The Big Dog

A little bit of the Big Dog...whom EVERYONE loves...

Liver Jerky Nite!

Shinzou and Camille a.k.a "The Crippled Kitty" sharing liver juice the evening Momma made liver jerky for the Canines.

Feast of St. Francis

Above pictures from the celebration for the Feast of St. Francis on October 4th!

Holy Cats! Can you believe it's been six weeks since the last update! Goodness where does the time go! Well here goes...

WOW...can you beliefe we are 6 months old??? This Little Boy has gone from the cutest little pupppy to a boisterous young beeeeeeeautiful dog in no time flat. It has been and continues to be a phenomenal journey and one of incredible reward. The Little Blessing upon us has been so magnificent and has really been fully absorbed into the Webb Ranch pack. We love him so very much and it's obviously reciprocated. It has been a wonder to wach us mold together as the family pack we've become.

We still want to chase our kitties, but all we really want to do is play and if he is even acknowldeged, more and more often it is returned. He has been known to share a food dish and eat together with his favorite feline. You should see him eating out of the same dish with the little cripple kitty, Camille. Gaining enough size to be worth of Rojo's playfulness has brought out the little puppy in the Big Dog too. It seems as though Shinzou has finally gotten big enough that Rojo looks at him as if he isn't so small he'd hurt him. Two thundering Siberians in our small home is a sight to see, but we just get out of the way and let them thunder. Poor little Abby hasn't figured out this Thing has goetten big, but Shinzou seems to get more gentle with her than one would expect.

Of course, with this age come the challenges and questions of who is in charge and where is my position. It is enlightening to see his response to the "voice" from Momma and hilarious to see him pay Daddy to "help me out here...what has come over this woman???" (many of us have the same reaction) and then to watch this young dog/huge puppy find sanctuary on Daddy's lap. He's not a little puppy anymore!!! Daddy found this to be the most entertaining puppy response he's seen yet. (I nearly laughed my head off!!)

Routine has finally come around and the "Snoberian" in him has begun to bloom. Always warm to new faces and attention, but obviously bored with the accolades of being "the most beautiful puppy I've ever seen." Our daily traverse to the office with Momma and our day working has become old hat, much the creatures of habit - both Momma and Shinzou. We're understanding the "Let's wake up Daddy" announcement every morning and promptly go running onto the bed to accommodate and the "Are you hungry?" call is answered enthusiastically with haroos! We are finally responding with a paw on the command "shake." Somehow very early on, we learned to sit whenever it might even be close to appropriate! This is the sittin'est dog you've ever seen. We will sit if there is anything to be hopeful about, treats, attention, going outside, staying out of trouble. Needless to say, it has been superb to have this engrained somehow!!

We've certainly grown...OH how we've grown!!! Standing roughly 3/4 the size of RoJo now and weighing in at 39.2lbs! Just a few more inches and it will be tough to tell the two apart from any distance very soon.

With the transition to puppydom has come some more notables:

• All our puppy teeth are gone;



• We figured out how to lift our leg and do so appropriately;



• We now load up in the backseat of the truck all on our very own without any assistance;



• We favor our nylabones for chewing BUT the precious crab griggles from Grandma Cecile is THE coveted toy;



• As you'll see in the updated pictures, our goggles have nearly disappeared;



• He is a Pro-Life Puppy and can stand on the sidewalk with a sign like the best of children on two legs and;



• On a destructive note - we've learned a great new trick from the Big Dog RoJo! DIGGING! We are very blessed that this is the ONLY notable destructive tendency.

Noteworthy dialogue between my Humans from Wednesday the 22nd:

"He is exhausted. All four of the credit union ladies were there at the SAME time...a rarity. They ALL fawned all over him and he went to each one getting all the lovin'. The new girl gave him a HANDFUL of treats and didn't demand any cuteness for them...UGH! They insist since they are "Aunties" they are entitled. He also is allowed to visit INSIDE the credit union! They are a mess...let him run around. UGH!

The vet's office is NO better. Michelle gave him a BUNCH of those phoney heartworm treats. UGH! Again, they don't care...they are entitled or so they think!

He's now sleeping soundly.

Oh, forgot to tell you. With the weather changing I keep the door mostly closed. He could NUDGE it open, but he'd rather sit on the other side and whimper until I get up and open it all the way to let him in. THEN he acts like it's been DAYS since he last saw me...He's a mess."

We apologize for the lack of updates, you have to understand we have been very busy this month and haven't had a moment to update our blog with the house being renovated and the closing of the garden for the year, etc...

Shinzou's Labor Day Weekend!

Another big weekend in a young puppy's life! He received many guests yesterday. His guests included seven children who were anxious to meet and play with him, the first friends who allowed him to come into their pet free home for socializing and general visiting, friends from the KC who are also convinced he's the most handsome puppy in the world, parents of the seven children and our family Priest. Shinzou was received into a Catholic home, so the family Priest visited to give him his St. Francis blessing!! His humans decided this should be a party!! Shinzou's VERY special guest was his breeder friends, Cecile and Lisa!!! We were all very excited to receive them to our home so they could see for themselves the little life Shinzou leads. Cecile brought him a very exciting present, which you will see in the photo's, a big crab that makes a weird sound that he just loves!!!!

He showed all his good behavior! Cecile hu-manned the lead while Father Philip did the blessing and Shinzou was as well behaved as a partied out puppy could be.

Needless to say after everyone left by 9PM our little boy was exhausted. He snoozed all night and his humans were able to watch an entire movie without interruption. A bizzare experience these days!!!

We thank everyone for attending his very special party and hope they enjoyed themselves as much as we did. And for the record, Shinzou's big brudder RoJo is equally exhausted today he was responsible for cleaning up the children! Abby Doodle was the enthusiastic greeter.

The Saga of Shinzou Continues…

As we reach the end of the “baby” stage and enter into the era of young adolescent puppy, we marvel the impact this Shinzou has had on us has been immense. No longer baby-faced (and obviously a major change in his coat), the sunshine of our home has blossomed into a sweet, attentive, and still all consuming young dog. Very busy and always close by, we are strongly aware of the pack status we have all become accustomed to with his aching desire to always be with us and ours to be with him. Finally settling down into a routine, aware that bedtime means kenneling up and time to quite down, but the obvious unhappiness at not being able to mow or garden at our side has him still reminding us that he is just a little boy and adores our company as much as we adore his.

We constantly marvel at this Siberian puppy that has infiltrated our lives, not that it’s difficult especially for a quadruped, but after just 7 weeks with us we are bonding immeasurably. Boundaries are constantly tested, but you should see how happy he is to comply. New toys are so rewarding demonstrating appreciation and their worth instantly. Experimentation has begun letting him roam the property untethered and although demands constant attention, has been successful. His willingness to return upon the slightest beckoning is rewarded with the Shinzou maul, practically landing in your lap. His debut to our neighbors during the annual Webb Ranch Neighborhood Picnic was a grand victory and although free to roam through all those loving praises and attention, we found him constantly nearby. His collapse into a deep sleep once penned proved his content exhaustion.

Our most recent discovery has been ice. Yes, this has proven to be a grand treat and reveled in by one cute little boy. His effectiveness at shredding toys has to be unequaled pound for pound. The new Wubba is already showing serious damage. Fortunately with all these toys around, nothing else has suffered. Needless to say, we’ve pledged to keep in him toys.

Oh.... and last week at the vet's he weighed in at 24.2 lbs.

Mischievousness is not beyond him, cat chasing is not quite unheard of, and the potential to look up and see him dragging the Abby Doodle dog by a tuft of fur is still there, but more often than not his Humans have set him up to fail or the cats are taunting him or Abby is egging him on. More than a couple of felines will now engage him in a playful banter with the hissing usually ending the encounter just to check him. He apparently has picked “his kitty”, the tri-pod Camille (our CaMiracle with the bad leg). She in her crippled state seems to tolerate the roughness and has gotten up soaked from the gnawing once or twice. She knows to draw the line and he knows when to back off. Abby just doesn’t know she is outsized (she’s just not so smart) and it is going to get a lot more extreme in the future. Abby has quite a bit coming as she has spent the last few years taunting the Big Dog – Rojo, but she just doesn’t understand this guy means business….. or rambunctious play as it were.

Our most recent experience was staying with a friend of ours in the city while we went to dinner. Totally amazing how at ease he was with our good friend but obviously trying to find his humans, it didn’t take long for him to settle down on the central air vent and stop the near frantic search (we’re not really sure if it was a frantic search or just utter curiosity in a new place). Unfortunately, we did not leave him any toys for comfort and distraction, but we learned. He gets to go back there for the whole day on Friday. And living where we do it is inevitable, the prey instinct is kicking in. He got his first kill…. that poor butterfly. It won’t be long and he will be contending for the enviable title of his mentor, The Great Rodent Hunter (“No Rojo, to get to China, you have to dig over there!!! You’ll end up in Australia or the middle of the Pacific or something from that spot.”)

His gracefulness or the lack thereof is improving substantially. His full on romp across the property can stop you in your tracks just to watch the beauty of this regal animal pound the terrain. Watching the two Sibes is breathtaking. Watching Abby try to keep up is hilarious. He is not quite as clumsy as he was in the past and improves daily. Today was the first day he “bunny hopped” most of the stairs going to work just like the Big Dog. And although he is not up to jumping into the backseat of the truck as he sees the Big Dog, he is assured regularly “maybe next week, Li’l Boy”.

15 Weeks of Shinzou

It's exciting to see Shinzou physically mature into a young dog. He's sort of a super sized puppy! He's tall, legs are lanky and his knees are knobby. When he runs his feet are wild and he slips and slides around as he performs his in-door zoomies.
This morning has been a particularly enthusiastic morning! We have let Momma know three times by BARKING that he needs to potty! He has performed many zoomies. He has swam in the "in door pool" conveniently located on the back porch. He has enjoyed a nibble of kibble for breakfast and is now sleeping off the excitement. All before 6:30AM!!!
When you see the photo's, note his handsome coat changing!! Around 13 weeks we thought he was "BLUE"! Now it's wonderful to see him maturing into a fawn red and his chest is maturing into young dog size. He still sleeps 85% of the day. He thoroughly enjoys ice cubes. He continues to be a cry baby. He's still so much puppy in that growing body! OH! Do not try to carry him! That must be a total insult to him!! When we're walking on the leash during the day he whines with nearly every step, but refuses to be carried even though he appears to be tired and hot. We continue walking because big brother RoJo hasn't finished his business! Shinzou just doesn't understand why HE takes so long!

Last Thursday he attended his first human party and was the most well behaved puppy ever. He kindly received all the attention of everyone present! He sat patiently and was the center of attention!!! Many compliments were given to him on what a GOOD PUPPY he is!

Week 14 - The Story of Shinzou

Haroo's to everydoggie!!!

This weekend was a particularly big one for our little Shinzou as we introduced him to riding in the Jeep. Understand that this is our warm weather preference of transportation and love nothing better to load up the Husky - now Huskies and go for a summer ride with the top down and the wind in our fur. This is truly the highlight of our summer fun!!!

Much care was given to the harness arrangement for the new guy on the ride. Poppa is slightly notorious for overdoing things of this nature and naturally no holds were barred in the securing and comfort for the Little Guy to be harnessed in. Initial test runs showed little anxiety or concern on his behalf as we loaded up, secured him in, started the Jeep and puttered down the driveway, so the drive turned down our gravel road with Poppa manning the pup and Momma at the wheel. As timing seems to be everything, the little guy was relaxed enough to lay down and try to sleep..... we're still just a little baby. This went so well, an hour later we headed off to visit our friends about 8 miles away. Our visit and opportunity to introduce him to the dearest of friends and see new places was wonderful. We got to meet their horses and was only mildly intimated - they sure are big compared to him. The only disappointment in this whole trip was the lack of excitement, he was pooped! We know all in due time the anticipation will grow as his Big Brother won't leave the Jeep if he sees it out of the garage and at 10 1/2 years old absolutely loves the summer rides in the Big Bad Jeep, a.k.a "Tortus".









This brought about a particularly worn out crew on Monday morning and the cuddle opportunity Shinzou has been yearning for. Rojo was sacked out in his usual morning spot when Momma set the Little Guy up next to him. To our dismay, he laid down next to his big brother and they both laid there for a while. Rojo is kinda the stand-offish type so it didn't last long but was precious in every right. Abby Doodle never misses out on a chance to lay out with everyone.







And that friends, is the Week 14 Story of Shinzou.

Friday Night Fun

Well, Shinzou has been one busy 13 week puppy! We are so sorry this update is is late, but when you're a handsome young puppy in demand, time is precious!
Shinzou has discovered the wonders of JUMPING! When he wants your attention and you're busy doing stupid human stuff he is very happy to JUMP in your lap and happily bark or HAARROOO at you.
He's working very hard on a remnant cow hoof he discovered under a piece of furniture. We bought him a soft and woolly stuffed toy Sunday. The squeaker was removed with surgical precision by Tuesday morning. All the stuffing is now removed and he continues to enjoy a disemstuffed fluffy toy.
Shinzou believes his name means "fan hog" instead of "God's gift" we're always competing for the fan in the office.
His socialization world is expanding! We're introducing to any person we meet on the street. He's learning to enjoy being tethered to Momma when we're gardening.
This week we made major progress in "not chasing the kitties!" He has spent no time outs for chasing kitties in 9 days!!!! He still wants to bark at them, but he tries to calm himself and sit patiently. We see the urge in his eyes, but he's making an effort to restrain himself. We work on petting him and the nearby kitty, which really seems to help!!
RoJo has really taken to Shinzou and is play barking and play bowing regularly with him. Shinzou wants to now copy EVERYTHING big brother does, even stretches in his harness far enough to sit in RoJo's spot in the backseat of the truck! RoJo isn't sure about this!!!!

More Saturday Morning

Saturday Morning Coffee Time

Our customary Saturday morning coffee time has taken a turn lately and for some reason doesn't quite seem as..... well, quiet. We wouldn't change a thing, except maybe how cold the coffee gets in between rampant acts of playfulness. Abby and Shinzou have taken to playing intently. Much like Momma, little Abby doesn't realize she is out sized already and inevitably will be dwarfed. She is a trooper though and gives it all she's got. It is a challenge to referree these two and keep Abby from being dominated already.

Shinzou at 12 weeks old.....

Shinzou needs to make a couple of things perfectly clear:
"I will grow into these ears!!!"
and "Whoever put the shoe polish on the binoculars - NOT FUNNY!!!"

Master Shinzou is now 12 weeks old!!! He remains a delightful young puppy that brings smiles wherever he goes. His 12 week exam result was “excellent exam” and he tipped the scales at a light footed 17.2 pounds!!!! Dr. Renfro likes to play with him as do the rest of the girls in the office. He was his usual sleepy self at the Vets office, even when he got his shot! We return to the vet in August for his 16 week check up! Dr. Renfro anticipates Shinzou will tip the scales at or near 30 pounds!
Momma went to Vegas for the weekend and left Papa in charge. It appeared as though no one ate as they should and wasn’t feeling well when I returned. Our dear Pup-Pup-Puppy was feeling extra clingy and puny on Monday. Of course, all critters [including Papa] ate very well on Monday.
Shinzou has progressed into this exploring stage and is very brave when it comes to taking the stairs and getting in and out of the truck. He still cries when he wakes and finds himself alone, but is now content to be with RoJo when we have to do stupid human stuff like mowing the lawn. RoJo is very good with Shinzou and is starting to encourage play bows and play barking!
Enjoy the 12 week old photos. RoJo was in charge of puppy sitting and Momma was on the camera.

Eleven Weeks Old!!!

Shinzou is 11 weeks old today!!!! My goodness he has grown since he's been with us. This last week has been very exciting! We really got this potty thing DOWN! He sits like nobody's business and is learning "DOWN." I don't want to brag, [but I will]...He's a prodigy.

The Li'l Boy went down the narrow flight of stairs on his very own after watching RoJo ascend and descend. Ascending still scares Shinzou a little bit, but the stairs are narrow and steep for his little pudgy paws.

We're taking some photo's we hope you can see how long his legs are!!! He's gotten taller. I had to let his harness out a bit Monday morning before we left for work, so he's EXPANDING too.

I can tell the "I can hear you but I'm pretending I cannot" is starting to kick in this week, we'll push through that. We're expecting "the Husky ignore!" {RoJo has perfected that skill!}

We're working on him building a relationship with the kitties, THIS is our biggest challenge friends. Thank goodness RoJo is here! You see, no ONE can mess with HIS kitties. He takes offense at that!

He's been meeting new people nearly everyday. It's darling to see him tuck his ears back and receive the adoration he rightly deserves.

Abby ate today which was a relief. I think she's feeling a little stress.

The Webb Household is adapting and this little ball of energy is starting to develop his personality and get comfortable in his new house.

Blessings & Play Bows to all..."AAARRROOOOO!!!!" [From Shinzou it means "play with me!"]