Dec. 1,

The first snow was today. I woke up feeling cold (we dogs often feel cold on the first of December; it must be a tradition.) and was rapping myself in a quilt when Butch, my pesky dog brother, poked his head in my doghouse and told me to come out. He was grinning, and I thought he was up to his old tricks when I looked around him and saw it. I leaped up, yelping, as though my bed was on fire. Outside, all around was inch deep snow. I raced around; making trails of messed up paw prints in the snow. I slowed down so I could make good puppy paw prints (PPP for short) and taste the snow. The snow tasted excellent. Tracker, my other brother, likes to grade EVERYTHING. This morning he graded the snow for A+. I agree with him. Butch says A- because the snow is powdery and not good for snowballs. Silly him. Then we went in the main doghouse for breakfast. It was warm in the doghouse and the food was great. Then me, Butch, and Tracker went out and played in the snow all day. It was very fun.

Dec. 2

More snow. I should have told you yesterday that I am a dog. (I was in such a hurry yesterday about the snow that I just forgot to mention it.) You may have already guessed. I am a cross between a golden retriever and a cocker spaniel. In any case, I am sometimes thought of as a golden retriever the size of a lap dog. I am, however, an excellent retriever. My fur is a soft golden-brown color with longish hair and curly ears. I think my looks will suit me quite well if I ever have a boyfriend, which I dont think will happen very soon. I am pretty tough, and because of that I am sure that I dont have a boyfriend. My friend, Carmen, and I spend a long time in bed talking about boyfriends, secret admirers, love, and marriage at our sleepovers. It is one of her favorite topics. We are both the same age; the age that humans start to marry or think about marriage. Rubbish, I say. No, stuff that we girls need to know about, she says. Anyway, I should have also told you that Mother gave each of us a diary to record our thoughts, secrets, prayers, and (in my case) poems. Mother believes that I should write poems and stories describing what I see around me. I have to do this because I "am a girl dog and should write poems and stories about feelings, sorrows, and things all around." Or so she says. So here is my first poem:

I think I will call that poem Snow.

Dec. 3

I have decided to look for the other diaries. I know that they have them, but I am not sure if Butch and Tracker would even think of writing in them. We went out to play in the snow again. We want to play before blizzards come. Then we will have to join our doghouses together. When we do that there is only one entrance. There is a doghouse for each of us: one for me, one for Butch, one for Tracker, one big one for Mother and Father, one big one where we eat, two guest ones and two where we put supplies including the kitchen storeroom. (Thats the place where we cook.) That is nine in all. Bow Wow. That is a lot.

Dec. 4

No luck finding diaries. We didnt have time. Soon it will be blizzard weather and when it is blizzard weather we cant leave the doghouses. So we must get supplies. I have the job of putting the dog toys away. So that means I have to find all the toys and put them where they are to go. There are ten toys per puppy and there are three puppies so that is thirty toys for me to find. Bow Wow.

Dec. 5

Here is a list (I should call it chart) of the jobs to do before blizzard time. This time is called Hurry time.

Too cold to write more.

Dec. 6

Guess what? While putting away his toys, I found Butchs Diary. Here are his first entries.

I am sorry that I was meen mean to Fetch.

I know I shouldnt have throun thrown that snowball at her while she was cleaning.

But she was an easy taget target.

I also know that I should be thankful for her for cleaning my doghouse.

But she should be thankful for me getting her food.

Gone out hunting. Be back soun soon.

Im glad that that is over. At least he is writing. But if he calls that a prayerand Ill teach him good not to call me lame. And I think he should learn better spelling.

Dec. 8

I was down with the cold yesterday. I am still cold. I have two blankets and my own quilt. Butch is now doing my job. Yesterday I was talking like this; "Ib tink Ib hab ab bolb." (Really: "I think I have a cold.") But now I am a bit better. Better enough to write. I found this in Butchs Journal:

Dec. 10

Today I am well. I am looking for Trackers Diary now. I wonder if Tracker calls his a journal or a diary. I didnt find anything.

Dec. 11

Found it! No, just joking. I didnt find Trackers Whatever. (That is what I am calling it) I found a note to Tracker from Butch. Here it is:

Bow Wow.

Dec. 13

I was too excited to write till now. I have written everything they said here:

Dec. 14

I still cant get over what they said last night. I know that Butch likes May-Bell. But Tracker was defending me. He didnt think I was lame. I am glad I have at least one smart brother.

Dec. 16

I promised Mother I would write more poems and prayers. Until Christmas I am going to write only about poems and prayers. It will be dull, but my mind is about to burst. Here is my second poem:

I am going to call that one Winter.

Dec. 18

Dec. 19

I had tea today with Mother. I talked about my poems about winter and snow and playing in the snow. Here is a poem about Christmas:

Dec. 20

I cant wait till Christmas to talk about interesting things. Even though I didnt get to Christmas I did write some pretty good poems. (I didnt write any prayers though) Today Mother and I made cookies. We made them in the shapes of angels and dogs and stars. Then we put holes in them for hanging them on the tree. (The others went to get a tree) We colored them, too, to make them look pretty. While the cookies were baking I got out paper and scissors and a stapler. I made chains of paper while Mother made chains of popcorn and chains of nuts. When the boys came back they put up the tree that they picked. It was a beautiful tree with lots of branches. Tomorrow we can put up the decorations. I cant wait.

Dec. 21

Today we put up the decorations. We all woke up early. There were chains of paper, chains of popcorn and chains of nuts. There were cookies and paper stars, moons, dogs, and angels. Then there were balls of all colors. There were blue balls, red balls, green balls, white balls, orange balls, violet balls, (Violet is my new vocabulary word.) yellow balls, blue-green balls, red-and-green balls, and sparkly balls. First we admired them, and then we put them on. My favorite is a little blue-and-white one that sparkles and shines. It is the one that Santa Paws brought me on my first Christmas. I was only a pup then. I decided to put my ball up high by a giant red one with flowers. I think that that is a good place for such a small ball because EVERYONE sees the big red one with the flowers. Its right in the front so that everyone can see it. First up went the chains, then the cookies and paper ornaments. Finally up were the balls of all colors. Then we put on candles. We wanted to light them but Father said we cant light them until Christmas Eve. That really stinks.

Dec. 22

Today we went out and got mistletoe and holly. When we came home we put them all over the doghouses, inside and out. The doghouses are now one big doghouse. It looks great. Found this in Butchs Journal:

He must be crazy. 20 boys?! What would May-Bell say?

Dec. 23

Today was boring because the boys were out getting wood and Mother was in the 1^st storage doghouse. She was wrapping presents and wouldnt allow anyone, not even father, to come in. I was going to go get presents too when I stumbled upon Trackers Whatever. I read:

Well, Im going to get presents for everyone.

Dec. 24

Tonight is Christmas Eve. We made cookies (to eat) for tonight. The boys are out to get a turkey and maybe a goose. I have all the gifts. Here is a list:

I hope they all like their gifts.

Dec. 24, evening

I had to write now. All we can do is wait. Tracker keeps hitting the clock because he thinks it stopped, it is going so slow. It isnt time to go to bed yet, and it is too dark to go outside and play. So we have to wait. All the decorations are up. There is mistletoe and holly hanging about, green wreathes hung on the walls, red candles glowing, the grand tree, the fireplace all ready, and the smell of Christmas dinner from the kitchen storeroom. Mother is simply KILLING US!!!!! Tracker is right now grading the wait F-, the smell A+, and the tree A-. I say A+ for the tree. It is so beautiful!

Butch is acting weirdly. For one thing, he isnt sneaking into the kitchen storeroom for some gingerbread cookies and eating them. He isnt shaking the few gifts under the tree from Grandpa, Grandma, Auntie Pup, Uncle Dog, and Cousin Doggie like mad so that the shatter (vocabulary word #2) into a million pieces. He usually does shake the gifts. He isnt hitting the clock and he didnt make any paper clip chains for the tree. He says things like stealing cookies and shaking gifts and making paper clip chains are childish. Well! Im looking at his journal.

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Later:

Finally it is time to hang up the stockings for Santa Paws and light to candles that are on the tree and light the fire. Mother is putting out the cookies and milk for Santa Paws. Now it is time to go to bed.

Dec. 24, nighttime

I must record everything today. I just put my presents out. Santa Paws has not been here yet. I know because, even though to fire is out, the cookies and milk are still here. Also the stockings are empty and there are no presents under the tree. I must write this poem about how I feel now:

Dec. 25

Morning! I jumped out of bed, screamed at the cold, pulled my blanket over my shoulders, hopped through the house and ran straight outside. I slipped on the icy ground and turned sharply. I leaped on the ice until I was at the tub of water used as a wash bin. I skidded to a stop and jumped on the ice till it broke. I yelled as my bare paw plunged into the water. I splashed some water on my face and rushed back inside. Once inside I roared and hollered until everyone was awake. They were shivering and almost didnt want to go outside and wash, but once I reminded them what day it was they jumped up and hurried outside. Finally everyone had eaten a breakfast of pancakes, sausages, bacon, and eggs. We were all gasping for breath. All but Butch. He must have been freezing, for he didnt jump up and rush outside, he got up, folded his bed up so no one would step on it and walked outside. Anyone could see that he was cold when we ate breakfast.

We unwrapped all of the gifts afterward. Everyone liked what he or she got. I got six white candles from Mother, a sparkly collar from Aunt Pup and Uncle Dog and Cousin Doggie, a rubber ball from Father, a chew toy snowman from Butch, and a spiked collar from Tracker. I guess that Tracker really doesnt think I am a wimp or lame. He is nice. How on earth did he know I wanted a spiked collar???

All day we played out on the ice and snow. This snow was better than the first snow. It is wet and sticks well. I made fifty snowballs and got hit by three. I really only got hit by two but three is a lucky number and so I let myself get hit by the last. I hit Butch six times and Tracker ten times. TEN TIMES!

I looked for Butchs Journal and Trackers Diary, but didnt find them. They must be hiding them well. I usually hid mine on a secret shelf by the tip of the roof or under a loose floorboard under my bed. I dont know if there are any secret hiding places in their rooms.

Dec. 26

Today I am looking for Butchs Journal. I am still wondering what is wrong with him. True, he is playing in the snow, but everything else he does differently. I dont get it.

Later:

Didnt find anything. I looked and looked. Things are getting really boring around here. No notes or dairies or journals or anything. Only surprise is that I saw May-Bell watching us play earlier. I think she was looking at either me or Butch.

Dec. 28

Im just writing because everything is boring. Nothing to do. I looked for Butchs Journal. Didnt find it. I think he is hiding it really well because he has a secret. A secret I need to know.

Dec. 29

Yikes! Bow Wow! Bang! We have to hurry! Father just reminded us. We totally forgot. New Years Eve! Everyone is just plain running around and pulling down Christmas decorations and running around finding New Year decorations. I cant really explain but I can tell you one thing: Im going to be DEAD again. MOTHERS KILLING ME!!!!!!!!! Im so hungry!

Dec. 30

I found out a trick: I am a girl and Mothers a girl. I get to help out in the kitchen and help Mother cook more cookies and jam tarts and cream biscuits. And in doing that, I get to eat cookie dough and samples of the cookies and tarts and biscuits. Only me. Because I helped out with cooking. Because I am a girl. Butch and Tracker are looking at me lying down outside the kitchen doghouse eating tasty scraps. I cant believe it. What my luck.

Dec. 31

Today is a busy day. We have lots of guests coming later so my job is to clean out the two guest doghouses. I dont mind my job. Butch, Tracker and Father are out getting the outside looking perfect and it is freezing outside. Mother is in the main doghouses and cant see into the guest doghouses so I am free to write. The guest doghouses are not what you call clean. The beds are not made and the place smells like musty (vocabulary word #3) air and both doghouses are pretty cold. This is going to be one BIG job. But it is inside and mostly warm and soon it will be done. But for now I am closing you and will write later.

Later:

They came! One after another they came up the steps of the main doghouse. First Aunt Pup and Uncle Dog and Cousin Doggie, our boy cousin. They came up laughing and singing so we all knew that they had come. Then came May-Bell and her mother and father and finally Carmen came. Carmen is my best friend at school. She lives very close but wasnt here at Christmas and didnt have any time to decorate so she came here for the holiday. She was alone because her mother and father were going out for dinner at a fancy place and she wanted to come here instead. Good old Carmen. (Her name is Carmen because she used to yowl and sing a lot when she was younger. She still does sometimes.)

Carmen and I played in my doghouse for a long time. I showed her my new toys from Christmas. She was astounded about the collar from AUC (Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin).

She had some new toys too. She brought a soft rubbery ball with her. We played around with it, it bouncing off the walls and everything. It was fun but Aunt Pup came in and said it was disturbing (vocabulary word (VW) #4) and we had to stop. Then we dug up our secret bone storage under my bed and chewed on our bones. We have all sorts of bones in there-partly (VW #5) because there are two of us, partly because we didnt show them to Butch or Tracker (BT). If they knew, we wouldnt have our bone storage. Anyway, we have some beef bones and some goose bones and some pig bones and some pig ears and four pig hooves and some rubber bones and some smalls bones and some big bones and some made-for-dogs bones. Carmen chewed on a beef bone and I chewed on a pig hoof. We have quite a collection.

After a huge feast of a dinner we went outside and sat on the blankets nestled in the snow and watched fireworks from other families and ours. It was fun, but I was glad to snuggle down in my doghouse. B, T, and I disconnected our doghouses and faced them to a familys firework display and watched from our beds. The only problem is that the doghouses got pretty cold. Carmen is sleeping with me. May-Bell is sleeping with her parents. I am in bed right now. I think I wont finish that firework show. Thats all for now

January 1

Carmen is out and I think she is outside with the boys. She let me sleep but I know what she is doing out there. She didnt say because he is my brother: Carmen likes Tracker! I could see it for a mile away, her with him in one fort, Butch in the other. I think I am going to join Butch. It looks like he needs someone.

Later:

Butch and I won the snow war. We beat them easily-Butch is the second best thrower. I am the best and that is why we won-even if we let them get ahead once. Carmen sat next to Tracker for breakfast. We were all cold and laughing and shaking our fur to get the snow off. I know Butchs secret without even finding his journal. Butch was sitting next to May-Bell this morning, eating, and when he started to shake like everyone else, May-Bell looked at him irately and he stopped quickly, even though he used to be the best shaker. May-Bell is making him be so solitary.

Jan. 2

Today was as boring as everything. I mean, we did everything the same, eat breakfast, play outside, eat snack, play indoors, eat dinner. What is there to write?

Jan. 3

Blizzard weather is near. The wind is stronger than normal and the snow is falling straight and hard. We are moving the doghouses back together again. No more snow forts or snow balls for a long time. Carmen has gone back to her home. She was going to stay for the 6^th of January but her parents are worrying too much.

Jan. 4

Today is the first day of a blizzard. I like my snug little home where I have leftover gingersnaps and my bone collection to chew on, where I have a strong smell of winter because of the mistletoe hanging on top, where I have a soft pad that is my bed, and where I have all of my indoor chew toys and plush animals. I am in no hurry to start whining.

Jan. 6

For three days we have been stuck in while the blizzard rips the last leaves off of the trees outside. Im tired of hearing Butch moan and groan about staying in. I have eaten all of the gingersnaps and my mistletoe is all dried up. My pad smells of musty air, for that is what everyone in these doghouses smells. I long for some fresh air, but Tracker tried to get some fresh air by pushing open his window. That was a big mistake. I dont think I am going to try to do that. I dont dare try and tip an open crack between my place and Trackers. I probably wouldve tried before but the latches are strong and I cant get them open. My room is slightly fresher but also much colder because Tracker opened his window and my place is next to his. Next to his is Butchs and then you can see the big one where we eat and then Mothers and Fathers and next is the guest doghouses and then the kitchen and finally the last storeroom. It makes me dizzy just thinking about it.

Jan. 7

Not much to say. Butchs doghouse smells strongly of drool. Everyone is shivering because Father hasnt yet made an outhouse so we have to battle outside in the shelter of some trees. Everyone hurries back to get in their snug beds.

Jan. 8

Much too boring to write. I wish SOMETHING out of the ordinary would happen. Anything.

Jan. 9

I am sick of playing with my indoor toys all the time. I think I am going to die of boredom.

Jan. 10

I am trying to write every day. It is the only thing that I wont get bored from, at least not now. I am reading what I wrote in the beginning of December. It seems like January is a very dull month. I cant think of anything to do besides read and write, which isnt very exciting. I dont know how Butch and Tracker are staying alive. I dont think they are writing as much as I am. I think I am going to ask them what they are doing to stay alive.

Jan. 11

Tracker is trying to dig a long tunnel from the floor of his doghouse to somewhere outside. Thinks he can try and clear the air. Stupid idea. Father or Mother will see him and put a stop to it.

Butch is planning to drill holes in the side of his doghouse, probably to get fresh air in. So far he hasnt thought up a way to let fresh air in but not let in cold air. Impossible.

Jan. 13

Saved! The blizzard is dying out. Now it is still enough to open windows and go out. Father left some time ago to buy an outhouse. No more battling outside to go to the bathroom! I dont think I could stand going out there in the middle of a blizzard again.

Jan. 14

Tracker is taking advantage of the blizzard stopping to dig harder than ever. Hes pretty smart. He is made the tunnel to Butchs and my doghouses. He also is making some underground caves. We each get three of our own. We also have a meeting room and an icy cold room filled with ice and snow to share. Now even if there is a blizzard or sunny day outside, we can still have a snow fight down here. One of my rooms has a bed, another has my toys, and the last is for Ginger to stay in when she comes over. I am sure that Tracker is planning to build an extra guestroom for Cousin Doggie. Also Butch will use one of his rooms for his friend, Boney, and Tracker will use one of his rooms for his friend, Buddy. I must admit that I am sort of sweet on Buddy. Whenever he comes over he brings me a bone, or, better yet, a nice juicy steak.

Jan. 15

Blizzard again. Tracker, Butch, and I are kept busy digging. I am on my second room. Butch and Tracker are on their third. I am making mine pointing in the direction of Gingers house. Also my three are furnished with shelves in the sides. I will probably want to keep some things down here. And I am working on a hole in the second one, the room I am working on. I will keep my toys down in that hole. It is amazing how deep we can go.

Jan. 16

Finished my second room. I am now working on the third and last one. Butch and Tracker are working on the meeting room now.

Jan. 17

Now I am working on the meeting room with the others. It is a round room. There is a small round bit in the center for the main person to sit. All around that are benches rising up for the other people to sit. If Doggie, Boney, Buddy, and Ginger were here we would likely be having a meeting about what to do at boring times, like blizzards. But as they are not here and the meeting room is still not finished we are not having a meeting now.

Jan. 18

We finished the meeting room and we are finally working on the most exciting bit. The icy room is large and flat and square. We still dont know how to bring in snow. We are having a meeting tomorrow.

Jan. 19

In the meeting Butch was thinking about bringing in water and letting it freeze in the icy room. Tracker thought we should open up the roof and let the snow fall in. He didnt say how to open it and then how to close it back up. It was my idea we picked. I said we should make a trapdoor out of wood in the roof and then pour snow in. Butch would bring buckets of water in and Tracker and I would shovel the snow in. Butch said that after they had enough water he could help shovel snow. Tracker told him that there are only two shovels. I stopped an argument from starting by saying that Butch could use my shovel and I could rest. They agreed. After that we close the trapdoor and hide it by covering it with snow. The only real argument we had was what we would do about Mother and Father. The tunnels were supposed to be secret. Finally I agreed to get Father to take a nap and Mother to cook. It sounded easy.

Jan. 20

It wasnt easy. Father didnt want to take a nap. After what seemed like hours he went out to the woods to cut wood and drop by at the neighbors. Then I had to get Mother to cook. She asked a lot of questions. I told her to cook some cookies or a hot supper for us. I told her that I wanted hot wet dog food tonight. It took a while but finally she went into the kitchen. I tore outside and found Butch and Tracker waiting. While I was getting rid of Father and Mother they had made the trapdoor. We were ready to pile snow in.

I took a shovel and started to pile up snow. Butch wandered off to the spring with two empty water buckets. Tracker picked up the other shovel and dug the blade deep into the snow. We worked for what must have been a few hours. Butch empted the water buckets into the hole. We are going to push the snow in tomorrow so that the ice can freeze. I am going to stay in my bed-cave (Im going to call it that, just like Im going to call the toy one toy-cave and Gingers Gingers cave. Its easier to remember.). I think B & T are going to sleep underground too.

Later:

I took my quilt and my two blankets and lay them on the pad that is to be my bed. I wasnt going to be cold down there. I also made a mental (VW # 6) note about a small fire place.

Jan. 21

I slept underground last night. I could hear B & T snoring a few caves away. When I woke up I went upstairs and asked Father about blizzard weather. He said he wasnt sure but he knew from the Daily Dog News Report (DDNR) that three doghouses were flattened a few days ago by avalanches (VW #7). I didnt know what avalanches were so he had to explain. When I found out that avalanches were showers of snow from the tops of mountains I got scared and asked him if there were any avalanches near us. He laughed and took me outside and told me to look around. All around us were trees, hills, and fields. In the distance were a few mountains. I am almost content now. I am going to sleep underground tonight anyway.

We shoveled the snow in today. The floor of the Icy Room is all icy. And so the room lives up to its name. After that we jumped down and piled the snow on the sides and made a sort of ice-skating rink at one side. The other side is the snow-fight side. It is right underneath the trapdoor. (We are going to leave the trapdoor open at night so that if it snows, the snow will fall in. I just hope that Father doesnt fall into it. He sleepwalks and sometimes sleep howls. He only sleep howl at the full moon.) A last bit has a hard snow riser. If someone wants to watch the snow fights they can sit here. Oh, well, here comes Butch.

Jan. 22

This morning the DDNR said that in a few days it would be blizzard weather. I am writing this in early morning and so I am a bit more exposed. Everyone is running around, getting things ready. We have had lots of blizzards before but the paper said that it was expected to snow for at least seven days, even more. The worst blizzard I ever had was a five day blizzard. It had seemed like ages.

I have tried talking with Carmen but my parents and her parents are afraid that the blizzard will strike sooner than expected. Im going to say the one word that can describe what is happening. S-T-U-P-I-D. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Cant talk with friends, cant go outside and play, cant be in the way, Mother running about cooking and smoking foods, Father chopping wood like crazy, boys running to town to get flour, bacon, eggs, salt, potatoes, green beans, and, worst yet, dry dog food. Dog food is torture. If youve ever tried eating the same thing every morning, every noon, and every evening, then you know just how we dogs feel about dog food. Not that we mind some flavors, but dry dog food isnt exactly candy to us.

Jan. 23

Today something very odd happened. I received a letter. A love letter.

Silverson is the last name of Trackers friend Buddy. Wait, Budraine sounds, and looks, a bit like Bud or Buddy. Im asking Tracker what Buddys full name is.

Jan. 25

Tracker said that Buddys full name was Budraine Silverson. Bow wow a hundred times. Buddy sent me a love letter. I put in it in this diary so that T & B wont find it. Now I just hope that they dont find the diary. Im looking for really secret places to hide it.

Jan. 26

The blizzard started today. I slept in late this morning. I knew just by listening to the winds that the storm had started. I could hear Mother making breakfast in the kitchen. When I wondered in there, I smelled some fowl smelling stuff. (I dont mean to use that word; its the only word to describe the smell.) I found Mother mixing some flour, eggs, and milk in with some dog food. I sighed and groaned and even growled a bit but Mother just told me that it probably would taste good, with all the rest of the things mixed in with it. I tried a bit and in truth it didnt taste bad, really. At that point the two boys came in and said they werent eating anything with dog food in it. They groaned when Mother said that it was probably the only thing they would eat in the entire blizzard. In any case, she poured out three small bowls and one large bowl. When I asked about Fathers bowl she said that he had already eaten and was currently making sure that the outhouse was completely secure and working. No more going outside for the bathroom. After breakfast, which, as I told you before, wasnt too bad, the boys went to their rooms, or rather downstairs. Mother cleaned up the mess and I went into my room. I lay in bed, lost in thought, and thought about my Buddy and the letter in this diary.

Jan. 26

Today I slept in (again) and dreamed of Buddy and spring. After the same breakfast as yesterday, I followed the boys downstairs and watched them compete in a snow fight. First they built a fort out of snow and some chunks of ice (to make them harder and less likely to fall apart). Then they made piles of snow balls. Finally they counted off and began. That is part of the tradition of snow fights. Carmen and I started it. It is a bit like a club. We plan to start a settlement (VW #). We are going to have traditions and games and even a new language. We are just planning it right now. We cant really start any real stuff (forgive me for using that word) until spring and summer. We need warm weather.

Jan. 27

Seems to me that I have started a schedule. First I sleep in, then I eat a now boring breakfast, then I go downstairs and watch a snow fight. It is really very boring. I wish I had something else to do. I vow that as soon as this blizzard is over, I am going over to Carmens house. She has such good ideas; she must have SOMETHING to do.

Jan. 29

Still the same old schedule. I am forgetting to write. I might not even write until this blizzard is over. It seems to be ever-lasting.

Jan. 30

Soon it will be February. I hope that it will be warmer than January. Also Valentines Day is coming. Every Valentines Day we dogs have a Valentines Day Dance. It is held in the largest doghouse in town. Girls pick boys to go with. Of course, the boys have to accept the girls too. I bet that Butch will be going with May-Bell, and Tracker will be going with Carmen. I bet that I will go with Buddy. Or, as a nobler name, Budraine Silverson. And I will not go as just plain old Fetch. I will go as Fetch Dogria Montoya. For that is my real name. I dont know how Buddy knew it.

February 1

The blizzard calmed down this morning and we could go out. We ran outside and breathed fresh air again. It felt like I have never tasted the air before, but I know that that is not true. It seemed as if the world had just started up again, but that feeling might just be in the air because we have been cooped up for so long. Anyway, I dont think we will have anymore blizzards this year.

Feb. 2

I am so angry. I am not allowed out even though it is the most beautiful day this year. And it is all because of Butch and Tracker getting colds. They cough and sneeze all the time. I am writing this midmorning. I mean, what else is there to do? Mother just took one look at the two pitiful bundles all sneezing and wheezing and said I wasnt going out. I mean, it was obvious THEY werent going anywhere in a hurry, but Im as healthy as ever. Mother said that she didnt want me catching a cold too. The only way I am going to get sick is staying indoors with two cough-buckets.

Feb. 3

Mother still doesnt want me to go out. She is making Butch and Tracker drink scalding broth. And that isnt warm, soothing, chicken broth. That is herbal broth thats been steeped in rosemary springs, dried rose petals, thyme leaves and some sort of odd plant that has four blue leaves the same size and smells of rotting eggs. Also this mixture is hot enough to cook bacon on, hot enough to melt all the snow, and defiantly hot enough to burn your mouth. Mother made Butch and Tracker drink it down in three gulps. She even made me drink some too. It is horrible. I hope I dont have to drink more tomorrow.

Feb. 4

Bravo, Father! I can go out finally! The first time in what seems like weeks. He just spoke with Mother and then just like that I went out. Now I can go out when Butch and Tracker stay in. The only bad part is that I had to pay now I am to take lessons with Mother along with regular school. I asked what more I needed to learn and Mother answered (rather dreamily), "Oh, many, many things. Astronomy, herbal knowledge, etiquette, oh, lots and lots of etiquette, divination, all these things you lack." I asked her what astronomy, etiquette, and divination meant. She told me astronomy is looking at the positions of the stars, planets, and asteroids and what they meant. She said etiquette was "everything, simply everything, from pouring tea to sitting." She went on about how divination was all sorts of fun stuff like reading tea leaves and also reading hands and minds, gazing into a crystal ball, and even looking into the future. We are going to learn some magic, she said. Me? Magic? Is Mother mad in the head?

Feb. 5

No, she isnt. Mother is really and truly giving me magic lessons. Already my mind is spinning I learned the names of 25 different stars and 12 different con whatever. Something to do with groups of stars forming constellations thats the word! I can barely remember the word constellations, let alone the names of them. We also started on working on the way I walk. I am glad Mother isnt making me learn how to walk, talk, sit down, and eat at the same time, along with learning the stars and constellations. Mother said that I will soon be ready for herbal knowledge, as she calls it. Herbal knowledge is all about learning the names of herbs and plants and what their uses are and where they best grow and things like that. It is giving me a headache just thinking about all this stuff but I dare not ask Mother for a medicine for she would ask me about constellation names and then quiz me on which leg I am supposed to move first when I walk. No, I am just going to go to bed and hope it will feel better.

Feb. 6

Carmen came for a sleepover. I showed her downstairs into the caves. She opened up her bag and pulled out a silky pad to go over the pad I set out for her. Then she took out two hairbrushes and a comb, some chicken flavored toothpaste and a heart toothbrush, three love novels and a bookmark covered with hearts, a cloak made of purple velvet and another one made out of soft fabric, maybe silk, and two sets of shoes: one pair of soft ones, stronger than silk but lighter than wool, and one pair made of stronger fabric, probably leather. Anyway, both pairs were purplish-blue, blended into a soft color. Bait for Tracker.

After everything was ready, I showed her around the under ground caves. I pointed in the direction of the boys chambers, not in the mood for showing her Trackers quarters. After the little tour we went up for dinner (it was that late).

Dinner was wet chicken dog food as main dish and chicken pie for dessert. I sat next to Carmen. Butch and Tracker had their friends over for a sleepover too. I sat across from Budraine. I didnt say much all dinner. Budraine didnt say anything except to Tracker and Butch. Even though he didnt look at me, I could see that his face was a bit red the entire meal.

After dinner we moved our pads to the connecting door between our caves. We talked for most of the night how could Mother or Father know that we were still awake? First we talked about the caves and decided on making more caves. I will talk with Tracker about making a tunnel connecting Carmens house with ours. Then even if there is another blizzard which I dont think will happen this year we can still see each other. I am sure he will agree what with another chance to visit his lover? J But then again L It almost feels like he is taking my friend away from me. I dont want that to happen.

Anyway, guess what we talked about next can you guess? Marriage. Valentines Day Dance. Boys. Carmens favorite topics. We talked about what it feels like to be in love and to have a boyfriend, and what qualities we look for in boys. She looks for funny, cute, fun to play with, handsome, smart, and loving. I look for fun to play with, handsome, smart, loving me (I dont want someone, say, marrying for my money) (not like I have much), has a good mind, and speaks truthfully. She bugged me about not wanting someone cute or funny. She says those are the Top Two qualities. I told her that Tracker is neither funny nor cute. She looked like she was about to blow. She asked how on earth I knew. I said, "You dont think I am blind, do you?" She looked like she needed some fresh air. I was just about to bring her to the Icy Room when she started to laugh.

She said that if I knew her secret, she should know mine. I told her that that wasnt the way it goes. She pestered me until she gave up. "Oh, well," she said. "I know already. You are sweet on Buddy." I told her that that wasnt true. HE was sweet on ME. I even told her that he had sent me a love letter. NOW it looked like she would really burst. She did. She burst out crying and told me between sobs that I was SO lucky and she wished Tracker would send HER a love letter. I said that he would probably give her one at the dance. She cheered up at once.

Well, now I am tired, really tired. We must have been up until midnight. I am writing this by candle light in my own cave. I think I should have written somewhere else. Someone might still be awake and see my light. I am going to go to sleep after I find a good place to put you. Sweet dreams.

Feb. 7

It happened again. Another love letter. I found it by my pad this morning. I am writing this while Carmen, Butch, Bones, and Tracker are playing in the Icy Room. I think Budraine is still sleeping.

It sounds a bit like a riddle. It seems that he is waiting for me. He tells me to look in the shadows. He will give me a gift when I find him. It is not as it seems Think. I know! I thought he was still sleeping. Hes not. Hes waiting for menow. I will be back.

Later:

I am too excited to speak! He gave meHe gave meOh, dear dearest darling beloved wonderful diary, he gave me a kiss! A gift I will treasure for a long time to come. The letter said so. He was in the shadows, waiting for me. He saw me come and, and, just swooped me up and kissed me on the cheek. I wanted to stay longer but we could hear the others coming. Im not sure if I should tell Carmen about this.

Feb. 8

It started today. B & T and I are working on four tunnels one goes to Carmens house, one goes to Bones house, one goes to Budraines house, and one that goes to Cousin Doggies. I think Butch is going to add another tunnel going to May-Bells. He has that look in his eyes. I mean, everyone is happy except him I have Budraine, Tracker has Carmen, and what about him? I suppose he could match up with Cousin DoggieJ .

Im going to help the others with digging. They were writing out plans for the tunnels. They should have started by now.

P.S. Budraine, Bones, and Carmen left a while ago. Budraine promised to find me again, for a longer time. Diary, you are getting more precious every day. So far you have two love letters, knowledge about a kiss and a secret meeting, even one of Carmens secrets. What next?

Feb. 11

I have not written because everything is almost ordinary. The digging is still going on, Budraine hasnt written anything giving out the time and place of us meeting, the only thing wrong is Father becoming sick. Mother said that he isnt very sick but she has a look in her eyes that I dont like.

The boys are not to visit Father now. Only Mother and I can see him. I think it should be only Mother. It is Mother who has the knowledge of herbal medicines not me. I am only a beginner.

P.S. I am resuming my studies with Mother. Because of Father ill we are skipping the stars and con whatever and moving on to herbal medicines. She said that when I have a family of my own I will need to take care of my husband and children. She kind of grinned at me as we walked home from buying seeds for herbs and plants. I was carrying a pack of ready-made plants to be planted. In all we have rosemary, roses, slip-tulips, daisies, moonflower, thyme, marigold, angelica, dill, rue, verbena, marjoram, St. Johns wort, even garlic and thistle! You can see that I have been busy. I didnt see how thistle can help a sick person. Mother just laughed and told me that some of the herbs arent meant to heal a sick person. They are to keep out bad things, or maybe just to keep a husband happy. Thats what she said about the St. Johns wort and the slip-tulips. She grinned that strange grin again and I understood. She was telling me all this now because she thinks I am going to get married soon! Could she have read this diary?

Feb. 12

The letter came today. Here it is.

It fills me will love and softness just reading it. I will write about tonight as soon as possible.

Later:

I went out at 11:00. I didnt know how long it would take me to find him. I know where Pupcornia Wood is but it has a couple of clearings. I shouldnt have worried. He was waiting for me at the beginning of the pathway. We walked all the way to the other end of the pathway. We talked about the dance and who we know how is going. I knew that Tracker was going with Carmen and Butch with May-Bell. They told me about it this morning. Budraine knew three boys from school who are going with triplet girls. I told him that I didnt tell Tracker or Butch that I was going. I want to keep it a secret. They think I am too young to go to the dances. They do not know that girls often marry when they are my age. I told Budraine that and he laughed. Then he kissed me on the forehead. I walked closer to him. We walked the way home in silence. It was a lovely silence. I wish it could have gone for longer. When we got to my home he said to me, "I love you, Fetch Dogria." And I said back, "And I love you too, Budraine." I went home feeling much happier than when I left home.

Feb. 13

Im spending the day working on my dress for the dance. Im working in the caves so no one will see me. My dress is made of golden silk with a blue silk cloak. I used all my savings for the materials. I also bought silky ribbons of blue, gold, green, red, orange, and purple to braid into my hair. As a final touch I made four light blue-green slippers to wear. I made a drawing of it. I even used colors to let you see what it looks like with colors.

Feb. 14

Today is the dance! I am so excited. I am writing this in early morning. Everyone is still sleeping.

I dont know why I woke up so early. The dance starts at 7:00 in the afternoon and doesnt end until midnight. I am going to walk in around 7:30. I really dont mean to be late but I have lessons with Mother. I am also going to work on clearing the garden. Mother has given me a space to clear. She says that a good housewife should know how to plant and how to clear space. It might be hard work, but it will let my mind be wiped clear and allow me to work without thinking about the long, long hours away.

Later:

I just had breakfast. Butch and Tracker left just now to meet with their dates. I helped Mother with the dishes. Mother said that as a treat for helping we could make gingerbread. She said she was glad that I wasnt running off with hundreds of boyfriends. I felt guilty and had to tell her. I told her that I was meeting with Budraine, Trackers friend. She looked surprised but then said, "Oh, I dont mind you meeting him. Hes seems nice." Then I told her that I was going to the dance. I dont know why I said that, I just did. She just said, "Have some fun." That was all.

Even Later:

It is seven. Tracker and Butch came back for lunch at twelve. They went outside to clean themselves, and then Mother brushed them. They left to go to Carmens and May-Bells houses and walk them to the dance. I am about to have my lessons with Mother. I dont think I can concentrate. I hope my lessons will be easy, as I dont think I will work very well.

30 Minutes Later:

I am ready. Mother warmed some snow in a tub for me to wash in. She dried me off as best as she could. Then she worked on my hair, brushing and braiding. Brushing and braiding. Finally she helped me slip on my dress and cloak. I pulled on my slippers last.

I am waiting for Budraine to arrive. Thats the way it is the boy goes to the girls house to pick her up. That is why Butch and Tracker left. I didnt see much of them today.

Here is Budraine. Good-bye, diary. I will tell you what happened later.

Much Later:

It was so much fun! I met Budraine on our front porch. He said he had never seen me before, but then swooped me off my paws. He laughed and said that I was pretty without all the decorations. I laughed too. We walked to the dance smiling.

When we reached the doghouse in which the dance was being held, the dance was already on. So when we walked through the doors, dogs saw us. Heres the best part, they gasped. Yes, they gasped at me. I still cant believe it. Budraine and I danced and danced till we could dance no more. There were fast dances, slow dances, even loud dances. There were so many different dances. After dancing we went over to the drinks table.

As we were drinking, Budraine told me that I danced well. He also said I was intelligent. I would have said something, but at that moment who should decide to talk with Budraine but Butch. By his side May-Bell walked. I should have known trouble like this was going to happen. I didnt look at May-Bell.

Butch introduced May-Bell to Budraine, then Budraine to May-Bell. Just when I thought I had it, Butch asked who I was.

I said, "Come on, Butch, dont you know me?" He looked at me, then at Budraine, then back to me. "Its, its, its Fetch!" "Thats Fetch Dogria to you." Budraine said. "No, no, no!" It looked like Butch was about to burst. He turned and ran to the other end of the doghouse with May-Bell running after him.

After that we didnt have any more problems. We talked and ate from the feast table. There were olives, cookies, cakes, punch, salad toppings, salmon (yuck!), and many other different foods to pick from. Soon after we left, not wanting to meet Tracker. We could just imagine what he would say if he found out his sister was dancing with his best friend. I bet anything that Butch will tell him.

As we walked home I told Budraine what I had wanted to say. When we got to my house he kissed me again. This time it wasnt on the cheek or the forehead. It was on the lips. I felt like someone was watching us, but I was feeling too good to care. I just wanted to last in that position forever. However, it only lasted for a little while, but in those few moments I understood why breaking up with your love is so hard to do.

Feb. 15

I cant stop thinking about last night. It is a good thing that Mother is letting me have a break from my lessons. Father is well again and joking about like regular. It is so good to have him back.

To help myself from thinking about Budraine I helped out downstairs. I worked on the tunnel that Tracker was working on. Butch was working on Cousin Doggies tunnel. Tracker and I are working on Budraines tunnel. I dont know how I managed to work on that tunnel without running in circles.

Feb. 16

The days are flying by. We are almost finished with Budraines tunnel. I think Tracker will work with Butch next. I am going to tag along. I just want to keep an eye on Butch.

Feb. 17

We finished Budraines tunnel. Tracker is now working on Doggies tunnel. I am taking a break.

Feb. 18

I am working with the others now. Butch keeps on looking at me. Im not talking while I work.

Feb. 20

You will never guess what happened. I knew something was going on. Over the night Butch started another tunnel going in another direction, branching off of Doggies tunnel. I bet it is going to go to May-Bells house.

Feb. 21

Doggies tunnel is finished. Butch is still working on May-Bells, but doesnt let us help him. Tracker and I are now working on Carmens tunnel. I wish something would happen.

Feb. 24

Carmens tunnel is finished. So is May-Bells. Butch is working on Bones tunnel.

March 2

I havent written in so long because not much has been happening. Bones tunnel is finished, as is all the caves on the other end of all the tunnels. Carmen, Budraine, Bones and Cousin Doggie are visiting regularly. I think the boys are having a late night snowball fight right now. I can hear them. Carmen didnt come.

March 3

We are playing with the others every night. They cant come in the day because the parents will get suspicious.

March 4

My lessons with Mother are back on. I am working hard on learning all the names of the herbs. I am also clearing space in the garden. Mother wanted me to continue with the stars. In all my days are packed with clearing space, names of herbs and stars, and planting. Bow wow. And I am still playing downstairs with everyone. Carmen is spending more time with me, I think because talking about marriage has bored the living daylights out of Tracker. Maybe she is making up for not playing with me, only with Tracker. Tracker, Tracker, Tracker. Thats all she ever does. Tracker this and Tracker that. I think I am losing this friend. No matter, I have Budraine.

March 6

Same old schedule. Well, if you count finishing clearing the garden and starting to plant same, it just isnt. It is warm enough to go for picnics now. The boys, Carmen, and I are going for a picnic in two days on top of the hill behind our house. It has such a great view that we call it Lookout View Hill. It is also a wonderful picnic spot. Those are the two reasons that we are going there instead of somewhere else.

March 7

The snow melted today. Everyone was hoping this would happen. Now there will be fresh grass to play on for tomorrow.

May-Bell might not be coming on the picnic. We tried to talk her into it, telling her how good the view is. She shook her head. Then Carmen came forward and said, "But May-Bell, Butch would be lonely without you there with him." And just like that, May-Bell thought about it, and said that she might be coming. So we will find out tomorrow.

March 8

The picnic was today. Butch was happy because May-Bell was there with him. Carmen knew exactly what to say to make her come.

First we just played around. May-Bell watched while Butch showed off his running skills. Carmen and Tracker were rolling in the fresh grass. Budraine and I ran around, lost in our own thoughts. I know May-Bell was watching us. I dont really care. Our love isnt really a secret anymore. I just want to be with Budraine.

Afterward when we were all tired we sat down on the picnic blanket Carmen brought and started to unpack the food. We had sandwiches, dog treats (they are still tastyJ ), and water jugs.

We were so hungry that we ate it all up quickly. I love being on Lookout View Hill, far from the city, so close to the sky; sometimes I wish that I was able to touch it. My feelings are like that.

March 9

Father has become gravely ill again. The boys are forbidden to go near Fathers doghouse. It is only Mother and I who are allowed to go in there. The air is hot and stuffy. Father sweats regularly now. I sponge his wet face with a cool cloth but it doesnt do much. I long to run from the room, open the windows; anything to breath fresh air again. When I do get to go out I tend to the garden. I am trying to work extra hard now that Father is sick again. My plants are poking their little green heads above the soil.

I have another feeling, one I must record. Here it is: guilty, angry, worried, crying, death, hot, damp, sickness, grave illness, coughing, again, death.

March 10

Father is still not better. If he is not better by March 12, Mother said, she will call the doctor. Mother does not want Father sick on the 15.

March 11

Father gets worse and worse each day. I am so worried. I do not know what I will do if he dies. I do not want to think about it.

March 12

Mother has gone for the doctor. I was crying in the main room. Even when Budraine came I could not stop. He just held onto me while I cried. Then he kissed me and told me it would be all right. I tried to stop crying and when to my doghouse. I am here now. When will Mother come? It seems like Father is going to die here, while Mother goes get help.

Later:

Father is not going to die! It turned out that Father isnt the only male dog that is getting this sickness. Men who had gunshot wounds from the war that ended two years ago are still suffering from them. Father was in the war it would, of course, effect him. He was shot twice in that war. It was a brutal war between the cats and the dogs. The cats wanted more land, while, at the same time, the dog king,

King Lanadog III, refused to give the cats any land. He wanted, and still wants, more land, not less. There are more and more puppies being born and the Doglana Empire just isnt big enough for all of them and their families and their families and so one. King Lanadog is furious at the cat kings, King Nipcat I, refusal. The war, called the War Over Lands, is over now, but there are rumors that King Nipcat I is training troops for a second war, this one called the War of Revenge.

Anyway, Father is not going to die. He is, however, going to be taken to a hospital in the next city. This hospital is only for Fathers illness gunshot wounds. They treat this strange disease in only six hospitals one in Pupindale, where Father is going, Tramperdale, Gingerpupday, Pupp-i-day, Spainelorday, and Arfdeeday.

The doctor says not to worry about Father and that we can visit him in Pupindale.

March 13

Father is going to go to Pupindale on March 20. Meanwhile there is a nurse living with us to take care of Father. Mother is relieved that she no longer has to sit around caring for Father. It is welcoming to me, too, that I do not need to stay in that stuffy doghouse. I am going to do some gardening.

P.S. Budraine came to our house to help out in the garden. He said that he was glad Father was going somewhere where they will take care of him. I can love Budraine on times like that.

March 14

I am not sure what to say. Since there is nothing going on now I will tell you more about my past.

My birthday is May Day, the first of May. Mother says it is a lucky thing to be born on May Day. For one thing, my birthday is not an ordinary birthday. Every year Mother and I plan carefully. Every year we have a maypole. We check the strings to make sure none are fraying or growing old. We buy new and brighter strings to take the places of the old ones (the ones that fray).

Every year we plan new cakes and select a new kind of bone to pass out. (I think last year we had chicken bones. This year I think Ill pick beef bones.)

We must send invitations out. We must also have our yearly spring cleaning. Oh, how I hate spring cleaning.

Mother is calling. I hope she isnt thinking about spring cleaning all ready!

March 15, I think the Idles of March

Father survived today. His nurse said that he is improving greatly. I hope she is correct. I dont fancy losing a Father. (Should I put a smile or a frown? Oh, who cares, Ill just put then both.)

J and L

March 17

I have not been writing because Mother was indeed thinking about spring cleaning. She said that this year must be much better than last year, or the year before, or any other years. It must be better than it has every been. She said it is to be not only just two celebrations this year. She said three! (What was she talking about!) She had a look in her eyes I dislike.

Here is a list of the chores for spring cleaning:

airing ALL of the blankets and pads

scrubing the floors

washing the windows

polishing the plates, bowls and silverware

cleaning the fireplace

reorganizing and dusting the books in Fathers study (part of the large doghouse that he and Mother share)

taking all spoiled food out from the pantry

mucking out the garden L

pulling out weeds from the garden

raking ALL of the leaves from the yard

putting clear paint over crackling walls

Here are the new ones added for this year:

repainting the outside walls with fresh paint

planting bulbs and seeds in patterns

whitewashing everything (I have no clue what whitewashing is)

We have already started. I may not be able to write so often.

March 19

I have time to write this now. I am in the middle of airing the blankets. The sun is so bright! I wish I could write more now, but I will write tomorrow, if I have time. Father is leaving tomorrow.

March 20

I am dumbstruck.

March 21

Mother says I am as nervous as a rabit rabbit. I think she is write right.

March 22

I think I am ready to talk now. I cant believe it, but, now that I think of it, it seems likely.

I cant seem to write it.

Budraine proposed to me. He wants to marry me.

There, it is out. Read this.

Here is the problem.

THE END

Budraine Silverson and Fetch Montoya got married on the 23 of July amid fireworks and cheers. Under the stars Fetch showed Budraine her diary from the beginning to the end. Budraine enjoyed reading the diary and how Fetch had felt about him.

Tracker Montoya and Carmen married the next year in April. Finally, Butch and May-Bell enjoyed a peaceful wedding in December, despite the snow.

Budraine and Fetch lived a long and happy life and had many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so on. Writing and passing down diaries became a tradition. Old diaries, such as Fetch Dogrias, were treasured for many, many years.

Authors Note

When I first started writing Fetchs Diary, I didnt think I would be able to finish it at all. I started it in the beginning of fifth grade and ended it just before the school year ended. It was my goal to finish before school was over, so that I could show my friends, and most of all, my teacher, Ms. Aaronoff. Ms. Aaronoff helped me so much in language arts I had to pay her back by honoring her here. She taught me grammar, spelling, expressing myself, commas, question marks, periods and more. I could have never finished this story without her.

I think one reason why I am good at language arts is that I have never, and will never, be good at math. I despise math and most things that have to do with it. I find it tiresome, but I love language arts. That is the very reason that I started as an author.