Thursday, September 29, 2011

Month 1 Recap

 I can't believe it's been 4 weeks since I've brought home this little bundle of cuteness. Time is flying by and even though I take pictures almost on a daily basis, I've realized it's not enough. I have to capture every moment, because before I know it, February 2013 will be here and my baby girl will be moving on to advance training.


Here's Zaire at 11 weeks old!


Before I brought puppy home, I had imagined that I would blog at least weekly to track her progress and post pictures of her growing. Week 1 came and went... as did the next 3 weeks. Now I'm thinking monthly updates sound much better.

It's been a fun first month and I've learned so much about Zaire. She is one smart puppy! 
The past few weeks I have been teaching her her Name, Sit, Down, Wait, Kennel, Release, Hurry, Let's Go, Don't/No, Drop, Here, Dress, and how to walk down stairs. 



~ Month 1 Recap ~
Zaire accepted her crate on the first day. She sleeps through the entire night (except when she had diarrhea for a week, then she would bark and let me know she had to go).

Dog hair is a new accessory to my clothing. 
 
I now know what it feels like to be a mother. I worry when puppy isn't drinking enough water or has a tiny red bump on her tummy, or wonder why she's scratching her ear.

Too many treats and kibble can cause an upset stomach and keep you up all night. 

Zaire is very food motivated! She knows how to Sit very well. 

When we are outside walking, she'll occasionally be stubborn and plop her butt down and won't budge. That is, until you show her a treat. ;-)
 
Getting ready to go anywhere requires planning to make sure I have everything I could possibly need while we are out.

I have to allow plenty of time to load the car with puppy and her stuff before we leave. 

I used to arrive early to places and now I'm always a few minutes behind because puppy sometimes doesn't stick to the schedule. 
 
Zaire have a new best friend named Jiva and they have play dates almost twice a week. 

This weekend puppy gets her first bath. Stay tuned for bath pictures and we'll see you next month! 


 
Stubborn puppy won't come down the stairs!

September 29, 2011 - 13 Weeks old!
 


 




 







Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Family

Zaire (on the left), mama China, and her brother and sisters feeding!

Baby Zaire!

Mama China from PADS!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Welcome Home Zaire


On August 30, 2011, I brought home a chubby little 15lb puppy named Zaire. 
Zaire was born in Canada on June 30, 2011 to PADS China and Camden II. 

She is so adorable and that cute little wrinkly puppy face is to die for. I fell in love with her instantly! And you will too when you meet her. 

I will be raising Zaire for the next 16-18 months as a Puppy Raiser for Canine Companions for Independence. Raising a puppy and watching them grow is such an adventure and at times, a circus!

I'll be posting updates and pictures along the way so you can follow her thru this amazing journey on becoming a future Canine Companion.