Sonny Talk

Sonny has always been a strong communicator. I usually try and figure out what it is he is attempting to convey because I don't like it when he is in a state of frustration, but there is only so much dog speak I can understand.

Here is a sample:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzehKFl0Ri8

National Dog Day!

It's National Dog Day today! This is an action shot taken of Sonny at the dog park the other day. It's not the sharpest image, but it captures his energy!

Sonny loves going to the dog park!

What a long fun weekend it's been

This past Friday, DW and I were discussing how we don't get very many pop-ins from friends or relatives anymore.  Then Saturday happened. Sonny's favorite family came by. His favorite family consists of two adults and three kiddos, one of which, Ame, is his good buddy.

Sonny was beside himself with excitement and did really well through the day while  only needing to be kenneled a few short times; partly for time outs due to his behavior and partly to give us a break in the action.

Ame happened to be spending her first overnight with us on the same day we brought Sonny home 12 months ago. Sonny was eight weeks old at the time and just a small ball of soft snowy white fur and tiny sharp claws.  Ame was four and a half.  The two bonded right away.  Yesterday, Ame showed us her keen memory by recounting a couple of memories from that first overnight. She also got to do some one-on-one training with Sonny using handfuls of Cheerios. I'm not sure how much training actually took place, but it is amazing how much he responds to her.

Sonny did well with the other two kiddos too; however, one is three, male and has some serious energy himself and one is five months old. It was cute to see Sonny get a little jealous when I was holding the baby. Nothing aggressive or concerning, but cute. It's too early tell how he and the baby will do with each other, but I suspect just fine. As for the three year old, they do ok. Sonny is too hyper and jumpy (work in progress), so our little three year old keeps his distance.

Mom has since reported that one of Ame's favorite memories from yesterday's visit was training Sonny, but then later reported that that was her second favorite part of the day.  The first was catching toads in our front yard. I'm guessing finding and collecting slugs would be her third. These kids are not afraid of nature.

Then today happened. We had another family member drop in. Visitors two days in a row! Sonny was thrilled again, but I could see some maturity from the day before. He barked a little upon her arrival and was a tad jumpy when she got out of her car, but when we all made it into the house, he calmed almost immediately. Granted, she doesn't stand at 2 or 3 feet tall, but still; for a young JRT, he's doing remarkably well.

Note to self:  The next time I have tabs due and they arrive in the mail, put them on the car ASAP. Our guest today got to watch DW and I play a game of "cat and mouse" or "catch the Jack Russell who just grabbed and ran with the tabs." Our guest was pretty entertained at how that game was played. Fortunately, it was us 1, Sonny 0.

Funday Monday

This action shot was captured by accident when I was taking pictures of a baby gift before wrapping.

Sonny loves all things fabric so it shouldn't have come as a surprise when he tried for this. There was quite the commotion when I realized what he was going after as I was framing in the photo. His legs are long and springy so it was anyone's bet, but I beat him to the punch.

It's all in the timing!

Home alone and other firsts

We've had some pretty big firsts around here this week.

First, Sonny was left home alone... out of his kennel... by himself...! Sure, we've left him out of his kennel in the house alone before, but only for a few minutes while we ran to get the mail or take something to the garage. This time though, he was truly home alone.  We left the house, got in the car and drove away for at least an hour. Of course we baby gated the stairs to the upper floor and closed doors, limiting his floor space). Also, he was pretty calm when we left so I wasn't too worried. HE DID GREAT! There was no evidence of any wrong doing on his part. Since then, Big D has left him home alone for more periods of time. 

Second, Sonny survived his second 4th of July and wasn't affected by the fireworks at all.  Our former JRT Yodee would get so incredibly anxious at the first hint of noise and would pace the floor looking for a somewhere to hide. We would, for her sake, put her in the basement where she could find a quiet-ish spot to get away from it. Fortunately, Sonny doesn't have any anxiety whatsoever, TG. 

Another first, but on a smaller scale, he wore a t-shirt. A 4th of July t-shirt I picked up several months ago. He was somewhat indifferent but good nature about it. Because it was so hot and he got a small chew, he didn't wear it long. I think he'll appreciate it more come this winter. Next time I'll take a picture. 

Third, Sonny got to spend the whole night sleeping in our bed last night.  It went well, unless one considers (a) how much he tosses and turns, (b) gets hot under the blankets and crawls out to cool down - several times a night, (c) how crowded out Big D was and had to sleep on the edge of the bed, and (d) he wanted to get up before the second morning alarm went off (the one that says it is really time to get up now). I'm still in the habit of setting an early alarm to get him out of his kennel and bring him to bed.   

I told me friend at work about Sonny's all nighter. I mentioned that this may not be a nightly occurrence. Her response was simple, "it won't be up to you now"  hahaha!

Tonight, Sonny is back in his kennel though. He went in with treats and without complaint. 

I have to say again, Sonny is truly a good dog. He has a sweet, gentle, playful, curious nature. Oh, and he loves sleep on laps.

Food for Thought

Who is the person your dog thinks you are?

TG it's Sonny

I was paid the sweetest compliment by Sonny when I go home from work today. When I opened the door to his kennel, he picked up the bone Big D gave him when he put him in, walked out and immediately offered it to me by jumping on my lap and holding it up to my mouth. (Once he eats the marrow out, we recycle them over and over again by filling them up with wet dog food, peanut butter or coconut oil sprinkled with Cheerios and then freezing them)We don't fill them completely, just add enough to give him a little extra treat. He loves them.) It was super sweet behavior and totally made my day especially - I worked through lunch and barely had time to go to the ladies. Dogs do that, they offer so much of themselves without asking for anything in return; unless you count: belly rubs, ball, treats, walks and a couple of meals each day.

Sonny Rules!