Now, some might say we've been MIA (missing in action) but I cry "NO" we've been living with a puppy!! OMG how much we've forgotten. They're so cute! so cuddley! some might even say adorable!! But, oh!, who remembered their razor teeth, short attention span, and.... did I mention.. their adorableness?
Inquiring friends have been asking... "How is Maddie doing?". Well, I'm here to tell you she's doing fine. Us? We're a little tired but holding up :-)
Even though I remember the phases of living with Sophie, where we went from being the moms, to being the sisters, to her becoming the aunt and finally like a grandmother (that'd be Sophie);... this little one, this bundle of energy and inquisitiveness, and attention demanding,... and wonderfulness... has us back feeling like moms again. The good news we're told is that this particular little nipping and demanding phase will pass... and so we study puppy parenthood, and work through the tantrums, and continue protecting her from herself.. and loving her, and setting boundaries, and working through them... and, and, and.
And then, wonderful things happen. She starts to remember the area we've asked her to use in the back yard for (you know). She goes to bed at night without argument and sleeps through the night. She is now telling us (sometimes more subtly than others) when she wants to go out. And... wonder upon wonders... the very first time we took her to the boat.. she used Sophie's 'boat mat' (I'm sure I don't need to tell you what for :-). We've taken her down to the boat four times now and she's used the mat each time..... which is a wonderful gift that will make life easier for all of us.... thank you Sophie.
And, just yesterday we took her to a beach for the first time. We walked along the sandbars in one direction and then we walked back along the shore (it was low tide). Maddie followed us into the water and waded with us and then, when Kathy went out a little deeper, Maddie continued after her and, without any hesitation, started swimming to stay with her.. SWIMMING!! both front and back legs working at the same time!.. so awesome!
After our sandy and salty beach visit we went home and hauled out one of our homemade deck showers that we use on the boat. Turns out it works very well for puppies too. Outdoor showers are great !!
So friends, thanks for your patience. There are/were not a lot of photos. As you already know, black dogs don't show up well in photos... not with much definition anyway.; but we'll keep trying.
Hope all is well with each of you. We are fine and re-learning puppy speak. TTFN
CJ, Kathy, and Maddie
