Here's a new photo from Jackie. The rather plump pup howling away on the step may be our Chip. She says that all the pups are good, but this one certainly stands out. He is playful, powerful, can be somewhat aloof, and complains until he gets his way. Sounds like Buddy to me, but I worry that Buddy's hyper-aloofness was a bit much sometimes. He could tolerate being petted maybe 15-20 seconds, then would get up and walk off, like a cat. I'd like the new pup to be more people-oriented than that, but without being a separation anxiety candidate. Oh my... how to find a middle ground!

I've made the hotel reservations for the big trip to Wisconsin, so it looks like this is really going to happen! Max and Birgit are doing GREAT in their obedience class, and we're hoping to have everything all ready at home for Chip's arrival in April. Gee, I wonder what color we should paint his bedroom.... ok, just kidding...

Solid

Here's a new photo of the pups from Jackie. They're eating solid food now and are learning to play with each other. Speaking of solid, that handsome hunk on the left side of the photo is, we think, the future Chip Waller-Schneidmueller.

While we're waiting for Chip's arrival in April, Max and Birgit have started their Obedience class. With the help of some incredibly smelly liver treats, Max is already learning to heel and to stop pulling on the leash. Way to go, Max and Birgit! Here's a photo of Max reclining after a long day.

Eyes Open

Here are two new photos from Jackie -- the pups' eyes are open! We're thinking that the pup on the right in the group photo may be our Chip. He's still the biggest... already three pounds.

Thinking Ahead

Now that we know our little bundle of joy will be ready to come home in April, we're makin' plans. I just reserved a cabin in the woods, way up by Algonquin Park in Ontario, for a few days in June (photo is from the cabin website). It looks just great for a little quiet getaway with two Border Collies. Well, "quiet" and "two Border Collies" don't seem to belong in the same sentence. And the sporty VW Jetta will be replaced next week with a Subaru Outback -- all wheel drive and plenty of space for two Border Collies in the back. To top it all off, Max (our eight year old pup) will begin his obedience class in March. Can't having him setting bad examples for the little one, right?

Here's a new photo from Jackie, the breeder, of the male pups in her new litter. Which one will be ours???

Male Pup #1

Here's a photo of one of Jackie's pups. The litter has four females and four males, and one of the male pups is quickly becoming bigger than the others. Hmmm.... could this one be ours? We'll see in which direction his disposition seems to be going. Jackie said that the pups will be ready to go after April 2, so I'm having fun planning the road trip to Wisconsin.

Finally... A Decision

After heming and hawing all weekend, I've finally -- with Birgit's help -- come to a decision. Although Tarquin is a GREAT dog, this could be my last opportunity to raise a dog from puppyhood. And those pups in Wisconsin share at least part of their bloodline with Buddy. Hmmm.

So I emailed Jackie Jackson, the breeder in Wisconsin, to say that we'll buy one of her puppies born on February 5 (Jackie's photo here is of the pups six days old).

But which one? And should we get a male or female? How will Max react? Oh no.... more decisions!

Tarquin!

Today Birgit and I visited Newhope Border Collies in Hagersville, Ontario. Alice, the breeder, took us out with her five Border Collies. Her big boy Tarquin is for sale, and we wanted to meet him. He's wonderful! About 4 1/2 years old and so big, strong, and calm. And beautiful! And friendly!

So now the decision situation changes. Should I buy Tarq -- already trained, disposition known, but already almost five years old? The average lifespan for a Border Collie is 12 years. If I buy Tarq, he needs to be immediately neutered as well. Or should I buy a puppy from the very nice, very professional breeder in Wisconsin whose dogs share some of Buddy's bloodline? Her puppies were born on Wednesday this week. But then I would be faced with all the training and antics that go along with puppyhood, and we don't know (1) how Max would react to a pup, and (2) what that pup's ultimate disposition would be. Genetics are important, but don't predict everything, right? But with a pup, I would be able to have more control over how the pup is socialized, and could enjoy the upside of puppy antics again.

Amazing how complicated this process has become. As Birgit says, I'll "sleep it over."