Uh oh....BAD DOG!

Well, we figured out last this week that Chase is actually NOT perfect. This came as a shock to us, but who wants a PERFECT dog anyway?! Yeah, sure! Last week, he was going through some kind of funk, and it was like all obedience flew out the window and he forgot everything we have worked so hard to teach him. So, on Friday, I had the day off, and went up to SLC with my parents to have lunch with Chris and to do some shopping at Taipan and Way Cool, Dirt Cheap. We were gone for about 6 hours, which is not unusual at all, and Chase has never had a problem being home alone for that long. When we got home that evening, we found this: You have to understand that for 9 months, Chase has never once been interested in my pillows (or anything else for that matter) in the house to use as a chew toy. We have always been so thankful for that. I guess something about this red pillow interested him on Friday because he destroyed it -- ripped the zipper right off and chewed it to shreds, along with the filler pillow underneath! And it's not like we don't give him plenty of stuff that he is ALLOWED to chew -- bones, toys, and of course his beloved basketball that has a home in his mouth 24/7 (seen below). The funny thing is that since Friday, he has gone right back to being the perfect dog! But just in case he has another relapse, we broke down and installed a dog door for him so that the next time he gets bored at home alone, rather than chew up anything else, he can just go outside and eat some grass. Or chase flies. Or have a barking competition with the neighbor's dog, Toby. I think on Friday we were more shocked than mad because this is just so unusual for our pup -- maybe he's going through puberty! :)

On the other hand, though, he has also become so much more loyal in the last month or so. Before, he was just the happy puppy who loved anyone or anything that walked through the door. And though he is still a big ball of happy love and wouldn't hurt a fly, he has been much more protective and watchful lately. The cable guys came over yesterday (an embarrassing story that I'm still contemplating sharing) and a neighbor that he was unfamiliar with and he went on high alert, and wouldn't leave my side. Plus the fact that he's got a killer bark that makes you believe that he means business. He has also started sleeping in the doorway to our bedroom at nights and barks when he hears something unusual. I like to think he is on guard for us and am starting to feel that he would do anything to keep us safe. I love it. It makes me feel VERY safe and secure, especially when Chris is not home!

So, even though you had a rough week, puppy, we continue to love you more and more!