Merry Christmathzs!

Merry Christmathzs Dadthzs!

As you know, I've been at Grandpa's for a few days.  On Saturday, my day played out like an old familiar Christmas tune:  "Over the (Mississippi) River and through the woods, to Grandmothers house we go....."  I got to spend the day with Grandma Helen's family in Minneapolis.  I wore my new outfit and Collin took these portraits of me.  I felt really special.

Today, I'm back to work later in the morning, and then back to Camp Carnelian tonight.  The forecast is for bitter cold the next whole week, so I doubt we will be doing much outside.  It's looking like a week of hunkering down after work with a blanket and some popcorn.  That really doesn't sound so bad actually.

I think we're hosting a party on New Years Eve.  I'll make sure to send some pictures in my next note.

Love,
Your handsome 12 year old Bruiser

PS:  Thanks for the new sweater and plush toy for my birthday! 
PPS:  Summer says thanks for her new sweater and plush toy too!

Bruiser "Danger" Bottolfson is back! In a snow globe!

Hi Dadthzs,

Today is so awesome I had to write ASAP!

I didn't have to go to work today.  I stayed home with Summer and we helped Brett in his home office.  The best part about working from home is that we usually get a day time walk when it's most light outside.  I always feel a little safer when it's light out.

So, we took our normal walk over the lunch hour (it just started snowing again):

Then we got back and I got to walk on the lake for the first time!!  Brett went out there first to test it, but then Summer and I got to follow.  This was SO FUN Dadthzs!!  The snow is falling and it's so pretty outside. Pretty exhilarating for me! 

Collin and grandpa are coming to pick me up at the office on Friday afternoon.  I have a spa appointment Friday morning so I'm fresh for the holidays.  Then I will be at Camp Bottolfson until next Tuesday, spending both Christmas (and my birthday) there.  I hear the people talking about how cold it's going to get here on my birthday - not sure if the high temp will reach zero.  So I'm hoping Collin or grandpa makes a fire in the fireplace and let's me stay snuggly warm inside.

Before I sign off, Auntie Jill gave me an early birthday present yesterday when we stopped by on our way home from work.  She said I might need to step up my wardrobe if I'm going to apply for a new job next year when we move to Colorado Springs.  Auntie Jill said not all jobs are as laid back in their dress code as we are at Autumn.  Here's the new outfit she got for me:

Damn, I'm handsome and distinguished.

HO HO HO,

Bruiser "Danger" Bottolfson

Holiday decorating, SNOW SUCKS, and Christmas lists

Hi Dadthzs,

I want to start by letting you know I'm feeling much better after almost a week of medicine in my ears.  Getting that stuff squirted in my ears was so gross and irritating, but it sure made me feel better quick.  I'm back to 100%.

Last Sunday, when the Packers were getting their fannies handed to them by Cleveland (until Q4), JuJu decided she was going to put some Christmas decorations up around the house.  Little did I realize how much exercise that would be for me.  JuJu went downstairs to get a box out of the closet, and I followed her downstairs.  JuJu brought the box upstairs to unpack, and I followed her back up.  Over and over and over until I finally figured out I could save myself some effort and park my butt on the landing.  I never got too far away from JuJu and the action after that.  (Plus I can see the popcorn machine from where I'm sitting, and that's never a bad thing)

We've still been walking a lot. In fact last weekend we did 2 walks per day for about 7.5 miles total on the weekend.  We have snow now & my paws get all packed when we walk through the field at Tucker's house.  A week ago, Brett bought me some nice/rugged boots but I had those kicked off my paws in the first 1/4 mile.  So that didn't help.  Now that I've got a solid week of snow walking behind me, it's getting easier.  On Thanksgiving, Grandpa Bruce told JuJu not to baby me & get me boots.  I think Grandpa's words were "he needs to toughen up."  Well, I'm getting tougher Dadthzs - and I'm learning to quickly pick the snowballs out of my paws so I don't fall too far behind on our walks.  Kasey told me she has the same problem and gave me tips on how to dig it out.  Kasey is a great friend.

Less than 2 weeks to my birthday & Christmas!  I'm getting my fluff & puff on 12/22 so I'll be looking super sharp and fresh for both events.  Did you get my list to walk down to Santa?  In the event that it missed the last flight, here is a quick recap.  (Auntie Jill also asked for this list - I think I'm getting presents from her too!)

• Treats
• Zukes chicken filets are my favorite
• Greenies
• Bully stick
• I tried some new salmon treats & really liked them 
• Stuffed animal (I have torn up snake & skunk, as well as a penguin & sheep that Summer got last year)

It's kind of sad that I can't think of anything more for my list.  I have more than most dogs, and this time of year I feel bad for other dogs who don't have a warm & safe place to live, or people to love on them everyday.  I think about my new friend Maggie Sandberg who spent most of her life outside competing with mean dogs for food and a place to take short naps, when I get fed twice a day PLUS treats and sleep on a Tempurpedic bed.  I am beyond blessed to have so many people in my life who love me & tell me so every day.  Then I have the bonus of butt scratches, treats, walks & belly rubs.  I remain the humble and grateful dog you raised, Dadthzs.  I guess I'm just feeling extra grateful today & a little nostalgic during the holidays.

Say hi to Santa & I'll write again soon.

Love,

Bruiser

A visit to see Dr. Jay + I met more new friends

Hey Dadthzs,

Don't be super alarmed by the title of today's blog post.  I AM OK!!

Let's start with today's trip to see Dr. Jay. 

Yesterday, JuJu noticed that I kept shaking my head side to side, flapping my ears.  She looked in my ears with a flashlight (I don't know why I'm so scared of that, but I really don't like it), and then dug around in my ears a little with a paper towel.  Not much came out, so she thought maybe I had a little spider bite or something.  Then today, I started out in the morning with a lot of head shaking and ear flapping so she knew it was something more.  Brett came & picked me up on my lunch hour and took me to see Dr. Jay.  I was immediately diagnosed with a double ear infection.  (So much for JuJu's spider bite diagnosis - she should just stick to being the treat dispenser.)  Now how in the world would I get that when I haven't been swimming in at least 2 months?  I haven't shown any signs of discomfort.  Maybe I'm tougher than these people give me credit for?   Now I have to get a nightly treatment of Automax squirted in my ears, before bed.  Brett is an expert at administering it because Summer has an ear infection all the time.  But this is going to involve more hands around my head, which I don't like at all.  I hope JuJu bought some good treats to get me through this.


Friday night I met Winnie, Izzy & Maggie.  They all belong to the Sandberg clan.  Summer has known Winnie & Izzy for a few years (in fact, Summer stayed overnight at their house when JuJu and B came out to Washington DC for your promotion ceremony).  Maggie is the newest addition, and Summer hadn't met her before either.  Here is the best picture JuJu could get with all 5 of us at the same time.  Auntie Shelley is giving us treats to keep us still.

Maggie is the black dog on the right.  She is only 7-8 months old and she came from an Indian reservation in North Dakota (hey, wasn't I born in North Dakota too?).  They called her a "rescue".  After getting to know her a little, I learned that she never got any love or any regular food her whole life prior to being rescued.  She had to sleep outside and didn't know where her next meal would come from.  She is still pretty skinny, but Dadthzs her heart is as big as mine!  She is a real love bug.  I think I figured out that "rescue" means she gets a new opportunity to use her gifts to bless others. 

The next red dog to the left is Winnie.  She is a rescue too. She is a really fast runner & was really nice and welcoming to me.  I think she's the quiet boss of the house. 

The white dog is Izzy.  She's an English Cream Retriever, so I think that means we must be relatives somehow.  She is really pretty, and she's super soft like me too. 

Then there's me!  Look how patiently I'm waiting for my turn.  Shelley has good treats & I was trying to make a good first impression.

Then you have Summer in the back row.  She's on her own program, and she likes to have her own space.  Some would call that a Diva, but she's my bud so I wouldn't say that (out loud).

So, Friday night the fur kids out numbered the humans 5:4.  The Sandbergs even let me sneak up on their couch after supper.  They are really good hosts.

Yesterday it was auntie Jill's birthday and we hosted the party at Camp Carnelian.  Jill invited 2 families they are real close with - The Guzzo's and the Brunette's - along with B and then the 4 of us who live at Camp.  I had already met the Guzzo's at Ryan's birthday party, so they gave me a warm and familiar welcome.  My 2 new friends are Andrew and Lorie Brunette, and guess what Dadthzs!  Lorie came with treats for me!!  She told JuJu in advance how excited she was to meet me.  The Brunette's lost their beloved Simon this year when he went to heaven.  I heard he looked a lot like me and he acted a lot like me too.  I keep hearing the word "swagger" when they talk about Simon.  I bet he and I would have been great friends.  We would have been the dynamic duo of "Swagger and Big Pimpin'".  The ladies wouldn't have had a chance!! I got a lot of attention from Miss Lorie.  She even sat on the hard wood floor just to be next to me.  Wow, I felt really special. 

Super fun weekend, and now we face another work week ahead.  Today's high temperature is almost record setting at 58 degrees.  By this time tomorrow the "feels like" temperature is going to be 5.  Yep.  Single digit 5.  JuJu gave me the furminator treatment yesterday & took out a lot of my soft undercoat.  I hope that wasn't a mistake.  I need function more than fashion now the rest of the winter. 

Hey, I almost forgot!  I got another new nickname.  Elli Bleu calls me "Little Boy Bru".  Elli is bringing Jodi over for dinner tonight.  I'm excited to see them both.

Love,

Your little boy Bru

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Dadthzs!

It's getting colder at Camp, and days are getting shorter (and darker - thank goodness for my LED collar!).  I go to work in the dark and I come home from work in the dark.  JuJu was looking at your current daylight situation at Thule AFB, and she told me you have total darkness now until mid February.  With that knowledge, I will try to do a better job of writing more often so you have some bright spots in your day.

Here's something that should brighten your day:  I am learning how to be an awesome Uncle.  Last night, Rob came over with Kasey and Bailey.  At 8:00, JuJu sat down to watch her favorite show called This Is Us. (I am really starting to like this show a lot too, because JuJu usually cries or gets tears in her eyes every episode, so I can use my mad skills of Comforting during the show.)  So I took my position on the couch, and look who came up to snuggle with me.

I can't take all the credit on this.  As you can see, the 3 of us adult dogs also encouraged Bailey to have patience and sit for a treat:

I have also learned that Brett likes popcorn almost as much as me.  Now that we spend more time indoors, Brett makes popcorn just about every night.  As soon as I hear that thing start popping down stairs, I run down to help.  You know me Dadthzs, I am a Protector too.  I guard doors, I'm always looking out the window, etc.  Well this popcorn machine is no different.  I guard this thing with my life.  Brett makes really good popcorn, and he shares it with me all the time.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  I am going to the farm in Lake Elmo with Summer.  We will spend most of the day there with B, the Strobels, and grandpa Bruce.  Brett & JuJu are going to St. Cloud for the day.  I like the farm, and I'm really looking forward to hanging out with that crew for the day, as they are all pretty generous in the treat department.  I bet Summer and I will get some real turkey from B when we help carve, not just the scraps. 

Love you Dadthzs,

Bru

PS:  Summer and I are taking the day off work on Friday to help JuJu bake Christmas cookies.  It's nice to have unused PTO for a day after the holiday. 

PPS:  If I mail you my Christmas list, are you close enough to Santa to just walk it over to his house?  Are you guys in the same neighborhood?

Veterans Day

Happy belated Veterans Day Dadthzs,

I don't think you're technically a Veteran, but we are celebrating you anyway. 

On the actual Veterans Day (Saturday), we had a gorgeous day here at Camp Carnelian.  JuJu and Brett worked on cutting up a few trees, and Summer and I got to supervise.  Here is a picture of me supervising (my work is NEVER done, even on the weekends):

The best part of the day was when a group of four WWII fighter planes kept circling over the lake.  They flew in formation, they let off a bunch of smoke trails, then they finished with a missing man formation.  We all stopped our project to watch them, and were reminded (with goosebumps) of all who have gone before us to give us freedom to truly be free people: to worship God without fear of being killed for our beliefs; the rights for all men AND women to vote;  the safety to cut up some wood in our backyard without the sound of war just down the street.  We are so blessed as a nation of free people.  Thank you (and all) for your service to give us freedom.

Switching gears:  (How do you really transition from Freedom to puppies?  That's a tough one)

JuJu forgot to get a picture of me and Kasey's new sister Bailey on Sunday when we watched the Packers vs. Bears with them.  Bailey is about the size of my head, and she is really revved up for about 5 minutes, then she sleeps for 20 minutes.  Then rinse and repeat.  JuJu told me I was a really good boy with the little puppy.  I figured if she got too out of hand, I could always sit on her.  But she was actually pretty good, so I let her play with me.  Here is her picture, by herself, until I can get my picture taken with her.

I miss you Dadthzs, but I'm doing really well.  No complaints here at Camp.  We have lots of action at work and at Camp, so I'm pretty tired at the end of the day.  But it's a good tired.  In fact, I snore so loud some nights that Brett turns on the fan to drown me out.  

Hey - I almost forgot!  JuJu renamed her new car after me:  It's now called "The Brubaru"  HA!

Love,

BruMan

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween Dadthzs!

I got back to work today (late start, 10:00, but fired up and ready to go!).  We had a costume contest and a chili cook-off that were both super fun.  Here are a few pics for you:

I am Mufassa and Summer is SuperGirl:

Here is Summer "sitting pretty" so you can see the rest of her costume:

Here is Demazy.  I'm sure you remember her - she works here part time (usually just Fridays).  She was happy to get a few more hours in this week, but not so happy about the cost of her pride:

Last but not least, here was our whole crew (except Demazy, who was protesting):

I had a great time at Grandpa's this past week.  Grandpa is walking 4+ miles at a crack now too.  I am glad I had some time to ramp up to this kind of mileage.  

Happy Halloweenie Dadthzs!

Love,

Mufassa "Danger" Bottolfson

Fall Groove

Hi Dadthzs,

Things are settling into the Fall Groove here at Camp Carnelian.  The action of lake living is quieting down and the daylight is getting shorter.  I know we still have much more daylight than you do in Greenland, but each day we are hustling to get our walks in after work before it gets too dark.  

Today the dock is coming out, followed by the pontoon on Friday.  I'm bummed because I love riding around on the pontoon with my friends.  JuJu said there is a period of time coming up where there is nothing to do at Camp while we wait for the lake to freeze.  After the lake is frozen, we basically have a 500 acre park to enjoy. 

So while we wait out the change of seasons, there is something that I have been enjoying that will get me through the next 2 months without too much boredom.  I have been watching "This Is Us" on Tuesday nights.  It's a great show Dadthzs!  Quite often, we all get teary eyed during the show.  Last night was a great episode, and I was hunkered down in my usual spot on the couch next to JuJu.

Later today Grandpa is coming to pick me up at work, and I'm going to stay with him until next Tuesday.  JuJu is going out of town tomorrow for a long weekend.  I'll be back in the office next Tuesday, which is Halloween.  I picked up a cool costume on Amazon last week, so I'm stoked to make my return to work next week with a little added flair.  I'll write you a note next week with a picture or two.

I miss you Dadthzs.  I keep an eye on your weather & it looks like you've got some below zero temps coming this weekend.  Hang in there.  And if you want us to send you season 1 of This Is Us so you can catch up to us, let me know.  Our neighbor Rob was going to show me how to load a hard drive full of shows and movies.  I'd be happy to get you hooked on my favorite show.

Paws,

Bruiser

Personal Best

Hi Dadthzs,

It sure was good to see you and stay with you and Grandpa and Collin 2 weeks ago.  I'm learning that time flies by, and you've already been back in Greenland for a week.  There was no re-adjustment period for me at work or at Camp this time.  I just jumped right back into my routines. 

I have to tell you about my new Personal Best achievement.  Last weekend, I had my longest walk ever + most miles in a weekend ever + JuJu gave me the "good hustle" award.  Friday night we did our usual 2.4 miles after work; Saturday we did 4.5 miles (with Kasey and Karen) and kept a sustained 15 minute pace (thus the "good hustle" award); Sunday we did the usual 2.4 miles again.  Weekend total = 9.30 miles!  I was a little slow Sunday afternoon, but part of that was because Aaron Rodgers got hurt - I think I was a little depressed.  Brett felt sorry for me and made a fresh batch of popcorn that we shared.  That helped.  I sure love popcorn!

I think we have some parties coming up this weekend at Camp.  I think we are going to have dinner with Summer's brother Tobey on Saturday night.  Then on Sunday we are hosting Ryan's birthday party with the Strobel's and their extended family.  So after a long week of greeting at work, I will have some jobs to do at Camp over the weekend.  The good news is that both groups are pretty low key and I will probably get more attention than I will have work to do. 

I got another nickname this week too, so I'll sign off with it.....

Love,
Fresh Prance of Big Carnelian

I can't wait to see you Dadthzs!

Hi Dadthzs,

I'm all dolled up & ready for you to come home tomorrow.  Summer came with me to Posh Pooch, which she normally doesn't do.  We are back at work for the afternoon until Grandpa and Collin come to pick me up.

One more pic from this week too.  Here is an action shot of Summer and me on the job:

See you tomorrow!!!!

Love,
Bruiser

The Biggest Loser

Hi Dadthzs,

Just a quick note today, as I haven't written in almost 2 weeks.

I'm still doing great.  I have been walking a lot, and it's finally cooling down here a bit. 

I have a great accomplishment to share, and then a funny story.

My accomplishment is THE BIGGEST LOSER.  I have officially lost 14 pounds here at Camp, even with all the treats I get at work, and also with going to Pastor John's Church of the Big Green Egg.  I am down to 85 pounds and I feel amazing.  Last night, I walked with JuJu, Auntie Jill, and Summer in a brand new spot in Woodbury.  We walked 4.3 miles!  That's a new long distance record for me since coming to camp.  Here's our picture:

Second, a funny story.  On Monday I worked from home with Brett.  We took our usual 2.5 mile walk in the morning, and then settled in to the office.  We didn't even take a lunch break.  We worked straight through until 3:30, and then I had to go potty.  I put my head on Brett's knee and he said "I'll be right there Bru."  I waited 5 minutes, then I put my head back on his knee.  He said again, "I'll be right there Bru."  I waited 5 more minutes, but then I really had to go.  So I gently grabbed his foot in my mouth and looked him straight in the eye.  He laughed out loud and said "You must really have to go!" and took me out.  I pottied right away.  I told him later that night, "I asked you nicely twice."  We all had a good laugh.

I heard you might be coming back to Minnesota in 2 weeks.  I can't wait to see you!

Love,
Bru Pub (another new name for me)

Vacation is over, Back to work + an amazing US Air Force article

Hi Dadthzs,

I had a great vacation with Grandpa Bruce!  I had 2 walks a day & got to sleep on the couch at night. It was fun to have a few new walking trails, with new smells.  I even got to meet a couple new friends.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit, I got off to a rough start at Grandpa's.  He picked me up at work & we went straight home.  I was reluctant to get out of the truck, so I waited for 45 minutes until I was comfortable & ready to get out. Grandpa took my picture:

After I finally got out of the truck, everything went great the rest of the week.

Grandpa brought me back to work yesterday - the people at Autumn made a big deal out of my arrival.  I think they really missed me!  Grandpa laughed when he saw how fast I ran in the office.  I was on a mission to get reconnected to all the people who scratch my butt and give me treats.  I almost knocked Barb over when I ran to her office.  She didn't seem to mind, and she gave me a treat anyway.

Last night after supper, JuJu read your article out loud to Brett, me and Summer.  We all had the goosebumps as she read it.  Dadthzs, you are a really good writer.  But beyond that, we all said how proud we are of you and your leadership in Greenland.  At Camp Carnelian we don't watch much of the news, but we know things are heating up on your watch.  We pray for you and all of our leaders who sacrifice to keep us safe.  JuJu said it was ok if I put a link to your article in my diary, so others can read it too.

http://www.peterson.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/1307548/watching-from-atop-the-world/

My best paw salute to you,

Bruiser

New friends, more "church", and my new nicknames

Hi Dadthzs,

I've met some more new friends in the last 2 weeks.  Let me introduce you.

This is Tucker.  He lives across the street & sometimes we walk up his driveway & through the mowed paths on his 20 acres.  That makes 3 of us Goldens in the hood - me, Tucker & Kasey!

This is Abel.  She lives on our regular 2.5 mile walking path but we haven't seen her until this weekend. She is the same breed as Summer & a really fast runner!  I don't try to keep up. I just watch Abel & Summer run around like a couple of goofs, then Summer actually walks the rest of the time at my pace.

Here's a picture of me, being a little too brave for my britches.  I attempted this move all by myself & Elli's mom sat by me in case the boat wobbled too much.  JuJu took the picture & then made me put all fours on the seat. She said something about "Safety First".  Clearly she didn't read my blog post about my middle name being Danger.  I've got my sea legs now.  I'm good!

Here is our happy hour & "church" last weekend at Elli's house.  I met another new friend, Mo.  Mo is a springer spaniel & she has really good manners.  First we had happy hour, then Pastor John had the biggest church congregation of all time!  There were 5 of us in the front pew for a sermon about friends & pulled pork.  Dadthzs I really love church!! Especially when Pastor John is preaching.

Last, I wanted to share some nicknames I've gotten since coming to Camp:

• Bru
• Bru-Man
• Prancer (A lot of people have commented about my show quality stride)
• Sir Prance A Lot
• High Stepper
• High Knees
• Big Pimpin' (Brett calls me this often, especially when I'm really strutting my stuff)
• Handsome
• Water Buffalo (which is in loving memory of Elli's mom who everyone says would have been my Bestie because we are kindred souls.  And we both kinda have bigger rumps)

I am going to Grandpas on Thursday for a week while Brett & JuJu are going back to Canada with Kasey's parents.  I'll make sure to write again when I get back to Camp.  I'm sure Grandpa will keep you posted by text or FaceTime.

Love & miss you Dadthzs,

Big Pimpin'

My first Floatilla

Hi Dadthzs,

Last night I got to participate in my first Floatilla on the lake.  Here are some pictures, with commentary.

A Floatilla is when a bunch of boats connect with each other.  I hear the people call it "tie up".  Last night we tied up for Rob's birthday (Rob is my friend Kasey's dadthzs).  Here is Rob in the blue shirt. I think Dr. Cress in the green shirt thinks it's his birthday too.  (See what I mean now about how my weekend Counselor job is sometimes more time consuming than my full time week day job?)  You can see that I'm cautiously checking things out from my boat:

There were a lot of dogs on the Floatilla, and 2 of them were new friends.  They are sisters named Reece and Roci (Roci is pronounced "Rosie" and is short for Rociante, the name of Don Quixote's horse).  Reece didn't come off of her boat to say hi, but she is the little white dog on the picture above.  Roci, however, came over right away.  Roci is the same breed as Summer, just a horse of a different color (sorry, couldn't pass that up).  Roci tried to get fresh with me, then I tried to get fresh with her, but in the end we kept it strictly platonic.

I also got a lot of attention from Kasey's sister Ashley.  Ashley has watched Summer and me a few times when JuJu and Brett are gone too long.  She is really awesome and I love her a lot:

Last but not least - look at how my confidence grew from the cautious beginning of the night.  I actually climbed over the edge of my boat (with a little help) and over to the neighboring boat.  This is me on the Ripley's boat, out front without any safety gear.  My middle name is now "Danger":

I hope we have a few more Floatillas before the end of the season.  Last night was really fun!

Love, 

Bruiser "Danger" Bottolfson

I spent my first paycheck

Hi Dadthzs,

I got my first paycheck last Friday and I'm learning that can be a good thing, and a bad thing.  I haven't had to learn budgeting or money management until now, since you always provided for me. I still can't believe they pay me to greet people at Autumn - it's the best job I could ever dream of.  The pay for the weekend counseling job is sub-par for how hard I work, but when I balance the two jobs out, it's still a good gig overall.  So the good thing is, I'm earning!  The bad thing is, I'm spending!

Friday night after work, JuJu showed me how to shop on Amazon.com and I ordered myself a new bed. Summer has a Tempurpedic bed that I really like, but she doesn't like to share it much.  I ordered my own and had it shipped to the office so I could bring it home from work on Monday.  With all the exercise I'm getting, it sure feels nice to have a memory foam mattress to sleep on at night.  I even found a special deal on Amazon, and they shipped a free blanket (super soft) along with it.  I slept like a baby Monday & Tuesday night:

Highlight:  I also got to see Grandpa Bruce last week.  He came over all day Friday & he took Summer and me fishing on the pontoon. We spent a lot of time outside and just like I'd hoped, he noticed how well I navigate and balance on the dock, on the boat, and in the water.  Summer kind of acted up a little for Grandpa, and I told her she should be a better listener like me.  I am trying to mentor her on that, just like she's mentored me on lake living and managing a busy work and social calendar.  We are really becoming close friends and we are great for each other.

I got a lot of attention from Bruce and Gail Andrich this past weekend too.  They came to Camp Carnelian all the way from Milwaukee.  They pet me a lot and gave me a lot of love, and Summer and I did our best counseling and therapy work loving them back.  It was a win-win for everyone.

We have a mellow rest of the week and weekend ahead.  I'll talk to you next week.

Love you Dadthzs,

Bruiser

Full time work + Full time entertaining = One tired pup

Hi Dadthzs,

This full time gig is exhausting. When I first started as a guest at Camp Carnelian, I used to wake up JuJu at 5:30am for potty.  Now that I'm working full time, she has to wake me up to get me going during the week.  I am always fired up when I get to work - in fact I RUN through the front door & straight to Chris' desk.  Chris has the best treats!  I almost beat Summer to his desk on Monday.  I am working on my speed.

The weekends at Camp Carnelian are pretty busy.  I just finish up with greeting all week at Autumn, and now I have the crazy neighborhood to keep an eye on all weekend.  This past weekend was really something else - they had a big concert on the lake & we hosted about 70 people for a pig roast Sunday night.  It was really fun, and I ended up with a grease spot on my forehead when I tried to help the people carve the pig.  My friend Kasey ended up with 2 baths because she rolled in the grease.  Ooops!

Tomorrow Summer and I are going to Kasey's house for most of the day while Brett & JuJu are at a conference.  On Friday Grandpa Bruce is coming to stay with Summer and me for the second day of the conference. I'm so excited to see Grandpa Bruce again!  I bet I'll get to help him fish off the dock. I can't wait to show him how confident I am on the dock now, and how much better I'm swimming. I bet he is going to be impressed.

This weekend Brett's dad and his wife are coming from Milwaukee to stay with us for the weekend. They are real dog lovers, so I bet I'm going to get a lot of attention.  I think this weekend will be much more low key.  I need it.

I'll sign off with a picture from last night.  We took a spin around the lake after dinner.  See how confident I'm getting on the pontoon too?  I love boat rides so much.

Exhausted, 

Bruiser

PS:  Some people at Autumn and some neighborhood friends are following my blog now.  You know, all this time they never noticed my lisp until they started reading my blog.  JuJu said that I'm so handsome that no one pays attention to how I talk.  I am starting to feel objectified.  I am more than just a handsome face.  I hope these people realize I have brains and personality too.

Part Time Temp to Full Time Job

Hi Dadthzs,

You are going to be so proud of me!  I have been working hard, just like you said I should, and I was offered 2 full time jobs!

Job #1:  Full time Counselor at Camp Carnelian.

I have been actively participating as a guest at Camp Carnelian, and the management is so impressed they offered me a full time gig as Camp Counselor for 1 year.  Dadthzs, between you and me, these people need professional help and I feel like I'm the guy for the job.  I don't think this job pays much, but the rewards will be mine if I can straighten them out a little.  It's not just Brett & JuJu, it's the whole dang neighborhood.  They are all a little crazy.

Job #2:  Full time co-greeter at Autumn Transport

I am kicking butt at this too, so I'm going full time as of today.  I hope the counseling job doesn't wear me out too much.  I think I've got enough energy for both.

Here are a few pictures of my weekend highlights, along with some commentary.

Friday night we went to John & Jodi's.  I've been here a few times - here I am in their backyard. They have a fur kid named Elli Bleu and she is scared of fireworks, so I'm trying to coach her through that. Sometimes they call John "Pastor John" and he conducts a church service just for us furkids.  I think JuJu sent you a video of that Friday night.  I have officially converted to John's church, because the sermon comes straight from the grill, and fills both my tummy and my soul.

Saturday morning we did our usual walking route (2.4 miles) and I finally got to meet Phoebe.  She's a Newfie and she slobbers a lot, but she's really nice.

 Saturday night I had my first boat ride in the dark.  We hosted Chris & Lori from Richfield, and they wanted to go on a post-dinner ride around the lake.  Chris & Lori both praised me a lot and said I was a good boy.  Look how proud I sit!  I am really getting good at these boat rides.

Last but not least, I FINALLY got to meet Summer's half brother Tobey.  We went on a Sunday morning cruise with Tobey's family.  It was really nice to have another boy dog around.  So far its been all girls in the neighborhood.  (I guess I'm not really complaining about that because I really dig the girls, but it was nice to have a dude around for some bro time). Summer is much sassier with her brother than she is with me.  I think I bring a calming effect for Summer, which might be part of the reason I was offered the full time gig at Camp.

Grandpa Bruce is going to come to Camp Carnelian this Thursday for a few hours to sit with Summer and me while Brett & JuJu are out celebrating their birthdays on the golf course.  I am looking forward to hanging with him.  I miss seeing Grandpa everyday because he is so nice and he smells like you, but now that he's feeling better I think I'll see more of him which makes me happy.

I better get back to work.  They aren't much for micro managing here, but I don't want them to second guess their choice in giving me full time work.

Miss you dadthzs,
Bruiser

Working from home

Hi Dadthzs,

I am trying something new in my work today - working from home!  I put in a full morning at the Autumn office, and then Brett picked up Summer and me at noon.  We are now working from Brett's home office.

Let me tell ya, the carpet up here is much softer than my day job, but the conversations I overhear sound eerily familiar to the ones I've heard in the conference room and in JuJu's office.  These people sure talk a lot about trucks and drivers and logistics and budgets.

Just wanted to show you how I'm applying myself, using the knowledge gained at Autumn to provide relevant support to others in Transportation.  I think I've got a knack for this.  I might hit up Cousin Doug to see if he needs me at Marten.  I have a feeling my services could bring a premium.

Love,
Your Hard Working Bruiser

Camp Pine Acres

Dadthzs,

I am so sorry I haven't written in almost a week.  I have been so busy between work & being a Weekend Warrior.  There hasn't been much downtime.

I got to go back to Camp Pine Acres this past weekend!  It has been a few years since I was there last, but I remembered it right away.  It smells so good there.  And I can walk around wherever I want because it's safe.  It's heaven on earth for dogs.  Here are a few pics:

We got home to Camp Carnelian late on Saturday night.  Summer & I went out for potty before bedtime and when we came back in, JuJu said "time for bed".  I know what that means, so Summer and I trotted off to our room.  I don't know why JuJu laughed when she came in, because Summer and I were just listening to the instructions! 

On Sunday morning JuJu had to volunteer at the early shift at church, so Brett stayed home with us. As soon as she left, he asked me if I was ready for a good walk since it was finally cooler outside.  He didn't even spell it or call it a "W".  He said WALK!  So I ran to the mud room so he could put my collar on, and off we went.  I completed Summer's usual route (2.35 miles), kept up right along with Summer, and I wasn't even sore the rest of the day.  I think it's all this swimming I've been doing.  I feel great!

Today I am back at work.  It looks like we've got a pretty normal week ahead, so I'll check in when I've got a good story.  

Love,

Bruiser

People Magazine called

Hi Dadthzs,

JuJu took a call yesterday from People Magazine.  They wanted to schedule me for a photo shoot for "Sexiest Dog Alive 2017".  JuJu is getting my contract ready as I type this.  By the way, typing is so much easier now with my nails trimmed.

My spa day yesterday was amazing and I look really good!  You know I'm pretty humble & don't like to brag.  But dang it, I'm handsome as hell right now.  And I smell fantastic!

I started my antibiotic last night for the swimmers rash, and I also got some medicated shampoo that just goes on my belly where it's red.  JuJu gave me a little sponge bath on my belly last night because she didn't want to wreck my perfect spa haircut by going in the tub.  Today I'm much more comfortable, licking less and smiling more.

I'm not supposed to tell you this, but I have been experimenting with some different foods since I'm not eating so well.  This morning, I didn't want to take my thyroid medicine wrapped in American cheese anymore, so JuJu went all-Thelma on me and let me take it with ReddiWhip.  What a sweet way to start the day!  Last night I took my antibiotic with a Johnsonville brat.  I'm thinking if Bush's baked beans can have a spokesdog, why can't Johnsonville?  I better ask JuJu to add that addendum to my People Mag contract. 

Before I sign off for the day, I have to tell you how much I love my new job.  Everyone noticed my haircut today and commented how soft I am.  I got to sit in on another meeting in the conference room today & I learned about roofing shingles and Logistics.  

Nothing on the agenda tonight.  It sounds like we are just going to relax.  Tomorrow a gal named Ashley is coming to the house to play with me & Summer for the day while JuJu plays golf.  Ashley is from Kasey's family so I think she is going to bring Kasey with her for a super fun play date.  

Love from Camp Carnelian,

Bruiser Clooney

aka "SDA2017"

Alternative Names for Camp Carnelian

Hi Dadthzs,

I had quite a weekend.  I came up with some alternate names for this Camp I'm at:

1.  Camp Naked:  I didn't wear my collar all weekend.

2.  Camp Itchy Scratchy:  I developed a terrible case of Swimmers Itch.

3.  Camp Weight Watchers:  I am not eating my kibble, but I am eating treats (and steak, eggs, and I think I'm getting a grilled chicken breast tonight because JuJu has channeled Thelma again and Thelma says I need to eat!).  I've been taking my medicine with cheese slices, so that's good.

Camp Naked started late Friday night, because I still needed a collar & the leash to walk to Kasey's house.  I had a blast there - she has a brand new house and all dogs are welcome.  I got to ride on her boat too.  Boat rides are my favorite thing at Camp, paws down.  I know how to get on/off the pontoon without help now - like a big boy, all by myself!  This was our cruise Friday night after dinner.   After we got home Friday night, the collar came off and Camp Naked was underway!

Camp Itchy Scratchy started on Saturday. I was in the water pretty much all day.  I am stretching my boundaries in the lake, about a foot at a time.  Now I am swimming out 10 feet past the beach, where I can't touch.  I'm a good swimmer, but pretty cautious.  I haven't made it past the 2nd dock section yet.  Summer goes flying off the end of the dock when JuJu throws the dummy (black and white rubber thingy, not the guy she's married to).  I'm not going to try those shenanigans.

We also hosted a family from JuJu's work on Saturday afternoon & evening - The Martins.  The Martin boys are 16 and 19, and the 16 year old (Sam) has wanted a Golden, like me, since he was a little boy.  I got a lot of attention from the whole family, and I felt really special.  Between swimming all day, and hosting all afternoon, I didn't get a nap all day.  So Saturday night I was conked out, until my belly started to itch.  And then I started to lick...and lick...and lick.

Sunday morning JuJu gave me a belly rub and saw my red rash.  Brett called Dr. Jay right away and asked about what to do next.  Dr. Jay is giving Brett some antibiotics to pick up today, and that should give me almost instant relief. In the meantime, JuJu puts a cold washcloth on my belly frequently, to soothe the itch.  Brett bought me a kiddie pool on Sunday in case I wanted to lay in cold water.  I didn't like that pool, but Summer sure did!  I am banned from swimming in the lake until this clears up. So now I just stare at the water and wish I was in it.  This isn't the worst, because I can still stay close to JuJu and make sure she doesn't get out of my sight.

Camp Weight Watchers is also giving me a case of butt rash.  Since I'm not eating much, I'm not having good hard poops (TMI, sorry), so my butt is a little swollen.  I overheard JuJu make an appointment at the Spa for 1:00pm today. The spa will also give my butt a little squeeze, which should make me feel (and smell) much better.  

I was so glad to come back to work today.  I learned that I am a "Weekend Warrior" and coming to work on Mondays gives me a chance to rest and relax.  I don't feel too bad, because Summer is used to all this action, and she's exhausted too.  Here we are together at work this morning:

I'll send another update with my picture after the Fluff & Puff today at Posh Pooch.  I'm sure I'll be nervous going to check in, but I know I'm going to look like a million bucks when I come out.  

Love,

Naked Itchy Scratchy Skinny Bruiser

Now I know why humans say "TGIF"

Hi Dadthzs,

I learned what "TGIF" means today, and I couldn't agree more.  Working full time is exhausting!  I started my work day by GALLOPING through the office to say hi to all my new friends.  I learned that work is a marathon, not a sprint, so I napped most of the morning after that.  I got a nice surprise from one of my co-workers after lunch break - Chris brought me a really fancy chicken treat.  He said it would help get me through a Friday afternoon at the office.

Last night we took a walk down a gravel road to see if Tucker (another Golden, like me) was home. He wasn't there, but there were a lot of good sniffs on that road.

When we got home from the walk, JuJu mentioned that she was concerned about me not eating my food in 2 days (even though I've been going potty-poops every day).  I overheard her talk to herself and ask, "What would Thelma do?"  Dadthzs, JuJu put shredded mozzarella in my food!! And it was GOOD!  I ate my whole bowl of kibble.  I think Thelma must have been a dog genius, or just a good Scandahoovian who uses food to soothe.

Tonight we are going back to Kasey's house for dinner and a boat ride.  I might not be able to write again until Monday.  I think we have an active social calendar at Camp Carnelian this weekend.  I think JuJu plans on taking lots of pictures, so look for a big update from me on Monday.

Love you,
Bru

Day 2 on the job

Dear Dadthzs,

I got a great night's sleep last night, even though Summer somehow got me out of my bed so she could try it.  I laid on the floor by JuJu.  I have started guarding JuJu so she doesn't get out of my sight.

I pranced to the front door at work today.  I knew where I was going, and everyone greeted me again with treats.  The best part is they all learned I like the butt scratch the best, so I got lots of those.

Then JuJu had to leave at 10:30 for a meeting in Minneapolis.  She sneaked out while Joe and Josh gave me a treat in the dispatch office.  I laid by the front door for 3.5 hours until she got back. Summer laid in the chair and helped me wait.

I was so relieved when she got back that I fell sound asleep in her office within 5 minutes.

Since it's finally cooler today, we are going for a walk tonight instead of swimming.  I think we are finally going to relax a little.  Camp Carnelian has felt a bit like Boot Camp so far, so I'm ready for a little rest.

Love,
Bruiser