November 15th, 2006:

A little update of my life story now...Just about 3 weeks since my last post - would say I'm improving... am I not? :)

As you know I'm nowadays spending most of my time with Anna as she's now at home permanently to take care of me.... (or was it Alyssa... don't remember ;)) She's takes me for a lovely walk in the mornings together with Alyssa, and she feeds me during the day of course, where Chris (when he returns) lets me on an evening walk out.

I'm kind of glad with Anna taking the role of my uh... well "master", as she's far more easy to intimidate when it gets to snacks during the day... if she has fruit for snack, I'm not leaving her until I get my piece of it! When she makes tea,  - well even when she just starts boiling the water- I'm standing right beside her to test the tea for her... particularly white tea with milk I love!

I don't know yet what to do with those male hormones in my body, but try now not to show too much of that now when Anna mentioned to cu my b*lls!...... can you imagine!?? Fortunately Chris as a male himself understands that such thing should not even be mentioned... but still I keep protecting my jewelry when Anna tries to get too close to them when grooming: with my tail I manage to perfectly protect them like the football players on the field ;)

What about the picture you wonder? Well, when I get bored, I love to get something to nibble on as you can see :)

I'm also switched to other food now, which I love so much that I go full speed through the house when I smell that lovely stuff - I eat like crazy that I sometimes even puke and have to reinvest in getting it inside again....but hey - double fun I call that ;)

My weight at the moment is unknown as I'm getting a bit heavy to get lifted up now, but Chris will try again soon...

October 24th, 2006:

I see you wondering: What has happened that Onyx hasn't been on these pages for 2 whole months!? Well, don't worry - prince Onyx is still alive and kicking! Let me explain:

The past month, we had a lot of changes going on in our lives: 1st, Chris got a new super perfect job, 2nd Anna accepted a generous offer to resign her work, for which -both occasions-, sincere thanks go to Chris' and Anna's previous employer! :)

3rd, we had Anna's sister Natasha over for a month!

You wonder where this leaves me? Well, I now am guaranteed of having somebody home whole day taking care of my wishes! Chris fortunately I don't see that much, so I can say most of day I'm the gentleman at home amongst 2 women!! [grin]

Don't know what happened to me lately - I try to be stubborn to Chris and Anna, and once in a while some feeling inside my stomach makes me feeling a bit hot... Only way to reduce this feeling is to scrub my d*ck amongst Anna's legs. (Which she doesn't seem to appreciate).... She told Chris that I'm in puberty (what ever that means)

Chris on his turn told me that I must have been switched with another dog - instead of laying when he calls me to Lay, I just remain where I am; when he asks me to sit, I lay. When he asks me to come, I just look at him..... Well... things are different when a cookie is presented of course! ;)

Chris got mad at me for this reason last weekend - he threatened me that he would put me under strict supervision to re-teach me all things I already know...hahaha.. well, he forgot I'm with Anna for the most of the day, so why should I listen to him?

I seem not to be growing in height that much anymore, but now seem to be enlarging in overall size: my feet get bigger, and I'm over 43 kg in weight now while Chris is noticing me getting bigger every day. My fur is still in

progress of being replaced; I have just a bit of grey puppy hair left - for the rest, I'm all shining and handsome :)

A few problems though: all tooth changed except for one, for which Anna and Chris now want to send me to the Vet to take it out... I  don't really mind as I can eat like no other as well as pulling rope while playing... Anyway, think it's going to happen somewhere this week.

This little human puppy Alyssa is getting more time from Anna now, and with Chris being away, I now start to feel lonely when nobody is around. I try to make up showing a bit of more interest in Alyssa, but only when Chris or Anna are around - they let me sniff quickly when I show my interest in this little creature.

Chris and Anna are worried about me getting drowned in the small "river" behind our place, and were even wondering if any of them would jump in there to rescue me if necessary..  The following happened: lately I try to put my poop away as far as possible from human beings... I found an excellent place witch is at the riverbed, where I gently try to put my ass over the water while staying with my feet on solid ground... Chris and Anna are afraid I would loose my orientation and fall in the dirty water, but hey.... I'm a perfect artist! - I wont' fall!!

Well, there's a bit more to say, but you know what? ...... I'll keep it till next time to ensure it's not gonna take another 2 months again... :)

....promise!

August 24th, 2006:

It's been ages since I've been able to write to my dear readers. Although being a vacation period, it's slightly busy now for all of us due to various reasons.

One good reason as I call it is that we're enjoying all our time with Alyssa and Anna's mother still being around. Well, as I mentioned before Alyssa doesn't care me that much, but Anna's mother..... WOW!!.. must say I'm in love with her with every hair on my body! She fancies and hugs me, she walks me in the early mornings, she feeds me, she grooms me... [pssst...she even gave me Brazilian bikini wax!!! ..blush]

How are things going with me as a big boy you wonder? well, this boy was 38.5 kg today.. ASBD! (=after sh*t, before dinner) can you imagine that!? Besides, I still keep loosing my baby fur as well as my baby teeth (1 left).
Where I was a bit shy as a little puppy, I nowadays am full of confidence: I show huuuge interest in some sniffing area's where I pick up my pee-mail from other neighborhood bitches... I keep sniffing till Chris pulls me further with him.

Also towards visitors at home I'm changing a bit: There where I used to sniff a little and get back to my place under the stairs, I now enjoy more being around, watching them, and -where possible-sit on their feet and keep their attention when they try to drink hot coffee. I complete this game with doing a few rounds around the coffee table and show my gratitude shaking my tail of course ;)

There's been a long vacation of the puppy training, and last time we went there it seemed to have been postponed for another week. Last week the training started again, but Chris had another appointment and couldn't go with me unfortunately. For as it seems now Chris is (due to career changes) not going to have time for it the coming weeks as well, and already talks about cancelling future trainings... I personally don't care that much... I think my knowledge of human language is enough now.... Besides, I know plenty of ways to get my cookies and treats: I can sit, lay, give leg, come, etc.. all my master pleases I will do for a cookie... what's more is there to learn?

One thing I must say about a comment that was on the radio today (dutch radio 538) by the famous dog-expert Martin Gauss today... He called my race being a kind of "a-social" dog.. a dog that does his own thing rather then preferring to be with humans. Thus due to my ancestors driving sheep together all by themselves as a primary living.... well, that was a wrong statement of mr. Gauss I can tell you! I see my family (Anna, Chris, Alyssa, and now Anna's mother) as my family and simply can not be myself without having all of them around! Today when Chris was away for a long time I was upset and just waiting in front of the door for his return.. When he came home I didn't leave him out of my sight for a second!.. is that what you call an a-social dog mr. Gauss? huh?!

About other new things in my life the past weeks: well, there's been some frogs in the garden I enjoyed playing with a lot. (Chris tried to capture it on video, but still struggling to get it in good quality on the website).  I also got to try a few strawberries out of the garden which completely got me hallucinating.. Don't remember what I did honestly, but according to Anna I was running through the garden like a crazy horse [shame].

Well, I'll try to post something middle next week again if you don't mind.... excuse me for being a bit irregular in posting, but believe me: I'm doing my best!

ps.. want to send special thanks to Caroline and her dog Skunk for reminding me to keep writing my diary... a big wet kiss (and hug) to both!!

August 6th, 2006:

All right, let's assume I had a little vacation, ok? The weather has been extremely hot till about earlier this week after which we had 6 days of rain and clouds. This was far better for me to handle; I joined A & C in the living room again, and they took me out for a walk before lunch and diner again! I really missed the walks - when I hear or notice Chris taking the leach (or just getting dressed) I get completely excited!

I'm still growing as cabbage as they say here, and get more and more mature hair, becoming a real grown up, rather then remaining this fluffy furry animal. On the picture you can see my new hair is shining and starts appearing on my back as a stripe now.

My teeth are almost all changed; only the top 2 corner ones are left to fall out. The jaws got pretty much in shape after all, so I can eat, chew and bite as the best! (still my favorite hobby is biting Chris' hands -or feet if hands are not available!... I first massage them with my tongue... then go a bit harder with my teeth.. and finally I grab it good until I hear an "ouch !" and Chris warning me... I then finish it off with licking him clean as that's what a polite dog should do.

Many have been asking Chris about what I think of the little child (Alyssa) being in our lives. Well, let me explain my side of the story: I have absolutely nothing against her, but she's still so small and protected by Chris and Anna that I leave it all as it is... I'll wait for her to grow up before playing with her.

Of course, when I'm asked to look at Alyssa, or when everyone is around her, touching her.... I do the same. I lick her head, feet, hands veeeery tenderly and slowly.... just like I would treat my own puppies in the future  (would I?)

Sometimes when she's crying continuously .. and always when I'm trying to sleep.. sigh :(, I try to escape going under the stairs until she calms down. When nobody is around, I keep my eye on her, looking around where Anna or Chris are remaining. However, when Chris is alone with her and she won't get quiet, I join them as being "brothers in arms", watching them and trying to ask if there's anything I could possibly do.

Puppy training is now already skipped 3 times due to vacation period - next week we can go again! Looking forward to meeting my good friends there again!

Finally - just for those interested - my weight this week was >33kg!

July 20th, 2006 [new]:

Pardon me, but with temperatures we had the last 1.5 weeks, there is only one thing I do: find the coolest spot in the house! For those non Dutch readers: we have temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius, which is extraordinary for Dutch weather (yesterday was a record day)

We now have Anna's parents already one and a half week here visiting us. I enjoy the continuous company and attention! - They are dog lovers like Chris & Anna, and know how to handle big dogs like me (used to have a Newfoundlander - now have 3 dogs at their place in Russia).

Alyssa is consuming more of Chris and Anna's attention during the nights, so to give them a little more sleep in this vacation period, Anna's father lets me out in the morning for a walk, and Anna's mother prepares me my diner.

I am pretty good on weight : 29kg - I get more and more mature hair (everywhere! ;)), and my teeth are changing as well. It's not disturbing me, but I need to be careful when playing and pulling something with Chris, otherwise I can give a little cry. Another game I enjoy now is catching flies.. just when they try sit right in front of me..... JUMMY!

Chris plays with me in the evening, when the garden is cooled down a little. He's pretending to water the plants, but when I nag enough, he lets me drink from the water hose as well.... but don't like it when he tries to shoot my feet and tail wet with water - I jump and dance then like an artist, and take my attack on him! Result: when I'm wet, I won't rest until I put my wet fur on his body!

Sometimes Chris and Anna don't know what they want... One evening they were both on the couch, one left, one right... So what do you think a grown up dog would fit best??.. well?.. yep! in the MIDDLE!.. So done as said, I jumped on the couch and proudly sat with my ass on there licking both of them. They initially tended to like it (they were laughing though), but  all of a sudden I was instructed to get off... When I tried to get on there again, I got blocked...  Why I wonder?.. It's a couch for grown ups.... just like me, isn't it?

There's not been a puppy training last week, and also for the next two weeks we have vacation. One thing I'll know for sure: I'll be the BIG master next time I meet the other puppies! They better not mess with me!

Well, don't know when I'll be able to post another update, but I'll definitely keep posting my latest photo's so you can see how well I'm growing!

July 9th, 2006:

More then a week gone again... but definitely I haven't been for gotten you - I've tried to place a few pictures in my photo album, but it was too hot this week to do anything else but laying under the stairs and finding the coldest spots in the house. The temperature was most of days far over 30 degrees Celsius.

Chris tried to protect me from extreme hot air by not walking me during lunch and sometimes before evening diner. We then catched up during the late evening and early morning walks. This was quiet funny as I've met a lot.. MANY other dogs here in the neighborhood this way. There's a place were we all are allowed to walk free and play with each other. I get more socialized, and instead of barking at the other dogs (as I do with the small ones from our puppy training), I dare more with elderly dogs...

I still get compliments on my big feet.. there was actually a couple who looked kind of jealous at my feet versus their doggie... but hey... you know what they say? don't you?.. guys with big feet..... definitely have BIG ..uh....... up to you to complete ;)

I'm getting more mature hair every day - you can see it on my feet, my face and my tail at the moment. The fluffy (grayish) hair I'm loosing.. My tale looks like I've dropped it in a jar of grey paint!.. I get groomed now on a daily basis by Chris, who takes more then a squeezed hand full of hair out of my coat.

About that little human puppy now... Alyssa is what they call her... You tell me what they find that interesting in her, cause I really can't get excited. OK, when they ask me to sniff, I do sniff...but then when I try to go further and lick her, they take her away again! Nope.. this baby girl doesn't have my interest at all yet. I'll wait until she gets older! Meanwhile, compared to previous weeks, I now try to get more contact with Chris and Anna... When they sit down, I lay in front of their feet.. If one of them goes upstairs, I wait downstairs.. If one goes to the kitchen... well.. then I expect to get a little cookie!

Now Anna's parents came over from Russia and we had a long (longest in my lifetime!) walk this afternoon. Even Chris admitted he saw places in our neighborhood he's never seen! I politely joined them, but when I got home I was absolutely out and exhausted... I finished my well deserved lunch and laid down for a big nap!

Wondering about my weight? well.. earlier this week it was about 27kg.. now should be more already!

July 1st, 2006:

I'm definitely far more relaxed now when Anna and Chris are home again. The diarrhea is completely gone as well as a little cold I had.

I'm trying to spend more time with them - when possible lay in front of their feet, or -when they are upstairs with Alyssa-, I spend my time under the stairs again. I also do that when it's far too hot outside.

Last Friday evening we went to the puppy training again. I did my best, but some of the dogs there are extraordinary ass-licking creatures! that's not reserved for me: if I've had enough, I've had enough! If Chris wants to play the game of hide & seek again, let him play it alone! - I've got better things to do like sniffing the grass and watching other participants!

 This little human puppy joining our family since a few days is something I can't understand yet - I try not to get too close or exited, and when Anna and Chris are downstairs with her, I just lay down somewhere else and try not to show any interest.

Now with this lovely weather, I try to enjoy myself in the garden (not when it's hot - then you find me under the stairs of course!), by eating grass and taking it out of the lawn, or or with my new  hobby: scaring the water sprinkler system! - When these things come out of the lawn to water the garden, I take my pride and try to defend my property! Result is that I get extremely wet, and Chris & Anna need at least 3 towels to get me back in shape a bit again! I'm getting soaking wet doing this, but it's worth it!

We now have a new car as well - a big station wagon-. When we drive somewhere I'm not on the backseat anymore, but in the luggage compartment. I enjoy this very much: watching outside to other cars & drivers (seducing them a bit :)), or just putting my face on the backseat and see where Chris is driving me to.

I grow up....definitely.. Amazing how much fur/hair comes out every time I get groomed. My tale already looks completely grey, and rest of my body also starts looking the same way. The real adult fur is now getting visible on my tail, face and bottom feet. Chris and Anna decided to feed me a bit of extra carrot to get my nice gold-brownish color -Although I didn't' like it from the start and filtered out the carrot from my diner, I now finish all I get, and even take it directly from the hand! - all this sacrifice to keep my owners happy!

June 27th, 2006:

Phew! - finally a bit of rest and structure seems to return to our home. Anna and Chris didn't leave me since this morning; I hope they'll now stay home for a day!

I'm not sure what I saw this morning, but when they returned, they had some carriage with them which had some human puppy in it. I was allowed to look and do a single sniff on her feet, but then they took "it" upstairs and I haven't seen it since, but they are upstairs a low now.

My favorite spot is under the stairs; and when I say UNDER, I mean UNDER as you can see on the picture of today. I like laying in the hall, and guard it when I know anyone is upstairs.

Yesterday I was left alone for far to long without a pillow (in laundry) and without a bone to chew on (forgotten in the garden), so I polished my teeth on the edges of the wall, leaving nice traces. When my owners came home they felt guilty and put the blame to each other rather then me! [grin]..maybe next time I should start biting the wooden stairs?

I'm growing healthy - at least I kind of lost my "puppy-fat", and without gaining too much weight (now about 25kg), I seem to become bigger day after day, looking more and more mature. Chris and Anna are proud of me, and like my real hair coming out through my fluffy coat. Nice dark, shining hair and brownish-orange accents is in fashion for Berners they say ;) No pain no gain is also a common phrase, but in my case it means "no fur loss, no nice new coat" - it's amazing how much of my fluffy hair comes out each time I get groomed. (now every 2 days - more then a big hand full of hair coming out!).

For a growing up dog I see it as my obligation not to poop in the garden anymore, so rather then that I now save it for my regular walks which I have 4 times a day. I really enjoy it! - when Chris calls me if I want to join, I run to the hall, start barking, and take the leach! I just love it nowadays! There are many other dogs in the neighborhood, but there are a few ones also walking loose on my favorite place - we sniff and play a little when we meet each other. When finished, I take the leach and proudly walk home where I can find my food prepared!

 With the nice summer days we've had past week, the garden water sprinkler system has been a favorite toy of mine - as soon as I get the chance, I sneak out and wash myself when they are watering the garden. The finishing touch is rolling over wet grass, and to cool down I drink directly from the water nozzles. Just the problem seems that I'm not allowed back in the house until I get dry a little ;( Chris made a video of my first crazy few minutes with the sprinklers and will put that on this website soon for you to watch!

Meanwhile I've added a few photo's over the last days since my last writing here; don't forget to have a look!

June 19th, 2006:

I'll need to catch up with you I know. Last week has been far from normal and a bit stressing indeed. Let me try to explain what happened.

Due to birth of Alyssa, daughter of  Anna and Chris, last week has been a bit of a mess if you ask me. Anna was in this hospital till Friday, Chris was was over there most of the time, and when both were back, they went there 2 or 3 times a day for about 3 hours.

This means Chris and Anna were away most of the time; I was looked after by our Italian friends, and was able to stay a few days with our other close friends Erik and Miranda. Talking about that: they were so fond of me that I was taking a few times for a walk to relatives who liked to see me. (they even where that amazed with my feet that they took pictures to show to others!) I was a very polite puppy to them, although -when I needed to shit-, I had to find my spot in their garden.. fortunately they forgave me ;)

Since a few days I'm on diarrhea and snot comes out of my nose :( It might be because of the weather changes or the airco in the  car, but for all the rest I feel perfectly fine. Chris wants to see what happens till tomorrow, but I tell you I'm perfectly fine! I play, I eat, I drink, and I'm more naughty as ever! ;)

Naughty... well, long story.. Due to lack of attention I decided to walk around in the garden and found some places for me to sneak to the neighbors, and even through their garden move to the other ones next door! Such a challenge! after a few times Chris tried to block my exits by placing bricks, but I still found my way through. [grin]. Unfortunately the 5th time I walked away (yesterday), Chris got angry at me as I've never seen him :( I literally pee-ed in my furry pants when he told me neeeever to do this again. I really blew up his patience I'm afraid, and didn't dare to move for the next half hour. After a while Chris came and told me I was forgiven fortunately - I even got a nice bone to forget the event ;) This week Chris will try to take me out of my bad addiction by putting a net along the fence that allows me to go the neighbors place.

Anna was in the hospital for about 5 days - you should have seen her eyes when she returned and saw me! She said I grew about 2 times in size! well, yes I grew... but 2 times.. that would be a bit unnatural, wouldn't it? Fact is that I'm getting mature: my body is growing day by day, and my fur starts changing now as well. Chris is amazed with the amount of old puppy-fur coming out, and the way the other new, shining mature fur is presenting itself. Look at the picture here to see what he means - do you see the shining part of my tail like a ring? that's my new fur! Same with my brownish legs which get golden brown now.

I haven't really been neglected honestly; but situation was just far from normal. Chris and Anna have tried to get somebody watching over me, and rest of time they gave me some extra attention by playing with me, and letting me out. I even got out a few times to the forest and animal farm for some nice pictures. I really enjoyed those! we even saw a deer giving birth!

As mentioned I seem to have a cold now when I change my fur - snot getting out of my nose while I walk (I gently lick it off of course), and I'm on diarrhea. Due to this I can't hold that much and did my poop 3 times  this week on the carpet in the living room. I know I'm not allowed on the shining stone floor, but why do Chris and Anna get that disappointed in me now? ;) Well, they don't get angry, they just wash the carpet, but why I feel like I've got 2 big brothers watching over me with every step that I make nowadays ?

About puppy training - unfortunately Chris had to call myself in sick last Friday evening (they also had to go to the hospital), so I missed that lesson. I'm more trained though in listening to commands without repeating - This has the funny side effect that if Chris calls me, I just tend to wait about a minute before I (Under protest!) listen to his commands. After all, he's the "alpha-male", and with his penetrating eyes looking at me for a minute, I can tell you that's more then enough! ;)

To make up with me, Chris and Anna bought some very nice bone for me I'm enjoying very much. When evening comes in, I use it to run through the garden like a crazy horse, and when they are to the hospital for a few hours, I brush my teeth on it. Of course I do that on my most comfortable place: Under the stairs - see picture next to this paragraph ;)

Next week should be a bit more calm for all of us. I'm waiting for Alyssa to come home, and my owners are definitely convinced I'm the right dog for their family, even with my "teen-age" habits. ;) Who can resist a nice puppy like me.. ha?:)

June 10th, 2006:

I really apologize, but I will need to keep it short for a moment. As you probably have seen on our website, we got a human puppy last Sunday morning, and all this scenario makes it difficult for me to write up my adventures. - Have a bit of other things on my mind now.

Anyway, don't worry about me; I'm taken good care of by friends of the family and actually enjoy a lot. I can't wait for Alyssa to come home!

What happened the last days will take some time to write down, so therefore this temporary entry here ;)

To make it up I've posted a few of my latest pictures - enjoy!

June 10th, 2006:

It's extremely hot here today (28 degrees Celsius), so you can find me under the stairs in the hall most of day. The walks outside we keep shorter now as the sun on my thick black fur is extremely hot. Actually, I try to rush up, pull my owner with me back home via all possible places of shadow on the road.- no straight line if I can walk few steps in different cold shadows!

The day before yesterday I went to the vet for my last vaccination this year. Again I was a great dog, sat on my owners foot while waiting, and didn't spend any energy on other doggies that were there. I behaved like a grown-up gentlemen, even when the vet tried to examine me. I didn't feel anything from the injections (got 2, including kennel cough).

My eyes are perfectly fine, my jaws seem to have grown a bit more in line with each other, but we'll need to see how it goes when I change my teeth. So far I'm an expert in biting, and I definitely get enough to eat.... sigh.. actually, the vet advised Chris to feed me a bit less - I'm not too heavy, but definitely not skinny as well. - let's say I'm healthy but need not to grow faster. So Chris and Anna reduced my food a little, and we're switching to 3 times food a day. I try to indicate I want more by going to my plate and lick it clean 2 or 3 times after diner/lunch, but that doesn't seem to help :(

Yesterday evening I was left alone quiet some time, and some close friends of the family from Italy arrived who will stay over the weekend. Due to this Chris and I went to the puppy training alone. This was fun as usual, but Chris got a bit disappointed in me. Tell me what I did wrong? We were playing hide & seek, and Chris walked behind a wooden fence to call me. I heard him, but why should I go there like all the other dogs? I know where he is, and he's old enough to take care of himself, wouldn't he? Besides, the nice girls from the training had nice smelling candies in her pocket, so if I have to choose: Chris - or nice Girl with food.... then of course I go for the girl!

Some other things we learned is that I should get used to being touched everywhere (yes, when I say everywhere... I mean everywhere! [blush].. Another thing was rolling over on our back for examination "doctor", and a nicer game where food is put in water and I need to take it out. It scared me a little first time, but second time I got it out allright. Just don't understand why this tasty frolic cookie is put in water and I need to get with my nose under.. but it's definitely refreshing!

My new pictures I will put later today or tomorrow as we're making a lot now. I also get a lot of new impressions with our friends from Italy (there's one human puppy with them that likes me very much). I'll talk about that tomorrow!

So far it's been a quiet week this week. The weather is great, and when it's not too hot I relax a bit in the garden, bite my brushing bone, or find a little shadow in the garden. I can spend minutes just sit there on my ass, watching into nothing and thinking over my sins. Well, as long as there are no stupid big pigeons blocking my view - those are too interesting for me to try to sniff them ;).. unfortunately they escape when I get closer, but I'm training! Small birds don't care me; just these big ones seem to look funny.. or tasty even !

My roots of being a guard-dog come up more often - when I see people passing by the house, or once in a while I bark to myself into the garden mirrors - who has to hang those there anyway?

I enjoy eating like any dog; that's probably why my weight yesterday was already 21.5 kilogram. But like they say: what comes in.... must come out! Anna and Chris are surprised by the large amounts of poop I push out on a daily basis, but I just say it's healthy. I'm actually proud when I do this - I get praised, and when walking back I proudly carry the leach in my mouth (see picture).

We walk about 4 times a day; 2 times with both Chris and Anna which I like most. I just still have difficulties holding my bladder before getting there, so sometimes I pee on the sidewalk.. sometimes I start running to be in time though ;) At home I'm all clean and still -when I need to- I get to my little private toilet in the garden. When Chris or Anna see this I even get a little candy as praise.

In the evenings I like to cuddle and play - the crazier the better! When I'm absolutely bored I take my plaid out of the hall and take it to my pillow to bite on it and seduce Chris to play with me. (he can't resist! ;)

Tomorrow is my next vaccination day to go to the vet. This time in Rijssen where I've been already once. I'm wondering what they'll say of my growth!

btw - already found my puppy pictures on this site? Aren't they cute?

June 3rd, 2006:

Sorry, it's been such a long time again since my last writing.

Can you imagine? I'm already within my new family for a whole month! I still remember the first days where everything was new and I acted a little shy.. well, guess that changed now! hahaha :)

Just two days ago Anna and Chris thought the weights was broken - something wrong... but nope, I really gained 8 kilo's since my arrival; that's an average of 2 kilo's per week, bringing me onto 20 kilograms "clean on the hook as they say". Can you imagine 20 packages of sugar?!

My weight (and probably my volume - as that also doubled!) seems to scare some of the puppy's at the puppy training yesterday evening. I'm far out the biggest, and probably 4 times as big as the youngest member of the training, so I handle everybody there with care! Talking about the training: since yesterday we have lovely weather again, and the training on the grass field was fun. We trained basic commands in more detail again, and I'm not supposed to understand my owners' wishes with one word, or one signal. - That's hard work, but I get a whole lot more candies with this type of training!

The past days I've been taken out by car multiple times; in the morning as well as the evening together with Anna. We went to this animal farm as well as some short walks through the woods. I show my gratitude to try to jump in and out the car without help, but although they think it's funny, it's not accepted yet - I'm too young they say. Well, I then get my exercise during the normal walks, where I now immediately do "what I have to do urgently", and spend the rest of time to check the pee-mail of other doggies that have been there that day.

Within a month we'll get a new car, and in that car I'll be moved to the back compartment of the car. Chris has ordered a divider with it, which I can understand from a safety point of view, but how the hell am I supposed to kiss and cuddle the little baby when it's born and joining us in the car?

Chris ain't the smartest if you ask me - my favorite spot in the garden (in the middle of the flowerbed, where I made some space for myself to hide out to eat plants of sight) is now blocked by some stupid net. Why he had to put it exactly there I wonder... Well, maybe it's about the bottle of Champagne that Chris finished for some little celebration this week that made his mind go nuts a little - I'll stick with my places on the grass for time being.

Oh yeah - those yellow spots in the grass were not appreciated, so now when I need to do a little pee, I take my own initiative to go to the corner that's reserved for me in the garden! no more yellow spots there! ;)

If you wonder what's about today's picture? Well, at the training we were told to play grab & release with my most favorite toy.... need to say more?

Day 28 (May 29th, 2006):

Anna, Chris and myself had a long weekend together at home, so I didn't have time to write earlier if you can understand. I enjoyed playing, sleeping and getting groomed.

Last Friday evening we went to our second lesson of the puppy training. The weather all day has been rainy, so we got a first aid lesson (EHBO) for dogs explaining what tools to have at home, when to notice if a dog is sick, as well as what to do yourself. I also need to get used to check-ups and getting carried in Chris' arms onto the table for examination. We practiced this later and did very well (as long as they give me candy afterwards I'll do whatever they say!.. wanna me to pee on the table? just shout!)

With all this rain the past days I haven't had much time in the garden, but the window towards the garden allows me to look outside anyway, and watch the garden as you can see at this picture. Occasionally I bark when I see anything strange; even when I see my own reflection in the glass, TV reflection, or my reflection in the garden mirrors. I want to be a good watch dog!

I enjoy more and more going out, and start asking for it myself. I enjoy walking, even in the pouring rain (Chris or Anna dries me with a plaid when I return - that's even more funny as that gives me a permission to bite!)

Oh - almost forgot: last Friday morning there was some poor little rat-dog getting aggressive at me and biting me. I was in bit of a shock (so was Anna), but mostly angry because of the surprise that there are actually bad dogs in our neighborhood. I met this "befhondje" later again, and showed him loudly that next time I'm not gonna let 'm...I'm already 4 times his size even! one crush of my foot, one snif of my nose, and the bastard is history I tell you!!

This morning we went to this place along the forest with deer, chicken and goats, and had a short walk through the forest. I sniffed all those new things, and certainly enjoyed! I'd like to go more often to this place -and from driving in the car point of view- it's not a problem; when door is open I already try to jump in or out myself. (Chris doesn't let me as that's bad for the growth of my skeleton)

I'm definitely growing good as I don't fit anymore in places I used to enjoy :(. Now I try to find my place throughout the whole living room as long as it's somewhere cold and dark from where I can watch my owners. Most suitable is in front of the door so they can't leave without me noticing it. When any of them go to the toilet or upstairs I follow anyway; just to make sure I'm there if they need my help.

Last time (Saturday) they weighted me I was already 17 kilo's btw! I grew particularly in length, but the growth-switch now seems to be set to "height", so I'll let you know that result on my next picture, OK?!

Day 23 (May 24th, 2006):

13 weeks old already, so officially out of the most critical learning phase! Well, I still learn day by day of course, but most critical socializing has been done, and I didn't keep any trauma's of what happened to me. I'm a relaxed dog - hard to get me frightened!

Yesterday this friendly guy Erik visited us again, and afterwards we went to his house in Almelo which was about 25 minutes ride (could have been 15, but Erik took some unknown road... always the hard way for him!)

Anyway, it was a new house, and while Chris was pulling me towards him, Erik had to lift up my ass to get me inside the house. Yep - I can be stubborn :). I did well there until we left together in the car again and went to an eating place for humans called "Mc Donald's"! This was veeery exciting! I was allowed inside, and had an enormous amount of attention from the girls waiting there! It was quiet there, so they even called people in the kitchen to come out and look at me. I got something to eat first, and afterwards Erik and Chris got something as well, which they ate there while I was resting under the table. All those faces pointing towards us made Chris think they were looking at him, but when they talked about "fluffy thing", undeniably Chris falls off as an option! ;)

The evenings are quiet normally - I walk well, eat well, and start more and more listening to the commands for which I get small cookies when I do them right. Sometimes I can be stubborn as I said, after which Chris grabs my neck and pulls me to where he wants me - I of course protest loudly, but make up with him a few minutes later.

I hardly fit under the couch which is -as you know- my favorite place. When I actually CAN get under, I need help to get me back on my feet! As gratitude, I start more and more laying under Chris or Anna's legs, and relax my ass to put this lovely, adorably "odor" smell around me! Chris and Anna instantly start waving together to get me cool! - Lovely!.. Just not sure why Chris and Anna start arguing "where I got this talent from"?

Next 4 days both my owners will be at home, so it's going to be lovely! Unfortunately the weather will be disappointing, but we'll manage together!

Day 20 (May 21st, 2006):

Alright, time for an update in case you were wondering how I'm doing: The weather here sucks the last few days - rain, rain, rain. I'm mostly kept inside the house, but once in a while I take my chance to run through the garden and clean my fur on the wet grass.

Talking about the rainy weather, first drops were new to me: fresh water from the sky!! I sat on the grass, and while Chris was calling me to get inside I just kept sitting there, put my mouth up and opened it for the water to drop in my mouth... silly I know.. that's why I immediately stopped doing so when Chris was making an attempt to catch it on camera!

I just want  to show that I'm not made of sugar! in the past days I even haven't been complaining when I had to get out for a walk in the pouring rain - didn't need a pull or corrective command.

Puppy training was cancelled due to the bad weather; I will have to wait another week to meet up with my friends. Meanwhile I get more trained in the basic commands of sit - come, follow and "pootje (giving leg)". I try to "give" legs with every command now - who knows I get extra cookie!

I love playing with Chris and Anna, especially when I can bite them! The stupid glove they use to protect them is my enemy also when they are not around!! GRRRRRrrrr... when I get my chance I'll destroy it to the last pieces (see my first attempt on the picture! :))

Well, yesterday was my longest -so far- time I was home alone while Chris and Anna were away to some restaurant with their friends Erik and Miranda (!! lovely couple! - they expect a baby as well, and are very friendly - they gave me a nice toy to keep my owners awake, and some cookies.. .I had a nice energetic play with erik as well). Anyway, can you imagine they go the the restaurant for about 5 hours while not even feeding me? They recalled when driving back home and were ashamed while asking me for forgiveness... But hey... i'm not angry; I had my lunch later and a lot of cookies meanwhile! If I would have been angry at them I would have pee'd or shitted in the hall or chew their shoes when they were away.. which is what I didn't.... cause I'm a lovely dog, remember? ;)

ps -my weight is now 15.8 kg!!

Day 17 (May 18th, 2006):

I apologize to my dear readers that I didn't place any update the past days; the weather here was lovely, so I spent most of the time I was awake in the lovely garden.

My "mathematician skills" of finding the shortest route through the garden (which sometimes go straight through a flowerbed) have been recognized by Anna and Chris. They now put some wire around some pieced of garden which require me to recalculate my route and walk around the flower beds :(

I'm growing very good; from size point of view as you can see in my photo's, but also according to weight: It's now 15 kilogram (that's 3 kilograms in roughly 2 weeks! - I don't see a human baby doing that! ;) )

Chris is trying to teach me more manners, and I know the commands "come" and "sit". - "lig (laying down)" is still difficult for me. Well, must admit I know the commands, but only follow them when there's something to gain from it.. Why should I come if I'm tired or not hungry? - Chris calls me a stubborn doggie and should be "glued behind the wall paper" as they say here. I kind of pissed him off yesterday when I refused to go out and moaned the whole way (usually goes pretty well.. definitely when Anna is joining).

During nights I'm still locked in the Hall - I'm very silent, except for when I try to find my most comfortable place on the pillow - That makes a very lovely "crispy sound" my owners need to laugh about. I also tend to drink a lot of water before going to sleep - and past nights I used one of the other plaids as pee-ing plaid. Perhaps I should get less water to drink?

Yesterday the house cleaners came along and complained the floor was so dirty since last time. They were going through the house like a wind - vacuum cleaning, dusting, watering, etc... All too much for me; I can't sleep in such situation so I poorly went outside to do a nap on the grass until they left again.

I still enjoy to play and try to save my energy during the day to use it in the evening when both owners are at home. I mostly enjoy to bite Anna & Chris' hands and arms. Chris got blue spots, scratches and even some plasters already - I was too rough a few times :(.. Now they use one of the oven-gloves to play with me; I can bite in those a much as I want to.

For all the rest I'm trying to be a good boy; I didn't damage anything in the house, don't bite on things I'm not allowed to bite on. - I'm an example of a perfect dog if you ask me! [big wink];)

Day 12 (May 13th, 2006):

It was a busy day with lots of new impressions! The weather was great again (not too warm), so Anna and Chris took me out for a ride by car in the morning. I came again t the place where they have this nice Boxer (Castor), who -although a bit jealously- welcomed me, but kind of left me alone and in peace.

After drinking a bit of water, we went to a place nearby, close to the forrest where I saw animals I've never seen before. Most interesting ones were chickens who came to watch me and made some really impressive noises. I also saw deer, goats and horses, but these didn't interest me that much. I just pretended not to see them.

After a short walk there, we went into the city and stopped at a supermarket hal. There Anna went away to do shopping, while Chris and myself were left outside. We watched all the activity going on at the parking place from crowds of people with their trolley's, plenty of different cars (some making enormous noises), bikes and motor bikes passing close nearby me. Chris started complaining to me that women and shopping alone doesn't go together, and guess he was right - it took Anna about 30 mins to come back for us; fully packed with stuffed bags

After all these impressions I took again a nap to think it all over; that's enough socializing for one day!

Day 11 (May 12th, 2006):

Today I've been a good boy walking with Chris; I show him I like the initiative for a walk (not only 'cause it ends with food!), and walk next to him like a well trained dog should do. One thing I don't understand is why I'm not allowed to empty my bladder in the grass of front yard before walking - it walks much better, doesn't it?!. And even better - my pee leaves nice golden traces in the grass as well; Owners should be delighted with such pee ..uh, sorry.. PIECES of art!!

The day was a bit colder and a thunderstorm cooled down the garden after which I brushed it dry with my belly, walking like crazy through the grass.

Nick, a nephew of the family came to see me and play with me - he's young, and has plenty of energy like me! - well, honestly I was the one to stop - I've got my limits!

Chris was afraid I wasn't allowed at the puppy training tonight because when he checked with the vet, I seem to be about 2 weeks behind on my vaccinations. Chris checked with Dogwise (the trainers), and it seems not to be a problem; I have had the important ones.

in the evening we drove together (Chris, Anna and myself) to this place in Markelo. There were 2 classes and many puppies of different races and ages. It was soooooo nice you know: all those friendly people and dogs that came to touch and sniff me!. We were placed in a team with 2 Labradors and one Golden retriever and got our first lesson. Basically it was about recognizing dog's body language, and learning my first commands like listening to my name and to sit down. Although Chris was completely bitten all over by mosquitoes, we're definitely going again next week!

Rest of evening I was tired and slept, dreaming about all those nice doggies and people I've met

Day 10 (May 11th, 2006):

As promised I was allowed to choose my breakfast, and choose the new natural ones. Chris and Anna were pleased, and added my meat portion to this selection. I finished the whole bit in one go! tasty!!

Around 13:00 chris invited me in the car again, so I politely sat down on the back seat, trying to look through the windows where we were going. Unfortunately I am still a bit too small, and it got boring after about 30 mins drive, so I nagged a little on my de-arming low voice, but that didn't help to get Chris' attention. Then I decided I probably could see better by jumping on the front seat! But my first attempt failed as Chris stopped me with his right arm. I even tried to beg by giving his arm a free wash, but the space between the 2 chairs got blocked :(. Well, I paid him back: when we arrived, I demanded luxury travel in his arms: from car to door - from door to waiting room - from waiting room to the vet, from the vet to the waiting room, and from the waiting room to the door.... I refused to put even one step myself. HE brought me here.. HE has to carry me!!

We ended up at he vet's place who place about 1.5 weeks ago a few stitches in my left eye. She examined me now, and I seemed to be doing very well. My eye seemed OK again, although it's no guarantee it won't come back (in that case I need an eye-lift to prevent dirt from irritating my eye). Anyway, good news is that I was completely healthy according to her, my eyes were perfect now, and even my under-jaw (which is place back a bit too much from the top-jaw) grew good last 1.5 weeks, so that "issue" got even less... (not that I mind actually - I can bite and do what ever I want - ask Chris and Anna! - they almost lost some vital parts of their body already ;) )

The afternoon I had my playing hour again and laid down in the grass for as long as I could. It was nicely cold, and I just enjoy putting my nose as deep as I can into this cold grass and sniff. I tried to bite the water hose, but that seems not to be allowed according to my owners' reactions.

Well, when it got too cold and dark outside I got inside and laid down on the carpet next to Chris and Anna, enjoying a belly message by putting my four legs up. (Chris wondered if I'm applying for a job in Amsterdam... what the hell does he mean?)

Tomorrow is the last sunny day in a row (expected), and in the evening I'm going to a training school - I'm curious!

Day 6 (May 7th, 2006):

I was allowed to sleep outside of the bench (just in the hall) this night, which went extremely well. I didn't say anything to let my owners sleep a bit longer, and only did a little pee which I couldn't hold anymore. When my owners took me out for a walk, I did most of the walking myself, and nicely "did my thing". My owners are soooo proud of me!!

Day 5 (May 6th, 2006):

What a fun! Both owners at home, playing with me whole morning. I did my "thing" nicely on my place in the garden and the spot at the end of the street where other doggies go out. It's an interesting walk along that street: you meet other doggies and children.

The afternoon was a big challenge, but I succeeded well: my owners left me alone for 3 whole hours! I didn't pee or shit; didn't chew on anything, and again gave them a nice welcome and invited them to play with me in the garden.

I'm getting more used to walking by myself along the street on the leach, but I remain protesting against this stupid procedure of going out!

Day 1 (2nd may 2006):

What a day I had [sigh].. The morning started with a nice sun, and some guy visited our farm I have seen already twice before. Terry (my owner) and Bea were talking with him and his visitor enjoying a cup of coffee in the first sunsparks of this year. While writing some European passport for me, my mother (Happy) and grandmother were let out to play with me.

All of a sudden Terry picked me up, gave me a very big hug, pushed my face for a kiss in direction of my mother, and handed me over into the hands of this stranger who seemed to be very happy that he could hold me in his arms. I was then carried to his car and put on the back seat where he sat next to me. To my surprise, the other guy got in the car and together we drove away. Terry was giving a last wave that everything was OK.