December 11 is 7 months from Bear’s passing and is Keena’s 3 months old birthday and 5 weeks in her new pack!
Keena just had her second set of vaccinations this past Monday and all is going well for her. She had gained good weight-now 10.5 pounds. She did throw up her entire breakfast on the car ride home though, so she might weigh only 10.3 pounds. One more set of vaccinations and then her first rabies shot in January. Later that day, the sun was shining so she took the opportunity to soak up some its warmth as the medicine began to take effect—long past her naptime too. 
She also had her first bath a few weeks ago. Twice Keena has come through the dog door from the garage on her own! I had helped her through without treats first. Then days later while playing Keena-style out back, she made her way through the garage to the dog door. By this time, I was calling her in the backyard to come in. I didn’t know she was already in the house. When I went to inspect how she managed to get through the door on her own, I realized Nicoya had been laying outside the door opening into the garage. She obviously had “nicoya” encouragement of intimidation coming from behind her with his stare and stature. Nicoya only lets Keena pass him when he says so. That is one reason why he is such a good dog sitter when I need him to keep her in one contained area for a short period of time.
We are working on leash training now and some basic commands, sit and come. I am using the same training handouts I saved from Bear’s puppy class through level 3 obedience classes. She is being exposed to as many new things on our short walks up and down the street. She doesn’t care for leaf blowers and loud diesel running trucks. She usually stops in her tracks and sits down not willing to take another step. Until she thinks she has a chance to make a run back in the direction of home. Yes, she does seem to know which house is home. Perhaps Nicoya waiting at the fence, peeking through the gate watching and waiting for her return has something to do with it. This is a sample from this morning. A leaf blower one street over had just started up. She also attempts to herd me nipping at my knees then with ears back, she is off running home.
Keena and the Huskies are getting into somewhat of their own routine but continuing to refine their relationships. She looks up to Nicoya and only challenges him outdoors—her challenge is a constant barking in hopes of enticing him to chase her. I believe she has figured it out that not only is she smaller but faster than the old dog and he cannot make the corners like her. Nicoya is still smarter and knows how to give bursts of energy when necessary If indoors, then Keena will challenge Winnie only. Recently, Winnie finally let Keena know her boundaries with a nip on top of Keena’s head, who quickly ran away cowardly to lick her wounded ego. She was teasing Winnie later in the day but with an improved attitude. Winnie is more vocal indoors than outdoors where Nicoya is more vocal towards Keena. See video examples of “talking dogs” outdoors and indoors.
At the vet’s, I was able to discuss with the doctor Winnie’s pathology report from a year and half ago after her breast cancer surgery. The doctor was very familiar with the lab receiving her test samples and with the pathologist determining the extent of her cancer. She likes both and spoke highly of the pathologist’s past work for her other patients. Well, this vet agreed with the original diagnosis and said it is possible the cancer is gone since it has been so long since her surgery and she is still alive. From questions I asked, she responded that if the cancer came back it would probably come back first as a growth again on the outside of her body rather than an attack on her internal organs since the cancer was seen in some tiny blood vessels. With this vet’s opinion I agree; Winnie looks good, she has no other symptoms, it is all good for now.
This past weekend I put up the Christmas tree. A small tree sitting on a crate so it is far off the ground and hopefully out of the reach of Keena this holiday. Fortunately, Keena showed very little interest in the activities of strings of lights and hanging of ornaments. Winnie and her stayed with me in the room decorating while Nicoya chose to relax outdoors (away from Keena’s bothersome puppy ways). Shortly after beginning to sort through the lights, Keena followed Winnie into a nap in Nicoya’s bigger bed!
Keena had her third car ride. The first being the day she was brought home. The second was to the vet’s. This time I had all three dogs in the car for a short errand and placed her in the far back with Nicoya. I was thinking she would be still in Nicoya’s presence and just do as he does in the car…chill and look out the window. I was going for “chill” since she is not tall enough to look out the window. But she tried anyways—only when the car was stopped.
In the new year, Keena is already signed up for puppy socialization classes. I know she will enjoy being with other dogs her size that like to bite each other. I am sure the Huskies will appreciate her time out of the house and these other dogs to take on her nipping. I am looking forward to the classes as well as her training progress.
