Xupe’s brother, “Stache”, returned today for a “vacation stay”.  Chev, Finley and especially Xupe have welcomed him back into the fold.  I took these shots when the dogs were all (finally) winding down this evening.  They were sacking out in the same part of the house where they were whelped going on 4 months ago.  We wondered how much Stache recognizes the smells of the house and us.  He’s snoozing now, comfortably snuggled in his crate with his blankets.

It was quite dark when I took this shot of the Stache (eying me on the left) and Xupe zonked out.  Really fun to see these two brothers hanging out together.

We received photos this week from both Riggins’ and Barley’s people.    The first shot is of Riggins (who lives in Minnesota with frequent visits to Wisconsin), and the following photos are of Barley in New York.  It sounds, from all we’re hearing, that the puppies are gaining good weight and living great lives.

We recently received this photo and update…

“Aya is doing great.  She is just about trained to pee and poop outside and she comes when called.  She was at the vet yesterday for her shots and she is 25lbs.  Aya and Joki, my vizsla play nonstop.”

We enjoyed receiving the following news about Dutch…

“Poop and pee processes are 85% successful these days. He occasionally surprises us with an unexpected pee, but for the most part we are well over the hump in this department.

We’re enjoying more time outside now…he’s able to handle more than 5 minute stints without shivering now, especially in the afternoon Sun.

I ran a few errands with Dutch this afternoon, to the pet store and the hardware store. He’s a champion traveler.

We are always refining our strategies for his chewing and jumping up on the kids (they love it except when he’s exceptionally energetic on occasion). Key: lots of variety, and challenging toys with food in them…

Dutch still loves his crate at night and for the occasional afternoon nap. We are so grateful that you guys began getting him accustomed to that. I think it helps that we never use the crate as a punishment too.  So nice to know that he sees it as a safe and comfortable place.

As of late last week he weighed 24lbs!!

Anyway…we love him so much. We are blessed to have him and to have found you to bring him into our lives.

I could go on but I’ll spare you…

In the attached photo, Dutch is snoozing in what Nichole tonight termed his “moose” pose…looong legs.”

Biff caught this shot of Chev and Xupe this morning.  It’s only in the last week that Chev has let Xupe snuggle up to him, despite Xupe’s attempts to connect with his daddy.  Very sweet to see them together.

We’ve heard from Stache’s family and it looks like he’s a doggy with a job!

“Stache had his first day at the office yesterday. The day went very smooth and Stache got plenty of socialization.”

Good boy, Stache!

Arlo’s family sent these photos and an update about their boy…

“Everything has become pretty settled around here. Arlo is a rock star about ringing the bell to go outside. I think we are almost there, but extra trips and careful watching are still part of the game. Love the fact that he is sleeping through the night.  I have found that the more sleep I get, the cuter a puppy becomes.

It was wonderful to have a few warm winter days last week. Both dogs appreciated the extra time outside. Arlo was even able to meet the labs across the way since everyone came out of hiding for a few short hours in the sun.

When we brought Arlo home, he seemed so small and lonely. I gave him a special pillow as a surrogate puppy pile to snuggle up to. It is still his favorite thing to sleep with or wrestle with when Monty isn’t interested. He will take it with him to find sunny spots to relax in or roll around with it until he falls asleep (sometimes with it still gasped in his teeth). I can picture the day when he tries to curl up on top of it and there is too much dog and not enough pillow.”

Woody and Xupe have one last full day to hang out together.  Thankfully their time together includes periodic down-time, snoozing in between play sessions.  Biff set up a radio in the “playroom” last week  (note: the wood shavings are no longer needed) and classical music plays as backdrop.  The dogs don’t seem bothered by it, but I have a hard time with the operatic highs.  The Beethoven, Saint Saens, Mozart and even Pete Seeger played recently, however, have been lovely.