We got a new puppy a few months ago, and of course, time has gotten away from me. I wanted to introduce our newest family member, Luna the Weimaraner.
My dear husband has wanted a dog for years, and I finally caved a year or so ago. But then we added another child to our family (Asher), so it was back to waiting. This past spring we decided the timing was right, so I began looking at dogs who were good runners, since J says I should not run alone (I agree). He wanted a Pitbull, but since those aren’t known for being distance runners, I ended up consulting Google, naturally. This article let me know of 20 breeds, and I narrowed it down to the Weimaraner, the Vizsla (a cousin of the Weim), and the Rodesian Ridgeback. The main aspects we looked for, besides runner’s build: short hair, great with kids, and protective, as in, bigger. J liked the color of the Weimaraner, and I agreed. I researched breeders (and there were many), but we found that most had a months-long wait list for the puppies. We wanted a puppy so we could raise it and train it, and you know… puppies are so darn cute. Finally, I found a breeder in Ohio that didn’t have a wait list, and we were able to secure our pup. She was just 2-3 weeks old (born May 2), so we patiently waited until July to pick her up on our way back from Pennsylvania, visiting family this summer.
Thankfully, we didn’t have to buy too much stuff, as a co-worker gave me her gently used doggie crate. We also received some hand-me-downs from another friend, like a collar and some Bitter Spray (for when you don’t want them to chew on certain things). Thanks, friends!
We picked Luna up on a Wednesday afternoon, July 6, when she was 9 weeks old. She weighed about 15 lbs already! She rode on my lap the whole way home (6.5 hours). We spent the night with her at a friend’s house in OH, and she had a few accidents, and cried part of the night, but otherwise it was pretty smooth. Oh, there was the pooping in the yard, and then stepping in it… that was kinda messy. Thankfully my friend knew what to do, as she had dogs growing up. I am a complete dog newbie!
In the past two months, Luna has learned to stay home alone all day—she no longer cries when we leave. The treats may help that! She’s gone to puppy school and learned how to heel, stay, and sit (most of the time). Her nipping and biting has drastically reduced (and our inventory of chew toys has increased, haha!) Luna nearly doubled in size in a month. First vet appointment was 15 lbs at about ten weeks old. The most recent was a month later, and she weighed 25 lbs already! She’s gaining weight, getting smarter and more obedient, and calming down quite a bit. We love her so much!! She’s been a wonderful addition to our family.
The kids didn’t take to her too well at first–Gabe liked her, Asher was very afraid, but she kept nipping both of them, which grew old quick. Now, we’ve all settled in with each other, and the kids get along great with her. Gabe loves to rub her belly, and Asher loves to give her treats. One night at dinner, the kids were eating hot dogs, and Asher dropped a bite. He looked down and said “Luna ate my hot dog!” in such a sad, cute voice! And the next day it was “Luna, stop biting my Daddy!” which was also quite adorable. Gabe & I take her for walks in the morning most days before work/school, and she seems to really enjoy it. We love our new girl!
[…] Oh, and last but not least… we decided to add to our family! This little love was born 5/2 and we will pick her up in July 🙂 She’s a Weimaraner […]