Episode 14: 21 weeks: Older, Smarter, Faster, Stronger, Sneakier

Amy Shackelford
May 31, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Jul 4, 2021

Bonnie

Staffordshire Terrior

Color: white with brown spots

Red Nose

Expected size: about 70-80 lbs

Current weight: 41 lbs

Clyde

Staffordshire Terrior

Color: Lilac

Red Nose

Expected size: about 80 lbs

Current Weight 47 lbs

DOGS AND DAYLIGHT

Bonnie and Clyde finally worked up to the full dog park experience. We took them early in the week in the rain (not on purpose) and the park was empty. But when we took them a few days later, the dogs were in full swing. They smelled several new butts and ran with new friends. It was nice to see them finally branch out from us a little and play. I love that they stay close to us, but I also want them to learn the freedom that a dog park allows.

HOME FOR A VISIT

My oldest son is home for a few weeks and is getting acclimated to the puppies. After all, it is extremely important to have an 80 lb (and 70 lb) pitbull on your side. He plays with them, and they love him, even though he calls Clyde “little brown dog.”

MOMENT TO REMEMBER:

When we first got Bonnie and Clyde, at 2 months old, Clyde was a little timid around Bradley. Bradley didn’t do anything wrong, but he is “matter-of-fact” in his actions. Clyde, sensing this always chose me. I was #1 and I will admit that it felt good. We knew that it would take more time for them to learn each other and build a bond. Over the weeks, the two of them have been growing closer and it was solidified this week.

Bradley was driving away in the car and the pups were watching out the window like normal. Suddenly, Clyde began to whine as soon as Bradley’s car got out of sight. There is no denying it now. I think I will shortly lose my #1 status (I may have already)!!!

POTTY TRAINING UPDATE:

They are doing great. They have both been giving us signals that they need to go out. The only problem is that signal is a silent stare, which they use for many forms of communication. We are learning when that stare means “potty” or something else but in the meantime, new random mystery pee spots pop up on the carpet.

LEAF DRAMA

How can this small branch of leaves be so important? Clyde found it; almost threw me off balance to go snag it; Bonnie noticed it, then stole it; Clyde chased her and took it back, she distracted him to reclaim it, he chased and chased her again... This went on and on as the small

set of leaves got smaller and smaller. Clyde finally ended up with it and carried the leafless branch into the house. They had used up all of their outdoor time on this twig. I still don't get it!

CUTEST MOMENT

Since they are so young, there are many times the scoops go outside without Moxie and Penny. But that doesn’t mean the puppies forget about them…

1. While walking the pups, Bradley said “Moxie, Penny” and Bonnie turns in excitement.

2. Canaan got a new car and it is silver like Ashley’s (Moxie’s and Penny’s). Canaan’s car was park closer to the neighbor’s house, in view from the backyard. Bonnie saw it and immediately bolted toward the back door to greet her friends. They have made lifelong bonds and I am so thankful.

3. They sit at the window and watch them leave. They now know the difference between their separate walks and when they go home for the night.

Waiting for Moxie and Penny to come back from walk.

Watching Moxie and Penny go home for the night

WHY... JUST WHY MOMENT

I have been trying, for years- decades even- to get my children to put their shoes away. I believe Clyde is working on teaching the same lesson in dog language. I have watched my children throw away shoes that Clyde has destroyed.

Get this… he can only carry one shoe at a time. But when I catch him in the act, he is surrounded by shoes. He always carries them to the living room, which is three rooms away from the shoe rack. He arranges his masterpiece (which also includes socks) and then plops in the middle to reap the benefit of his labor.

This buffet of shoes always consists of a variety. For a while he chews on leather, then switches to rubber, then the straps of a sandal, then the shoestrings of a tennis shoe. I must give him credit, he works diligently to collect his stash, sits strategically to reach every piece, and does it all without jingling his collar! Why…just why?