Darwin is All Grown Up!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Hey all, just wanted to post another photo update of Darwin! He turned 5 in May which is completely crazy to me - I can't believe it's been 5 years! In some ways he still seems so puppyish - as the photos will demonstrate. Yet in other ways he has definitely grown. Here are some of the ways he has changed and the ways he hasn't.

What hasn't changed

-He is still a complete goofball.

-He still loves all people and children.

-He is still treat obsessed and there is little he won't do for cheese. Because of a reason listed below, treats are somewhat rare and always paired with training

-He still squats to pee

-He still hasn't figured out how to counter surf, thank heavens.

What has changed

-He is less excited about playing with other dogs. He still will, although it won't last as long and the play isn't as boisterous. If we are out and he sees a dog, he's more likely to give a wag and a polite sniff rather than an excited play bow. This is perfect for me!

-He will occasionally mark when he is outdoors. Well, I think it's marking. He doesn't lift his leg but he'll pee a little bit in a few different places as he's sniffing. 

-He's not as interested in his own food. He'll only eat one meal per day now, and he waits until the end of the day to do so. He used to immediately gobble it all up. If we travel somewhere he won't eat at all, not in a stressed way though. I think he (correctly) knows that if he doesn't eat when we are away we'll give him something else because we don't want him to vomit bile on someone else's carpet... LOL

-He will occasionally bark at an unknown outside, usually if it's dark and something strange happens. Because it's always limited to one or two barks, and it's still very infrequent, I feel that this is probably okay. In some ways I'd prefer a dog who will alert me to something strange outside and he's definitely started to do that.

Overall, he is still our Darwin - adorable and well mannered and just the best! Here are some photos from this summer - from fluffy to short again!

I hope you are all having a great summer!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thank you so much Jennifer!

[Jennifer & Truffle]

Just catching up with all the news on Doodle Kisses after a few weeks away, and wanted to comment again on how wonderful your photos are.  They bring a smile to my face each and every time.  Thanks so much for sharing!

[Camilla and Darwin]

LOL Sheila - I agree - it's strange that he is that old already!

[Sheila & Finnley]

I could sit and look at crazy Darwin pictures all day. I love the ones that you take of him, on that red court. He can't possibly be 5 ! You are too young to have ownership of a 5 year old !

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thanks Bonnie and Julie!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Darwin, You are one in a million! We will always love you. Thanks for posting, Camilla! Your photos and stories about this big guy are a joy.

[Julie, Eloise & Beasley]

Darwin you are just so cute, and you look like the happiest boy around!  Such gorgeous pictures, Camilla!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thank you J and Sharon!

[Sharon & Monty]

Camilla, you take the MOST FABULOUS photos ever!  Darwin is beautiful like his momma! *Momma Camilla that is.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Happy birthday beautiful boy!