Angus at 8 weeks

In his eighth week of life, Angus is already promising to be exactly what we had hoped for.  He's sensible, fairly calm, inquisitive, eager to please, not too emotionally sensitive, unflappable around just about everything, and not bratty.  For this package, we thank Terry and Laurie Scott (the breeders) who raise physically and emotionally sound Labradors.  We thank the early training and exposure to stimuli at Scotts' house during those first 49 days.  Personally, I also thank my lucky stars.

Angus is doing exceptionally well in his "home schooling."  He's learned not to play-bite or jump up.  He's learned to COME (and sit in front), he's learning STAY, CURB (don't rush thru doors, etc.), and is learning DOWN and LEAVE IT and LET'S GO.  He also walks very acceptingly with a leash.  He sleeps quietly through the night in his crate (in our bedroom).  He eats 3 meals a day, and takes a 1.5-mile walk every morning with us to go get the paper.  He's been swimming and has shown that fetching agrees with him.  He's been around a ton of healthy, vaccinated dogs and lots of people. His big sister Lizzie, the pit bull, is a wonderful mentor/playmate for him.

Don has a buddy once again to sleep at his feet in the living room or rest on a mat out in his shop.  Today Angus "helped" him rototill the garden by following along behind him.  It reminded me of that hokey old Walter Brennan song about "Old Rivers and Me."