Oscar Wilde wrote, “Conversation about the weather is the last refuge of the unimaginative.” So, at the risk of being labeled "unimaginative," I'd like to know, what in the world is going on with this weather? Today is January 31. Presently, it is 61 degrees in Macomb. Am I happy? For sure! I hate the usual winter weather. I'd rather be outside in 61 degree weather than outside in freezing temps, snow, sleet, icy rain, or any other horror of winter -- and I am pleased that our furnace isn't running constantly and that there is no snow to shovel. But, hey, this is the Midwest and the middle of winter. I can't help but wonder how nature is going to get even with us sooner or later!
Okay, so I know the real reason you checked the blog out today is that you are wondering why I haven't posted anything for almost 2 weeks. Well, not much interesting has been happening for one thing. It's hard to write about life when it's rather dull. On the other hand, better a dull live than one full of stress!
Many of you are also awaiting information about the puppies.
So, here goes: The puppies had their first baths on Friday night in preparation for a visit from Loretta and Tom, who came on Saturday to select a puppy. The bathing and drying went well. I stayed dry during bath time, which made me happy. None of the puppies fussed or decided to leap out of the sink or to jump on my shirt. (I think they were too busy wondering what the heck was going on!) Sebastian left on Saturday. Gracie leaves Friday.
My plan right now is to keep Olivia and hope the potential she seems to have for the show ring actually comes to fruition. That, of course, leaves Rafe, Griffin, and Gabe. I am waiting for the perfect homes to come along for each.
The puppies are into a routine now, which makes things a little easier. They have the run of our utility room when we are home. Puppy-proofing it has been a challenge. This litter has some definite explorers and problem solvers. I have a cat tunnel that our cat totally ignores so it's become a puppy toy. They're having a good time going in and out through the various holes and frequently I find a couple of them curled up sleeping inside. Their many toys are strewn across the room and they are into chewing on the white bones I give my dogs. They also love untying shoelaces, nipping fingers, and grabbing pant legs of the unsuspecting. We've more or less perfected the puppy shuffle, which seems to be the safest way to get across the floor without stepping on a puppy who was across the room only a second before we put a foot down. The shuffle protects them from being stepped on and us from stumbling over a wayward puppy.
By the way, an article that focuses on teaching bite inhibition to puppies is "Angel Days and Devil Days" by Vickie DeGruy. You can find it at http://www.canismajor.com/dog/bite2.html
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| Sebastian |
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| Rafe |
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| Gabe |
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| Griffin |
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| Gracie |
Here are the new photos, taken Saturday when the puppies were 8.5 weeks old. None of them appreciate our photo sessions, as is apparent by the expressions on their faces, ranging from curious to not amused to down right irked!
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| Olivia |
Sebastian was still here at the time of the photos so I am including his picture also. Since Sebastian has left, it has been interesting to watch how the dynamics of the litter have changed. Rafe and Griffin now vie for top spot. Griff is a little braver than Rafe when it comes to exploring the environment. Rafe lets Griff solve the problems and learns from his discoveries. Together they make the most mischief! They both love to hide behind the recliner and run in circles in the family room. Olivia does it too. She puts her little tail down to make herself sleek and aerodynamic and off she races! Gabe is the quiet cuddly one. He has more of the Lhasa personality the standard describes."Chary of strangers," Gabe was the puppy who stood back and watched as the other boys vied for Loretta and Tom's attention with their antics. Once he decided they were okay, he approached cautiously and greeted them. Then went back to watching. Gracie is the more outgoing of the girls. I'm hoping Olivia will blossom once Gracie leaves.
I tried to get some short video of the puppies last week and, for the most part, succeeded in that I got some video and it was of puppies, but none of them were doing anything too exciting --playing with toys, having a puppy battle, stealing toys from each other, etc. I did catch one of Gabe which some of my Facebook friends thought was cute.
Thanks to all of you who read this blog!
Life is good when you have a Lhasa to love you.
Joyce
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