Step Up a Size, or two!

The wee puppy fills up the baby crate. So, now we have a giant crate in the dog corner. She and Keiki both fit in it comfortably. I wouldn't crate them both in it if we leave- but, it is cute when they choose to nap in it.

First Effort

Lark is earning her keep.

The reason we decided to watch for a puppy in the first place was because Keiki was so demanding of energy/attention. It seemed to us (me) that her energy levels were really hard to meet. There was an almost obsessive need to play with the whipit (TM) fetch or run miles. She would poke Luna and Luna would be all, "Not right now kid."  It was a pain the butt. I am supposed to be writing!

WELL! That has changed! Lark is doing a fine job stepping into the "keep Keiki entertained" shoes.  On the daily, this puppy is nosing, jumping, running and playing. She is curious and chipper and hilarious. Little teething thief! LOL! She pees about every 20-45 minutes. (We have about a 70% outside success rate.) She is adamant that she needs to eat the big girls' kibble. She has Keiki's 100% undivided attention. Which means, that if everyone is fed, medicated, peed and poo-ed.  I can almost get my laptop open!

First vet visit

Lark's cough is just that. A little cough. The vet said she is still kinda small for more shots. They feel the shelter is proactive and does things super early. So-- we got a quick check up and a week of antibiotics and sent home.

She is definitely teething. She hasn't pooped in the house in like four days. Still peeing every 2 hours (OR LESS ! ha... haha). She knows her name. She loves Keiki. She is a lil snuggle butt.

Keiki's Hormones

There have been two huge changes in Keiki's behaviour since Lark moved in.  A.) She is SO MUCH CALMER. This could be because the puppy is very interesting and Keiki's brain is just getting used more. (Like a new mom being exhausted 24-7.)  and B.) She is suddenly "gentle".  Whereas previously she was a rowdy and klutzy teenager; she is now very careful and dare I say-- delicate? adult? It is weird. Puppy shows up. Keiki smells baby. Hormone switches from bratty teen to wise care giver.

EX:  Previously, Keiki would fetch a rope toy. Drop it at your feet and ask to play tug. I personally think that is an outside game, but when someone accepted her invitation it was very loud and jumpy and strong and rowdy. With much "kill shake" and growly noises and digging in. An outside game.
NOW, Lark gets a rope toy, brings it straight to Keiki. With 70 pounds of muscle, Keiki makes SOUNDS like a junkyard dog, but there is no fierce shaking. There is no actual pulling. She holds the rope and just sort of humors lil 9 pound Lark. Tails wagging a million mph they prance around the dining room table both carrying one end of the rope. It is more like keep away than tug. It reminds me of all the times I let the kids win at Connect Four (tm) and Scrabble.  Let the baby THINK they are winning, right up to the end. Then remind them they aren't quite ready to fight the knights just yet! LOL

January is Finally OVER!

Today is 02/02/20. Isn't that fun! And Ground Hog's Day, and James Joyce's Bday. It is also Stupid Bowl. I like the Puppy Bowl! LOL!

In other news, I have a cold but I am much more worried about Lark's cough. She is due for shots at vet next week so we can get facts then. She made it thru the Parvo incubation window without any drama but the window is longer for Bordetella. She sounds like she has a hairball and then the honk. I am looking fwd to the day no dogs have meds. SHEESH.