The Secret To Puppies: Stuff To Chew On

If there's one thing our dogs know how to do, it's chew! We keep them in constant supply of toys and bones so we don't lose our towels, books, and pillows. Yes, that's the voice of experience speaking. I'm happy to stop at the dollar store and pick up more chews if it protects our actual stuff.

We've always had a challenge with Cooper's chewing. He's nine months old now, so we shouldn't be surprised that he thinks with his teeth. Last week he took all the cotton out of his Lambchop stuffy, but now it's his favorite (empty and floppy) toy in the box. I rescued this pig right before it met the same fate, and now it's an under-supervision-only chew toy.

He never goes anywhere with out something to entertain himself. The couch was Diesel's escape zone before Cooper was big enough to jump up, but know it's a perching and looking out the window spot for both of them. We have a herd of about 12 deer on the property right now, so it's a favorite spot to make sure all is right with the outside world.

I rocked Cooper's little brain in February. He's finally too big to get through the slats on the lower deck, so Diesel and I took him out there to explore. The more he uses his nose, the more energy he expends, so all those new smells were a huge hit. He was right up close and personal with some squirrels and a couple of deer, so that just made it even more exciting.

The one thing he's not big enough for yet is climbing the deck steps. Diesel's loving that because he can run up, escape the tiny dog, and see the entire property from high up. Then you get pitiful scenes like this, where Cooper cries a little because he's not able to participate in this one thing that Diesel can do. He'll get over it, I promise.

With all the chewing and playing and exploring, we end up with some very tired puppies. Diesel has a special set of blankets in the corner that are usually in a well-arranged new pile by morning, as he can be a little particular. And goodness gracious, if Cooper comes down to cuddle, there's usually a few growls before he gives in and they bed down for the night.

All the new chew toys and bones and trips outside are totally worth it when they fall asleep and are this cute. With warmer than normal temperatures for February and lots of sunshine, there are lots of napping spots, but my favorites are when they're right next to me.