Episode 17: 24 weeks STOLEN PUP!

Amy Shackelford
Jun 21, 2021
6 min read

Updated: Jul 4, 2021

Bonnie

Staffordshire Terrior

Color: white with brown spots

Red Nose

Expected size: about 70-80 lbs

Current weight: 48 lbs

Clyde

Staffordshire Terrior

Color: Lilac, tri-color (muted brindle)

Red Nose

Expected size: about 80 lbs

Current Weight 54 lbs

YOU STOLE HIM!!!

For the last 20 years, I have learned to play second fiddle. It’s not his fault but everyone wants Bradley more than me. I’m not upset, it actually makes me smile inside that everyone loves him so much. Let me explain…

We have worked together most of our whole adult lives. He is a hard worker, a great manager, and a shining example; so every manager, employee, and co-worker wants him on their shift. We have 5 children. I have physical limitations, so after the baby stage, they all wanted to play (and play hard) with Daddy! It’s not just our own kids that love him, ALL kids do! He is a natural. In skits, he puts it all on the line with accents and jokes, while staying light-hearted and calm under stress. He is a better cook, house cleaner, protector, spoiler, and provider… he’s super strong, fast, and willing, so everyone wants Bradley around.

When we first got the puppies, Bonnie loved everyone. She tried to climb in every lap; she looked at you with the sweetest expression; and she was the energetic puppy that we all love. But Clyde was tender hearted (still is) and timid. He gravitated toward me to give him cuddles and love. For the first time, since my kids were babies, someone chose me as their #1. (I’m always #1 to Bradley so this is not in the equation right now) I was secretly savoring in my moment!

But yesterday, Bradley stayed in the house while I took them for a walk. As we walked through the back yard, they kept turning back to the house and pulling toward it. What in the world? Do they want to go back in? What dog doesn’t want to go for a walk? We walked out into the field and onto the path. Clyde continued to pull toward the house. We got about 50 ft and I got tired of trying to make them walk so…we went home!

What have you done to my dogs? They didn’t even want to walk without you. You have stolen Clyde from me.

Well, it was nice while it lasted, Clyde is older and needing more of the things that Bradley offers naturally. At least I already know how to play second fiddle. Gotta love ‘em all!!! (There’s the smile)

FREE STYLE

If the pups have already pooped and there are no distractions around; Bradley lets the pups off lead in an open field. When he first started this, it took the a few minutes to figure out that they were free to run. But now, they get it! They are so fun to watch (I know I’m old if I just want to watch the “kids” play).

NOSE-Y NEIGHBOR

Bonnie and Clyde love to walk the length of our neighbor’s fence. She has an avid green thumb and is extremely diligent with all her flowers, home-grown vegetables, landscaping, and decorations. The pups definitely have lots of smells that put their noses into overdrive as they walk.

OH-NO, STORMS AND FIREWORKS

Most dogs fear thunder and fireworks. Moxie would always find a cubby to crawl into whenever it stormed (under the dresser or bed). When it was stormy last week, I noticed that neither Bonnie nor Clyde was even responding to the thunder. My personal theory is that they have their own security blankets in each other. Regardless, I was thrilled.

The fireworks were coming, and this would be an entirely new issue. In the past, when I would let Moxie see and smell out the door when she showed concern, it helped her resolve her curiosity. I thought I would do the same for Bonnie and Clyde. Although the holiday is not here yet, it doesn’t stop some neighbors from celebrating early. I took both dogs out as soon as I heard them start.

They both positioned themselves to see where the noise was coming from and to see the smoke. Neither dog seemed to have issue, even though Clyde did want to go back in after a few minutes (honestly, this is quite normal for him). But Bonnie did not want to come inside. She pulled back on the leash when I tried to call it a night, so I let her stay and watch. Amazing!!! She watched until the very end.

I’m sure there will be more opportunities for Bonnie to watch more fireworks over the next few weeks. I hope that I get the pleasure of watching with her.

POTTY UPDATE

Singin’ praise to cottage cheese and pumpkin puree…

Trying to control Clyde’s loose stool, we gave them cottage cheese several days in a row It worked wonders for Clyde but proved too much for Bonnie. She laid around, refused to eat much, snuggled with Clyde, and only half-heartedly played in spurts. Whenever we would go out, she would try to poop at least twenty times. I felt so horrible for her. She was constipated. I would keep her out longer hoping that she would eventually have success.

We scoured the internet and tried ALL the ideas. Bradley took her on long walks trying to encourage the right muscles to kick into gear. I bought some coconut oil (put it on her dinner). An hour later she vomited several times, but no poop. My son bought pumpkin puree, and finally, she did the dirty deed (5 times in a day)!!! I will forever sing the praises of pure canned pumpkin.

After she released the pressure, she played, pounced, and teased Clyde to wrestle with her. like before. She played with her toys and even got the “zoomies.”

TRAINING

I’m not a professional trainer but I thought I would share what I learn while trying to train these pups.

“Come” COMMAND

HOW TO

Step 1

Start on lead and inside the house. Say “come” and tug on lead. Be excited so they want to come, then offer a treat.

Step 2

When they are coming to you without a leash tug, several times in a row, increase the distance, add distraction, and/or remove leash.

Step 3

Take the command outside and feel out how your dog responds. See if you can get a current dog playmate to come over and be a controlled distraction.

REASON

For your convenience and your dog’s safety, “come” may keep him out of trouble or keep him from being injured (ex. other dogs, automobiles).

PROGRESS

Bonnie and Clyde are still in step 1 but dabble in the training outside.

CUTEST MOMENT

We were making our nightly outside run before bed when Bonnie freezes, like she does when she is trying to interpret strange noise or track a sudden movement. I shift my focus to see what Bonnie is so fascinated by. Awe, she is just taking a moment to enjoy the moon. At that moment, I would have loved to know what she was thinking. But I would like to think she was admiring its beauty; but she probably thought it looked like cheese.

WHY... JUST WHY MOMENT

The puppies are NOT allowed on the furniture. This is a non-negotiable topic. Moxie is a huge shedder, and she is white; my couch is red. It wouldn’t be right to allow some dogs and not others, so the whole thing is off limits.

Bradley was lying down and Clyde jumped onto the couch to lay beside him. To be fair, Bradley didn’t have much warning, but he also didn’t discourage it. (It IS really hard to make them get down when they come looking for love). Bradley called for “fake” help and said he was being attacked by a vicious pit bull. When I got into the room, I saw this…

As if that wasn’t enough, Bonnie decided that she needed in on the action and wanted to add a little face licking…

Every time they get on the couch without disciplinary action, we all know that it makes it harder the next time. Why Bradley… just why?

MOXIE AND PENNY

Moxie is getting more and more comfortable with the pups. She has discovered that Clyde is now big enough to rough house, so she does. She baits him regurlaly. Then we caught het under the desk sleeping beside Bonnie.