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Friday, September 28, 2012

From Summer to Fall








It's hard to believe it's almost October, almost that time when a chill hits the air, and Mother Nature paints the leaves so many pretty colors! And hard to believe that Riley has been here almost 6 weeks! She came as a 5.2 pound puppy and is now 7.6 pounds and has learned a few things at puppy class, learned a few things at home and learned a few things out on walks in the neighborhood.  Being in the city you wouldn't expect to find as many big dogs as we've come across.  Last week we met a man walking a Newfie and a Bernese Mountain Dog.  Two days ago we met a Saint Bernard. And we've met numerous labs, goldens, a few huskies and mixes that are bigger.  Riley doesn't seem to be afraid of them with two exceptions, both behind fences.  We pass a house with two dogs, a lab and a hound of some kind.  The hound puts her head through the gate rails but it's the lab Riley gives a wide berth to.  And just a couple doors away, there's a shepherd who barks and runs fast to the fence and Riley stays away from that one, too (though I met the owner who said both her shepherds are love bugs).




Riley has gotten used to the noises of the city, though loud bangs still startle her, and she loves to lay out on the balcony in the sun.  She's been pretty good on the balcony, just putting her paws up on the ledge sometimes just to watch the world go by, sometimes to bark at people or dogs walking by.  She's doing well with housebreaking, going potty on the balcony and on walks, and loves to play with her toys (she's got the 'go get it' part down pretty good, it's the 'give it to me' or 'drop it' part that is problematic!).


And I'm getting used to having a puppy around.  I am getting plenty of exercise with our walks, and have lost about 7 pounds since I have to also sneak snacks when I want something.  It's still a work in progress to get a good balance of puppy time and me time, but I'm working on it, and I hope the work I'm putting in with her now will pay off with a good dog as she grows up.

9 comments:

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! Good to hear Riley is progressing especially housebreaking. It will be very useful during winter months. We sure missing Fall, our favorite weather. We also miss mingle with other doggies. But its just temporary ... will be back next year so maybe will meet-up. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Sequoia & Petunia & Emma said...

Riley I never welcomec you! Welcome...you look like such a cutie and you look like maybe you could get into a little trouble too!

Hugs
The Girls

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Oh Riley, you are so precious. Just look at your eyes glow like chocolate candys! So much to see in the world- so many smells and sounds, and so much love! You are getting brave little one and learning so much.
I am so happy for you and your momma that you have each other!
love
tweedles

houndstooth said...

It sure sounds to me like Riley is on the right track! What a good girl she is, especially for a young puppy. Kuster is still a terror in the house! lol

Shelia said...

Dear dw,

I am so happy to hear that Riley is adjusting to her new home, and that the two of you are learning to live with one another. The whole world could take a lesson from pet owners!

Thank you so much for your kind words on my blog. My good friend Faye was so thoughtful...she kept her empty butter bowls to use during the hot summer months. She would fill them with fresh water and place them outside in her yard and driveway for the neighborhood dogs and cats to drink from while they passed her way. Ah, if only everyone was that concerned about another creature's well-being.

Enjoy your puppy classes Riley!

Shelia and Mister Bean

Payton's mom said...

Riley looks so adorable in these pictures! I hope fall sticks around for a while...not sure I'm ready for the cold weather yet!
Love,
Christy

Winston Wilbur said...

oh my gosh is she ever cute! I don't think you have anything to worry about... she is gonna grow up just fine! Sounds like you guys are on the right track.


Dana Orsborn said...

Riley is so cute!
Glad you two are having a great time together!
We're not ready for the cold either, but
we love Fall!

We hope you had a great weekend!

-Dana, Daisy & Bruce

Yours Truly said...

What kind of a dog is Riley?