Hi, this is Eddie, the mostly brown-colored dog. We dogs know lots and lots of stuff. We keep a close and careful watch over everything Mister Tom does so we know all about him and his peculiar human habits. Nothing escapes our eyes, ears, or nose.

STUFF DOGS KNOW (Copyright 2013 by Captain Eddie)

We know when activity outside,
Could mean a leisurely car ride.

Intermediate stops never trick us,
We’re attentive but never anxious.

Our destination seldom uncertain,
We know to rest and when to awaken.
            ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Lest we be forgotten,
Vocally we beckon.

Hours before mealtime arrives,
We remind with soft whines and cries.

We know where our food hides,
Out of sight, not out of mind.
            ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

People, places, neighborhood hounds,
Do your job, make your rounds.

Where you’ve been and who you met,
Has not gone unnoticed, at least not yet.
            ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Packages brought into our abode,
Get scrutinized with burrowed nose.

Don’t think we’re at a total loss,
We dogs know what comes and goes.
            ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If you change the daily standard,
You’ll leave us dogs upset and staggered.

We know the daily routine to keep,
From morning stroll to evening sleep.

Mister Tom constantly reminds me and Eddie about the “good life” we have with him. Sure, we live in a cozy house that’s warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We get fed every day, and every day we have fresh water to drink. He makes sure we stay healthy, too. And, Mister Tom keeps our spirits engaged by talking to us and teaching us stuff. But, Mister Tom could, and should, do more for us poor ‘ole dogs.

NEVER ENOUGH (Copyright 2013 by Buster J. Brown)

Never enough time outside.
For running around and acting wild.

Never enough time playing with toys,
A fitting prize for this good boy.

Never enough rewarding treats,
For all my obedience feats.

Never enough food in my bowl,
My appetite left unconsoled.

Never enough time to greet friends,
All too soon the visits end.

Never enough pets and scratches,
Something else will distract ‘em.

Never enough time to slumber,
On forbidden places like furniture.

Never enough time to blog,
He sets a curfew for this dog!

Never enough, never enough,
That’s why this dog’s life is so rough.

Eddie and I have Mister Tom ALL figured out. We are keen observers of human behavior.  It’s a good thing he doesn’t play poker because he has too many “tells” even we dogs can see. For example, there’s a good chance we’re going OUTSIDE when he puts on his rubber moccasins. Leather leash and training collars in his hands means we get to do our obedience workout. When Mister Tom is packing stuff in the car there’s a chance we all are going someplace fun. The smell from a freshly peeled banana means we get a special, tasty treat. We also know his different hiding places for all of our treats!  The sound of a plastic bag opening means there is the possibility of a treat. Heck, these human critters are way too easy to figure out.

We have Mister Tom pretty well trained, too. In the early evening we make sure to follow him wherever he goes and sometimes softly whimper.  If we do that he finally succumbs and feeds us our dinner. When we pace back-and-forth to the door he eventually takes us OUTSIDE. If we bring him a toy we can trick him into playing with us. And, if we lie down and roll on our side we are assured of some belly rubs.

EYES TO THE HEART (Copyright 2013 by Buster J. Brown)

I see his face and watch his eyes.
They tell me thoughts that underlie.

Both eyes fixed and intense,
His determination I can sense.

Stern looks and eyes scrunched,
Something wrong is my hunch.

A gaze of lazy contemplation,
Nothing happening in my estimation.

Open, smiling, eyebrows raised,
I sense approval and praise.

Telltale expressions do impart,
The true intentions of his heart.

CURIOSITY (Copyright 2013 by Buster J. Brown)

A rustle of grass.
Or movement in trees.
My senses are piqued,
Alert to all these.

Warm summer breezes,
Bring messages on air.
I stand at attention,
My nostrils are flared.

I hear a new sound,
And give it a ponder.
From where did it come,
Somewhere off yonder?

A brand new locale,
Or places I’ve been.
I fear I may miss,
So I take it all in.

Mission accomplished,
All said and done.
Curiosity sated,
Until the next run.

Hi, this is Buster, the white-colored, brown-spotted dog. Eddie and I are low maintenance when it comes to our emotional needs. Pets and scratches from just about anybody make us happy. We are happy when people talk to us. Mostly it does not matter what people say. We love hearing “good boy, good dog.” We wag our tails excitedly when people say our names. We are happy when we see “Pals-O-Buster™” or “Pals-O-Eddie™.” Some of our other favorite words are: “treat,” “dinner,” and “OUTSIDE.”

SIMPLE PLEASURES (Copyright 2013 by Buster J. Brown)

The crack of dawn,
It’s morning time.
This hour of day,
Excitement is prime.

The routine is the same,
I know what to expect.
Sometimes he is slow,
And I often object.

He unhurriedly awakens,
I urge quick action.
I’m ready to GO,
OUTSIDE, the attraction.

As he pulls self together,
I anxiously wait.
Unlike us dogs,
This man, too sedate.

Finally, magic words spoken,
Once shoes on his feet.
I scurry to door,
Not missing a beat.

Whether summer heat,
Or winter chill.
I dash OUTSIDE,
Dive into the thrill.

Simple pleasures this stroll,
Same one-act play.
Legs stretched, eyes open,
Embracing a new day.