Renny O Whiteoak arrives.

I’ve not written in this blog for some time, for I’ve been busy with students, Carla’s move here, Otto’s death and the arrival of our new puppy.  Even though I had not planned for a new puppy so soon, the breeder called to say she would have a red one for the beginning of June.  I thought of it and decided that it would give me plenty of time to train him, until I went back to work with students in the fall. 

Renny at 4 weeks old.

So ‘Renny’ was born on April 6^th and four
weeks later we went to visit him, having gotten lost several times trying to find a place called Bostic, not far from Forest City.  It was a miracle we finally ended up in the breeder’s house, even though she was on the phone to guide us there, road by road.   The puppy was as cute as expected and had a soft light reddish coat.  We met the mom who has long hair and is very red and lively.  We fell in love.  Carla declared herself the godmother.  I decided to name him Renny Otto Whiteoak, from the Jalna novels by Mazo de la Roche.  Renny was the main character and had red hair. I added Otto for obvious reasons. 

Renny at 9 weeks.

Renny came to us the 8^th of June.  He had lost some of his coat due to a ‘fungus’.  I had to bathe him twice a week with a thick shampoo for two weeks.   After I lathered him up, I had to hold him for 10 minutes so that the medicine would do its thing, no easy task with a slippery puppy.  Eventually he grew the most beautiful reddish coat, almost like the color of a fox.  He is quite a character, very lively, mischievous and with a strong personality.  Just like Jalna’s Renny.  Sela is in love, as we all are, but he’s quite a handful for her to manage.  He steals her slippers and socks, and bites her too.

Renny at 14 weeks.

I’ve decided to put him on obedience classes and we have learned to sit, to look at one’s eyes, and now to walk along side me.  I learn how to do it, and then teach him each day, twice a day.  He’s taken to the woods which are covered in ivy, and I’ve had to install some sort of fence to keep him out.  We are afraid of snakes or spiders biting him.

Renny is now 16 weeks old!

I had forgotten how hard it is to train and take care of a puppy.  We shall see what happens when Carla returns from Atlanta and realizes we must all discipline him.  Renny has gotten used to playing rough with her and taking off her hair bow and biting; all unaccepted behavior that most not be allowed.   As much as we miss Otto, little Renny has come to fill the emptiness he left.  Some of his behavior and manners are similar to Otto, but Renny is more independent, determined and quite fearless.