We Love Muv

I guess I could have titled this week's entry "We Like Mike," but it wouldn't have been entirely accurate. Truth is, we *love* Mike. I have never known an easier dog! In the apartment, he's happy to lie on his big ol' dog bed and crash out--or accept a belly or chin rub with grunts of appreciation (though he won't turn down an offer to play tug).

sleeping dog and his squirrel

a belly rub for me? don't mind if I do!

Outside, he's game for anything. He's fantastic on leash, anticipating my movements--slowing when I slow, speeding up when I speed--and wagging his tail the whole time. We had alot of rain this week, but Mikey wasn't bothered. We went to the park twice and it would not be an exaggeration to say that Sweet Boy M was *overjoyed* to play fetch. I wish I had taken my camera, but I don't know if I could have captured the glee.

We've also spent some time in the woods, where Mikey has shown us that age is just a number. He raced around, chasing Bella as she chased squirrels, and reprimanding her with his impressive bark when she strayed too far.

i love the woods!!

Mikey is a pleasure--calm and loving. Here's what I've learned about the Sweet Boy so far:

• He's fully housetrained.
• He's got an inside voice and an outside voice. He barked just once inside--when Bella heard someone coming up the stairs and started to growl, Sweet Boy gave a woof! in allegiance. He has little sounds: groans of pleasure when his belly's rubbed, or a squeak of excitement when I'm putting on my sneakers. And he doesn't really need to bark--his big, beautiful eyes speak volumes. He often bellows his sheer pleasure at being in the great outdoors. :)
• He doesn't have a mean bone in his body: a toddler gave him an ear tug and he didn't blink. Bella has stolen his treat once or twice and he couldn't care less. (When Bella has his squirrel and he wants it, he just takes it from her. No growling or bullying.)
• He hasn't shown any interest in getting up on the furniture.
• He jumps right into the car when told to, then he sleeps or looks out the window.
• He isn't interested in marking his territory: when we go out, he pees and that's that.
• Sometimes when he's sleeping, he yips and moves his feet. I think he's dreaming of chasing squirrels!

In an entire week, I've had to tell him NO once, and that was when he tried to climb into the passenger seat of the car and I needed to direct him to the back.

A full week in a new place and he hasn't misbehaved a single time.

Can't you see why I couldn't label this entry "We Like Mike?" He's just too lovable!