and space. There are more pictures. You know my mom. I think she only took about a thousand. She's ridiculous.

On Saturday the family decorated the Christmas tree and Ellie and Annie and I just watched. So far I've only touched one ornament, and Mom said they aren't for me. I'll blog about the reunion some more tomorrow. I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! Can't wait for Christmas!

Love ya!
Layla

What Kind of Dog Am I? The Mystery Continues.

Okay, so I am told I am an Australian Shepherd/Lab mix. I look like my Mama Kelle in most ways. I wonder if the mix thing is like a cake mix? (Mom would never feed me cake, but it sounds good.)

Daddy left Mama Kelle pregnant and alone. She gave birth to me and my six siblings under a picnic table at the West Greens Road ExxonMobil office in Houston. Smart move! Who doesn't love adorable puppies?
                                
My siblings and I all look different. All seven of us! In true mutt form, I am proud to say.

According to the books and websites, Australian Shepherds often give birth to seven puppies. But it seems that many Australian Shepherds have very short air. That's not true for Mama. I like to think she's a mutt too! She might have some yellow lab in her.

Mama Kelle

My sister Ellie and her mom (Kristen) and my mom (The Mom) and I have been wondering about Daddy. Mama Kelle's lips are sealed.

Ellie's vet suggested Daddy might be a Chow Chow. Hmmm. Had to look that one up. (Thanks, Mom!)

Chow chow... my legs do look Chow Chow. My face looks a little Chow Chow. Not squished however. (But it might explain Ellie's face!) My tail definitely resembles a Chow Chow's tail and NOT Mama Kelle's. My tail's got the curl! So the mystery continues...

Well, I'll be taking a blogging break until Tuesday or Wednesday. Annie and I have our appointments with our wonderful vet Dr. Gunn today, and then we're boarding. I don't know what boarding means, but Mom took my favorite comfy seat and put it in a big bag along with a bunch of ziplocked bags of Puppy Chow and a blanket. She put my name on everything. Methinks I'm going on a trip. Annie says wait and see. 

By the way, not too excited about the rabies shot today... but I guess it's good for me, huh? I trust Mom and Dr. Gunn.

Love ya!
Layla 
PS I tried to upload a video of me running around the backyard and it didn't work. Maybe next time. The learning curve is high on this blogging thing. :)

Annie's Turn: Layla's Growing Up!

   Layla has been here one month. She's taking over (she thinks.) Mom's still working with her on walking on a leash. Just think of all the stuff she's missing!

       We're taking a practice ride in the car today. Tomorrow both we have appointments with the vet--shots (ugh.) Mom is a little worried that two dogs in the car will be the biggest adventure yet.
      
We'll be boarding at Dr. Gunn's kennel too, and Layla hasn't boarded before. Bet she's a cry baby! No big deal for me. Those ladies Dr. Gunn hired (xoxo) just love me, love me, love me. They make such a big fuss when I'm there. They probably won't love Layla as much. Just saying...

      
     Hey, I know Layla's tail is longer than mine--it always has been--but she's not really bigger than me, is she? Last time I was at the vet, I was 12.8 pounds. Last time Layla was at the vet she was 8 pounds. I think weight is the most important thing. Just saying...

    

 

         

     

    

     Well, I'll be blogging again on Thanksgiving--because it falls on one of my Thursdays.  Layla's birth sister Ellie will be here. I'm expecting a little excitement (and maybe a taste of turkey???!)

Mom is shaking her head no, but we know who the softie is, right?

Have a woof-f-ful day!

Love, Annie, who is a year older even if she isn't too much bigger