We have a another fun Wildflower update but first, Sparkle and Claire from this morning…
Mariya sends us this report on the puppy formerly known as Paintbrush:
“It probably goes without saying that I couldn't be more pleased with Kjempe and how well he is doing. Loving, social, smart, fun, curious, and just a sensation overall. As I had hoped, we can't go anywhere without some social interaction, as everyone loves a Berner - especially a Berner puppy.
We are so busy these few weeks. As Mary-Ann knows, Kjempe is about to have a new home...we are moving to a small acreage North of town, and life has become a maze of pathways through boxes, piles for donation, and piles for the dump. While the animals don't quite understand yet, they are about to have a LOT more room to play! I know I can't wait to be fully transitioned :-)
Kjempe starts puppy school this Saturday. For the most part, I pat myself on the back that we are ahead of the game on our training. We have sit, down, stand, paw, shake, touch, "watch me," leave it, heel, "check in," crate, and all of the little things like - "out of the kitchen," sitting before he gets his meals, getting his toenails dremmeled, and sitting at the door to take his harness off, or get his tootsies dried when they're wet. The most important training for me, at this point, is simply averting his attention back to me when another dog or person really has his attention...(I mean...really has his attention).
We are finally old enough to make it to the top of the ridge behind the house - see pics. We entertain the other patrons at the breweries and the park. We have a bestie named Howard (Portugese water dog) who comes over here - and shares treats and toys. Funny enough, whatever Howard liked/played with, becomes Kjempe's favorite thing for the next few days.
The temperature has finally cooled in Colorado - with crisp, cold mornings and gentle breezes in the afternoon. It has made a big difference for Kjempe who does not like the heat (neither do I). We are excited for FALL and WINTER - which many of you know Colorado had an early touch of winter last week. Kjempe loved the snow!
Following suit - he is going to be a lap dog.
Things he loves: other people, especially Karen, my nieces, his vet; playing fetch and tug, his tug rope toy, squeaky tennis balls, his Fox toy, his snuffle mat, bison & beef bones, ME :-), his cat brothers, the cold bathroom floor, carrots, his crate, riding in the jeep with the window open, breweries and coffee shops (me too!), freeze-dried chicken hearts stuffed in a kong, any cat toy he can find, sneakily chewing on mulch (so glad the new place does NOT have mulch!!!)
Things he is not so fond of: Peanut butter, cauliflower, carpeted floors, bully sticks, loud aggressive barking dogs on the other side of the fence (who is?).”
What a wonderful, happy report — thank you, Mariya! Best Wishes to you, Kjempe, and the cats on your move.