Monday, January 28, 2013

The test of youthfulness


If you ever want to check how young you actually are, then babysit a puppy! 

Puppies will test you to your physical, emotional and mental limit. (in a good way, that is!)
It's hard work! And I'd forgotten just how hard. But the 'sunbeam', known as 'LEXI' has arrived in our household.

There's the endless task of picking up poo's, cleaning up puddles, watching my step, realising how un-childproof my house is, etc, etc.  As a committed puppy owner, I go the extra mile - watching my voice tone, my responses, body language, nuances...where to praise, where to ignore, ensuring that every experience she has at this impressionable time of her life is a good one.

This means that I am relatively housebound - at least for the first month. Safety is also one of my biggest priorities because puppies get into EVERYTHING! They are explorers of note. Their sleep cycles clash with ours and we use their 'sleep' times to catch up on our own daily household chores.  By the time our chores are finished, the puppy is awake and the whole process starts from the beginning. It's a contrast between exhaustion and exhilaration.

Having two senior dogs in the house adds a further dynamic...I have to recognise the hierachy that exists and honour the matriarch.  I have to put the cuteness factor of Lexi aside and remember that this little fluffball will become older, bigger, wiser...very soon!  Whatever I do now affects her behaviour in the many years to follow...and I want to entrench gentleness in my pack.  

Remember, my puppy is growing at an alarming rate. I have to introduce her to new sounds, equipment, people, dogs, strange situations - brooms, washing machines, hair dryers...for a puppy, everything is an adventure!  Puppy socialisation classes will be the essential 'first step' to her training - and they have been booked to start early in March.  I have to be on my toes and feet at all times.  Lexi is always around my ankles...and I need to be vigilant. Yes, this is testing my youth big-time.  The good news, however, is that I am likely to get very fit, very soon....and I am happy about it.

When I look at this dear little Golden bundle, LEXI, with all her emerging potential at the tender age of 8 weeks, I remember my promise to all my dogs;

"My dog, I will teach you to be the dog you were meant to be."



She is the cutest, energetic, affable bundle we've had in a long time.  Toby has adopted her (Like 'Jake' who imprinted on 'Renesmee' in the Twilight saga).  He's found his partner in crime and he is bowled over big-time!  Aunt Tam, as predictable as ever, is taking all this commotion in her stride.  She has the wisdom of the mature citizen.

 "Yes, I've been here.  Ignore this whirlwind.  When she settles, I'll play with her on my own terms"

But in the early morning, when the sparkle of dawn is still a dream, I lie with all my dogs, on the soft mattress on the floor of our bedroom, absorbing the moments of gentle bonding and happy mouthing.  I become their jungle-gym, their guide...and the love is palpable. They are happy and so am I.

In the end, it is all worth it!  What I put in, will be returned to me seven-fold. What a joy this is - to have a glimpse into the culture of a different species, and what a privilege to be part of this whole process.  Here are some pictures...

















And finally...
A short video of the beautiful interactions of a new puppy in the 'Maxdog' household:


Enjoy...


With lots of love from a household filled with 'puppy-breath',

20 comments:

The Life of Riley said...

Twelve thousand miles away we are smiling at the photos of Lexi's first weekend with your family! She has found her new pack, and we are sure she will be very happy living with you all.

rottrover said...

Oh! How beautiful. Lexi and Toby are buddies already. Your gentleness shows in the pictures.

The Life of Riley said...

PS That was meant to be "km". We also meant to say we loved the first photo of the two of you together.

verobirdie said...

The first picture is so cute !
I'm sure you are delighted to be house bound :-)

♥ Helen said...

I am smiling when I see these photos too...
Dear friend, enjoy the puppy time, they grow so quickly.

WFT Nobby said...

Yes, I can relate to this post. Bertie was my first ever puppy and I had totally underestimated the work involved.
Oh but Lexi is beautiful.
Cheers,
Gail.

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

How Sweet! :) Lexi fits right into your pack perfectly!

Looks like all the traveling didn't hurt her one bit!

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

There is nothing like having a puppy!! And your pictures are precious. Thank you for sharing them.

Lynn

Millie and Walter said...

Savor every moment of the cutest time of her life. Those pictures of Toby and Lexi sleeping together are so precious.

Cindy

Two French Bulldogs said...

Oh my goodness! Cuteness over.
Have a fun day
Benny & Lily

Jake of Florida said...

What a wonderful adventure! I smiled the whole way through, watching how Toby and Lexi communicate!!!


Wirey love,

Joan and the Barkies

Furry Bottoms said...

What a sweet sweet trio of sunshine!!! :)

I agree, you have to remember, always, the hierarchy. In my household, Freddy is alpha dog, Buddy is not. There was chaos for a while, then I realized I wasn't treating Freddy with the respect he deserved... I started doing that and it made a world of a difference.

Or maybe he's just got me wrapped around his paw?!

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

I have missed some posts through events but am so glad I didnt miss this one.. What an adorable gorgeous bundle of joy and what simply fabulous pictures.. I love you new addition.. Hugs Carol and GJ xx

Gina Gao said...

These pictures are so cute!

www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Such beautiful photos! Everyone loves each other- everyone is happy!
love
tweedles

Molly the Airedale said...

Lexi, you are so adorable! Make sure you keep her in check, Toby and Aunt Tam!

Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly

Becky Andrews said...

Oh so precious! Enjoy!

Ziggy Stardust said...

Mommy says "there is nothing like a puppy" and that is one cute puppydog!! I loved the movie and watched it twice.

Loveys Sasha

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

It's lovely to see how Toby has adopted the little one and is watching over her.

Unknown said...