Camden's World - (guest blogger)

It starts already. Now that Cooper is a big business dog he is already taking Friday off. He has me filling in as guest blogger for him today. And as if a 4 day week isn't good enough I think he plans on not blogging on weekends anymore. We will see if success goes to his head.

Hi. My name is Camden. I live here with Simba, the other cat. Life was really good and peaceful around here. We could lie around and sleep all day anywhere we wanted. Food was out 24/7. Our water was always fresh and dog drool free.

Then one day this puppy showed up. Ever since things have been going downhill. The first few days were OK because he was afraid of us. But now he thinks the owns the place. Check out this video and you will see what I have to put up with.

(Note to mobile phone users. The following video has text conversation boxes narrated by Camden that you won't be able to see unless you view this page on a regular laptop or desktop computer.)

As you can see one of his favorite pastimes is barking at me. So us cats have moved to higher ground. At least she still makes him stay on the floor and off the furniture. If he ever gets to the top of the fridge I am moving out.  

See him down there? I am safe here. But I could use some ear plugs.

His idea of  fun is playing with a stinky old boot. He has no class whatsoever. At least when he is out doing that we can get a little peace.

He's been at that for over 15 minutes. Disgusting.

Business Magnate

As I mentioned earlier in my Looking For Work post, getting work in the cattle herding industry is not an option these days. So I decided to go into business for myself. No downsizing, no punching the clock, no meetings and I will have the best boss in the world.... Me!

Since Camden and I are starting to get along better these days I talked it over with her. She has her faults and can be a little snooty but she is kinda smart.

Discussion with Camden.
(Note to mobile phone users. The following video has text conversation boxes between Cooper and Camden  that you won't be able to see unless you view this page on a regular laptop or desktop computer.)

       

If you have been paying attention to this blog you might have noticed a new tab at the top titled Marketplace. I have opened my own Pet Supply and Sporting & Outdoor store there. Also, I am currently in negotiations with 16 other merchants about sponsoring Cooper's World  blog. So stay tuned as my online shopping place grows.

I have also decided to get into the pet insurance business.

I got the idea when I saw my first vet bill. It won't be as much fun as biting cattle in the heels but I thought maybe I could help out pet owners if their pets ever become ill or get into an accident.

So I applied and Cooper's World  blog has been approved. I am now a pet insurance salesman for Embrace Pet Insurance. Here is my first ad.

Check out some of these accident claims. I heard that one of my cats actually ate some of the plastic grass decorations from an Easter basket this year. Cats can be so dumb! If you have one better sign up. 

My career as a typhoon tycoon has begun.

Delivering The Mail

I am working on bringing in the mail. I don't have it down quite right yet but I am getting the idea. For starters I only am allowed to carry junk mail as somehow the pieces seem to get a little mangled. They don't make envelopes nearly as strong as they should. Someone should look into that.

Junk mail for Jeremiah. Where the heck is he?

This particular item of junk mail is for Jeremiah, my human brother that I haven't met yet. He doesn't live here anymore. He lives in..... well, it is hard to pin him down. As I type this he is living in Kitty Hawk, NC where he and Ellen, my human sister-in-law to be run Fuji Steakhouse and Sushi Bar in Kill Devil Hills in the Outer Banks.

Me dictating this post to my human while I chew a sock for inspiration. (or is that perspiration?)
And..... Hey! Come back mail carrier. This one goes to NC!

After the season this fall who knows where he will be living. He said it will be in another country but hasn't decided which one yet. So far he has lived in Uganda, Taiwan, Virgin Islands, Florida Keys, and I don't know where else. He is a moving target. Glad I am not a real mail carrier. How do they keep track of people like that? Guess they don't. That is why we still get a lot of his mail here.

Check out this video of me delivering a piece of mail to my human sister. She had her chance. If you want me to bring you the mail you have to be quick. Mail carriers don't have time to be lollygagging around.

First Hike

Sunday my human mom and human sister took me for a hike. I didn't know what a hike was but when she asked me if I wanted to go on one I sure did.

We went to a place called Indian Steps. It is down by the river. When we got there my human man owner was singing..  "Down by the river. I shot my baby. Dead. I shot her dead." Which I thought was rather strange. Shooting a baby? That's just sick. More on this later.

Down by the river looking at a boat. I didn't see any Indians. 

After checking out the river my human sister led us to a hiking trail. We had to go up steps but I don't think they were built by Indians. They looked more like something a crew at a state park would build.

At the top we found a waterfall. Mom is trying to get me to go into a little pool.

We had to cross a road and hike up a really steep hill. The path went off to the left but she knew a shortcut through the woods to take us to a really cool spot with a waterfall.

My human sister knows great hiking spots. But she is not good at picking hiking shoes.

Now about that weird song he was singing. It turns out it was actually a famous song back in the day. Neil Young and Crazy Horse released it in 1969. I found a version online and if you have 8:59 to kill (and I know you must because after all, you are reading a blog that is written by a dog) check it out.

Neil wrote it along with Cinnamon Girl and Cowgirl in the Sand when he was delirious in bed with a 103 degree fever. I guess that would make you write weird lyrics.

It is not about a tiny baby. Neil claims it's about a man who catches his woman cheating on him, then meets her down by the river and shoots her. A few hours later the sheriff comes to his house and arrests him. At least that is one version. At various times he has claimed multiple explanations for the lyrics. Very odd fellow that Neil.

Dingo's Tips

I keep in close contact with my sister Dingo. I am glad I do because she has a lot of neat things she does.

A recent picture of my sister Dingo from facebook.

For instance, she told me about getting your owners to put peanut butter inside your toys. I have a kong toy that can fit milk bone treats inside. But now I tried it with peanut butter. I love the taste of peanut butter.

I am working on getting the peanut butter out of the middle.

Mom won't allow it at night time though. She says it gets me too excited at bed time. Sometimes she likes to exercise with me to get me good and tired at night.

Another great idea I got from her is using an empty milk jug for a toy. They are nice and light and I love the sound they make when I jump on them. They are easy to bite too.

A milk jug is fun to play with inside or out. 

Dingo also rings a bell when she wants to go outside. It hangs from the door knob with a ribbon. When I want to go out I go to the door and sit and if nobody is watching I jump at the handle. But now mom put a wind chime on it. She is going to get me a regular bell soon.

Therapy Dog

I chased one of the cats into my college girl owner's room the other day. Wow, she sure has a lot of textbooks. They are all on OT (Occupational Therapy). She graduated this year but is going for another year to get her Masters.

I started wondering. Why can't I go to school with her. I got on the Internet and did some research and discovered dogs can work in therapy too!  One site said about therapy dogs, that they..... 

brighten the days for seniors; special needs adults and children; patients in physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapies. They encourage children to read. The possibilities are endless. The human/animal interaction can many times open doors, hearts and minds like no human therapist can. 

That sounded great. I like to brighten people's days. I got to visit our elderly neighbor twice already. He is nice. I think he is about 90. He used to own coon hounds. My grandma human is 89. (Don't tell her I told you).

I wanted to pretend I was a real therapy dog so I asked mom to take me along next time she visited one of the people she sometimes helps out. And she did!

We went to see a gentleman who has been in several nursing homes and rehabs recently. He is now living home alone with the aid of visiting nurses. It was a really fun visit.

Mom said I did "Wonderful". I didn't jump up at all.

His name is Bob and he petted me a lot. When mom wasn't looking he even gave me a Ritz cheese cracker to eat. He told us about dogs he used to have and how his dad would always feed all their dogs oatmeal mixed with milk.

He really liked petting me. And I liked it too. 

He was really happy to see me. He said to be sure to come back anytime. He even rode his scooter to the back door when we were leaving so he could wave good bye to me.

I love to use people's feet for a pillow. Getting scratched behind the ears is fun too.

It felt good to make some one's day brighter and a little less lonely. Bob is the first person I visited who isn't family or a close neighbor, so I think I just did my first therapy visit! I will have to talk to my OT owner. I think we could make a great team.

Emergency Bath

Mom didn't take me for my walk on the leash this morning. So when she wasn't watching I decided to go for a morning roll. I found something really really really smelly out in the yard over toward the woods. It was great.

Mom didn't appreciate it as much as I did. I wanted her to roll in it too but she seemed grossed out and made me take an emergency bath. I am not sure what it was but my man human said whatever it was it made the turkey poop smell like roses.

Mom giving me a good scrubbing

I didn't really enjoy the bath much at all but it was over rather quickly. And getting dried off with a towel was quite fun. My college age girl owner is home so she helped. I was the center of attention.

          

Boy am I glad that bath is over with

After it was over she played with me and I got to sit in her lap for a long time. Laps are my favorite places to be. I like being the center of attention.

Hey, you can read my name tag! Now if she would just do my nails. 

Looking For Work

When reading the Alpha Dog article the other day I saw this quote and it got me thinking.

A well-trained obedient dog is a happy dog and a joy to live with. Dogs want to please and need a job to do.

Yep, I am getting bigger now and it is time I got a job. I want to contribute to the family.

But what should I do? I have been studying my trade, Cattle Transportation, at Texas A&M. Click here to see a great short video on the cattle transportation industry.  It has some good insight from some Ph.D.'s on the latest techniques. Today's emphasis is on animal welfare and reducing bruises and stress. This provides better quality meat. The trailers today even have special flooring. Nowadays they would never allow me to show those cows who is boss and give them a good nip in the heels.

Moving cattle isn't what it used to be. Dogs have been replaced. 

The bottom line is there is not much call for dogs anymore in the cattle transportation business. Finding work in this field is kinda like trying to sell buggy whips or 8 track tapes. Good luck with that. This is 2014 and an out of work cattle dog has to get with the changing times and come up with a new career.

I went to the river (Lock 15) to clear my head and ponder my future. 

I have come up with a couple of possibilities for work. If you have any ideas what a cattle dog could do these days drop me a note in the comments. I am open for suggestions. I will let you know what I come up with in future posts.

Learning To Share

We go to grandma's house a lot. I really like it there. The other day she gave me a chewy bone treat wrapped in a bacon strip. We left before I could finish it. Grandma didn't want to finish it either so I got to take it home. It was so nice of her to share. She is a really good example to me.

A bone wrapped with a bacon strip. Grandma is a real good cook.

I remember my dad Duke telling us kids to always share. He would always say...."Like the good book says... Then he would tell us a bible verse, like.....

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. -- 1 Tim 6:18

 So I got to thinking about my sister Dingo and my brother Hank. I would like to have something to share with them next time they come visit. So instead of finishing my bone I decided to save it. I stashed it in mom's flower bed. I'll dig it back up when they come. I will share, just like grandma.

.

Leash Practice

On the way back home after our visit.  See the white horse back there?

Tuesday mom took me for some really long walks. We walked over to my grandma's place a couple of times. I got a lot of practice walking on the leash. I think I am getting really good at it. I used to bite it and carry it in my mouth most of the way but now I figured out that mom is the one who's job it is to carry it. All I have to do is walk and enjoy the sights and smells. (Wild turkey poop is one of my favorite smells. Did you ever want to just fall down and roll in it?)

We had to walk all along that road back there. See the horse mask?

When we got to my grandma's place there were horses to stare at. One of the horses was wearing a mask. Ever try to stare down a horse that was wearing a mask? It is not really fair because you can't see it's eyes. Maybe my mom can get me some sun glasses to make it even.

I got to stare at him for over 5 minutes. He quit before I did, so I won. 

Check out my video below. I was so excited to see grandma that I forgot I was on a leash. Notice how I am learning how to not jump up! That is a really hard thing to remember but I think I got it down! (Pun intended. Get it? Down! hahahahaha.... I crack me up! or down. I still sometimes get the two confused.)

Alpha Dog. (ACD Owner's Please Read)

This post is for ACD (Australian Cattle Dog) owners. If you have been following my blog for the cute puppy pictures you may want to skip this entry. If you are the owner of an ACD (or any dog) please read.

My owner came across an article called "Who's in Charge here?" I read it online. It really has us Australian Blue Heelers pegged. Here are some observations.

...... confident, smarter than average, and affectionate.

.......Some of them are natural born leaders and social climbers.

.......need and want leaders.

And lots of others.

If you are an owner of one of my brothers or sisters set aside some time and read this article on Alpha Dogs. The traits that make us great can also create some challenges to owning us. We are much happier and less stressed if we have a leader and don't have to be the leader. And we like knowing the "house rules" of our families. Our favorite game is "Follow the Leader" and we like it best when you are the leader.

Here is the address:  http://www.cowdogz.com/tips/alpha.html

And if you own an ACD (or any type of dog) please contribute to our community in the comments some of the things that are best about your dog and also some of the challenges you have faced. Thanks!

More Visitors

More relatives came to see me and to play with me Sunday. Jennilyn and Chris came and they brought me a present! A squeaky cow I can play with. There sure are a lot of perks to being a puppy. You might have to hear the word " No ! " a lot but there are lots of great times too.

Me posing with my Squeaky Cow Jennilyn & Chris brought me.

I had another great visit Sunday afternoon. My brother Hank came to see me.

That's Hank on the left and me on the right

He is really big. I thought I was big at 9lb 4oz when I went to the vet but he was over 10 lbs when he went. We played in the yard for over 2 hours. Lots of tug-o-war games with my new rope and he is really strong, but I think I am faster.

We both got a great work out. After he left I went in the house and ate my supper and passed out on the floor for a long time.

Sister Visit & A Name Tag

I had a great Friday. My college girl owner came home from her summer internship in Maryland to live here at my house for good! She will be commuting for her Master's Degree year so I will get to see her all the time! I am so excited. She even gave me a present to protect me in case I would ever get lost. A name tag with mom's phone number on it. It is shaped like my paw and it is laser engraved.

Check out my laser engraved name tag.

Get a Name Tag Just Like Coopers!

And yesterday my sister's owners brought her to visit. We had lots of fun wrestling and running around in the yard and through the flower bed. I am so glad we will be able to keep in touch.

Dingo is chasing me

Sorry about the flowers mom. I saw on twitter Dingo has a thing for flowers.

She told me that soon she was even going to be able to go to the beach on vacation to the Outer Banks. She is so lucky. I have relatives there who run a restaurant in Kill Devil Hills. Jeremiah and Ellen. I wonder if she will be able to eat at their restaurant, Fugi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar. If you ever get there check it out. It is almost right across from the Wright Brothers National Monument. If you tell them Cooper sent you maybe they will save me some steak bones.

Gators Beware

Back at the farm under the pickup truck at night our mom and dad (Lulu and Duke) would tell all us pups stories. They wanted to inspire and encourage us to always do our best for our families. Our favorites were about famous Australian Blue Heelers.

While I was stuck at home alone surfing the web the other day I thought I would research one of my favorite stories. I got on google news and located this article.  It is from the Friday July 27, 2001 edition of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. I hope you can click on it and read it ok. If not just click here to go to the newspaper.

I will protect my family just like Blue did.

My First Visitors

While sitting out front today a car pulled into the driveway. Two people got out and said "Hello Cooper." I had my very own visitors.

It was the first time someone came to see me! They are readers of my blog. They must have read the post "A Lot Of Work To Do" where I mentioned I wanted to get into shape and maybe join Planet Fitness because they brought me snacks and a present. A strong tug-of-war rope. (Not to be confused with the album Tug of War Paul McCartney released in 1982) A great work out toy. I can really build up my muscles with it. It will be a great aid to get me in shape.

I worked out so hard I conked out right in the middle of a tug of war.

Passed out exhausted. Sleeping like a rock. No Pain....No Gain

Starting to wake up. Its all I can do to open my eyes. Every muscle aches. 

I have to get really strong so I can protect my family and keep the alligators away. Check tomorrows blog and you will see what I mean.

Home Alone

This morning my people went for a ride and they left me behind. Instead of letting me roam the grounds and protect the place while they are away they put me in my pen. I am beginning to think they don't trust me.

A friend gave us this really cool pen that I sleep in at night but I see no reason to be in it during the day. I was stuck in there for 3 hours! I could have been playing with the cats.

Why in the cage? I won't chew anything while you are gone. 

While I was doing my time in solitary confinement I was surfing the web and I found a picture of one of my sisters! Her name is Dingo and she has her own twitter account. @DingoBlueHeeler It appears she has to deal with cats too. And she also just had her first visit to the vet. I am glad she found a good home. Maybe we will be able to get together for coffee sometime and compare notes.

My sister Dingo. See the resemblance? 

Dingo also went to the vet. Nice Collar!

First Vet Visit

My lady human (Who I will now call mom because I really like her and I am staying.) told the vet my name was Cooper. At first I thought my name was "Good Boy Cooper". Then after a few days I thought my name was "Cooper No!". But I guess my official name is just "Cooper".

I really enjoyed the car ride to the vets. It took about 1/2 hour and there was lots of stuff to see along the way. I don't remember the ride home. I slept on mom's lap the whole way. It must have been the shots.

Mom waiting with me at the vets

The shots didn't hurt at all. The vet people distracted me with a crumbled up milk bone and it was all over before I realized I was getting a shot! Tricky people those vets.

But the shots really made me tired. Glad I have this Serta Perfect Sleeper Sofa Pet Bed to conk out on. The orthopedic egg crate foam base with a top layer of cool twist gel memory foam is really comfortable. Mom says it is more comfortable than her bed. She should know. She slept on it with me for a few hours the other night when I was fussin'. She is easy.

Ahhhhhhhh! Much better than sleeping on the stones under a pickup truck.

Sweepers and Cats

I never made it to the vet's yesterday. My humans had other plans. I am rescheduled for today.

I haven't found any Australian cattle to round up yet, but I have been busy. The cat's are learning who is in charge around here. I don't see much of them. I live most of my life in my rec room. They show up now and then but mostly hide out upstairs.

My lady human has these loud machines she uses. I am not too sure about what they are, but I think they are ok. They only make noise when she allows them to. But you can't be too sure. You have to establish who is the boss.

As you can see, I have really been working hard this morning. Gotta go take a nap before my trip to the vets.

People Are Strange

Jim Morrison was right. People are strange. At least my people are.

Every time I pee or poop in the yard they surround me and get all excited. They clap and cheer and say "Good Boy!", "Way to go Cooper!", "Atta Boy!" and other such stuff. I am glad that I am able to entertain them but really now. Shouldn't they set their standards a little higher. Come on people, get a life.

Let me ask you, my blog readers, is this common in your house? Does your family surround you when you go to pee or poop and encourage you by clapping and cheering as you go?

Today I have my first appointment with the vet. Maybe I will discuss this strange behaviour with her.

People are strange.

A Lot Of Work To Do!

I have been doing some research about my new home. Here are some views from my rec room window, where I will be watching a lot of football with my person this winter. Click on the photos for a larger look at what I am up against.

Deer taking a short cut thru MY DRIVEWAY! This will stop.

As you can see I have a lot of work to do. It has been two years since a dog has lived here and the wildlife act like they own the place. There are deer, turkeys, squirrels, raccoons, rabbits running around MY YARD! And who knows what else is running around at night. I have already identified an opossum scent and the scent of lots of stray cats cutting through MY YARD. They act like they own the place. But there is a new sheriff in town. There will be some changes made.

And just where does that wild turkey think he is going?

Below you can see me working on sharpening my teeth. I will be working out and getting into shape so I can grow big and take charge of this place. I am thinking about starting a CrossFit Workout routine or joining Planet Fitness.

My New Home

Camden (at top) and Simba stare at me sleeping on the floor.

They didn't forget me. They came for me at 8:00 AM and I had my very first car ride. It was great. I really like car rides.

My new people seem really nice and they aren't very hard to please. When I pee in the yard they all get excited and call me good boy! This is going to be an easy gig.

There are 2 cats living at my house. They don't seem too friendly yet. They just hide and then sneak out and stare at me when I fall asleep. I was playing and exploring so much I fell asleep in my new rec room twice already before noon. Once while I was standing up.

I am sure we will be buddies before too long.

Simba sneaking up on me as I am passed out on the floor. 

Somethings up!

Somethings up.

Hi. I am an Australian Blue Heeler. I was born on June 16, 2014 so that makes me just a little over 7 weeks old. I live on a farm way out in the country at the end of a really long lane. I sleep under a pickup truck with my 6 brothers and sisters. Most of my days are spent just playing in the yard and wrestling and exploring and taking naps.

That is me by the tire. The lady is pointing at me!

Recently we have been getting a lot of visitors. People come and hold us and watch us play. Then they talk. I heard my mom and dad talking about trying to find us all good homes of our own.

There was a lady here last Friday looking at me. She was holding me and was all happy to see me. I heard people talking about me being big enough to go on Saturday August 9th. She said she was going to call me "Cooper". She seemed like a really nice lady. I can't wait till Saturday. I hope she doesn't forget me. Check back after Saturday and I'll let you know what happens.