Growing

Amelia is still very much a puppy but getting bigger every day. We are finding puppy teeth in various places around the house so pretty soon she will have all her 'big girl' teeth. She has worn patches of Quad's hair off her back but other than hair loss I think they do very well together.

BFF

These girls are now BFF - Best Friends Forever. They play together and sleep together. The only thing they don't share is food. Amelia is NOT willing to give up a single morsel to Quad even if it is Quad's food.

Lost a tooth

Amelia lost a tooth on Quad's back yesterday. They love to play and when Amelia 'bit' into Quad's back a tooth lodged into her fur and stayed. It didn't bother Amelia or Quad in the least. Amelia is already growing a new one and the point is well on it's way through the gums.

Under cover of the night

Amelia decided our blankets were better suited for her. She yanked them off the ironing board while we were making our bed and promptly made herself comfortable. She is getting so big but hasn't helped herself to our bed lately, just our covers. Her favorite thing to do in the morning after there is one open spot is jump next to the late sleeper and start spooning. She is a total lover!

Growing

Look how big this little girl has gotten. She is eating all of Quad's food and her own. She is enjoying the company of another dog and has gotten more and more playful by the day. She and Quad play several times a day then they pass out for a long nap.

Chew Chew Chew

Not sure why Amelia prefers chewing on wood (kitchen table, computer chair, end table) over the rawhides we provide her. She is still cutting her little doggy teeth and they are into everything.

Amelia went in the pool yesterday but it was not her favorite event. She had been seeing Quad jump in and swim around and even stand on the step just chillin. Amelia kept inching closer and closer until she finally put a paw in and then even got close enough to take a drink. I think she will get used to the idea but her first reaction once she was immersed in water was PANIC! Once she calmed down she was a natural swimmer but she got right out and didn't go near it again.

Amelia Bedelia

This is where you will find Amelia most of the time. Right under my feet, whether I am walking or working she is right there. I swear she has grown a foot since her arrival. She continues to do well but has small relapses on potty training daily. Yesterday we spent the day out and the oldest son, Oliver, was home with her. They are getting along now so he enjoyed spending some quiet time with her. Amelia is getting more receptive to meeting new people. She let 3 new people pet her yesterday without so much as a growl. This is progress!

Dog Park - Again

Went to the dog park again and Amelia was MUCH better. She actually WALKED all the way to the back of the park and all the way out. She only sat on the bench a few times when it got overwhelming for her with all the other sniffers. She was much less aggressive and I think she actually enjoyed herself.

Cannot cage the 'beast'

Today was the first day since acquiring Amelia that I had to leave the house for an extended period of time and she would be unsupervised. We had placed a 'call' (emailed a request) to hundreds of our closest friends to see if anyone had any type of containment devices that had worked for them since we knew the time would come that Amelia would be home alone. We were offered a fenced area and a kennel. Amelia is doing well so I thought I would try the fenced area before a kennel. My mom, son and I assembled the large gated area prior to our departure and put Amelia and a nice large bone in. We shut the doors behind us and chuckled about how easy she will be able to get out but she didn't seem to mind since she had that nice bone. Well........when we got back a few hours later she was sleeping and quite cozy in her favorite little spot under the kitchen table outside of the fence. There were no accidents and nothing I have been able to find that was damaged by her tiny little puppy teeth so I would say the trip and lack of supervision was a success but what a joke the fence is!

Both dogs got a cow ear to gnaw on and they were gone within what seemed to be minutes. They are like long lost sisters and even though Amelia has more puppy in her Quad is not completely bothered by it.

This dog seriously needs to learn how to relax, huh? This is where she spends most of her time, right below my feet.

Haley enjoyed her last 4th grade morning observing the dual chewing puppies. Only one 'accident' in the house today and it was pee on the tile, doable! Three poo's outside - success!

Dog Park Anyone?

We took Amelia to the dog park today hoping she would run and get her puppy energy out so she will sleep well and pee and poo and all those things puppies do at the dog park. WRONG! She was so scared I literally carried her into the park sat her down next to me (in my lap) and stroked her while other dogs meandered by. She was not in the least bit interested in running or leaving my side. When it was time to go I had to put her on her leash because she would not leave the 'safe spot' we had established while we were there. When I finally did get her off the bench she ended up right back there until I coaxed her out. She was none-too happy about visiting dogs but warmed up a little by the end. We will have to try that again if for no other reason than our 11 year old dog looked like a puppy out there galloping around, sniffing, conversing, etc. Fun way to spend an hour!

Pooped

Amelia went for several walks last night as she felt there had to be 'something' beyond the front door. She was terrific in peeing outside (although on the sidewalk instead of a yard) but stood right in front of us and pooped on the carpet. The good news is that it was solid (I know TMI) and easy to clean up. She made it through the night, well until 4 AM, and all the way to 6:30. Her and Quad both wandered out back for a good start to the day until Amelia pooped on the tile in the kitchen. I left the back door open, she wandered outside and POOPED IN THE BACK YARD. I know it seems like I am talking about evacuation of the bowels too much but I am EXCITED that this darling little puppy is exceeding my expectations for her potty training. She is showing her 'puppyness' by playing with Quad but this is the equivalent of a 77 year old playing tag with a newborn and Quad is just looking at Amelia with a 'what are you doing' attitude.

First day with our furry little friend

Our first day with Amelia. Our dear friends are going through medical issues and had to leave for CO for a minimum of one month. Their sweet little Amelia did not have a place while they are away so we decided to take her in. Amelia is a 4 month old English Mastiff. If I were to get another dog (we are proud owners of a LARGE mix breed-lab) she would definitely be in the team photo. She stayed by the door in which she arrived until she warmed up to the idea of being in a new place. We took her on a walk and she did her 'business' outside just as I had hoped. She is not a fan of the water (tried to get her to swim in the pool) but it is just the first day. She may be a swimmer by the end of her stay. She escaped from my son while walking but she didn't go past the driveway - didn't make the son too happy! Hope her evening goes as well as her afternoon has.