Catching Up on Bailie by Judi

Bailie and I are new at this Blogging stuff. But, we will try to catch up and learn fast.

We had a wonderful time with Tish, Kiwi, Roux and Maverick (we also got to meet Kristin and Sage) when we went to Oregon to get Bailie. Bailie was formerly known as Tanner....and will always be Tanner to his Grandmother Chantal. The ranch is so beautiful, and the puppies had so much fun together, we felt guility taking Bailie back to Florida. No one could have given these puppies a better start in life than Tish and Kiwi. We reap the rewards of their good care everyday.

We told Tish we wanted our new buddy to be the lover dog, a snuggler and a good traveler. We put him to the traveler test right away on a long flight back to Florida. He was the perfect traveler...he didn't pee or whimper all the way to Florida! He charmed everyone at the security check point in Portland. It was like traveling with a rock star! And, he slept all night without a whimper that first night and every night since.

On December 6th we attended the Bearded Collie Club of Central Florida's "Beardie Bounce." Bailie was the "Belle of the Ball" since he was the only puppy. He got to meet his two aunts and a half brother. We all had a great time with really nice Beardies and their people.

We attended our first Puppy Class on Dec. 20th. Of course, he was the smartest in the class. And, when they had the play time at the end of class, Bailie tried to herd the other puppies. I could not wait to tell Tish about that!

The weeks have flown by and we cannot believe how fast he has grown. He is already 25 pounds and about 15.5" at the withers! And, his feet are about size 12. HA! His favorite things he has found in Florida are dirt, sticks and Banana trees. Maybe we should have called him Digger?

He now knows...his name, to come to the clicker, let's eat, sit, down, out, hurry up, inside, off, walks on the leash and when he wants...come. We seem to get the " Beardie Stare" a lot on that one. So, we are working on it. You all know the look..."You want me to come to you?" I would say our only other problem is that he is still a bit skitish.

One of his favorite play spots is under my dresser. I know he will just not understand when he is too big to fit under it. At the rate he is growing that will be soon.

He loves his big brother Chris. They try to keep it a secret from me that they are so close so I won't be jealous.

John has been his day buddy since he is home for a few weeks recuperating from foot surgery. They spend time outside getting muddy and playing ball.

On Christmas, he was just like most kids, he tore open the present and then played with the paper! Tearing up paper is another of his favorite things.

Bailie has taken over our hearts and our home. We could not be happier with our new family member.