CAN I SCHMOOZE OR WHAT?
I am getting older and starting to mature and perfect my special Dalmatian skills. I still can use some work on my facial expressions although I am am getting pretty darn good if I do say so myself. Stare downs - I have perfected and usually get just about anything I really want through a little artful and persistent starring. It is amazing how quickly I can get that cookie cabinet door to open up with just a bit of Dalmatian eye magic. I am even getting pretty good about starring Daddy Thom awake when I want to go out at night. These are extremely satisfying talents. I love being a Dalmatian in this house.
On those occasions when I get myself in the "doghouse" I find a truly sorrowful expression works wonders. My best trick is to look really hungry even after I have just eaten breakfast and had a doggie chew. My humans keep saying something about "eating too much" and "getting too fat". That doesn't mean much to me - I can eat anytime.
The best manipulation device of all is the random doggie kiss. It can melt hearts in a minute especially when delivered unexpectedly. But - it is for real as I do love my humans and why shouldn't I? I have a great life!

OOPS, DID I DO THAT?
I know this isn't exactly a pleasant sight, but none-the-less it is a reality. About a week ago as we were going out to the car to pick up lobster rolls for lunch, I spotted my friend Mikey coming up the walk. I got so excited I lunged off the top deck step and accidentally pulled Daddy David right along with me. He is not used to diving from the seventh step of the deck onto the concrete pavers in the dooryard and I guess human heads were not meant to bounce; although David's head did bounce once. Not without a lot of blood and some very disturbing sound effects. I was really scared. Not only was I in trouble now, but I had hurt my very special human who rescued me. I am lucky and I guess everyone understood it was a wild puppy accident because there was no retaliation.
Poor David got knocked completely out and had to go for stitches in two places. The doctor wanted to know if I was going to get punished. No, I didn't get punished. I am still cherished and loved - and, I still had my lobster for a late lunch.