May 4, 2012

In Which We Become A Two Dog Homestead

The other day I took Kris to the vet for the last of his last puppy shots. He weighed in at 43 pounds (that's double what he weighted a month ago), and was pronounced healthy and handsome. Except for getting into the car (he hates being put into the car) he actually behaved on the leash, for which I was very pleased. Afterwards I brought him home and then went out to do some errands.

When I got home at lunchtime, I found a message on my answering machine. It was from the receptionist at the vet's office. A gentleman had come in shortly after I left and had a Great Pyrenees puppy he needed to find a home for. He loved it dearly, but his wife wouldn't let him keep it. If he could just find a good home with plenty of room and love, he'd give it away. She immediately thought of us.

Long story short, meet Dakota...



.... called Cody for short (or should I spell it Kody or Koty, you know, for "Kris & Koty". What do you think?)



We were in no way considering another dog, but at least had to think about it after the vet's office called. I definitely would have said no if the breed mix had been wrong (I have a thing about genetic instincts), but he's not a mix, he's a full-blood Pyr. The gentleman who gave him to us is elderly and not without health problems. This was his dream dog and he was heartbroken to part with him.

A little homesick 

Weighing in at 27.5 pounds, Cody (Kody? Koty?) is 3 & 1/2 months old, one month younger than Kris. They got along instantly, but not without adjustments. There have been a few squabbles over food and toys. Both are used to being an only puppy and Koty (Cody?), doesn't understand why he's here and is still waiting to go "home." Because of that he was a little hyper the first couple of days, and there was a lot of barking and whining and running around any time he saw Dan or me. He's used to being a house and couch pup, not a barn dog. He's settled down wonderfully and except for chasing an occasional chicken, he's making a smooth transition to being an outdoor dog.



What do the other critters think? Surprise (of Most Annoying Goat fame), has been tolerant of Kris but Cody (Kody?), she has no use for. He's been booted (butted) out of "her" stall a couple of times now. He seems to do a better job of staying out of the way of goat feet than Kris however. The chickens have been much alarmed by the new presence and spent the first day in the chicken yard fussing. A couple days later they are still keeping their distance. Riley has yet to even acknowledge him, but then he has yet to acknowledge Kris. He is The Cat after all.



Right now we're just trying to be calm and consistent with both pups, especially Koty (Cody?), who has some settling down to do. Even though he's been homesick, he needs to learn the ground rules from the git-go. Kris has learned these better than we realized and will hopefully be a good example.





So that's our latest news. Updates soon. :)



43 comments:

sista said...

These are the best herd dogs. I have a friend that has had three and all have been great. Good luck with Kody.

badgerpendous said...

I admit I never saw _that_ coming! Great that they're getting along. What a busy stead you have!

The Mom said...

I want a Great Pyr! They are both gorgeous. Before long you'll be quite the dog person!

tea4too0 said...

Sweet pups. Carefull Kody doesn't retrain Kris! Happend to me once. Boy that was a time! It all worked out tho, just had to start at the beginning again. But the two pups really did well and all is right with them now.

Nina said...

Every Pyr I've met was a fantastic dog. He's a gorgeous example of the breed. I can understand that the gentleman would be upset at having to give up his dream breed of dog. Cody looks like a real charmer. What a wonderful gift! He'll settle in soon and you'll never know how you did without him.

Amy said...

Pry's are the best dog ever!My Sammie was hyper as a puppy but at 4 years old now she has mellowed into the most wonderful pup ever!! She is an indoor dog which in not something I would recommend with the breed but she does beautifully and is spoiled with the AC in the summer!! ;)The pups are just so cute and I like Koty!!

Woolly Bits said...

that's not fair! why do you have two of those cuties now, I want one too:)) I couldn't have resisted Cody (or Kody, but not Koty, because Kot means something nasty in german:)) either, she looks so sweet! at least Kris won't be lonely now if the goats don't want to play... on the other hand your dog food bill will probably rise sky high?

Renee Nefe said...

Kinda funny how you went from NO DOGS! to a two dog family. I really hope it works out as it will be nice for Kris to have a buddy. Having two dogs will mean "double trouble" for any intruders. ;o)

I think you should spell it Kody.

If you haven't already, I would look into making sure the hen house is totally dog proof...although if your silly hens insist on laying their eggs outside of it, then there will be no stopping the pups from helping themselves to the eggs...once a dog learns of a food source they never forget it (which is why I now have a fence around my garden because Lilly loves helping herself to my carrots! The varmit helped herself to all but two carrots!)

Wishing you the best of luck!

Mama Pea said...

After this brief period of adjustment, I think this will be a wonderful arrangement. The two dogs will keep each other company and be very brave (with each other's support) in protecting the homestead. Kody (my vote) is a fortunate little guy (okay, big guy) to have found his forever home with you!

Renee Nefe said...

I think Riley might want another cat or two to adjust the numbers. Course he will have to ignore the new cats too...but the numbers should always be cats > dogs.

Grace said...

Oh, for heaven's sake, Leigh! The cuteness factor is just overwhelming! I think it's great that they will have each other, and they are so close in age. Oh, those faces. I can't stand it!

Tombstone Livestock said...

Gotta love the Pyrs, just hope you don't have any holes in your fencing, Bella can find them even when it is pitch dark. But she loves to ride in the truck so if she does get out all I have to do is start up the truck or the Kubota and she comes running back to see where we are going. Good luck, I don't think 2 are going to be any harder than one.

CaliforniaGrammy said...

Whoa ... how stinkin' adorable these pups are! What a great friend to Kris this new Kody will be (that's my vote on spelling his name). They'll eat you out of house and home though . . . can you plant a field with a dog-edible crop? . . . :)

Ngo Family Farm said...

Oh, this is the BEST news!!! Years ago we quickly went from a one-dog to a two-dog household, too. They are pack animals, and I think it's great for them to have each other. And, I can't resist...Awwwwwww :D
-Jaime

GrannyAnnie said...

Awwww... what a wonderful, heart warming story! But my heart does break and go out to the elderly man that had to give the puppy up. That is sooooo sad!! I have always felt that the elderly, especially, need a furry companion.

I feel for the puppy's sadness, too, but he is still young enough that he will adapt quickly. And he will be a wonderful dog around the farm. And in another month, he and Kris will be inseparable. Congratulations on the new family member!
Anna

Jocelyn said...

They are both sweet. Congrats on your new addition. It looks like he and Kris get along so well, it's nice for them to have each other.

Tami said...

It's funny but when I read your last Kris post, I was thinking that it's a shame that you didn't have another dog to help keep Kris company.

Believe it or not it's just as easy having 2 dogs of a simlar age as it is 1 dog. They'll be trained together and will be more "in-tuned" with you as the boss. Now you just have to get through the first 3 years and you'll have an outstanding team on your hands.

The only pain is food and vet bills but that's true enough for all the critters you have.

Anonymous said...

Oh so cute!! I vote Kody for the name.

Jean - MN

Anonymous said...

I would just like to say, I lost my Great Pyr mix at Christmas. He looked just like your new pup and his name was Dakota too. I hope your Dakota is as much a joy for you as mine was for me.

Sylvanna said...

Count me in as one more great big KODY fan! I'm glad they'll have each other for cuddles and company. Eventually, anyway. Kris seems to be saying "Why are you doing this to me?"

jean said...

I think you did the right thing! It looks like the two pups are going to be great friends. It's actually a good thing to have one pup for the other. All the best with them both!

Judy T said...

How lucky for you and Kody (my fav) to have found each other. It is sad that that gentleman had to give him up but this is going to be such a good thing for you. Have fun!
Judy

Madness, Trouble, Squish and Milkbone said...

LOL. Kris looks a bit unhappy that he is not an only dog anymore, but I'm sure he will be glad for the playmate soon.

Paula said...

Methinks I saw a game of Bite Your Face going there....

I am still dogless.... so jealous. Enjoy them for me!

* Crystal * said...

Oh what a handsome fella!!! So happy the vet called y'all..... I've seen too many of these working breeds placed in homes not suited to their needs & it never ends well.... Now he'll have a job to learn, and a playmate to boot! Perfect match!! :)

A Wild Thing said...

Wow, what a surprise, but Pyres are great dogs, very protective, loving and intelligent, what a wonderful companion for Kris, they'll be best buds...boy are you gonna need a good brush! Whatever you do, never let anyone talk you into shaving his hair, it will ruin it permanately...good luck!

Sue said...

How sad for the gentleman having to give him up, but he couldn't have gone anyplace better! Guard dogs benefit from having a back-up, but you'll have your hands full getting them both trained.

Amy Dingmann said...

Oh for goodness sakes, how awesome is that? He just kinda fell into your lap! How sad the older gentleman had to get rid of him...but of course Cody (Kody?) went to a fabulous loving home, which I'm sure he was made fully aware of. :)

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a great thing! Sorry the older gentleman had to give him up, I can see why he loved him, he is gorgeous. Congratulations!! And I vote for Koty.

Mr. H. said...

Adorable...both of them.:)

Anonymous said...

What a lovely pair, they will be great company to each other and your homestead will be nice and protected. My vote is for Cody - more masculine spelling.

Valerie said...

I hope the previous owner retained occasional visiting privileges?

Unknown said...

How cute, but I'd hate to buy the dog food, those guys get BIG!

Alice said...

Love reading your doggie adventures & seeing the great pictures. I vote for Cody. Spelling it with a K makes me think of Kotex.

Leigh said...

Well, ya'll, I apologize for seeming to not be responding to comments. I had written a response all the way through Madness, Trouble, Squish and Milkbone and thought it published. When I came back to resume where I'd left off, my comment had vanished!!! This is not the first time this has happened!

SmithGang said...

What sweet pups you have Leigh. so beautiful too.We have been around this breed along time they are just the best!! Alittle advice when feeding keep seperated they are very,very food territorial!!! Nothing worse when they hit 130 lbs and you have a huge fight even thou they Will love each other so much and you. same for feeding them around your goats they Will defend their food.Ours takes a small coffee can of dry food in morning and one at nite and scraps doesn't do well to over feed and trust me they Will try ya:)our CJ is over a year now and at 100 lbs. He is sweet.I hope this advice helps ya.

Benita said...

I think Kody - Koty reminds me of Kotex for some reason.

He is a beautiful dog. Your place ought to be one of the safest place for goats, chickens (and Sheep?).

A. Wright said...

I hope the adjustment is going well and I'm sure it is. What a beautiful boy. Thanks for sharing :)

Leigh said...

SmithGang, thanks! I've seen that food territoriality already, so your advice is heeded. In addition, Kody is a tease! Of course Kris is bigger and so always wins out at this point.

Benita, the consensus seems to be "Kody!" It will be interesting to see how they develop into guardian dogs. I've ready with more than one, they tend to divide responsibilities. I'm getting glimpses of that already.

A.,me too! He is a beauty and we're pleased to have him. :)

mrscravitz said...

Wow! I am overloaded with cute, and wished I could reach thru my computer and hug and get puppy kisses! It is always best to have two anyway....They will learn to work together, and there will be peace! :)) I love this breed also, and just to put my two cents in:
KODY!
Look forward to more posts about the dogs...They change so much as the months go by in the first year....So Pictures! Lots of'em!

Mystic Mud said...

They are both SO cute!

a little crafty nest said...

We are a two dog household and thinking about adding a third. It is so wonderful to see our two pups enjoy each other...I wouldn't have it any other way. In fact, I think it is easier with two. The third dog may happen next year, but it is a working dog for our three year old daughter who has Type 1 Diabetes. The Diabetes Alert Dog alerts us to her life-threatening lows. Anyhow, we love lots of dogs and we think they do too. Enjoy your canine friends...they are beautiful!!!
xo Jules

Leigh said...

Mrs. Cravitz, thanks! I have to agree about having two. I honestly wasn't sure at first, but both puppies are so happy, it does my heart good.

Mystic Mud, I agree!

Jules, I've heard about alert dogs; what a great idea for your daughter. I have to say I can wholeheartedly agree about having two. It's been no more work than one and they are great for each other. :)