Dogarazzi: Week 14

It appears that our little puppy is coming into his own and I’m kind of freaked out.

Ted has begun to act more dog-like, rather than stuffed-dog-like, in that he appears to be making decisions of his own at a very basic level. He used to do things out of habit, but now, those habits aren’t cutting it. So what if we always go downstairs to have a snack after taking a walk? Running up the stairs and playing “keep away” is so much more appealing! It doesn’t matter that we always sit quietly in the evenings and watch television; Ted’s idea to bark loudly and chew on appendages is way better. Duh.

Seriously, though, he’s getting bolder. West Highland terriers were originally bred in Scotland to nose out rodents and Ted has just started to show his true colors and dart after squirrels on walks. Woe betide me if I have limited the span of the flexi-leash because even a 12-pound dog can pull me along for a short, yet embarrassing, distance. He is more adventurous in staking out territory on the couch and tears at his toys with a new energy. Poor Octopus suffered the first major injury in that he is minus one eye.

Although I sort of prefer the more demure version of Ted, I understand that this behavior is closer to his nature. I plan to sit back, sigh, and let JG take care of the discipline so that I can hug a nice submissive doggie. In March, Ted’s supposed to be full-grown at around 9 months, so I think we’re seeing some adolescent rebellion. Before we know it, he’ll want his own room with a TV, rides to the mall, and a cell phone, and could we please walk ten feet behind him while we inevitably embarrass him with our existence? Geez.

Tune in to Roosday-Tuesday and Wednesday-Bensday for the other two-thirds of the doggie cuteness trifecta!