PetroneBaloney: March 2010

Busy, Busy

It's been a busy week for us.

On Saturday we move into our new house. We can't wait for Royal to see his new home and yard!

And we'll be living very close to our good friends, Wason and Winnie.

Royal loves playing with Wason and Winnie!

But first, I have to pack......which means these little 'chewies' have become in invaluable.

They occupy my little puppy for at least 15 minutes.

Which, coincidentally, is about how long I'm willing to dedicate to packing on any given day.

I think it's going to be an interesting move.

Velcro Dog

We are quickly learning why Vizslas are sometimes referred to as 'velcro' dogs.

If Royal is awake, he is either a) in your arms, b) in your lap, or c) under your feet. If you get up, even for a brief second, Royal gets up with you.

Several times I've found myself looking around the room for my little puppy only to find he's standing patiently between my feet, waiting for me to make my next move.

What are we doing Mom?

And since we have such an easygoing companion, we have taken Royal just about everywhere with us.

He's gone to Eatzi's for lunch, Taco Diner for dinner, Lowes, the local pet store and Pinkberry. He's quite the fixture in Uptown Dallas.

He even watches How I Met Your Mother with Dad on the couch....

I am sure there will come a day when his separation anxiety will become the bane of my existence. But for now, I find this incredibly endearing.

About a week ago, my husband and I went shopping for little Royal. We bought food, treats, a bed, leash, collar, and of course a variety of toys.

Being that this is my first puppy, I wanted everything to be perfect.

So, I must admit, I was a little turned off when my husband picked out this toy duck.

Don't get me wrong, its a fine toy. Its stuffing free, it squeaks, it meets all the basic requirements for my 'rambunctious' pup.

Its just, well, its ugly.

I mean since when do ducks come in leopard print?? Or is it camo?

And there were so many better, more aesthetically pleasing, options. There was a squirrel, a raccoon, a cute little mouse. But no, my husband insisted on the duck.

And naturally, this is my pup's absolute most favorite toy in the whole world.

He carries it everywhere.

He's such a boy.

The Retriever

Not surprisingly, our little Vizsla loves to retrieve any and every thing.

Its his favorite game.

I got it, Dad!

And, without fail, he brings his prize back to one of us.

Usually, in a hurry...

Time cannot be wasted.

Once this prize has been secured he likes to curl up in our lap and kill, maim or otherwise destroy the prize.

A little vigorous shaking, gnawing on the head, maybe a growl or two. And then its time to start the whole process over.

Our Buddy Nacho

On Saturday Royal had his first playdate with Nacho, a one year old Shih-Tzu and close friend of ours. This was our first time to see our 'playful' pup interact with a new dog. And let's just say he isn't shy.

First, quick pleasantries were exchanged...

Wanna play?

Royal made the first move by grabbing a mouthful of fur....

Then, without warning, our 8 week old puppy pounced!

Nacho, it seems, did NOT want to play.

He did, however, quietly humor our enthusiastic pup.

Cause that's what friends our for. Right?

(I sure hope Nacho is still our friend)

And, about fifteen minutes into our playdate.....

Being a puppy is exhausting!

Puppy Sleep

After spending my first weekend with my new puppy, I have to admit that on this rainy Monday I'd love nothing more than to do a little of this....

Or maybe even this....

Yup, I could definitely use some of this....

It just doesn't get any better than puppy sleep.

Finding Royal

On Friday, we'll be bringing our little man home for the first time. Its been quite the process.....

After waiting for months, we finally received word we had our choice of a male puppy in a litter of 9 (5 boys, 4 girls).

Three weeks after the puppies were born, we drove to Centerville, TX to pick the one who would be ours.

Immediately, one stood out.