Puppy Love

Rusty has become a beloved member of our family...for most of us, that is. The kids can't wait to see him when they wake up in the morning, and squeal excitedly when he comes inside after spending the day in the garage with Nate. They run around with him in the backyard, run around with him inside, and dutifully bring him dog toys when he starts to gnaw on the furniture. Nate's having a great time with his canine companion. They've gone on walks together, played ball in the backyard, and become great pals.

As for me, I am tolerating the puppy. It's hard to see past the accidents, chewing damage, barking and general disorder that seems to have become the new norm. But he seems like a good fit for the kids and for Nate, so if he could become a little better behaved, I think my opinion of him would improve. I hear that happens for dogs around 2 years old... and I've also heard that it will get worse before it gets better. So only 22 months to go!

Rusty bonded with Nate right away.

Reading and napping...

Enjoying an appropriate chew toy.

All tuckered out.

Chewing on a basket...one of the many things he likes to sink his teeth into around the house.

Getting to know his Grandmom.

Rowan investigates the puppy's ears.

He loves to snuggle up next to his human.

Rusty fell asleep one night while Nate was holding him, and
Rowan took the opportunity to examine him with his doctor kit tools.
(Silas is checking the weather on Nate's phone, one of Si's favorite things to do.)

Rowan bundles up for a snowy morning in March.

Rusty's first snow!

Leo has been avoiding Rusty like the plaque, but in the past few days he's gotten slightly bolder.
This is the first time he didn't bolt when he saw Rusty, even through the door. It's made life tricky though, because Leo still needs to be fed and cared for. We found that Rusty likes cat food as much as dog food, leaves, straw, stuffed animals, and everything else he puts in his mouth. So Leo has to be sneaky to get a meal in. But so far we're managing!

A boy and his puppy, playing with the hose. Don't get any better than that!