A Certain Family Resemblance

Maybe it is a little trick of Mother Nature, but we have noticed that one's own children, even those adopted ones who are not technically children, are especially good-looking.  Remember the undeniable beauty of Grandog Wrenny? Walking with Wallace (who walks politely -- mostly) I have come to expect compliments, and enjoy mentally preparing a good-natured response just in case: "Why thank you, yes, he is extremely handsome."  Thus endowed with familial prejudice, we couldn't resist sending a sample of his dna for analysis.  Presenting Wallace Collins, Siberian husky/border collie/cocker spaniel and  more!

  

At 10 months, Wallace now weighs 44 pounds. We are lucky to have come across his brother Baxter and we trade occasional emails.  In addition to sharing their "border husky" good looks, they seem to share an interest in rearranging the plants in their respective back yards.  We hope to encounter their other brother, Max, one day. I'm sure we will recognize him, too!

Baxter lookin' good


 

This look, however, says "No, I don't believe I want to do that, just now."

Wallace Gets Ready for Halloween

One late October afternoon,

Wallace's people started doing some really funny stuff

                                          

                                          -- that just had to be investigated

 

--and thought about, from the right point of view

 

-- and asked about nicely, not worrying at all--

But everything turned out OK.  It was just a Dog-O' Lantern.

One had to admire their inspiration.

We Visit Wrenny and Meet Pica

Wallace took his second road trip to Tallahassee. He demonstrated perfect manners in the car (that is, he slept the whole way), and seemed to recognize our favorite stop for ice cream and a good dogwalk, though he watched the door of the ice cream shop attentively to be sure that any parent who entered there came back out. At Emily's house he was delighted to reconnect with Wrenny and meet her houseguest, Pica.
Wallace and Pica found they had a lot in common, a fact which caused Wrenny no little concern.

Serious timeout

 We are all "waiting."

Keeping Cool in the Heat Wave

Wallace's advice: 1. Do your thinking (in your Thinking Chair) in the cool of the morning.

2. Make full use of the local pool.


3. Observe from the comfort of indoor a/c.


4. Hang out with friends in the shade.



Seven months and 36 pounds: still growing?



Who's the big cousin now?


Aww -- does she have to go home?

Wallace, Then and Now

Living with his humans for three months, Wallace has grown from a 10-pound baby to a 32+-pound young dog. Understand: he's still not finished, but after graduating from two beginner obedience courses, having endless walks and experiences with dogs and people, he is showing what a great friend and family member he will be.
Three months old: first look at the new back yard

Six months: what's the holdup? It's time to get the newspaper.
Part of the morning ritual now

Wallace and Wrenny: Best Friends

The wonderful Wrenny has been back, spending six weeks here at Camp Grandmom. She and Wallace formed an instant and close bond, and she seems to have just as much puppy-energy as he does, as well as ideas for many kinds of doggy fun that were new to him:
Look, little guy, you are supposed to try to get this thing away from me, see? You can chase me, and then I'll chase you.....Most popular sport by far: World Dog Wrestling
A demonstration in the proper use of a wading pool
...and doing paperwork.
Refining the art of the morning nap
...and the afternoon nap
...and the evening nap

Wallace Graduates

Wallace collected his first diploma in beginner obedience class. He successfully demonstrated sit, down, stay, wait, come, and leave it (well.....) His classmate's intent pose shows just how important it is for a puppy to be well-behaved!

20 Weeks -- 23 Pounds and Still Growing!

At least he is starting to catch up to his paws! And getting great exercise, thanks to Wrenny's visit (more about that later).

In April, when Wallace checked into the Doggy Hotel --



His parents sailed off to Nassau


And CocoCay

and Key West

For a humans-only fantastic vacation!

16 Weeks: Milestones

Oh, how he's grown; compare with his "Gotcha Day" photo 4 weeks ago. (Or has the human just been getting smaller and tired-er?) He weighs 18.2 pounds. He sleeps all night! And just this morning he walked willingly, all the way around the lake. Good Boy!

Puppy Party!

Once a month, Wallace's vet hosts a puppy party. All the humans sit around the puppies to contain the fun. There is a social, then a potty break, then another social, and puppy races ( pups race down a hallway toward their owners. Wallace, though he can be a real speed doggy, didn't quite get the point of that one).
That puggle -- she was lots of fun!

TWO English bulldogs (Lucy and Wigglet) mixing it up.

"Come on, BARK BARK, Ginseng, BARK BARK, play with me!"


Wallace takes a break to snuggle with his vet, Dr. Kimball.

Puppy Class

Wallace's first class -- it was mostly a lecture, but the part where you get to run around was great!

Dog Party II: Return of the Big Boys

4/3/10: They're back! Bernard's strong jaws; Freyr's soft fur; featuring newcomer Wallace at his first Dog Party!
So that's what you do with Frisbees.


Hanging out with the big boys

Dog parties always leave you soooo relaxed.


Getting used to things around the home
Getting in the car? Piece of cake -- especially when the Treat Fairy leaves a little something on the seat.

Walkin' with the humans
A pause for reflection
OK! I "sat." Now GIVE me something!