Dirty Work

Everyone needs a helper and I'm no exception. Today, as I was trying to plant a few things by the front door, Luther jumped in to assist. All I had to do was start to dig a hole for the zinnias and Luther would hop right in the middle and dig, dig, dig. Then I'd distract him so that I could finish the job. The photo shows Luther enthusiastically loosening up the soil in my herb planter. The second photo caught that look in his eye saying "Well isn't this what you wanted?" Thanks, Luther!

Cleaning Out the Garage

Having a puppy is like having a baby. You can't do anything without their getting involved. This morning Jamie and Jimmy were doing the dreaded job of cleaning out the garage after a winter full of accumulation. Luther loved the activity--the box, the broom and the cup. I didn't know Jamie was shooting video with his phone but I'm sure glad he did. Look how eager Luther was to help. Wish I had some of that puppy energy.

Big Boy

Lauren said Luther weighed in at 9.9 pounds when he vetted for his flight to Virginia. When we took him to Dr. Nay a week later, he weighed in at 12.4. On Monday when he went to Dr. Nay for his shot, he topped the scale at 14.4 pounds. I swear I can see him grow right before my eyes!

Camera Shy

Luther doesn't like the camera. He's not shy in the slightest. I think it is because he always watches your face. When this big black Nikon gets in front of your eyes, he doesn't like it one bit. He barks and won't cooperate to have his picture taken.

Paper Training with Style

About 3 days ago, Luther went up to the stack of used newspapers we keep in our Kitchen. Luther pulled out one large folded section, spread it out flat on the floor and proceeded to pee right smack in the middle of it. How can I complain about that!

Stops Traffic

It's true! Luther stops traffic. He is such a good looking dog with his rich, shiny, dark brown coat. We went to Panera's for breakfast the other day. It was beautiful sunny morning. Panara's is one of the few places we could go with a dog. I sat outside while Jimmy went in to get our coffee and breakfast. The soldier on one side talked with us about his dog and petted Luther. Then he said he couldn't stand it and took his phone out and snapped a photo of Luther. He was going to send it to his wife. The young lady and the other table came and asked if she could take a photo, too. The next thing, I looked up and the Assistant Manager was taking a photo of Luther. We went to PetSmart around the corner to purchase a second crate (one for the car) and a lady put on her brakes and leaned out her window shouting what a cute puppy Luther was. I was a bit concerned she was holding up cars behind her but she didn't care. That was a very friendly and flattering gesture! Bless her heart.

Montana to Virginia

Luther was superdog! Riding in the soft-sided carrier, he was a perfect gentleman. Never did he whine, bark or cry. The first leg to Salt Lake City, he worked the zipper on the top cover loose and poked his head out. :-) From SLC to Cincinnati and home to Richmond I left the whole top section open and he sat and napped and never tried to climb out. It was as if he knew better. Luther was such a fabulous traveler--more so that some people I know!

I had Luther walk on a leash when in the airport so he would have some exercise and maybe nap on the plane. I doubt he's ever had a leash on, but he took to it naturally--never tugging--keeping right at my side. He like to pee on the Women's Room floor. And do #2 in the most public place with an audience! Quite the guy!!!

Last night we put his dog bed in our bedroom and shut the door. The electricity was off due to a major storm so we retired early. Luther cried for a while and then settled down. In the morning Jimmy got up first and said Luther had "organized". He had arranged some clothes over the floor.

He's stayed at my feet all day. We took him to PetSmart to purchase a crate and other than piddling on the floor, he was perfect. That is until I had the man at the store assemble the crate in the back of my Sienna. Even though he can see me, he cried all the way home. He needs to get used to traveling in the crate so we just started him on day one.

Other than that, he likes fallen leaves in the yard, his food, my shoes and his bed. All and all today has been a very good day!!!

The Big Journey

Off to Denver to visit my brother. My laptop had a fatal problem (the electrical plug in broke away from the motherboard) so a new computer was necessary. Maybe not the latest 15" iMac, but how could I resist?

Next I landed in Kalispell on Sunday in a storm--it was sleeting and the highway had about 1-1/2" to 2" of sleet. I spent 3 days with my high school buddy, Chyral, and then met up with Lauren and Luther. When Lauren arrived with Luther, all three of us were crying! Lauren had grown very fond of "black collar" Luther and he was also the last puppy to leave the nest.

We spent about an hour or so going over Luther's papers, schedule and so forth. Lauren is such a fine and caring person. It is a tribute to her how happy and balanced these puppies are. I just feel lucky to have such a fine dog out of Tess' first litter. Luther is gorgeous, smart and has a great disposition. When Lauren handed me Luther, he gave me lots of kisses. It was a welcome I had traveled many miles to receive.