Alba's afternoon away (by my roommate)

Alba visited my parents' house Sunday. They have a nice, big backyard that's perfect for a puppy to run around in! By the time we got from the car to the yard, she was sniffing everything, looking everywhere, and exploring her new territory. She spent the first bit of time running around the yard, bright-eyed and alert, getting used to a new place. She loved it! There were new smells, new sounds, and new sights. The noisy birds in the backyard trees were especially interesting! After a break in her crate, Alba came back out to meet my Mom and Dad, who had come out to sit in the yard so she could get to know them. It took some coaxing to get her out, but she didn't regret her decision to come meet these new people. After running around and exploring the back yard some more, she tentatively approached my Dad and sniffed his toes. Big progress for a girl who's afraid of strangers! After getting to know him a bit, Alba let Dad pet her and she ate a handful of food right from his hand. This was quickly followed by eating from Mom's hand and letting Mom pet her. It was a wonderful afternoon, full of new boldness, exploring, and being a wonderful puppy! At the end of the day, she was happy to come home--minus a bit of shyness.

(Written by my roommate who took Alba to her parent's house)

Reprieve

Now that I am out for the summer, the dogs are loving their daily reprieve out of their crates during the day. Alice and Alba would both love someone to take them into their lives that can spend time and attention with them.

They are both very inquisitive and like to think that they learn fast.

Stairs

While I cannot get Alba close to the stairwell, I have been working with Alice on stairs. While the stairs are hardwood, Alice has managed to go up a flight of seven steps. Although it takes her a while to get up the stairs, she can get down them in two seconds flat! Something else to work on...

(I know this is not of her on the stairs, but with her second favorite activity - playing with her toys...her favorite activity is eating!)

Alice and Alba learn to sit

My roommate and I have been trying to train Alice and Alba some different tricks, such as sit, stay, and shake. Alba is better on shake, but not perfect. Neither one has mastered stay, especially when it is food time :) The one thing that both have managed to master, as seen in the pictures, is sit. In the pictures they are sitting for carrots. I learned today that these two love carrots. Now on to mastering the next trick...

Alice and Alba brave the rain...

So, we have been having several storms around the area but the dogs are doing a great job at taking them in strides. Both Alice and Alba are able to ride out the booms that come morning, noon, and night without a spook in the world. This is one thing that will not be an issue when they move to their new home...wherever that may be.

It's Party Time! Here's how the dogs did...

At a function this weekend, Alice did a great job of participating with everyone without bugging them for scraps. She was not a nusaince for anyone, and did not stay out of her crate for long periods of time but was willing to say hello to a few people.

Alba did not come out of the crate during the party, and did not really want to say hi.

She did, however, act appropriately and was polite to anyone that came by the crate.

Both dogs did well with the children at the party. Ther was no nipping, barking, howling, or begging. I think these dogs would do well with any family, although the fewer people in Alba's family, the better.

Alice and Alba go for a walk

Alice and Alba enjoy going outside on walks. They have made it to the end of the block and back without any issues.

Alice tends to hop more than walk. She is getting better at the walking but for right now she has been nicknamed "Jumping Bean."
Alba enjoys walks but likes to be the follower rather then than the leader. She is a good walker but beware she is a puller on the leash when she is ready to get back home.

Alba's Profile - Shy but Mighty!

Alba is a sweet puppy that is looking for just the right home.

From day one, Alba has been shy but curious. She loves exploring the house but does not like sudden movements. She knows when she wants to be around people and when she wants to be alone. She is looking for just that right person that will love her but give her space, as well.

Alba seems to do better with females but once she gets to know men, she does well with them. I am not sure how she does with children but if they aren't wild with her, she should do fine with them.

Alba knows when she is hungry but would rather have water than food. She has recently started dancing around the food container but goes straight to the water bowl if it gets filled before she is done eating. Alba won't be eating anybody out of house and home!

Alba is calm and not a chewer. She has a ladybug that she likes, but only on special occasions.