Five Months And 20 Days

It's been a long time since I've had time to sit down and update this blog and add a few new photos. Rupert continues to grow and thrive. He loves his walks around our community with his mom and often times his Aussie brother Fizzbo.

He loves going by the care center and visiting with any resident who happens to be outside. We hope to get his Therapy Dog certification so then we can visit indoors where it is warm. That will have to wait for a bit as he must be a year old before that can happen.

Rupert learned to go down the slide at the park too. What a hoot to see him run up the stairs and launch himself down. At first I would catch him. Now, he's too fast and is flying through the air and landing in the sand before I can get to him. The kids love to watch him and he loves the laughter.

We started conformation handling classes in October and they are going well. I've posted a few of his most recent stacked photos below.

His human sister Hannah was home for Thanksgiving. She hadn't seen him since he was 12 weeks old so it was a bit of a shock when he barreled across the room to greet her. He had a long walk before our Turkey dinner and Hannah was pooped out from helping to package meals for the meals on wheel program so the photo of them together has them looking very tuckered out.

I'm not sure how tall he is although he does almost come up to my knees. He weighs in at about 50 pounds. I'm guessing he will gain at least another 20 over the next six months, maybe more. There is not an ounce of fat on him. He's all muscle and bone.

Enjoy the photos!

Time Flys...

....I can't believe it's been so long since I have posted anything about Rupert the wonder dog. A lot has happened since our attempt at show poses were taken.

Rupert has learned to climb the toddler slide at the park and whizzes down, flys off the end and lands in the soft sand all by himself. Gives new meaning to the phrase "when pigs fly". He pins his ears back, his eyes widen and he launches himself down. I laugh so hard my eyes water and he runs to do it again and again. I will try to get Mark out there with the video camera to catch him in action.

We started our beginning handling class last Tuesday. Rupert is the only Bull Terrier pup in the class. He of course was a star. He stood for examination every time and even let the instructor and myself position him on the blocks to teach him to stand square. The other pups didn't have owners who brought tasty chicken to dispense from their mouthes as needed. Silly people. There was a bit of deja vu that went on that evening. It was almost 20 years to the day that I stood in the exact same ring taking classes with my Boxer, Gunner. It's good to be back and we look forward to having a lot of fun with Rupert. Mark attended too and will also learn the ropes of showing.

I promise...more photos soon!

Rupert is 4 months old and counting.....

Show Dog?

As Rupert grows we look forward to the day when he will make his dog show debut. We know we'll have a lot of fun with him and we've met so many great Bull Terrier fanciers in the short time that we've had him. We attempted to take a few photos of him in a stacked position. Not easy with a squirmy puppy who just wants to chomp your fingers off to get at the bait. It all takes time. Kudos to Mark for doing such a good job having never done it before. The photography skills are a bit lacking. Seems my shutter was always a nanosecond too slow or fast to get just the right shot.

It's Been Awhile

Rupert is fast approaching 4 months old. He has had many social experiences in his short life and loves meeting new people and dogs.

One of his favorite things is riding in the shopping cart at PetSmart. We cart him for two reasons. One, you never know what kind of parasites/bugs they can pick up in these places and two, many people don't know where their dog's noses are at any given time and that is when trouble can erupt. Not all dogs are dog friendly so it's better to be safe than sorry.

We had one such episode last week. Rupert was in the cart and I asked to pet a very large four month old Cane Corso. This breed is not often seen in this area and has had bad press much like pit bulls. I let the pup sniff my hand and as I went to pet him he caught sight of Rupert in the cart. The low menacing growl followed and in a flash he lunged at the cart. I jumped in front of him and pushed the cart. Better I get the bite than my puppy!

Once all had calmed down I had a very serious discussion with this puppy owner. It was not hard to tell that this owner has no clue how big and strong this dog will be and that he is already running the show. I encouraged them to contact a trainer and get help as soon as possible. After that we cruised around to find another person so that we could end our visit on a positive note.

I am a firm believer that people make the pet. I love all dog breeds and only wish that there was enough time in life to have one of each. They all need training and socialization. People who chain dogs in yards or basements and then wonder why they go bad should be given the same treatment....OK...off my soapbox....time to go hug my puppies....Forgot the camera at home so photo updates will be forthcoming....

More Video

So what do you do with a puppy who is teething like mad? Give him a box of course. When Wrigley was a pup he would destroy cardboard boxes however would not eat the pieces. Well, Rupert decided that this was a new delicacy and started munching each and every bit right down. So....the box top went away.

With his increased size is coming increased energy. Last night he zoomed around the house getting into anything and everything. Electrical cords seem to fascinate him so we must be ever vigilant. On one pass around the living room he almost took out a lamp and a T.V. tray. He also has found a new way to try and get Fizzbo's attention. He will roll over...and over...and over...trying to get Fizzbo to make a move so he can steal whatever it is that Fizzbo has. He is one funny pup.

Rupert & Rambo...Playdate

Last Saturday we brought Rupert over to visit Rambo, a seven month old Cocker Spaniel. Rambo's dad was very ill and Rambo's mom needed someone to give Rambo some exercise. Enter Rupert, the wonder dog of running and wrestling. They had a great time together and both pups slept most of Saturday evening and in to Sunday. We went back for another go yesterday and they are now fast friends. Sadly, Rambo's dad passed away early this morning. Larry was his best buddy and loved Rambo so much. Hugs go out to Rambo and his mom, Dee.

Here are a few photos of the playdate......

Here too are a few more shots from Sunday when Rupert was one sleepy dude...and, a couple of head shots...does he look like he's smiling?

Who knew???

OK, so first of all who knew that I had two blogs? Apparently I started one under the name AskTheAndersons a long time ago and never did anything with it. Today while logging in to post to Rupert's blog my subconscious (sp) mind must have remembered the log in and password for the old one. I posted and previewed and couldn't figure out why it had a different layout and why there was only one post...Uf Dah...

So, our new camera has a video feature which I started playing with yesterday. In this clip Rupert is trying to do anything he can to distract Fizzbo so he can get the Bully stick that Fizzbo is chewing on. Fizzbo is no dummy and doesn't even bat an eyelash. He knows this trick as he employs it daily to get what Rupert has.

The audio may sound like they are underwater and that is my fault. I had my finger over the microphone the whole time. Geez...who knew they had audio too???? Enjoy!

Almost 13 Weeks and Growing!

So, how many photos of a puppy can one possibly take before it's too much??? Of course the answer is...there are never enough! We are totally smitten with our new family member...Of course when he's scurrying through the house with a pair of jeans that someone left hanging over a chair or has the rug from the bathroom clamped in his jaws and is running like the wind to get away we may take a step back and think "what have we done"....and then, we smile and pry his jaws open while giving him something suitable to chew. Funny how he only gets at the wrong stuff when his dad is home watching him. So....here are a few photos to tide you all over for awhile. We realized that even though he is a baby he looks very adult like so it's sometimes hard to see the changes.....His legs are longer and his ears are up...He's gaining weight and eats voraciously at every meal....I asked him this morning if he had a tapeworm as the bowl was empty almost as fast as I put it on the floor....Fizzbo enjoys initiating play with him and also enjoys his time spent with me outside away from Sharkey. We chase around the yard until we are both having trouble catching our breath, work on our obedience commands and go on poop patrol.....Rupert would love to help with that job however he keeps trying to knock the poop out of the scooper so he has to stay in now when that job is being done. OK....hope you enjoy the photos!

Rupert A Model

OK, so it's not a real magazine cover...but what fun it was to put it togehter!

Rupert is almost 12 weeks old and has been with us for almost 4 weeks. The time has flown by and he is a great addition to our family. His ears are up and look great. He's consistently alerting us to his needs to go out. (We still stand at only two accidents his first week with us due to human error) Less and less Fizzbo fur is being pulled out and for the first time last night he actually just layed down next to Fizzbo to rest. As you may imagine, Fizzbo was looking a little wary, wondering when little "Jaws" was going to turn and grab some fluff. He's been a great traveler and we take both dogs somewhere almost every day.

Rupert's Travels

It's been a few days since last I posted however with good reason. Our daughter Hannah is now a college freshman at Michigan Tech. We drove up to Houghton Michigan which is located in the upper peninsula on Saturday with Rupert in tow. It was a trip frought with emotion but Rupert is a trooper and traveled like a pro. It's a lot to ask of a puppy to be crated for 7 hours (multiple potty and snack stops along the way), have a couple hours of out time and then back in the crate for the ride home. We actually think he fared better than us.

Here's a shot of the family before we left Hannah to start college life

Hannah and I have been photographed with me holding her on the first day of school since she was in Kindergarten. All I can say is it was a lot easier to do when she was small.

Rupert's ears are coming along. Below are a few shots of him looking like he could take off if a strong wind caught him just right.

He's getting bigger every day. We weighed him this morning and he's 19.2 pounds. Yikes, what happened to the chubby puppy that fit so wonderfully in my lap? He's not in the least bit fat. His legs are longer and he's incredibly solid.

We took him to a dog show on Sunday, yes we got up early after arriving home at 12:30AM and went to a dog show to meet up with a few Bull Terrier people that Franne introduced us to. We found each other by accident and once they saw Rupert they all wanted to steal him. I was told that he is very handsome and a very promising pup. We of course already knew that because Franne picked him for us. By the time we left, he was sleeping in our aching arms and Linda was already speculating about using him as a stud for her girl Kissy. We'll just grow him up and see what happens. All the Bull Terrier people were very nice and helpful. They are looking forward to seeing us at our first show in January.

The last photos are random.....can't forget that Fizzbo is still top dog so a few shots of him and I'm signing off for the day. Need to run home for doggy and puppy playtime and a little lunch.

Busy Week

It's hard to believe that it will be three weeks this Sunday since Rupert came home. He's had a lot of fun with Fizzbo and they are now playing nice. Fewer and fewer tufts of Fizzbo fur are hanging from Rupert's mouth.

Rupert picked up a parasite (Giardia) and has been on medication for a week. It's doing the job and he'll be good as new in no time. He's a great pill taker, especially when the pill is slathered in peanut butter.

This week, Anne Wolff Nichols will be coming over for a little home schooling. We are excited to have her visit and teach us her methods of dog training. To learn more about Anne you can check out her website at http://www.becomedogsavvy.com/

On Saturday it will be another road trip to bring Hannah up to Michigan Technological University. Rupert will be riding along and Fizzbo will stay home to play with our friend Leslie. Hannah's going to miss her pups but will be very busy learning the lay of the land and living on her own. We are excited for her to begin her new adventure.

Rupert is now alerting us to his bathroom needs by going to the door. What a smart pup. He's only had two small accidents (due to human error) since he's been home. He's growing like a weed and now prefers to drink water out of the raised water bowl.

I will be bringing the camera home to get some better shots of him and will post them soon!

Fun Filled Saturday

This morning we got up early and headed over to the Caribou Coffee shop. We sat outside and had mochas and pastry. Just a few calories. Fizzbo and Rupert waited patiently for us to finish. They had a few visitors too. Steve stopped to chat and tell us about his French Bulldog, Rufus. Then a mom with two young sons stopped by to give our boys a pat. A man out walking his 16 week old Shihtzu named Zoro also stopped. Rupert looked like a heavy weight compared to Zoro. One gal walked by with a psycho Gordon Setter. It snarled and barked and Fizzbo got between us and the dog as if to say, "you better watch out, I'm protecting my family!"

From coffee it was off to Chuck and Don's for more food and bully sticks. Then it was time to go visit Grandpa and Grandma for the first time. Grandma gave the boys big bowls of cold water. Below is Grandpa holding Rupert. He said he's ugly but we know he loves him.

Grandpa Sieberer and Rupert Resting Pups

When we got home it was more time to play and zoom around the living room. The dog toys are everywhere. Looks like a couple of two year olds live here now. After a bit Fizz and Rupert stopped to rest for a bit.

My favorite shots are of him sleeping....what an angel......very deceiving to be sure.....

9 Weeks Old

Rupert is 9 weeks old and although we've had him for less than a week we can see that he is growing. Today he looks taller and we know he's heavier. He eats like a vacuum and enjoys everything he is given with gusto.

He gets a combination of high quality kibble - Natures Variety Prairie Chicken, yogurt, cottage cheese, raw meat and vegetables and more.....He's eating four times a day so gets a good variety. All these groceries give him energy to burn and he's already figured out that he can run from the living room through the dining room, through the kitchen, down the hall and back to the living room. Fizzbo keeps trying to herd him and does not like when he goes on these fast paced jaunts.

Last night we drove to the lake (once he's bigger we'll walk from home) to walk the path. Our friend Bill was there sitting on his favorite bench. Bill is 83 and lives in an apartment near by that does not allow pets. He loves dogs so always has a supply of treats in his pocket. He's known Fizzbo for a year and last night Rupert became his new friend.
















Here's a picture of Bill and Fizzbo. I'll have to bring my camera next time and get a shot of Rupert and Bill next time we meet.


Rupert got a lot of attention at the lake. Everyone thought he was adorable and that Fizzbo was beautiful. They all made sure to give Fizzbo attention too which was very nice.


After our walk we headed home for his evening meal and a good snooze.

Here he is snoozing on my lap after that meal. He was out. Took this picture with my phone so it's a little fuzzy. Here's what he will look like when his ears stand.

This last shot is also from my phone. Fizzbo loves to drape himself along the back of the couch so that he can survey his kingdom in comfort. Rupert has figured out the couch is the place to be for a good rest be it on someone's lap or snugged up in the corner. He did try the back of the couch but fell between the cushions. He'll get the hang of it when he's a bit bigger.

Ruperts First Days

Fizzbo meets Rupert

Sacked out in the motel before the long drive home.

Hannah getting to know Rupert before she heads off to college. Stopping to smell the clover
Getting the hang of playing with Fizzbo.

Playing with MeMe before leaving for the motel.



Six weeks old - our first photo

Well everyone, he is finally home. Our new Bull Terrier boy, Rupert. It was a long trip from White Bear Lake, MN to Martinsville Indiana. Channa Beth and Steve Butcher were so gracious as to bring our boy from Pennsylvania to their home where we met to pick him up. Let me tell you that we won't be going on any road trips anytime soon.

For an eight week old pup he traveled great. Never a peep out of him unless he needed us to stop for a potty break or a drink of water.

Rupert came from Franne Berez of Action Bull Terriers. She has been so helpful and easy to talk to. We found her accidently while looking for a new Doberman puppy. I deviated to Bull Terrier websites as Mark and I decided we could never replace Wrigley and since we both loved Bull Terriers it was a good time to bring this breed in to our lives.

We will be very active with Rupert. He will be our show, rally, agility, therapy, cgc and all around good buddy puppy. He is a great companion for Fizzbo our Australian Shepherd. They are getting along great and Fizzbo is letting him know who the boss is and just how much hair he will allow him to pull out before he gets the Aussie evil eye and menacing growl. Rupert is a quick study and is learning quickly to play nice.

His first vet visit was fun. Rupert is the only BT that they have as a patient. The vet came in and thought he was a very funny looking Dobe. He thought he looked great and we will go back in two weeks for another shot. Oh, he weighed just over 13 pounds. He is a little tank!

He's been to our office and was a hit. His next adventure will be to meet Anne Wolff Nichols a trainer that I met at the Pet Expo a few years ago. She will be teaching me and Rupert her methods of dog training. She is amazing and if you would like to learn more check out http://www.becomedogsavvy.com/