The annual Atlanta Terrier Club Picnic was today at Jones Bridge Park.  I’ve never been to this park before, which was located beside a fast flowing river.  There were a lot of terriers at the picnic and plenty of food and games for everyone.  My favorite was Earthdog!  It was just for practice, but I didn’t care.  I wanted mouses!  Finally my turn came and I charged in the tunnels faster than any one else and got to the mouses in record time.  I heard my human recalling me – but I didn’t care.  I wanted those mouses!  The mouses were removed from the tunnel and then I felt myself being hauled out of there too – but not before I had chewed through one of the dowels protecting those mouses.  I brought it home with me and put my new trophy next to my Earth Dog ribbons.

It’s Easter – but no one got me bunnies OR mouses!  Instead, me and Monte got to Piedmont Park, our most favorite playground other than my backyard.  I love to go to Piedmont Park and walk around the big lake with my humans.  Just once I wish they’d let me get one of the silly ducks swimming around teasing all us terriers.  But what I love the most is going to the dog park in Piedmont Park, beyond this giant old bridge.  There are lots of dogs there and this Easter was no exception.  Usually, I’m not allowed to play with the big dogs, so Monte and me have to play in the small dog park.  I don’t understand why?  I’m a big girl and can take care of myself. 

This weekend was the best for Monte and me.  We attended Earthdog Trails in Cobb County hosted by the Atlanta Terrier Club.  On the first day, I was number two in line and I got my first leg of Junior Earth Dog.  Monte went later that day and earned his Junior Earth Dog title.  We both got ribbons and left for the day excited but tired.  The next day we were up early to get to the trials.  I was first in the tunnel and got to the rats within the time limit and started “working” the mouses.  My human was called and I had to be removed from the tunnel because I didn’t want to leave.  That day, I was the only dog out of 25 to earn a leg and my Junior Earth Dog title.  Toward the end of the day, Monte got a chance for a leg in Senior Earth Dog.  He did fine until “recall” when he wouldn’t listen and come out of the tunnels.  Just like a little kid!  When I get my turn later this year, I’ll show him how its done!

We’re going hunting for mouses!  That’s right!  My humans have been telling Monte and me all month that we are all going to this human’s house outside the city to practice finding mouses so we could be ready for Earth dog Trails in February.  I went along with it because Monte is such a little boy and really needs the practice but I don’t.  I’m a natural ratter!  There were lots of other dogs at the house in the woods, all waiting to go in the tunnel to get the mouses.  Monte went second and tore open the cage before the judge could stop him and he killed one of the mouses.  Our friend Barney got to go in the hole next to flush out the other mouse that got loose.  I had to wait until last so all the other dogs could get a chance to get to the mouses; they knew of my natural hunting skills.  Sure enough, when it came my turn, I didn’t waste a second getting to the prize. 

This month was a very special one!  I’m a big two years old.  My birthday was on the 14^th and I got homemade peanut butter cookies – my favorite! - and a new toy that I named “hippo”.  It squeaks like all my favorite toys do.  Monte tries to take it away from me – but a little growl or nip in the on the ear and he knows who’s the boss.  Santa came by on the 25^th and we got lots of different new toys.  My humans tried to throw away some of our older worn toys, but I wouldn’t let them.  Who cares if “bunny” is missing its ears and “pheasant” doesn’t have any feet?  They’re my toys! 

This was the best Thanksgiving ever!  Monte and I got to spend much of the holiday with other dogs because my humans went out of town for a few days.  We came home yesterday and slept most the afternoon since we were so tired.  It’s a good thing too because Sunday the humans had a special treat in store of us; the dog park!  It was a beautiful day out and we got to go to the dog park at Piedmont Park.  I wanted to stay in the big dog area and play with the big boys but Monte was too little – so I gave in went with him to the small dog area to keep him company. There were lots of terriers too!  We had so much fun chasing other dogs in the fenced-in area.  And toys!  There were lots of toys just lying on the ground to play with, like a blue ball that I could get in my mouth but Monte couldn’t.  He’s so lame.  I dared the other dogs to chase me and try to get the ball away.  Most just couldn’t keep up Gracie The Lakie.  There were lots of humans there too.  Everyone thought we were baby Airedales.  What do they know anyway?  Haven’t they ever seen a Lakeland?  Monte kept wanting to go in the tall grass at the edge of the field after mouses but I told him there weren’t any there, I’d already looked.  When it was time to go, all the other dogs begged us to stay but we wanted to walk around the big part with our humans.

MOUSES!  I GOT MOUSES!   My humans took me and Monte to something they called “Earth Dog Trials” out in the country this weekend.  We had a blast!  There were lots of dogs there; but no Lakies.  When it was my turn, my human set me on the ground and let go.  I caught the scent of a rat, and down a dirt hole I went.  The tunnel was dark, but I wasn’t scared.  I smelled mouses!  I got to the cage and tried to eat through the bars to get them.  My human had to pull me out of the tunnel before I could eat ‘em.  Monte did the same thing, but wasn’t as fast as me.  He was kicking and screaming when the human took him out of the hole.  And guess what?  I got my first ribbon ever for finding the mouses!  Monte got two ribbons because he also won his first leg at Junior Earth Dog.  Not sure what that means but my humans made a big fuss about it.  I wasn’t entered in Juniors because my paperwork didn’t get here in time – BUT… I GOT MY FIRST RIBBON!  LAKIES RULE!

HALLOWEEN!  The humans had to work late again.  I told him not to do it – but Monte didn’t listen and tried to dress up by himself.  Doesn’t he look ridiculous with his ears all glued up and a silly wide collar around his neck.  He thought he looked perfect to greet the trick-or-treaters at the front door, but I begged my humans to make him stay in the basement before he scared off all the human kids.  Last weekend, the humans took us to a place where other terriers were.  They groomed Monte and me and tried to learn how to do a much better job than they’ve been doing.  While we were there, most of the other terriers put on costumes to compete in a contest.  I refused!  Then, my human begged me to be in the “musical sit” contest with the other terriers where I had to sit when the music stopped.  I did it for a few times, then got bored of the silly game and told my human he could walk around in a circle and sit upon command!  This is no game for a Lakie of my stature! Let me chase squirrels, chipmunks – Foster!  Anything but a silly “musical sit” game.

It’s finally happened.  Monte has totally lost it.  He’s such a child anyway.  This show ring stuff has really gone to his head; the humans are loving it too.  Monte has been running around the house all week yakking about the big dog show he attended with the humans last weekend.  What’s so important about Montgomery anyway?  He came home with more silly ribbons, wagging them in my face and teasing me about going on a jet plane ride.  Big deal!  I was on a plane at three months old and he’s seven months now.  And what did I get- another weekend at boot camp.  Monte did get to meet Jill the Pill’s human mom, though.  My gal-pal, Jill, stayed away just like me.  We couldn’t care less about all the fuss.  Just so the little monster would shut up I had to promise to let him post some pictures from this weekend on my website.  By the end of the week, he’d become too annoying and got a snip on his ear to prove it.  What’s a little blood to a Lakie?  But guess who got into trouble?  Me!  I have to say the little monster has become a pretty good hunter though, following exactly what I’ve taught him.  He caught a squirrel by the tail the other day.  You should have heard all the yelling in the backyard and watch the humans come running.  Now that was funny!  I can’t wait for Foster Cat to return.  Boy, do I have a surprise for him!   

I don't like Hurricanes anymore.  After Charley, Frances and now Ivan, it’s scary when the wind makes it all the way to Atlanta.  We’re not close to the beach!  My grandmother in Terra Verde, Florida had to leave her home for Charley and my cousins in Ponte Vedra Beach had to leave for Frances; my Aunt in Jacksonville stayed though.  This weekend, Ivan roared through and it was scary.  I kept barking at the trees all night long.  Monte had his first “big” show today at the Atlanta Terrier Club Specialty.  My humans didn’t let me go because I’m sure the judges would have paid much more attention to me.  He came home with some silly ribbons that my humans made a big fuss over.  If you ask me, my humans are taking this a little too far.  And to top it off, my gal-pal, Jill, featured the little monster as “dog of the week” on her website. 

Monte got us sent to the trainer again.  Off to boot camp we went for almost two solid weeks.  He’s not doing very well either.  I’ve tried to get him to “fake” it around the humans like I do, but he won’t listen.  Typical boy!  My humans claimed they were going on vacation and that we were going to “doggy camp”.  I knew what that meant and wasn’t fooled one bit.  Monte just hopped around like it was Christmas or something. He's such a silly dog!

I thought I was the precious one.  I was the pretty one!  So why does he get to be in a show??  I’m speaking about the little monster, Monte.  Turns out he's a bit of a looker; or at least, that’s what my humans are bragging about.  He’s a little older now and much more fun to beat up - although he keeps getting me into trouble with his mischievous behavior.  I’m the perfect angel!  My humans tell me so.  Chase is my favorite game in the world!  I can out run Monte any day; dart through tables and chairs, up and down the stairs with Monte yapping away far behind me.  You should see him!  One of the humans stripped out all his fur, down to the skin.  He looks just like a rat again

What can I tell you?!  The life of a famous Lakie is so hectic and busy these days that I’ve really fallen behind updating my diary often, so I thought I’d let you know what I’ve been doing this Summer.  As you may know, Monte lives here now.  He’s the little black and tan boy Lakeland Terrier that my humans brought home from Virginia a few months ago.  Yep, you guessed it.  He's certainly living up to his nickname around the house; the little “monster”.  There isn’t a single toy of mine he’s not destroyed (sorry Jill!).  I quit asking for new toys because Monte ruins them.  He’s fun to chase around the house though.  He sure knows who’s boss around here.  We had another Lakeland stay with us this Summer for about 2 weeks.  My humans called him a “rescue” because he needed a place to stay while passing through town.  His name is Rudy and he’s nine years old; all red just like me.  Foster cat doesn’t come around much anymore.  I think it’s because I’ve taught Monte how to hunt!

Stripped!  That’s what happened to Monte this week; he’s been stripped of his puppy fur by the humans.  I think it’s funny.  He looks more like a rat than before.  This should make Foster want to come back into my yard again.  I have a confession to make; I’ve been getting into trouble this week because my humans’ think I am being a little too aggressive with my little brother.  What’s a girl supposed to do, I ask?  I’m just trying to show him who’s the “boss” around this house.  I got a new present too; but it’s not one I’m too proud to show off.  Something called a “Q-calmer”.  It’s not at all fashionable, to say the least.  But if I have to wear the thing – it should come in pink! It came from a human named Pat Muller, the owner of Quansa Kennel. My humans keep threatening to take me to meet Pat and something called “Manners in Minutes”.  Manners!  I have exceptional manners.  I’m the perfect little girl. It’s Monte that needs to get some manners.

HE’S BACK!!!  So much for getting rid of the little rat.  Monte came home from training unchanged.  He still doesn’t do what I tell him – or what the humans command of him. And STILL, he’s gets all the attention.  They wasted their money; let me train him, I say.  And what’s more, since he’s been back, he’s destroyed not one – but TWO – of my favorite toys.  Pheasant is missing a foot and doggie doesn’t squeak anymore.  That’s it – I’m hiding the rest of them.  I think it’s time to introduce Monte to Foster the cat. Foster likes little rats! 

Heaven….I’m in Heaven.  This has been a glorious week!  Monte was sent away last Monday to “boot” camp.  He needed it too, the little “monster”.  That’s what my humans are calling him; Little Monster.  HE has torn up several of my toys since he’s been here and most don’t “squeak” anymore.  I’m trying to hide as many as I can from him but he finds them anyway.  We’ve gotten into trouble a few times by playing “chase” around the house.  Monte can’t catch me; I’m way to fast – but it’s fun to see him try.  He’s mean too!  Always biting me on my ears or legs.  He’ll learn soon enough.  Hey!  I got a surprise today!  A “fox” tail!  A real “fox” tail – just like the one’s Jill gets.  My humans bought if for me when they went to Virginia last month.  I got another surprise this week too – one that I would rather not have.  A large box was delivered to our front door.  It contained what turned out to be a giant “grooming” table.  I tried to run; I tried to hide – but my human grabbed me and proceeded to pull on me for over two hours.

Well…. “HE’s” been in my house for almost two weeks now!  I keep asking when “Monte’s” going home.  Surely his family is missing him by now.  He has certainly made himself at home in MY house; playing with all MY toys, dragging them out of MY toy-box like I am willing to share.  Each time I “correct” him, I’m sternly corrected by my humans.  I don’t know what’s gotten into them lately.  They are making such a fuss over the little rat.  I simply don’t understand it.  I thought I was their only “baby”.  I wonder what Jill the Pill would do to the little rascal?

THERE IS A STRANGER IN MY HOUSE!  That’s no dog!  That’s a rat!  Do YOU know what Lakies do to rats?  I don’t like this one bit.  “He” got into all my toys!  “He” slept in my donut bed.  My humans came back from Virginia with a tiny dog they are calling “Monte”.  What kind of name is that?  As you can see, I was over-ruled about putting Monte’s pictures on MY website – but I figured you could get a laugh too.  I’m not used to such disruption in my life.  Monte is always yapping about something and tries to take away my food, but a little nudge here and there sends the little rat scurrying.  I’m not sure this is going to work out – I’m always having to correct him.  But, he is fun to chase around the house!

My humans are acting strange!  Just the other day they were talking about a “puppy”.  I don’t want a puppy!  A playmate, sure – but not a puppy.  I heard them whispering that “he” was born.  I hope he comes with his own toys because I have no intention of sharing mine.  My humans said they are driving to Virginia to get “him”.  I guess the puppy is afraid of flying.

Hello Gracie Fans!  It’s been so long since I’ve written in my diary, but I’ve been so busy this year.  I’ve developed something my humans are calling the “terrible twos”.  I don’t understand because I’m only 15 months old.  My humans say I’ve become more “vocal”.  I think what they are really saying is that they are finally beginning to take their training seriously.  My humans are taking me to the park on Sundays to be with other dogs trained by the same trainer as me.  I was excited until I saw my trainer coming toward me.  I’m not sure what “proof” training means but I sure do like to go after the other dogs.  Foster cat still comes into my backyard, and yes I still chase him across the fence every chance I get.  He’s teasing me by sneaking up the backyard beside the fence where I can’t see him – then he pops his head out near the back patio a few feet away from my “perch” where I sit all day looking out the window.  I’ve tried to break the glass to get to Foster but my humans always manage to get the door open just in time.

Remember my friend, “Jack”, the little Jack Russell Terrier?  Well, he has a new playmate.  A little (mean) female terrier named “Jill”.  How silly is that?  I’ve been demanding a playmate for a while now and all I keep getting are more toys.  I’ve kept everyone one of them too.  Lakie’s are very protective of their things, aren’t we girls?  Although, I still can’t find my favorite “horsy” that Jill the Pill gave me for my birthday.  My humans have promised me a playmate soon, perhaps even this Summer. 

Birdie, Skunkey and Catfish are still my favorite toys, but I really like the colorful Frisbee I just got to welcome Spring in Atlanta.  I love to chase it in the backyard and run back to my humans with it in my mouth - but, I usually don’t want to let go.

It’s cold in Georgia right now.  Lakies who get stripped must wear their sweaters when they go out for walks in the neighborhood.  My gal-pal, Jill had a pink sweater and I wanted one to.  I got a blue one for my birthday and a really pretty one from Santa.  Jill had a birthday last week.  She absolutely loved the birthday gift I sent her.  I overhead her humans have to take “birdie” away from her at times.  Don’t worry Jill.  I know how tough it is for us Lakie gals to control ourselves.  My humans are always saying something about my “eyes are glazing over” when I play with “birdie” too.  There is nothing wrong with our eyes, girl!  Guess what, this morning I was lounging on the sofa and all of a sudden, a giant squirrel jumped on the screen outside the window.  I wanted that squirrel!  I sprang to the window and ran around to the glass door in the kitchen but forgot it was closed.  My human opened the door and off I went, scampering down the stairs of the back deck so fast – I lost my footing and went sliding across the patio on my side, head-first into the metal patio chairs.  Without missing a beat, I popped up and chased that squirrel right up the pecan tree.  My humans thought I’d hurt myself, but I’m a big girl.  They are so squeamish at times!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  This past week was great!  Lots of activity since my humans got back from Jacksonville.  I didn’t get to go but I sure did enjoy it when they returned.  I had the best time ever of New Year’s Eve.  At night, I heard “pops” outside and demanded to be let outside (again and again and again!).  I spent the next few hours running around the backyard barking at the fireworks in the sky.   I love fireworks!   On Sunday, I got the best surprise!  There I was lounging on my favorite stool looking out the window watching for squirrels while my humans were on the computer.  All of a sudden, there was Foster the Cat!  He’d snuck up the side of the yard along the fence where I couldn’t see him and stuck his long neck out from the bushes near the patio and dared me to come through the window – which I almost did!  My humans could barely control me as I made a mad dash to the door and pounded it a few times with my paws demanding to be let out.  I chased Foster all the way to the back of the yard but he hopped over the fence before I could get him.  Now, I sit and wait for him to try that stunt again.  I’ll be ready for him this time.

Merry Christmas everyone!  My humans went out of town for the holidays and left me in Atlanta.  I was boarded in a new place.  The lady that took me in said she was going to put me in the “quiet” room with all the cats.  Whoahoo!!!   I had the best time terrorizing those little kitty’s but was put in with the other dogs soon enough.  I really missed my humans while they were away – but I was so happy to see them when they came back.  I got lots of new toys too!  My cousins in Florida sent me this colorful “sqeaky” bone that I love shake and play with.  Santa came while I was away and I got several new toys in my stocking and one of them looks just like Foster.  And guess what?  Another sweater!  It’s so pretty too.  I think I’m going to need a bigger toy box. Click Here to see more birthday pictures!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!  If you hadn’t guessed by now, today is my birthday!  I’m one year old today.  I’m so excited too because a package came to the house earlier this week and I just know it’s for me.  I’ve watched the fireplace mantle all week to make sure it hadn’t moved – and today is the day I’ll get it!  My humans took me to a doggie store and had me try on several coats they called “sweaters”.  I got a beautiful blue one with snowflakes for my birthday.  And then, they took me to my favorite place; PETSMART!  I got to pick out a toy that I really, really wanted.  I chose the “pheasant” because it’s as big as me and it squeaks like all my other toys.  When we got home, a BIG box was waiting for me.  Inside, was the biggest birthday cake ever!  It was made of peanut butter and white icing; my favorite.  My humans bought me a birthday hat and I got to eat my cake outside on the patio and make all the mess I wanted.  What a wonderful birthday!  The present sitting on the mantle was from my favorite gal-pal, Jill the Pill.  She sent me a “horsy” hand-puppet.  I run around the house shaking “horsy” in my mouth.  Click Here is view my present opening techniques! This was the best birthday ever!

Over the river and through the woods, to great-Grandmother’s house we go…  I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving as much as I did this past week!  I went on my very first “road-trip”, that’s what my humans called it.  They spent all morning loading up the SUV for our trip to my (human) great-Grandmother’s house in south Georgia.  My humans put the back seat down so I could walk around and look out all the windows for the very long drive there – but I mostly wanted to be up front where all the action was.  I saw cars, trucks and even bigger trucks – other dogs, birds and deer too.  We only had to stop once so I could tinkle.   When we finally got to great-Grandmother’s house, there were all kinds of humans there.  Things called “Aunts” and “Uncles” and even a “Grandmother” from Florida that I hadn’t met yet.  Who knew all these humans were part of my family?  I was so excited with all my new human playmates.  My humans told me before we got there that I was not allowed to practice any of my human training techniques on my new family members.  Even though I am very good at teaching “sit”, they seem to have that one down already.  Maybe next time I see them, we can work on “fetch”.  I was such a sweet little girl and really enjoyed meeting all the new members of my family.  I even got to eat some turkey, though they wouldn’t let me have any of Uncle Dean’s chocolate cake.  We took lots of pictures that day.  The one to the left is me and my great-Grandmother. 

Before we packed up for the long drive back home, I reminded everyone that my very first birthday was coming up on the 14^th of December and also shared with them what I asked Santa for on Christmas day.  You know a little Lakie girl can never have too many toys!

Happy Birthday to me!  Well, almost anyway.  On Friday, I turned 11 months old.  My humans are already making a big fuss about my one-year old birthday – which will be on the 14^th of December.  I’ll be getting a cake of my very own.  I sure hope it tastes like “Frosty Paws”, which is my favorite ice cream.  I’ve been a very good girl lately and get Frosty Paws when I want but I got to tell you – controlling myself is for the birds.  I’m a terrier!  And not just any terrier – a Lakeland Terrier!  Just look at my gal-pal, Jill the Pill.  She gets to chase mices, raccoons and other wild animals.  We don’t have any mices here but lots of squirrels and chipmunks so I chase them all over the backyard.  And Foster Cat too!  (Foster sent me this picture of himself to try and scare me for Halloween - notice the black-cat shadow!)  My humans gave me my very own seat at my favorite window in the downstairs office.  I watch intently and the second I see a squirrel or chipmunk, I race to the door and demand to be let out so I can catch ‘em.  I haven’t caught one yet – but I hear practice makes perfect.

So much time has passed since my last diary entry. I have been so busy lately answering e-mails, surfing the web and training my humans, that I’ve not updated you with what’s been happening since my return from “obedience school”.  It’s not been all that bad.  In fact, it’s kinda fun watching the various distortions my humans can make with their face as each tries to get me to do something I’ve been taught.  Unfortunately though, one of my trainers, Chris, keeps showing up each week to remind “me” and give away more of “our” secrets for training humans.  He’s told me he’ll keep coming by until I’ve taken my humans through all their paces.  Just wait until he’s gone – my humans won’t know what hit them!  Yes, I “sit” on command, “down” when they force me and “come” from twenty feet away without distraction – but I’m just amusing them for the time being.  The training is actually for them.  I want to ensure they know exactly what to do upon command.  I think it’s going pretty well, don’t you think? 

I’M FREE!!!  I’m back from two whole weeks of ob-ed-ie-nce training and boy do I have a surprise for my humans.  They think I went away to learn how to act on command; but actually, I’ve learned lots of new commands for THEM!  My humans have gotten out of control since I’ve been gone and it’s time for their re-training.  Thanks to all my friends and family who sent me encouraging e-mails while I was away.  I also got a letter from my great-grandmother all the way from Columbus, Georgia too!

I am so happy to be back but I have to admit, it was funny to watch the trainer take my humans through the paces upon my return.  I thought they were going to faint or stop breathing as they listened to all I was taught to do so I decided to humor them and do as I was told.  Little do they know!  I ignored food for a couple of days and began sneezing a lot to ensure they really missed me – but I finally gave in when home-cooked chicken and rice was placed in my bowl; my favorite!  The Jillinator was away competing in a show while I was in the mountains hiking and having fun; we’re such active little girls.  I turned 10 months old while I was away.  My humans remembered and had a nice new toy waiting for me when I got home.  It was a gigantic new Heg hog.  HEGGIE!  I had destroyed my other little Heggie but this one is much bigger and I love to tackle it with my mouth and toss it all around.  I missed all of my toys so much that I had to take them all out of my toy basket one by one and placed them all around to ensure none were missing. 

Today is Sunday and I’m told we going somewhere exciting this afternoon.  I’m not sure where but my humans have been washing and stripping me for two days now.  I’m sure there is going to be a very special surprise just waiting for me.

What is Military School?  Has anyone ever heard of such a thing for a Lakie?  I’ve been hearing that term all week long, ever since I got back from Doggie Camp. My humans claim that I will enjoy my time at O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E training.  How difficult could that be?  Sit, stay, come, roll-over, heel – Big Deal!  HEY!!! Wait a minute here.  My HUMANS are the ones needing training, not me!  I demand a recall!  A re-count!  An injunction! This is a miscarriage of justice! It’s the little pushy, tattletale Westie’s fault! What is it going to take to get a little Lakie girl out of going off to Military School?  What am I going to do for two whole weeks?  I’ll be bored.  I won’t get to hunt for Foster cat!  I won’t get to play with all my toys!  I won’t get to go to Doggie Daycare!  Wait a minute...Didn’t somebody forget to ask ME if I even wanted to go?  Huh?  I DO NOT have issues!  It’s HUMANS!  It’s all the humans fault. Bad Humans!! 

I WAS BAD AT CAMP.  But, I was sooo good most of the time until the last day at Doggie Daycare and that pushy Westie got in my way when they called us in from recess – and I nipped him on the face coming in from the playground.  I didn’t mean to!  Well, maybe a little bit.  It was a fun, happy day and I was having a ball with all the other dogs, but something came over me and I nipped him.  I don’t see what the big deal is. There was no blood! And no matter what they say, I DON”T HAVE A REPUTATION!  Anyway, the attendants told my humans when I was picked up after four days of exhausting fun.  My humans were very disappointed with me but realize I’m still just a puppy.  A TERRIER PUPPY at that!

I’M GOING TO CAMP!!!  That’s right – Me!  Gracie the Lakie is going to Camp.  And not just any camp; Barking Hound Village Camp – for four whole days!  I can’t wait.  I love to go to doggie daycare every Tuesday.  Now, I’ll get to enjoy doggie daycare AND spend the night too!  My humans both have to travel this week, which I’m told is very rare, but they said I could go to camp so I don’t mind.  I’m sure to meet lots of new friends and see regular ones too.  Hey, don’t forget to check out my recent photos.  I’m nine months old today!

I got into trouble again.  There I was, minding my own business, looking out my window from my favorite spot - and there it was!  A loud, leaf-blowing monster!  I barked angrily, and snapped at it through the window but then something came over me the closer it got and I attacked!  I CHEWED THE WINDOW FRAME to get the monster!  I don’t know what came over me, I really couldn’t help myself.  Then I got put in “time out”.  When will my humans ever learn?!  Lakies are terriers!  That’s Terrier with a capital “T”! I need to re-group and start a more aggressive training regiment for those humans.  Not to worry though, I’ll have them ship-shape in now time!

It’s a holiday weekend!  I thought this meant I was going to have extra time to play in the yard and go on more walks.  But instead, the Alpha human decided it was time to strip me!  Can you believe it?  Jill’s human has been stripping her coat and she’s gorgeous.  My human thinks he can do the same (how dare him!).  I was subject to not one but TWO stripping sessions this weekend, each lasting about three hours – but I do have to say, I’m prettier than ever.  My coat is more like a real Lakie, and the red of my coat really stands out.  My human had received a Guide to Grooming a Lakeland Terrier and was all exited with the new “toys” he brought home; new brushes, combs and stripping knives.  I tried to run away when I saw the look in his eyes.  I fear this is not going to be a one time thing because I caught my human searching the web for something he called a “grooming table”.

I am fully recovered and back to normal since my surgery, chasing squirrels and chipmunks and Foster the cat.  He’s been back in my yard a lot lately.  I think he wants to play chase!  Every time my human’s let me out the basement door to go potty – I charge out to the bird feeder where Foster the cat usually waits for me. One day, I hope to have a Foster the cat of my very own.  The Pecans are falling in my backyard too.  I love to eat ‘em but my humans are trying to keep me from swallowing them because they’re not good for me - but I sure am a lot faster than they are!   

Well, vacation's over!  It’s time to get back to training my humans again.  They have really gotten out of the habit since I’ve been taking it easy for the past couple of weeks.  I demanded to go to Doggie Daycare this week and was taken without a fuss.  Good humans!  Now, I’ll just have to work on them a little more to get more home-cooked chicken & rice.  It’s the best!  The server that hosts my website crashed Saturday night and lost my guestbook again!  My humans are working with the hosting company to try to get it back.  New house rule: The humans should always make backup copies of my guest book in the future! What’s a Lakie to do?  You have a little down-time because of surgery and the humans forget everything they were taught.  Time to get tough!

I got my stitches out today!  I’m all better now since my operation.  Actually, I’ve been fine all along - just don’t tell my humans.  I’ve had more Frosty Paws ice-cream treats this week than in my whole life!  My Humans felt sorry for me all week long since I wasn’t allowed to play.  Little do they know I found ways to play anyway, like giving Heggie (heg-hog) the death shake, tossing him off the sofa and down the stairs.  And when my humans weren’t looking – I darted around the hardwood floors in a terrier dash.  A girl’s gotta get some exercise!  Being cooped up in the house is for the birds.  I WANT TO GO TO DOGGIE DAYCARE!  I insist!  No more tippy-toeing around me – TAKE ME NOW! 

Today was the first day I got to go for a ride in the car since I came home from the hospital. I thought maybe, just maybe, I was going to doggie daycare. Little did I know that I was going to get my stitches removed. Afterwards, we all went to PetSmart to get that new toy I was promised for being a good girl!  I call it DOGGIE!  That’s my new little fury toy’s name.  And it squeaks, just like all my other favorite toys.  Oh, and just in case you were wondering, I turned 8 months old on the fourteenth.    

I’m sorry I haven’t posted in my diary lately but I have been forced to take it easy and get some rest, as much rest as a terrier could endure.  Isn’t THAT a joke!  I had an op-er-ation.  That’s what my humans told me.  Would have been nice if they’d warned me about going to the hospital and I never would have gone through that door with my head held high and wagging my tail like it was an extra day this week at doggie daycare.  I was fooled by the sounds of other dogs barking in the pen outside!  My tummy got shaved and I have little green stitches.  My belly looks like an upside-down Mohawk.  I heard my humans calling it getting “spayed”.  I’m not quite sure what that means but I know my tummy is sore.  AND THEY WON’T LET ME PLAY!  What’s up with that?  I’m perfectly fine and came through with flying colors – but not get to play?  It’s pure torture to a young Lakie!  I’m just a puppy!  Okay, I admit it.  I love the extra attention, the puppy-talk, and the loving, the little treats and making bumps in the middle of the night that sends my humans into a straight-up position in bed - but I want to sink my teeth into something!  It seems like every time I get too feisty, they give me a pill! I can’t wait until my stitches are out because I just know there is a new toy waiting for me.  Just what the doctor ordered. 

 I FOUND HIM!  I know I promised – and I did try to control myself, but it had been two long weeks since I had seen Foster cat and I simply had to go after him!  There I was, minding my own business, in my own backyard with no kitty in sight. Like most times when getting let outside I ran all the way to the back of my yard to swing on my giant swing and stand guard over my territory.  I had really been missing Foster cat something awful and thought he was never coming back to play.  On this day my human began looking at the flowers and not paying too much attention to me so I decided to roam in the giant weeds that had popped up like trees since all the rain.  AND THERE HE WAS!  Hiding in the weeds and crouched on all fours thinking he could out smart little Gracie.  NOT A CHANCE!  I caught his cat scent, sniffed him out and pounced.  He hissed and screamed and took off before I could catch him, over the fence he went.  I wished I’d had been nicer to him.  I hope I get to see my Foster cat again.

Oh where, oh where has my little kitty gone…oh where, oh where could he beeeee? I miss Foster cat. I think I may have really scared him and he’s never coming back into my yard.  I have not seen Foster since I nipped at his tail as he scampered over the fence after I caught him in my backyard.  I wish he’d come back.  I miss searching for him every time I go outside; the anticipation, the element of surprise, the chase!  What am I going to do without my Foster cat?  Doggie daycare was fun this week.  It took my mind off Foster cat for a little while.  Where could he be?  I’ve decided I’m going to wait by the back door staring outside for Foster cat and hope he comes back into my yard.  I promise to control myself next time…

HOT! HOT! HOT!  It's awfully hot in Atlanta in July.  My humans call it Georgia heat & humidity.  And what's this red Georgia clay all about? (I'm a Red Lakie - they can't tell when I've been digging!).  Someone didn't bother to tell me I was leaving the breezy north headed south to a sauna.  I don't like the heat when I'm out for my walks.  I'm happy to report that my humans have gotten the message very clearly and take me to doggie daycare every Tuesday without protest.  My training is working!  On Wednesday, they proudly informed me that I was going on a field-trip.  Whoohoo!  I got all excited and bounded into the Jeep, had my seat-belt fastened, windows rolled down to the way I like it so my beard could fly in the wind - and off we went.  All of a sudden, we ended up at PetsMart.  I've been to this place before.  I get to see other dogs, smell all the different foods and treats and even get to see all the toys.  Hey, what's going on?  We're passing all the isles I like to go down.  Wait!  I've never been through that door before.  Grooming, what's that?  My human walks proudly to the counter and asked for someone named "Anita".  I don't know anyone named Anita.  Who's Anita?  Anita approaches the counter and takes a good look at me and announces, "I'm going to need her all day."  ALL DAY!  For what, I protest? But, no one pays attention to me.

Come to find out, Anita is in charge of teaching at the grooming academy.  My humans are so happy they have found someone in Atlanta that is willing to strip me.  STRIP ME!  As I overhear, Anita explaining the stripping process to my humans, I decide I'm out of here!  Nobody is going to rip my fur out.  I kinda like my fur just the way it is, thank you very much.  After all it is MY fur. If I wanted it stripped out, I would do it myself.  I do have teeth! 

Hey, this isn't as bad as I thought.  Just a little tender in places. I’m very vocal when I need to be. And who would have guessed, I DON'T like my legs touched!  But I did enjoy all the attention. There were kind people standing all around.  Anita called them students.  My humans picked me up later in the day and I got to go shopping in PetsMart for my favorite treats - bully sticks, Bil-jac treats and rawhide bones – before we left.  Now, I'm headed home and hopefully my humans will take me for a walk so I can show my new look to my friend, Jack.

I continued to be fully of energy on Thursday and didn't get to work in the office with my human.  I truly don't understand why.  And what's up with all that name calling lately?  TROUBLE, PISTOL, BEAST, CRIMINAL FIRECRACKER, TERROR ...  they should get "time out" for calling me names.  My humans FINALLY got my
email working.  I got several emails this week, from my Aunt in Jacksonville, Florida, my grandmother who lives in Terra Verde, Florida - a cousin, E. T. and some new friends!  East Tempo (a.k.a. E. T.) and I are both related to CH. St. Roques The Equalizer and CH St. Roques Temperamental.  Jill The Pill (a.k.a. Jillet) asked for a picture of me for her website.  She's a little jealous of me but I know we're going to become best friends. The beautiful Lakie to the right is Herrington Great Scot a.k.a. Jillet. Click on her photo to view her website...but don't stay too long or you may miss some human training tips! Oh, I forgot to tell you!  I found a big cockroach in the basement today and tried to catch it in my teeth.  My human went nuts and scooped it up in tissue and flushed it down the toilet before I could eat it. What's wrong with a little bug now and then, I ask?  It's good for the tummy.  My humans can be such wimps sometimes.  Tonight I'm rooting for the Terriers on the Eukanuba Tournament of Champions on Discovery Channel's Animal Planet.
 

The past couple of days have been un-believable! Monday started off with a bang when I FINALLY caught Foster, the cat in my yard.  I didn't actually catch him, but almost.  He climbed over the wooden fence while I was sitting on the patio guarding my backyard.  He moved very slowly behind the bushes up the yard, headed for the bird-feeder.  I caught a whiff of Foster's cat scent and tore out after him.  You're not getting away from me this time, Foster!  I trailed Foster into the bushes and MeeeAaaaaooooWwww!  Foster tore across my yard with me hot on his tail and cut a sharp right down the far side of the fence, searching for an escape.  My human was screaming and hollering - but that didn't stop me!  I WANTED that cat!  Foster leaped on to the fence with his claws just as I nipped at his tail.  My paws wouldn't grip the fence so I fell back to the ground.  Darn Cat!  You should have heard Foster running all the way to his home.  I bet I don't see Foster cat for a long time.

On Tuesday, it got even better!  I went to doggie daycare again and took a camera with me. CLICK HERE to see me being the life of the party at doggy daycare.  I played and played and played with lots of my friends - and met new ones as well.  The Terriers in my play-group are the best.  I think I like the Wired Fox Terrier the most.  Wednesday, I got in to trouble. There I was, minding my own business - I swear! - while my humans were no where to be found.  CRASH!  That empty wine glass sitting on the table beside the sofa simply leaped to the floor.  I was in the wrong place at the wrong time again - but I made a dash to get out of there.  You should have seen the horrified look on my humans faces when I jumped from the sofa straight into the pile of glass on the floor.  TOO LATE!  I was snatched up, paws checked (no cut!) and sent to my "time out" kennel.  I don't like time out!  It's sooo boring.  I past the time by singing my favorite song....BAD GIRL, BAD GIRL....I'M SUCH A LITTLE BAD GIRL....  It's not long before I forget why I'm there in the first place and start barking orders to be let out -  i-m-m-e-d-i-a-t-e-l-y!
 

FIREWORKS!  That’s what they called them; fireworks!  I heard them Thursday and Friday night this week.  Every time they “boomed”, I raced around the backyard or inside the house, and barked and barked and barked.  And not just my regular bark either; my serious bark.  I wish we could get some fireworks for our very own! 

Got a note from my friend, Harley today.  Remember him?  He's my Great Dane friend that lives all the way out in Texas.  His humans took him to the hospital today to get what they called "neutered".  I'm not sure what that means but Harley doesn't look so good.  He thought he was going to play a new game.  My humans said I don't have to get "neutered" but that I'm going to get "spayed" sometime in August.  Well, I'll have a big surprise for them....I absolutely REFUSE to go back to the hospital!

Hello again!  I have been so busy training my humans that I haven't had much free time to write in my diary.  So much has happened since my last entry.  I've been to “doggy daycare” once more and enjoyed meeting even more new friends.  I think this should become a weekly outing.  Now all I have to do is just demand more play time from my humans so they will want to take me to Barking Hound Village more often!  My best friend at daycare is Jackson.  He's a 3 years old Jack Russell Terrier. Terrier’s are simply the best!  He shared a lot of good human training techniques he’s used on his human, Sandy.  I have cousins, Max & Maxine, living a long way away from here in Augusta, Georgia.  They are terriers too; Yorkshire Terriers.  Max is a little bossy for his size but he’s still fun to play with.  I sent Max & Maggie a couple of the same toys I love to play with.  It's been raining a lot this week in Atlanta.  I don't like it when it thunders in the middle of the night.

I got a new gift today from my little Westie friend, Casey, who’s human is Jill.  It's a "squeaky" little heghog.  I love my new toy!  I race around the house as fast as I can with it clinched in my jaws and take it to my humans constantly and insist they toss it across the room at least 50 times a night.  Oh, I forgot to mention I had my six month birthday on the 14th.  I'm a half-year old and becoming much more independent.  I'm not quite sure what the "terrible twos" mean but I seem to be hearing that a lot lately.  I want to get older so I can do more stuff and not get in to trouble so much.  What’s wrong with turning over every trashcan in every bathroom in the house anyway?  It’s fun!  And while we’re at it, why can’t I have any sock I find on the floor?  Finders, keepers!  Well, let me tell you - my ears kept bothering me so I had to go “in” to the hospital last Monday.  The doctors stuck a needle in my leg to make me relax.  I have something called a “bacterial” infection.  My humans have been cleaning out my ears nightly and putting medicine in them.  I still bark at the ear wash they use in my ears but they claim it’s for the best and I am getting better.

This week has been so much fun!  I have really been working hard on training my humans. Every night when they get home, after we eat and begin to relax – their training begins.  It’s time to teach them “CHASE”!  I stand at the ready and dare one of them to come after me.  And when they do - I race through the house as fast as I can. I can turn on a dime and run after them too!  We run through the dining room and I dart under the table and chairs.  I sprint to the kitchen and into the great-room. Sometimes, I even race up the stairs and dare them to follow, barking commands at them the whole time.  My humans sometimes call me “bullet”.  I’ll teach them to call me names!  Another favorite game I’m teaching my humans is hide-and-seek.  I don’t think they’ve played this before but they are learning fast.  On Tuesday, I got to go to doggy daycare.  What fun!  My first day at Barking Hound Village was super!  I got to play and meet a lot of new friends.  Their names are Jema, Beasley and Zeke.  We played chase and hide-and-seek.  They seem to know the games better than my humans.  I got to play "king of the mountain" with them in the giant playground.  My humans were glad that I came home exhausted but happy.  I think they sent me to doggie daycare on purpose to get out of their training!  Oh well, I can't wait to go back!!!  It's my favorite place to go!

Oh, Boy, what a weekend!  It was crazy, exciting and scary - all at the same time.  It started off with my humans getting home later than usual on Friday afternoon.  By the time they got home to let me outside, all my legs were crossed!  Saturday started out rainy so I didn't get to go for a walk though I don’t mind getting wet – but I was taken to get groomed instead.  I got a bath and "stripped" of all my dead fur which made me feel real good.  I got "nicked" on my ear with the sheers because I wouldn’t stay still, which scared my human because the lady groomer was still trying to stop the bleeding when he came to get me.  It wasn't too bad but my human made a big fuss and rushed me to the "hospital".  I was given some medicine for the cut then the doctor poked in my ears since my human mentioned I had been "scratching" at them a lot.  Turns out it was just a lot of hair in there.  It had to be "plucked" out, which I didn’t like one bit.  I showed the doctor who was “boss” but then he took me to the "back" to get help from other "doctors".  I got home late that afternoon and the sun was shining.  I kept going to the door, insisting to go for a walk.  My humans finally gave in and we were off for a late afternoon stroll.  I got to see my friend Jack and was so excited that I tried to wiggle through the fence to play with him.  Later that night my humans said it was time to take me to "doggie daycare".  I'm not sure what that is - but it sounds exciting. They said I'll get to play as much as I want with other dogs by size.  Oh boy!  I can't wait!

This weekend went too fast!  I spent too much time in by bed because my humans were cleaning up the backyard so I could have a nice place to play.  It doesn’t need to be clean!  I like the smelly stuff in the backyard – and puddles of muddy water too.  When I get let out after a hard rain, I race to the back of the yard where the water drains and lick and lick and lick.  Give me muddy water, I say!  I’ve been having trouble with my ears so we went to Pets Are People Too! To get some ear-wash.  I don't like that foul smelling stuff!  When I see the bottle, I bark and bark and bark because I don't like it in my ears.  It stings!  I bet my humans wouldn’t like it if I put it in their ears either!  I got a bath this weekend and thought it would be funny to give my human one too!  That'll teach him!  I saw Jack on Sunday but we didn't get to play – I don’t understand why my humans won’t let me in Jack’s yard and play.  I don’t care that he keeps hiking his leg on me.  I visited several human friends on my walks and even dashed after a few slow-poke squirrels.  I'm told if my ears don't clear up I’ll have to go to the doctor.  I don't like the doctor.

This has been the best weekend ever!  My humans didn't have to go to work for several days.  They spent so much time with me; we walked every morning for what must have been miles and miles.  I love long walks but I always come home very tired and want to go to sleep.  My human and I got into trouble today because we were playing hard and my tail hit a vase that was on the table next to the sofa.  It fell to the floor and crashed!  I wanted to run and hide but I couldn't get down from the sofa right away because of all the glass and my human wanted to protect me.  I wasn't punished because it was an accident.

I graduated from Puppy Kindergarten!  My humans were so happy! When we got home, there was a present waiting for me.  It had come all the way from Jacksonville, Florida.  A friend in Houston, Texas sent me a gorgeous new leather collar from Coach.  It was too big - so we sent it back for a different size.  I got a picture of my friend in Texas; his name is "Harley".  He's a Great Dane and his humans are Tina and Todd.

Five months old today!  I lost my first tooth and my humans were all excited, saying something about the "tooth fairy".  I got another squeaky toy later in the day because I'd destroyed some of the ones I got last month  - this one's easy to bite into and shake and shake and shake!  I love to run around the house squeaking my toys as loud as I can.

I'm going to the beauty parlor today!  I'm all excited.  My humans told me that I was getting my first Lakie haircut.  Whoo-wooh!   A nice lady named Marleen gave me a bath and spent lots of time cutting and trimming my hair.   When my humans arrived, I could tell by their excitement that I was as pretty as I felt.  They took me for a walk around the neighborhood later in the day.  I pranced around for all to see - but my friend, Jack, wasn't out in his yard - so I wasn't able to show him how pretty I was.

Puppy kindergarten was fun as ever.  I had some trouble with "leave it' because I really like those liver treats and when one is tossed on the floor - I want it!  My humans are very patient with me so I'm trying as hard as I can - but sometimes, I forget and take off after the treat anyway.

Today is my four month birthday!  My humans took me to my favorite store; Petsmart.  I got another squeaky toy in the shape of a bone and lots of rawhide bones.  I had to pose for more pictures today but I didn't mind.  My humans love to brush my red hair and take pictures of me.  Puppy kindergarten is tomorrow.  I've been practicing all my tricks all week and have learned to walk on a leash without biting it, sit upon command to get a treat. Tomorrow night I'll be learning how to "leave it".

Today was a very exciting day!  In the afternoon I attended my first day of Puppy Kindergarten.  It was so exciting!  There were other puppy's there my size; a Jack Russell terrier, a cocker-spaniel and a poodle.  I really love "play time".  I ran around with my new friends and played so hard.  When I got home, all I wanted to do was rest on the feet of my humans.  I get to go every Tuesday for seven more weeks!

My humans enrolled me in Puppy Kindergarten.  I couldn't' go with them the first night; it was strictly for humans only.

I had a doctor's appointment today.  I growled and fought and struggled against the doctor's but they still gave me shots!  I was told these were the last shots for awhile.  Thank goodness!  I came home exhausted and didn't really care to play much since my rear was sore.

I got another present today!  It came from my friend, Barbara who works with one of my humans at the real estate office. My gift was a "crackling" stuffed "catfish".  I love the catfish but one of my humans calls it a "kitty cat" because the head of the toy is a cat connected to the tail of a fish.  My favorite toy of all!

My human said I had a big surprise waiting for me at his office and we were going for a ride.  I love riding in the car.  My favorite thing to do is to hang out the window as far as I can and bite at the racing wind.  It's so much fun. When I got to the office, I was given a very large box with fancy ribbons. I was so excited that I took the present in my mouth and went running around the office.  It was a beautiful shiny red collar with silver rhinestones that I got from The Barnes Group.  The rhinestones look like diamonds; it must be very expensive.  It's a little large for me now but hopefully I'll grow into it soon. I will only wear my new collar on special occasions.

I'm three months old today!.  My humans took me to Petsmart and bought me a "big" red ball and "squeaky" toys that I love to chase and fetch.  I can play and play and play - but my humans tire out easily.  They take me for walks around my neighborhood.  I love walks, especially when I see other humans and dogs. I met a new friend today.  He's a Jack Russell Terrier.  We have lots in common.  I call him "Jack".  Whenever I go for walks, I can't wait to see Jack.  At home, my latest favorite thing to do is make a mad dash around the house, darting in every room as fast as I can.  My humans call my behavior "the terrier mad dash".

I got my very first present today! It was a beautiful pink puppy "blanket" with a squeaky rubber cow's head.  The gift came from my new friend, Kathy H.  I love my puppy blanket.  I take it everywhere I go - even sleep with it.  My humans have wonderful friends who always bring me presents.