Introducing ....

SPLASH!!!

My parents brought home their new four legged friend yesterday. He is a Portuguese Water Dog named Splash and he will be eight weeks tomorrow. Their goal is to have him in Water Trials and also trained to be a Therapy Dog. My mom, being a retired reading teacher, has had this goal prior to retirement. Taking her love of reading with children and combining it with her love of dogs makes a great combo for Therapy work. She sees the two going to local Hospitals, Rehabilitation Centers, and possibly schools. And with Splash's soft touch, the two can also aid in therapy work for adults.

We visited our new buddy today. He greeted us quickly, and then found a quiet spot on their hard wood floors to literally flop down for a cozy nap. As the minutes continued to tick by, my son could not keep his hands off that adorable fur ball. Every time my son would pet him, Splash would moan this sweet puppy noise and wiggle, but never wake up.

Finally Splash felt rested and then he was full of energy. Trying to keep his traction on the wooden floor was a sight, and even the carpet got his feet in tangles sometimes too. A rolly-polly pup who tripped and somersaulted over his own feet. A definite cutie!!

Very calm, sweet natured, his temperament test came back positive as a great working Therapy Dog. I have no doubt that he will be a great addition to my parent's house and will reach all their goals. Seeing this 8 pound dog and visualizing his full grown size at around 50 is hard to imagine, and all the work between here and there to get him to graduate Therapy School ... but he'll get there and it will be so fun!

SPLASH!!!