A very Merry Christmas

They say Christmas is for children. Well in this house it's all about our dogs. We had wrapped all their toys and treats individually. Taking each of them in turn we opened their presents. Didn't actually get very far because they all got so excited that they  wanted to see what was in the next package rather than concentrate on the toy we'd just opened  for them! Couldn't get them to come to either of us for their next one, they just milled around whichever of us happened to be holding a present. Utter chaos!

It ended up as a free for all, with them all swapping toys, squeaking them as much as they could manage. Kayla and Bella squabbled over one toy whilst Kai played with another. Kayla demanded that I throw a toy for her repeatedly (as is the norm for her) to fetch with Bella in hot pursuit, trying to tug the toy away from her. Kai also did his best to get in on the act, running and jumping at the Girls as they went backwards and forwards. They didn't know which toy to play with next! We decided not to open any more of their toys, so instead opened one of their edible presents, rawhide chews. These went down well with Kayla as always being the first to finish in record time. It was Kai's first, and he loved it!

Toys played with, and chews finished off, all three dogs proceeded to crash out for the next few hours. Rallied round when it was time for their Christmas Dinner unsurprisingly. Family tradition, the dogs always get a share of the roast dinner added to their kibble. This year it was beef and all the trimmings.

With more presents still to be opened we can do it all over again. It gave me such pleasure to see them so excited. Kai's first Christmas.... a real cracker!!

Getting older.... and even more fantastic!!

Our little man, surrounded  by his toys

Kai was four months old on Saturday (17th). Not posted anything about him for a while, largely because there hasn't been a lot to write. It seems like a good time to take stock of where Kai is in his development. We're starting to see the dog he will become, his temperament, his reactions to things, his relationship with other dogs.

Where to start? Well let's look at the physical stuff first. He has had several big growth spurts, now standing a lot taller, with longer legs and a longer body. His tail must be at least twice as long as when we got him. It is held erect and has a wonderful 'windscreen wiper' action when it wags it. He's outgrown his first coat and now comfortably fills his new 12" one.

He still has to be lifted on and off the settee etc, but is noticeably taller. He can ask to get up by placing his paws on the arm of the chair or the seat of the sofa. He doesn't help himself though, backing away repeatedly when you go to lift him up. This rather sums Kai up to be honest.

What is he doing?

Everything is a game at the moment, or something to be explored, chewed or run off with. He somehow manages to drag items that are far bigger than him away from where he finds them. Eric's large walking boots are a classic example. Or the very large dog cuddly toy which is a current favourite. Initially he barked at it, presumably thinking it was a real dog. Now it is dragged around, chewed, jumped on and I hate to say it 'humped'. Not the only thing getting that treatment. Canada goose toy and my elbow whilst playing with him springs to mind...
Well we are four months old now!!

His facial fur is absolutely gorgeous. All fluffy and scruffy, with a beautiful contrast between the jet black and the white. His head seems to have widened and the classic Schnauzer beard is coming along well. I brush him and within five minutes he looks as scruffy as he did before. It won't be too long now until he goes to the grooming parlour. I wish them luck, he could wriggle for England!!

Yet more grot he's found!!

Kai is lovely. The word sums him up completely. If I ask Eric why he is lovely, his response is that he 'just is'. He's right. He has a wonderful nature, not a malicious bone in his body. Bright as a button, very playful and mischievous, yet more than happy to snuggle up and have a cuddle or sleep in my arms. He and Kayla absolutely adore each other, to the point that both are upset if the other is away. There are even signs that Bella is mellowing, especially when he's lying on me. Scary stuff indeed!

His recall is excellent, he understands no and drop, well most of the time. Sleeps on the bed with Eric and Kayla (only Bella lies on me in my chair at night, otherwise my life wouldn't be worth living). Incredibly good when we go out, he chews nothing, doesn't generally have an accident and gives us a fantastic welcome when we come home. He stretches up as high as he can manage, desperately trying to lick us.

Three banana shaped dogs to come home to, what could be better?

Oops, there goes another toy!

Kayla has always had the habit of dropping toys in the pond.  She is incredibly dexterous, leaning precariously over the  edge to grab them back. How she doesn't fall in is mystery.

Eric captured this lovely moment of the two of them gazing down at the latest victim.