Zulu, We're Not In Kansas Any More

Well, I'm sure by now you can tell the next several days are going to be about Zulu and me taking a ton of pictures while he's experiencing a lot of 'firsts' here in his new home.

As I write, he's curled up next to me on the large double chair catching up on sleep after a busy morning. So far he's played with the dogs, taste tested an entire basket of toys and explored both the forest area of our home and the pasture area as well.

In Louisiana, the temps were well over 100 degrees. Here in Seattle, we're at about 65 degrees this morning and sunny. We told him on the airplane he was going to love the Pacific Northwest temps : )

Attached are some pictures of this morning's adventures. The first was taken in the pasture area. I brought him and Spot out there to play. Spot is so excited to have a BC playmate and one that loves to play and isn't interested in challenging him for the position of top dog.

The next picture is of Zulu smelling the clover found throughout our pasture. Clover is perfect for horses to eat (that's what our pasture used to be for) and is green & hearty enough to handle agility equipment on top of it.

The next picture is of Zulu running the path from the house & forest area to the open pasture. Later I'll try to get a picture of Zulu on the old cedar logs found on our property from trees that have fallen decades ago. They're a favorite climbing treat for all of the dogs.

The next picture is of Spot and Zulu laying on the couch after their romp in the pasture area.

Zulu has learned very fast how comfy pillows are and lays on them whenever they're available. Besides the pillows, he really likes to plunk down on me as well and I just love it.

I've long since learned that I really adore when my dogs are all lovey-dovey and I encourage and welcome that behavior. My pups are my pets first and I get a great deal of joy from them.

Zulu hasn't had a chance to meet Ru yet as she's still with Auntie Angel, one of my great friends and my handler for the Conformation ring. I'll admit, I'm savoring the bonding time with Zulu because I know when Ru comes home, she's going to be in love with him as her new playmate and he's going to think he's died and gone to heaven with her sweetness.

I'm hoping Ru will be Zulu's main mentor as she is incredibly confident, loving and has a way of bringing all of the dogs personalities together.

On another topic, Ru & Burton love to lay and cuddle together and I'm secretly hoping Zulu joins in on the 'puppy pile'. This usually means a gathering on my chair, with me taking part of course!

Last night Burton was laying next to me and Zulu started to lay on top of Burton and then realized he really didn't know him too well and moved down a bit. Let's hope that by the end of the week they all decide to be best of buds and sleep comfy on each other. It sounds like a great photo opportunity too.

I've been in touch with both Barbara, his breeder and Felicia, the Sire's owner this morning so the new family ties are going very well. I love to keep in touch with the breeders and to share pictures. It's also a great opportunity to find out who your pup takes after the most in terms of physical appearance, character and quirks! Also, it's nice to have the resources to go back to from folks who care about him as much as we do.

Well, I'm off to cuddle some more with my puppy who is sleeping pressed up against me : )