Pippin has officially joined the family – making his way from Montreal to the island on July 11, 2013. He is tiny, just over 3 lbs but growing fast. Not exactly enthusiastic about Bryher – but on July 17 they had a nose touch together and it was uneventful. So we are optimistic that everyone is going to get along. Click the picture for a larger version.
Bryher is now 14 weeks and continues to grow like a weed. He is also bulking up, getting incredibly strong and started swimming with us on July 17. He is not exactly a water dog, but has fun all the same and looks like he will be a good enough swimmer if he falls out of the boat (or canoe again, and again and again). His puppy undercoat is still attached but the outer wire hair is starting to come in, so he’s in this ‘in between look right now.
Bryher at ten weeks. Still full of beans. Click the image for larger version.
Day 1 – Monday May 27, Bryher arrives at the island. He travelled really well and didn’t make a fuss. What a handful! Full of beans – he has consumed our entire life – with a Terriers energy and boldness. Healthy, happy and very bright – I am totally amazed at how fast he learns. His Mom has a tan head and white body – pictures below. Wire Fox Terriers typically are born with darker heads that turn lighter as they age.
We are using the crate system to house train him, and we have learned the hard way, make sure everything is done before letting him loose into the pen. He can play by himself with just passive supervision in the pen.
Will start getting him used to the house while supervised on a leash – expecting that to take a month! The first night he cried a bit and then fell asleep.
Day 2- – starting to sit when he wants something like a treat. He figured that out almost immediately. Slept well right though the night or if he needs he asks to go out around 3:00 am. We struggle to keep up. A couple of misses with the house training – I let him play in the pen without taking him out first, and well I won’t do that again. Talked to Peter and Dennis and will be keeping him in crate till we take him out and he ‘goes’ before letting play in the pen. Also giving up on the feeding by hand, he won’t develop a schedule when fed all day. We need to anticipate his needs and get him out before hand. Live and learn.
Day 3 – I put a canoe out on the dock, expecting him to be wary of it – but he hopped right in. Starting to get his paws wet at the waters edge, exploring boats and the dock. Fearless – if he can’t get down the steps on the front porch, he just does a “jeronomoooo” and jumps off – falling about 3 feet without missing a beat. We try to control him but what a handful, sometimes he is just out of control if left to run too much.
After 16 great years with our wonderful friend and family member we had to say good-bye to Willow – our Burmese cat on March 25, 2013. Willy had little time or patience for dogs so we put off including a dog in the family. With his passing – a new chapter in our lives begins and we have decided to include a dog and a new Burmese cat this summer.
After some research (and with my past experience with a Kerry Blue terrier) we have put a deposit on a Wire Fox Terrier which should be available late May. Wire Fox Terriers are around 17 – 20 pounds and 15″ at the shoulder. Evidently our pup is ‘big boned’ so I imagine that its somewhat stocky and less leggy then typical. I just hope its healthy. I’m looking forward to long walks and a little buddy to swim and canoe with. We have our first major trip planned for the French River in Sept so I am sure he will join in the fun.
Sample Image of Wire Fox Terrier.
This litter was small – just one male and one female so we have the male reserved – from Rideau Lakes Kennels near Renfrew.
We have sourced a breeder for the Burmese and expect it to join the family some time in June.
Lets hope its a healthy and happy home.
Update May 13: Looks like the pup is on schedule: Week of may 27 and we plan to call him Bryher.