My key gift to the family is gong to be one that requires a lot of work. There were a number of ways the idea crept into my head – and then stayed there nagging me until I acted. Although it probably wasn’t’ my best decision, I am hoping that I didn’t make a BIG mistake.
He is a real sweetie. He’s black, like Lucky, only with long hair (Lil Sis laughed at this one), and 10 months old. I’ll post a picture later. He is finally lying down on his own and I know that, if I get up to grab the disk, I may never enjoy this luxury again. If only I had some coffee.
My blogging is likely to suffer for an unknown time period. Don’t worry too much if you don’t hear from me for a while.
Another area of my life that is likely to be compromised is my running. I expect this to last at least until my furry friend is better behaved on the leash. I’m motivated to train him as I have plans for him to be my running companion on early morning runs. He certainly has enough energy for it. The question is, do I?
He was given the name of Ronin. In my initial Internet search, the name doesn’t thrill me. According to wikipedia, “The word r?nin literally means “drifting person”. The term originated in the Nara and Heian periods, when it referred to a serf who had fled or deserted his master’s land. It then came to be used for a samurai who had lost his master.” While it may be true that this dog lost his master, I don’t want to set the stage for pet that leaves any time his herd is at work and school. Hopefully, our love and consistent return to the home will assure him that we have not deserted our land.
We took home at about 4 pm yesterday and the Family F is adjusting slowly. Although Lucky is clearly having to adjust, DD seems to be having the hardest time. He is bit more intolerant to the “accidents,” even when the elimination occurred outside becaus part of it came in on the long rear dog hair. I’ve since cut this shorter. I admit, it was gross, but he is a “puppy.” The problem is that he looks like an adult dog.
Our first night, he whined and fussed in his crate. I have no idea what the previous owners did, but it is clear that a crate was not part of it. Without the time to get him acquainted to it, he learned all about it. We all did get some sleep, but it wasn’t until 10:30 pm until I finally heard him completely relaxed.
Now, after a good night sleep, we are ready for another day of getting him used to his new herd. By Christmas, he’ll have a whole lot of visitors (young kids included) that he’ll need to be around. I am hoping that we will all survive this transition period.
I realize that you may think me crazy. “Loco en la cabeza,” is what my niece says. Dog gone it, I may very well be. Please send some good karma, well wishes, and other good, and preferably calm, energy our way.
Merry Christmas!
Dogs like routine, so I’m sure your new furry friend will get used to everything in no time. Good luck with house breaking.
Sending good karma, well wishes and calm energy your way! ;)
Happy Holidays!
Oh, good gift! Puppies are a challenge, but so sweet. Wishing you lots of good luck!
PS. Both my boys showed their dogs in 4H – 15 minutes a day, every day, and we have wonderfully trained dogs. Keep at it!
So this is some sort of Aussie or Aussie mix? Great dogs! Congratulations and I don’t think you are loco at all.
I have a dog with long hair and one the best investments I ever made was a professional grade dog shaver. They have them at the pet stores. Makes trimming the dog so much easier.
Merry Christmas!
A new family member to love! Merry Christmas to you, your boys and your dogs!!
How exciting!!! I think that is a fantastic Christmas gift!
Great gift…and great name for a dog. I bet he’s worth all the lost sleep and running. Merry Christmas, Juls!
What a wonderful gift to your family. I’m a big fan of crate training. Merry Christmas Juls.
What a fun gift. I’m sure the little guy will fill your days with unconditional love.
Merry Christmas!
puppies!! are the cutest….
i think you’re crazy!!
I also think that’s got to be the best christmas present!
Ronin seems very well on his way to becoming a great companion and future happy runner. Your investment in time with him I am sure will be well worth the break from the running routine. Love you and great get-together today! XO
I love that you got an older dog, still a puppy, but not a little one. My brother did this; he rescued a Pit, & it’s not only the best dog, but his best running partner. My brother recently went out for the local Fire Department & out of 106 applicants for 4 spots; he was chosen…..he credits Bobby (the dog) for literally dragging him on those runs that have now given him GREAT endurance. My brothers not a runner; but he’s always been a soccer player, which is constant running.
Anyway; we moved this weekend & my 8 yr old retriever, who was injured when we got him as a pup, & now has terrible arthritis . . . anyway, after 4 days, he seems to be getting adapted to the new house.
It won’t take long for the pup.
Hang in there. FYI; they have figured out Bobby (brothers rescued dog) was treated VERY badly & within 6 weeks it was like they have had him from the begining. So maybe it’ll only be 3-4 wks for your pup to feel like he’s been with you forever.
Merry Christmas and welcome to your new family member :-)
May the two of you have many, many happy miles together in your futures. Can’t wait to read updates on how it is going and how he is settling in.