I had a birthday party on January 1, 2004 . . . the day I turned one year old. It was 70-plus degrees in Dallas so we all played outside. Oh, and about that forecast of rain . . . well there was no rain (I wouldn't allow it!).

Here he is: My Cat-Fish. Gracie sent him to me -- she has one, too. Read on.

Whose empty crates are these? Where did the occupants go and why are they playing without me? Look below and you'll see a few of my friends.

The party has just begun, and we're comin' . . . and we're goin' . . . so fast you can't get our photo. I love it when other dogs come to visit me. No, they're not drop-ins. They were all invited. Look closely and you'll see little Miss Klondike, me, and at least one Lakie pup. There's my neighbor-pal, Wilson the Collie. WILSON! Do we want to know what you're doing there?! Klondike, step away.


On the left and on the right are two of the Lakie pups (not yet six months old) whom I can't tell apart. Is that Fred, or is it Ricky, or is it Lucy? I can't tell, though I've known 'em for months. They're Zoë's littermates. In the center is Miss Lady, having a drink (she's the nice Cocker); and behind her are Klondike and me. Klondike is the only nice Scottie that I've ever met. Ever! I love little Klondike.

It's those Lakeland pups again. They're silly. No, I still can't tell you who's who. But I will tell you this: Fred is the one who fell in the pool. Oops. There went Fred's show-coat! Hahahaha.

We all liked my cake -- some more than others. Sadie & Lady are awaiting their third piece (or is it their fourth?!). There are those Lakie pups again -- they're good cake-eaters.

What's this?!! Lakelands playing happily? You bet it is! But Charles, that is my squirrel.

It's time. I'm about to open gifts. Gracie, you taught me well, so I'll open your gift first. I needed just a wee bit of help with the tape . . . but as soon as I got past the paper I did well. There it was -- my Cat-Fish. He was in a box with a birdie (though I haven't seen much of that birdie). I got my catfish and off I went.


No, I'm not going to stop. I've got my catfish. Just try to catch me. I'm going to do my bullet-run.


OK. I'm finally going to slow down now. I know someone who'd like to see my new catfish. There's a Lakeland by the manger and he's probably never seen a catfish. I'll show mine to him.

   
Here's my new Hurl-A-Squirrel . . . brought to you by the makers of Cat-Fish. Lady stop pulling on it. Is it my birthday or yours? I want my Hurl-A-Squirrel.

After my party I slept for hours and hours. And who can blame me?

Click on the links below to read more about my party life. Get the low-down about my summer pool party, my dog-show trip to Montgomery, and my very first winter holiday season.