Lord Love A Dog...

    It's hard to imagine life without Mr. Theo, despite the fact he has only been part of our family for around 2 months. In those 2 months however, my love for that goofy dog as grown continuously. His heart-warming eyes and sneaky licker kisser (or as my dad affectionately refers to it as his, "wiener-cleaner") seems to worm there way into the softest part of my heart (even when he's in trouble!). Speaking of trouble, Theo has been both improving and not so improving in certain aspects of his character. Starting with improving, he has gone quite awhile without takin' a dump or a squat in the house (Glory Hallelujah!). I've taught him to to jump up and put his paws on my chest but only when asked to (which keeps me and him out of trouble since he isn't supposed to jump up in the first place...) and he now (hopefully) understands that the kitchen counter and the top of the dinner table, isn't a place for his head or his paws! Now for the not improving aspect which I can basically sum up in three words: Never ending barking. That just about gives you the idea. Despite a mini-unpleasant-noise-maker-that-only-he-can-hear disguised as a bird house, 2 warnings from the Animal Control Officer (he was apparently reported twice by an anonymous neighbor caller...) and "bad boys" (which have come to no avail) from us. The latest and unfortunately last resort was purchased today in an effort to shut him up.....shock collar. Now, let me explain the issue here. Theo can be a wart, but a lovable and eager to please wart who never barks or whines when he is around us. ok, the occasional squirrel gets his voice box riled up but hey, he's a 6 month old puppy. BUT, the circumstances change as soon as he is left alone in his spacious, and quite delightful kennel for the day. As soon as we leave, he raises the dead. The only thing I can say is, Lord Love A Dog......