Bringing Up Baby

There's a reason women my age can't bear children- oh my god it's tiring.

Guinness has hit our house like a little cyclone. He's adorable.

a new collar that fits 'but it itches Ma!'

The first night was not one of rest. Guinness was not impressed with his crate with the soft cushion, chew toys and kong stuffed with peanut butter. He spent a lot of time howling. We took him out to go to the bathroom twice but the rest of the time stayed firm that he must learn to be in his crate.

The theme of yesterday was introducing him to my routine and ensuring that he learned to pee outside and not on the floor.

I made sure that he was in his crate a few times during the day and ignored the ruckus. Each time he settled down. I find him to be smart and he's learning that when he goes out he's to pee. Hopefully soon he'll learn to let us know. 

d'Arcy is being good with him. He won't let him snuggle in though and it's causing some distress for Guinness. d'Arcy says that it's because the little bugger is looking for a place to nurse and that's unnerving. 

d'Arcy checking to make sure Guinness peed correctly

We went for a few walks around the property during the day. I love watching him walk- he's shoulders are so big that he walks like a bull dog right now. Cynthia suggested that I get him a piece of old leather to chew on and I found an old bet up brow band for him. He loves it. He has also taken over this old throw blanket so that's now his bed.  It used to belong to my mother so I'm sure that she would love that the puppy loves to snuggle on it. Guinness is very people oriented which is good.

Last night in his crate he threw a major fit when we put him in. I made sure that he was walked and had gone to the bathroom. I had frozen a kong with peanut butter and put in his 'blankie'. That lasted about 5 minutes and he began to kick up a fuss. About 30 minutes in, Ed left and went to the loft over the garage to sleep (there's a pull out couch) muttering about having to work. I was fine with that. I just ignored it and fell asleep with him howling. Yay me- I do love my sleep. Periodically he would wake up and cry but I only got up twice to let him out- at 1 and at 4 a.m. 

The cats are less than impressed. Poor Chester is looking as nervous as a nine tailed cat in a room full rocking chairs. Martin is curious but disapproving. Yesterday he would follow us around outside but when I looked at him would ignore me completely and act all nonchalant. 

I can neither see you nor hear you human. I am
engaged in cat business

Last night every time Guinness whined or barked Martin would tap me on the face. 

Guinness: I'm lonely and not tired. I shall sing until you come to rescue me

Martin: that creature is interfering with my sleep

Me: he's learning to be in the crate. We have to ignore him

Guinness: *howling* All by myself, don't wanna be all by myself anymore....

Martin: he stops when you get up- so get up and deal with this. 

Me: no. leave me alone and stop tapping my face. 

Marin: You brought him home you deal with him

I am sure that he will figure this out. It will just take persistence. These days will go fast. And then there will be something else. 

I'm sure he misses his litter mates to snuggle with.