Lexi's progress report : 12 weeks

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Can you believe it? Our little Sunbeam is already 12 weeks old! 

How time flies.  At this stage, she is "all long limbs and happy energy".  I've posted regular updates on Facebook over the past weeks, but I thought I'd update this blog too - for the benefit of my extended readership and friends

Lexi has settled well into our household routine and adores her two older house-mates.  Toby and her are particularly bonded and will spend hours playing together. Tammy, too, has accepted her although she prefers to keep her distance. It seems that young puppies don't auger well with arthritis but I've sometimes caught them simply lying together in the garden.

On Saturday, Lexi will be starting her puppy classes at McKAYNINE TRAINING CENTRE. 

 We can't wait...

Our puppy is a soft, sweet little puppy with an adorable little personality.  She is imbued with the energy typical to puppies, unearthing all sorts of 'unmentionables' and practising her 'zoomies', but when her energy is spent, she is more than happy to settle down next to me for a cuddle or two.

She is a fast and focussed learner and is quick to pick up on her basic obedience commands.  She loves her food and loves her new home.  

All-in-all Lexi is one happy puppy!!!

... and so are we.!

Lexi is learning fast from her big 'brother', Toby.  He loves showing off his pool jumps while Lexi looks on...

 Like Toby, Lexi also has a deep love for water.  She has claimed the water-feature as her personal spa, but I am sure she would be equally happy to share it with any other willing playmates.  She's still not worked out that the water spout is a permanent feature, so there is a lot of posturing and barking during her watery romp.  On a number of occasions, when I've not been watching, I've suddenly discovered a sopping pup rubbing herself around my ankles in a dance of triumph.

 "Check me out, Maxmom!"  

Here is a short video of her progression to the big pool:

Her vaccinations are up-to-date and she is now able to explore the bigger world. 
 On Sunday we introduced her to our local doggie-park.  

 Admittedly I was a little nervous - with many dogs around, with many untested personalities.  Lexi was a little overwhelmed at first, dropping onto her back and yelping in angst, but by the end of the park visit, she was romping happily and willing to meet more canine companions. 

Thankfully with puppy-socialisation she'll have dogs around who are the same age and stage as her.  I am sure her confidence will take off in that controlled environment.

Thank you, again, to Marycke Ackhurst of

QUILLQUEST GOLDEN RETRIEVERS

for trusting me with this gorgeous Golden girl.

Sending lotsaluv