Daisy & Zeke

Today Zeke had his first session of basic obedience training.  He already had mastered the first two lessons:  sit and watch me.  He did very well staying focused and calm during class too.  (A nice break compared to the first classes Daisy and I took together!)  Zeke has seven more weeks of class until he graduates.

Zeke also outgrew his puppy crate this week!  He has a new big-boy crate now!

Zeke has finally lost his canines–the last baby teeth puppies lose before they have a full set of permanent teeth.  The chewing has definitely slowed down!

Big sister Daisy is also doing quite well.  She really enjoys having the company and energy level of Zeke.  They play constantly.  I managed to get them both to sit together for a size comparison photo.  Daisy weighs 19 pounds, and Zeke weighs 11.5 pounds.  I don’t think he’ll grow much more.  He’s finally grown into his big head and paws!

Paco is my parents’ dog (formerly my dog during my past life in Indiana).  He is about 15 years old.  He’s a fiesty Pomeranian who has become a bit hateful in his old age.  This is partially due to him being almost completely blind and partially deaf.  You have to tread carefully to avoid startling him, otherwise he might nip you.

Paco recently had a visit from Daisy and Zeke.  It was very traumatic for him.  The high point was watching Zeke run circles around the island in the kitchen on the tile floor.  Paco was standing close by, and Zeke has some trouble with braking when he runs…  Zeke slid across the floor and literally knocked Paco off his feet.  Paco laid on the floor dazed for a few seconds.

I have to admit that it was one of the funniest dog moments I’ve ever seen.  Here is a photo of Paco sleeping in his den.  He loves to sleep in his den and prefers to spend much of his time there. 

We love you, Paco!

On May 2, 2008, Zeke turned 6 months old! In honor of his first half birthday, here is the latest update:

• As of yesterday, Zeke weighs 11.5 pounds! (He was only 5 pounds when I got him!)
• Zeke starts basic obedience training on Sunday, May 11.
• Zeke now has all his big boy teeth and has stopped the insane chewing.
• Zeke and Daisy get along very well and play continuously until they crash, curled up together.

Zeke and Daisy have been very busy with playtime and bath time!

Play time never really ends…  What happens when Big Sister takes away the Baby’s toy?

Zeke is now about half Daisy’s size

Bath time is sort of traumatic…

But play time after bath time is lots of fun!

And then we crash…

Daisy and Zeke are both doing well.  The fact that I haven’t had much to report is good news!  That means that everyone is adjusting well, and there haven’t been any significant behaviors to highlight.  Zeke starts basic obedience training soon, so I’m sure more reports will come from that.  Stay posted!  I hope to take more photos and video  to post very soon, but here’s a brief update for now:

Daisy:

• Has taken her “look of disdain” to a whole new level.
• Has taken refuge in her crate to escape little Zeke at times.
• Can now stay in her crate for a couple hours when Mom is home!
• Has had excellent behavior in the past week

Zeke:

• Has grown quite a bit and is finally filling out around his middle!
• Is jumping on everything– bed, TV stand, table, back of the couch, toliet, chairs–everything!
• Has become more affectionate with Daisy and Mom.
• Only has a few more puppy teeth to lose!

Daisy and Zeke have accomplished new feats this week!

Daisy has figured out how to jump every type of gate and barricade imaginable…

Zeke has learned to jump into the cube shelving unit–although he hasn’t quite figured out how to turn around to get out once inside; he just falls out…

Zeke has also managed to wedge himself under the TV stand, which is very low to the ground. Hopefully he won’t get stuck!

Zeke also has the puppy “crash wherever you are whenever you’re tired” sleeping style. Here he is half-in and half-out of his bed…

Zeke:  I can do everything Daisy does, better!

Daisy:  Right.

Daisy:  I taught Zeke everything he knows…

Zeke has two new hobbies:

1.  Playing with Daisy’s hedgehog toy that is almost as big as he is…

2.  Playing in his “fort.”

Zeke is five months old as of April 2nd!  He also had his first post-adoption check up at the WARL medical center.  Everything checked out great.  He is a healthy, growing pup!  He was quite wiggly during the exam, but he didn’t fuss at all.  Zeke now weighs about 8 pounds!  That means he’s grown about 3 whole pounds in his first month at home.

Daisy also saw the vet briefly to get her microchip.  As a side note, microchipping is very important, especially for dogs that like to run like Jack Russell Terriers!  Statistics show that 1 in 4 pets get lost, and 90 percent of them never return home!  The key is to get your dog or cat microchipped–and then sign them up in the national registry!

Daisy also had an important milestone in mid-March!  She has been in her forever home for 4 years now!  In March of 2004, Daisy came home from the DC Humane Society’s New York Avenue shelter.  Since then, she has matured into a beautiful dog–she charms everyone she meets with her party tricks.  She’s trained in agility for about 2 years and has made great progress in her skill and behavior.

Finally, for all the DC locals reading this…  Save the date for the WARL Mutts Strut on Sunday, June 1st at American University!  I’ll be serving as a team captain for the walk/run to raise money for WARL.  We will be celebrating our team mascots, Daisy and Zeke.  More details on how to get involved will be coming soon!  Thanks in advance for your support!

Daisy and Zeke had a very busy weekend…

Saturday morning Zeke got his first bath!  He did very well–there was minimal whining and very little jumping.  It looks like he won’t be much of a swimmer.  He did like to cuddle in the towel after his bath.

Daisy, on the other hand, does not like to cuddle after her bath.  She prefers to run around and air dry…

The baths were in preparation for Aunt Adrienne’s going away party Saturday night.  Daisy spent the evening begging for food and terrorizing everyone for attention.

Zeke spent the evening asleep in his loft until Mom woke him up to visit the guests…

After all the partying Saturday night, Daisy and Zeke decided to nap most of Sunday.  They think Mom’s bed belongs to them, exclusively.

After a long nap, Zeke played a game of “Monkey See, Monkey Do” with Daisy.  He likes to do everything his big sister does!