Bullet Points of Kurka

Simply put, my life has been changed. Having Kurka here has impacted my existence so profoundly. Right now, I'm typing, but he's next to me, half on me and half on the giant penguin pillow, and he's chewing on a bone.

Everyday, he surprises me with something else. These are just a few of the things he has done that made me take a moment to smile/reflect/jump for joy inside:

• Play hide & seek under the couch
• Figure out how to sit on the back of the couch to watch outside
• Learn how to go up and down stairs at Grandma's
• Find 2 headless baby rabbits in Grandma's backyard
• Find an unborn bird under the tree in our yard
• Discover that his name is Kurka
• Get the ball and bring it to Mama over and over
• Bound through the high grass in the backyard
• Hunt for bugs and various other small animals
• Pick a favorite sleeping spot on the bed - between Mama and the giant pillow
• Steal shoes
• Cuddle in the morning - "Mama, hit the snooze button please"
• Find mazes in the basement to explore
• Steal socks (& underpants)
• Bark at Mama when she's in the shower
• Understand that "breakfast" is in the refrigerator
• Start to comprehend "No Bite"
• Watch airplanes fly overhead
• Chase moths & catch them
• Dig holes in the backyard
• Enjoy riding in the car with his head out the window
• Not enjoy getting shots at the vet (good while there, not happy when he was tired later)
• Chase Pepper, Annie, and Daffy at Grandma's
• Give millions of kisses to everyone he sees
• Figure out how to escape the backyard and follow Mama to put the trash cans out
• Let Mama know when he needs to "Go Outside"
• Go through the doggie door at Grandma's if you hold open the flap
• Eat raspberries, grapes, and gooseberries off the vines at Grandma's and Grandpa's
• Make Mama put a fence around the lilies before they were all destroyed
• Take one quick chomp and destroy Mama's wireless mouse
• Wake up Auntie Dana with kisses
• Play with Duckie, Chicken, Rope, Sheep, Monkey, Frog, and Squirrel
• Make a bed for himself out of a blanket

Life is good.

A+

Kurka had his first visit with the doctor today. He checked up all good - he got an A+ because he was good for weight, temperature, coat & skin, eyes, ears, nose & throat, mouth, teeth, gums, legs & paws, heart & lungs, abdomen, gastrointestinal system, urogenital system, anal sacs, and dietary. (Never thought I'd find a way to talk about anal sacs on this site.)

He is five pounds three ounces and the doctor said he should get to sixteen to eighteen pounds in the next seven months. We go back in two weeks for some shots (additional vaccines, etc). He's only got a few months left of being a true boy - in September he'll be neutered and get a microchip.

Doctor sent Mama home with a folder full of pamphlets and checklists.

Kurka is getting better with house training. As long as I pay attention, it's fairly easy to know when he needs to go outside. He has figured out what outside is. Once he gets on the grass, he relieves himself quickly. He makes Mama really proud. Mama sounds like an idiot - enthusiastically stating, "Good Boy! Outside! Potty! Good Boy Kurka!" There is clapping and excited bouncing involved too. Yeah, having a puppy makes your IQ rise!

He is slowly adjusting to Mama's schedule. Well, Mama is adjusting to his too. It's just after 11 pm and he's looking at me and his little eyes are saying, "Mama, why are we not in bed right now? Hmmm?"

My vacation is over. What a bummer. While I know there are great things at work tomorrow, I'm going to be hurting when I leave Kurka at home. Coming home from work will be a happy moment for me!

Kypka Andriyovych

It's pronounced, "Kurka." In tradition with true Sheepsheadians, it follows the Chicken Conspiracy rules. Although he's super brave, he is being named Chicken.

Actually, Kypka Andriyovych means Chicken, son of the warrior. He's growing into being adventurous.

Since picking up the little guy last Tuesday, we've had a few accidents in the house, but many more celebrations when he went outside. He has found that the couch is his favorite place in the house, but sleeping next to "Mama" is fabulous!

Say hello to the joy in my life:

Puppy Love

After a long drive with a great friend, I am home, sitting on my new couch, watching a movie, and have a cuddly baby on my lap.

The little guy is tiny! He's absolutely adorable, sweet, and lovey. He looks at the TV when there is a louder noise and he is quite interested in the picture.

He is stunned by the backyard. It's a little big and we got home as the sun was setting, so we'll see how daring he gets tomorrow to explore a little more than where I'm standing.

His prance as he discovered the living room was priceless. He came around the corner with a wagging tail and a big puppy grin.

DM and I got to meet his mother and father. He's rat terrier, Jack Russell terrier, Wire Fox terrier, and a little T-cup poodle thrown in for good measure. He has black and white patches all over and little spots on his legs.

It was fun picking him up. The woman who we got him from had about 50 dogs running around the place, but she was nice to them and very passionate about each. A little overboard (read, "Crazy,") but she let me have him.

I'm in love!

Finally breaking down and joining the bandwagon & REALLY exciting news

I did it. Not entirely sure why, but I did it. I joined Facebook. With 24 hours passed as a member, I still have no clue what I'm doing on there, but we'll see. It's interesting at least.

But this is what I really want to talk about. It's in the works and official. I've adopted a puppy!

He is a mixed breed - mostly rat terrier with some wire terrier and toy poodle thrown in for good measure. His picture online is very adorable - his head is bigger than his body!

I will pick him up from the shelter the first week of June. He's in Wisconsin right now and my vacation is approaching quickly. My new priorities include puppy-proofing the house! I have to consider names for him and I'll be flooding this site with pictures very soon.

I can't wait!