Five months of Pupdates-Part 1 -9.27.24

 

Pupdates:Part 1
Yes, it's been awhile. It has been 5 months since I've had the time or energy to write. These pups have kept us on our toes.   They really do.    

Let's see if I can remember anything that has happened to share:

The pups got to chill out in the pool/pond a bit. We went to the farm a few times, I pulled out the pool for them to chill in, and we attended the end of the year splash.  Khors loves water.  He loves to swim & Peryn loves to just cool down.     It really makes my heart happy to see them enjoy life.

I'm sad to report there won't be anymore farm visits from here on out. Long story short, they're not renewing memberships. We have an alternate place to take them to have them have plenty of room to run.  I just don't like that we'll have other dogs around.  Khors is very particular about other dogs --and--if he gets over stimmed, he's a cranky boy. 

There are 2 other places we can take them next year to cool off--but we'll deal with that next year. 

Momma has left Peryn outside more often than she'd prefer.   Lada once ..and truthfully--I forget....   We're working on making that a thing of the past.

The purple herding ball died.   Lada finally broke through enough to pull up part of it & we had to pitch it. They REFUSE to play with the new one. We've worked on trying to get them to interact with it. Rich has gotten the boys to interact with it when HE plays with them. Lada still refuses to touch it.  She has taken to playing with one of the old soccer balls. Both her & Peryn.   They either "herd it" or play tug with it. 

We said "farewell" to their Jen.  She moved away early this week.  We luckily have Lissette come in to play with them Tues/Thurs.   Learning curve...the dogs getting used to playing with her instead of Jen and Lissette getting used to their play styles.

Well, let's get on with our pupdates....

Pupdate- Peryn

Last I wrote about Peryn, we had decided to start him on injections for his arthritis. 

Before I continue: if you stumbled upon this page randomly & have issues with the injection-we will not engage.  

Peryn is 8 1/2 years old and had began showing signs of mild arthritis.   

We have tried joint supplements, but to get him to take a pill (or anything he does not want) is a WWE match.  It takes way too much effort to give the dog anything that would benefit his health. Especially a daily one. Our vet told us about the injection, Librela, that helps dogs who have arthritis.   There is much controversy surrounding this drug.  I did my due diligence in reading both sides before putting Peryn on it. 

After his first shot, like days after,  we noticed an immediate difference.  Jen, who came to the house twice a week to play with them made the same observation. He had more pep in his step & was quite a bit more feisty.    

Peryn has been on the injection for 5 months now & we all agree it has definitely helped him.   He has so much more energy (or maybe not in as much pain?) and he is highly engaged in play.  Where he once just stood & barked when Lada played fetch, he is playing alongside of her. This is definitely new behavior. 

At first, by week 3, you could tell there was a wearing off period, but within 24 hours of the shot he was back at it. Now that he's been on it longer, the final week isn't as noticeable as before. Yesterday, his injection was a week over (over 30 days)   He didn't have noticeable decline either.   We're pleased with the outcome thus far with his injection.   

With his extra energy comes a boost to his A$$h0l3 gene. Daily he's a big pain. He's either taunting Khors with Khors favorite things, growling as Khors when he comes into the bedroom & may decide to jump on the bed. Khors does not take the bait. Peryn continues to play alongside Lada & still steals her balls (remember she is picky to which ones she wants to play with.  He enthusiastically jumps on your toes. He barks in your ear. He also snaps at Ziva when she wants to jump on the bed.  He demands to sit in the front seat of the car & will bully Lada out of the way so he can get it.  He barks and barks and barks when we get up to move in the house & its usually at the others. He just is just a big ole ray of sunshine.  

Physically he jumps in & out of the car, on the bed, and he bugs you more than ever-always wanting to play fetch.    

So fingers crossed we continue having positive effects.

Another change we have also noticed since Volos' passing, he's a bit more affectionate. Whether it's due to his sadness over Volos or his competition with Khors--unknown.  Peryn isn't really a cuddly dog--which is hilarious because we got the puppy so I could have a cuddle bug.    He wants affection on his terms and he's so awkward about it. He comes for attention & either over does it with licks or he growls when you pet or hug him because he doesn't care for being touched but he wants it at the same time. He's a weird little dude.

SO Peryn continues to be the biggest P.I.T.A.

Pupdate-Lada

Lada's bestie, Jen recently moved away.  We have a new person coming to play with them on Tues/Thurs. Peryn & Lada have known her their whole lives & she used to come let them out of their crates when they were first being crate trained.   It's been bumpy our first few days, but I am hoping by next week it will no longer be an issue.   Not sure how or when she'll realize she no longer will be seeing Jen.  

Things that are the same: Lada still is obsessed with Momma. She does NOT like sharing & gets in the others face if they attempt to come for any sort of loving.  It's a bit tiresome. She still cuddles with Momma when Momma is sitting down & still shares the pillow & blankets with me.  She still hates sharing her sister with anyone. SO if Ziva & Khors are playing or if Peryn attempts to play with Ziva, Lada is right there being the fun police-shutting it down.   

New Lada things- She & Khors have a weird dynamic.  The two of them absolutely love to run out together to chase after wild life & anyone walking on the trail.  If Khors is outside barking, she'll most likely jump up & head outside to bark alongside of him.  This only goes for the backyard though. 

Ever since we (Mom & I) took her on a drive throughout the area when we visited in May, she has taken to demanding to let her head out the window on drives lately.  It's cute because she hooks her arm over the door & leans her body out as much as she can.

A pretty significant change that happened since Volos' leaving is that she is scared of thunder, lightening, & gunshots.   Now both she & Peryn spent the first 2.5 years of their lives living next to an active gun range. So those types of noises didn't bother them.

After moving, we still hear the shots, but the distance & obstacles absorb a lot of the sounds--soo it was much more muffled.   Peryn ended up becoming petrified of rain & thunder because of day care.   The rain on the metal roof was loud to the point he hated being there when it rained (and eventually just being there).  

Peryn got WORSE because Volos was afraid of all sorts of noises-- beeps, alarms, thunder, & lightening....so the two boys would get all clingy & shaking when the noises presented themselves.   In the past year, Lada has taken on the same reactions. She shivers at thunder & lightening. And gunshots and fireworks. So she & Peryn are two peas in a pod when that happens.       

The difference that makes Lada much worse-- she tries to climb up me.  Her nails HURT. She digs her claws into me--usually on my upper torso-so I always end up getting hurt and trying to calm her down.   Fun times!

Otherwise Lada is the same. Still my loyal companion, BFF, co-pilot & guardian. 

Pupdate: Peryn, Lada, & Ziva

1.17.24-started this 1.11.24
Khors is going to need his own post 

Hey there! 
Sorry there hasn't been a lot of activity here or on the Facebook page.  I really am having a hard time finding inspiration or desire to put together something to post.   
Momma is really still having a hard time without Volos.  
Lots going on, just my heart still hurts.

Let's get to the updates:

Peryn:
Our Peryn boy just turned 8 on the 3rd. I know I suck that I didn't do a huge blog post.  I did post of FB.

I can't believe he's getting older.   

There has been some very noticeable change in him the past few months.   First we have the weight loss. Since Daddy now walks the dogs regularly on the days they do not go into daycare, he's gotten more exercise. The more exercise has trimmed off some of the extra bulk he had & that the Vet wanted him to work off. 

He's also a lot more engaged with the pack. Instead of only barking at them all, he's tried engaging in some play. He has played tug with Ziva a bit & has attempted on several occasions to wrestle with her.   
Additionally, he's more affectionate.  That's kind of big as he's always been a bit standoffish and hates being touched too much. 

He definitely is mellowing in some ways (Others-not so much).  One down side behavior that has gotten worse is that he likes to follow me around & stay RIGHT.AT.MY.FEET.  I trip over this butthead so much cause HE'S RIGHT THERE!!!!

He's also started taking to hanging out alone in the bedroom (on the bed of course) when it's too "chaotic".

His distaste for rain has diminished a bit. Before he refused to step outside if it was raining at all. Due to the walks Daddy has been providing, he's had to walk in the rain a number of times.   So he'll step outside to use the restroom if he has to.   That's a good improvement.

Not exactly sure how much is related to age or circumstances.  He has accepted Khors and they have a tentative friendship.    

Don't get me wrong.... Peryn is still very much an A$$ H0l3.   He still steals Lada's tennis balls. Still takes Khors toys to taunt him with.  Still steals bones & bed spots.    So a few tiny steps forward I guess...

I do appreciate the "softer" side of Pear Bear though.....

Lada-

Lada is Lada.   Both she & Peryn got to go on a car ride down to KY to pickup Gramma (& later drop off).  So she was in HEAVEN to see one of her favorite people.
Whenever they're together, Gramma & Lada do a bit of cuddling together. I love capturing these moments.  

Another thing that Lada got to experience was her most favorite person (aside from us) came back.   Her Jen had to be away for a few months (the entire time we've had Khors truthfully) and is back.  Lada did get to see her once during that time for a few minutes, but the day she came back.....Lada was in heaven!  
She's known Jen for practically her whole life & Jen always has taken time to play with her -as well as love on her.   So she's had her back a few times & is just as happy as can be.  

She also has taken on playing with/joining in the wrestling between Khors & Ziva.   She doesn't necessarily play with Khors, but she joins in on the ganging up on Ziva.   She loves her baby sis.

She's gotten incredibly possessive of me.  Khors comes to me often for affection & Peryn is doing so more often, so she gets up in paws about it.  I absolutely laugh & love the sounds she makes when she is unhappy with sharing me.

I love my lil girl.   She's my BFF-co-pilot.

Ziva....

Ziva is a very happy girl.   She first mourned Volos' loss more deeply than the others & it was heartbreaking.   She adored him so much.   

Khors has DEFINITELY eased that & given her a new outlook. She absolutely loves her baby brother.  She randomly comes up to him to start playing or wrestle.   I hear the two of them are non-stop at daycare. 

She is more engaged in playing of some sort at home.  She hasn't "annoyed" me as much due to boredom since she really shouldn't have any.

Just like with Volos, she & Khors are always near each other.  They definitely are BFFs.  

She too is super happy that Jen is back as she loves her too.   She also was SUPER happy to see Gramma.   Gramma was there when we picked her up. She was there at Christmas & on vacation... Gramma is the best.

Otherwise, there isn't much else new with Z.  She's just happy to have a companion again. She still adores her older sister & still follows her around in the basement when they play--she just ends up playing with Khors most of the time. 

Ziva is a beautiful, sweet, adorable girl who is super happy with her family.

Happy Birthday Lada!

 Wishing a happy birthday to my constant companion.  By BFF.  My ride or die girl.

She's been a solid steady presence at my side since day 1.   She may drive me insane some days, but she's my constant.   Couldn't ask for a better BFF

Really do need a camera 24/7

 Hey Crew fans!

Happy June!   It's definitely warming up & the pups aren't much of a fan.   

Ziva, who the previous 2 summers was active in the heat, no longer loves it.   She has quit staying outdoors (if there is no shade) and loves being inside the air condition.  We often find her in the bathroom or basement just lying there.  Poor girl, I think she's officially an adult Berner at this stage. 

In case you missed it on the FB page, daycare took a GORGEOUS photo of the girl ....

Isn't she such a beauty??

OH! And I can't believe I didn't do a post on the day. Such a bad Momma I am. I did post on the FB page...which is kind of the whole point of having it....so I can do quick updates. 
Anyhow....  Last Saturday Ziva turned 2. 

Plus DAYCARE DID This!!!

 

Daycare loves my girl!!!

Wow, at first I didn't think I'd have enough to make a long post, but as I write I find I do have stuff!!!!
AND...to top it off, want to see pics of Ziva's Momma, sister Rixie, & Sister Penny???

Beauties.   In truth, Christine D, who bred a number of pups from Rosie & prior to that, Digity, really has bred gorgeous Berners. Wish I could share all the pups whose pics are shared in the group.   

So the title of this post. 

I've said it before and I know I'll say it again a 100x, I truly need a camera going ALL.THE.TIME. 

Last night I ran to the store for some groceries. I picked up 3 toys (Peryn, Ziva, & Volos) as well as a bag of chews for the guys.

-BORDER PATROL-

The dogs have taken it upon themselves as of the past year or so to inspect all packages & bags brought into the house.  I guess their spoiled butts have recognized I usually get then something.   So EVERY item that comes through the front or garage door has a nose in them. It's mostly Volos & Ziva as they are the 2 that enjoy the what I bring home the most. 

Came home, backed in as I always do.  Open the trunk the dogs have now made it out to the garage to greet me.   Then VOLOS....the one with joint & leg issues...hops up on his hind legs to start inspecting the bags. 
Of course the bag with their stuff is at the front of the bags in the corner.  When he gets to this bag he begins shoving his nose inside and starts to pull out the first toy he can,   He's hilarious when it comes to getting something he wants. 

Of course Rich takes the bag to the kitchen (including the toy) and puts it on the counter so we can finish unloading.   Volos then hovers around the island looking up at the bags, trying to locate THEIR bag. 

He NEVER does this if there is food (Ziva does however). He usually patiently waits in the dining area on the carpet.   
NOPE! Not when there is a toy.

Proceeded to distribute the toys (I let Volos pick from the 3). Ziva & Peryn grab theirs & head to the living room to honk & squeak. 

Then, as always, Ziva has to get up to try and take Volos' toy. Well, not really take. She LOVES to play tug with him. Seriously it is her favorite thing.  So of course they start to tug & eventually a hole rips into the toy.   

Peryn starts his whipping HIS toy around and Lada just barks, barks, barks. 

And a reminder to why Lada does not get a toy. 
She ONLY likes tennis balls. NO OTHER TOY. When she does play with another toy, it's usually on her own & when she can rip it up.

Lada got a new toy over the weekend anyhow. Her toy is expensive. 

I broke the ball launcher at the farm on Saturday.   I used Petsmart's same day delivery to buy a new launcher & a BUNCH of tennis balls. It was delivered & she happily is fetching in the basement with the new balls. 
I even was smart enough to buy a small 3 pack of Kong squeaky tennis balls for the other 3 so they'd leave Lada's balls alone. 

Do I even need to tell you that Volos helped himself to that bag when it was delivered & proceeded to open the tennis ball bunch???

Again, another not caught on "film".   

The patio is ready for the summer and that also means more outside playing.   
The pool opened for the summer.

Lada is still Lada. Loving on her Momma. Loving her fetch. Being the "momma hen"

And to end this post, in case you missed it or wanted to see it again, I give you Peryn in the black hole of the comforter

September 28 2022-Loving the weather thru Oct 7

Fall is here 

The Berners are in heaven. They LOVE this cooler weather.   

As of late it feels as though all the dogs are fighting to get attention from Momma.   It didn't help that I was out late on Saturday. Gone most of the day & coming home around 2:30AM as I attended a concert with some friends, they are not used to my being away for long. 

The greeting I got was very enthusiastic. They are also clingy.     Additionally, Lada seems to get lost in the fight. Being the smallest, she sometimes gets "buried" in the mass of fur.   
She's getting more "possessive" and snapping at the others when they come for attention.  
This morning I had to bring her up on my lap to have a "chat". 

I told her she was my special girl and I'm sorry if she thinks she isn't getting enough attention, but because my lap is always reserved for her as well as the spot next to my pillow--my outward showing of love might make it seem I don't love her.   However she is very loved and is the only one who holds those spots.    Poor girl.   

Reminder

Don't forget to check the Facebook page when there isn't any updates here.   I can update FB on the fly or in the moment, so there is always something there.     
The blog here is our recap or longer thoughts or anecdotes of what happened.  

https://www.facebook.com/thecouchcrew2022/

What's been up

The past week has been very busy here.   On Friday of last week my friend (and one of Peryn's favorite people) came over and we walked the boys on the path.   It was a gorgeous day & enjoyable.  

Sunday, cousin Zenia, came for a visit.   We took them all to the Farm. It was an awesome time.  Watching Zenia explore and experience new things put a smile on our face.   Nothing is cuter than watching a dog experience something the first time & loving it.  

The one downside to the weather has been the rain, particularly the storms. The boys do not do well with them.  While I have gotten additional lap time with Volos, it's not all fun & games.

See what I mean?

Started this post over a week ago.  Apologize if it isn't cohesive.  Trying to get my bearings of what photos, info, & such were last shared. 10/7/22

The Boys

The boys have been staying home from daycare together.  They've gotten walks & plays. They still are up to their shenanigans

Lada-Oct 7
Today is little girl's 6th birthday.   

MISC FB Updates

Shout out to our biggest Fans

Saying HI to our biggest & most loyal supporters.

Sisters=BFFs

In case you're wondering how the girls are doing at daycare, without their brothers? Wonder no more. They're still BFFs.

Pupdate July 2022

 HEY!   

How are you dealing with these hot temps?   Volos-not. a. fan.  Neither is Momma.   Ziva, Peryn, & Lada deal with it by jumping in the nearest body of water--pool or pond.   

The heat though is not going to keep Z down. She is going to play, play, play.  She is such an active dog.  Of all our dogs that have gone to play-care, she is the one who loves it the most. 

We just celebrated the 1 year anniversary of bringing her home.  Hard to believe that time has flown by with her growing so fast & finding her place in the pack.  She really brought life to it that is for sure.  We have never had this active of a pack since Galen & Sheba were a two-some.     

She really loves being around other dogs and then her favorite humans.  Lada is her BFF and Volos is her "Big Brother" whom she absolutely adores.   For a dog that didn't like other dogs being up & in his business, he has definitely acclimated to her presence. 

Then there is Ziva & Lada.  BFFs who have knock down, drag out fights.  It's a wrestling match of some sort or another on our couch nightly.    For two dogs of way different sizes & builds, it's so interesting to watch them wrestle & no one gets hurt. 

On a good day Lada gets to wrestle with both Ziva & Volos (not at the same time.   She really loves her pack immensely--always has.

Peryn's had a few rough days here & there with the storms. He is NOT a fan of storms --particularly when thunder is involved.   

I always talk about how crazy it is on the days they're home from play-care.  I actually shot a bunch of videos one such day & put together a video outlining just a part of our day to give you a small glimpse into my insanity.

This week I have been on a staycation. One that I have very much needed. I was originally supposed to head to TN to spend the 3rd anniversary of my Dad's passing with my Mom & Bro, but plans changed.

Volos has been loving EVERY MINUTE of it. We've gone on car rides, visited the pet store, got him treats, pets... he's LOVED having Momma around. We've even had some early morning cuddles after the rest of the pack left for the day.

Today is the last day of stay-cay & I'm trying to think of a good place to take him.  He actually didn't want to get in the car earlier today. This is highly unusual. He LIVES for going places in the car. Has since day 1 so this was very weird. He's acting normal, so maybe he just wasn't feeling it. 

Our neighbors are moving & they're pretty sure the new neighbor has a dog.  Very interested to see how this will play out.  Will they have a new friend, enemy, or will it be a non-issue?      Fingers x'd that its a playful friend for Ziva.

To end this entry, since Peryn wasn't discussed too much in detail, we'll give you a few photos of the handsome PITA.....

  

 

Fall Update

 So much time has gone by since our last update, I feel like there is so much I should have to tell.   However I don't think I can think of anything off the top of my head. 

AS of late, I have been so busy with work, appointments, the dogs, and all that I don't have time to write.  Tues & Wednesdays are out. The dogs are home & demand so much freaking attention & participation from me that I do not have time to sit on the PC. 

Also, the set up in my office--if I don't have my laptop plugged in there nothing is getting done.  I get so focused on work that everything else is out the window.   

So the pups are mostly doing well.  The house is definitely chaos when they are home.  Their personalities all bring some sort of craziness to the table.   Lada with her extreme love of Mommy & fetch (only with a tennis ball!), Peryn with his demanding of fetch with whatever toy he drops at your feet or his goading Volos into chasing him. Volos who's newest love is to climb into Mommy's lap.   Yep. 68# of fur loves to be cuddled up with Momma.   I actually love it!  He's such a big baby.   He still loves hoarding all the toys, but "allows" Ziva to take what she wants.   He still plays with Lada in some of the calmer moments.   Then we have the baby, Ziva. 

She is ....seriously we love this girl. She is so sweet & fun & energetic.  She loves play care.  Has a blast running all around.  

She's SOOOOOOOOOO BIG.  We currently do not have any way to weigh her, but I just saw a post that her Mom is 101# & sister Rixie is 53#.  Ziva is on the lean side.  I'm going to say she's about 49ish #.   Not too far off from Volos! 

Everyone loves her.  Seriously, day care we hear about how cute she  is. Rich gets stopped on his walks because people have to take a picture.    SHE LOVES EVERYONE.  This is the most well-adjusted dog I've had in.... EVER.  

Good news/bad news.  Currently she seems to be favoring Rich over me.   Part of me is sad since I want ALL the puppies, but really this is what we wanted for him.  She is so over joyed when he comes home from work.  She also likes to climb into his lap for some interaction in the evenings.   Rich of course is so happy because Volos & Lada clearly prefer me.  Peryn is a mixed bag.  Hard to tell as he isn't a cuddly dog.  

Rich takes her & Peryn on walks in the park at minimum 3x week. She tolerates it, but she'd rather be doing other things. She loves the interaction with the people & dogs she sees.

We went back to the farm & Janet (owner) was there with their pack of dogs. She & the dogs played with Ziva. Ziva was in heaven!  We haven't gotten to go back yet because one thing or another keeps us from going. 

Ziva--loves her pack.  Whether or not they feel the same....shrugs.   Volos allows her to be right next to him in his spot, allows her to steal from him, PLAYS TUG with her, & just all around puts up with her.   She tends to stick by him the most.  

Peryn-- he treats her like he treats the rest. He barks or growls at her for different things..... I'm waiting for the day they play tug.

Lada--She tolerates her. She deals with her being by Mommy when it's Lada cuddle time. She does play with her at day care from what I hear.  They've played here once that I saw.  I think they may have played tug.. Can't really remember. 

So yeah, it is definitely more action around the house than previously.   

On the downside,  as of late Little Z has had some GI issues.  A lot has to do with the stuff she tends to pick up on & chew (and swallow).  Last week she ended up eating a jar of my Eczema balm & I had to do an online chat with a Vet to determine if I needed to take her to my vet.   Luckily I didn't , but there were consequences from that.  
Currently we're going on 36 hrs of issues.  Vet was closed today, so I will call in the am.   Rich & I said we wouldn't be surprised if she ate a rock or two.  This girl has been obsessed with the rocks that surround the patio.   This dog is constantly picking up things she is NOT supposed to have & chewing/swallowing. 

She stole my Hawaiian Scooby off the shelf (AGAIN) & destroyed the grass skirt & tag.  It is extremely hard to find this one.  SO I am a tad bid upset about that.  She is getting taller, so she reaches higher. Takes things off the taller side tables.  Shoes. paperwork. Above mentioned balm.    
We will be so glad when teething is over with.  

SO as I said, she's having some issues that have gone on too long now.  So cha ching to the vet we will go. X-rays will probably happen.   

So i think I am going to wind this up.  I need to go prep the pics to share with you.

Thanks for checking in.   

Pupdate Aug 27 2021

Starting this Aug 25, but will I finish it the same day?  We shall see.

Yes, you would think with a puppy that I would have tons to write about. I do actually, but the problem is in finding time to do it.

A few weeks back we made the decision to "cut back" on how often the dogs go to play-care a week.  Financially speaking, by doing this we can stretch the 10 day visits so we're paying right around payday.  Play care for 3 is expensive.     For 4 it's going to require some finagling.  When we had Duchess & Athena, they didn't go all the time, so it was easy to do back then.  Duchess chose when she wanted to go & Athena depended on how she was physically.       This is also when we had M, W, F daycare days. 

Currently they aren't open on Wed.  Adding in our cutting back, I now have the dogs with me Tues & Wed.  Normally it's crazy, but adding in the pup just adds that much more to it.   There is an extra "intensity" to my days home.    I really wish it weren't that way, but nothing I can change about it. 

Which one to start with? We'll go oldest to youngest....

VOLOS

Dude has completely come out of his shell.  He's more confident in his place within the pack & has no issues demanding what he wants.  He wants Mommy to pay attention to him? I'll climb right up on top of here.  This floor is annoying, he climbs up on the bed (dog/human).   

He engages more when I'm downstairs playing with the Heelers.  He gets involved in his own way. It's really a joy to see.  It really makes me smile when he's in the middle of the floor playing in his own way with the others.    He is such a happy boy.    

Lada & Him have been a bit "left out" as Rich walks Ziva & Peryn together.   TO make it up to them, I took them to Petsmart the other day.   Volos enjoys it as the toys are at his level & he always gets to take one home. 

We found him a long floppy stuffed horse with squeakies.  He took it and carried it around the store. Everyone that saw him started smiling, laughing , or had to say something about him picking his toy. He wouldn't let it go even when it was time to check out. I had to rip the cardboard label off it so they could ring it up. 

He doesn't run from Ziva anymore. He doesn't engage her either. However, they are usually side by side.  He doesn't snap at her when she goes into is stash to take something (usually).   It's like he won't admit it, but he's fond of her.     

Currently he has an issue with his front left leg/paw. He started limping last night & still has it this morning.   I laid on the floor with the dogs a bit ago & gave his shoulder, leg, & paw a massage.   I think he wasn't limping as much after, but he only walked from the house to the outside, so I need to see him walk further. 

Volos' relationship with the other 2 is still the same. With Peryn it's very adversarial with toys & with Lada, he's gentle around her. They still occasionally "air fight" (don't know what else it's called) with their mouths.      Pretty much he's a pretty happy & loving bear.

PERYN

Sigh.   Right now he's not really one of my favorites. His A*H*ishness has intensified.  He's been getting yelled at more & more.  He snarls & snaps at Ziva quite often. He's still a BIG JERK with Volos & toys.  
Actually the dog is insane. When it comes to taunting V with toys, he uses ANY MEANS NECESSARY to escape when V comes at him. This includes ducking under the open recliner, jumping over & on the recliner (in which we are on-therefore on us), over the couch (back behind us on the couch).   He's just a big jerk.   
He injures me, he's injured my Mom, & I'm sure someone else will get hurt if they're here when he tries this.    

Otherwise he is the same old cattle dog he usually is.  Wants to play ball/fetch ALL.THE.TIME.  Went to my BFFs house this weekend & her dog is just like Peryn with fetch. Would not stop. Barks when you ignore him. Throws it down when he wants you to throw.   Definitely was interesting to see it from another side. 

He's still very affectionate when he comes home from play-care or when it's lighting &thunder..otherwise no changes.

Occasionally when we are outside playing fetch, Ziva likes to run along with them.   He ignores her mostly then, but that's the extent of her playing with him. 

We're not sure, BUT he might be trying to play with her a teeny bit.  We'll catch instances where he's tempting Volos, but if she is near he tends to get in front of her.   Not sure if it is coincidental or not, but we're still unsure. 

LADA

Crazy girl is still crazy. She's been feeling left out as Daddy does not take her when Ziva gets walked.  Lada isn't a consistent walker, so for training to walk on a leash, she's not the best candidate.  She has at least 3x that I have witnessed attempted to engage Z in play.   Lada's ways are subtle, so I don't know if Z didn't recognize it for what it was or not.   However, I have hope.   

Lada doesn't snap or growl at her too much. I think she understands that I will not have that unless it's because Z nipped at her wrong.  But if Z approaches me & Lada growls, I shut that down.  

Ziva has become fixated on Lada a bit.   Whenever they play fetch now (especially in the basement) she is always running right next to Lada & trying to engage her in play.  Lada ignores this mostly either by ignoring or avoiding her.      Ziva really is taken with Lada when they play with the ball. 

I am trying to give her my extra attention so she does not get jealous or hateful towards Z.   No need to start another fight if we can help it.   

Lada puts up with a lot of Ziva's actions quite well.  I really am hoping they can be friends one day soon. 

ZIVA

Vet update: At last visit she was 27.3# & her heart murmur is almost completely gone. Vet said it was very faint.   Yay for that.    She is HUGE.    I remember Lada as a puppy, her growth wasn't so discernable.  I guess the same with Peryn. It felt like they were taking time to grow.   Maybe because their sizes between puppy & adult weren't so significant. 
Ziva however is BIG. She's bigger than Lada & almost as big as Peryn.   Every morning it's like she either grew out length or height wise. It's a jolt seeing how she changes from day to day. Her back legs are long, they seem to grow quickest so she's always hitched up in the back. 
She makes lots of noises when she lies there trying to sleep. I think it's her growing pains.  

She is a beauty though & we love her so much. She has a pretty chill temperament. She takes most things in stride.   When she isn't being chill, she's acting like a puppy. Going from toy to toy. Picking up everything she isn't supposed to.  Biting with those puppy vampire teeth.   
She is ...wary of the vacuum & rug cleaner.  I don't know if she's scared exactly, but she does move away from them when they are being used.   

House training is still going on. It's a bit of back & forth. One or two days she'll go completely outside. Then the next day she pees all inside (on the puppy pads).  We're going longer at night in between outings, so that is good.  Our biggest (or I should say HER) issue is not alerting us that she needs to go outside.  
I need to keep reminding myself that she IS A PUPPY, so this is not unheard of. Peryn & Lada were having issues in their later months, so if she doesn't have it down at 3 months..that isn't unusual. 

We've begun training. The past few days we haven't had much time & I avoid training around the others.  They get a chance to get a treat & it's chaos.     I will just keep re-iterating the commands as much as possible. We've got sit, paw, crate, come.   I've attempted stay....and that's definitely a work in progress. I also need to work on down, off, up, & leave it.   
She is very engaged when we train, so that is encouraging. 

She loves toys & most recently has begun to play tug.  She's pretty strong for her size (or I am that weak).  She also likes taking toys & "whipping' her head around. She seems likes she most wants to play physically, like wrestle.   None of mine have done this in some time, so I know when the time comes she is going to LOVE play-care.

She loves lying on top of A/C vents.   Definitely a Berner trait--not liking being hot. She loves to get into stuff. The worst was tearing up my baby blanket. My Grandma crocheted each of us a baby blanket that I still use.  It needs repairing or some work to stop the fraying. 

If it is in her reach & not for her, she will take it.   If it is in her reach & FOR HER, she ignores it. You know, typical puppy behavior. She likes to mirror her siblings, so having them along for our routines has been helpful.

A perfect example is bottles. She is very much like Galen was when it comes to plastic bottles. She loves to work the caps off & she loves to chew on them.  Even when there is still stuff in them. Made the mistake of leaving a Gatorade bottle of fruit punch with a drink or two left.   Found her chewing the bottle & I had to clean up the spilled FP on the carpet.

Another favorite thing she loves are the landscaping rocks around our patio. She loves to lie in them, roll in them, dig in them, & chew on them. Don't know what it is about them, but she is fascinated with them.

Took her to meet my BFF this past weekend.  She had a BLAST.   Between my friends dogs, daughters, & the other guests, Z was quite busy. Her one daughter went outside to run around with Z.  By the time we went to leave, Z wouldn't even lift her head. She was T I R E D.  She was carried out to the car.   

It makes me sad watching the others ignore her when she wants to play.  Along with what I saw this weekend, I can't wait until she's fully vaccinated to be able to send her to play with other dogs.  My biggest fear is she won't be completely house broken & this will throw it off--but girl needs this. She is a young pup with lots of energy that she is unable to expel on her siblings. 
I can tell you what is going to happen when she goes though.  She will find friends & begin to play & Lada will come in & interrupt like she does with all her other siblings & like she did with Duchess.   

Finished 8/27

Pupdate: August 2 2020

 Hi.   A lot happened since the post from a week ago and I decided to do the Ziva update first.    Now that that has happened, I'll give you the regular pupdate. 

Lada: Lada my ever faithful side-kick & travelling companion. We drove down to Tenn for the 2nd anniversary of my father's passing.  Mom, Dave, Lada, Ricky, & I relaxed in the super hot mid Tennessee weather.  
Lada still demanded to play.  Due to the heat, our play sessions were shorter...much shorter, but they were longer.     

She loves visiting Grandma. She loves "playing" with Uncle Dave.   She tolerates Ricky.  She is not a fan of Ziva.    She does not like sharing me and Ziva is young and requires a lot of attention--no. just no. Ziva tries to get her to play with her, but Lada isn't ...

Peryn is Peryn.   He is a tiny bit more affectionate than before, but otherwise nothing new with him.   Same AH behavior.  He ignores Ziva---but I believe he'll be the first to break down & play with her.   Stay tuned. He & Volos tried to break into her pen before they knew it was "HER" pen.  I bought her some toys that they want. 

Volos.  Dude is really coming out of his shell.   THREE new firsts this past week and a half.  First he jumps up on the couch, without prompting,  for cuddles.  We used to have to call him up and assist him. Not anymore.  He wants attention, he climbs up and demands it from you .
Second new thing, He laid on the dog bed.   ALL this time he has not once laid on anything other than the floor, bed, or couch.   The dog bed that has sat in our living room forever  has only been used by Lada & Peryn, until Yesterday.  Shocked the heck outta me.   

Third-- This morning he jumped up on the bed in my office & proceeded to stay there.   Never done it before   Safe to say he feels confident in his place here and knows we'll not hurt him. 

He absolutely doesn't want anything to do with Ziva.  Runs from her.  She follows him EVERYWHERE...he hates it. 

ZIVA: 
Day 5-  She's a character!   She absolutely loves the route behind the couch. She loves sleeping under the patio chairs as we sit outside.  She's growing so much.   
She really is a sweet, chill dog.    The most she gets worked up about is being put in her crate or pen.   In fact today we put her in the pen so we could run to Target. Came home to her lying in the kitchen, patiently waiting for us.      No destruction evident... (we'll let you know if that changes)