Tag Archive | West Seattle

Cardboard Dilemma

Mongo has spent a month at Mom-mom’s house.  He has not stopped his eternal quest for food at all in this time.  Mom-mom bought pizza for her and brother Drewbie, but they did not take the empty pizza box straight out to the compost bin.  This was a bad plan.

It is easy to understand how they could be indecisive at the critical moment.  In Seattle, there are three bins to put items suitable for disposal,

  1. Trash (non-recyclable, non-compostable)
  2. Recycling (cardboard, glass, plastic, newspapers – slobbery or otherwise)
  3. Compostables (Food scraps, gardening trimmings, but no dog poop).

However, GREASY cardboard does not go in recycling.  So where does it go? Read More…

On the Horns of a Dilemma

During apple season, Mongo is always on the lookout for fallen apples.  Despite the fact that he has been stung on multiple occasions by yellow jackets hiding in the apples, he continues to scoop them up if he comes across a tasty one.

This morning, Mongo had scored another apple from a tree near the house.  He carried it back and then into the kitchen.

Dad looked at him and asked, “Do you want to EAT?”  EAT being one of Mongo;s favorite words, he opened his mouth, dropped the apple, and did a happy dance around the kitchen.

Dad prepared his kibbles and green beans, and placed the bowl on the floor. Mongo scarfed it up with his usual gusto.  Then he appeared puzzled for a moment as he surveyed the kitchen.  When he saw the apple, he sauntered over and scooped it up again.

Now Mongo knows apples are outside food.  So he stood there in the kitchen with the apple in his mouth, looking at Dad expectantly.  He was waiting for Dad to give the command “OUTSIDE”.  Instead Dad threw him a curve ball.

Read More…

Treat Bobber

Mongo has a rubber orange Treat Ball.  It is a hollow ball with an opening to the inside that allows Dad to put kibble into the middle of ball.  As Mongo rolls the ball around, the ball meters out treats.  Mongo LOVES Treat Ball.

However, Mongo is way to good at the treat ball game.  This means Mongo eats way too much kibble, and Dad spends all his time filling up treat ball.

So Dad bought Mongo a Treat Bobber for his birthday.  (Dad got Mongo’s at A DOG’S DREAM in Georgetown, WA)

Treat Bobber

Treat Bobber

Treat Bobber has adjustments to slow down the number of treats it issues.  And since it doesn’t roll as easily as a ball, it takes longer for Mongo to empty the Treat Bobber, theoretically at least.

Rolling the Treat Bobber

Rolling the Treat Bobber

That theory does not assume that Mongo will learn how to make Treat Bobber roll down the driveway, thereby spewing treats all along its path.  One or two trips down the driveway and Treat Bobber is empty. And then,when Mongo is done cleaning up after Treat Bobber, all he has to do is bring it back in to Dad for a refill.

I'd Like a Refill Please

I’d Like a Refill Please

After filling Mongo’s Treat Bobber repeatedly one day, Dad was heard to mutter to himself, “If only he would use his powers for good, instead of for appetizers.”

More Bagels for Mongo

Early in the morning, Dad had purchased two bagels.  Dad had eaten his, but he left Drewbie’s bagel on the kitchen table, waiting for him to wake up.  Will Dad ever learn about leaving bagels out?

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Night SKVRL

As the days get shorter, many animals start their preparations for winter.  The creatures need to lay in supplies, or store up body fat for hibernation.  Dad’s excuse for his belly is the latter.

This morning, Mongo found another apple on his morning walk, and was noshing away when he should have been fetching the paper.  As Dad came back down the stairs from the mailbox, a sudden movement caught his eye.  He turned his head to see what it was. Read More…

Twilight at Lincoln Park

With the long days of summer gone, there are more and more lights on around the Sound.  As the days have grown shorter, Dad and Mono’s trips to their favorite park have closer and closer to starting in twilight.  Before too long they’ll need a headlamp to go on their walks.  But at this time of year, on a warm Indian Summer night, the Puget Sound area can be a beautiful place to take a walk.

Read More…

Find Mongo Challenge – Backyard Edition

Drewbie thinks Mongo is missing Dad.  Dad has been travelling for four weeks now.  See if you can find Mongo in the picture below.   Read More…