SUCCESS!

Tonight, we were all watching the Olympics when we heard the bell that hangs from the back door jingling. Sure enough, it was Benelli. Frank jumped up and let her outside and she ran out the door. We paused the TV and waited. From the back yard, Frank said, "She went!" We all bounced and clapped on the sofa. Yay Belli! 


How is it that a 9-week-old puppy can be so far down the road toward housetraining? Other puppies we've had would not have the physical control or understanding at this age to do what she's doing. We only have to get up once during the night, typically, to let her out. 


Un. Freaking. Believable.


9:40 PM - She just did it again. : )

We've Discovered Water!

Not sure whether Shilohs are water-loving dogs in general, but this one LOVES water! She can't keep her paws (or toys) out of the water! 


So when I filled up the inflatable pool for the kids this afternoon, Belli couldn't resist wading in it. I didn't want the water to get higher than her ankles, however, so I lifted her out after taking this picture. She did NOT want to come out. But she was considerate; only her paws and tummy were wet.


Got absorbed in Tina Barber's book today and forgot to keep an eye on little Belli-button. I heard her playing with something and figured I'd better find out what it was. It was Frank's sock, which she had dunked in the water bowl and dragged all over the living room. There are random damp spots in the carpet from where she had sat down to chew it. Silly girl!

Belli Tries Her Paw at Chess

Shilohs are smart, but come ON!

Belli is now into chess, evidently. Belli did this on her own last night. I had to pull her off the board three times. She can't remember how the rook moves, but it sure does taste good!

She's acquiring quite the stable of nicknames: Bellini, Belly Button, Bellissimo, Bella ... Honey Badger (this because of her markings, not her personality).

Belli Goes Visiting

It's been a busy couple of days. Benelli is learning all about going outside and not in the house. She's been accident-free for two days, thanks to an exercise pen and frequent trips outside. If she "goes" while outside, she gets 30-40 minutes of unrestricted play time in the house. If she doesn't, she goes back into the exercise pen. It's low drama, and she has caught on. 

Today, she had her coming out. She went visiting at Auntie Robyn's office and got passed around for a while by the nice ladies there. Dutifully, she shared her puppy breath, soft fur and cuteness to (shown, from top) Denna, Jill and Sandy. 


Many smiles, a few treats, and a walk around the fish pond later, she was tired, and napped all the way home. 

It's exhausting to be the belle of the ball. She conked out as soon as she got back to her exercise pen. Three hours later, she's still napping.

It's Hot!

Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch ... 

It's hot in Texas.

In July.

In the middle of the afternoon.

Belli doesn't like the crispy grass, hot sun and ouchy patio. We're pretending we don't need to go potty.

Air conditioning ... now this is living!

Big Red, as she refers to Finnegan, our Irish Setter, continues to be aloof. He's not sure who left their bear cub here, but he's maintaining plausible deniability until further notice. He'll come around; he's an adult rescue with an unknown past and rather awkward social skills, but a very gentle and sweet boy.

Our kids help Finnegan get a drink at the dog park.

Hopefully, we'll have a picture of the Finn and Belli soon, but for now, he gets scarce when she comes over to investigate.

Belli Comes Home

The ride home

Sunday was a very important day for Benelli (Belli). She and her brothers and sister were eight weeks old and had just finished their LER (Litter Evaluation Report).

She and two brothers went to their new homes. Benelli's new family are Frank and Lisa, their three kids (ages 6, 5, and 4) and Finnegan, an Irish Setter age 9ish, who live in North Texas.

Belli asleep in her hiding place

Benelli is beginning to understand her new home, and within minutes, had discovered a small hiding place between the sofa and side table ... handy when one needs to take a break fom the adoration of five humans.

She has discovered raw beef tongue. Finnegan flourishes under a raw diet, and mom shared a little of his supper with Belli tonight. Beef tongue is dognip.

Belli has already claimed the sofa

Tuckered out

More to come. Stay tuned!