Does Kai have a heart murmur?

Last Tuesday was meant to be the day that Kai was castrated. Instead we got a call from our Vet mid morning saying that during her usual pre-op examination she had heard a slight heart murmur. He was also pale (gums) so she was concerned about proceeding. She recommended a blood test, which of course we agreed to. We hoped the results would be normal but unfortunately his red blood cell count was lower than it should be. Not hugely but enough to confirm her suspicions.

The trouble is that (she explained) there may be several reasons why the murmur was present. He had got himself really worked up apparently to the point that they had to sedate him slightly. This could be one cause although it doesn't explain why the red blood cell count was lower than it should be. It could also be physiological in nature and he will grow out of it. Or he has a heart murmur which has been picked up really early. She reckons that he has about a one in six chance of having a murmur. So we were faced with a difficult decision. She said she could proceed with the operation but there would be additional risk with the anaesthetic. They monitor them very closely and at the first sign of trouble they would stop. The decision not to go through with the operation was a no-brainer, for the sake of him being castrated, we weren't prepared to put him at risk.

So what do we do now? Well, having discussed it with the Vet, we are going to monitor his pulse rate, breathing rate and gum reaction time, between now and when he has his first booster jab. At this point he will be fully grown so it should have gone if it's physiological. If it hasn't then she will have lots of data to determine whether he needs to have further investigations such as an echo, to see what's going on. We can also review getting him castrated, although that's way down the list of priorities. Our little man's long term health is what we're worried about.

As I write this we have a week's worth of data. It's impossible to check his gums, because there is so much pigmentation (brown/black). The Vet had trouble so what hope do we have? We have been recording pulse and breathing rates each day. Difficult to tell if they are good or bad as the Vet wouldn't give us a 'target' number for obvious reasons. Of course I have looked up details about canine pulse rates on the Internet and the range seems to be 60-160bpm. Kai is at the lower end of this range. Typically after 15 mins at rest he is about 90bpm. Asleep for a longer period it falls to 75bpm. After a play session of fetch and tug it only went up as far as 94. The highest I've managed to record was today. He had running around in the garden woofing at dogs next door. He came in full pelt when I called him (the bribery of a treat does the trick every time). It was 105. She hasn't put any restrictions in place exercise wise, it really is a case of getting a feel for what Kai's heart is doing.

Once we've been recording for a month Eric will take him back and see what she thinks. We're hoping that he just got himself incredibly worked up and that he doesn't have a murmur. Equally we hope it's physiological and so will go of it's own accord. And if it doesn't? Well, we will cross that bridge when we come to it. Pet Insurance means they can do what they need to, to to diagnose and manage it. Whatever he needs he will get it!!

It was and remains really upsetting to hear that Kai may have a heart murmur. He is our gorgeous, wonderful, perfect little dog, who we both absolutely adore. He is an incredible character, so affectionate and just.... brilliant. The thought of him having ongoing heart problems and possibly not living as long as he should doesn't bear thinking about. He is so full of life, always up for a game of fetch or rough and tumble with Kayla. He goes for the same length of walk as our two border collies, and Eric tells me that he runs around constantly with a really zippy turn of speed. He eats well, and doesn't ever pull up or look like he's having problems. This all flies in the face of him having a murmur. Please let him be OK!

As an aside try finding the pulse on your dog. There are two choices. First you feel underneath and slightly down from the elbow of their left leg. The other option is on the inside of the back left leg, in the fleshy bit just below the bone. I can find the spot on Kai's leg almost first time now. Despite repeated attempts (groping around until she looks at me as if to say, 'will you just give it up') on Bella, I have been unable to get a sniff of a pulse anywhere!!

As for our little man, all we can do is take measurements each day and hope everything turns out alright. It's going to be a very anxious wait that's for sure....

How can he be 6 months old already?

Today our little man is six months old. It seems unbelievable that he can have reached that milestone already but here we are. So where are we at, in terms of growth, character and training?

First thing is that his bark has 'broken', if dogs' barks do. What is for certain is that since a week or so ago he suddenly had a deeper more authoritative woof. He retains his wonderful 'woo, woo, woo, wooo' bark of surprise or alarm but again this have gone down tonally. He expresses himself better, or perhaps we understand him more! It helps that in many ways he has taken the lead from the Girls, his beloved Kayla in particular. So if he can't reach something he will woof. He asks to get up by plonking his front paws either on the sofa, or the arm of my chair depending on who he wants to lie near/on. Bless him, he can jump off, but not onto furniture still.

We had a very brief 'stroppy' phase, clearly driven by hormones. Was an absolute imp when I groomed him, wouldn't sit when given a treat, wouldn't come when called. You get the idea. Thankfully we seem to have returned to the lovely young man we know and love. Oh and the grotty little creature has been eating poo. Why do dogs do that when they reach a certain age, and are so pleased with themselves? At least we haven't had snails being brought in. Kayla and Bella both went through that phase. I vividly remember one night when I had gone to bed, Bella joined me, together with a toad!!

I've been working on 'come' with him, A vitally important command for me so that I can get him to come from me from anywhere, when Eric has popped out shopping or something. He's doing really well. I only have to call him and rattle my ever treat box and he comes sprinting in from the garden. Have  to say his recall is better for me than it is for Eric. Bribery and corruption, works every time!! 'drop' is very good, unless it's something he's particularly taken with, in which case he runs away from Eric. So funny watching Eric running after him. He's got a real turn of speed and dodges beautifully (Kai that is, not Eric). Equally funny is when he tries to eject something from his mouth, only for it to get stuck in his beard!

Teeth are a big issue for him at the moment. All of his remaining adult teeth are coming in, with some of his milk teeth refusing to fall out. Currently  both upper and one lower canines have the adult and milk teeth sitting next to each other. It looks really odd! We have collected four of his baby teeth which adds to the ones we have from Kayla and Bella. With luck the milk teeth will fall out soon, must be uncomfortable for him having multiple teeth in a space intended for one.

He was clipped for the second time yesterday, and looks so handsome. Next major event for Kai happens this Tuesday.... castration!

Snow!

It was definitely not the time to be a small dog in the last few days. With about a foot of snow outside at it's peak poor little Kai has had major problems going outside. In turn we've had problems getting him sorted out when he has come back in!

The snow started here late Saturday evening and we had already had a few inches when he went out with the Girls at about midnight. He loved the snow and spent ages out there exploring, playing etc. They were only meant to be going out to do their business before we turned in for the night! Instead at 12.45am we had the hairdryer out desperately trying to melt all the snow that was stuck in his fur. Got him sorted eventually but it took some time.

Sunday morning there was even more snow. He went out, eventually returning  covered in snow up to his body. He loved it out there, refusing to come back in, running round like a mad thing. More drying ensued, finally getting him sorted out again.

Chasing after Kayla

This weather has been really tough for him. Firstly he's just too small for the amount of snow we've had. Add to this the fact that he has longish fluffy fur on his legs and it isn't surprising that he comes back in looking like a little snowman with a snowy beard!


Unfortunately the snow rapidly changes into balls of ice which get matted up in his fur. He tries to pull at them, bless him as he sits on a towel on my lap whilst I try to tease them out with a comb.

We have had to play party poopers and not let him out much because it's such an ordeal getting him sorted out and dry again.


Thankfully today the snow has melted enough so that for the first time, this evening, he came back in with only slightly wet legs.

As long as we don't get any more snow he should be alright. Fingers crossed....

Our handsome little smarty pants!

So, what's been happening to our little man recently? 

Kai reached the age of five months last Tuesday. It's weird because in some ways the time has flown, but equally it feels as if he has been part of our lives forever. I know I'm biased but he is extraordinary - incredibly affectionate, scarily intelligent, very handsome, has a fantastic temperament and is definitely our dog (doesn't favour Eric over me or vice versa).

The most noticeable change physically is that his legs are longer so he can reach up more. Don't reckon he will ever get big enough to jump onto the sofa or my chair, but at least he can now jump off things rather than 'hoof and woof' in frustration. His fur grows at an astonishing rate, already his paws are looking like 'mops' again and he's becoming scruffy again. Not that we mind scruffy, It's all part of his charm. It's only been a couple of weeks since he was clipped. We booked him in for his next clipping in 8 weeks. That's definitely going to have to be brought forward otherwise we run the risk of Kayla not recognising him again!

He is slowly wearing down Bella's grumpiness to the point that she almost starts playing with him, realises and then stops herself. She is as protective of him as she is of Kayla, coming and standing on the arm of my chair while I groom him. It's like she's supervising me! Yesterday morning Eric was telling me that on his walk, Kai met a very large Bull Mastiff. He was scared and ran away squealing. It's the first time he's been scared of a dog. Bella went into protection mode and saw off said bull mastiff. Size doesn't matter to Belle, she stands up to any dog she sees as a threat.

They say the Mini Schnauzer is a big dog in a little body. They're absolutely right. He responds to everything, always wants to know what's going on, and never misses a trick. I mentioned previously about him doing fetch beautifully without training. Last night he got hold of a potato (goodness knows how) and took it off upstairs. Lots of thud noises could be heard as he played with it. Next thing we knew he was quite deliberately dropping it down the stairs so that he could run after it. Kayla does a similar thing so I can only assume he picked it up from her.

The calm before the storm!

He's quite happy entertaining himself, tossing toys around, pouncing on them, squeaking them..Far better though is to play tug with me or Eric, rough and tumble and of course fetch. His play with Kayla is ever more boisterous, with him giving as good as he gets. He tries to tug toys with Kayla, but she has a tendency to either pull too hard or jump up on a chair with the toy where he can't follow. Doesn't stop him trying though!!

Kayla in full flight about to pounce..

He particularly likes my Hummingbird Dental flosser, dancing around woofing and trying to grab it as I turn it on and off near him. He only has to see it and over he comes!

I regularly have to try and play with three dogs at once, throwing something for Kayla (she has to put a toy on boxes next to my chair, or on the arm of my chair otherwise it doesn't get thrown!) whilst playing tug with Kai on my lap and tug with Bella straddling the arms of the sofa and my chair. They insist on having a session before bed. Just what you want at that time of night!!!

Kai certainly knows how to express himself. He woofs at the back door if he wants to go out. Paws up on the edge of the sofa if he wants to get up. Same thing on my chair. Trouble is he then plays hard to get, backing away so you can't get hold of him. Usually takes several attempts before he lets himself be picked up. Such an imp! Oh yes, and he can howl. If Eric goes out he usually takes Kayla with him. As long as Kai is up on me we're OK, but if he gets down on the floor, the most pitiful howling begins. Anyone would think the world was coming to an end. Oww whoooo, owww whoooo. Well you get the idea.

He has also joined the other two in their guard dog duties, so anyone daring to ring the doorbell is confronted by three dogs barking. Albeit with two deep and one slightly squeaky one. Do dogs barks break? He has also taken a real shine to coming and sitting with Bella on my chair. This is how most mornings are spent. He is fair though, going to sleep on the sofa with Eric when he's sitting down.


All in all he's lovely but he can be a real little imp. He's pretty good at leaving things and dropping them. Apart from when he chooses not to. Brilliant fun watching Eric try to catch him when he's decided he doesn't want to give up the item. He's really fast and does a brilliant dodge. He particularly likes to run off with Eric's slippers when he takes them off, or a sock if he can reach it. He doesn't do any damage though but you can see how pleased he is with himself!

He is a grot magnet or should I say his beard is. You name it and it gets stuck be it fluff, paper, soil, foam, feathers; the list is endless. Imagine what it's like when he eats or drinks? His beard clumps together and liquid dribbles off. The worst thing has to be the pilchards in tomato sauce that they sometimes have in their dinner. Not only does he end up with that in his beard, it also stains it and stinks. He still smells of fish the next morning. Urgh!

One for the tooth fairy...

One of Kai's baby teeth which came out today. It was wobbly for a few days so we were hoping to get it to add to the ones we have of Bella and Kayla. It's tiny!

Baby molar fell out 21/1/2012

Kai the Magnificent!

Thursday 5th January 2012, the date the Kai was clipped for the first time. It proved to be a roller coaster ride of emotions with bizarre behaviour we could never have anticipated.

 Took him over to Rochford and left him with the groomer. We then spent the next hour like anxious parents munching chicken burgers and coffee at the nearest McDonald's. Drove back to collect him, I caught a glimpse of his head as she carried him out, and was absolutely blown away. He looked incredible and so handsome. I could tell that Eric was as blown away as me, he had been transformed into the classic Schnauzer look. Our little man looked all grown up! Apparently he was a good boy, a bit scared of the clippers but did very well. She complimented me on his ears, I'm doing a really good job with them. Huge relief because I hadn't been sure whether I was doing them right or not.

All good so far. Then all the good feelings we had evaporated because of the Girls' response to him, Kayla in particular.They clearly didn't recognise him, with Kayla being actively hostile. Every time he went near her she bared her teeth, growled and even had a real go at him. He was frightened of her and literally ran if she came near him.

He has never behaved like that ever so it was really upsetting to see. Eric got really annoyed with Kayla, but apart from that what could we do? Things remained difficult for much of the rest of the day, with Kai very subdued, no doubt partly because of the clipping as well as not understanding why Kayla wouldn't. love him. She slowly showed signs of mellowing and realising that he was Kai after all. The major breakthrough coming at bedtime when she not only tolerated him being on the bed but was wagging her tail at him.

Thankfully normal service was truly resumed today. Kayla was absolutely fine with him on their walk, and they were back to playing etc as normal after that at home all day. For his part, Kai seems to have regained his 'bounce' and is back to his normal self. They had a really great rough and tumble session this afternoon, something that would never have been possible yesterday.

 With the benefit of hindsight I suppose it stands to reason that if we thought the change in him was huge, then the Girls would as well. Probably didn't help that he smelt of shampoo. We'd better not have this every time he goes to be groomed. I don't think I could stand it!!

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.

Kai, the imp!

Kai is at that age where everything is interesting and must be explored. This has ended up with him falling in the pond twice recently. Thank goodness for a hairdryer and a puppy who rather likes being dried that way!! Unfortunately no pictures, we were more bothered about getting him dry as soon as we could.

This afternoon he was wandering around in the kitchen, exploring as usual. He disappeared under one of the kitchen units and look how he came out..

Here are the car keys - Let's go!

Putting his coat on has become an absolute battle of wills. He thinks it's a huge game, being totally unhelpful. Trying to get his head though the hole, whilst trying to stop him grabbing at the coat at every opportunity is somewhat of a challenge. Of course he is wriggling like an eel at the same time which makes it even harder. We get there in the end, Getting the coat off isn't as difficult thank goodness!

This photo sums it up really. He looks really miffed because he didn't win!! Stupid really because once it's on he doesn't bother about it at all.



And finally the latest photo we have of Kai. aged 14 and a 1/2 weeks old.

He seems to become scruffier by the day. I brush him, yet moments later he is as scruffy as he was before. Still absolutely gorgeous though, and only adds to his impish nature.

The best dressed pup in town?

We bought this coat for Kai a couple of weeks after we got him. Dog coats seem to have evolved since the last time we bought one. This one has elastic loops which the back legs go through - stops the coat turning apparently! Once you've put his head through the hole there is a section that goes between the front paws and then is secured with a belt that goes around his waist.
(See the picture to the left)



Trying it on him was absolutely hilarious. We had bought the smallest one (10") but it was still really big on him. Anyway managed to get a very wriggly puppy into the coat and put him down on the sofa. Every time he walked he toppled over to the right. Somehow he'd managed to get his leg back through the hole... hence the falling over!! He'd also managed to get his lower jaw stuck inside, presumably trying to chew it. An unmitigated disaster!

Three weeks on, not only does the coat fit but he manages to wear it properly as well. Have to say he does look very nifty in it, even though I'm biased. What do you think?

Kai's first walk

Today was the day. The day that Kai went for his first walk. It is too difficult for me to go with Eric to walk the dogs at the best of times because of my CRPS, let alone in the Winter which makes it flare even more. There was no way I was going to miss it, so this morning 'Operation Dog Walking' rolled into action. Eric has to help me do everything so going out is a military operation at the best of time.

our little man taking a breather

'hello, I'm Kayla, who are you?'

Suitably dressed and safely seated in my electric wheelchair with Kai on my lap off we went down the road. Eric took the other two down in the car as normal. It takes a good 10 minutes for me to get to the playing fields but Kai was as good as gold, sat quietly, didn't fidget, just gazed around taking everything in. He was a little worried by the traffic noise when we got as far as the row of shops, especially the double decker buses but didn't try to get off or get away. Over the pedestrian crossing and then Eric took him so that he could have his first taste of walking on a lead. Just across the car park to the car where the girls were waiting, probably miffed because their walk hadn't started!!

He was really good on the lead, needed a bit of encouragement at first but then happily toddled along next to Eric. Then we were on to the fields where the real fun began. He loved it, and everybody loved him! Lots of cuddles, meeting other dogs and most importantly lots of chasing after Bella and Kayla!

He is such a bold little chap that he took it all in his stride, wasn't scared, wagged his tail at people and dogs alike, having a really positive first experience.

'The Girls' - Kayla and Bella

The girls chased off a big fluffy German Shepherd that started to come bounding over so it is clear that they will look out for him. He responds to his name and comes back well. But to be honest he didn't stray far from us, and just followed the girls.

For a tiny puppy he certainly has lots of energy. He kept running after them long after I thought he would be tired. I fully expected to have to have him on my lap on the way back to the car but no he went the whole distance, albeit a far shorter walk than the girls' normal length.

ready to run after the ball again

The girls have a tennis ball each so there is lots of throwing and fetching to be done. I suspect it won't be long before he has a ball of his own. He did try to pick Kayla's up at one point, but he couldn't get his jaws round it. Bless him. Thoroughly soggy and wet he took the trip home in the warmth of the car.

As an aside I have to say that it was absolutely wonderful to see Bella running round, enjoying her walk. I really miss walking them so it was a double delight for me. She seemed really pleased to have me out with her as well. 

You would think that Kai would have crashed out when we got him home. Not a chance. He seems to have been even more energetic than normal for the rest of the day. We really do have a Duracell puppy!!

All in all a very satisfactory walk I'd say....

Click here to watch the videos we took of their walk 

Progressing nicely - general update

Well Kai was ten weeks old yesterday. He now weighs 2.2kg. He had his second vaccination (he yelped again, poor little man) so in a couple of weeks he will be going with the girls for a walk in the morning. He should have no trouble socialising, being confident and bold. There is no doubt that the girls will see off any dogs they don't like the look of to protect him.

He is picking things up really quickly and easily. He really is a good puppy, no trouble at all. His manners are improving. Where he would try and get in the mug with you whilst drinking tea, he is now not paying as much attention. If the mug is on the table though then it's fair game, which keeps us on our toes! He's not teething as much so biting is less. Huge relief all round.

Oh, they've gone upstairs again and I can't follow them..

Toilet training going well. He takes himself to the back door or toddles down garden with Eric. The only snag is that he is so easily distracted that he forgets what he's out there for, and then does it when he comes back in. He is also using the paper if he can't get out, when Eric is out. Sadly his aim isn't particularly great. He goes round and round in circles and then misses. Still, he's go the right idea!

He and Kayla adore each other. They regularly play together. He gives as good as he gets, and Kayla is really gentle with him. She also gets him to chase her, something she's tried with other dogs we've had, but never succeeded. Kai is only too happy to oblige. As a result he hasn't really chewed anything he shouldn't. There are so many toys around anyway because of the girls that there is always one to hand. He has a couple of toys of his own, soft ones which he seems to like. The teething toy we bought him have been thoroughly chewed up. Unfortunately not by Kai, but Kayla of course. At this rate we're going to have to get two sets, one for Kai and another for her!!

He has reached the age where he wants to try any bit of 'grot' that he can find. We get all manner of things being brought in, from twigs to pieces of foam (thanks to the builders next door) and anything in between. He even came in with a bowl that was so big that he couldn't walk properly with it in his mouth. Like most of the girls' toys this doesn't bother him in the slightest. He just totters forward, falling over it every few steps!!

It's a hard life being a puppy...

Grooming him can be a bit of a battle. He wriggles so much it becomes impossible to brush the leg or whatever bit you're trying to do. He doesn't bat an eyelid having his ears plucked. I think it bothers me considerably more than it does him. It's usually the front paws that are hardest to do. Hopefully as he gets older he will be calmer. Vital that he gets a full groom each day otherwise it could become an issue. Not good as he will have to be clipped at regular intervals throughout his life.


Kai is an absolute joy to have. He's brought us so much pleasure already. We are lucky to have him and love him to pieces. Who wouldn't love our little 'ewok'!!!

It's hard work looking after a puppy....

... says Kayla!

When we first got Kai, she was very nervous about him. He was tiny (and still is) but there was curling of her lips and general hostility towards him. Kayla the nutter soon mellowed into Kayla the doting 'big sister'. She has always wanted our other dogs to love her, but she has always gone about it the wrong way and never really succeeded. Of course nothing was different with Kai. She started to love him, but would then clump him with her paw in the usual way when she doesn't get the immediate reaction she wants.

Just checking Kai's alright

The transformation in Kayla's demeanor and behaviour has been amazing. It's as if she has suddenly grown up. No more the constant demands for us to throw her toys, the dashing around the living room, leaping around the furniture like a mad thing. She has become careful (most of the time) and now doesn't clump him, rather gently touches him with her paw. She rarely strays far from him, watching him to make sure he's ok. This even extends to when he's asleep. She watches him, as if concerned that he is too still. He of course has responded to her affection and it is clear that he adores her just as much as does him.

It is lovely to watch them play, Kayla lying down so that he can climb on her or pounce at her. Lots of play poses, pouncing at each other, playing with toys. She has become unbelievably tolerant. He is teething like crazy but in the main she is lets him bite and pull her tail, grab at her leg etc. Of course the constant attention has taken it's toll and she looks exhausted bless her. He's hanging onto her tail and she does little more than look at Eric as if to say 'I wish he'd stop that'. She certainly takes her role seriously devoting all her time to him. She won't even get on the bed at night until she's happy that he's alright. It has been the absolute making of Kayla. She would have made an outstanding mother. If he does something he shouldn't she will dance around with a toy in her mouth, woofing.

In the last day or so she has finally started to take herself up the stairs or get onto the sofa where he can't follow for some quiet time. She is also starting to discipline him gently if he becomes too boisterous such as tugging and biting her tail too hard. It does take a long time for her to get to this point. Lots of magical moments between the two of them. Kayla being as clever as she is, has already learned the command 'Wher'es Kai, go and find him'. Off she goes to find him, and will bring him back inside gently.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad,

Kai, the tea drinker

I'm sure there's tea in here somewhere!

From the moment we got  him, Kai has been obsessed with tea. He gets a whiff and he's there. To the point that at first he would be trying to get into the mug with you as you were drinking it!!
We've never known a dog like drinking tea at such a young age. You'd think it would be too strong a flavour. No, he loves it!!

Kayla teaching Kai to play

Kayla is learning to be gentle with him. After the first couple of days where she was her usual dysfunctional self, clumping him with her paw to get a reaction, making him yelp, she has taken a different approach. She started doing play poses at him, then pounced back and forth. Initially he sat and watched her but after a few attempts he started to respond. Tentative steps towards them starting to play. He has started to do the same back. Some lovely moments upstairs when I was having a bath.

Kai is so brilliantly sure of himself, he sits and watches, taking everything in before going further. Even when she was too rough with him, he went straight back in for more. He isn't frightened of her or Bella, and has started playing with Kayla's toys. They are huge but he manages to lift them and carry them around.

Magical moment this morning. Kai was holding black sheep. Kayla pounced with her paw, got the toy. Kai jumped backwards. Kayla then put the toy on the ground a little in front of her. As if giving the toy back to him. She then picked it up and placed it closer still. He was watching her but didn't move. Finally she nosed the toy towards him. This time he grabbed it. A lovely moment showing just how caring she is.

Similar thing happened this afternoon. Kayla went and got her yellow rugby ball. She rolled it to Kai from further away and hadn't got his attention. She rolled it a second time. This time he grabbed at it.

I think Kayla and Kai are going to become very close. Kayla is constantly looking out for him, she is such a caring girl and now she has someone that she can love and be a playmate to. She is constantly looking for him and checking he is alright.

About Kai

Kayla, the `nutter` of the family

Kai is our Miniature Schnauzer, born on 17th August 2011. He is a beautiful black and silver colour. Kennel Club name Hawkwellpark Plumridge,

We have never had a 'Mini Schnauzer' before, but we have always been a three dog family going right back to our first dogs, Tawr, Badger and Sage. The mix has always been two large and one small, be they rescue dogs (usually Oldies - something I would recommend wholeheartedly by the way. All they want is love, food and walks, but what they give back is
love in spades) or puppies.

Bella, my wonderful girl

 
We went down to two dogs because we lost the wonderful Brunty. Our current two, Bella & Kayla were both puppies when we got them. Both are extremely intelligent Border Collies who we are devoted to. Bella is thoroughly bonded to me, whilst Kayla is the same with my husband Eric.

Kai, taken the evening we got him. 6/10/2011

So why a Mini Schnauzer? 'The Girls' don`t take any nonsense where other dogs are concerned, but they tend to get on well with small dogs. There are a couple they see on their walk and played with. Eric thought they were lovely. He suggested we might like one, I looked them up, a friend brought her`s round and we were both smitten.




All that was left was to find a good breeder and go for it! As you can see from the photo above we found one! Having no prior experience of the breed we chose a local Kennel Club Accredited Breeder. Our little man came from a family run breeder, meaning the litter was born and grew up indoors and so gained valuable socialisation in those early weeks of life. 

This is Peggy, Kai`s mother

This is Oscar, Kai`s father

Here are Kai's parents, Peggy and  Oscar. They were due to be clipped when went the first time but were gorgeous. The next time they had been and Oscar in particular was incredibly handsome.

We chose Kai at 2 weeks old from a litter of 5 (2 Dogs, 3 Bitches). We were able to visit Kai again when he was 4 weeks old, then 5 and a half weeks, before bringing him home just after he was 7 weeks. It was amazing how much he changed in such a small time, with his head and fur changing dramatically each time.

Kai, 2 weeks old, 31/8/2011

At 2 weeks Kai was absolutely tiny. His eyes were just about open. He was already inquisitive. Beautiful markings and fur so soft and jet black. An absolute little cracker!

Kai, 4 weeks old, 14/8/2011

Kai, just under 6 weeks old, 26/9/2011

By 4 weeks he had changed loads. He was bigger and his eyes were fully open. His fur had grown a little longer and was coarser. Seemed really comfortable being held by us. Constantly looking around taking things in. You could see the start of his beard and those beautiful silver eyebrows.

Big changes by the next time we next saw him. He was beginning to look like a Mini Schnauzer. His fur was longer and his facial hair developing nicely. He was also developing a gorgeous `scruffy` look. Much more active he was licking and nibbling at us. He was also running around, albeit clumsily. Not very co-ordinated!! Really steady, not frightened by anything. Really excited about getting him!



We picked him up on 6/10/2011. The beginning of our lives together had finally arrived. our little man was home.