So, tell me, how can one little puppy cause so much grief and so much joy at the same time? Ha!

Yesterday was a day of decorating...you know, the tree, the lights, the decorations. Of course, the kids picked out the largest tree known to mankind, so we had to put it in our living room instead of our family room. While I'll miss sitting on the couch in the darkness, admiring the sights of the twinking lights and the aroma of our Christmas tree, I'm sure it will be safer out of Isabella's reach.

So, all was well until Isabella decided to investigate the backyard decor. She hates the inflatable Santa. He is an evil man, in her eyes. She was even more concerned when I pulled the plug and he sank onto the ground. And, Snoopy, what the heck is snoppy doing in MY backyard? She knocked his house over and Snoppy and Woodstock lay lifeless next to their house. I picked it all up, not realizing that one of the blue bulb lights lay shattered on the patio. It was dark out there. Later that evening, I took Isabella out for one last potty break. I headed to the middle of the yard and turned around to find her still on the patio...with something in her mouth. What was it? Clang, clang, clang. OH S#!*!!! She had a mouthful of broken Christmas light! She takes off running and there was no way to catch her. I was a crazy woman trying to get her. I bribed her with "let's get a cookie"...she stopped, but then ran when I reached toward her mouth. Yes, it's true, she doesn't do "DROP IT". Finally, my husband hears my craziness, goes up to Isabella and she stops cold. Crunch. Looks up at him and licks her lips. I fish around in her mouth. Nothing. She ate it, I'm sure. She pouted until bed time. I hunted the yard with a flashlight. Who was I kidding? How on earth did I expect to find anything? I was worried sick, and hoping she didn't really eat it. I checked on her every few hours. She displayed no signs of distress. It was a restless night! I have a very vivid imagination and am quite the worry wort when it comes to our fur babies.

This morning, I took her out to pee first thing. She pooped, in two spots. Everything seemed normal. It looked OK, so I bagged it up and headed back inside. She ate and drank just fine. She was on fire with energy this morning! Bouncing, running, playing...I began to feel better, but still worried of what might be to come. I had to leave for work and was thankful that my husband and kids are home today...they can keep an eye on her.

I got to work and did an internet search about what I should do. Come to find out, there have been many a dog who have eaten unsavory things! Christmas lights, glass Christmas ornaments, regular light bulbs, corn dogs WITH the stick, all kinds of toys, rubber duckies, balloons, sewing needles, bobby pins, hair bands...the list was endless! Seems most come through A-OK and pass the badness with no ill effects. OK, I know what to watch for in terms of obstruction and other symptoms...sigh. I'm ready to wait and see...

Ring, ring, ring...It's my husband on the phone. He went out to patrol the yard. He found 2 pieces of the blue christmas light! They were right where I was struggling with her. Thank GOODNESS! I'm 99.9% sure we have located all the pieces. Oh, he also let me know that he found a nice pile of poo with his foot in the process! Guess I missed that one. :o)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS...FA LA LA LA LA!