Play Time for Zeb and Sophie

Sophie Comes for a Visit

What could be more fun than another puppy to play with? Sophie came over today for some running, nipping, and rolling action. Check out Sophie's behind. She's got a little heart! It's so cute. They played together outside too and came in loaded with snowballs. What a mess. And pretty stinky too. I think Zeb needs another bath.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Greetings from Zeb

Good Night, Sleep Tight

Sleeping Through the Night

Zeb has taken to sleeping through the night. Yea! It's actually pretty cute. After his evening trip outside he makes his way to our bedroom and puts himself to bed. I stopped keeping him in the crate at night, since he has decided our bedroom is his den and he can't go to the bathroom in there. If only he felt that way about the rest of the house. Unfortunately not. I have been having to clean up his potty spot in the house at least once a day. But he's so cute it's worth it. Zeb was a little behind on his worming when we got him. I gave him a dose last week, and he passed a couple of worms. Ick. I will give him another dose next week and see how it goes. At least the fleas are all gone. I hope. They seem to be all gone. His scabs have been gone for over a week, he's hardly scratching at all and I haven't seen any actual fleas. Zeb has learned "Come." Now we're working on "Sit." He turned 12 weeks last Tuesday. What a big boy.

Learning the Ropes

Pack Psychology

The most important thing a new puppy learns when he comes into your home is that he is part of your pack. For better or for worse, it's also the easiest thing he'll learn. Puppy learns your pack psychology from falling into your family routine. I hope we did a good job of letting the little bugger know the rules, because after only one week Zeb knows who he is and where he fits in at home. You obey Dad and Mom. You respect the older kids. You leave the cats alone! The big dogs will play, but not for long. The horse belongs in the stall. The chickens belong in the coop. I had heard English Shepherds thrive on following the rules. I was amazed at how true that is. He's acting like my kids when they were toddlers, the schedule must be followed! While he's not participating in any of the work yet, I can tell he's pretty much got it figured out. Good dog!

Below, our cat Anika lets Zeb know where he fits in the pecking order.
Translation: You are below me.

Puppies and Airplanes and Fleas, Oh My!

Zeb Makes it Home

Poor little Zeb had a hard trip. While his kennel mate was acting the way a puppy should, jumping and barking and wagging her little tail, he was a blob, laying in the back of his kennel with his little face buried between his paws. He's never going to want to fly again! But a few days later he's eating and drinking normally and full of life, and fleas! Yuck. He had this little scabby rash on him when he first came in, and it had been so long since I'd encountered a flea problem I didn't even know what it was at first. Now I have fleas in my house, and it's going to be quite a task to get them off the dog and out of the carpet. But the worst part about having a new puppy is that Zeb has learned that Mom will take him out to play in the snow any time of the day or night so long as he acts like he needs a potty break. I'm going to have to rethink this if I plan on getting any sleep. Here's a good article about transportation and stress for puppies. Fortunately, despite being lethargic, Zeb did eat and drink right away. He's still having a little bit of of diarrhea, but that's much better too. Also, congratulations to kvasew on the new puppy, Bailey! Was Bailey previously known as Petula? I thought she was the most beautiful puppy! I almost regretted going for a boy. If she was Petula, born 9-25-07, she is definitely Zeb's sister.

Zeb's On His Way!

The Big Day Finally Arrives

We got the call this morning. Temperatures look good and everything is a go. I am soooo excited! I can't wait until he gets here, about 7:00 PM Our airport is small and personal, so it shouldn't be too stressful for him getting off the plane, but he sure has a long day of travel ahead of him. Poor little guy. He's probably going to be wiped out when he gets here. Or really hyper!

Baby It's Cold Outside

Too Cold for Shipping

Zeb finally turned old enough to ship and BAM! The temperatures dropped. Oh no! It needs to be at least 10 degree Fahrenheit at all ports before he can fly the friendly skies. It's driving me crazy. But good things come to those who wait. In the meantime I thought I'd put up a picture of "The Best Dog Ever", our departed Border Collie, Willie. He was a good dog. And a very good hiker.