First Slumber Party - Zaire & Razzle

Our house guest for the weekend was a black lab named Razzle. 

She is a very sweet one year old girl who is being raised by Mollie, a fellow Puppy Raiser.

I'm Razzle and I love to stick my tongue out!

This was Zaire's first sleep over at our house. And boy, Zaire didn't like having to share her toys and her mama's attention. Every time Razzle would pick up a toy, Zaire would immediately feel the need to steal it away from Razz. So Razz would get another toy, and Zai would steal that one. This went on and on all weekend long. Sweet Razzle was being the nice bigger sister and giving spoiled Zaire whatever toy she wanted, until the bone came out. I brought out two bones! Of course, the both wanted the same one. Filmed some video of this taking place. I'll try to post it. It's quite hilarious. Here's a picture for now.

"It's my bone!" "No, it's mine!"

Theses girls cracked me up. They played and played and played. They would not stop playing unless we were in the car (the magical place to take a peaceful nap for these two), on a time out, or while we were out hiking.

How cute!

By the end of each day, Z and Razz had had enough. They pooped each other out.

Razzle and Zaire taking a nap together!

After a full nights of sleep, they were ready for more the next morning.

We are ready to play!

I knew these two would be full of energy, so Friday afternoon we met my friend Heidi and her dog Henley for a hike at Foothills in Windsor. Even after a 3 mile hike, they were still romping around and fighting over toys.

Me, Zaire, and Razzle during our hike at Helen Putnum Park

First San Francisco Adventure

Me at Pier 39

Mom took me to San Francisco with my friends Jiva, Geroge and their humans Iris and Cyndy. We parked by the Marina and we walked by lots of big things floating in the water. I've never been so close to so much water. I was a little scared, but the view was pretty.

We had to walk up a steep set of stairs, but I made it with mom guiding me. She's so helpful!

I saw lots of interesting things and many new people of all shapes and sizes. I even saw these big wet creatures that were making a lot of noise. I think my mom called them Sea Lions. They sure were loud and weird looking. I'm a big girl now, so they didn't scare me away.

I had a great time in the city with my favorite friends. I heard mom talking and she said that I was so well behaved, that we get come back for another visit. I can't wait!

Best Friends Forever!

I'm the 3rd wheel in this pic with Jiva and George!

 

 

Z's Papa

This is Camden II, Zaire's papa. These photos were taken by his puppy raiser when he was a Puppy in Training! 

4 Months Old - October 30, 2011

First Beach Trip

At the Beach!

Jake and I took Zaire to the beach for her first time! 

We walked close to the water and when a wave came close, Zaire quickly ran away from the water, not liking that she got her paws wet. :-) 

We had a nice long walk and met a few other friendly dogs. 

Our trip was a success!

Papa Jake & Zaire

The view from the cliff

Another view

Mama & Zaire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd Bath - October 29th

Zaire's second bath was more successful than the first! I enlisted the help of my boyfriend. I got in the bath with Zaire to hold and comfort her while he poured the water and rinsed her.

Zaire freaked out again with the water, but I was able to hold her and make her feel safe. She calmed down a little, but still doesn't like the water.

This time we were able to get her clean and rinsed properly!  

Here's hoping Bath #3 will be better. 

Tip - 4 hands is better than 2 when giving a puppy a bath! 

Zaire's First Bath - October 1st

Wet Puppy!

My first attempt in trying to give Zaire her first bath was unsuccessful. The bath tub stopper wouldn't close, so the tub wouldn't hold any water for a bath.

As soon as I turned on the water to get Zaire wet, she freaked out. I managed to get a little shampoo on her and rinse it off. She was not happy with mom and decided that since I made her get wet, she was going to make sure I was soaked. 

Zaire had more fun drying off and playing in the towels.

Playing in the towels!

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!

 

 

 

Family

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

Baby Zaire!

Mama China from PADS!

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.