Introducing Pretzel!

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Saturnalia, FSMas, etc.  Despite a rough start to December, with unexpected surgeries amidst the usual holiday shenanigans, we actually had a rather nice Christmas.

Emo-Hoagie doesn't care about the pretty Christmas tree... or he could just be staring at Daddy holding a cookie behind the camera...the world may never know.

 
Much good food and quality family time was had by all!  The pups were quite happy in their jaunty jingle bell collars, chewing on new squeaky toys.  Hoagie's cousin Cocoa, was very pleased with her new light bulb shaped squeaky.

Cocoa thinks she heard another squeaky on the beach.

All this talk of happy holiday pups may lead you to the question, "But Carol, in your last post you had a picture of two adorable dogs in front of your Christmas tree.  Who was that dapper little scamp in the green sweater?"  Well, my astutely observant friend, let's have another look at that idyllic scene of holiday cheer.

Why there is a new little face in that picture.  Awww... the cuteness is almost painful.

I'd like to formally introduce the newest edition to our family:  Pretzel!

"Sad puppy-dog-eyes" is his super power.

Pretzel is a 9 month old super-mutt (mutt + mutt = super cute mutt).  As far as I understand he's a Chi-Peka-Shihtz-Terrier-mix.  He came from a co-worker who, due to some unfortunate circumstances, was unable to care for him anymore.  We've had him now for about 5 months (I know, I know, I'm a bit slow on the updates.  The pups keep me pretty busy.).  He's a bright little dude with a lot of personality, and we are happy to have him as the newest member of our furry family.


Pretzel is currently enrolled in his first "big pup" class, Elementary Clicker at Gentle Touch.  He's doing well, but it's very clear that he will provide plenty of fodder to interesting training posts.  His terrier nature makes him a very different type of dog to train.  He's already taught me a lot!  In addition, he's my very first puppy, and this is my first time having two dogs.  I've certainly got my hands full now!  I just received my copy of Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy Your Multi-Dog Household by the always awesome Patricia McConnell, Ph.D. and Karen London, Ph.D.  I think I may also have to re-read my copies of Control Unleashed and Feisty Fido.  They don't call 'em "Terrier Terrorists" for nothin'!  All in all though, Pretzel is a fantastic little guy, who I look forward to enjoying for many happy years. 

Our new little couch warmer.

On a different note, I have a few housekeeping things: 

First, I'd like to welcome anyone from BlogPaws to my blog!  Secondly, a while back I added an RSS feed button up top, so if you are interested, be sure to add me to your feed or reader list.  I've also made a facebook page for the blog, so be sure to like short paws or share a post or two on facebook!

Thanks for reading and have a Happy New Year!