Little Beau…

Our precious little Beau will be five months old on March 14th. I’ve waited so long for this puppy and dearly love him. So does Doug! One of Doug’s arguments for waiting until Spring to get a puppy was that it would be difficult to housebreak him in the midst of Winter, and that has proved to be true. When we take him outside, he is happy to promptly do his business. However, he is just as likely to have an accident indoors! I think when the weather is consistently warmer and there is grass underfoot instead of snow, it might be a little easier to housebreak. I hope so!

He has mastered “sit” and “down” and is so enthusiastic, he will go ahead and assume the down position right after sit to save you time on your commands! He really is adorable! He started out with two light blue eyes, but now has one green eye and one blue eye! I’m hoping the blue eye will turn green as well, but we will love him regardless! His coat is filling out and he is really looking like a beautiful Cocker Spaniel, but I think he will continue to develop that look even as he grows older.

While we are in love with this sweet pup, I cannot say the same thing for his feline brother, Tiger! Hopefully, over time, their semi-tolerance of one another will grow into a friendship.

If you’ve read my blog very long, then you know I love dogs. I’ve wanted a puppy for so long! When my sweet husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday on December 1, the answer was easy. Granted, this was a “big” birthday – 75! He was probably expecting me to say jewelry. (Where would I wear jewelry anyway? We’re in the midst of a pandemic!) But I did not want diamonds or rubies or pearls. I wanted a living, breathing, four-legged, furry puppy! When he readily agreed, I didn’t think he was serious. When I realized he truly was in earnest, there was joy!

Now, the question was what breed? I love big dogs but let’s face it – at this age, I couldn’t manage a big dog. I don’t remember exactly how we settled on an American Cocker Spaniel. I think there were photos from the breeder on Facebook. We loved the photos of one in particular, a buff and white floppy eared little boy with striking blue eyes.

On the Monday following my birthday, we drove as far north as you can go in Iowa before you get to Minnesota or South Dakota! We were all wearing masks and met outside. The first minute we saw Beau, we fell in love – both of us! I don’t think Doug was counting on loving this puppy as much as I do but he does.

There is one member of the family who isn’t too sure of this adorable new addition. Our six year old rescued gray tabby. We’ve had him for four years and he thought he had sole possession of Mom and Dad. Beau is loudly exuberant and follows Tiger everywhere. He literally runs and tackles him. In the beginning, I think Tiger was patiently waiting for this little visitor to go home. By now, he realizes Beau is at home and Tiger isn’t too sure how he feels about that. In the beginning, Tiger refrained from batting back at Beau or retaliating for all that puppy energy. Tiger is now play-batting at him (thankfully, he’s declawed). I’m hoping that, eventually, they will be friends.

Beau looks so cute in his Iowa shirt! Gift from Justin and Mandy and family.