We went back to Petsmart the following day, not to take him back, but to complete the adoption paperwork and return the leash and collar. The sweet little 18 pound pup, Sir Charles Darwin, became an official member of the Miller family on May 1, 2011.
An introduction to the rest of the family, came in the form of an e-mail,
"Sir* Charles Darwin, who does not yet recognize his called name "DARWIN" was officially adopted on May 1, 2011. He is the largest of six children born on January 4, 2011 to a 30 pound Beagle mother and 40 pound Labrador father. As his features show, he has received more of his father's characteristics, but does have some white accents on his chest that come from his mother. While his temper is very good so far, a few of his alerting barks have been that of a Lab while some have had a bit of a howl to them. It didn't take long to get comfortable in his crate and he is starting to learn how to sit. Potty training is still a work in progress, but it helps that he can learn from his model cousin Phoenix. So far his favorite activities include being Phoenix's sidekick, chewing on sticks and pinecones, sleeping, and exploring. He doesn't mind his feet, ears, and teeth being poked and prodded, and can sit pretty still when he wants to.
His new mom and dad are staying up late and getting up early with him and are patiently trying to teach him the skills he will need to grow into a well-behaved dog. We all look forward to the day when you can meet the little guy - who may not be this little when you see him next!"
May 2, 2011 - Darwin practicing his sit at 18 pounds
As a pup and a 1 year old, he prefers sticks to toys,
but could certainly enjoy a toy when sticks are not available.
In the first month, Darwin's model "cousin" Phoenix
taught him how to behave at home and how to play.
The first few months were difficult since we didn't know if he could hold his pee for an entire night or an entire day at work. After about a month, we learned that he could - which was a relief for us. Then he went through a bout with Mange, a skin condition common in rescue dogs. He was on some medicine for part of the summer, but the discoloring and hair loss around his eyes disappeared after 2 rounds of medication.
July 2011 Weighing in about 35-40 pounds
August 2011 Weighing in about 40-45 pounds
Starting around September, we had a seemingly chronic problem with soft stools and upset stomachs. After 2 rounds of antibiotics and probiotics (an effort to restore balance to his gut), several food changes, and about 5 months, Darwin finally seemed to have overcome his problem. We are not 100% sure of the reason, but we have stopped using "high quality, grain-free" food and that seems to work better for him. He still has an upset stomach every now and then, but it seems to correlate with drinking water from the lake or puddles - which we can't always avoid.
This video (on the longer side) is amusing. Check it out to see Darwin hiding his bone in the couch cushions. This was back in December 2011.
1 year later, Darwin weighs in at 60 pounds (on the dot!). Potty training was very easy with him, as was teaching him to sit and lay down. But, even after a full year, we still struggle with "come" and getting his attention if there are more exciting things around. If you have treats, and there are no major distractions in the house, Darwin responds to sit and down in oral and silent commands. He can also stay when told to do so, and when he walks at your side, he stops and sits when you stop.
It's difficult to get on video, but I tried to show how great he is at listening and paying attention to silent and verbal cues when it's just us!
We've been working with him off-leash in the park, and sometimes he is really good at staying near us. Every now and then, a squirrel or rabbit is just too tempting and we have to spend about 1-2 minutes calling him to come back. Thankfully, he has come back each time (but only when he's ready). We plan to keep working on that.
May 1, 2012 Weighing in at 60 lbs.
He still loves sticks, but knows they are "outside toys"
He loves the few bones he has for inside.
He's so smart, he can differentiate between his "ball" and his "toy." "Bone" is confusing - I think it sounds too much like "ball."
While having a dog has been a big responsibility, and has greatly changed how we've been traveling, he has brought great joy to both Colin and I over the past year. Now that he is getting older, he enjoys "cuddling" with me and will paw at anyone who tries to stop petting him. He doesn't mind going to fetch a ball or a toy, but the best part for him is fighting you for it.
This month Darwin goes back to the vet for some 1 year follow-up shots and an exam. We are hoping all the health problems are behind us and he can continue to grow into a calm, loving, and devoted companion.
What are your fondest first year memories with your pet?
Or, what are your fondest memories of Darwin in this first year with us?
