Strange

It is sometimes strange how IT equipment work. I believed I opened up a news site in another window than this blog, but it turned out it was in the same window, so the blog seemed to disappear. Viola claimed I must have done something wrong. She may be right, that it was my own fault. It posed no danger, it was just a little annoying. I opened up the blog again and got inspiration for this blog entry. Life is quite all right. 

A Lot of Snow

Daniel had to go out this morning to use the shovel on a lot of snow. Even though all of this snow may soon disappear in a thaw, it is a good thing to get it out of our way. Otherwise, some may be left to freeze again and become ice. 

It is fun to jump around in the deep snow. This is an advantage of being a small dog, snow is more often deep and fun. 

Snow

It is not as cold outside anymore. More snow has fallen. It is still temperatures below the freezing point, but the forecast says it might be thaw tomorrow and in the weekend. We hope not. We are dreaming of a white Christmas. Even if the current snow would disappear, new snow may fall. Time will tell. 

Independence Day

We celebrate Finland’s independence day today. On the 6 December 1917, Finland became independent from Russia. Any independence from Russia is well worth celebrations. Finland is a good neighbour of Sweden, her independence from Russia is even more worthy of celebrations than most would be. In an ideal world, Finland would never have become part of Russia in 1809, but would have continued to be part of Sweden. It is still way better with an independent Finland than a Finland as part of Russia. 

Happy independence day, Finland! 

Neutral Competitors?

There has been calls for athletes from Russia and Belarus to be able to compete in the next Olympic Games in 2024. This would be under a neutral flag and just for individual athletes. We have discussed it here at home and we are against it. If boycotts should have effect, they should be without exceptions. We hope the IOC refuses. If great athletes want to compete, let them move to democratic countries, become citizen there, and compete for them. 

Really Cold

It is really cold outside. Even the cats prefer to stay mostly indoors. We are lucky to have a warm house to live in and an even warmer bed to sleep in. 

The weather forecast says it may be much warmer, perhaps even thaw, in a few days. We would like warmer weather, but not that warm. It would be nice if this snow would stay over Christmas. A white Christmas would be nice. 

Advent

The advent chandeliers are up and shining. We have this tradition in Sweden to have chandeliers with seven arms of lights, electric, in the windows from the first Sunday in advent to the last day of Christmas. They look like the seven arm Jewish menorahs, and are probably inspired by those. They are normally angled, with the central electric candle above the others, however. When these lights go up, we know that the count down to Christmas has started. We are looking forward to it with great anticipation. Advent is nice. 

Christmas Lunch

Paula and Daniel were at an early Christmas lunch today. This lunch was hostel by the regional kennel club, where they are both members of the board. While this is a good and important organisation, I still think having a Christmas lunch even before the first Sunday in advent tomorrow is a bit too early.

We got food when Paula and Daniel came back home. It was far from a Christmas lunch, but as you can understand from what I just wrote, I think this was just as well. 

One Twelfth Left

December starts today and one twelfth of the year is left. This year has gone by quickly. It seems to me time flies faster when I write this daily blog. 

It is soon Christmas with a lot of great food. This will be good. 

Winter

We have had snow and temperatures below the freezing point for a couple of days. It seems like winter is already here.

Normally, winter does not arrive until late in December. Not all Christmases are white. Morran claims this snow will likely melt and disappear long before Christmas. I hope it doesn’t, but you never know about the weather. We just have to wait and see. 

The snow makes the landscape brighter. This is good. 

Pasta with Cheese

Daniel made some pasta for dinner. When everything was eaten or put in lunch boxes for later days, there was some pasta with cheese left. He put this down to us dogs. Paula had given us ordinary dog food earlier in the day, but I have to say I enjoyed the pasta with cheese more. It was something else. 

Genetics

Paula and Daniel went away this evening to listen to a lecture on genetics. This is important, especially for dog breeders. 

Snow fell and the roads were slippery. They made it to the lecture and home again without incident. This is good. 

The lecture was very interesting. Paula and Daniel told us about it when they got home. We believe it was a good thing they attended it. More people should know about genetics. 

A Little Snow, a Lot of Cold

We had a little snow on the ground this morning. It is not much to talk about, less than a centimetre. It is cold, however. This evening, we had -9° C. It is also a clear night, so it will probably become even colder during the night. We are lucky to have a warm house to live in. Both of our cats are indoors tonight, which is good, then we do notabelt to worry about how they can stand the cold. Life is cozy. 

Volcano Eruption

Earth is a fantastic place. There are mountains connected to the hot centre of the planet, where lava erupts into the sky. It would be interesting to see this, but I would not want to live near an active volcano. Then it is nice that you can watch film clips of it from the comfort of your home. It is a fascinating time we live in. 

Staying at Home

Paula and Daniel were supposed to go to a dog show today. This would have been Paula’s first time of practice before finishing her job to become a ring steward. Late yesterday, however, she got a message that it was cancelled.

While it was too bad Paula’s practice was cancelled, it was nice that she and Daniel stayed at home. Life is better when everyone is at home. We had a good Sunday. 

This and That

We have done a little bit of this, and a little bit of that, today.

Daniel went away to visit a friend on his birthday. Then he did some shopping on the way home. 

When Daniel got home, he had, apparently, not bought everything that Paula wanted him to buy. They went away again, to a different store this time. 

There was lunch when Paula and Daniel came back home. Then we cleaned the house. 

Later in the afternoon, we took it easy and watched a little telly. 

It was a day of this and that, and it was nice. 

Ham

Paula and Daniel had dinner with ham tonight. Paula did not eat all of this. I wanted to have some, but she just kept it. This is strange, whenever I keep a piece of food and defends it from others, Paula tells me to eat it or let it go. 

Ham is good, but Paula wastes it, when she just keeps it. I would make better use of it, because I would eat it. Life is good, but would be better with ham in my tummy. 

Under the Covers

On cold days in November, iris nice to spend time under the covers of the bed. We have spent most of the day like this, actually. Paula was at home and let us stay in bed. It was a lazy day, but a good day. We quite enjoyed it. 

Rain

The weather forecast said it might be snow, but the temperature went up. We had rain all evening instead. November is a month of autumn, but after quite a few days with freezing temperatures, we did not count on rain. It would be more fun to get snow now. You cannot get all you wish for, though. We can wish for a white Christmas instead. 

Brush Up

We listened to an on line brush up seminar for ring stewards tonight. Daniel had got the link, because he is a ring steward. The subject was interesting, but I got tired of it all after a while. Perhaps I would have had a better understanding, if I had been to many dog shows. I have not, even though all of the humans Ihave had around me have. There may be dog shows forus next season. 

Maya Writing

We watched an interesting documentary today about the Maya writing and what we can learn from it. This was in Mexico, where Chihuahuas come from. They did not tell us anything about the dogs there, but it was interesting anyway. 

To and Fro

It is Sunday, but Paula and Daniel have been busy. They have been away on three different occasions, doing errands. 

We watch the house while Paula and Daniel are away, so we are busy too. It is satisfying to have a job like this. I believe the house would be much less safe without us. 

In the evening, Paula and Daniel was back home. Then our cat friends Malin and Totte went out for the night. It is rare that everyone is at home at once. 

Friday

It is Friday night, and Daniel is at his lodge in Odd Fellows. They usually meet on Friday nights.

I think we have more fun at home with Paula. 

Influenza

Paula has the flu, or the influenza, as is the ful name of this virus infection. 

We feel sorry for Paula and lazy close to her to help her get better soon. The body heat from our bodies help. The flu in humans does not affect dogs, so we are safe and can still help. It feels good to be able to help. 

Fudge

Daniel bought some candy today. Each and everyone of us dogs got a piece of fudge. It took me some time to eat the fudge, but I liked it. Morran did not, however. She said she’d rather have some of the rosat beef that Paula and Daniel had for dinner. Well, you cannot get everything you want. I much rather have fudge than nothing, which was what Morran ended up with. 

Snow that Melted

We had a little snow on the ground this morning. During the day, the temperature rose and the snow melted. It is still cold, though, and freezing temperatures in the evening.

Our cat friend Totte decided to stay outside tonight. While I can understand when the cats stay outside on summer nights, I do not understand it on cold nights like tonight. I hope Totte is still happy with his decision. 

Colder Again

It has been temperatures just above the freezing point today. This evening when we were outside for the last time, it was actually a little colder than the freezing point. We have to see how cold it becomes tomorrow. Perhaps winter is coming now. 

Father’s Day

It is Father’s Day in Sweden. None of us dogs who live here now, live with our respective fathers. Paula told us we can see Daniel as a father figure. We do, of course, to a certain degree. 

Fathers are good. Without them, we would not be here. They also help in other ways. We hope all fathers out there have a great Father’s Day.

Goose

Today is a day when you would traditionally celebrate St. Martin of Tours by eating geese. We doot have any geese to eat at home, though. It would be interesting to taste goose meat. I like chicken, goose may be similar, I believe. Our dog food is good as iris, but it is always interesting to try new kinds of food. I think I would like goose. 

Born 100 Years Ago

On this day one hundred years ago, the Akita called Hachiko was born in Japan. He became famous for waiting for his human outside a train station. His human always came back from work by train, but once died while he was at work. Hachiko kept waiting for him outside of the train station every afternoon for the rest of his life. He outlived his human for many years. 

There is now a bronze statue of Hachiko on the spot where he used to sit and wait. Movies have been made about Hachiko, making his fame even bigger.

While we feel sorry for Hachiko, who never got to see his human again, and could not have understood what had happened, we are also in awe of his devotion. This is true devotion to your human. Fortunately, most dogs never have to show such a deep devotion. If we had to, we hope we would, however. 

Kristallnacht

Eightyfive years ago, thugs in Germany following the policy of the German National Socialistic dictatorship of the time, destroyed a lot of Jewish property. The night has been named Kristallnacht. This is for the huge amounts of shattered glass from windows, which made the streets look like they were covered in crystals. It is hard for us dogs to fathom how evil humans can get. They can be even more evil in groups. 

In the present time, hatred against Jews is expressed more than usual. Now it is not Germans who express such hatred, but Islamists. Islamists have hated Jews for hundreds of years. I do not know why, but they have. They also believe dogs are filthy and bad. I wish they would change their views. I believe this would make the World a better place. May the commemoration of Kristallnacht help us to reach this goal. 

Biki

One of the Shibas bred by Paula and Daniel has passed away. His call name was Biki and he lived in Bergen in Norway. His mother was called April. 

I never knew Biki. He was born and raised here many years ago. I still feel for Paula and Daniel, they feel the loss of a dog bred by them. 

Rest in peace, Biki. 

Tilting the Head

Some human scientists have published a theory on why dogs tilt our heads. They claim it may be connected with concentration on a task at paw. This is interesting. 

We know ourselves why we tilt our heads, of course. I still do not want to ruin the further human scientific studies on the matter by telling you too much. It will be nice to see what further human research may come up with. Human science is interesting, though they do ot know quite as much about us dogs as they would like to think they do. 

Late Pastry

Paula and Daniel took some time today to go grocery shopping. When they returned home, Daniel had Gustavus Adolphus pastry. As I wrote yesterday, he could not get hold of any on the Gustavus Adolphus day. It is better late than never, however.

We got dog food rather late in the evening today. Again, it is better late than never. When you eat late, you do not feel hungry when it is time to sleep, so this is an advantage. 

No Pastry

Daniel was late business the Gustavus Adolphus pastry today. It is the 6 November and we would celebrate the Swedish national hero, King Gustavus II Adolphus. We had to dog without the special pastry, though. This does not matter much for us dogs, we rather eat meat or treats, but Daniel was disappointed. We hope it will be better next year. 

Candles for the Graves

It is a Swedish tradition to put candles on the graves of lost relatives this weekend. This is mostly done on the Saturday, but Paula was to tired yesterday. She and Daniel went to do this today instead. 

This is a fine tradition. We did not light candles for the late dogs, but our thoughts were with all of them, nevertheless. The memories of them are still with us. 

All Saints’

This weekend is when we celebrate All Saints’ Day. This is tomorrow, and All Saints’ Eve today. This day is actually on the 1 November, but it is celebrated on the following weekend in Sweden. 

We will commemorate all of the dogs who have lived here before us. Not just the ones we knew, but also those who passed away before we arrived. There have been many dogs here. It is sad that they are no longer with us, but we believe they are somewhere. Paula and Daniel have all of them in their memories. 

Thaw

The snow is gone again. We have had temperatures above the freezing point and quite a bit of rain. While I thought the snow would disappear quickly, this was even quicker than I had imagined. I guess we will have autumn for a while longer, before winter is here. 

A Little Snow

There is a little snow on the ground. Winter is coming. We have heard that this snow will melt, but the first snowof the season often does. There will probably soon be a permanent layer of snow. The Shibas always wanted a lot of snow. As Chihuahuas, Viola, Pepe, and I think a thin layer is enough. It is deep enough for us. We will see what happens. 

Halloween

It is Halloween today, which is celebrated by young people here in Sweden because they have been inspirerad by the Halloween holiday in America. America shares the North American continent with the State of Chihuahua in Mexico (and some other countries) and has a lot of trade and exchange with Mexico, so it is a decent country. 

A main feature of Halloween is to scare people a little. This is why there are so many skeletons, spiders, witches etc. around on Halloween. These things don’t scare me. Something which would scare me much more would be an empty food bowl when I am hungry. I am amazed none of the manufacturers of Halloween stuff has thought of this. As long as they haven’t, Halloween is just a little fun for me. 

Food Reserve

Paula did something new today. She gave us so much food that we could not eat it all, but let the food bowls stand on the kitchen floor. She said we can go and fetch food whenever we want. If this experiment is successful, she might continue with this practice. I like this, I hope we can keep up with this so the experiment turns into a new routine. We have to discuss this, among us dogs, to make sure it will turn out great. Keep reading this blog, and we will let you know, too. 

Great Result

The Rugby World Cup ended with gold to South Africa, silver to New Zealand, and bronze to England. This is the second biggest sports tournament after the Football World Cup. 

For us dogs at home, however, Paula’s result in the test that concluded her ring steward course was bigger. Paula passed. She will now just have to do some training at dog shows, then she will be a ring steward. We are all proud of Paula. 

Studies

We have all helped Paula in her studies to become a ring steward today. Daniel can help, since he is a ring steward already. Morran can help, since she is a Show Champion. Viola, Pepe, and I help as much as we can. We have all been bred by Show Judges, so we know some things about dog shows. 

Paula will surely succeed. She is good at theoretical studies and she has a long history of showing dogs at dog shows. 

The test is tomorrow. This is Viola’s name day, which must be a good omen. We believe Paula will make it. 

Good Bye, Laila!

Our dear, old Poodle friend Laila, SEUCH Smash JP Victorious Love, is no longer with us. Over the latest few days, she became very ill. She almost did not manage to do anything. Her time was out.

We will sorely miss Laila. She was a gentle and nice friend, who taught the younger ones of us a lot. Her love of the good life, good food, and good sleep may stand as an example for any dog. May she have a great afterlife, wherever she is. 

Test Questions

Paula worked with test questions for her course to become a ring steward. She was good at it. 

I would have helped, if I would have had experience from dog shows. Morran could help, however. She is a Swedish Show Champion, so she knows what it is all about. It turned out that Paula was good enough herself not to need any help. This is great. Paula will become a good ring steward, I believe. 

Hurricane

Acapulco on the Pacific coast of Mexico was hit by a hurricane today. The news reports say humans have been scared and property have been damaged.

I hope all dogs are safe and sound. 

Celebrations

We celebrated tonight. I will not tell you why, not yet. On Friday, the reason to celebrate will become more clear. Stay tuned! 

Darker Mornings

When the alarm clock goes of these days, it is dark as in the middle of the night outside. We get up and get out anyway. After this little tour outside, we can always go back to sleep again. We usually do. Daniel does not, he has to make himself ready for work. While it seems like his life is a little more exciting than mine, I would not want to trade, especially not when it is dark outside when you have to get up and get ready to leave. Dogs’ lives are rather good. 

Dogs in War

When humans go to war, there are always innocent casualties. Mostly, there is talk about the civilist humans. My concern is mostly for the dogs. Humans can understand what happens, dogs often don’t. 

I feel for the dogs who live in Gaza, that is the target for the Israeli attacks to defend Israel from the war started by Hamas, based in Gaza. However, if the Israelis were to take control of Gaza, I believe the situation for the dogs there would improve. Arabs as the majority who live in Gaza are notorious for their low regard for dogs. In the long run, this war may be good for the dogs in Gaza. 

Chicken

Paula and Daniel had chicken for lunch today. One of the chicken filets were cut into pieces and given to us dogs. This was a great meal. Saturdays are seldom as good as this. 

No Need for a Veterinarian

Paula had scheduled a time for an appointment with the veterinarian for Viola today. Viola seemed to feel better, however, so Paula called the veterinarian and asked for advice. Once Paula had explained the situation and that Viola felt better, the veterinarian thought there was no need for the appointment. They cancelled it. Viola was happy they did. Shetold me she felt better and she has never been fond of going to the vet. I guess this was just as well. 

Pieces of Sausage

Paula and Daniel had sausages for dinner. Paula did not finish her. Then Daniel cut the sausage up and put the plate on the kitchen floor. Pepe and I got there first. Sausages are always great. 

I wish we had sausages more often. 

Hundreds of Animals Rescued In Spain

Spanish police has rescued more than four hundred dogs and cats and arrested humans who held these animals in an illegal trading network. The animals have been held in poor conditions, many have been transported for long distances from East Europe in cramped quarters and without any regard for the health of the animals. A veterinarian in the network have signed documents to give false impressions that everything was fine. 

This is good news. We hope more illegal animal traders like this can also be arrested and more animals be rescued. There are, unfortunately, probably more networks like the one hit by Spanish police. 

Murderer Killed by Police

The terrorist who shot and murdered two Swedish citizens in Belgium yesterday night, was shot and killed by Belgian police today. He posed a threat to the police, who shot in self defence.

I do not mind much that the murderer died. It would have been better, however, if he would have been put on trial and sentenced to life for the murders. This would have been justice. 

Match Suspended

Sweden played Belgium tonight in the UEFA Euro qualifyers. The match is suspended, since two Swedish citizen dressed in Swedish football jerseys have been shot dead close to the football stadium in Belgium. The killer shouted ”Allah akbar”, which is a Muslim expression in Arabic.

We had hoped Sweden would win. Now the highest priority is that the murderer will be caught. 

Quarter Finals

Yesterday, Argentina won against Wales and New Zealand won against Ireland in the first two quarter finals. Today, the first European country went on, when England won against Fiji. In the fourth quarter final, France played the winner of last World Cup South Africa, and South Africa won. 

We live in Europe, so we said we would support the European teams. Now there is just one of them left. I guess we all have to hope for England in the semi final against South Africa and in the final that might come. 

Vacuum Cleaner

Daniel rain the vacuum cleaner throughout the house today. Viola is usually scared of it. I do not understand why you would be scared of a machine that Daniel controls. Viola is never scared of Daniel, but the sound of the vacuum cleaner still scares her, when he uses it. I am not scared. 

Totte In the Bed

It is seldom that the cats sleep in the bed with the rest of us. Totte has, however, chosen to do so several times this week. He says it is comfortable now that it is getting colder outside. I like Totte and there is definitely room for him in the bed. His body heat adds to the body heat of the rest of us. Nights are good in our bed. 

Sausages

Sausages are good food. We got some sausages for food today, together with ordinary dog food. I liked the sausages better than the dog food. We all did, I assume. 

Morran said sausages are from Germany, just like her breed, and this is why sausages are so good. I do not think anybody knows where sausages were invented, even though I know Germany is famous for its sausages. Morran is right that sausages are good, though. 

Course

The regional kennel club had a board meeting today. Paula did not participate, however, she attended her course to become a ring steward instead. It is an interesting course for all of us, who have the chance to listen in on it when she is at home and the course is taken via video meeting. 

When Daniel came home from the board meeting, he said all of the others had thought Paula made the right choice, when she took the course instead of participating in the board meeting. I agree. It is a good thing to study to become a ring steward. 

Frost in the Morning

For the second morning in a row, we have had frost on the ground in the morning. The temperature has been below the freezing point. Then it has become warmer in the day, in the sun. It is typically Swedish autumn weather. I have liked the afternoon weather better than that in the mornings. 

Chicken Stew

We got some chicken stew with rice to our food today. It is always great to get something extra like this. 

Laila said rice is originally from the part of the world where she was born. Her land of birth is Japan, but I am not sure rice is originally from Japan. Rice is quite good with chicken, nevertheless. 

Portugal Won, but Fiji Went On

Portugal won the final game in Pool C versus Fiji, but Fiji were good enough to get the points and the +/- to still be the runner up. Fiji, thus, go on to the quarter finals. Australia is out. 

I am not sure how they count in rugby. It is interesting that Fiji can get points, while losing the game, even though it was just by 23-24. It probably has to do with the close result. Kudos to Portugal for the win and to Fiji for advancing. Australia was just not good enough this year. 

No Quarter Final for Japan

For the Shibas we know and have known, and for Laila, who was born in Japan, we hoped Japan would win the last game of Pool D in the Rugby World Cup.

Japan played Argentina. Any of these teams that would have won, would have taken the second place in the pool after winner England. The winner and the runner up advances to the quarter finals. 

Unfortunately, Argentina had the strongest team today. Argentina won after a strong finish, 39-27. 

Laila says she will now root for France. She is a Poodle, so her breed is from France, and France won Pool A before New Zeeland. Pool B has one game left when I write this, but it is between the teams that have already lost the pool. Winner and runner up is Ireland and South Africa. In Pool C, Wales is the winner, Australia may be runner up, but the final game is between Fiji and the least successful team of the pool, Portugal. Fiji has one point less than Australia, so Fiji can be the runner up and get to the quarter final. This would be a huge blow to the 1991 and 1999 World Cup winner and 2015 World Cup finalist Australia, but you are never better than the current tournament results say you are. We will see what happens in the games to come. 

Sweets

Paula and Daniel went away today to look at Paula’s nephew Arvid run a race. After the race, they bought some sweets for Arvid and her sister Nadja. This was nicely done and the children deserved it. I am, however, a little disappointed that they did not buy any sweets to take home to us dogs. We watched the house while they were gone, but did not get any sweets. Life is nice, but it could have been sweeter. 

Colder

We have put on the heat in our house. This evening, it was just 3° outside. This does not really bother me or Pepe, who are long haired Chihuahuas. Viola is short haired, however, and complains a little. 

It is autumn, so the cold weather is no surprise. We will have to see when winter will come. 

Cinnamon Bun Day

In this house, we never celebrate Cinnamon Bun Day on the 4th of October. A legendary Shiba bitch called Linni was born on this day in 2001. She was the first Shiba of the family and though she never got any pups of her own, she is remebered as one of the founders of Aangenaam Shibas. Her tail was too curled to be an excellent Shiba tail, they should preferrably just lay in an arch across the back. A Shiba tail that is too curled is sometimes called a cinnamon bun tail, which is a derogatory statement. Thus, because of the legendary Linni and her cinnamon bun tail, we never celebrate Cinnamon Bun Day on her birthday.

May the legendary Linni rest in peace until the end of time. 

Reunification

It is the 3 October. This day is celebrated in Germany as the day for the latest German unification. It was in 1990, when the German Democratic Republic merged into the Federal Republic of Germany. The former was also called East Germany, while the Federal Republic was called West Germany until that day.

I understand the happiness of reunification. Sometimes, I wonder if Mexico – where Chihuahuas are from – and New Mexico will ever reunite. If this would happen, it would be a cause for celebrations for all Mexicans. 

Not Feeling Well

Paula did not feel well this evening. I felt sorry for her. Besides coming close, I could not do much. I often wish I could do more. 

Hopefully, Paula feels better tomorrow. 

Ham

Appart from our ordinary food, we got some slices of ham to eat today. Ham is great food. It is tasty and it is healthy. 

Apparently, there are people in the world who do not eat ham. They believe all pork is unfit for food. I have never understood why, but it might mean there is more ham left for the rest of us. If I had the chance, I would gladly eat more pork that these people would not want. 

Minced Meat

Paula made meatballs today. While she cooked, she gave us dogs minced meat. We all love it.

I wish we could have minced meat more often. It is so tasty, it is better than treats. 

The Roof

We had a visiter here today, who inspected the roof. The roof is old and our visitor said it needs to be remade. It would be better and look better if remade, but it the repair would also be quite expensive. Paula and Daniel will discuss how to take care of the cost. I wish I could help, but I do not have that kind of funds. We will see what happens. 

Rugby

The Rugby Union World Cup for men is played now. This is the second biggest sports tournament in the world, counted by how many people follow the games. Only the FIFA football World Cup for men is bigger. 

We are not sure what teams to hope for. Neither Sweden, nor Mexico, participate. Our Poodle friend Laila roots for Japan, where she was born, and France, home country of her breed. Our Affenpinscher friend Morran is as unsure as us. Her breed is from Germany, but Germany does not participate either. 

It is still a little interesting to follow the results, since the tournament is so big. 

On Line Course

Paula had an on line lesson in her ring steward course today. It was interesting for all of us to listen in and learn more about dog shows.

I think it would be interesting to go to a dog show some time. Both Laila and Morran have been to dog shows and become show champions. Laila says it is quite boring, though. It might not be my cup of tea either, but who knows before going to one. We will see what happens next year. 

Wordfeud

Paula and Daniel plays a game with each other on their mobile phones. It is called Wordfeud. I think they spend too much time with this game sometimes. It is not that I want them to stop playing, but there are times when they could spend time petting me instead. Then I think they make the wrong choice.

The game is fun, but I do not play with Paula or Daniel. It would not be fair to them that I would often win. 

Pepper Ham

We got some ham tonight, seasoned with pepper. Ham is good food regardless of how it is seasoned. This pepper ham was tasty too. 

There are days when we only get our ordinary dog food. I like it when we get other things as well, like the ham we got today. We have a good life every day, but with a little pepper seasoned ham, the day is spiced up. 

In the Lap

Daniel came home this afternoon. As soon as he sat down, Viola and I lied dopning his lap. It is great to have him back home. We regained our place in Daniel’s lap this way.

We have not seen any wolf again. This is good. At first, I wrote a bland blog entry for yesterday without mentioning the wolf. Then I changed my mind and rewrote all of it. I think this was better. Hopefully, the wolf will not come back. 

Wolf

We woke up in the middle of the night. All of us got out. There was a wolf outside the fence around our yard.

We are watchdogs, but we cannot take on a wolf. It was a good thing we have a fence.

The wolf had gone in the day. We had a slow Saturday without any wolf encounters. This was good. 

Pork

In Malmö town in the south of Sweden, they have a strange rule. This rule says that if the town buys food for its employees at a conference or the like, all food must be vegan or vegetarian. This makes me feel sorry for the vast majority of the employees, who have a normal diet and eat meat.

Recently, there was a mistake made at a conference with the town. The restaurant made a mistake and served meatballs made of pork, instead of vegan mock meatballs. In the news, it has been reported that this was very traumatic for the vegetarians, vegans, or the muslims among the employees, none of whom would eat pork if they had had a choice. I believe the news reporters should also interview some of the employees with normal eating habits. They must have been satisfied with the food. 

Pork is tasty and healthy food. I do not understand why anybody would chose not to eat it, even though I do respect their choices. At the same time, maybe someone acquired a taste for it through this mistake. There would be a happy news story worth reporting. 

Packing Bags

Daniel packed his bags again this evening. He will go away tomorrow and come back late on Sunday. It is an important meeting he is going to: Kennelfullmäktige, which is sort of the congress for the Swedish Kennel Club. This is the highest meeting of the Swedish Kennel Club, where a lot of decisions are made and the Board of the Swedish Kennel Club is elected. Daniel represents Örebro län Kennel Club, which s the regional kennel club where we live. We are proud of Daniel, even though we would rather see him at home. If he What’s to go away, Kennelfullmäktige is a legitimate cause. We wish him luck. 

Exploring More

I went out on an expedition to explore more of our property today as well. Paula did not like it. Yet, I always come when she asks me to.

It is interesting to see parts of the surroundings where you have seldom been. 

Around the Property

I am usually on high ground, close to our house. The road goes by a bit further down. This afternoon, I went there to get to know this part of our property better and make sure it is ours, so no other dogs trespass. 

Paula came down to get me. She did not like my initiative. I cannot always ask for permission, however. It is often better to ask for forgiveness later instead. I was forgiven, of course. 

Life is better with a little adventure now and then. 

Sushi

Paula brought home some sushi tonight. 

Polly always loved sushi. She said sushi was one of the dishes that proved Japanese food was the best.

I have to say I do not agree with Polly’s statement. I believe tacos and other Mexican food is better. Then again, taste is personal. 

Edges of Sausage Slices

Paula has never liked the outer edges of the sausage slices she puts on sandwiches. She pulls the edges off. Then she gives the edges to us dogs. She did it this afternoon again.

This is a habit of Paula that I really like. I like the edges of sausage slices. 

Paula herself told us today that she believes her habit of removing the edges of sausage slices is weird. I do not mind. As long as I get parts of the sausage edges, why would I think it is weird? On the contrary, I think Paula should keep up this habit. I hope she does. 

Unofficial Show

Paula and Daniel worked at an unofficial dog show today. Unofficial dog shows are not as important as official dog shows, but they are still important. 

There was good weather, a lot of dogs, and over all a show that went well. Meanwhile, I stayed at home, and enjoyed this. Life is good at home too. 

Fifty Years

Today is a flag flying day in Sweden, just this year. It is because the King has been King for fifty years today. 

Humans live much longer than dogs. Still, fifty years on the throne is a tremendous feat. I think it is only the Queen of Denmark who has been monarch for a longer time and still is monarch. She became Queen the year before our King became King.

Long live the King!

Late Magazine

We got the Shiba magazine for June in the mail today. It is crazy that it did not come earlier. It is September now. 

I do not blame the Shiba club. I believe it is the mail carrier that was at fault. There is nothing to do about this than complain. We just have to hope the next Shiba magazine will not be as late as the magazine from June. 

Autumn

It is getting colder outside. Leaves are becoming more yellow. Autumn is here.

Daniel says autumn is his favourite season. I do not agree. There will be less mosquitoes and ticks, but the colder weather is nothing positive for dogs from Mexico. We survive, of course, but summer feels better. It is not bad during autumn, but could be warmer. Life is good anyway. 

The Struggle to be Petted

Viola, Pepe, and I will sometimes struggle to be the closest to Paula or Daniel. It is a struggle to be petted the most. It is a friendly struggle, quite fun. I enjoy these struggles almost as much as I enjoy being petted, once I get ahead. Life is nice. 

A Little Cleaner

We cleaned a little in the house today. 

A cleaner house is nice. It is just sad that even though you do not do anything to make the house noticeable dirtier, it becomes dirty, nevertheless. I wish you could clean once and for all. 

Tick

Daniel took a tick tonight. This time, it was not on any of us dogs, but on himself. I am glad it was not on me. Ticks are nasty, useless creatures. I wish they would go extinct. 

Euro Qualifiers

Sweden played Estonia in Estonia in the qualification for next year's UEFA European Championship in football. I am not that interested in a qualifying game. However, the result was good. Sweden won with five goals to Estonia’s zero. You can never be dissatisfied with such a victory. Sweden is closer to the tournament thanks to this victory. 

Guarding Candy

We all got candy from Paula tonight. Pepe did not eat his piece of candy, though. He just guarded it. He told everyone off, if we came too close.

I am a little annoyed with this guarding behaviour. If you do not want to eat your candy, give it to someone who will. Then everything will be more calm and you do not have to be stressed for guarding it. 

If Pepe loses his guard, I will try to take the piece of candy. This will teach him. 

Birthday

Paula, Daniel, and I went over to Paula’s parents’ place. We celebrated the birthday of Paula’s mother.

It was nice to come along for the celebrations, if only for a while. After half of the celebrations, there was a break, and Daniel and I went home. Then Daniel returned, while I stayed at home. For me, this was the perfect mix of party and calm evening.

The celebrations were a success. 

At the Club House

This afternoon, I joined Paula and Daniel when they went to the club house for the Örebro län Kennel Club. We prepared for the board meeting and then they participated in the meeting. I was fortunate enough not to participate at the meeting. Board meetings are not fun, even though they are important. It feels good that I helped prepare for the meeting. 

New Office

Daniel has been at a new office for the first time today. He still has the same employer, but the employer has moved to a new office. It is brand new, cheaper than the former, and a little further away from our home. It remains to be seen how different it will feel, compared to the former. 

In the former office, dogs were not allowed. I believe it is the same in the new office. Whenever Daniel wants to work with dogs around, he can work from home. 

Staying at Home

Daniel was at home all day. He worked from home and he cancelled his participation in a meeting in the evening. This suited him, since he has had a cold for some days. It also suited us dogs, since we always love it when our humans are at home. 

Paula was away for a while in the evening. Since Daniel was at home, this was not such a big deal. 

Nicknames

Dogs often has to listen to more than one name, because our humans give us nicknames. This is a way for them to show their affection for us. One of the way for us to show our affection for them is to listen to all our nicknames. We will never, however, listen to one of our humans using the name or nickname of any of the other dogs of the family. 

Paula and Daniel have so many nicknames for us, they sometimes have to discuss the nicknames among themselves to make sure which nickname is for which dog. This is rather funny, but I appreciate the effort. 

Among my nicknames, I prefer the simple Piffy. 

Under the Covers

Viola is often sneaking in under the bed covers to sleep. I do not. She is a shorthaired Chihuahua, while I have the warmer longhaired variety of coat. I am warm enough as it is, I do not need the additional warmth of the bed covers. I believe the longhaired Chihuahua has a better coat than the shorthaired. Viola is a dear friend, I am sorry for her to freeze if she is not sleeping under the covers. My nights are good as they are. 

Loud Cat

Our cats are often silent, like cats are rumoured to be. Tonight, however, Malin was on the headboard of the bed and was very noisy. We barked at her. Paula and Daniel told us to shut up, because it was just our cat. We knew it was, we just barked at her to tell her to be quiet.