Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Pia and Jade



I took dogs out to Denise's last weekend, mostly so that Pia and Jade could visit, and so that Denise and I could visit. Denise got some lovely shots of them both - and as always all photos belong to her and please do not use without permission.

Now that THAT is out of the way, the pups are now 16 weeks old. I was a bit dismayed last week as one of Pia's ears had deflated. But they're back up - either tipped:



or completely pricked:



She's teething right now, so I'll be interested to see how they wind up. When I weighed Pia a couple of days ago she clocked in at 15 pounds - though she'd not yet pooped so lets call it 14.5.

Jade has great ears too!



Both pups seem to just, as Denise puts it, have good intentions.



At home right now mostly Pia is just learning to have general manners. She's learning that while Zippy likes to play with her she's too big and too rough for him now. She's learning that yes, she has to come when I call her, and that my socks and flip flops are not for puppies.

She did have her first exposure to sheep this past weekend. She showed some glimmers of interest - and even at one point was going to head them. I could see her checking in and flaring out. Very cool.

It's always interesting to me to see how each new dog reacts to the first exposure to sheep. Linc? He followed me around hopping up and down going "Hi Mom! Hi Mom! Hi Mom!". Nick took off the second his little (or not so little) feet hit the ground, went around, and brought me the sheep. Pia showed some interest and instinct - and almost went around a couple of times, but wasn't completely turned on yet. Very neat. Can't wait to see what she does next time!

I think this is my favorite part - the first few times on sheep. It's all so fresh, free and exciting... yet timeless.

11 comments:

Doniene said...

Such fun!!!! I know that is how it is with Bess - she is just so "in tune". I've had her on stock (not chickens lol!) about 4 or 5 times, and she is all business. Of course, we're still learning, "yes, you have to come when I call" but all in all she is such a pleaser and has so much joy about life!! I'm really looking for that dog that can be my "partner". My other dogs love me and work well, but lack a little in that connection - hey I sound like such a pro - and I've been doing this a whole year!!! LOL

Blessings

Laura Carson said...

I should add that on Linc's first exposure Denise was videoing. I begged her to delete it forevermore. It was rather embarrassing. The next time out though he turned on and had plenty of fire in his belly. :)

Unknown said...

Lovely puppy photos. Jae's high tiooy ears are precious. I;m hoping to see Pia again before she's all grown up....

Laura Carson said...

I know - Jade's ears are AWESOME. I love them. I definately need to get Pia out to see you again. She's a whole lot of fun, and not scared of the big dogs anymore. :)

Unknown said...

No, I am, in fact, NOT on drugs. That shoudl be Jade, tippy, and I'm. Got a new external keyboard and my fingers are having a hard time adjusting after so much time on the built-in laptop keyboard! That's my story, yeah.

Unknown said...

Gah! I give up--I just can't type.

Ann said...

Adorable!!!

Laura Carson said...

LOL J! I believe it. New keyboards are a pain.

Thanks, Ann!

Janet said...

I love those teeny-tiny little needles in the last picture. I mean Pia's puppy teeth!

Laura Carson said...

Janet, those are some seriously sharp teeth! The big dogs would agree. :) She so totally cracks me up, even when I'm frustrated. Even if it's with her.

Laura Carson said...

I'll try to keep it down to a dull roar. LOL! I'm tellin ya, one of these days when times are better and I have a camper and stuff I'm so totally rolling down your way for a visit. :) You know, probably ten years from now. lol