06-16-12 Duncan and Lucy

Duncan and Little Sister Lucy

Duncan and Lucy have the same father Dugan!  Duncan was 2nd in command in his litter behind Koa, but is TOP DOG in his family now!  He was also lighter than all the other puppies in his litter. I love his coat!  And how cute is Lucy with her black mask!  When I saw Lucy at Julie's house, she was very quiet and kept to herself.  Looks like she is enjoying her big brother!

Their mom says:



With Wednesday's storms, we had 3-inch hail hitting our house and as a result we had some roof damage.  Duncan must have thought some one was at the door, and he kept barking all the time the hail was hitting.  Lucy was quiet.

Lucy is as fearless as Duncan when climbing and jumping off furniture.  She gets on a chair, and you can see the wheels turning... How high can I go.  She follows and imitates Duncan.

When Duncan is not in sight she is more timid.  She won't go to the end of our yard by herself. I think she likes to be cuddled more than Duncan, and she seems frightened by the dog next door (female) where Duncan is over by the fence socializing.  Puppy class should help.  Both high energy as you know.  Duncan loves being groomed, Lucy not so much.

I might also add Duncan still loves ice cubes and at first Lucy did not care for them, but now they both come at the sound of ice coming out and both want a cube. 


Ducan has finished INTERMEDIATE TRAINING!  Lucy will be taking PUPPY TRAINING next.  They look so much alike it is hard to believe they are from different litters!

Comment:  Wow Duncan - Congrats!!!  We are so proud of your progress!!  Flopsie loved those ice cubes also!  She can still get excited if they are "accidental" dropped on the floor!

 

06-08-12 Koa - The Swimmer

Koa's father wants everyone to know about pool safety. 

How cute is this!  Great pictures of her swimming!

Timeline of Koa's Progress in Her Summer Swimming Lessons

We started pool school last weekend.  As I have mentioned, our vet had told us years ago the most common cause of accidental death in pets in the home was drowning.  So, we introduced Koa to the pool, and the way to get out.  So far, she has done well when placed in that predicament close to the only exit.  We will increase the distance she has to travel and have her practice finding the right corner of the pool to exit over the next few weeks.  She might not be totally thrilled by the experience, but she will know how to save herself if that should ever be necessary. (May 9, 2012)

All Cairns can swim, so it's easy to think they would be OK if they accidentally fall into the pool, but it is the panic and confusion in getting out that leads to tragedy.  They need to be introduced to all areas of a pool and be able to find the exit steps without assistance multiple times to have them prepared to accept the problem and solve it without succumbing to panic. (May 11, 2012)

Koa has taken a few weeks to prepare for a possible emergency exit from the pool.  However, she has become an accomplished swimmer (she was surprisingly awkward at first) and has learned how to recognize her exit spot from anywhere in the pool regardless of her orientation.  So now, she heads directly there instead of scrambling in a panic to the nearest edge and makes a graceful exit via the steps. (June 06, 2012)

Pictures show:  Koa being released in the pool, swimming alone, and finding her way out to safety.

(June 8, 2012)

We were in the pool today reclining on a float.  Koa joined her Mom on the float until she became restless, so she abandoned ship and swam right past her me (instead of seeking my help) to her exit spot.  I think she has it figured out! (June 17, 2012)

Note:  She did fall in twice before her swimming classes, but was scooped out immediately!

05-19-12 Visiting Bailey and Family

May 2012 Visit

Unfortunately, the visit didn't go as Bailey's mom and I had dreamed.  I had to leave earlier than anticipated due to my Dad's health, and Belles was in her first heat.  When we arrived at Bailey's house, her PMS arrived also!  For some reason, she didn't want anything to do with Bailey.  Bailey reacted very well and basically igorned her!  Flopsie enjoyed playing with Bailey. 

Bailey is a quick little thing, and it was very hard to get her pose for our pictures!  She is darling and reminds me of CoCo's brother - Bear!  Nothing seems to both her, and she is so sweet!  Hopefully, CoCo will be able to go visit with Belles next time, and we will be able to compare them more.