It’s a Jungle Out There

I have met a lot of dogs and cats now, but I think I’m ready to start investigating some other animals – I know there are lots of them because I see them in my yard all the time – like the squirrel that lives in our front yard tree, the owl that says “Hi” in his own language, and that pesky woodpecker that Mom says needs a new hobby. 

I’m going to start small.  I took a tour of the “jungle” part of Petsmart.  I saw birds like finches and parakeets, lizards, but really liked watching the hamsters and gerbils.  See this little guy I have my eye on?  I want him for Christmas next year.  I will name him Nugget. 

 ~ Tetley

"And I Shall Call You Nugget!"

Christmas Socialization: Starbucks & Christmas Town USA

Today we went to Starbucks for some Christmas socialization.  I met and played with a bunch of people while Mom and Dad drank their Grande Something Or Others.  After Starbucks we went to Christmas Town USA (in McAdenville, NC).  We walked through the town, saw lots of houses all lit up, met new people and dogs.  It was fun!  A few cars stopped their cars in the street to look at me and pet me!  Below are some pictures from the day.

~ Tetley

My First Christmas

Today was my first Christmas.  Aunt Shelly, Mom, Dad, Cheddar, Cannoli and I were all good, because Santa came…  I got a harness – red to match my red and white Hawaiian leash – and white chocolate covered bones (doggie friendly, Mom says I can’t eat real chocolate).  For Christmas Dad got Mom a lot of doggie stuff too from REI - a doggie bag for my stuff, a red dog pack for me, a collapsible water bowl, and more.  Cheddar and Cannoli had a good Christmas too.  Cannoli got catnip toys and Cheddar got a new blue mouse – he loves them according to Mom and Dad. 

It was really warm today, so after presents we went for a nature walk in a part of the yard I haven’t been to before.   It was lots of fun.  There were lots of new trees, leaves, and rocks for me to climb on – even a little waterway!   After that we went for a long walk through the community and I made friends Rocky a Wolf Hound/Terrier mix.  He was a lot bigger than me, but was really calm.  I can add him to the list of other dogs in the community I am friends with – Lady the Greyhound and Pepper the Black Lab.  There are others, but they haven’t said “Hi” officially.  One day, though…

After a L-O-N-G day, I took an extra long nap in my crate with one of my Christmas bones.  It was a great day…

~ Tetley

Christmas Eve Fun

Today was great!  Mom and Dad got home from work early and we played a lot in the yard.   We also  trained using my favorite apple snacks.  We worked on my sit, stay, release today for class on Saturday.  I was able to stay while Mom went about 12 feet away.  She says she needs to get further, but I am working on it.  I just want to be next to her! 

After a nice long nap and dinner, we went on a long walk and I tried to help Mom wrap presents for tomorrow – it’s Christmas –  my first one!

~ Tetley

I Have An Auntie

Mom’s sister came to stay with us for Christmas, so I have an Auntie!  She is in from college and is staying through January.   I now have somebody to play Hide-A-Squirrel with while mom and dad are at work all day.  This is great!

 ~ Tetley

Hello World!

My name is Tetley.  I am a 9.5 week old working line German Shepherd puppy.  I moved in with my new owners a little over a week ago.  It was sad leaving my dog mom and the other puppies, but so far my new mom and dad are pretty nice.  They give me lots of attention, take me with them to cool places,  and have me lots of toys! 

I traded in my puppy siblings for two new ones.  My new owners call them ”the kids.”  They are cats named  Cheddar and Cannoli.  I don’t think they like me too much, but I haven’t given up hope on our friendship.  I took my favorite toy (Squirrel) and tried to give it to Cannoli.  Mom and dad say they will come around.  I just want to play with them! 

My new owners are keeping me really busy.  I already have a trainer named Linda.   She is with Highland Canine.  She is really nice.  I met her last Sunday.  She loves GSDs, so I think I am already in good.  

My new owners take me on errands and out to eat with them - they even took me to Starbucks and to the mall to meet Santa Claus!  Santa said he could tell I had been a good girl this year.  He gave me a bone! 

Kids and adults like me and I like them too – especially when they give me a belly rub.  Oh, I like giving kisses too! 

I think I have a knack for people – so this is where my adventure begins…  I want to make people smile.  So I am going to become a Therapy Dog.  Yep, I want a job.  I come from a German Showline, but my parents had a lot of Working titles, so in German Shepherd fashion - I feel the need to have a purpose everyday.  That purpose – I want to help people.  

 ~ Tetley