The Boy Turns 4!

I was taking a break from studying today when Cassius came up to me and got right into my face as he does quite frequently. Then it came to me.......he is 4. His actual birthday is October 19th, but I usually just say his birthday is on Halloween.

I remember when Mike and I went out to look at the litter of puppies that we picked Cassius from. We drove out to Nampa with Beck and pulled up to this house, well it was more of a McMansion and the interior was incredible! Anyway, we walked out to the garage and saw a tuckered out mom surrounded by 8 or so hungry pups. She looked exhausted, even more than the usual boxer does. We took our time playing with each puppy. There was one pup that was climbing up the chain link of the kennel and barking non stop. A lady that was there looked at us and said, "That one is mine." Both Mike and I looked at each other and instantly knew what the other was thinking, well good for you lady that dog will be a hassle. Little did I know that the cute little boy with the white spot on his neck who was the quietest of his litter (all of his brothers and sisters were chewing on him) and most submissive with me and Mike would turn out to be my little drunken cowboy.

After visiting with the puppies Mike and I drove home discussing whether or not we really wanted another dog. I knew it would be a lot of work, but I enjoy working with dogs so it would be rewarding. After talking it over we decided we would pick him up the next weekend.

The following Saturday, I think it was December 12th, my friend Kathy and I made the trip to Nampa to pick up the boy. Cassius did well on the ride home. He was nervous like any puppy leaving its litter for the first time. He snuggled in my lap for most of the ride.

When I got him home I brought him into the house and Beck immediately went for him. She had him pinned underneath the entry bench in seconds. I instantly panicked. The rest of the day was an utter mess, and when Mike came home from a fire department function he instantly saw the panic in my eyes. That night we started crate training and Cassius hated his crate from the beginning. He cried the whole night. I spent the night in a sleeping bag lying next to his crate with my hand poking through the wires. The next morning we re-introduced the dogs and I was relived when Beck was actually excited and started playing with him.

So the last four years the little terd has given me a run for my money and he has "encouraged" me to educate myself on the socializing and training of dogs. I have to thank the little punk because thanks to him and his shenanigans I have learned a ton about dogs, and I am better dog owner after dealing with him for the past four years.

Luckily for him he makes me laugh every day and has a face only a mother could love.