Sun 13/04/2003 21:52

HELLO

Dear Diary

hello my name is Mario  , and I just wanted to say hello.

I arrived here today after being on the road all day.  I am a little bit confused.  My previous owners left me alone in a woods in the middle of winter.  I came into a animal shelter in February.  My coat was all matted so bad they couldn’t find my collar

I have been to the hairdressers since that is why at the moment I don’t look like an American Cocker but it will grow back again soon.  My dad says that I smell a little that is probably because I have been living with lots of other dogs.  I have the feeling it will not be long before I have a bath lol  The new home is exciting, I have already stolen a bread roll (with cheese) from the table when no-one was looking, I am clever aren’t I.?   In the animal shelter I had to share my food I will get used to the fact that this is all mine.  I have now got a lovely blanket that my mum made for me and I presently lying beside my dad whilst I dictate this letter to you (my paws are too big for the keys).

I will say goodnight now, it has been a long day I am not too sure where I am, (I even have the runs now but I am sure that will get better soon).

I will write again.

Mario

Mon 14/04/2003 19:14

Day 2 In Minden

Dear Diary

Well I spent my first night in my new home last night.  The problem is there are so many new smells and things to explore I got so excited and didn’t want to sleep.  I went for a walk late last night, it was dark outside and when I got further away from the new flat I was rather scared.  We soon went back and I was ok then.  I have found a lovely armchair (with a blanket made by Wal) and I watched television for a little while.  My Dad slept on the sofa last night and when he was asleep I cuddled up to him, I don’t think he minded at all but when I pushed him off the settee because I didn’t have enough room he wasn’t very happy!  He has promised to buy me my own basket but to be honest I think the settee is better.  We went for a walk this morning at 530am (it was still dark) and Dad was still asleep! There were so many new things to see and people to bark at.  I went to the washroom with Dad and watched him soap his face and scratch his hair off his face, what funny habits humans have!  Oh yes I also know where they keep their biscuits and also that Wal has lots of nice things in her bag.  I do like chewing cigarettes it makes a lot of mess.

I think I will like it here in Minden, I know I have a lot to learn.  I keep hearing a word called ‘Bath’ can you tell me what that means????

My Dad left me this morning again and I was a little bit worried but when I looked Wal was there with me so I am not alone.  I can get away with a lot more with Wal it is fun!   Dad has bought a book on how to keep Cocker Spaniels, which he is picking up on the way home tonight, maybe he can get some tips. When Dad gets home tonight we are going for a longer walk, I will try not to be frightened this time.

PS I now know what a bath is and a hairdryer!!!!!!!!

Woof

Mario

Wed 16/04/2003 17:51

MARIOS REPORT

Dear Diary

Well I have started getting used to my new home although I am still very very wary about being left on my own.  I had a bath the other night and my Dad was very careful not to get water in my ears and eyes.  I cried a little but enjoyed it when he dried me with a towel.  He then took me into the front room and started to brush my fur and then he dried me with a hair dryer.  I was scared at first but he was gentle with me and the warm air was very nice indeed.  I think my Dad wants my fur to grow curly like a big American Cocker.

My Dad slept with me in the front room the night before last and I woke him very early in the morning (5am) because I needed to go for a walk.  We went out together and there is so much for me to investigate and smell.  I keep making sure that my Dad is with me though and stop and look round to make sure he is on the other end of my leash.  I remember a few commands from a long while ago, I can sit when told and I can give a paw and walk beside him if I want to.  He isn’t too strict with me though and lets me have a good look at my new neighborhood.  When we get home in the morning he then leaves me and goes to a place called work.  I miss him and cry when he leaves but then I sleep during the day (I have a lovely big chair). 

I am still a little scared of strangers though especially if they lean over me.  My Dad always talks to me at the same height and I don’t feel threatened that way.  Then last night I had a feeling my Dad would be home so I waited at the door for him.  I was so pleased to see him when he came in and we played for a while.  He gave me some food (all mine), he had some as well (different to mine and smelt lovely) and then we went for a long long walk.  We had a play in the park.  I still have to stay on the leash for a while in case I run off and get lost but we still played fetch and bring a game I am good at.

Last night a little girl came round called Justine.  I like her, she is careful and doesn’t move very fast.  Guess what my Dad went to a place called bed last night.  It looked so comfortable I just couldn’t resist and jumped up to join him.  It was very comfortable indeed and I slept through until this morning at 545am.  I think I will enjoy sleeping there in future.

I still like the food Wal makes my Dad in the mornings, and I am a lot quicker than Wal  LOL I know I shouldn’t but the smell is just too good.  Maybe I will learn, but sometimes it is just nice to forget.

Woof

Mario

Thu 17/04/2003 17:58

MARIOS THURSDAY

Dear Diary

things get better by the day here and guess what I can bark!!!  Last night I heard people downstairs in the hallway so I warned my Dad about them.  I have a very deep bark sounds funny for a small dog like me though.  One other thing I went for a walk last night and the next door neighbours have a ginger cat.  He was stood outside the door with his back arched just like a witches cat on a broomstick.  I took one look at him, put my nose in the air and ignored him!!!  I thought that was very good of me.  I mean though, what proud American Cocker would lower his standards by chasing a cat???  Mind you there were a couple of really fat pigeons in the park and I really frightened them.

My Dad got his book today but I don't think he found any chapters of 'How to stop a Cocker stealing sandwiches LOL'.  That is really one of my most favourite pastimes, I just love leberwurst (Liversausage) . We have it here and it is delicious.

I learnt German at first but now I am taking the opportunity and am learning a few commands in English.  I like it when Dad speaks English because I can pretend I don't understand and then I can ignore him.   

Wal gave me a neckerchief, black and white with orange flowers on it.  It looks very fetching especially with the colour of my fur.  

Happy Easter.....mmmmmmmmmm I wonder if I will get an Easter Bunny???????

lots of woofs

Mario

Sat 19/04/2003 15:49

NEW PHOTOS

Hi Diary

here are some pictures of me taken today after a strenuous morning of shopping.  I do hope you like them.

Yesterday my dad was at home all day long and I went for  my first drive in his car.  We went down to the river Weser where I was allowed to chase some ducks (they flew away),  I even had a paddle in the river but didn't go in too deep.   I then had to walk past a motorbike which I didn't like at all.  I was up quite late this morning (6am) and my Dad was really pleased he could sleep a little longer. Today they took me out shopping and I even sat alone in the car for a while.  I got a little bit lonely and scared and I even started 'shooting bunnies*' which Dad didn't think was very funny at all when opened the car door!!!!  He bought me some nice biscuits though and also a toy which to be honest I am not too impressed with, still he means well.

I sent a letter to my old friends in the Animal Home and also a couple of pictures.  This morning I got a reply they were so pleased to hear from me again, they were nice people but I like it better here.

I watched Wal colouring Easter eggs today all different colours.  She has left them in the front room table in an Easter nest, mmmmmmm I wonder if it is a test or did she just forget??? I am waiting for Dad to  have his sandwich, and then I want to go out for a walk with him.  There is a lovely park not far from here and I know the way there and back already.

Hey he has finished his sandwich but he didn't give me any, so it looks as if I will have to wait until this evening,

woof

Mario

(*American expression = passing wind)

Fri 25/04/2003 19:52

MESSAGE FROM MARIO

Hey Diary

  Well I have had an exciting week this week.  Let me think.  I went to a Birthday party on Monday that was good there were lots of people there and I really behaved myself.

My Dad left me alone with Wal on Tuesday and in the afternoon I was sick on the balcony, that wasn't nice at all.  I think I must have eaten something wrong when I was out for my walk in the park, there are so many interesting things and smells that sometimes I just can't control myself.  Then on Wednesday I was sick and had a smelly accident in the house!!!! I was really upset about it but Wal was ever so nice and cleaned up after me.  They gave me some black tea (no sugar) and some boiled rice for tea.  I was alright again in the evening.  I then met Ken and Dita (dads friends).  Dita was nice she stroked me all night but Ken was very rough and wanted to play with me.  When I went to hold his hand with my mouth he tapped me on the nose. I didn't like that one bit.

This morning I woke dad at 430 (well the birds were singing outside).  He made me go back to sleep until later and then I had breakfast (rice again) and we went for my morning walk.  I chased the blackbirds in the park that was great fun.  Wait until I can come off my lead they won't escape me then as I am really very fast.  When dad went to work this morning I found a pair of his boxer shorts and put them on my head and carried them around the flat.

Then  this afternoon we went out shopping (I think this is Wals favourite pastime). We went to lots of animal food shops and then (at the last one) my Dad came out with a big wicker basket.  When we got home there was lots of moving about and finding things and then, all of a sudden, I had a bed with a lovely soft cushion (just like dads)= and my favourite blanket.  They even put my toy in there.  I now have a place of my own to sleep.  I have put a photo in so you can see it. 

I had some more rice for tea but his time with one or two hard biscuits.  the lady in the pet shop gave me a present a chewy thing for my teeth, I am really getting spoilt here but I am not complaining.  I sent my old friends in the Animal home a postcard and the lady there put one of my newer pictures on the internet.

Mario

May 2003