Was a challenge figuring out how to get the boys to run cross country this year….financial inducements weren’t cutting it. Finally said “We’ll get a puppy if you do it” and that was what worked.
*They* wanted the puppy right away. We said “uh uh, finish the season first.”. Then we said that maybe a puppy might not be the best thing for Wiley. Well, the season is over, and…
Wiley Update: Actually attempted to jump up onto the couch (an abysmal failure…but he felt good enough to try it!). Moves around well enough. Probably as good as it is ever going to get.
So, we started to look into the puppy thing. Cpher and Suzanne agreed they wanted a Golden Retriever. Suzanne insisted on a girl (too many boys already in the house!) and that would be a smaller dog regardless. Called a local breeder that had them at a ‘reasonable’ price….and was having a litter near Christmas. Figured we’d be ready when we get back from the cruise in early January. She had one puppy now; 10.5 weeks, really small. I mentioned that we were going to be away…she offered to take her back for that time….and that was that.
So we’re almost a week in:
1) Bailey is doing well. Only a handful of accidents and then I think all but one has been on the hardwood.
2) Wiley is largely indifferent to Bailey’s arrival….has growled once or twice when her gnawing on his leg has gotten a little out of hand. Was really pleased to discover the kong we bought her; had to order another for him!
3) Holly is a different story; she has taken every opportunity to show her dominance over Bailey. Barks and growls when Bailey comes near her. If Bailey even dares to break into a run Holly is there in an instant to ‘tackle’ her. Funny and sad all in one.
4) Sleeps pretty well….twice had gone straight through the night although the last two nights we’ve had 2 to 3 am trips outside. Thankfully, she does her business and comes right back in and settles down again.
