Mugshot - Wyatt - Love at first sight!

After putting my beloved German Shepherd Jym down in January, after 12 years of friendship, I thought I would try not having a dog. This didn't last too long. The last year of Jym's life, I battled back and forth about getting a dog while I had him or waiting until after or not getting one at all. I kept checking into other breeds . . . no I don't want a dog or wait for Jym as Jym doesn't play well with others. The dog of the week changed from breed to breed. Maybe Corgi, maybe Australian Shepherd maybe . . . I kept coming back to the Jack Russell Terrier (or terrorist as people have referred to them now that I have one). I took a test to see if I was suitable to be owned by a JR. Nope. Doesn't seem it will be the greatest fit - why because of the townhome. Never mind the fact that I spend most of my time at the barn. Gee, a small dog can go places where Jym couldn't go anywhere as he was so protective (psycho).

I kept looking at different breds being a shepherd or lab person - no I don't want a dog . . . My situation was changing - fenced in yard to townhomedom . . . naw just do without, be free of the mess, hair and responsibility. After Jym's passing I moved and was kept very busy for the first couple of months, then one day as I am sitting just vegging - I am lonely. I miss my friend. No, I don't want a dog maybe I will get a cat. A week later, I was excitedly planning to bring Wyatt home.

John from the barn loaned a crate and after a few trips to PetSmart I was ready. Boy, did I luck out as he was already living in a "kennel" at the breeders. So, May 20, 2005 arrived and off to Burnsville to meet my new best friend. After coming up with several different names I decided on JJ to go with the TJ, PJ theme but would let the puppy decide in the end. He turned out to be Wyatt which was a name I have always loved and if I were to have a child that would be it.

Walking into the trailer which housed the kennels, I spotted him immediately and boy did he spot me. The breeder took him out and we went over paperwork, I received instructions - hold him like a football, and a quick nail trimming for the road (after he had already scratched my lip - the first scratch of many). He was born March 11, 2005 and was supposedly eight weeks old went I got him but doing the math that didn't add up. What a little cutie patootie as you can see.

I stopped by work to pick up a second crate I was being loaned. Mind you this was his first real outside experience. I set him on the ground (grass and dandelions) and he didn't know what to do. This soon passed. Within a minute he was bounding from dandelion to dandelion puffing them. It was the cutest thing I have ever seen.

The next day was my housewarming. Wyatt was the hit of the party. He even received a few gifts. I have wonderful friends.

The next day we went to the barn to meet PJ. Wyatt was ready but PJ was a little set back. The white showing at the top of his eyes. After the second meeting I decided perhaps PJ would feel better if Wywy was on the ground - yep that did the trick. He must have thought those were the most peculiar clippers he had ever seen when I was hold Wyatt. Wyatt has tried to nip his nose twice but hasn't done that for a while. He is getting more respectful of the horse but does get preoccupied with horse apples.

The first two weeks were fun as I didn't get a lot of sleep or I did and it was interrupted can't never get enough REM. Potty training has been interesting. Just a week and half a go he started ringing the bell - YEAH! The silent staring at the door knob wasn't working for either of us. After taking a week off during which we had a couple of accidents we are back on schedule now.

I am very happy with the brainpower WyWy has. In a few hours he learns a command whether it is sit, down or whatever. He has been sleeping in the bed most nights but every once in while goes into the crate - I usually can sleep through anything but apparently not a puppy chewing on a bone.

He is finished with all his shots and is waiting for the "removal". Poor pup! I have found I cannot expect him to eat like a German Shepherd. He weighed 9 lbs at the last vet visit. I don't see how he gets by on how little he eats.

We have attended our fourth puppy class and will graduate from Puppy Kindergarden July 26. Of course, I think he is the valedictorian of the class.