Another Busy Weekend

Zinfandel went on yet another lengthy car ride. She does so well! We went up to the mountains to open up our cabin for the summer and to get it put on the market. So, Zinfandel spent the night in her 5th house since leaving KSDS, Inc. She adjusts so well and figures out the "hurry up" door, pretty quickly. The drive home was on a doughnut since we got a flat tire on the way up. So the two hour drive turned into almost four hours and she made it the whole way! There have been lots of new finds, experiences and new people to meet. Kristi just hasn't had the camera on hand.

 We missed the NFL Draft, but Zinfandel was in the spirit.

Watching the golfers while playing in the back yard.

Another Big Day

Zinfandel had a good day, working on the crate a bit at a time and it is getting a little better. We'll take what we can! She also met another water man (will we ever get this issue fixed), played with Tom in the back yard, wasn't so sure about his sunflower pinwheels and got several new toys. And met Ally, Julie and Howard.

Ally gave Zinfandel a bunny as big as Zinfandel!

 Julie and another new toy.

Howard and third new toy!

Zinfandel Recycles in the Office

Zinfandel put the remainder of her treat in Kristi's paper recycle bin.

So this is what it's like to go backwards........

Zinfandel has decided she doesn't like her crate, after all. She still does well at night (fingers crossed), but during the day she is not so happy. Yesterday was really bad, so today we did a bunch of little breaks in the crate. "Sitting" is still going well as is "hurry up" and "recall". "Bring it" really depends on what kind of a mood she is in. And "give it" is a major work in progress. So we are going to focus on the crate and praise a lot when "bring it" and "give it" are good. 
Zinfandel had a good visit with friend, Lisa, last night and neighbor Tom, today. She learned about strangers coming in the house and into our den area; as we had a water issue and Aurora Water came into Kristi's office. She also did well taking in new things like, the big green trash can, some loud cars, big trucks and tractors that trim the golf course. Her newest distraction is chasing leaves.

 Revisiting Crate Training

 Playing with Tom

Zinfandel the Great Leaf Killer

The Vet and a Bath

Zinfandel hasn't had a whole lot out of the norm going on this week. She went to the vet on Monday. There she met a cat and a moth. No shots so really wasn't that big of a deal. Today, she had a bath and did pretty well. No pictures of either as Kristi wasn't sure she could handle a camera, too. We'll post some pictures soon!

Fun Weekend

Zinfandel had a fun weekend! She met a couple of the neighbors on Friday. Which was good, because when she saw Tom again, she knew who he was and enjoyed saying 'hi' again. She also went to a garage sale on Saturday and played all day with Lee on Sunday. She is adjusting well, likes her crate, hurries up, sits and has tons of fun playing in the back yard. She isn't so sure about down, (wonder if Kristi isn't luring with the reward correctly. Back to the books for Kristi). She is mouthing way too hard for us humans. So that is definitely work we will focus on this week. Later, today, Zinfandel gets to go to her first Colorado vet appointment. She checked out Merlot's visit and thinks she's ready. We'll let you know how it goes.

Learning "Give It" with Lee

 After a good time of "Bring It" Zinfandel takes a break, but keeps a paw on the prize!

 Zinfandel is such a proud puppy when she brings her toys.

 A much needed break in the shade. I think Zinfandel likes Saturdays!

 

What a great week. Zinfandel and Chardonnay spent Tuesday and Wednesday together. They played a lot together and went to see Grandma Fimmen for a few hours on Wednesday night. Then Thursday was the big day for Zinfandel. She tried her first of many day long car rides. She did great! She slept well and "Hurried Up" each time we stopped.  Although I think she wanted me to move my big legs out of her space.

Lee and Zinfandel "Hurry Up" in the rain in Kansas.

Once we got to our Colorado home we checked things out and then decided to celebrate our good journey. With a bottle of Zinfandel and a nap!

Zinfandel slept well last night and was ready to play this morning. Thanks for the skunk, Steve, Brian and Chardonnay!

First Night Home

She is here! Well, we are here, actually. We are at Steve's house. Brian, Steve and their pup, Chardonnay; Kristi and Zinfandel. Lee has to work in Dallas. Some pictures of puppy play time. I'll write more when I have time. Thanks again to Lisa and Brenda and Hunter for picking up and puppy playtime!

Zinfandel's First Weekend Away From KSDS

In just a few hours, I'll be off to pick-up Zinfandel and Chardonnay with Steve. Zinfandel has had a big weekend. She has been at her littermate's (Merlot) new house. It seems they have been having quite the time  .

And so it begins......

Welcome to our first post! If you are reading this you most likely know that Lee and I are in the process of becoming puppy raisers for KSDS, Inc.,  http://ksds.org/dogs/puppy_shower.html
We will be responsible for raising a yellow Labrador Retriever for 16-20 months. We are to housebreak, teach commands and manners, socialize the puppy and take the pup out into the big world.
This has been a dream for Kristi for quite some time. Lee on the other hand has been a bit hesitant. But being the wonderful husband he is, he saw the light and gave the go-ahead in January.
This morning an experienced puppy raiser drove to Washington, KS to pick up four puppies, including ours and my brother's. I'm looking forward to raising our first puppy with my brother, as it will be his fourth!
We head out on Sunday and I will pick our puppy up on Monday.
Our puppy, Zinfandel, is part of the litter theme, wines! Pretty appropriate for us! And with that, we introduce you to Zinfandel!