In this corner, the heavy weight named Knuckles

In the weeks that Knuckles has joined the family, he has doubled in weight. Today was the day for Knuckles monthly heartworm/flea and tick medications so we weighed in at the vet earlier in the week than usual to confirm the correct dosage. My growing boy is now 50.6 lbs at 4 and a half months. Knuckles has recently discovered his size and is having fun with it which is not always so fun for me. He has learned that if he stands on his back legs, he’s a tall boy and tall boys can reach all sorts of forbidden objects. Today while I was showering, Knuckles got up with his front feet in the sink and was watching to see my reaction in the mirror, thinking I was behind glass and occupied. I merely opened the door and whacked his butt with it much to our mutual amusement. He loves to get caught.

There are a few difficulties associated with having such a big puppy. When we’re in class, we are always in trouble when Knuckles gets in front of me. This is a felony to our trainer. The other class members are much smaller and it is a great deal easier to manage a 12 pound puppy when he tries to stretch the leash than a 50 pound beast. Being a German Shepherd, not to mention a giant GSD, Knuckles needs to be an even better boy than any other schmoo dog off the street and he’s becoming an angel (when separated from Silly). For once we were the good example in class for a mock stranger meeting. He sits perfectly still and allows anyone to pet him. Knuckles has had so much practice, we at last had our time to shine. It felt good to be rewarded for our hard work. He can hold a Stay for a minute – maybe longer but I haven’t tried it yet.

We’ve been hiking the three mile trail at Mackintosh Lake Park. Now, three miles doesn’t sound like a terribly impressive distance but it can be a challenge with the steep up hills and rocks, etc. We have the best time although I need to dress in major layers.

Tonight we went to the dog park where at first there were a bunch of rough and tumble larger dogs. Knuckles would just play around the edges. He usually loves it when the foster pups come to play and although they didn’t make it tonight (the wind was frigid) eventually a great group came. Knuckles has a new love obsession named Sophie. They played chase (he’s not really into the wrestling and biting) for over an hour. He was so tired that he didn’t even protest when we left. Poor tired Knuckles – he didn’t want to wake for dinner. It’s important to give him as much physical as mental stimulation and I’m doing my best. We will both reap the rewards later.

One of Knuckles’ favorite activities is playing in water. The photo above is Knuckles during a fun session with ice cubes.