Luke Supports Good Posture

About 3 feet.  That is the perfect height from the floor that one should keep one's head and neck in order to ensure it is at the optimal hugging height for one's People.  3 feet works perfectly for the smaller portion of My People.  However, I often show my consideration for the older portion of My People by using the well-placed hugging assistance platform (My People have a funny name for this thing....they call it stairs...I never will fully understand My People) to raise my head and neck to a height that allows them to hug me without having to bend very much.  They seem to be so very creaky these days and because of that I do my best to help them preserve their bending capabilities for truly critical activities like filling my food and water bowl, fluffing the bed pillows before I lay down on the newly made bed (while they are away) and standing up to let me outside when I feel the need to patrol the back yard.

Yes, a good hugging posture is important.  It lets those about whom one cares so much express their affection for one as often as possible and induces minimal pain for the hugger(s). 

One more thing. If one takes up a hugging posture on a carpeted area then one can easily (and politely), in a demonstration of good manners, wipe one's drool off on the carpet prior to the arrival of the hugger and thereby refrain from "sliming" the hugger's shirt or blouse.  Remember, good manners are important.

I am not "vile and wretched."  I am definitely not a "creature."  I am Luke and I Support Good Posture.

Vote For Luke.

Luke Supports Cows

I love cows. 

Every time I lay atop the nice hand-me-down leather sofa situated so thoughtfully in the front room of my house, out of sight of My People, I am thankful for the perfectly made-for-furniture-upholstery bovine species. 

Of course, to base all of my feelings, regardless of how moooooving they might be, simply on the fact that My People's cow-hide covered sofa is comfortable would be downright irresponsible.  That's why, in the course of developing my considerable admiration for cows I considered multiple other factors. 

First, consider the simple hamburger patty.  I love how it is usually so uniformally rounded to fit exquisitely on a bun sized to perfectly fit in the mouth of a large (need I say real) dog.  The flatness of one side of the patty makes it stable as it sits on the plate on the counter and the thickness of it makes it easily visible by four-legged wayfarers like me.  It's aroma is powerful enough to notify all who care to notice such things that it is available for enjoyment.  Yes...I love hamburger patties.

Second, consider the simple steak.  The variety of different types of steaks ensures that every unique steak-lover's desire can be met.  The presence of a bone in the middle of a grilled-to-perfection steak is like the gum at the center of a tootsie pop, the peanut butter under the chocolate in a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, or the squeaker in the center of a rubber play toy.  It is so much fun to play with and definitely worth the effort.  Yes...I love steaks.

Third, consider shoes.  Awesome chew toys.  Need I say more?  Yes...I love shoes.

The list of why I love cows is long.  That's why it is such a shame that My People don't eat beef.  I'll just lay on my leather sofa and dream.   

I am not "vile and wretched."  I am definitely not a "creature."  I am Luke and I Support Cows.

Vote For Luke.

Luke Supports Raising The Age At Which One Can Acquire A Driver's Permit

Round three of the Driver's Permit-to-Driver's License-to-Going to College game has now started at my house.  I've watched twice before as one of My People has left the house one morning riding with the oldest male of My People and has returned (several hours later) with a little piece of paper called a Driver's Permit.  I've learned that this little piece of paper serves as a some sort of pass or ticket that the holder uses to gain control of a 4-wheeled, motorized vehicle.  I've also learned that once the holder has control of a motorized vehicle it is only a matter of time until I see that holder no more than a few times each year.

Twice before I've watched a holder of a motorized vehicle pass leave the house wearing a special cap and a special gown then return several hours later with lots of smiles and a few presents.  A few short weeks after that event the holder of the pass spends several hours taking things from the bedroom to their motorized vehicle of choice and finally, after a few pats on the head, that holder drives away.

The house is quieter.  The house is neater.  The house is lonelier.  The house is sad.

Now the process of obtaining the motorized vehicle pass has started again for another one of My People.  I like this member of My People very much.  Watching this Driver's Permit-to-Driving Away process start with her makes me sad and I don't like it.

I am not "vile and wretched."  I am definitely not a "creature."  I am Luke and I Support Raising The Age At Which One Can Acquire A Driver's Permit.

Vote For Luke

Luke Supports Mississippi College

Many of you might be surprised to learn that I support any particular institution of higher learning.  The truth is that I voice support for multiple institutions of higher learning because of their commitment to academic excellence, character development and canine advancement.  Today, on the occasion of Family Day at Mississippi College, I want to relate to you why I Support Mississippi College in particular. 

While you might have spent significant resources familiarizing yourself with multiple colleges and / or universities and learning what each of them has to offer you or your children in return for your investment, you probably didn't consider the critical aspect of canine advancement at each institution.  Well, you no longer have a need to invest more of your time to understand the "ins" and "outs" of each institutions' performance with respect to this particular metric.

I'll just tell you right up front that Mississippi College is one of the leading institutions with respect to canine advancement.  Let me explain why I make this statement.

First, Mississippi College has a building called a "Field House".  Obviously MC supports canines.  They've dedicated a specific facility to which provides those of us who love to run and play, a place to do so safely and out of any inclement weather that might be occurring outside.

Second, the fact that the MC bookstore carries a variety of clothing options for canine friends is an indicator of the MC's level of canine support.  I have found very few institutions of higher learning that seem to care as much about providing the four legged variety of students as many fashion choices as MC does. 

Third, MC has numerous trees on campus that provide a wonderful habitat for squirrels.  Obviously, the MC leadership team has made an investment in providing a squirrel-friendly atmosphere so that we canines have friends with whom to play between classes or when we visit the campus.  I personally want to thank the MC leadership team for their demonstrated commitment to a canine-friendly environment.

Finally, and most importantly, MC is located in a town with no easily-locatable dog prisons.  I began my life in a dog prison and can testify to the fact that they are institutions committed providing a life of boredom and monotony to those unfortunate canines incarcerated therein.  MC personnel obviously took great pains to locate their institution in a city free of dog-prisons.  MC is to be commended for basing the location decision for the college on an issue so often overlooked by other institutions. 

I am not "vile and wretched."  I am definitely not a "creature."  I am Luke and I Support Mississippi College.

Vote For Luke.

Luke Supports Local Law Enforcement Officials

I've written several times about how I am the Protector-General of My People. This is not a job that I take lightly. In fact, I consider the task of protecting My People to be my highest priority. I often station myself by the front door so as to appropriately greet every intruder into My People's house. Sure, My People call these intruders neighbors and tell me to "Get Down!" or "Get Back!" but I know that My People are simply under duress and are being forced to pretend to welcome these intruders. (An added benefit of stationing myself by the front door is the opportunity with which I am often presented to display my awesome speed by lunging through an open, unguarded door. I recognize an open front door for what it is...a gentle reminder from My People that I need to protect the neighborhood, in addition to My People, and that I need to be about that task.)

With respect to my job as Protector-General, I am thankful for the help of Local Law Enforcement Officials. I often see them in their little cars keeping the neighborhood roads open for me so that I can freely patrol the expanse of the neighborhood when My People provide me with that opportunity. I think that Local Law Enforcement Officials' commitment to making my job easier is admirable. Obviously I am not the only one who values their contribution to my efforts. I often hear about, and sometimes observe on my way to the pet pediatrician, how Local Law Enforcement Officials are rewarded for their efforts with donuts and drinks. What an awesome display of the high regard these Luke-helpers are shown by a thankful society. Now, back to my post on the couch by the front door.

I am not "vile and wretched.". I am definitely not a "creature.". I am Luke and I Support Local Law Enforcement Officials.

Vote For Luke

Luke Supports Educational Children's Programming

"I love you.  You love me.  We're a happy family.  With a great big hug and kiss from me to you, won't you say you love me too?"

Seriously, does it get any better than that?  Every day I get to hear that wonderful composition of lyrical genius and musical creativity with a few of the smaller ones who are part of My People.  They sit with doe-like eyes watching the box that sits on the shelf near the couch on which I so often lay (when My People aren't watching).  Sometimes they will rock back and forth and sing along.  Sometimes they will clap their hands to the beat.  Sometimes they will just laugh and giggle as the big, purple guy bounces around the screen.  Seeing My People so happy makes me happy. 

I'm told this exquisite song is a product of Educational Children's Programming.  If so, I have to say that I am a big fan.  Oh sure, I hear that the channel on which this program airs consistently loses money and that in order for it to stay on the air My People have to give lots of their money to something called the Government.  But does that really matter in the big scheme of things?  No.  Keeping the I Love You song "freely" available to everyone with access to a box on a shelf (for which they had to pay), that is connected to a little wire coming out of the wall (for which they had to pay), all residing in a house (for which they had to pay), where they store food and drinks (for which they had to pay), is the most important thing.  I'm sure My People don't mind paying a little more to the Government each month for this type of magnificent programming.  I don't mind them paying either as long as they keep feeding me my food, keep taking me to the pet pediatrician, keep my yard clean and continue to shower me with gifts.  My People are so nice.

Gotta go now...I think I hear the enticing bilingual sounds of Dora the Explorer.  Don't wanna miss the "I'm the Map" song.

I am not "vile and wretched."  I am definitely not a "creature."  I am Luke and I Support Educational Children's Programming.

Vote For Luke. 

Luke Supports Children's Literature

I love a well-written Children's Story. 

Every evening after the littlest three, who make up one half of the younger group of My People, are ready to begin their nighttime bed rest, one of the older two of My People reads a story, or a portion of a story, for all of us to hear.  I find this to be a time togetherness, bonding and reassurance of our love and commitment to one another.  It is a time to wash away My People's exasperation over a day filled with loudly-voiced laughter at chattering squirrels, mad dashes out open front doors to frolic with frantic glee alongside neighborhood friends, and household "accidents" requiring a little bit of gentle cleaning by one or more of My People.  Yes, each evening's story time brings with it a chance to tell each other, even if just through our physical presence, how thankful we are to all be a part of the same family.

I like to make myself physically present during these evening story times by gently laying down on top of one of My Little People to snuggle.  The way they respond with funny, short, gasping-for-breath giggles and pleas for help reinforce how much they love me.  Oh sure, sometimes I will roll down their tummy and off of their legs as they squirm to get into a better hugging position.  But I don't do that to get away from them.  Rather, I do that because I like the funny popping noises their legs make as my svelte 135 pound frame rolls across their knee and ankle joints.  That sound fills me with happiness much like the happiness Young People feel when popping bubble wrap. 

The older two of My People voice their love for me too when I show up for story time.  As I walk through the bedroom door I'm always met with words of love like, "Uh Oh, here he is" or "Who forgot to latch the door?" or "Kids watch out, Luke is here."  My People are so wonderful!

Yes, Children's Literature is definitely a key part of a happy family.

I'm not "vile and wretched."  I'm definitely not a "creature."  I'm Luke and I Support Children's Literature.

Vote For Luke

Luke Supports Farmers

I have long been a Supporter of Farmers.  The fruits of their labor are neatly (not so much) displayed by My People on the shelves behind a special door in the kitchen.  They also fill the shelves and the little drawers inside the cold box in the kitchen.  Both places are like little bits of paradise from which a treasure trove of delicious treats beckon to me whenever I'm nearby.  Voices from behind each door whisper to me, "Luke, Luke, we tasty tidbits of delectable dining choices are prepared to provide you with an enjoyable eating experience leaving you prodigiously plump, poised to pop, and staggeringly sleepy.  Oh yeah, we are the product of Farmers." 

It is a very rare and special occasion when I am allowed to actually nibble at one of these fresh food choices.  It is understandable that I am not allowed to eat these special treats very often given the high regard with which My People hold these Farmer-provided products.  The value that My People place on these products is easy to discern given the special manner in which these things are stored and displayed.  The cold box, for example, has a special light to illuminate the products, much like a halo of light surrounding a heavenly angel, so that My People (or their special guests) can admire the fruits of the Farmers' labor.  The other place in the kitchen where the returns on the Farmers' investment are stored, behind the special door, is the same place where My People store my hair they gather each day off the floor.  (I wrote about that special form of adoration by My People in a previous blog entry.  As an aside, I highly encourage you to not miss any blog entries or you may miss something which provides texture and background to a subsequent entry.)  The fact that these Farmer-provided items are stored with my hair collection simply highlights the high regard in which My People hold these items. 

I have to admit that a Farmer is like a mythical creature to me.  I've never met one as far as I know but I think they live and grow their food in big buildings which are normally located in plazas.  (I pass one of these places every time I go to the pet pediatrician.)  I think that's where they live and grow their food because My People always go to those places to get the food from the Farmers.  I have to admit that I think it is really cool that Farmers have their own special buildings in which they can grow food for everyone.  Having said that, I'm not sure how they get their tractors into the buildings to grow the food.  Hmmm..maybe I'll tackle that conundrum another day.

For now, I'll just do my best to always honor Farmers by never letting a food product go to waste when it is offered to me, either intentionally as a treat or unintentionally as a snack when nobody is guarding the table upon which it sits awaiting the arrival of My People.  To pass by such an offering without partaking would be an insult to the Farmers who toil so diligently for us all.  I cannot in good conscious behave in such a callous manner.

I am not "vile and wretched."  I am certainly not a "creature."  I am Luke and I Support Farmers.

Vote For Luke.

Luke Supports Self-Reflection

All of us need to take the time occasionally to engage in a little bit of self-reflection.  We should find a quiet couch upon which to lay a couple of times each week and ask ourselves several questions.  "Who am I?", "Do I like who I am?", "Am I making the impact on those around me that I want to make?", "Am I making an effort to limit the amount of times each day that I slime the toilet seat?", "Have I tried to retrace my muddy footprints every time I come in the back door or do I make a new trail with each entry?", "Does it seem today that My People would rather me be here or elsewhere?", "Did I leave teeth marks on JW's arm as I dragged him around the backyard today?", "Were there less than ten references to me today as 'a vile and wretched creature'?"  These types of questions are worth reflection and, while painful to answer sometimes, undoubtedly make one better in the end.

Last night I spent some time in self-reflection after a somewhat traumatic experience I had yesterday involving several wonderfully aromatic, partially-cooked turkey burgers, a hot but enticingly odoriferous grill, and an expertly wielded, metal spatula.  As an aside, I personally verified the wisdom contained in the adage that I so often hear My People tell others, "No Pain, No Gain."  Sure, I could have taken the easy road to the dog food bowl and could have filled my stomach with highly nutritious, perfectly formulated, large-breed dog food which helps me maintain my svelte, somewhat alluring (if I do say so myself), and highly toned (although hidden by my exquisite coat) physique.  Instead, I took the "road less traveled" and doing so "made all the difference".  My actions led me to exceed the recommended protein intake level for the day for Luke-like friends, to provide My People with much needed pet-owner quality interaction time, and to protect My People from dangerous germs resident in less-than-fully cooked poultry products.

Yes, having spent the requisite time in reflection I can say with confidence strengthened by experience that I am who I want to be.  I am the protector-general of my people, friend to my housemate Peanut, and connoisseur of specialty meat products.

I am not "vile and wretched".  I am definitely not a "creature".  I am Luke and I Support Self-Reflection.

Vote For Luke.        

Luke Supports Bird Watching

Have you ever considered the beauty and wonder of God's flying creatures? Think about the way their feathers lay flat against their chewy body when soaring across the sky. Reflect on how gracefully they land on the narrowest of ledges and fences on such tiny, easily-digestible legs. Meditate on the myriad of bright and colorfully soft, vulnerable underbellies that adorn the wide-ranging variety of God's airborne gymnasts.

If one spends any amount of time at all admiring the trees and skies, the wonder of birds will overpower one's senses. If one has the good fortune to be near a bird that lands mistakenly in one's back yard, then the close proximity of such a heavenly morsel will undoubtedly make one's juices flow.

Some will argue that simply sitting statuesque-like while watching and waiting for the appearance of users of the friendly skies is one form of cruel entrapment by a vile and wretched creature.  I, on the other hand, will stand up for those who feel that giving the appearance of a  peaceful and serene landscape for the passing high-flying winged friend is like giving the gift of peace to those who have endured a life of hardship and who are destined to perish with undesirable violence.  Silent and stealthful bird-watching by those of us capable of giving such a gift is like the provision of water to those in the midst of the fiery furnace.  I will give freely when able, watch always as allowed, and salivate as little as possible while doing both. 

I am not "vile and wretched".  I am definitely not a "creature".  I am Luke and I Support Bird Watching.

Vote For Luke.

Luke Supports Language Skills

I love the way you talk,
when you talk just to me.

The way you pat my head,
makes it plain for all to see,

That you love me so much,
and always want me near.

The way you take care of me,
makes your love for me real clear.

The way you Furminate my coat,
into a pile of hair so high.

The way you spray me with perfume,
after holding your nose so high.

The way you pick up "presents",
I leave out in the grass.

The way you buy me dog food,
and give me access to the trash.

The way you act so happy,

when I slime you with my drool.

The way you look at me in wonder,
when I use the bathtub as my pool.

The way you mop my muddy prints,
off the wood floor every day.

The way you let me on the sofa,
and never shoo me away.

The way you hug my neck each morn',
and call me "good boy" with a grin.

The way you rub behind my ears,
and let me kiss you on the chin.

Yes, the languages of love,
surround me every day.

My People give me everything,
In every kind of way.

So despite what they say,
"vile and wretched" I am not.

I'm not a "creature" either.
I'm just Luke and I have no spots.

I Support Language Skills,
communication is so key.

Remember A Vote For Luke,
is a vote for little ole me.

Luke Supports Bed Rest

Recently I was asked whether or not I Support Bed Rest.  I have to admit to being completely taken aback by the naivety this question.  On its surface, the question seems simple enough.  Do I, Luke the Wonderdog, support resting on a bed?  Oh, but there is so much complexity buried in that question that I feel I cannot just let "sleeping dogs lie" with a simple answer like, "Yes". 

First, let us consider what is meant by the word "Bed" in Bed Rest.  The key to properly understanding this term requires coming to grips with the fact that if one has the proper mindset then every surface is a "Bed".  Obviously, a large, well-made, king-sized bed is a bed.  But keep the following facts in mind as well.  A nice, soft, leather sofa is certainly a "Bed".  A freshly vacuumed and decluttered carpet is a very fine "Bed".  The coolness of a recently swept and mopped-free-of-muddy-dog-foot prints tile or wood floor absolutely makes a great "Bed".  Maybe not so obvious, but accurate nonetheless, is the fact that freshly planted seasonal flowers make a wonderful "Bed".  This location is particularly relaxing because it comes with the pleasant wafting smell, borne by the fresh Texas air, and grand splendor of beautiful, aromatic flowers.  In fact, this location is even called a flower "Bed".  Who could dare argue this is a "Bed"?  Other places or things that I have verified through personal testing which qualify as "Beds" include futons, bathtubs, outdoor furniture cushions, dining room tables, My People's respective laps (which are often accompanied by the words, "Good Lord you're heavy Luke...now get down"...My People are such kidders), shower floors, and anybody else's yard just to name a few.  Goodness, the list of what constitutes a bed seems endless.

The second word of this complex question involves the word "Rest".  Again, defining "Rest" seems simple enough at first.  But, with careful consideration, one soon realizes that understanding "Rest" takes considerable effort.  (Ironic isn't it?)  Please consider the following.  Sleeping is obviously "Rest".   But, the dictionary also defines "Rest" as 1. "refreshing ease or inactivity after exertion or labor", 2. "relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs", 3. "a period or interval of inactivity, repose, solitude, or tranquility", and 4. "mental or spiritual calm; tranquility".  Ponder the types of things that could induce a feeling of "relief or freedom".  Chewing things (particularly things made of fabric that have been worn by My People), feeling no need to go outside to take care of "business" if doing so simply seems like too much effort, and eating warm, deliciously prepared food at head-height off of the dinner table instead of having to painfully lower one's head to the ground to eat dry, bland food out of a bowl all provide much relief and freedom.  Particularly freeing is playfully dragging the 5 year old child of My People around the backyard by the arm while he giggles and squirms.  That is so restful!

With all of this in mind, and having fully considered the broad and diverse universe of what constitutes "Bed Rest" I am now prepared to state my position.

I am not "vile and wretched".  I am definitely not a "creature".  I am Luke and I Support Bed Rest.

Vote For Luke.

I'll Fight For You

As the defender of My People, I willingly answer the call of duty to fight off danger when necessary, which I know brings with it the very real possibility of injury or death.   Since being rescued from jail over two years ago My People have provided me with a very comfortable home in which to live, over 25lbs of expensive food per week, enough water to fill Lake Texoma, veterinary care and occasional boarding which easily surpasses $1000 each year, thick grass to dig up (and replacement grass when it's all gone), wonderful bushes to rub and chew (and replacement bushes when the old ones die), an awesome door into which I can dig my claws as I raise up on my back legs to watch the squirrels outside, a dinner table that is the perfect height for me to lay my slobbery chin on while My People are eating, a soft, king-sized bed and a nice, leather sofa upon which I can relax without fear of retribution for the occasional tear or scratch I leave behind in the bedspread or fabric, and of course, all the love and attention they can muster. 

In addition to providing me with so much, My People often demonstrate how much they love everything about me.  One example of how they demonstrate that love is that they seem to really like it when I leave pounds and pounds of my hair all over the house.  They seem to recognize the fact that each and every hair that I leave behind represents a little piece of my heart which I so willingly give to them.  I can tell they really like my hair by the fact that several times each day they take out the sweeper looking thing and collect as much of my hair off of the floor (and the couch) as they can.  They have a little storage place behind a door in the kitchen where they always put what they collect.  I can only imagine for what special occasion they are saving it.  Given how much hair there must be in that collection place by now I have a feeling it's going to be an awesome surprise.

With all that My People have given to me and with all of the love they've to shown me, certainly My People have earned my commitment to Fight For Them when required.

But today, reflecting on my commitment to Fight For My People, I feel compelled to go big, to push myself, to be for you what I am for My People.  That's right, I will now also Fight For You.  Of course, for my commitment to Fight For You to be somewhat realistic you'll have to move into My People's house.  (It doesn't seem realistic for you to expect me to patrol the entire world day after day.)  I'm sure My People won't mind.  Given the ease with which they have accepted dogs, frogs, fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, ants, axolotls, a stray snake, and even visiting kids into the house, I'm sure they'll be fine with you moving in with us if you want to partake of my commitment to Fight For You.  So come on over.  No notice is required.  My People love surprises.  I'll greet you with excitement, a lot of tail wagging, a little bit of jumping, and probably too much slobber.

I'm not "vile and wretched".  I'm definitely not a "creature".  I'm Luke and I'll Fight For You.

Vote For Luke.

Luke Supports the Texas Rangers

On this last day of the regular season for the Texas Rangers I thought it completely appropriate to share with all of you that I fully support the reigning American League Champions, the Texas Rangers.  As an avid baseball fan, I find the Rangers' amazingly successful drive to the end of the season inspiring.  With a win tonight the Rangers will set a franchise win record of 96 wins.  Just this past weekend they set a new franchise regular season attendance record of 2,946,949 ballpark attendees.  They have one player (Michael Young) competing for the MLB batting title (he's tied for 2nd going into today's final game).  Their leadoff batter (Ian Kinsler) has 32 home runs and 30 steals making him only the 11th player in MLB history with multi-year 30-30 seasons.  They have 7 players with 60 or more RBIs (Young [106], Beltre [105], Hamilton [94], Cruz [87], Kinsler [77], Napoli [72], and Andrus [60]). They are 14 out of their last 17 and have the highest batting average (.280), the most hits (1590), the second most home runs (208), the second highest slugging percentage (.460) and the second highest on base-plus slugging percentage (.800) in all of baseball.  The Rangers seem to be on the brink of something great.

One of my brethren at The Ballpark

Why does this matter to me, Luke the Wonderdog, you ask?  I think it is obvious.  The Rangers are committed to Dog Day at the Park on an annual basis and that commitment has obviously paid off.  That's right, this year on May 29th the Texas Rangers once again brought the good luck of "the Bark" into "the Park".  Some might say that's just a gimmick.  But those naysayers are wrong.  Since May 29th of this year the Rangers have been "nipping at the heals" of the MLB record books.  Any team that has tried to beat them has found that they are "barking up the wrong tree".  The Rangers have raced around the bases with the speed of Greyhounds and they've powered the ball with strength of the Great Pyrenees (shout out to all my GP cousins).  The Rangers have left fans "drooling" with the prospect of great postseason success as they have "shed" all contenders for the American League West Division Title.  The teams that have been "ruff"ed up by Rangers' awesome pitching and hitting are now a "large pile" of wanna-bees, could've beens, and should've beens. 

Today, at the end of the regular season, all that matters is that My Rangers, from My Texas, are My Team and My People and I support them.

I am not "vile and wretched".  I am definitely not a "creature".  I am Luke and I Support the Rangers.

Vote For Luke.

Luke Supports Letter Carriers

I have long been fond of the folks who drive the little white trucks with the steering wheel on the wrong side.  They often drive around with their doors open leaving presents in the little boxes out by the street.  No doubt the Letter Carriers leave their doors open so that they can interact with friends like me and families like my people.    Their enthusiastic (and sometimes frantic) waving as I say hello in my loudest, booming voice and bound through a door or gate left ajar by my people is evidence of the caring and kind heart that resides within each Letter Carrier. 

I know that each and every one of them whom I try to personally greet would like to stay and spend more time with me but their calling to leave gifts at other little boxes along their route compels them to usually drive away from me in much haste.  Of course, they like it when I play the game where I run alongside of their neat little truck saying hello and trying to nip the little black things that go round and round.  I know they like to play this game because they keep driving past all the little boxes on the street where they normally stop just so that the game can last longer.  I suspect later, after the game has tired me out or after I've been distracted by a squirrel or a rabbit, that the Letter Carrier returns to all the boxes he or she passed and leaves presents in those boxes.  Nevertheless, it sure is nice of each and every Letter Carrier to spend so much time playing with me.

Well, that's all for today.  I hear my people and I want to go shower them with love (and maybe a little slobber).

Remember.  I'm not "vile and wretched".  I'm definitely not a "creature".  I'm Luke and I support Letter Carriers.

Vote for Luke.

Luke Supports Recycling

With all the talk lately about global warming, which is now starting to be referred to more frequently as climate change (by the way, I suspect that the terminology change has something to do with the fact that the whole "global warming" thing isn't living up to its hype), I want to affirm my support for prudent lifestyle changes which increase recycling. 

In my house, my people have found alternate uses for newspapers, plastic grocery bags, paper towels, and many other cleaning products.  I've done my part to support recycling by "encouraging" my people to get into the full swing of the recycling movement by strategically placing little "reminders" around the house for them occassionally. 

Most humans lash out at others when they experience change and my people are no different.  My people initially got very frustrated at me for "reminding" them of how many uses some materials have.  My people, particularly the older ones, have called me names and have muttered questions like "what did he eat?", "are you kidding me?", and of course the now often heard phrase, "Luke, you vile and wretched creature." 

Deep down though I know the things my people say are truly words and terms of endearment.  I have found a special place in their heart and they certainly have one in mine.

So, remember, I'm not vile and wretched.  I'm not a creature.  I'm Luke and I support recycling.

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It's A New Day

Well, I woke up this morning after a restful night dozing and occasionally waking up to listen to the reassuring sounds of my people sleeping.  I'm looking forward to today.  The weather is a little cooler and it reminds me of what life in the "old land" overlooking the sheep must have been like.  Today I will make my best attempt to catch one of those crazy squirrels that sit on my fence and mock me.  They do it on purpose...I know they do.  One day...oh yes, one day I'm going to catch one.  Not that I want to hurt it or anything...I just want to cover it in dog drool and then watch it try to climb a tree with slime-covered feet.  That will be so funny. 

Speaking of funny.  I sure do wish my laughs would come out of my throat as laughter instead of as barks.  My people get so frustrated with me for barking all the time.  If they only knew that I was laughing I think they would be much more patient with me.  I am really a very happy dog.

Oh yeah...I have to endure another day with Peanut today.  That dog drives me crazy.   Seriously, any dog named Peanut has no redeeming qualities.   

Oops...better go...I hear my people coming.  I am not, I say again I am not, "vile and wretched" and I am certainly not a "creature".  I'm Luke.

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