Brody is right at home!

Brody is getting bigger by the moment and is adjusting well. He is sleeping in his crate, and even goes in his own "bedroom" if he wants a break. I thought I'd share a picture so you can see how big he is getting. We are still working on his potty training, but at least he keeps his crate dry. He has been sleeping well, which is great for his mommy and daddy!

Today he played a lot with his cousin Bailey! Although Bailey is bigger than Brody, they play well together. Brody and Bailey shared an exciting game of tug of war! Wayne helped them with it for a while and then they played on their own. It was great watching them. They seemed to have a lot of fun playing together, even at times they got a bit rough. They certainly had a great time proving to each other, just who was top dog! I think Brody thinks he is the same size as Bailey. Someday he will be, but for now, he has a long way to grow...I mean go! I do want to thank Travis & Allison though for bringing Bailey over for a visit. I think it is really good for both of our puppies to share some time together, and have a chance to become friends.

I am also working on "sit" with Brody. Personally, I don't have a problem with it, any chair will do for me, but unfortunately, sitting on command is a bit more challenging for Brody. He is getting better at it though, but you really need to have a treat ready to go, or he may decide your fingers are the treat!

Bailey & Brody finally meet!

Well, it has been a big day for Brody! He finally got a chance to meet his cousin Bailey in person! It was a little scarey at first, but after a little while and lots of encouragement, they had a few minutes to see each other face to face. It will be fun to watch them spend a little time together and get to know each other. Brody was really scared, but Bailey is a full grown puppy, so it is understandable. I am sure that very soon they will be the best of friends! I am not sure who had more fun at the introduction, Bailey, Brody, or was it Travis? I think it was an adventure for all of them!

One of Brody's favorite things to do, besides eat, is lay on the registers throughout the kitchen and great room. If you don't seem him right away, he is usually snoozing in a quiet corner. I can understand that because he has a very fuzzy warm coat, but I am sure it will come in very handy during our Michigan winters!

We had one more adventure today, Brody had his first vet appointment at Zeeland Veterinary Hospital with Jack Brummel. He had a good visit and he is doing well, at least for now! He will be going back in two weeks for another check. Brody weighed 12.25 lb. He was so tired from meeting Bailey, that he fell fast asleep on the examination table. It is tough being a little puppy you know!

By the way, Brody is doing great in his crate! He has been crying just a little when it is time for bed, and maybe gets up one time during the night before he heads back to bed. Wayne and I are both impressed how he is adjusting! The biggest challenge I have is trying to watch Brody and get ready for work in the morning, without working up too much of a sweat. It may sound easy to you, but oh boy I think I forgot just on inquisitive puppies can be! Today while I was getting ready, here he came with the 6' carpet runner that was in the foyer, dragging it into the great room. I didn't even think he could do it, it is heavy and long! Then it was time to drag the bathroom rug, and then chew on the knob of the drawer in the bathroom! But, even though it is difficult to watch him constantly, and he gets into some trouble, we are still proud to call him ours! We love you Brody!

Brody is home!

Brody is home just where he belongs! Goodness what a day! We picked Brody up at about 1:45 p.m. this afternoon, and we've been going strong ever since. He has been awesome at going potty outside, of course, there could be an accident at any time, but so far so good. He has gone outside everytime, and then he thinks he has to cuddle. We think Rex taught him how to be a good dog. We did notice one thing, he is a bit shy. Tonight, he started off growling at his reflection in the sliding glass window, and then before you know it...the first little barks were ringing out. He seems to be eating just fine, and playing a lot. I think he already knows his name. He is so very cute. Well, tonight he will be sleeping in our room in a crate. He seems to have mastered sleeping in the great room, but the crate is an entirely different adventure...we will see how it goes. For now, it is sweet dreams Brody! Soon, you will be my big puppy dog, but you will always be ours. We love you already Brody!

One more week and counting!

Today was our last visit to see Brody, before he comes home to live with us! He is one of three puppies out of seven remaining in the kennel. He may be the last puppy to leave, but you know what they say, last is best! He is getting so big! He was so excited! Troy and I played with him for a little while, before the little girls where he lives started playing with him.

Brody loves their flip-flops, so it looks like we will be putting the shoes away, probably for quite some time to come. His nose is getting a little longer, and he is so dog gone fluffy. He is certainly teething, so the toys I bought him I am sure will get lots of use!

We sure love our little guy and vacation can't go fast enough for me! I can't wait to say, Welcome Home Brody, we are your new FAMILY!"

Ready or not here I come!

Only about nine more days until Brody comes home to live with us! I am so excited I just can't wait! I've been brushing up on all my dog training and reading lots of information on Golden Retrievers. Of course, Rex was about 99% Golden Retriever, with a black coat, so I know that I have had some major experience, but Rex was 11 years old, and a puppy, well, is a puppy!

Sometimes I think...what did I get myself into, then I think again how wonderful it was with Rex, that I just wouldn't want to miss another opportunity to share my life with another dog. So, if I can just get through this puppy stage, I will be good to go! I'm not sure where I'm going, but I am sure I'll figure it all out and I'll know where I get there, even if at times it could be going insane! I know I will be heading outside in the middle of the night to take my new little friend Brody out to use his bathroom, which just happens to be our front yard! (When is the last time it rained in your bathroom?)

Next week is vacation for our family. One more week without having to worry about a puppy or dog at home, and I can't wait. This could be my last post before vacation. I am hoping to see Brody once more before we leave, time permitting. Who would have thought I would actually be so excited about coming home from vacation, but I am sure vacation will be wonderful, it will give me more time to read more books about Golden Retrievers!

Look out Brody, here I come to get you, ready or not!

We just can't stay away!

It is a hot summer night, and I couldn't think of anything better to do then visit my new little pal, Brody! I didn't take my camera, but just know the little tike was gorgeous tonight. He was in the kennel with his brothers & sisters and ran to meet me! I think I actually heard him say, "Hey, that's my mom!"

The family that is caring for him, Drew & Michele Nielson, said I could come anytime, and Drew was happy to let Brody out to play with me for a while. He trotted out, and looked back as if to say, I have to visit my mom, she came for me! We played in the front yard because it was almost too much for the other puppies to watch Brody having so much fun. Brody would sit, I'd call him, "Brody"! AND he would run to me and give me the happiest look ever. Then we'd do it all over again. I know he is only 6+ weeks, but I think he knows his name already! They always call Brody by name!

He visited the vet today and is in perfect health! He had his first shot, will be wormed, and his little testicles checked, to be sure they have come down. Now, that isn't too exciting I know, but for him, that is grand news!

After our visit, I had to put him back by his little brothers & sisters, and he pranced to the back of the kennel and looked as if he was saying, there goes my momma! I am so glad she came to visit me!

I can't wait to take Brody home, just where he belongs! It will be a perfect day for the Hop household. As we remember Rex, and all the wonderful memories life with him held, we look forward to the excitement of welcoming another member into our household. Someday, little Brody will meet Rex, on the Rainbow bridge, and say to Rex, just guess who I was with! Until then, Brody, we welcome you home with your new family! We love you already!

The excitment begins!

I am so looking forward to the arrival of Brody, our new Golden Retriever to his new home with the Hop Family! It is going to be so nice having the pitter patter of little (soon to be big!) paws around the house! Bailey, his terror, oh I mean terrior cousin will be helping him feel more at home I'm sure. Well, the countdown has begun, and Brody's arrival will be July 20, only 14 more days.

Actually, Bailey has been staying with us for the past week and it is going wonderfully. She is finally sleeping, and pacing a little less. She definiately has been playing more. She was only up a few times during the night last night. Wayne, Brody's dad said, Bailey is getting up more than a puppy, I smiled, and said, I doubt that...and in a couple of short weeks, we will see. I know it will be a challenge, but the reward will be worth it! (I hope!)

I wish everyone a wonderful day! Enjoy your furry friends and family members!
Brody's momma