The Honeymoon

It’s been three days since we brought our new puppy home to live with us.  This photo would give anyone the impression that it seems Carlie is becoming quite comfortable and relaxed in her new home.

Those of us on this side of the camera say - “ You have no idea just exactly how much this little fart is becoming comfortable! ”  Can’t say the same for the two-legged farts - considering we’re losing some sleep.

 But - we will survive.  This, too - shall pass!!

Trust me… I was kind.  I changed the pad before shooting that one!

Naw… really… things could be much worse.  Considering all the cold weather we’re having - she seems to be adjusting quite well.

She’s taking to her harness without much fuss.  The benefit of all the acreage is a great help with leash training.  But still - I am happy about the way she is handling the restriction and control that comes from that particular leash.  Maybe it’s the fact that the 50 lb. package hasn’t arrived - yet.  I only hope we get beyond this before that shows up!

There’s something really special that I like about this photo.  The hinges and the handles on the doors of the shed.  The fact that she can walk underneath the shed without bending her head down - even though she won’t ever be figuring that one out.  I wanna get another shot like this - same time next year.  Well - okay - maybe a couple warmer months later.  That 50 lb. package will be showing up before then.  And I can only imagine the difference in size that will be there to compare!

And then there’s - Zucker.  Ohhhh, boy.  We have kept focus on sensitivity to the ' only child ' and making sure he isn’t feeling like he’s been kicked to the curb.  I figured it would take some time to get him acclimated to sharing his family with another canine.  But he seems to be coming along with the process better than any hopes I've held in my pocket of reality.  As long as we remain fair and equal - Zucker seems to be accepting this new member into the fold.

So far - he’s carrying a milder temperament than what he unleashed on my in-laws’ new puppy that they brought when they came to visit last year.  That was an experience for me.  I discovered my sweet and wonderful Miniature Schnauzer had a disposition no different than some 5’ 4” drunk after his third beer.  Zucker seemed to be misguided by some thought that he could conquer a very young - but all 40 pounds of Golden Retriever.

For now - I think he’s just happy with entertaining ' the newbie ' with his racing around in circles and charging before dodging - speed of lightning - show of pure charm that my Zucker Baby is!

But the little one will need to do some growing before we can trust leaving both in the same room together for a bit - without one of us present.  Zucker doesn’t seem to understand his strength.  But he is willing to put it in check at the slightest motion to put him on notice.

He’s just a dog.  A male dog - despite the fact that half his dignity was robbed when his manhood was snipped away by the Vet.  But he was first in the family - as far as he cares to see things.

Of course - he wants that understood - and never forgotten.

But - just wait until that 50 lb. package shows up!

I pity any stray dog attempting to step foot in the yard that belongs to these two!