My new Dobie "Crystal"

[ShelbysMom]

We came home with our new puppy this weekend. She is a full-figured girl born 1/27/04. She's large and in charge.
Her disposition was so delightful we couldn't resist her. She's larger and stockier than my last two Dobies, with a wonderful personality. At 15 weeks, she is 39.2 lbs. She's still adjusting to walking on a leash (she just doesn't do that at all) but is housebroken and holds it through the night.
She will be at least 80 lbs. fully grown and if I want to have a social life, then she'll need to be adjusting to her crate. Right now, she hates it.

While I was in the shower this morning, I let her stay in the bathroom and when I peeked to check on her--she had her two gigantic paws on the vanity and was looking at herself in the mirror.
I think this one is a character. I do miss my Shelby, such a lady she was. She would be horrified at how this one drinks water and spits it out all over the floor.
But my house isn't empty anymore and the fun is just beginning. I feel like a new mother again.

[Mary Plummer]

Congratulations on adding Crystal to your family!! She sounds like she's a delightful character! I don't think you'll ever get over missing Shelby, but your new pup will certainly bring you years of delight and heart comfort.

[Marty]

She sounds wonderful! 3 days after we lost Bear, at 13, I had an 8 wk Basset puppy (Winnie) at the Vet's. He just laughed and said "How many empty nights did you have?" It was my way of dealing with grief, and must be yours, too! It did help a lot, as I had always wanted a Basset, and she really did keep me occupied! Welcome, Crystal!

[E's]

Congratulations! This is cheering news and fills me with admiration... like "Way to go!" or whatever catch phrase applies I've always liked Dobies - never had one but do have a GSD so I know something about becoming attached to a specific breed of large dog. Alas, there is little chance I would be able to replace my "moosedog" if I outlive her (she was already too much for me when I got her 8 years ago) but now that I've been on the Internet and learned so much I didn't know before, I allow myself to think I might be able to do so...

And I really do feel that - while she might say Tsk Tsk about the puppy behavior - Shelby approves too!

So Welcome, Crystal! Tell your new mom we want pictures, pronto!

************
"When it puts its mind to it, a dog can be as much trouble as a set and a half of triplets." Beauregard the Hound in Walt Kelly's comic strip POGO, ca. 1961
************