MAX...A Legacy in the Making?

It's me.  Max.  Max is me.  I have internet up here.  In my spare time I was on the internet and found out that the number one (numero uno) name for all dogs for the past ten years is...MAX.  Coincidence?  I think not!  It is obvious to me that once folks saw what a wonderful fellow I was they went to the local
shelters and adopted pups and named them after ME.  Take that Oscar, Bubba, Celie and crew.  Not one of their names made the top ten.  Me, I'm number one.  Now pride is a sin, frowned upon up here, so let's just say I am well pleased to see that I have had such a positive influence on mankind.  Max...just sort of sounds right, don't ya think? 
On another topic however, I am concerned about the 29th this month.  That's pastrami day as you all should know by now.  It's my 'versary, so I get strami.  This month also is the anniversary of Bubbadog's arrival up here.  That always makes for awkward conversation, let alone celebration.  The bigger problem though is the incident at the Hat last month.  I am sure it has Fred  2nd guessing the trip to the Hat.  You see, last month we all took the train there, as usual, but I was really, really hungry.
We were in the drive thru and I just couldn't take it....the aromas from within were overwhelming.  I am a dog afterall...a dog who loves pastrami.  So, OK I did it...I jumped through the window of the train and into the HAT!  Boy were they surprised!  I grabbed all the sandwiches, all the burgers, all the stuff I could and was tossing it to the crew in the train.  Trouble was, I hit the engineer in the head (oops) and
as I did that, he was steering, and well...The HAT go boom!  It was an awful mess, all that food flying around.  People were yelling, Fred was as red in the face as could be....my bad.  But the food was great.  I got back, we drove off and then...and then Minnmouse took over.  Oh boy, you are in serious trouble when she gets like that.  I would have been shaking in my boots if I wore boots.  She gave me such a
speech about the rules, about how we're not even allowed down here and she has to get special permission for all these trips and now I've jeopardized all the future trips...yikes!  Well, it was not a fun  'versary, trust me.  It all worked out.  It always does, hence the reason Minnie is in charge.  The powers that be arranged for it to have never happened, no sign of damage exists at all.  Nobody involved has any memory of our visit.  My belly did/does remember the good food though, so I win!  But it does put my future visits into doubt.  Minmouse wouldn't even discuss them with me today.  So, as of now I must wait and see.  Don't you hate the "wait and see" stuff???

It's a GLORIOUS Day in the Neighborhood!

Well, today is a GLORIOUS day in Heaven.  Duh, is that really a shock?   Every time I wake up I hear Fred say, isn't it a Glorious day here?  Seems like the perfect word.  You folks have lovely days, pretty days, happy days, etc...but really, have you ever had one Glorious day?  The sun here doesn't shine, it
radiates!  There's music all the time, perfect music that is.  Fred says so.  I find him and Minnie always listening to the choir of angels. Yes, there really is a choir of angels that sings alot!   Fred loves music.
He's got buddies that come and bring their buddies and instruments, some fellow named Glenn and a band.  That was a fun time.  They come every once in awhile.  It's hard to explain.  I think of things in
days, when I wake up it's a new day.  But Fred and Minmouse never sleep, so they say there aren't really days here at all.  They say, it's all just Glorious!  I smile at the word, we all do.  It may sound corny, but when you get here, you'll smile too!  So, anyhow, back to music.  Fred always whistles, and is always happy to hear music.  He probably should have been in a band huh?  Glenn and his band love him, so do all these other musicians that have come by.  They seem to know he's a music lover.  This new fellow, Levon came by the other day, he was really neat.  They sat and talked for hours.  Fred said he didn't know his music, per se, but after listening to him, was really happy to have met him.  So there's always stuff like that going on for us.  The music folks all love us too!  Well, they do try to keep the cats off the drums and keep us dogs from stealing the drum sticks, but other than that, they seem quite happy to have us with them.  Glorious isn't it?  Anyhow, that's what's been going on with us lately.
I have lots and lots of catching up to do, but then again, I've got all the time in the world,  don't I?  I'm on my way with the crew to our next train ride.  I'll be back!

Did Anybody Miss ME?

Hi Everybody...Anybody? So sorry it's been so long since last I wrote. I could say it's been so busy up here and all that, but well the truth is....I messed up. Yup, it was me. The only reason we have a computer in Heaven is because Minnie has very big connections, the biggest if you get my drift. Anyhow, it was the only one here. One day we all were on a train ride and I was thinking I'd be cool and all and write about our trip while on it. Well, not the best plan I guess. I got sidetracked when I saw The Hat and jumped off the train and bam, there it went. Worse, it got tangled up in my legs and landed under the train. It went kerplooee. It was NOT my best moment. Minmouse said nope, not gonna happen, no more computers. So, everybody was a bit upset with me which is horrible. I mean, it's Heaven, nobody gets upset with anybody and I managed to upset the crew. It was bad, it was very, very bad. Minmouse is tough, but she also has a heart of gold, so eventually she gave in and went to discuss replacing it and, well here I am. So, that's my story on that. Again, sorry!

I'll move on from the Christmas story since that is so last year! After the holidays, Mom and

Dad got the house back as it should be. Things quieted down and I liked that. And then....Mom decided it would be fun to rip the house up. She really should have just changed the channel.

There is a new channel HGTV and she got addicted to it. It made her start rethinking all sorts of things in the house.  Can you say CHAOS?  But I did get to meet some new folks, for better or worse...next time.  There are cats breathing down my neck to get back to the group.  See Ya!

George, George, George...Better Him than Me!

Back to the Madness. I feel so much better knowing why this stuff is everywhere. With each day (and my anxiety gone) I can honestly say I'm starting to enjoy the decorations. There are lights everywhere, inside and out. I like them. All the colors make you feel all warm and happy. I would have thought the cats would climb the trees but they don't. They sometimes sit under one of them but mostly we all just gather around and look at the lights together. I have almost gotten used to napping on one of the Santa rugs. I occasionally do bring one or 2 (or 10) of the stuffed animals down from the tub. Why not, they should see it all right? My biggest adjustments are the moving Looney Tunes guys and the moving elves. I sometimes dream they'll attack me as I sleep. Maybe we can lock the doors to the rooms they're in? The big party is coming soon. How can you tell, you ask? Well, the enormous amount of food and beverages being brought in. That and there is an overkill on the cleaning by Mom lately. Every nook and cranie is being cleaned, by golly you could eat off the floor...oh wait, I DO eat off the floor. Anyhow, once the party cooking gets rolling I will have myself in perfect position for taste testing. Somebody has to do it, so why not me. George was telling me about his last Christmas here. He made a name for himself it seems. The folks had just finished putting up a gazillion ornaments on their 16 foot tree. Then....then...crash, boom, bang. George. George had climbed inside and managed to totally destroy the whole thing. WOW...he lives to tell about this? He said he was so scared both during and after the crash. He expected a yelling or a beating or something. Mom just cried and cried. Dad had to do the cleanup of the tons of broken ornaments. Mom didn't move for hours. I am beyond grateful that it was George and not me, whew. Then again, I am a dog and dogs do not climb trees. He said it was really bad but more than shocking when days later they put up yet another 16 foot tree. Do they grow these things somewhere? I never saw plastic trees in all my outside adventures. There must be a fake tree lot I guess. So, that was the first and last tree climbing done by any cats. Soon this insanity will end...I hope!

Bits And Pieces From Heaven

Up here we just have all the time in the world (well Heaven, but you get my jist). Fred has us visiting family and friends all the time. He has so many of them too. Everybody loves us, but that's no surprise. Minnie and Winnie have been hanging together alot which is neat. Of course Mickey is with them at all times. Mickey is just so cool. Celie and Queenie are like the bobbsy twins...if you see one, you see the other. As for me, well I am drawn to both Lady and Smokey. I find myself always wondering about my folks. I listen to all the others as they tell stories of their lives with Mom and Dad. Bubba had the most time with them, other than me. Of the dogs that is. Winpoo had 19 years with them so she really has some tales to tell. It's funny that on earth Winnie had no voice and now up here she's a real babbler. Her stories are pretty funny too. Bubba had a good one. He who is (not) perfect was always allowed out without a leash. One Christmas morning he went out and there was a really big white dog at the front door. He chased her all the way down the hill....and then, she chased him all the way back so fast that he ran straight inside and nearly shut the door himself! He said he then and there learned that just because he was a friendly sort didn't mean all dogs were! He said Mom and Dad stood on their stoop and laughed and laughed for the longest time....and never did see that dog again. Maybe she was a Christmas mirage? Another time Bubba and Minmouse were laughing at the time on

Christmas they chased the train around the tree. Seems Minnie thought she could ride on it and nearly knocked it over. They always played together, it seems. They were the only 2 pets for the longest time so they played alot. At night, when the lights went off they'd have a chase game and he'd carry her around with her head in his mouth...can you imagine if I had tried that with Winnie or Mickey or even George? OMG...they'd have me tossed out, I am sure of it. Well, maybe George would play along. It was cool to hear their stories, I want very much to know all about them and their time with my Mom and Dad. Sharing is hard for me...but Fred says I don't have to worry, there is enough love for all of us. I sure hope so. Fred is in most of Oscar's stories. Oscar took over Fred's world and they were tighter than tight. Fred said that until Oscie came along he never ever wanted anything to do with a dog. HUH? Fred? Mr. Love all Dogs Fred? Wow. But he says it's true. Oscar took to Fred and never gave up. When Fred got sick Oscar sat at his door guarding him so he could rest. I could have done that. I'm a good guard dog. Oscar became as attached to Fred as anything. But as Oscar says, Mom was always his Mom. Mom was his first person and so before Oscar left to come up here, he came back to live with Mom. My Mom is his Mom too...so I guess we're all related? There are so many stories

to hear and I'm happy to listen to them. But right now I'm off as Fred has a surprise trip for us tonight. He says we'll take the train and have a feast, so what else is new!!!

There's a Jolly Old Fat Guy...HUH?

Well the trees are still here. So is all the stuff. I do mean ALL the stuff. Do you know they even took my clock away? It's the clock I learned to tell time by, I love my clock. But now I look and
there instead of my clock is a jolly old fat man with a snowy white beard. Who the heck is he?
There are lots of pictures of this clown. I went to the family room to take a nap and lo and behold my rug now has a jolly old fat man with a snowy white beard too. I can't sleep looking at this.
He's taking over. Maybe it's a cult? I've heard of them on tv. Fat bearded guy, elves, trees, I really have to wonder what's taken hold of my people. Finally I got Winnie and crew to talk to me. They seem so calm about all this. I've always been thought of as a tough guy, but the truth is I do have anxiety issues. I don't like Mom leaving me and I sure don't like all this upheaval.
I'm starting to chew myself, pace in circles, all classic signs of anxiety disorder (I watch alot of tv). So I need answers....quick. Winnie finally stopped giggling and told me about my folks. It seems they go all out (no shock Sherlock!) on decorating for Christmas. Oh, ok...what does that mean? So she explained that there's a holiday that the whole world celebrates and it's called Christmas. The jolly old fat guy with the snowy white beard is called Santa Claus. He's the symbol of Christmas for children. Again, OK...what children? Winnie said that Mom and Dad and all adults are children at heart and that at Christmastime they get to remember and enjoy the fun of Christmas as a child. She also mentioned something about a party. Party? I think that sounds like fun. She said we don't get to be there for the parties though 'cause somebody could accidentally leave a door or gate open and then we'd be missing. How do you have a party without us? Celie explained that Christmas is really more special than just trees and Santa and stuff but that for alot of people the joys of getting together and eating, drinking, visiting and all that jazz is a way to celebrate. They did say we get Lots of food before and after the party and that we even get presents for Christmas. Hmm, maybe I can get to like this fat guy afterall.
I might as well try since it doesn't look like he's going away anytime soon!

Madness, More and More MADNESS!

I'm back. Have you missed me? We have so much going on up here each day that I don't always get to write. There are always newcomers you see and we sure do enjoy meeting each and everyone. There's also the trains, the walks, the food, you know the good life! I think I've mentioned how Minmouse is a tough but lovable boss to us all right? She keeps us in line but I have discovered a secret of hers. Now all the others in our group may not know this but in my keen detective skills I have found her out. Everyday at the same exact time Minnie disappears. Not for long, mind you, but I wondered why it was always at the same time. So, I followed her.

Minmouse goes to where the arrivals come in. She sits there and waits everyday. If there is a dog or a cat with nobody to greet them on our side, she brings them back to Fred. I had to ask her why and she said that she waited for somebody to come for her and nobody did and that she never wanted any other pet to feel alone. Wow. My eyes teared over on that one. She said that everyday she goes and checks for more newcomers but also to see if the adoptees in Fred's care now have folks we need to bring back. This explains so much really. There are always cats and dogs coming and going but I never really thought about how they knew to leave. I have to say, I am really impressed and now understand her authority. Wow. I know I said that already.

No wonder Mom was so crazy about her. I asked Minnie and now I join her on her walks sometimes. It's good to know I'm helping. OK...back to the madness.

The house has over the past few days, well weeks actually, turned into something very different.

My Mom and Dad have been working on it day and night and I don't like that...it's less attention to ME and really, it's all about Me ya know? I followed Mom to the bathroom one day and there in the bathtub I was shocked, shocked I tell you. In the tub were hundreds of animals. There were bears, lions, reindeer, cats, dogs, frogs, you name it, they were in the tub. What the heck? All of them were in red and green and had bows and presents. Insanity. We better not have to feed this bunch, we'll go broke. The rooms, one by one were no longer usable. They were filled with trees and animals and all sorts of things...things. I can't figure this out. Dad, well the silly, silly man is back and he's lost his mind altogether. He's in our bonus room and is surrounded by elves. WHAT? I don't even know what elves are but there are nearly 600 of them in here. Some are four feet tall, some are 4 inches tall. They're in the windows, they're hanging from the ceilings, they've got their own train line, (which is, of course red and green, duh), they've got an entire land going on in here. Dad is starting to actually Look like an elf. I just don't get it. The hall bath, which is for guests, well they better not get dirty. The shower/tub is now tree land.

When does this end? I am so overwhelmed by this mass insanity and yet my fellow dog, Celie as well as the cats, well they just continue to do their napping, their eating, all the normal daily things. Do they not realize we are in danger with these folks now? I do not feel safe with a man who thinks he's an elf and a Mom who just keeps on finding more places to put these trees and trinkets. I would call someone but really, would anyone believe me? Sheesh, I'm going to try to sleep...maybe this is a weird dream. One can only hope!