A Year with Cola the Pup

A year ago yesterday, we stopped on the honeymoon road trip for our final destination – to pick up our second dog, Cola. At first we were so worried how Whiskey would take it but it’s been one of the best decisions we made and definitely an exercise in love and patience. Later this month it will be six years of Whiskey. I really don’t remember what it was like before I had these dogs.

In one moment Cola can be the sweetest snuggliest dog and the next minute he’s barking his head off at the mailman and leaving little presents in the kitchen for us while we’re at work. We’ve done more dog training, crate training and obedience school than I thought possible, and he’s had his share of (expensive) accidents in the last year.

But the love and affection he’s given us back is ten fold, and I’d like to think that we’re giving this little guy the best life we can.

He and Whiskey have really become best buds, which is what we’d always hoped for. They’re always right beside each other, like little partners in crime.

When I looked back through photos, it’s been a fun year of firsts with him – from camping trip at Sandbanks Provincial Park…

…to the first visit to the beach.

Although he was not a fan of the cold water of Lake Ontario.

He’s happy to cruise the river in the safety of his life jacket, especially after he fell in once trying to walk on weeds that must have looked like grass to him.

Although we did take him to the annual dog swim in an attempt to improve his swimming skills.
He joined Whiskey as my little trainer for the Warrior Dash Run.

He spent many a day on the window seat hanging out with Whiskey…

 …or lounging on my parents back porch. These two really do live a life of luxury.

He learned how our family celebrates Christmas – food, cards, more food.

…and this little Southern dog got to experience his first snowfall. He pretty much tried to hibernate for the rest of the winter. I kind of wish I could have joined him.

He’s fit right in as a member of our little family.

A few people have asked for an update on how the dogs have been at the new house – they are LOVING it. It’s up and down the stairs all day, naps in sunbeams on the big chairs and following me wherever I go.

Outside they’ve become little adventure dogs, scoping out all the little nooks and crannies around the property.

If anything, I’ve found that all the physical activity and room to let off some pent up energy has really improved Cola’s attitude and behaviour. Even with three walks a day at the apartment, he obviously wasn’t getting enough exercise to keep him happy.

We celebrated his birthday yesterday morning with a big pile of whipped cream. Happy Birthday Cola!