Piper’s Story: Hikes, Fall Leaves, and a Noisy Machine

We went for a big hike and met lots of people. It was fun. I get lots of attention from people. That’s because I’m so pretty. Everybody says so.

We don’t always go away from home for hikes. We play in the meadow or sometimes we walk along what Mom Diana calls country roads. Usually, it’s quiet but sometimes it gets really scary. That’s when these great big trucks go by. They’re really, really noisy. That scares me. It helps when Mom holds me and tells me it’s okay. She also says they’re full of corn. That’s food. I like food. Food’s not scary.

When we get home from our walks, she often tosses the ball for me to run and catch. I like that. Sometimes, I get tired, so I carry the ball around in my mouth and walk with Mom until I’m ready for her to throw the ball again.

I’m having lots of fun playing in the leaves. Mom has this long tube with a circle at the end. It makes lots of noise. I tell it who’s boss. I am.

When we’re playing in the leaves, Mom must get cold because she puts on earmuffs. She said it had to do with my talking so much to the leaves and noisy machine. But I know better. It’s not my barking. It’s her ears. They get cold.

Lily Cat and I are getting more used to each other. I see her watching me. She told me I took over her place on the sofa where we sit to watch TV. Mainly I sleep. Mom says she has two hands to pet both of us at the same time. I like it better when she pets me with both hands, but it’s okay if she pets Lily and me at the same time. I know she’ll pet me all by myself soon.

We’re in Mom’s office now. When I’m extra good I get a treat. Mom tells me I’m almost always a good girl, but I can’t have too many treats. I think she’s wrong, about the too many treats, not about my always being a good girl. I’m always a good girl. I like treats.

Have to go now. Mom is about ready to move, and I have to follow her everywhere. That’s the rule. My rule, not hers, but she’s okay with it.