It's me Joy.....

Hi Everybody

This is Joy posting for my Dad Larry, he has been really busy .. I'll tell you all about it.

Ok, Ok This is what happened.. K, Last month on the 4th of August my Dad woke me up really early, I went outside to go to the potty then Dad said,"Cmon Joy we got a long ride ahead of us." We went up to the car, now I'm worried, I haven't had breakfast yet. We get in the car, I'm thinking maybe we are going to see my friends at the Vets, but no Dad just drives right on by the office and keeps on going. We ride over through Moorsville and Dad gets on the freeway. We drive , and drive, and drive. Dad stops at a rest stop, I get out of the car to go potty and he gets me some water.

We get back in the car and away we go again, this is pretty cool cause I really like to ride in the car. We keep driving and all of a sudden it starts getting warm in the car, the Air Conditioning decides to stop working. Dad doesn't panic too bad just rolls down the windows and keeps on driving. He is playing the AC controls and all of a sudden I here a noise, makes me bark, and we look outside the windows and see a puff of smoke come out from behind the car. Dad said a bad word, but looks at all the guages and decides to to keep on driving.. He gives me a drink in the front seat as we are going and don't ya know I spill it all over the place. Dad's real cool though he doesn't get mad or anything I'm thinking the water cooled him off a bit, it was really getting hot out. Pretty soon the directions lady starts talking on Dads phone telling us to turn here, turn there and then we arrive at where we are going.. It's really hot, there is noone there to meet us, cause Dad said Cousin Ed is at work and we are early. So me and Dad go over to the neighbors and get some water for me to drink, and the lady there was really nice, gave Dad a bottle of water too.
So after a little while Dad's Cousin Ed shows up and lets us in the house, it is a pretty nice house that we are going to live in, real big yard with lots, and lots of tall grass to explore. So after a while we go get something to eat for Dad, I get my Dinner, Dad said he didn't feed me that morning cause he didn't want to get me car sick, lol I NEVER get car sick..
So for the past month me and Dad have been going on long walks every morning and evening, here in Southwest Pennsylvania where we moved to. Dad said he needed to get back with his family, most of his Cousins live close around here. I have met some of them, they are all pretty nice, they like me so that makes me and Dad happy.

Ok all about how I'm growing and stuff, I'm getting really bigger, I have all of my big girl teeth, I weighed 43 pounds last week when Dad weighed me. He is giving me some different food, it's called Wellness Dad adds a little bit to my Eukanuba so I don't have any problems with my tummy, he says eventually I'll just be eating the just Wellness, Dad says it is really good for me. He has been researching for a long time.

We have been going to obedience school for the past couple of Tuesday evenings. We have some pretty cool other puppies in our class, all different kinds of dogs. Dad says I'm doing pretty good, Janellle thinks I'm doing pretty good too, she is the teacher, but she thinks I need a treadmill to help me get rid of some of this energy I have.. She says I'll calm down as I get older. I just love to meet people and I get pretty hyper, but once I meet everybody I calm down most of the time. I've learned sit, down leave it, take it. I already knew sit and wait, cause Dad does that when we go in and out of the house, I have to wait until he says it's ok to go through the door, I'm not allowed to rush out or in..

Dad says he will post some pictures of me in a few days, he has to get some batteries for his camera. Dad was really happy the other day, I let him have one of my baby canine teeth to put in with his important stuff. It's just a bottom one but it made him happy.

That is all the news I have to tell you today. I'm sure Dad will post something soon, we just got our internet set up the day before yesterday.. Took a whole month to get a guy out to install the cables..

Pss't don't tell Dad I'm using his computer, he might think I'm chewing on it, I chew on a lot of things, and I think he doesn't like it when I do that.

News from Joy.

Joy is growing in leaps and bounds.

We went to her first "Puppy" Training class last night after the huge rain/tornado warning storms..

Of course Joy took it all in stride, and the instructor Christen said that Joy is a very well balanced young lady. We learned a lot of stuff in a very short amount of time.. The class was held at the West Shores Animal Hospital where we take our critters to see the doc when necessary.

There were all kinds of smaller dogs in attendance, a Minature Dachsund, Chihuaha, a little Beagle, even a Dust Mop looking Bichon Frise. The only problem we had was Joy didn't particularly care for the Beagle smelling her tush. LOL

Peggy, Dr. Reeds wife was supposed to be there to open the office, but was unable to come so we did the class outside, boy was it hot and muggy.

I took Joy back this morning as we needed Interceptor for Billie and I wanted to know how much she weighs. I was thinking about 200 lbs but in reality she only weighs in at 31.8 pounds. Still a pretty good weight for a 4 month old. She is about 17 inches at the shoulder and like I said growing in leaps and bounds. Seems she grows right before my eyes.

2010-0630 - Homecoming ;)

The last weekend of this month was Larry's Family Reunion. This was going to be his first trip away from home since Joy arrived. He left the morning of the 25th and all appeared to be well. Joy didn't seem to be overly concerned that Dad wasn't around, she went about her routine just like always. He called several times over the weekend and a couple of times, Joy could hear his voice coming through the phone. She stopped dead in her tracks and looked around for him but when she didn't see him, she just went on about her business.

Until he came home! Oh my! It was THE cutest thing ever! He went by Enterprise on his way back to drop off the car so he wouldn't have to deal with it in the morning and when they brough him home, Joy and I were out in the kennel. Billie was already barking about the strange car and then Joy started huffing and giving little barks (just to let Billie know she wasn't slacking off but she really had no clue what the barking was all about!).

It was really kinda strange, Joy wasn't acting like anything - not excited, not happy, just like Dad came home in a strange car every day. I think it disappointed Larry a bit 'cause he was missing his girl like crazy!

All that changed when we got into the bedroom and he started dropping his bags on the bed. That's when Joy actually *saw* her Dad! Before it was just a figure with a lot of things hanging off him and it didn't mean anything. But as soon as Larry let all the baggage go, Joy went nuts! She started squirming and worming and whining and hollering and wagging her whole body!! It brought tears to my eyes to see her being so thrilled to have her Dad home again! And I know it warmed Larry's heart to the max! :D

2010-0618 - Vet visit!

A visit to the vet can't begin until Joy gets her fair share of attention from the staff!



Well, today was the "BIG DAY"!
The day Joy got the last of her Puppy Vaccines and her first Rabies shot today and took it like the wee trooper she is. There was a quick whimper and then all was well in her world again. And because she's finally gotten her Rabies shot, we were able to get her signed up for puppy classes starting on 13 July. Yay!! Can't wait to get some serious training under way.

Larry had cajoled me into letting her wear her "big girl" collar a couple of days ago so she proudly showed that off to all the attentive ladies in the office!

Can you believe she's
pounds already! Whew! I can tell when I try to pick her up! And every time I do, I can hear the warnings from Cathy's hubbs - "If you don't want a 100 pound dog on your lap in a few months - don't put her on her lap now!" LOL And there she is ... on my lap! She's doing the same thing her dad, Ice, did ... gets up on the couch and then nuzzles her way behind my back just a gruntin' and groanin' the whole time! And there I am laughing like crazy.

Wrong? Oh yeah, way wrong, but man, she's soooo freakin' CUTE!

My wrists are looking like I went a couple of rounds with a piranha! Joy's teeth are sooo sharp and my wrists are small enough that her little mouth just goes around them so easily :( Larry's been telling me that I'm asking for trouble with the way I love on her, but you gotta realize - I'm first a cat lover! Never had a dog until Buffy & Billie came into my world, so all my "loving methods" are based on what I learned with cats and they like their heads and ears stroked and scratched. So I head for Joy's head and ears - just like I did with Buffy & Billie! Well, it seems Buffy & Billie never got the "play with my head and I get to bite you" routine like Joy has. And too, Joy's got a "round" head. Every dog I've ever gotten to love on has a knob on the top of their head - Joy doesn't - it's a smooth, round head - no bumps and it's soooo darn CUTE!!! I just love rubbing her head... not so crazy about the bites though! I've been paying close attention lately and only sneak in a head rub every once in a while and the wrist bites have been dramatically minimized.

She's got this howling kinda thinger going on that can really pop an ear drum! She doesn't do it very often and at first we thought it might be separation anxiety 'cause the first time she did it was when Larry was taking Billie up the hill, but today we had a new visitor and oh dear! She let out her howling/yelping sound thinger and it was not for being separated! This was a new person and she wanted to get next to Nicole in the worst way! The cuteness of that behavior wore off real fast and into the crate whe went!

She does real well with the crate and for that we are truly blessed! :) She goes in without any stalling or balking and the only time she whines to come out is in the morning - after spending the whole night (about 6 silent hours). We (and the vet) are pretty impressed with this little girl!

2010-0613 - Summer has arrived! :(

Oh my! Summer has decided to make her appearance and is doing so with just about everything she's got! Three days running of 90 degree F plus temps and today looks like it's going to be the worst of the three. It was 80 degrees F at 9:30 this morning - blech! Joy absolutely dislikes the heat! She's on the AC vents every chance she gets and when she's not actually covering them, she's close to them!

Over the past two weeks the statement heard from our own lips and everyone who's been by has been: "My God! She's growing soooo fast!"

We did one of those "hold the pup, weigh us both, then weight me" thingers and came up with 19 pounds. Then did some height measurements and came up with 14" at her shoulders with another 5.75" of neck and head. Not real scientific, but we're dealing with a squirmy pupper her! LOL




Friday afternoon she was trying to get up on the sofa and in one of those "not thinking this through" moments, I had the brilliant idea of coaxing her to victory by offering a treat if she managed the climb. This is something not too unlike rooting your baby on to make his first steps ... then wondering "What was I thinking?!" LOL Now Joy climbs up (and tries to climb up) on every chair/seat she can find!


Then there's the "attitude"... oh yeah, the little girl definitely has an attitude and when she doesn't want to do something she sits down and does this "thing" with her right leg that isn't far from tapping her toe! (giggle) She twitches her "wrist" joint and glares (yes! glares!) at you. She will finally give in but not before you are fully aware that she's giving in under protest! LOL

We got the two additional panels and that made the kennel 10' x 20' which was a great improvement. Now we can sit out there with her (and Billie when she chooses to join us!) and it's not feeling like we're in a small space. Even though it's a chain link fence, it's still close in with only 10' on all sides! Then we got the cover for it and wow! What a difference that has made!



Spending time out there now is a pleasure - at least until the temperature gets ridiculous! We're thinking it won't be too long before we get a kiddie pool out there for Joy to splash around in! ;)

2010-0528 / 0530

We're beginning to wonder if the great outdoors is really all that "great". We've been taking Joy out for her potty breaks and spending time in the kennel with her while she just romps around and lays in the shade. Wednesday evening we noticed a small bump on her belly and made arrangements to take her in to see the Doc Thursday afternoon.

The Doc figures it's either a bug bite or an irritant from a twig or stiff plant that she might have been poked with while she's been romping around, gave her a shot of benedryl and sent us home with orders to "keep an eye on it".

Well, today it's almost gone but there a couple more in the same area, so we're "keeping an eye on them", too. ;)

Can't believe that she gain a pound in less than a week! She's up to 12.8 pounds which is just about my limit for lifting. Good thing she's almost able to climb up on the foot stool!

On the recommendation of Dr. Reed, we got a pressed rawhide bone for Joy to chew on (instead of us!). Then, of course, we had to get one for Billie ;) Me thinks Joy is living in "tomorrow" when she'll be big enough for the bone she always heads for!













We are on constant patrol to take away the big bone (Billie's) and replace it with the little one (Joy's) - which usually involves a bit of "hang-time" when Joy doesn't want to let go of the big bone (grinning)

Wednesday was a "Red Letter Day"! Joy was laying on the living room floor then she got up and headed into the bedroom. I followed her and was surprised to see her go into her crate, lay down, and close her eyes! Woot! The first time she's gone into the crate on her own, without being told to. Pretty cool. I turned around and walked away leaving the door open so she could come back out whenever she was ready --- which turned out to be nearly three hours later!

Joy and I were getting ready to go outside this afternoon when Larry turned on the power drill... Joy did an immediate about face and headed back into the living room just yapping her brains out! She does not like power tools! LOL

2010-0530

Looks like those bumps/bites/whatever are history. They have vanished as quickly as they arrived. Yay!

Joy absolutely does not like Summer (and it's not even here yet!). Take her out to the kennel - which has been extended to 10' x 20' and she hunts down the shadiest spot she can find - even if it's under your chair! As soon as we say "Let's go in the house, Joy.", she's up and heading for the door and rushes right in to plop down on the AC vent. Yep, a girl after my own heart! Looking forward to the first snow fall! LOL

Larry's been having to loosen her collar almost daily! Joy's still trying desperately to make friends with Billie and Billie's having none of it! I'm really surprised because Billie used to love being around little puppers. Perhaps the wee one next door has tormented her to the point where she's figuring anything little is nothing but trouble! ;) Will definitely be interesting to see what happens as Joy grows bigger... and bigger... and bigger! LOL

2010-0521 - Second Vet Visit

Over the past two weeks it's been amazing to watch this little one actually grow before our very eyes!

When she arrived she was a very clumsy puppy, tripping over her own paws and stumbling up and down the single porch step. When she'd run to the porch, she'd invariably not understand the "step" and bump into it with her chest, then tumble up onto the porch. Now she comes running and makes that step like it was flat ground!



She loves running around in the front yard and making discoveries!



We can see her growing and decided to see if we could measure her height. Admittedly it's not the "neatest" attempt, but not too shabby for our first time! LOL



We're still working on the potty training, but it's getting better - or should I say "we" are getting better! LOL We're thinking that Joy's figuring her name is "No Bite" or just "No!"

She had her second vet visit today, getting her second round of puppy shots.

We were amazed at her new weight! Wow more than four pounds gained in two weeks! Larry says that's 50 percent of her weight gained in just two weeks!



While we waited to see the Doctor, Joy went around the corner and for a second was nose-to-nose with Nacho, the Animal Hospital mascot.



Nacho made a quick leap onto the bench and looked at Joy like she was just a pesky little kid -- which she is!

After her doctor visit - along with lots of words of praise for such a beautiful little girl and what a great personality and she's doing great! Andrea came in to clip Joy's nails and Joy just wiggled and squirmed with ... well "joy" when Andrea came into the room. Andrea's family raises Great Danes, their site is Andisdanes

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2010-0530 - the powers that be at Blogger.com have a glitch were we are unable to copy/paste into our blogs... until they get this straightened out, I will be unable to post any images :( I'll be checking back twice a day to see how the progress to resolve this issue is coming along and as soon as it's resolved, I'll be adding new updates and images.

2010-0518 - She's growing like a weed!

It's definitely a Dog's Life!

It's hard to believe Joy's only been with us for ten days! Some times it feels like only a couple of days - other times it feels like two years! Yesterday was a "two-year-day"! ;)

The spring storms moved in Sunday and both dogs have had to spend much of their time inside - not a pleasant situation for any of us. Billie's not fond of loud noises (doesn't help that we have a metal roof on the porch!) so when the rains come down heavy, she's inside and pacing.

Joy has lost all her shyness. Joy has lost all her timidness. Joy has mastered the doggie door and hasn't given Billie a moment's rest! Even in a pouring down rainstorm, Billie would rather be outside -- read away from the puppy! Well, maybe that's not *entirely* true as Billie prefers outdoors to indoors any day of the week - rain, snow, sleet, hot, cold - doesn't matter - Billie wants outside and no... the screened in porch does not count as "outside". And since the 7th of May, "outside" has also meant "away from the puppy"! Billie forgets that what Joy is doing to her is exactly what she did to her Mom, Buffy! And Joy does so love grabbing Billie's tail! LOL

Larry and Nick (Dobie's dad) assembled the first part of the new kennel:

Right now it's 10'x10'. Larry's got two more panels on order and it will be 10'x20'.

Joy seems to enjoy being in the kennel; we do, as well - gives us time to catch up on our reading! Billie, however, gets tense when we put her inside - maybe it will be better when the additional 10' length is added, but for right now she prefers being tethered in the drive to being loose in the kennel.

2010-0513 - Weight gain!

Larry made a quick run up to the vet to get the flea med for Joy that we though we got when we were in there last week but --- we had bags of information and "stuff" when we left so it's not too difficult to see how it got missed! ;)

Anyway... Larry took Joy with him and was going to get her a new carrier as well 'cause the kitty carrier has already gotten too small for her! Well, wouldn't you know, last week there were a half dozen carriers there but this week they are sold out! He took the opportunity to put Joy on the scales and Woot!! The girl is up to 9.8 pounds! Go Joy! :D

Went to the mail-box today and there it was, Joy's OFFICIAL American Kennel Club Registration Papers. She is now 100% legit. We are now the proud owners of "Silverhill's Make A Joyful Noise", Registration Number WS15502402 (7-10) BLK MHGY. They also sent along a 4 generation official pedigree, Pretty Nifty.....

2010-0511 - Joy has her very own AKC Registration Number!

Her AKC Registration Number is (drum roll) WS33507604

Yay Joy!! You are official now! LOL

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A couple of years ago we installed a Doggie Door leading out to the screened-in porch. The fur kids took to it right away and the purrbies slowly but surely learned how to work it.

Well, Joy arrived the evening of 06 May and didn't pay much attention to the door until Sunday evening when she tried following Billie through it. The plastic flap swung back and popped her on the nose! She didn't let it deter her, though... Every time Billie went through the door, Joy was right on her heels and getting popped in the nose every time.

Until this evening... Billie was outside and Joy was left to her own devices. Those devices included figuring out how this door worked. Her motive? Billies food bowl that we put on the porch 'cause Joy would shove her face it in every chance she got! You'd think we didn't ever feed her the way she hits every food dish she can find with a vengeance! Jeez!

I caught a movement out of the corner of my eye and there Joy was - out on the porch with her face buried in Billie's food bowl! OMGosh! Grab up the bowl and check to see if there's anything else on the porch that she can get into trouble with. Okay, it's good. Let's see you make your way back in sweetie! ;)

Well, she's made her way back in and out and in and .... well, you get the picture. She found a softball on the porch and tried to carry it in - almost made it!

2010-0510 - Home Alone

We needed to go shopping today and reluctantly set Joy in her crate before heading out. We weren't gone very long but it was the first time we had to leave her alone. I believe it bothered US more than HER! When we returned, she was snoozing! LOL

She's getting more brazen every day. Her first couple of days here were quiet, reserved, never wandered far from either of us in the yard. Yesterday evening and all day today she displayed a single-mindedness to push the envelope. She wants to travel up the drive to "check out" Billie (our other fur kid) and we're wanting her to stay close to the house and hopefully diminish (hahaha) her desire to "wander". Several times we found ourselves in the position of having to run after her.

Hmmm... while we were out we purchased a new collar and leash! :D

Watching TV this evening and it appears our wee one has a definite dislike of Shrek! (giggle) A commercial for a Shrek movie came on and Joy went off - barking like crazy at the TV!

2010-0508 - Designated "Nap Day"

It sure looks like the huge activities in her life over the previous two days (Thursday's 200+ mile drive from Apex, then Friday's vet visit where she was poked and prodded -along with being cuddled to pieces!) has finally caught up to the little one! Aside from managing to stay up on her paws long enough to get food in her belly and make some potty runs, she spent pretty much *all* of Saturday snoozing!

After all that snoozing, we took her out in the yard last night for some play time and some time with our older fur kid, Billie. Our neighbor, Nick (Dad to two beautiful Doberman Pinschers), and his two year old son, Tyler came to visit and check out Joy. With all the exuberance that comes with being two years old, Tyler ran back and forth across the yard (just 'cause he could!) and Joy happily chased after him! Great exercise for both of them! :)

2010-0507 - Joy's First Vet Visit

This is the letter we sent to Cathy, owner of SilverHill Rottweilers, about Joy's vet visit:

Dear Mom Cathy,

Today was my first vet visit. The day started out pretty nice with Dad taking me outside to play a whole bunch of times.

But then it just got too hot and I didn't want to stay outside any more...

As soon as Mom opened the door, I headed right for the best spot in the house!

After I got cooled down we headed off to West Shore Animal Hospital. First stop was the weigh-in. Alright me! 8.4 pounds!! Woot! Look out Dad Ice, I'm gaining on ya!

I'll tell ya, a pupper doesn't need legs with all these great ladies all wanting to hold me and smother me with kisses - which I happily returned! And lookit those hind legs - I'm stacking already! Woot! :D

Took the opportunity for a short nap before Doc came in. All that kissing and hugging plum wore me out!

Dr. Reed was really nice.... until he started messing with my paws! I got in a few good nibbles before he finally let go of my toes!

He gave Mom & Dad more food samples and lots of good advice about how to take care of me.

I'm registered with the Puppy Classes and I start on Heartworm medication in two weeks. In a couple of months I'll get a microchip but Dr. Reed thinks I'm too little just yet for it. He knows Mom & Dad aren't going to let me out of their sight!

He was really impressed with the way I took the ride all the way from Apex to Denver without any problems and only one potty stop! Yay Me!

I heard Mom & Dad talking in the car on the way home about how they heard almost everything Dr. Reed told them about how to take care of me from you!

I'm really healthy and with Drs. Reed and Miller taking care of me, I'm going to grown up big and strong, just like my Dad Ice thanks to the terrific start I got from my Mom Cathy (and my great genes)!

Tail wags & licks, Joy

The Culmination of Dream and the Beginning of an Adventure

2010-0506 - Introducing SilverHill's Make a Joyful Noise

Larry has been wanting to get a Rottweiler puppy for longer than I've known him and he's been researching breeders for the past six years (that I know of!). During the past year, he's been focused on one breeder in particular, SilverHill Rottweilers. Many emails and telephone conversations later resulted in our planning the journey to SilverHill Rottweilers in Apex, North Carolina. It would be a long drive for us, but much shorter than many folks have made to get one of the coveted SilverHill pups! If you're looking for a quality home-bred Rottweiler let your first stop be SilverHill Rottweilers, you won't be disappointed!

Cathy Ruben (owner of SilverHill Rottweilers) told us the theme of this litter was "Happiness". As a youngster Larry was "blessed" by his Mother's singing in their church choir - as loud as she possibly could and as far off-key as was possible -but she did indeed "make a joyful noise unto the Lord". Larry belongs to the church choir here and while he truly has a beautiful voice, the name for his new puppy was just a blessed inspiration.

This was to be THE day. The day that saw his dreams of several decades come to fruition. There were many years of research and study that lead to this day and this particular decision and now that it was upon him, his nerves were barely contained as we readied for the rental car to arrive. We have a vehicle, but over 200 miles and temps over 85 degrees... just seemed wiser to rent, y'know? ;)

Then, just 15 minutes before it was due, we get a call "The car we had for you is unavailable. Somebody vandalized it last night and it will be an hour before another car can get here from our other store". *Sigh* That means our arrival at SilverHill Rottweilers will be delayed by at least an hour. Our plan was to have a leisurely drive to Apex, North Carolina, have lunch somewhere nearby, and then head over to pick up our new puppy.

Again our best laid plans were thwarted by road construction! Mercy. Another half hour eaten up by rail road track repairs. Ninety minutes from our planned departure time and we STILL hadn't gotten out of the county!

Finally got past the construction and onto the Interstate! On our way and rewarded by the beautiful scenery and excellent roads! We had heard that the closer you get to Raleigh, the better the roads and sadly for those of us west of Raleigh, it's true!

We arrived and saw two of the most delightful signs ... one on a nearby tree had a silhouette of a Rottweiler with the words "I can make it to the gate in 3 seconds ... Can You?". The other on the gate read "Old Dog, Young Dog, and several stupid dogs, please drive slowly" I meant to take pictures of them on the way out but completely forgot!

Once inside we met Ice (Joy's hugely handsome dad):

We knew that Rotties were big dogs, but you just can't appreciate what "big" in a dog really means until you are literally face-to-face with a lad the size of Ice! And herders? Oh my, they all tried their herding abilities on us! And the volume! Wow! I thought the Dobie next door had a huge voice but Chico's got nothing on the SilverHill gang - especially Gilly! Wow, that lady belts it out! :)

We also got to meet Gilly (Ice's mom), and Tara - two more huge, loveable creatures!

Mira, Joy's mom, is living with a gentleman who'd lost his own fur kid, came to SilverHill to purchase a puppy and when he got home, was so lonesome for a fur kid that Cathy loaned him Mira until his own puppy would be ready. As it turned out they bonded so thoroughly that sending Mira back home to SilverHill would have broken two hearts.

After a bit, Cathy came out with Joy in her arms - holding her just like the baby she is and presented her to us. What a delightful wee pupper! Yes, for a Rottie, Joy is a little one but she still fit comfortably in the kitty carrier we brought along! ;)

The ride home was truly an amazing adventure. Joy slept most of the way and it wasn't until about two hours into the trip that she began whining for a potty break. Can't tell you how wicked cool it is that she whines when she has to go potty! We turned onto a road, then onto another road and found a really isolated place away from the traffic sounds. It only took Joy a couple of minutes to "take care of business" but we let her romp around for a bit - she'd been cooped up in that carrier for more than two hours and we all needed to stretch our legs!

We were all exhausted from the long day - well, Larry and I were, Joy was full of puppy energy! When it was time for her to go to bed, we put her in the crate, said Good Night, turned off the light and headed for the blankets ourselves. Joy whined for a couple of minutes then settled in for the night. What a blessing! We thought for sure we'd be up half the night listening to a lonely, whining baby.