Ardella's birthday

Yesterday was Ardella's birthday and she is now 3! She's a young adult and I can't believe how fast the time has passed. Ardella has taught me so much and I'm so happy that I get to spend the rest of her life with her. Ardella did not spend her third birthday with us though. She went to Aunt Karren's and celebrated with sister Annalynn by eating Banana B'oats (dog cookies Karren baked) and bones stuffed with peanut butter. Lyn and I were doing something else and I wanted Ardella to have a stress-free day with one of her favorite people to help the transition she is about to come home to.

The reason Ardella is at Karren's:

Meet Yumi (Not pronounced Yummy)

She's 11 weeks old, a left hip female, and is an Anjou/Pike puppy. I've located one raiser that has sister Yakira, but know the names of all the littermates: Yakira, Yancy, Yasmin, Yuma and Yumi. I believe Yumi was the smallest as the litter names are done alphabetically and go in the order of the shave. We had a calm ride home, and about half an hour of protest in the kennel at bedtime, but once moved to a larger crate (she was too big for the crate we usually use for 8-week-old puppies), she settled down nicely and slept through the night. I woke up before she did. She doesn't relieve as often as an 8-week-old puppy, and I think we've only had one accident so far. She seems to be catching on quickly because when I take her outside, she heads straight to her relieving spot. Yumi is the most polite eater I've ever had!

We have to limit socialization until the 16-week shots, and so we're learning house manners and relieving. I took a day off from class to spend it with Yumi and today we've worked on the improved FIR protocol. I do have to use luring, but I think that will only be for a few days. I'm also attempting to teach sit (not successful yet) and we'll add on things like seeding the floor and learning to leave unacceptable toys alone. Aidan is still home with me and only having one dog to meet has been helpful. Aidan is setting his boundaries and I'm letting him. Aidan has offered a play bow or two, and even was excited about teaching Yumi how to climb stairs. Yumi is listening. I hope it goes as smoothly with Ardella tomorrow.

I promise we didn't get Yumi for your birthday, Ardella! You're still the privileged pet. Remember you get to sleep on the bed!

Yumi playing: