h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Got the newest member of our family yesterday - an 11 week old Weimaranar pup!

His full name is Maxim von Thunder, but Max for short. He was a bit whiny being left in the garage last night - understandably - but has had a great day today playing in the garden while we read the papers.

I've never had a dog before, although I've always wanted one. Dai's had several. Our biggest concern was how the elderly cat would react - they're a bit wary of each other, and she gives the ocassional bat at him if he comes too close, but we were expecting worse.

With a name like Maxim von Thunder, it has to be either a dog or a porn star!

I bet you'll love him. Dogs really grow on their owners.

I love Weimaraners - they have such gorgeous eyes.

What will he do while you are at work?

Well, Dai works from home, so he's around a good bit during the day.

We've got a big garden which he's enjoying exploring, and we've no weekends away planned until next year.

I'm just discovering that there's nothing quite as smelly as dog fart...

oh that sounds great for him.

and as for smelly dog farts - that's the 2nd reason I won't have one.

Maxim: Don't metntion thhe war.
Cat: Well you started it
Maxim: No I didn't
Cat: Yes you did you paraded around my pole and blitz sneaked my rattle balls.

Found this on Wiki:

A Weimaraner named Beatrice (played by Can. Ch. Arokat's Echobar Take Me Dancing) is featured in the movie Best in Show.

Also - the dogs on Kate Bush's album The Hounds of Love were Wiemaraners.

And of course, the piano playing dog in the Smirnoff ad.

I think fact A should worry you.

and the dog standing on the tennis ball in one of the New Order videos (Blue Monday?)

Hmm, maybe new series for The Post, now that the bikes are likely to get less use for a few months?

I just need a catchy title.

Dogs? No problem with titles there...

Dog days
It's a dog's life
Every dog has its day
Dogging in Lisburn
Doggone it!
Puppy love (for the saccharine lovers )
Four legs good 2legs bad...

Might be a libel action from that last one...

Take it to the Max?

Well, we've had him a week now. Last night he went to his bed at 11pm, no howling or yelping all night, and at 6.30 am this morning he was still in his bed, had a wee outside before his breakfast, and then a poop outside afterwards - no mess during the night then.

Have to say, I'm impressed! He learns quick this boy.

Next thing to tackle will be the biting and chewing - he's a hunting breed so it's in his nature to chase things that are running in front of him and to latch on to any dangly bits, whether that be dressing gown cords, hems of skirts, or toggles on bags.

Dropping in for the briefest of moments ...

Having given some thought to part of our dinner conversation, I offer the following:

May the benevolence and good will of what-ever greater Power(s), which may or may not be out there, smile upon your new friend, and grant him the longest, healthiest and happiest of life. As I have requested this, 'so mote it be ...'

First puppy class tonight!

I was anxious about how he'd behave in a room full of 15 other untrained dogs, ranging from tiny schnausers to a massive horse-like Newfie, and raning in their levels of behaviour as well.

Dai sat with him and fed him crumbs of liver cake to keep him focussed until it was time to demonstrate his walking to heel, and wait-come skills. I was most chuffed that he got put in the A-group and had to do it without a lead.

Towards the end of the 90 minute class he was giving his "I need a wee!" whine. I reckoned it was better to take him out of class for 2 minutes rather than undo weeks of house training. Also, how could he concentrate on his instructions otherwise? I did notice other dogs pee and poop on the floor, so it was re-assuring to see how well trained he is, even though still young.

He was over 13 kilos at the vets this week - so he's put on over 2 kilos. Guess we're feeding him OK!

I really must take some video footage of him while he's still a pup.

17 kilos...

He had me in stitches last night, the silly sausage. He was snoring away in his basket, head drooped over the edge as usual, when it was time for bed.

I managed to get him upright, and lead him bleary eyed down the stairs - where he tried to curl up on a pile of dustsheets by the door.

No, I said, and led him into the garden in case he need a final pee - but he went straight into his kennel and curled up there.

No, I said, and popped him into his crate in the garage, where he always sleeps.

Training is tough: we took him tp Crawfordsburn beach on Sunday, but I think all the new and exciting smells and sights and sounds were far too distracting for him.

Poor wee suasage isn't well at the minute - started having diahorrea on Saturday, and so we fasted him until late on Sunday evening. He had an accident in his crate overnight which was a real joy to clean up! I've since put an old sheet over the top of it to contain any splash damage.

He ate a bit on Monday morning, but since then has been off his food and really low on energy - no usual mad half hour, or bouncing up to see who's coming down the stairs, or crouching down, tail held high, to bark at the cat.

So we took him to the vet to be on the safe side - he has an infection and is on anti-biotics. Will give puppy training a miss on Wednesday - he'll not be up to it plus don't want to risk putting him close to other dogs, for everybody's sake.

Hope he's OK to go to Donegal this weekend.

Poor pup!

Thanks for the good wishes - I did even buy him a get well card today (soppy git that I am....)

Dai's been making him boiled chicken to whet his appetite, and he did come out trick-or-treating with us tonight. I'm hopeful the sea air in Donegal will help him recuperate.