Echo at 14 weeks

I'm a bit behind in posting, but wanted to make sure I posted about Echo's progress at 14 weeks before any more time passes! She turned 14 weeks this past Monday. She had a visit with the vet and she has actually gained weight, which I've been so worried about because of her GI issues! She's now 43 pounds and is definitely getting taller. She no longer has the runs but still has a few days left of her meds. I can only hope that her follow-up stool sample is free and clear of any 'bugs!'

Echo has really tested my patience lately. Of course it doesn't help that it has been a rough week in general. My dad had a heart attack on Saturday (he's back home and healing well now) and then my middle daughter had a follow-up appt. to see if her ear surgery in August was a success or not. Unfortunately, it was not and we're back to square one. Anyway, Echo has been wilder than ever. She has knocked down the Christmas tree twice this week, has ruined multiple pieces of my clothing from jumping up and latching onto them, then ripping them. One day I actually looked at her and thought there must be a feral dog in my presence! I truly don't think anymore that this has a thing to do with her being deaf. I think it is simply her disposition and I can only hope it improves with time (and LOTS of work!).

There have been no new signals this week, as she's just not ready for them. We've focused on just being able to have her out of her crate and around the other dogs and us!! She's almost fully transitioned onto the NB Fish and Sweet Potato food. She inhales it just like the other food! I introduced carrots this week as a "treat" and of course she loves them. We went on a van ride and she busted through the van barrier (anyone know of a really heavy duty barrier that will work for a van....let me know!) and chewed a hole in the leather seat. I'd crate her in the van but with three danes, there's not enough room for a crate in the van!

I can't wait to get her started in a puppy class but that won't be until mid-January when she's finished with all of her shots (she received the second round this week).

Here she is, standing between my legs.....one of her favorite places to stand. And no...she didn't pee on my pant leg, that's where the water spilled from her dish!

Practicing her "sit and wait" commands. If only she were this calm all the time ;)

This is the FIRST and only time so far that I have ever seen her laying down outside of her crate playing with a toy!