A visit from death doodle may prove accurate...

I initially heard about the phenomenon of the death predicting cat on an episode of House.  Death cat was able to sense the impending death of patients in the hospital.  Upon Googling, I discovered there is an actual cat residing in a nursing home in Rhode Island who possesses this incredible power.  Coincidentally, his name is Oscar.

On Friday afternoon, I began feeling a little under the weather.  By Friday evening, I was sure I might actually be dying.  Upon retreating to bed for the night, I found it somewhat odd that the doodle insisted on laying alongside me.  Typically, he curls up in a ball at the end of the bed and strategically places himself across my feet so as to prevent any possibility I might be able to get up to use the bathroom during the night... or escape in case of a fire... or defend against 37 attacking ninjas.  I digress.  After a few dozen unsuccessful attempts to relocate him from his new sleeping position (he was stealing my covers!), I was sure his bizarre behavior held a deeper meaning.  It was then that I remembered: death cat!  I aborted any further attempt to decipher this unusual behavior and deduced this was the only possible explanation, given the critical condition of my health at the moment.  Oscar is Death Doodle!  Some may call to question the accuracy of his predictions due to the fact that I am alive enough to be writing this... and it is four days after the fact.  But I assure you my condition has only worsened since Friday and until proven otherwise, I maintain that I am still actually dying.

Nugget: Celebrity Status

Now, I'm not one to brag unless it pertains to my dogs, but Nugget actually is kind of a big deal.  There is a vast collection of adorable Nuggetisms that make him easily identifiable - even in a large city full of countless talented goldens.  One of my most favorite Nugget greetings is when he sits up on his hiney, as if to say "Hi, nice to see you!" and offers a paw.  Initially, this was accompanied with his high five trick which we requested with a hand up and the words "Good game!"  On his own accord, Nugget separated these into two stand-alone events and typically offers one or the other (sometimes both) to everyone he meets.

We are not strangers to the Petco at the Arboretum.  In fact, it's one of my favorite stores just because it's clean, organized and boasts a modern design.  It's no secret that the boys and I frequent this location at least twice monthly, which is only slightly more often than we need to restock on noms.  Occasionally, we will see some of the same cashiers and associates we've encountered on previous trips.  And some of them recognize us.  The other day, I was at my wits end with the boundless energy of both dogs, so I took them to Petco for some peanut butter-filled bones hoping that would occupy their idle paws and mouths for a few hours.  As we were at the checkout (with a new cashier whom I did not recognize), Nugget offered his requisite greeting by sitting on his hiney for the nice lady.  She was flattered, of course, by Nugget's kind gesture and then she paused for a moment before asking, "Is this the 'good game' Nugget?"  I was stunned, but immediately replied, "Yes!  The one and only!"  Oh how proud I was!  Nugget is officially a Charlotte C-list celebrity, which in doggy terms is at least the equivalent of being a B-lister.  Nugget is truly making a name for himself.

My 'Doodle, The Bra Bandit: A Conspiracy Theory

I have a sneaking suspicion that B is tired of seeing my clothes laying haphazardly about the house, rather than in the drawers or closet where they belong.  My conspiracy theory involves B, the 'doodle, and a little bit of bribery with milk bones over a long weekday afternoon while I was at work. 

Oscar has always sought out B's socks from a pile of laundry awaiting its turn in the washing machine.  And any dish towel within paw's reach, he also considers fair game.  Until this week, however, the 'doodle has never attempted to tote away any pieces of my wardrobe... but then there was the black bra incident on Tuesday night. 

Admittedly, I'm terrible about putting my clothes in the hamper or back on a hanger when I disrobe at the end of the workday.  Often times, there are any number of shoes, shirts, pants and unmentionables strewn across my bedroom and bathroom.  If you know me, I understand this is terribly shocking and hard to believe since no one has ever entered my apartment to find it anything less than perfectly spotless - even with two dogs living under the same roof.  So consider this my "skeleton" - during the work week, my place is a disaster!

Now back to the bra:  Suspiciously, Oscar singled out this one article of clothing from the mound I had piling up on the floor.  Oddly enough, he wanted to chew on it and he has never chewed anything that doesn't belong to him prior to this.  I repeatedly took it away from him... and coincidentally hid it in every possible place EXCEPT its rightful drawer.  He found it every time.  I even put it behind a pillow on my bed, under which he burrowed to find his prize.  I finally conceded defeat and put the bra in the hamper, which he has yet to figure out how to open.

Upon interrogation, B denies even knowing I own a black bra and swears he has no idea why the 'doodle is so dazzled by the article.  He also quickly changed the subject, so as to not further incriminate himself.  Unless the 'doodle has been paging through Victoria's Secret catalogs, I have serious doubt Oscar even realizes it's mine.  Through no confession of his own, I've concluded B had everything to do with this in order to encourage me to put my clothes away.  The poor 'doodle was merely his pawn.  It is my belief, though I have only circumstantial evidence, that B somehow tainted the black bra with the scent of milk bones, thus triggering Oscar's uncontrollable urge to chew.  Why else would the 'doodle be so successful at repeatedly finding the bra?  How dare he use my own dog against me!  And take advantage of the fact that Oscar is just a babe and knows not what he does?!

Chamberlin Gear!

http://www.zazzle.com/annamarieartist

This amazing artist has posted her "Chamberlin" art (which is SUPER cute) on Zazzle for purchase on your choice of shirts, totes, mugs, etc.  50% of the sales will be donated to Chamberlin's wheelchair fund.  I received my shirt and tote in the mail today and they are ADORABLE!  I can't wait to show them off and have people ask me about Chamberlin!  He really is famous :)

WANTED II:

88lb male golden retriever, approximately 2 1/2 ft tall, brown eyes, last seen wearing a blue argyle collar. Believed to have crucial information regarding a vandalism investigation involving the violent shredding of fabric softener dryer sheets. Again, reward for information leading to an arrest...