It’s all about Opal.

Opal, my little beagle puppy isn’t quite so little anymore. She has passed the ten-pound mark now. We are guessing she will be 22-24 pounds when full grown. She is still small enough to scoop up to get outside quickly, and for snuggles on our laps.

Opal started daycare and her Puppy Kindergarten class. (Of course, both at Cold Nose Lodge.) She has totally mastered the sit command. She was offering extra sits at her vet appointment this week, while showing off her big brown eyes. Puppies learn so quickly how to use their looks for extra attention and treats. Opal is still working on her down and coming when called with moderate success. She loves to earn treats, so that is helpful with her training.

I was reflecting on the ways our lives adapt when we have a puppy, similar to the early years with my human children. We make plans that fit the nap time schedule, and we don’t plan any long outings, unless the puppy can come along. Date night is take-out eaten at home and watching a streaming show. Activities are hikes and visits to pet-friendly places, like plant nurseries and wineries/breweries. Bed-time is early. Puppies don’t sleep in late and need to be escorted outside for morning potty time. Our lives are basically centered around Opal right now.

Any day, she will be losing her first tooth, but she is already a huge fan of chewing – on toys, on bones, on sticks in the yard, on shoes, etc. On the obsessive chewing days, I will try to remind myself that this is just a phase that only lasts a few months. We have toys and chews all over the house, so we can quickly redirect her to one of them if she makes any wrong choices on chew things.

We will soon be celebrating a high school graduation at our house, so Opal will be sharing the spotlight. I’m hoping she doesn’t mind.