~Things Are Going Pretty Well

I’m working from home today. (Tango is sacked out right next to me, which is pretty great.) He is often near my feet or on someone’s lap.

We are head over heels in love with Tango. There’s really no other way to say it. We’re working through the standard struggles. We had at least one potty accident (I’m blaming the rest on Blue #1 before she left! For those that don’t know, she piggybacked a ride with us), but for the most part, I’ve been pretty good about getting him out regularly, so we’re developing sort of a routine. (Fortunately, my sleep apnea has gotten me used to being awake three or four times a night – now, it’s just timed to coincide with his schedule.)

He’s very tentative – I think Cliff referenced that when we picked him up, that he seems to be skeptical of just about everything. We’re also struggling through various versions of crate training. I’ve looked at a few videos on YouTube, so I think we’ll adjust our methods this evening. Obviously, we’ll keep working at it. Beth told me that their first three nights were murder, but the fourth night was fine, so we’re hopeful that we’re almost there with regard to the overnight.

We were able to arrange with one of Judy’s former students, who’s doing online school, for her to come to the house for the bulk of the day during the four days per week when I’m at Oregon State. Judy’s also angling for him to spend some time with her at school. We took Tango for his first walk yesterday on a remote driveway in the hills south of Eugene, and then for his first (careful) walk around the block last night, trying to tucker him out before bed. One of Judy’s co-workers was over on Sunday afternoon, and taught her how to roll Tango on his back and rub his tummy until he falls asleep. That’s their (Judy and Tango’s) bonding time. I hate to brag, because I’m so happy that Tango and Judy are bonding, but his favorite thing of all seems to be getting up on my belly/chest, and falling asleep. I love it, too, and I’m curious how we’ll maintain it once he’s sixty or seventy pounds (or more!). He’s already such a tank!

We had a great night last night. Tango got tuckered out at Judy’s school during an afternoon visit, and was pretty rummy by late evening. We switched him back into the big wire crate last night after having tried a couple of nights in a smaller plastic crate that Judy’s borrowed from a co-worker. He seemed to be more comfortable there, and barely whined at all. Some soft singing to put him to sleep also seemed to help. Judy literally woke up worried at one point because she hadn’t heard any yelping and wasn’t sure he was even in our room. That was with three wake-ups to pee. That’s a win!

~ After Luna’s Vaccine Reaction

We got and read your E-mail last night, and Judy went through the paperwork in the puppy packet that we received from you. Our Vet agreed with the titer recommendation.

Tom and Judy (1/22/2020)

Breeder Comment

We are ever so happy to hear you have been doing well–it is excellent news that Tango is getting you adjusted and trained. (Haha) We included several of your photos. Thanks ever so much.

Thank you for looking at the paperwork. I think all too often people fail to read it–because they find themselves engaged in everything puppy. And, as we all know, this can take over your life in so many ways.