Baby Stuart Update - a chunky monkey

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

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Stuart was at the vet's today for his last set of shots and he weighed 21.1 pds (14.5 weeks)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  My gosh - Rooney only weighs 21.5 and he is 11 months.  In 5.5 weeks Stuart went from 6.9 to 21.1 - wow that Orijen & Primal is dangerous - lol.  So is this where I double his weight and add 5 or 10 pds?  That would make him around 42-52 pds as an adult.  Yep - I could handle that.

 

 

Taken from our balcony - sun setting over Lake MichiganI thought I'd write an amusing recount of our doodlecation travels and other stories - but unlike Laurie - I'm just not that funny.  Anyhoo - the Rooney, Stuart and I drove round trip 2,645 - to Michigan and back to Flordia in the puppy hauler 2011, our first big road trip, Daddy of course flew between NYC & MI - so I did this alone.  The boys did very well in their car seats and slept much of the time or layed and chewed on a bully stick.  I had that SUV packed to the roof with dog items; ex-pen, softsided crate, toys, food, bowls, on and on, the entire back window was blocked.  I could barely get my one luggage in there.  In each door well I kept poop bags, puppy wipes, treats and their gulpy water bottle.  It was time consuming when I stopped to potty two puppies but we made it work.  Stuart would try to climb out of his seat and into Rooney's at times but hey - I like a good snuggle too.  Having them strapped in really gives you peace of mind while driving and I loved the remote start on my car - I exit the vehicle, hit the remote start which locks the doors and the suv runs with the air conditioning for the boys so that mommy can go potty too.

At the condo the potty training became a bit of a struggle - Stuart thought that as long as we left our front door that it "was time".  Sadly - this just left us in the carpeted hallwall waiting for the elevator, which resulted in a trip to Petsmart for cleaning supplies.  Thank goodness the neighbors never saw.  Stuart is a good boy, sweet and gentle - except to Rooney who will be have to have his ears shaved - Stuart has chewed them into hair mats the size of golf balls.  It was also at the condo that I could really see for the first time how much Stuart sheds - we have dark wood floors.  OMD!!!!!!!!!!!!  I could sweep 3 x day and not keep up - big ol hair puppies were rolling every place.  YUCK.  I love Stuart but the hair is a problem for me.  I might try shaving him into a hairless Chinese Crested puppy (don't laugh - I'm not kidding).  The boys had a great time except for the fireworks right out our balcony - Stuart could have cared less - Rooney & I spent most of that time in the bedroom with the tv on trying to stay calm, funny as thunder doesn't bother him.  Stuart is getting neutered on the 19th and I can't wait to see his weight - he eats like a moose and during the month that I've had him has pooped more than Rooney has in 11 months.  I don't think I can afford the Orijen at this rate and need suggestions on a less costly but good quality food, Karen? 

On the up side, I've decided to spend the summers in MI starting next year - it made me happy to be next to my beloved lake MI, near family & friends.  We are buying a boat slip in the marina by our condo so maybe next year we'll get the Puppy Cruiser 2012.  Anyone know of good boat names that incorporate the doodles?  How bout "What The Dog"?  Send me your idea!

So we've missed the past 2 weeks here (no internet at the condo) and I've missed out on so much!!!  Glad to be back to DK!!!!!  Doodlecation photos are on my page.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I think you are very brave to drive all that way with two dogs. I want to do a trip to Oregon with my dogs, but I don't even have a clue how we will get all that stuff in one van along with Fudge and Vern. I might have to tie my DH to the roof rack :) Glad you had a great time.

[Bonnie and Kona]

I've missed you Jane, Rooney and Stuart. Glad you are back!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Sounds like you had a great trip - well, except for the pottying inside part!  I'd been wondering why we weren't seeing you here on DK - now I know!

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

What a beautiful picture, Jane!  BTW - Your advice and support when Bexter had giardia (yuck) was awesome...He is clear!  Yay!  I feed Bexter Natural Balance Synergy.  He's doing really well on it & it's on the Food Group's recommended list.  It is cheaper than Origen.  They do have a grain free line too called Alpha if you needed/wanted that.  That picture makes me want to visit Lake Michigan!

[Jennifer and Jack]

Welcome Back I missed you. I really missed your updates... I love that you will spend the summers in MI with your family..

 

I feel sad about the hair shedding. For me that is a huge problem too, I know that sounds selfish because in reality our skin sheds too, we just can't see it but I can't breathe with dog hair so it would be a big struggle. I already vacuum daily and Jack does not shed but I am OCD about the stuff on his paws that he may bring in and out of the house.

 

I don't have any solutions for the shedding.. My friend uses the "furminator" which literally takes off half her dogs hair.. now if it is a doodle I am not sure it is safe to use on them or not... I think even if you shaved him short, he would still shed, just smaller pieces of hair.. Maybe we can google to see what other people do. At least you have tile and hardwood floors, that makes it easier to clean up.

 

I am too tired to think of a creative name for the boat but I will let you know if and when I become crafty thinking.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

What a beautiful scene. I am so impressed that you drive so far alone with the doodles. I love road trips, but hate to drive, so that leaves out any long trips alone. How could they not do great in a brand new Lexus!!!  I probably would shave mine down too if they matted that much. Especially in Fla.

As for a name for the boat? "WTD?" comes to mind. "HDA" . Keep em guessing when they ask.

As for Orijen, if it's a choice between a new Puppy Cruiser and good food, I think you'd get more bang for your buck with the good food in the long run don't you?  Altho, I am sure they will love cruising on the lake too. I like Orijen and I get a big bag everyother bag now which helps. I am still experimenting with our suspected Chicken sensitivities with Bella, so using Wellness Simple Solutions now for her and Fromm for Murphy. Hope to get them back on one food soon. Glad you're back, we missed you too.

[Angie, Hudson and Lily]

Sounds like a great time! I live on the east coast of Michigan. There is nothing like the west coast Michigan sunsets. I think it is so beautiful out that way!

[Jeanne, Tura and Dolly]

I needed a single protein dog food for allergy reasons so switched from Orijen to TOTW.  About $20 cheaper per bag.  Nice bonus. Beautiful picture of the sunset.  Glad your trip went so smoothly.