So this year the parental units decided to stay home. They wanted to have a mellow Christmas. Honestly, I don’t think it was “mellow” as we all spent 4 days cleaning out all the closets, cabinets, and the garage. Dad claims you should clean out 50% of your “stuff” by the time you are 65. I’m not sure why they have to do it now since the parentals have at least a while before that time, but typically everything is organized and planned out at Casa de Perry. That is how we roll.

Yesterday, they decided to set me up with a “lady” friend. I did not have much luck with the Tutu as you might remember so I was hesitant, but since it was not really a date I thought it would be okay.

I’ve met Viva before at her house and now she came to my house while her family was out-of-town. Before she got here I was told ad nauseam that I needed to be a perfect gentlemen, which is code for “don’t be bossy and have manners.”

Let me just tell you this folks…from the moment she arrived she was bossy one. What is this with the bossy ladies people? She stole my toy and sat in my chair all within the first 10 minutes.

I was not going to have any of that so I took her toy and hid it outside. Then I came in and plopped myself on her bed. That will teach her. NOT…she just growled at me and then had the audacity to wag her tail in front of me and go rub up against Dad. He was giving her MY love, attention and affections. Game on Viva!

To top it off the parental’s decided to take this awkward prom photo. As you can see I was not impressed.

Next was mealtime. Yes, she was still here but I had to wait because she took her time while eating. All right, I will give it to her that she does have eating manners, and eats quite lady like which is not my cup of tea.

After a few words of encouragement we were playing outside and that was cool. Then Mom took her for a walk WITHOUT me and then told Dad she was the perfect walker unlike me who is always pulling – isn’t that what walks are all about?

Before long I was getting tired and realized that it was bedtime. WHAT…she is staying the night? Don’t get too excited folks about the sleepover. It was very I Love Lucy with separate beds. However, she did get to sleep closer to Dad’s side.

I was pretty tired but I was able to be a gentlemen. In the middle of the night The Viva stirred and Dad got up to take her out. It was really cold but I wanted to make sure she was OK in the dark so I got up and went out with her.

The next day she was much sweeter to me and we played nicely in the sandbox. We even hung out together and had snacks side by side. AND when another dog walked by the house she joined me at barking at them – how’s that for camaraderie?  I was actually a little sad to see her go but since Mom is friends with her Mom I’m sure I’ll see her soon enough.

So there you have my Christmas “vacation” in a nutshell. At least we were all together and that’s what holidays are about, right?

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season and please remember to be safe on New Years Eve.

It’s been quite chilly for Santa Monica the last few days and I may need to start wearing a sweater so send me some cashmere if you can spare it.

Love Perry