Quote: Maggie MacDonald

Carol - that's a great point you brought up - I was always the kind that would heal so fast - not anymore So I will keep a close watch and be proactive in treating my puncture wounds. TY!

Connie, is that what you call it? I like that name, a flirt pole - yes I passed the time today while the electricity was out (twice !!) by making him one. The sack that the basmati rice comes in seemed a good choice - I removed the zipper and sewed it tightly so it won't fray - attached an old leash to it and then put it on a pole I had - cost zip - he loves it! I have to time the play as he would keep at it forever but I let him win so he happily carries it back to the deck to kill some more lol - I can get it off the rod quickly so he feels good. Steve gave me the idea of using an old leash which I appreciate as he will go through them fast at this age.

Bob, I am going to have to come up with a good word - and I did try taking the bag in both hands today and holding it still - he released it and then the fun begin again .. I love playing with him and he sleeps so much better.

Epsom salt baths are now my best friend to soak out the new aches from muscles I haven't used in a long time - also great for disinfecting my many scratches and puncture wounds.

My Scottish blood comes in handy as a guttural ack rolls off my tongue easily and Heiland loosens his grip at the sound - lol.

How's the little monster doing, Maggie?

Shhh - don't wake him - he is napping (grin)

It's been 14 days since we brought him home. A roller coaster of emotions to work through. Even though he is totally into himself lol I feel very proud when he does something I want him to do.

His diet is getting healthier and healthier with each passing day. He is growing in leaps and bounds and I have to stop myself from wanting to fatten him up - he is lean and sleek.

He is having a blast running through tubes I set up on the back deck but he attacks his water dishes - splashes until they are empty - he does lots of other things that are so cute to watch and really crack me up but - I don't allow him to see how funny I find some of his antics. I don't want to have to train out of him what is cute now but won't be cute when he is larger.

So he has been alive 68 days, 14 of them spent with me and I am getting to know him. He knows me better I bet lol

Schedule is the most important part of raising him IMHO - he gets totally whacked if I let him get overtired.

I am in love - he is the best Mother's day present ever!

Quick Maggie... take some pictures!!!! They grow so fast!

Carol, isn't that the truth. Thanks for reminding me.

I have to have someone with me when I am photographing him as he is too much to handle with a big camera and lens - trying to remember to set the right ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture takes more thought than I have to spare lol.

I can't believe how fast he grew in the 2 weeks. I took some photos but they are far from my usual as he moves so fast and seeks out the darkest part of the yard lol - my camera settings were off.

I will put some up on the site in a bit

Whew! You are really a photographer! I just point shoot my Canon, and hope for the best.

Well, I used to have a photography business but Heiland is making me look like an amateur lol - he was running through his tunnels with his tug toy in his mouth .. rescuing it from his swimming pool etc - I couldn't get a decent shot of him because as soon as he sees my camera he runs full tilt at me .. maybe he thinks the camera is eating my face hahahaha - or probably he wants to eat my camera

Great to hear Maggie. They do grow on you!

Hi Maggie,

How is little Heiland progressing?? Would love an update and pictures.

Maggie emailed me with a login problem, so we have to wait for pics and update (long weekend).

I am backkkkkkk! Thank you Bobbie @ LB

Update on Heiland. He is huge - he was 31.6 lbs last Wednesday and I am sure he is bigger than that now. He is slowly deciding I don't make the best chew toy because he gets no treats for munching on me and he doesn't get the crazy mom voice talk. I also got a crate that I call the pokey - he gets put in it as he doesn't want me out of his sight even if my husband is with him so nipping that in the bud. I tell him to get in the pokey and his ears flop a bit as he slinks in.

When I tell him it's bedtime, he gets happy and runs for his sleeping crate and goes right in and waits for treats and if he whines it's only for a few minutes and off to sleep - he knows that wait means get on your butt and wait until my sore fingers can put the leash on you or I will shut the door in your face - he waits

He loves to climb on the bulldozers here - no fear of heights at all - I help him down of course so no stress on his joints.

I found a way for my tiny girl to get along with him and that's take them both off the property and then it's hey, we're buddies, you and me against the world attitude.

When they are at home they still have issues - he plays too rough so I am always tell him leave it .. he likes to leave the property lol.

He is growing more solid on his sits, downs and is great at recall even with distractions. He also knows "you're in deep dodo (grin)."

He is easily lured into going around me and coming up between my legs or at my left side and sitting - he likes that game because he finds a way to tangle me up in his leash and makes me say bad words - he likes it when I curse

I always take a shovel and throw his poop over the side of a bank here - so he has now decided that's where he will poop - so in the middle of the night I have to be alert enough to climb down a bank that is filled with brambles and loose stones so Mister Heiland can do his poop in the designated spot.

He is so smart he is scary. He is so big he is real scary lol - I will post a shot soon.