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?