Monday, October 10, 2011

PUPPY LOVE

Her name could have easily been Hatchet, Buzz Saw or Wood Chopper but 'round here she's known as Pepper. This little Blue Heeler is wound tighter than a new girdle and has the jaw force to gnaw through most anything. Bred in Queensland, Australia, these popular ranch dogs are cultivated to herd wild~eyed cattle by 'nippin' at their heels. That's how she came to acquire her second name, Nipper. She joined the Ponderosa early this spring where she practiced her 'nipper' skills on this Ozark Farm Chick's naked heels. Now, that's about as cozy as wearin' barbwire panties. Ya'll should of seen the back of my heels! Ouch!!!

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I do declare, trainin' Pepper Nipper not to jump on others or chase cars is goin' slower than a bread wagon on biscuit wheels down a dirt road. When this little prunin' expert sees cars or bodies she's off slicker than a chased greased hog on a downhill run. I swear she was more obedient as an itty~bitty puppy than she is now. She's gotta be in those rebellious 'teen' years.

Pepper has cluttered my otherwise immaculate yard 'cause anything she can drag, carry or kill ends up smack in the middle of it. She could chew the north end off a south bound polecat (skunk) or most anything else. She has pulled the drain tubing outta the bottom of my car, eaten the corners off the house, bedded down in my daylilies and massacred a forest of cannas. 'Chews 'em off right at the base folks and hollers, "timber"! The other day I was workin' in my rose garden when she nipped off all open blooms off slicker than a schoolmarm's leg. Hubs tried to convenience me our little Nipper was just helpin' deadhead and truly wasn't out to slaughter my beautiful gardens. Nope, this chick's not buyin' it! It's a conspiracy...she's disserverin' my efforts.


Puttin' all her trouble aside, Pepper Nipper is as smart as they come and very affectionate. She's always at my side (or on my heels) and will forever be my protector 'cause she's loyal that way. The song written and sang by Paul Anka for his girlfriend Annette Funicello (yep, they were really datin') hit the Billboard Hot 100 single chart in 1960. Donny Osmond's 1972 version is the more familiar adaption we all know and love today. Although Pepper tries my patience to the max and back again, I've definitely found myself fallin deep into this "Puppy Love"!!!

100 comments:

  1. LOL Good thing this dog is loved! Looks like it likes to chew up the solar lights too? Mine did the same but I love mine more than solar lights! ;D

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  2. You have a lot more patience than I do, Nezzy. I couldn't have a dog that destructive.
    I remember both versions. I think Paul's was better, but that's just me, I'm sure.

    Thanks and hope you all have a great week!

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  3. I couldn't handle a dog with that much energy and chewing, either, but I can tell she is worming her nippy self into your heart. ;) She is a cutie. Love and loyalty will get her far with you, I think.

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  4. How simply precious. I keep looking for a little fella for me, but not yet.

    TTFN ~
    Hugs & love ya!
    Marydon

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  5. Ya gotta have real affection for your pooch to put up with all that. Don't think I could handle nippin' my heels. You're a better Mama than I am, but you've certainly gota a forever friend in Pepper Nipper.

    SWEET TEA

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  6. OMG Nezzy,
    you are the best writer! I love your posts and I love how you love that dog in spite of your poor little ankles and cluttered yard!
    I love the barb-wire panty line...what a hoot just thinking about that possibility!
    You definately have a friend for life with that cute pooch!
    Hugs,
    Cindy

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  7. Oh I love Blue Heelers!! Such a cute new addition!!

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  8. Sounds like Ki and Pepper have some breeding in common. She was born a natural bob so I think Heeler is in her background.

    I have no answers because I am looking for them myselves. What has saved me has been an old pair of shorts being used as a grease rag. Ki now carries them every where and plays for hours.

    May your Pepper find her "shorts" soon. She is adorable.

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  9. Our Miggy was a chomper as well but not so much now that shes getting older and she had iron jaws very strong and even crushed her steel cage at one time . All dogs go through this fase some grow out of it and some dont maybe try rawhide bones thats what we used and she likes the odd stick and she has lots of toys to keep her mouth occupied just incase. Hope pooch can stop chasing cars that I dont know what to do about. Good luck and love her no matter what dogs will be dogs after all. Have a good eve.

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  10. Teeeheheeeeeeeee

    I LOVE IT. "Tighter than a new girdle"...."...barbwire panties..." Darlin', you find great moments in EVERYTHING and you are a WRITER!!!!! I LOVE IT! And Nezzy dear, thank YOU for a visitin'!!!!

    GROSSES BISES MON AMIE! MA FERMIÈRE QUI ÉCRIT SI BIEN!!! Figure that one out!! Anita

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  11. i always say, good thing pups are cute. and these working dogs are just too smart for their own good. good luck, dearie!!!

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  12. When they go through that chewing stage it is soooo hard, my goodness. And bringing kills into the yard - Yuck!
    But this puppy looks like the sweetest dog and I can tell she's going to be an important part of your family!

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  13. I'd say you've got a winner in that little dog in spite of the "minor issues" of chewing and heel nipping. Once they find our hearts we pretty much put up with anything, don't we?
    It sounds like you've got a case of "Puppy Love" for sure!

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  14. Ha ha ha, great story Nezzy...ahhh those Blue Heelers...Queensland is the next state up from me...Gotta love anything from good ol' Queensland!!! Thanks for your prayers for the knee...much appreciatred sweetie!!!

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  15. Ha ha ha! You should keep your heels on top of the cupboard;o)
    Thanks for sharing;o)

    ***
    Have a nice and happy week****
    ***

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  16. Hi Friend, How are you tonight??? I remember when our Duchess was a puppy...There was a time that I wanted to kill her---but she was just much too cute!!!! She chewed up one of my favorite cross stitched pieces I had on my frig.... She lived for 17 years---so obviously she did grow out of that puppy stage... Good Luck.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  17. Oh I love your Pepper that was the name of my childhood dog. Puppies are annoying if you can get through that you have it made. B

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  18. They are kinda high maintenance dogs but well worth it. Heck, I'm high maintenance and worth it!

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  19. Hi Nezzy! He'll be a good one once he grows out of that chewing and destroying phase! He's a good-looking puppy. I loved the Paul Anka version, that is the one I'm most familiar with. Guess that shows my age, eh?
    Have a great week!

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  20. I tried to get my uncle to name our cat Pepper one time, but we ended up with Prentice instead.

    Pepper sounds like a frisky one. :)

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  21. So adorable! I am huge dog lover and I always say it tells a lot about a person whether or not they like dogs. We have 4! LOL Good luck with all that chewing...I can relate :-)

    Have a wonderful week!

    Blessings,
    Jill

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  22. Pepper sure is a lucky girl. I know lots of folks who'd a sent her to the pound after she chewed up everything in sight, including people's heels. laurie

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  23. HI!!!
    You popped in to say HI to me several weeks ago and I was so busy getting ready for a trip to MAUI that I never got a chance to pop in and say Hi and introduce myself!!!!
    I look forward to learning all about you, your profile had me at HELLO!!!!
    Hugs,
    jamie

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  24. Aw, Pepper/Nipper is a cutie!!! She is still young and creatin' trouble, but she's going to be the best dog you've ever had!! (Sorry about your garden!)

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  25. I couldn't see the video, but no matter. I love the puppy, too! Adorable and definitely overamped... :-)

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  26. Oh my. How adorable!! I'm feeling the puppy love now too, and the nips. Ouch! Just got off the phone w/ hubs and told him we need to bring in some rawhide chews. Currently, *I'm* the chew toy! :) Enjoy - those babies grow up too fast. -Tammy

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  27. I have a great friend who has a blue heeler and a red heeler. Those two dogs are amazing. . . since they got through the puppy stages.

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  28. Oh goodness! Good luck with Pepper.
    Hopefully she'll get past this phase
    soon!

    Melinda

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  29. Awww what a cutie. She'll mature into a fine dog.. it just might take a few years. ;)

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  30. What a wonderful new pup you have. I'm sure that eventually the puppyness will wear off and you have a great dog. Good thing love can cover a lot of things.

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  31. Awwww, she's adorable, even if she does eat your flowers!! The kids keep asking for a dog...I can't even get them to feed the 3 cats they begged me for!!

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  32. Oh the joys of having a puppy sounds familiar. I have a 2 year old Australian Shepherd that at times acts like she's still a puppy. Like last week she chewed up a couple real pumpkins I sat out for decoration. Rolled them all over the yard and now they are full of tooth marks.
    But I love her anyway !!
    Blessings

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  33. They are wonderful dogs - but take a lot of training!....as you've noted!

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  34. Chase greased hog?? That's hilarious! I just love how your write and you talk. I would love to have a chat with you face to face.

    Sorry that Pepper Nipper is having a hayday in your yard. My Mooshu is having a hayday in our house with our wires, toes and plants. He is nicknamed the Tornado.

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  35. Pepper is so cute!! I bet she makes a great companion and ranch dog! Bet you wish you had half her energy some days as she goes after those cars!

    bettu

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  36. What a sweet looking dog!
    Full of mischief though huh?
    Well, better the naughty dog rather than barb wire panties.
    Yikes!
    It made me cringe just to think about.

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  37. You are a saint, Nezzy, to be able to put up with a pooch that seems to run on batteries!! But she's adorable!!

    That Donny Osmond song brought back many memories!! Ah, baby boomers like us will know!!

    Great post as always!!

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  38. Now that is one sweet - if hyperactive -pup! Adorable.

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  39. It's a good thing that puppy has a lotta love to give! Because she sounds about as mischievous as they come.

    =)

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  40. Pepper is so precious, and all your names could be either of our dogs, they both chew wood, limbs, tree trunks and make it into trash for me to clean up or step on with bare feet. these dogs make excellent work dogs

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  41. I use to have Blue Heelers and know what you are talking about. They are working dogs and have tons of energy.
    The post I did on mine two years ago still gets over 30 hits every day. They are popular dogs world wide.
    Arkansas Patti

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  42. I've always thought there should be something industrious you could teach teething puppies to do! Tanning leather? Tenderizing meat? I dunno. It's just a thought! Happy Tuesday!

    Jenny Matlock

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  43. You're not fooling me. You love that dog to bits!!! Here's hoping that the training goes better in the future, lol!

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  44. Pepper is cute! And I can see she's got a load of personality to go with that cute.

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  45. Good thing dogs are cute, or we'd get rid of them all...Good luck on that training issue...car chasing is dangerous...

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  46. Our puppy, Todd, is just starting to get into the 'heavy phase' of chewing and this morning dragging a laundry basket down the hallway--But I'm like you, I'm okay with all the calamity, chaos, and the holes in my yard!! :-)

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  47. Oh my! As always, that was so good. I laughed the whole way through & nodded my head along w/your prose, as our little Magpie Maggie Mae is little heel nipper, too.

    Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><

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  48. LOL She's a cute one!
    Just wait, tho'--she'll mellow with the years and become much less apt to destroy things.
    And if it's any consolation, we had a cat once would ambush and try and tackle any bare ankle she saw pass by!
    So I guess it isn't just dogs who go after heels, is it?
    ;)
    Rose

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  49. as annoying as they can get some times they sure know how to work their way into your heart. Nipper sounds like a bundle of energy and real sweetheart

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  50. Love your Blog,love your pup. We had a Pepper too, she was one of my best friends, but also had the ablity to drive me around the bend as a pup so her nickname was Pecker. They love to work and are so smart but get bored very easy.We lost Pepper last fall she went tobe with the maker. We got an Aussie Shepard this spring and are having similar situations with our Maggie May!

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  51. Oh my she has captured your heart! Sounds like an active pup for sure. Chance was a chewer when he was little, he would knaw on our log steps..I used hot pepper powder mixed with water. That stopped that.
    I hope you get the car chasing business halted..maybe Pepper needs to go to obedience classes. It may save her life.
    She might need a job too..she is a working dog..she is just working at being a pup now and doing whatever she pleases ( typical teenager).
    Give her a good pat on the head from me..she will mellow with time:)

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  52. Just read your comment on Maggie/Ms Pearl's and thought I'd look ya up.
    In fact, I've signed up.
    hugs
    Gerry

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  53. Yes we saw lot's of those kind of dogs in Australia! i think they are very cute!

    Jones like to carry around a big stick that is so heavy that he almost has to drag it!

    Big hugs from Indiana
    Leontien

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  54. Very cute puppy! My mom just got a puppy - they sure are mischievous! ;)

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  55. You are hilarious. Glad you didn't load the shotgun, but I probably would have.
    Had a friend one time who had the most ugly pit mix you have ever seen, but she was the most loving dog.
    Had a thing for rocks,though. They were every where! The drive way, yard, porch. Big rocks. Kill the lawn mower with one swipe rocks. Stub your toe and turn you ankle rocks. Crazy dog chewed them. All the time. Went all over the woods around the house and brought them home.
    Used to have a cat, kitty door, who drug it's kill into the house. Right in the middle of the living room floor, carpet. Went through 5 or 6 carpet cleaners with that one. Dead rabbits and birds everywhere.
    I hope you don't let that one in the house.

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  56. Hi sweet friend...you won my giveaway..Happy dance....please pop over and email me...I would love to have your address...Hugadoodles sweet one. xoxoox

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  57. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  58. I almost cried when I saw this picture because it reminded me so much of my blue healer I lost last February.
    Their loyal to the bone and love attention.
    Thank goodness mine did not chew everything like yours. lol
    thanks for sharing
    Love
    Maggie

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  59. I hope you find plenty for Pepper Nipper to chew. What do the cattle think of her?

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  60. Awwwwwwwwww she may be hard to train but what a pretty woofie she is. We like her name very much. We bet you will love her no matter what she drags in. Love the girdle and bread wagon on biscuit wheels...your humor is just outstanding sweet Nezzy. Hugs for you and nose kisses for Pepper Nipper

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  61. Boy, he's something else. We used to have a dachshund, she didn't chew on anything but she never met a stranger - she liked. She loved us to pieces and wouldn't hurt a flea, but you would never know that when strangers came by. She never quit barking the entire time they were there. But, you gotta love 'em.

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  62. Congratulations on your new family member aquisition!
    Pepper Nipper is just the dog for you; it has your temperament and energies, and you two will soon find out a common ground.

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  63. What a cute dog that it. We used to have a Queensland Heeler (not sure if that's the way it is spelled) but it was such a special dog indeed. Loved the pictures.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  64. Wow...you sure have more patience than I do...

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  65. Pepper is plum pretty! We have a dog named Pepper too, he has the same colorin...black and white. Chewing on wood could be dog thing...mine likes to do that too. Glad she could help you deadhead the flowers!

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  66. Now that pepper is just so dat gum cute...and the name fits perfectly!
    My husband brought home a homeless dog yesterday. took it to the vet today and it is a Maltese...So cute! I can't understand why people just let dogs out, knowing that they may not survive...
    Blessings,
    Shug

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  67. Pepper and "barbed wire panties"...now you've made me laugh! Hope you can corral that sweetie. I know he'll be a special part of your family and provide you with many "blog worthy" moments! I just love your fun comments on my blog!

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  68. Love the name Pepper, Dogs are so great that way. So loyal. When my oldest was a baby our dog used to lick her, I read that meant she was super protective
    xoxo
    SC

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  69. Well Pepper is a mighty fine lookin pooch! I've heard so much about Blue Heelers over the last couple months, so they must be gettin real popular or something! Beautiful companion though... but what the heck is Pepper chewing on? Looks like a filter of some sorts! lol.

    And one last thing, I didn't know that Annette and Frankie really dated! That'll be my "learned something new" for today!

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  70. Dear Nezzy, I just love the way you write. You remind me of Reba.

    Your puppy is quite a handful but I can see that he there to stay. He'll calm down after a while. We used to have a dog like that on the farm years ago and at the sound of his master's command he would round up the cows by nipping at their heels too.

    Gee Nezzy,thanks for your comment on my blog. I don't know how you keep up with leaving comments on blogs, you've get more comments than a porcupine's got quills. Love you a bunch. JB

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  71. awww...how cute is the pups....no he could never do anything wrong...too cute for that...haha

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  72. What a sweetie! Our pets make us fall deeply in love, don't they. God bless ya,

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  73. Holy cow, she's a handful!

    And she yells "timber!" Very funny Nezzy.

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  74. Many thanks for stopping by! Always love visiting your blog and posts!

    Have a lovely weekend,

    XOXO Lola:)

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  75. I agree with Simone...how do you come up with all those sayings?!

    I'm wondering if you do a little standup routine? :)

    Pepper is blessed to you as his mommy!

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  76. Good thing Pepper is so cute :-)
    xo jj

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  77. SO cute! And now you're prepared, in case you need anything chewed on!

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  78. Heelers are wonderful dogs! They are on the top of the list for intelligence and loyalty. Keep on working on her - although the teen age years are tough on mommies and daddies, one day she will grow up and surprise you with her wonderfulness.

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  79. I like the doggy story here! Those blue heelers are amazing! Your Donny Osmond song brought back some memories! Love it! Hugs to you! Anne

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  80. Sounds like a great dog you have there. My husband wants a red heeler someday. His folks have one and she is a really nice dog. Great story!

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  81. Nezzy, you are always such a mood lifter!!! So glad you're back in blog action :)

    Lucy

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  82. Pepper is such a cutie and is so loved. I like Paul Anka's Puppy Love. I hope you will come and sign up for my giveaway...Christine

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  83. What a precious pup! She reminds me of the dog that my farmer B-I-L had for years. His daughters named her Violet. Poor farmer had to drive around with a "Violet"...

    But he loved her. A farmer always loves his dog.

    I loved that song and didn't know that it was actually written for Annette! Cool!

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  84. Ive had dogs and cats in my family, so i know chewing very well.I have a cat that chews my phone which is right next to my bed in the morning at all hours when she gets hungry. But shes part of my family so what am i going to do!. Richard from Amish Stories

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  85. Sounds like the perfect farm pup to me! Our " Oblivia" ain't too far behind her in draggin' stuff into the yard... Guess I'm just lucky it's mostly our recyclables and barn brushes!
    hugs to you both!
    Leslie

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  86. At this point in life, I like "other people's dogs." Sounds like a playful pup. Enjoy!
    Great post, as always, Nezzy.
    Joanne

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  87. She's a cutie! And that song really take sme back to my childhood.

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  88. Oh hun, I'd be experiencing a bit of puppy love too. Adorable. We have had sheep dogs and they all take time and it is always worth it. Who needs those heels anyway, right? And an immaculate yard is definitely overrated!

    Thanks for stopping back by my blog and checking on me. I've quit fanning (for now) and am enjoying our beautiful Missouri days. We are blessed beyond measure. God is good!

    Deanna from My Loves, My Life

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  89. "Cow Patty Surprise" has been included in this weeks A Sunday Drive. I hope this helps to attract even more new visitors here.

    http://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2011/10/sunday-drive_16.html

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  90. Hi Nezzy Sweetie...
    Oh my gosh, girl you have the BEST way with words. It just tickles my fancy to a "T". I could read your writing all day and never tire. I can just imagine holding my sides with laughter if I were there watching as Pepper Nipper or Nipper Pepper chased you around the farm, not to mention chewing up everything like a billy goat. Oh my what fun you find amongst that farm of yours.

    Thank you for the smiles and laughter this morning. It was wonderful sweet friend. I hope you are well. SO happy to be back and blogging. It has been only a little over a month but has felt like a year or more. Have a glorious day sweetie. Many hugs and much love, Sherry

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  91. She sounds like a hand full! I don't think I would like having all her treasures in the yard.

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  92. What a cutie pie that darn Pepper Nipper is! It sounds like she makes a pretty big mess but is loved just the same:) Have a blessed day dear Nezzy, HUGS!

    96 comments! Dang Woman... That's a LOTTA comments:)

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  93. I just LOVE the way your write...it just leaves me howling!!! Or is that pain coming from someone near your poochie?? He sounds like man's best protector for sure!
    I sure missed you this summer...almost sent a possy out to look for you! Glad you're back!!!

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  94. i always love your posts! pepper is a cutie for sure!! have a great week!!! :)

    mountain mama

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  95. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog. Time to get a treadmill (or take the laundry off the one you have! :) haha Only kidding--We both know you would never use a treadmill like that.

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  96. Oh, Nezzy! I am able to empathise completely! We adopted three rescue pups this year and I know all about dug up plants, ripped out lawn (what lawn?) shredded bark, poops and piddles in places we don't usually allow either! It's hectic for sure! My life has not been my own, since...but, when those adoring puppy eyes turn on their appeal, I melt every single time!

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  97. Puppy Love, oh!, angels!!! Is a real godsend!!!
    God bless you Nezzy :-)

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