Ollie

After Italy came Ollie. My brother-in-law drove me down to PA to pick him up from the breeder who bred Harpo. It was a really nice trip and we drove home with a cute little lamb dog with a big chocolate kiss nose.

That was Oct. 19th. I would have to say that Bedlingtons are the best breed in the world. They are loving, loyal, funny, cozy, and they are one of the few breeds that doesn't mind spending time alone. I have also found them to be very easily trainable.

Until Ollie. My breeder pointed out that she was a bit concerned because he would not submit to his mother. At age 12 weeks, she would try to wrestle him to the ground and he would immediately jump up and bite her ears. Fortunately, my ears are a lot further from the floor, though when he can he loves to lick them and perhaps give them a tiny nibble to wake me up in the morning.

But Ollie has developed some fairly unacceptable traits. He tries to rip my clothes off, when I'm getting dressed or undressed; he bites me whenever we disagree on something; he does not submit, he comes right back for more and when he realizes I have the upper hand he barks incessantly and then bites me some more. This is by no means constant. When this isn't happening, which is about 3 times a day for 15 minutes, he is perfect. He loves to play on his own, chase his tail, cozy up. Lots of good things. But he is very strong-willed.

We are enrolled in dog training class. I have little hope. I also have little energy. I think I will hire someone to take him on long walks several times a week, which I can't afford, but I would as happily find him a new home. It makes me sad. Look at him. The cutest thing you ever saw?