Look what I got yesterday - a matching leash and collar set made especially for me. The stripes make me look so distinguished, although Shane called me a sissy. How could a fast dog like me be a sissy? i am  trendsetter!

On Saturday Cassandra spent a lot of time ignoring me, but in the end I got a brand new pretty blue collar. It even has light blue stiching on the edges that makes me look handsome. There was a loud machine where she put the pieces together and when it came time to put the hardware on it, Shane had to help (and left me all alone!). A few minutes later, I got a fancy new collar!

I've heard rumors of "dots" and even "flames" as additions to my wardrobe.

A whisper came through the dark. "Ajax."

Another, more forceful. "Ajax."

No longer a whisper, her voice rang out, "Ajax!" Then again... "AJAX! Wake up!"

Uuuuuuugggghhhh. What do you people want from me? My internal clock said it was only 4:32 AM. Even for a work day, this was too early to be waking up. I lay peacefully motionless, hoping they would just go back to sleep and leave me alone. It didn't stop. "Ajax, let's get up. It's time to get up." My head was lifted with a foot, and then she got out of bed. I was stifled at the reasoning for this disturbance.

Reluctantly, I gathered myself and followed her downstairs. I was hardly even excited for dinner (I call breakfast "dinner" too). By the time I had finished my walk, it was not even 5 AM and I was not getting to go back to bed. The people were awake, the lights were on, and they were in the midst of leaving. Not long after, they explained it to me (they talk to me a lot like I'm always listening). "Ajax, I have to go to the airport and I won't see you for a few days, but I'll be back," she began. Then he filled in. "But I'll be here with you. We will play together this weekend, okay? You just have to wait until I get back from work. I'll try to come home a little early."

All I know is that I didn't hear the word "dinner" or "bed" in there anywhere, and that's not promising. Anyway, it looks like I'm without Cassandra for a few days, so I'm making a wish list of things that I would like to do with Shane while she's gone.

1. Sleep, please.
2. Beach day!
3. Dog park
4. Walk in downtown Salem or Boston.
5. Go on a field trip with my friends Rose and/or Brutus.
6. Explore the fenced in baseball field down the street. Maybe chase a ball.
7. Learn to skydive.
8. Practice my tricks and turning on the fireplace.
9. Ride in the car... anywhere.

I have big plans and big hopes -- mostly that food will be involved.