Anita is busy getting ready to leave on vacation tomorrow evening, so I will blog for her tonight. I thought I would include for you the letter I wrote to the lady that I will protect while Anita and Sharon are gone. If I get a good response she might let me blog more, hint, hint......
"Dear Ginger,
I know we have met before but Anita suggested that I formally introduce myself to you. Although I am small, I am not a puppy. I am almost three years old. My name is Griswald and I was named after a famous movie star. I answer to Gris, Grissy, or most anything. Anita also told me that while she and Sharon are running around, that I need to come stay with you and help you like I help them. This letter is just to let you know what to expect.
I wake up usually by 7 to be let out to chase cats or whatever else needs chased. Sometimes, Anita is awake enough to put leash on me so I won’t stray. If you prefer me not to chase neighbor’s cats you will probably want to put my leash on. I usually empty my bladder pretty quickly after holding it all night. If I am walked a little I can usually have my first bowel movement of the day. To make Anita mad, I sometimes won’t go and wait until I get back inside. I will try not to do this to you as you may not be as funny looking when you get mad. I am then ready to go back to bed or whatever you need me to help you with.
I am really good at watching television and letting you know when animals are trying to bother you. I have honed this skill to perfection. I usually eat and drink a little in morning but am more interested in staying where you are. After all, I am supposed to keep an eye on you. I am trying not to worry about who will watch after Anita & Sharon while they are gone. But, back to us. I think we will make a good team as long as you don’t get selfish and insist on doing things your way. I love to sit beside you or in your lap as this is the best way I have found to watch out and make sure nothing bothers you.
I have excellent ears and am very keen at picking out noises like doorbells and even car doors, three streets over. Don’t worry, while I am protecting you, you will be completely safe. Rest assured that no one and I mean no one will slip in on you. I like to go outside to check on the perimeter (and relieve myself) every couple hours during daylight hours. Around supper time or if you need to leave for day and then you return, that is usually when I need to empty my bowels again. Unless something is added to my diet, usually twice a day is fine. Anita insisted on me bringing my litter box with me but it is so embarrassing to me. People actually mistake me for a cat! I will use this box if I am closed up in a room with it and I am sure no one can see me. At night or if raining, I sometimes “go” in it to keep Anita and Sharon from complaining. This litter box is quite an accomplishment for me. I have to walk in and circle counter clockwise before the target is hit. If I walk clockwise, I will never even attempt the target. Sometimes if I am hurried, I might try to step out of litter box and the target outside of box is hit instead. Hey, nobody is perfect, look at Sharon.
Where was I? Oh yeah, my vet is Tammy Smith and I was treated for fleas a couple weeks ago, so I should be good for that one. I mean those humans can bring all kind of nasty stuff home to me. Once we go to bed I often like to get up and nibble on food and water. But if you get up with me then I no longer want to. Got it? I try not to drink much so we don’t have to go out. I will use the litter box at night if I have no alternative.
As for food, I like everything! I will not take food from you but I will be right there ready in case you drop something. That is included in my taking care of you. Oh, another thing about my bodily functions, sometimes Anita and Sharon embarrass me by giving me treats after I go. I go along with it just like I did when they trained me as a puppy. I usually bathe once a week or more often if needed. Anita usually combs my hair out so it dries just so so.
Lets see, what have I left out? Oh, yeah I will try not to crowd you out of bed but I do need to be in bed to make sure I am close if you need me. Hopefully Anita will remember my step so that I can easily assess the situation. I know most commands, but if I am under cover, I sometimes pretend that I don’t know what you are talking about. I definitely know the baby talk they use with me, such as “potty” “night night”, “go out”, and one I hate to admit, NO! I know my name well, but sometimes like to hear it so much that I don’t answer until you say it numerous times.
If you need to leave at any time, rest assured that I will protect your home and attack anyone unfortunate to be in my path. Sometimes I practice this on people you invite to your home. Don’t worry, I don’t leave teeth marks. To show that I am in my “super dog” mode, I usually start shaking as soon as I realize that you are leaving me. Rest assured that this is normal.
You may want to call and check up on Anita & Sharon. Anita’s number is 740-350-6301 and Sharon’s is 740-350-6304. It won’t cost you anything to check on them. If they are misbehaving, you may want to report it to Lisa. Her number is 740-591-1458. That will cost you to call, but thought you might want it just in case. You can also email Sharon or Anita if you want to. I hope you are ready for this experience. Anita told me that you are not used to a dog of my skills but I am sure that we can work this out. I will go easy on you since you have trusted me to take care of you. "
Love, Griswald...
But it is not as deep. There were several sand bars that we had to go around. One we stopped at and played on for a while. Tomorrow we leave Bismarck and head back to Grand Forks to Adam and Amandas house. I will put the link for the pics of yesterday and today. Payton is making up to me and letting me hug on him more. 
