DENVER -- July 16, 2009

Oh, shoot me now.

Remember how much I hated shopping for paint and tile? Well, I've found something I hate even more: shopping for clothes. At least with paint and tile Marianne pretty much left me to my own devices so I could nap. But now she's not only dragging me to lots of stores, but she's also asking for input. With paint and tile I never had to answer trick questions like "Does this make me look fat?" and "Of these three pairs of black shoes, which do you think go better with that dress?"

"Why are we doing this?" I whined. "You have plenty of clothes. You already have at least eight pairs of black shoes at home."

"Not the right kind of clothes or shoes," Marianne answered. "At least not with us. Remember, most of our stuff is in storage right now because of the remodel."

I rolled my eyes. "I don't understand humans. Clothes are clothes, right? And all your black shoes look alike to me."

"HA - you are SUCH a boy," Marianne snorted. "Trust me, all of my black shoes are different and none are right for what I need this week. As for clothes, we have all kinds of categories, like workout and casual and office and dressy and formal. All I have at the house are casual and office clothes. I need something fancy for Saturday night."

"What's so special about Saturday, and can I come along?" I asked.

"We're going to the regional Emmy awards, and yes, you can come with us." Marianne fingered my collar and frowned. "Hmmm, I think we should find something to make your collar a little fancier. Sequins, maybe."

I took two quick steps away from her. "My collar is just fine, thank you," I said. A thought occurred to me and I brightened. "Hey, did I get nominated for an award for "Best Blog Written by a Dog?" Or for "Best Puppy at a Local TV Station?" They have those categories, don't they?" I wagged my tail hopefully.

"No, Ross. I am sorry, but they don't have those categories and you aren't nominated for an Emmy. I wish you were. Just think how proud they'd be at CCI!" Marianne said.

"Well, shoot," I grumbled. "I don't suppose you're nominated for anything."

Marianne blushed. "Um...well, actually I am, along with Jennie Castor and Theresa Marchetta, for the story we did last year on the dating scam."

I stared at her in astonishment. "You're nominated for a regional Emmy? Really. I had no idea."

Marianne looked annoyed. "You don't have to sound so surprised," she said. "We worked hard on that story and it turned out well."

I climbed into her lap and gave her an apologetic kiss. "Sorry," I said. "I didn't mean that the way it sounded. I guess I'm sad that I wasn't nominated for an award, too."

"Well, you never know," said Marianne. "Now, which shoes do you think I should get?"

The next day our puppy raiser friend Vanessa stopped by the station.

"Ross, I have something for you," Vanessa said. She reached into a bag and pulled out a stuffed puppy wearing golden wings and holding a golden ball. "This is the Lassie, awarded to you for Best DogBlog Written By A Dog At A Local TV Station." Vanessa whispered into my ear, "Perhaps you could share the Lassie with Marianne since she helps a little bit with your DogBlog."

I bounced up and down and wagged my whole body with joy. "Of course we can share! It's beautiful! I love it!" I turned to Marianne. "Can we put it in the awards case in the lobby? Or with the Emmy awards on the wall in the newsroom?"

"I'll ask," Marianne said, "But maybe this special award should stay in our office." She set it on her desk where it looked very nice indeed. I can't wait for our co-workers to see it.

Chow for now!

Ross

UPDATE: Marianne, Jennie and Theresa didn't win the Emmy, but we all had a great time at the awards ceremony anyhow!

Questions or comments for Ross? Send him an e-mail!

Would you like more information about Canine Companions for Independence or perhaps be a puppy raiser? Call 1-800-572-BARK or go to CCI for details.