Chloe

     Dogs, pets, animals in general have always been a very important part of my life. I feel much closer to them than most people I know, and I have never had to worry about their dedication and faithfulness to our friendship. After several months of not having a dog, we decided that we were ready to add a new member to our family. This is not a decision to be taken lightly and for several months I researched breeds, their temperments and the health issues that were prevalent in the breed. After much deliberation, I finally came to the realization that every time I saw a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, I would wish we had one. So the search began. I talked to people in the breed organizations, searched breeders in the AKC registry, and asked other owners for referrals to breeders. After about 3 months of calling, Kathleen Woodard (where we got Stephanie's Paisley) had a new litter. One of her little females had unusual black markings on her face making her look like she has eye make-up permanently applied. Well to make a long story short, it was love at first sight. She came to live with us Mother's Day weekend.

     The next dilemma was naming her. I don't know when I have ever had such a time coming up with the perfect name. After much discussion and research, we decided on Chloe. What a welcome addition she has been. She goes with me as much as society and the weather will allow. We just completed Puppy Kindergarten. I am not sure which one of learned more, but it was a great experience. We were fortunate to have a group of puppies who all had wonderful temperments. Chloe was so excited each Thursday to get to see her friends. After a couple of weeks, we started allowing them time to romp and play together for a few minutes each session. Chloe also attended many of Luke's baseball games and the kids had fun making over her. Needless to say, she is quite social. Her disposition is very pleasant, and it is fun to go home to someone who can't wait to see me. So far she is listening pretty well. As with all youngsters, Chloe sometimes doesn't seem to hear, but all-in-all she is trying to do what we ask.

     I have decided to continue with the puppy training as much for me as for Chloe. Time slips past me so easily when I don't have a scheduled time to accomplish an activity. I am much more apt to practice our lessons when I have an appointment to keep. We will start Advanced Puppy classes this week. It is amazing how quickly they learn when we take the time to show them what we expect of them. Also, Chloe is not nearly so apt to be startled by new sounds and experiences. Of course, our grandsons expose her to a lot of activities that David and I would not. She loves to romp and wrestle with them, and they run much faster than we do. What a fun addition she has been to our household! Now I just keep wondering how much more fun 2 could be. Oh well, I doubt that David will go for that, but who knows? Not anytime soon though because 2 puppies usually also means 2 old dogs at the same time and I don't want to go through that.