Jackal

it's a dog's life

As you can imagine the last few days have been hectic, fun and tiring. There has been doggy breath, smelly farts,  cavorting about, snoring, runny poo, drool and slobber - and that's just ME!!!

Milky is settling in slowly - although she is 6 months old she is only used to roaming free on a farm so I am having to condition her to the small town environment. She is so inquisitive that she stops to take in every new sight, sound, smell... a 15 minute walk actually takes an hour.

She adores other dogs and is very gentle with the cats... she is used to cats and is curious but is not aggressive however, the cats are giving her a wide berth for now.

Milky has never worn a collar or been on a lead but she seems content enough when wearing the collar/harness. I am introducing her slowly to her neighbourhood and hopefully her confidence will grow.

Tonight she is going to her first puppy party at the vets. It is to help her socialize with other puppies and for her to associate the vet as something good and not to be feared. The puppy party is run by the vet and a nurse and will give owners tips and advice on all aspects of dog care and will hopefully give me confidence and reassurance too.

I feel such a responsibility towards Milky's well being and cannot begin to fathom the responsibility it must take to have a child. My mind boggles ( as well as other things ;). It is quite terrifying incase I do something wrong in her care - I suppose it is normal to want the best for her well being and happiness.

I have enrolled us on a puppy obedience class which will teach me the basics of good handling which will benefit Milky.

I have a crate for her but as yet have not spent time getting her crate trained other than having it there for her to see and explore. I feel she has enough to cope with at the moment and once she is more settled I will try to get her in her crate so she feels safe and secure when in it and alone.

She is just so adorable and huggable but then maybe I am biased ! ;)

posted by: Jackal at August 05, 2008 12:22 | link | comments (8) |

Comments:

#1  05 August 2008 - 16:15

 

You already sound like you are a good mom - you worry about doing the right thing. I expect more pictures! The puppy obedience class sounds fun for both of you. Having boundaries is good for all of us by establishing a sense of security that comes of knowing the right thing to do. One day, I too, will have a dog. I grew up in a house and find living in an apartment terribly restrictive. I've always had a dog, and sometimes cats. Animals give unconditional love.

RomaCittaEterna

#2  05 August 2008 - 20:46

 

You're not biased--Milky's beautiful! She looks like a real sweetheart and it's great that she gets along with cats too. I had to raise my kitten along with my Beagle and Flat-Coated Retriever puppies to get them to all behave, and my cat only ever liked those two dogs--all other dogs were on the blacklist.

PandoraWilde

#3  06 August 2008 - 11:15

 

Milky sounds ideal and I am happy for you. Have you moved yet - the date is past your selling date but you weren't sure about the cottage?
Hope all is going well.
LOL Frewin

Frewin

#4  06 August 2008 - 21:56

 

Crate training is definitely the way to go. A friend (who has cats, never been around dogs) thinks that crates are cruel, but dogs are den animals and my new pup loves his. It also makes housebreaking much easier...and if they do make a mess, it's contained in the kennel instead of somewhere under the bed.

You'll do great as a new mom!

greeneyes

#5  07 August 2008 - 02:08

 

Six months old and Milky's gentle with the cats? That dog's a keeper! (And very striking!)

Anonymous

#6  12 August 2008 - 23:56

 

I loved meeting Milky, she is just loveable and adorable. I think you are on the right track with her and that you have a good vet. I love the idea of a puppy party. Lots of good luck and love with your new friend.
Elizabeth

Anonymous

#7  14 August 2008 - 21:26

 

Having someone to care for and love and direct attention to, who will love you back unconditionally and amuse you, will do you a world of good!

Olivia77

#8  24 August 2008 - 22:59

 

Jackal, you sound like a terrific dog owner; I'm glad you and Milky found each other :) Mrs.4444

Anonymous

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