My first Christmas

 I haven’t seen Julie for a while, I’m not sure where she went, but I sure got a big hug before I saw her last. I hope she comes back one day!  The other pack members have been good. 

We've had some people drop in and visit over the last few days. Then a day came when they had a fancy breakfast & dinner. They gave me some new things to play with on the lawn. The skins were thin and crackled, and they called it wrapping paper on "gifts" – when the skin came off inside each one was something really great for me. 2 new squeaky toys and a Christmas collar.

The collar is from my cousins in Vancouver – Riley & Meg. I look very festive!! My pack tells me I’ve grown a lot as I’m 11 kilos now at 11 weeks.  I feel like I’m settling in well.  It was a nice day, I wonder if it will happen again tomorrow?

The pack went off and rode a big animal they called a horse the other day. They came back smelling different that’s for sure. They showed me this photo so I'd know what they'd been doing – I’m glad I didn’t go as this is one BIG animal.  I wonder where Julie is?

That’s it for now, it’s time for  another snooooozzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz  

My Pack on a "horse"
Graham; Jasmine; Jayden

My first trip to the VET

There have been some different things going on around here. Julie seemed a bit distracted and sad, and we had a few moments together where her eyes leaked and she hugged me a lot.  Funny she doesn’t whine, however who knows how these fur-less ones work.  She was OK again after a while, but her vibe has changed, she seems very sad. However I know she loves me, as her face lights up when she sees me.

It appears I have others in my pack. Graham and Julie left me in my pen with a fresh yummy bone and when they came back, they had 2 females with them. They smell sort of like my Alpha male, but different somehow, however not unpleasant. They are Graham's pup Jasmine, and Jasmine's pup Jayden. Go figure, I wonder if I'll look like them later?

They changed the dynamics of home life a bit. More people to play with, Yippee!

I was feeling a bit off my food though and was having a few accidents in the house, so I got a ride in the truck. I sat in a basket in the back seat between Julie & Jayden for a while, then climbed onto Julie’s lap. I like that better. We went to this place where I heard lots of dogs complaining in the back room. 

They put me on a table, and a lady looked at me, and took my temperature (that was an experience - she put the thermomitor in my butt!) then poked me with a needle – I didn’t like that, but Julie was hugging me & Graham rubbed my ears so it wasn’t too bad.  I felt a lot better after a sleep and started to perk up.

They gave me a change in my diet too. A change is as good as a rest eh?

Irrisistable Ugg Boots

I think I'm settling in quite well. There are however one or two things I've found that call me. They are things that have a strong smell of my pack. Things Graham and Julie wear on their funny paws, they call them Ugg Boots and they are absolutely irresistible to me. I know I'm not supposed to nibble on them, but the smell seems to call me from a distance.

I can be playing in the yard with them and joining them for a wander down the driveway. When I get to the top of the driveway by the garage door, the irrisistable smell of the boots wafts towards me and I swear I can't stop myself. The smell wafts into my nostrils and whispers in my mind like a quiet voice, telling me I need to come to them. Then it grows louder and  demands my attention, telling me it's OK to go....to the shoe rack.

I look at my pack as they smile and call me, patting their legs, and I sit down trying to resist the call of the Ugg Boots. The aroma sneaks into my nostrils and seems to hook into my brain telling me to come to the shoe rack. It tells me it's OK to have a little lick, just one lick, then I can go join them in a walk.One lick, and I think , I can leave them if only I put my head inside the boot and have one little head rub inside and a sniff ....and the next thing you know, I have my head inside, and I'm shaking the Ugg boot like I'm a crazy mad dog, nibbling at the edges, and then can't seem to stop myself and let go when they inevitably find me.

Then I become a puppy possessed. Mmmmm it's just so delicious, don't be mad at me because I find your scents so irresistible.

It's like when I sniff you up close. I can't seem to stop myself from making the transition from a sniff to a lick, to a nibble of your clothes, then a nibble of your hand. I don't really think of my teeth as little needles, but I honestly do try to stop myself. You're just so delicious!!  Mmmmmmmmm.  I'll try to contain myself.

I do understand the need to be firm with me so people want to be around me, it's just difficult for me to remember yet. 

Graham - my first week with Elwood

Graham – my first week with Elwood

He seems to behave very well until the white truck comes up the driveway. Then he notices someone get out, and all his good behavior goes out the window. He reverts to Hellwood at the sound of “where’s my dog?” and the training begins again for both students.  The bigger one is definitely more work.

We’ve had a 90% success rate with doing “his business” outdoors consistently. However he still likes to sneak into the garage and steal a slipper and disappear somewhere with it. (Julie’s watched him tug an ugg boot attached to the entire shoe rack across the garage floor. He can be quite determined)

In his defiant moments – I deal with him with firm action, by picking him up by the scruff of the neck, and depositing him in his pen for some time out.

Our routine – we walk around the yard, and I’m introducing the lead, which he is resisting.  He is quite happy to walk beside me carrying the lead in his mouth, but doesn’t like it attached to the collar around his neck yet.

The neighbour’s grandchildren are excited to have a puppy to come and visit. We just have to make sure they too follow the no biting rules, and don’t let him get away with any monkey business.

He seems to be un-phased by the Parrots landing on the ground, and the Parrots don’t seem to be worried about him either. No threat here.

He’s grown about 1 cm in height in a week. Yikes!!

*********8

Julie –  Elwood went through his first thunder and lightning storm yesterday. He was very uninterested or affected. We brought him into the house with us, and he just slept, or did what he normally does through the whole thing. Not like most dogs I’ve been around who tend to pant and hide. He really is a laid back dude when he wants to be.

We’ve moved his villa and outdoor pen around to the side of the house with the water view for his amusement. He loves his villa, and even when we just wander around the yard, pops in and out of it.

 

I love to watch him in his frisky puppy moments. He jumps in the air twisting like a gymnast as he tries to capture some imaginary flying foe.  He’s also very fond of the bottom lawns where the slope allows him to tumble easily down the hill. Is this most unusual for a dog?  He especially likes to have his belly rubbed then be nudged over to roll down the hill. He’s reluctant to take the steps down the hill on his own, preferring to sneak into the garage and get into mischief. 

Yesterday he was extremely good, we'll see how he does today!

Day 8

Wow, I can't believe I've been here a whole week. My pack say I've grown already. Julie has been gone during the day which is OK for a while 'cause us boys have a routine, but I do miss her later on.

Our routine is out of the cage and outside for a pee or poop, then Graham goes into the Garage to clean up any mess I may have made over night. Then we walk around in case I can pee or poop again, and then he makes me breakfast. Then they both walk me around the yard, down to the fence, and around, and Graham walks and walks and walks while I play around, until I have a poop or a pee, then we can go inside and I can hang out with him for a while. Then I have a bit of down time in my pen, then lunch & another round of walking and hanging out, and pen time then we go down to the gate for when the truck comes home. I've noticed when it stops in the Garage, Julie comes out of it, and then calls me as I run up the driveway. I like that. Graham goes inside and Julie and I hang around the front, have a stroll and then go in for their dinner. Another stroll and we watch TV and then it's time for me to go to bed. I admit, I seem to sleep through most TV shows. Why aren't we watching Lassie??

Today Julie got up with me, and she did most of the routine. She didn't go away in the Truck. Yippee!!  We all hung out, wrapped some things to mail, and then I had my pen time while they went away shopping. It was lunch time when they came back, then Rose and Winnie dropped by. Winnie had a sore on her back, so wasn't very interactive but I sure love the way she can leap up onto the couch. I just can't get my hind legs to do it yet, but I will. 

Julie's thoughts - Our little man has had a big week and has blended into the family very nicely. He keeps us on our toes, and is becoming Graham's shadow. Graham has him learning already. Stay, sit, fetch (well, we're working on that one) No biting (that's another one that he's hearing a lot, but he is getting it)  His potty training is coming along, accidents are less frequent, and as long as we pay attention to the timing, it's all good.  I can't wait until he's toilet trained and can spend more time inside. Even I am coming along with my training.

Day 5

Graham greeted me this morning and told me I'd been a very good dog. We went out for a play and he kept telling me to pee, then he fed me that yummy stuff he makes up, and tidied up my pen.

Julie came down later looking very nice again. I like these different clothes she's wearing as they are easier to nibble and I find it hard to resist them. She doesn't seem to realize what a great compliment I'm trying to give her, I think if I continue nibbling she'll get it. She had a little play with me, had breakfast, went for a walk around the yard, (I especially like the bottom section where I can tumble down the slope, it's crazy fun). Just when we were having fun, she ruffled my coat, got in the truck and went away. She was sure gone a long long time today.

Graham and I had a lot of fun doing boy stuff. We moved a big metal bird onto the gate - he called it a Pelican, and moved some other stuff beside the fence post. During the day we wandered around the yard and he threw a stick a bunch of times. I wasn't sure why, and felt sorry for him so finally went and got it and took it back to him. You know, I think he liked that, cause he kept doing it and saying fetch. Once we got into it, it was really quite fun, after 4 times though I'd had enough. Time to do something new. I'm really liking the villa during the day, it's lovely to snooze in. I can see all kinds of things from here.


Graham was sitting on the retaining wall, and I was close to where he gets my treats. I wiggled my head into a fold in his outer fur (it's one he takes off when he goes inside, but I'm not sure how that works). Even though I could smell treats in there, no matter how far I put my head in I couldn't find them. He told Julie later something about switching pockets, but I'm not sure what that's about.

Graham opened the gate and a truck drove in and parked in the garage. I didn't care 'cause I was watching Graham. He kept saying where's Julie, and I heard someone call me. When I looked up I saw her and realised it was Julie, she'd come back. I galloped up the driveway ears flapping as hard as I could and jumped for joy. She smiled so big her eyes disappeared. We had quite a reunion. I admit, I was wondering if she would come back.

While they had dinner I curled up in the garage with Julie's Ugg Boots. I love the way they smell. She came and picked me up and we stretched out on the couch. I was so tired I couldn't stay awake so they put me to bed.  Oh boy... szzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Day 4

Graham's shift this morning. He came down really early and said I'd had a better night. We went outside and hung out for a while, then he gave me some breakfast and I had a little visit with Julie when she came down. Graham thought I'd better have another bath and all my stuff should be washed again 'cause I've been scratching, so they put me in a laundry basket in the laundry tub for another bath. I like the attention, but I'm not sure how much fun bath time really is. We have fun after with the towel getting dry though.

Julie went away for the whole day, and I had Graham all to myself. When ever I had a poop or a pee I got a treat for doing it outside. I like this. We played off and on, and he set up the villa with my fence for me to hang out in while he mowed the lawn. I must admit, I slept in my new digs while he worked.

I like to lay around mostly under things, but I had a bit of a lie down against the wall. I think it shows off my dark chocolate tones rather well.

Julie finally got home while I was having dinner. I was so happy I jumped all over the place. We had a nice play time outside with the squeaky ball. It startled me at first, but now I know how to make it squeak I can throw it over my head and do flips with it. I like it.  It tired me out quickly though and I crashed at Graham's feet. Another day of excitement.

Day 3 afternoon

My favorite drink

I spent the rest of Sunday alternating between energized and sleeping. I'm not really sure why my pack looks so tired when I'm the one who's doing all the coming, sitting, jumping and playing. However, they sure do stand around a lot watching me, mostly with goofy smiles on their faces.

Julie refers to my outside house as my one bedroom villa as it have a room where I can get away from everyone and my veranda. It's very civilized. It's my day hang out as I'm still sleeping in the garage at night. I'm happy with this arrangement for now.
 

Julie says Graham has the patience of a saint.He wanders around the yard with me for ages. He seems very interested in what I'm doing and is always happy when I "do my business".  He'll watch me sniff around for ages. I love the company.

Before I went to bed, we watched a bit of  TV and I managed to get the whole couch. Not bad for day 3..... 

Day 3

I'm liking it here, there's no doubt, but they do have a few more rules than I'm used to. I ask you, what's so bad about a little chew here and there? They've moved the carpets out of the front room and the hallway, which is fun if I want to slide.

I've learned a few new words, in the last couple of days.  They get really excited when I:
- have a pee outside and tell me I've done a good wee
- when I come when they call my name
- when I sit when they ask me too.
then I hear good boy, good dog, good wee, good come, good sit, good Elwood.
-   I'm not sure what Monster means but apparently I can be one. It must be related to doing really fun stuff as that's normally when I hear it. I also hear No Bite with a stern voice when I try to eat their clothes or play bite with them, so I'm starting to think they don't want me to do that. I've noticed they don't have that same excitement in their voice when they say it.

I like the new pen set up a lot. Although I did have a little accident last night, we had a good evening, hanging out watching TV. I even persuaded Julie to help me up onto the couch. It was nice to snuggle in her lap, then I spread out onto those soft cushions leaning on her, then I sprawled over as much as I could. nudging her into the corner with my feet, while I reveled in the space and comfort of it, and snoozed through the movie. Another new word I've learned is snore. They say I do that too. It must be cute as I'm a puppy after all.

This morning Julie  let Graham sleep in and came down. I was very happy to see her and jumped in joy. We went outside and wandered around, she did look quite sleepy.  We were having fun, and I had a pee so we came in to make me breakfast and her a coffee.  She was a bit sad the coffee machine had run out of water, but filled it up, and told me we had 20 minutes before she could make her coffee. She gave me my breakfast, and grumbled about the freezer door being left open all night (by her) and the things that needed to be tossed out, except something called a crayfish they had there for Christmas. Graham thought they should eat them tonight, and get fresh ones for Christmas to freeze.  While she was waiting for the coffee machine, and grumbling in the freezer, I suddenly had the urge to poop. Just as I looked around to see if she noticed she shouted Elwood Noooooo, as my poop hit the floor. Then we played a great chasing game and I finished the job beside the dining room table. We went outside quickly after that, but I was all done at that point. I'm not sure why this was so traumatic for her before she had her coffee?

When Graham came down, we moved all the furniture and the pen and he washed all the floors and told me we were starting fresh again. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but he liked it when I looked at him and wagged my tail.

We hung out for the afternoon, Julie gave me a squeaky tennis ball, but I had already gotten this FABULOUS black empty plant pot. Now that's a toy!!  I played with that for hours. Nap time next....

My arrival in Tassie

I'm Elwood

My name is Elwood and I'm a chocolate lab puppy. I was born Oct 3 2010 and as far as puppies go I think I'm in the adorable category. I have lovely hazel green eyes (they were blue when I was little) which seem to make people I look at all soft and cuddly. I also have lovely soft dark chocolate fur, and massive paws which I seem to trip over a lot.

I flew from Ballarat to Tasmania to join my new pack on Dec 9th. They're quite nice, I think I'm going to like it here. The Alpha male (Graham) is white haired, in his 50's in people years, firm and fun. The Alpha female has brown and gray hair, and is a push over. I think she's wrapped around my little paw already. There is no doubt who the dominant dog is in this pack.

The day I arrived in Hobart was huge for a puppy my age. I arrived at the airport in Hobart in my travel crate with my teddy and some blankets, along with 2 other dogs who were much older than me. The quarantine man gave me a friendly pat on the head and let me through. My new pack was there to greet me. I was relieved to see they looked kind and friendly. They greeted me, and Julie poured water into her hands for me to drink so I could get used to her smell and taste. The male, Graham took me out of my crate, and put me on some grass so I could stretch my legs and have a pee before we headed out.

Graham put me onto Julie's lap in the truck, what a bunch of new smells!! I sniffed and sniffed like crazy!  She had my blanket and teddy on her lap with me so I felt OK. She smells pretty good, so soon I snuggled in and relaxed and when Graham shifted gears, I stretched out my nose and sniffed him too as we drove along. He smells good too.

I told them in puppy I had to have a pee, but gheesh it took them a while to get it.  However, they must have understood as we stopped at a park on the way home so I could have another pee, and a little romp. That was nice and I felt quite happy to get back into the truck on Julie's lap for the rest of the trip home.

I love my new yard! It's got a little pond with fish in it (and a grate over it so I don't fall in).  They put a gate at the bottom of the driveway to keep me in and other animals out, and it's all mine!!

I have a lovely one bedroom & den dog house with a little yard penned in, a mat & lovely big bowls, as well as an inside crate and blanket to snooze in. Teddy and I romp around a lot.  They had some toys ready for me to play with but what I really love is the pine cones, rocks and garden mulch. Now that's FUN.

I payed around for a while, and had dinner and after such a big day, I had a little play with Graham outside then settled into my outside house for the night. There was a storm coming and lightning so they came and brought me inside. Whew.

Graham came back at 5am and woke me up to have a play outside. Gheesh, can't a fellow sleep in around here?  I did have a nice looong pee so I guess it was good timing.  Julie went off to work and I hung out with my new best friend Graham.  We had some outside play time, and patrolled the yard, and had some slow afternoon snoozed in the living room.

I met some other people, Auntie Gina came around, then Auntie Rose & Uncle George brought their dog Winnie over. She's hot, but older and I think she kind of likes me although I have to run after her a lot.

When they all left, we just hung out and watched a bit of TV, although I must admit I was so tired I think I fell asleep. It was windy and horrible all night, so I was sleeping in my big crate in the Garage.

Graham came down again on Day 3 and I'd had an accident. I'd pooped in my crate, and managed to roll in it just a little bit. We had fun cleaning up though, and I had a bath. (I don't like the hair dryer) but the bath was OK.  My pac had a talk and decided to re arrange my accommodation.  I still have my house outside, but while the weather is so unsettling (hence scary) they moved my fence into the Garage, and put my little crate inside with some paper in case I need it, and have the radio on for me.  I think I like this a lot better.

We went over to Winnie's to help her people with something and hung out. (I had a tiny accident inside, but they were very gracious so I didn't feel too bad).  We went for a walk, and hung out on the balcony and Winnie and I played a lot. It was good, but boy did it tire me out. Thank heavens I'm a dog and can sleep anywhere.  I was out cold!

Well, that's it for now.  Got to sleep some more.....