We collected Herbie on 27th of May and he is a delight but… So far the casualties have included two pairs of pyjama bottoms, three pairs of my pants, one pretty pink suede shoe and the removal of a three-pin plug from one of my studio lights. He loves any fabric whether stitched or not, so I really do have to be careful in my workroom! I am haunted with the thought that that I might discover a finished project for the Cross Stitch Guild photography session in his bed and in bits.
Potty training has been more of a challenge than I remember from the past. I must have a selective memory, or I am having more senior moments. I am up with the lark (the alarm) at 6.30am and Herbie and I go out to inspect the garden with a bag of treats for when he performs. Now you will understand my timing for getting a puppy. With the heat this year, the temperature and the lovely morning light has been a joy. The thought of the same routine in October makes me shudder.
Second injection done, we are now able to talk him out for walks. He does not like wearing his collar and lead but soon forgets it when he starts to find good sniffs. He is a very sociable little chap too – he seems to love everyone and even welcomes our postman, unlike Monty who would have bitten him if he got the chance. Herbie is happy spending time with our neighbours and even goes on play dates with Coco, the dog next door.
Indoors Herbie steals fabrics, outdoors he is a natural snail hunter. I know that they are not good for dogs, so I keep careful watch and remove them from his mouth three or four times a day!
I know from experience that it is vital for a puppy to have lots of experiences early in life so that he remains as adaptable as he is now. We’ve been on all sorts of visits already and he even has his own car seat. Whatever next?
