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

My first day on the job

Dear Dadthzs,

Today was my first day at work at Autumn.  The lady got me up early at 05:00.  I had trouble sleeping last night because of a loud & scary thunderstorm, but I put my best paws forward to impress my new teammates at work.  By the way, I learned the lady has a name:  "JuJu."  I learned that when she laid on my bed with me last night so I wouldn't be scared and she pet me and said "Don't worry Bruiser, JuJu's got you." I was snoring 10 minutes later.

I got a very warm welcome on my first day at work.  Everyone fawned over me.  Summer got a little jealous, but she got over it quickly and then showed me around.  I got treats from just about everyone.  At 8:30, we had an all-company "Stand Up Meeting" and I participated.  Shortly thereafter, the daily courier showed up with a treat for Summer along with the days mail.  He saw me and asked how long I'd be on the job, then he hustled out to get me a treat too.  He said he will bring 2 treats for the next couple weeks, and that I was a good boy.  I think you would have been really proud of me Dadthzs.

In the afternoon, I got to attend a meeting in the conference room.  People are pretty serious in that room.  I pretended to sleep, but I was really listening and trying to learn.  I know you have special clearance on things in your job.  Now I have some secrets of my own to keep.

I think tonight is yard cleanup after last night's storm.  I'm looking forward to more water aerobics while the humans pick up branches.  I forgot to tell you that I met another dog last night who looks just like me.  Her name is Kasey.  I'll ask JuJu to get a picture of us so I can send it to you.  Kasey even let me bring her peanut butter bone home with me last night, to say "welcome to the neighborhood."

Before I sign off, I heard that Grandpa did great in his surgery today.  I am so grateful and I thanked God for his blessing on our family.

Love you Dadthzs!

Bruiser

Day 1 - Arrival at Camp

Dear Dad,

I made it here safely to Camp Carnelian.  The lady already has my bed set up with my special pillow. It's hot here today so instead of an evening walk we are doing water aerobics.
I'll check in with you as time allows.  I saw the Camp Itinerary & it looks like they have me working Monday through Friday & also a very active social calendar.

Love,
Bruiser

PS:  I frolicked like a puppy just now.  I heard the lady say "dang it!  I wish I had my video ready!"  I have a feeling she likes to take a lot of pictures.