ELBEE Isn’t that title an oxymoron?
Yes it is but it’s also what I should have named Stanley. He’s moved into the toddler phase. I’d forgotten how challenging that can be. One minute he’s so adorable, sweet and cuddly that I can’t believe I’ve found the most perfect puppy. The next he seems to be Stanley’s evil twin.
It reminds me of the time when one of the daughters (not naming names) was a toddler. We were in a children’s shoe store where she was happily draping purses over her arm. As soon I suggested she put them back, it was as if the child from The Exorcist had arrived.
Which brings me to a few questions. Why does he want to eat shoes when we buy him the most expensive chew toys on the market? Why does he want to jump in the dirt right after a bath? Why does his energy kick in when ours is gone?
GUS Tell me about it. He’s exhausting.
I also wonder why Stanley thinks that 5:30 a.m. is the perfect time to go out to pee. I’ve been so tired that I feel as if I’ve taken leave from my normal life. I even forgot my granddaughter Bella’s birthday. Actually, I didn’t forget the birthday. I sent cards and gifts. I just forgot to call on the day of because I have totally lost track of the date.
ELBEE Hello? Calendar!
I think it’s tougher with a large puppy. It’s like a kid who looks older so you expect more. They can also get into more trouble. The other night my husband left a newspaper on the table assuming it was safe. He didn’t realize that Stanley had grown enough in the last hour or two to be able to stand up, grab it and rip it to shreds.
ELBEE That was impressive.
A couple of things happened to put it all in perspective. First, I took Stanley to a puppy class for socialization and very basic training. He was great. He was almost well behaved. He was friendly with the other dogs. But what made me feel even better was the reaction when Katie, the teacher, started giving suggestions for dealing with teething, nipping and potty training. Every puppy owner in the room sat up at attention. I was not alone.
Then I heard an interview with Bo Derek, a total animal person. She said that when she has a new puppy, she takes off three months, like canine maternity leave. Who knew I had so much in common with her.
ELBEE And just call me Lassie.
Another great “tail”. Sadly, my truth is that Brussels Griffons are basically puppy angels. The only thing Mazel tore were wee wee pads and I stopped using them. Sheppy trained her to use the doggy door (true!). Oh, Maz tore her mini tennis balls to remove the squeaker.
Griffys never eat or tear their toys and stuffed animals. They just play with them. I have toys from Raizel being used by Maz.
I think this is one reason why I love Griffons. They sleep in my bed the day I pick them up at 3 months. Accident free.
Except for Griffy #1 Sprout Germ (son named him 37 years ago ) and Sprout surfed the laundry hampers for underwear and and he chewed and ate the crotches out of the tightly whities and my panties. You could say he was “crotchety “ Love , Judy