Well, it's finally my turn to post my Christmas list here at Presto Dog! Hello, my name is Douglas, a.k.a. "Dougie." I'm a year & a half old tri-color Collie residing in the Presto Dog den with my three other litter mates: Lyric, Lily & Declan. They're all Shelties so I guess when we're hangin' out together I sorta stick out like the proverbial sore thumb.

Since this is Christmas time I'll be nice but gotta mention that Declan, the alpha dog in our pack, can be a bit overbearing at times. He's always trying to chase me, boss me around or show his dominance over me in some way or another. I guess if we were living out in the wild that would be a good thing, always watching out for the welfare of his family. But why does he always seem to find me to pick on?

Anyway, although I'm a lot taller and therefore heavier than my smaller pack members, we're actually related in the canine world-both the Collie and the Shetland Sheepdog are member of the Herding group. And that's just what we do-herd things. On the list for these activities include sheep, cattle, other dogs, kids and regular people like you. You name it and we find a reason to try to keep it all together in one neat, contained group. This can, of course, get to be annoying at times, especialy when we're "doing our thing" and that consists of keeping our human house members in a group. This could mean making sure they don't get up and try to leave the room, attempt to put on a jacket or do anything else we feel is not proper herding group etiquette. However, it's O.K. to get up and leave the room to get us chewies, cookies or other treats. Just let us know and we'll let you pass without  problem.

So, my Christmas list. I like those great big chewies-you know, the ones that look like the NY Times rolled up. Remember, I'm a large dog so I like, well, large things. Balls I can squoosh in my mouth as I run around our yard are also wonderful toys. I have a coulpe of giant balls, the ones that are as big as beach balls, that we keep our in the yard. The Shelties are realy too small to play with those. I hope Santa doesn't bring me one of those 'cause when I run after them full speed I sometimes land on top of them and have been known to land on top of them. I guess it's sorta funny 'cuase my human freinds get such a kick out of my antics.

I  suppose my list wouldn't be complete unless I mentioned chewies or cookies. I like just about anything. And, let me say the Shelties seem to like whatever I do 'cause if I'm not around they sem to steal my stuff and use it for themselves. This is sorta funny too 'cause my stuff is so large and they have a hard time dragging it off to a corner where they can nibble or chew on it. But, we're all one big, happy family so what they do really doesn't bother me at al. I'll let you in on a little secret...sometimes when they're not around I try to steal their things, too! Their stuff is small but I enjoy playing with all their dolls, balls and other goodies anyway.

Oh! After reading the posts by the Sheltoes down below as to what they want for Christmas, a hamburger or hot dog or two would be a great idea for me, too! I love being a carnivore!

So, the question is-will Santa be good to us? I know at least that I've been a real good dog this year and sincerely hope Santa recognizes that fact. And I'll always share my stuff with my litter mates because I'm an even-tempered kind of guy and just want to be friends with everyone.

Are you listening, Santa? Right below is a picture of me so you don't confuse me with any other dog:

Happy Dougie