The Big Bang- By Elizabeth

Cooper created a big bang a couple of weeks ago. Well not really. But in this house it sure seemed like one. As usual he was licking the dishwasher after dinner. I was not here to witness this but this is what people had told me. Mom was finishing dinner, Dad was in the kitchen looking in the refrigerator, Nicole was eating barbeque sauce, and Michael was on computer. Cooper somehow knocked down all the dishes, shattering all. Mom said it was the loudest thing she has ever heard and layers of dishes just kept on falling. For me, im just glad i wasnt there to hear the big bang.

Talking Too Much -- by Mom

Okay-- so he's an official part of the family and we're really starting to understand each other. When Cooper needs to go out (for potty) he just scratches on the back door and someone takes him out. What could be simpler than that? He talks and we respond. Lately, however, Coop's been scratching and I've been taking-- but something has gone awry. He does NOT need to go potty (as I soon discover) but just wants to be out there following some scent in the yard or checking out what's going on. And while there's nothing wrong with that, he needs to communicate to me that that's what he wants to do instead of the potty thing. Then I wouldn't have to drop everything and run and grab his leash in split second time. I could more leisurely finish what I'm doing before I take him for an outing. He's not only learned the power of communication-- he's learned how to abuse that power too! What a smart beagle you are Coop.