November 3rd, 2012

Drummer with grandson, Cooper.

Drummer is now 130 lbs., having his growth slowed down. However, he is eating $170 a month of premium dogfood.

He's had an annual checkup. His dog breath is due to gingivitis.

Halloween 2012

Every year we get more and more trick or treaters. This year it was 614! We went through 21 pounds of candy, and ran out before they stopped coming, and we turned out our porch light. That was in three hours from 4:30-7:30pm. Drummer found it all very fun, and wasn't scared of any of the wierd looking creatures who came to our porch. His size initimidated many of the little kids, but he was a sensation for most. After about 400, he lost interest and barely lifted his head when they took their candy.

Fall Walk - October 7th, 2012

October 6, 2012

September 2012: Brogan's Sleepover

This was Brogan's first night away from home at two years old. He loves hanging out with his half-brother, Drummer. They took many walks together, and chewed up several large bones from the butcher. However, on the third day Brogan was clearly homesick, looking out for Wendy and Andrew.

August, 2012: Drummer in the Doghouse

Drummer's budding puberty has gotten him suspended from doggie daycare: humping unreceptive dogs lead to a fight. He was within hours of being neutered, but Judie the breeder at Laloba, heavily lobbied for him to keep his cajones for reasons of his longevity and long-term health. The tipping point was Brogan, his half brother's owners Wendy & Andrew offering to take him when I need backup.

Drummer's First Birthday & 1st Lure Coursing

Camping Over the 4th

Drummer & Brother, Brogan

Drummer is now eleven months old, and now almost as big as his two year old half brother, Brogan. To the left is Brogan & Drummer (on the right) with Andrew. After having stayed with Andrew and Wendy for two weeks in March, Drummer was very happy to see them and his buddy. But they were soon overcome by the record heat of June.

Drummer at 9 Months

Drummer is now nine-and-a-half months old,

31" at the shoulder and 120 pounds.

March 2012: Drummer's Vacation

 

While we were in Africa Drummer stayed with Wendy & Andrew, and Drummer's older brother, Brogan. Now home again he seems a bit despondent without his brother as a constant companion. He was obviously well cared for.

Now poor Brogan reached the time when he had his stomach tacked and was neutered (2 years old). Not only is he without his buddy, Drummer; but he is miserable with a cone! Note: his butt on the couch.

February 22nd: 7 Months Old

Drummer is now 109 pounds and 30" at the shoulder, a full 18 pounds more than Fraser at the same age. Fraser was only half Irish Wolfhound, and also Scottish Deerhound (a closely related, but lighter breed - that won Best of Show at the 2011 Westminster Dog Show). When full grown Fraser weighed 140 pounds, so its likely the stockier Drummer will weigh more. Although Fraser was quite tall (37" when fully grown), and at 7 months was probably taller than Drummer.

Drummer's getting too big for his crate, and as of last weekend, is being allowed to spend the night roaming the house. He has also been left alone in the house with no incidents of chewing or spotting for a few weeks now. Unfortunately, the last two nights has included a bout of diarrhea without my waking up. Until Fraser was over a year old his digestion was equally as unstable.

Drummer went through two weeks of being afraid to walk on the wood floors. I believe this followed slipping with snow covered paws. Judy cured his neurosis by exposure therapy combined with treat rewards. He's now back to normal: still a puppy yearning to play with every dog in sight, an affable greeter of visitors at the office (who then will lay down and not be a pest), and an agreeable constant companion.

January 21st, 2012: Drummer At 6 Months

This is Drummer with his favorite playmate, a golden doodle named "Jiggs". Jiggs initially intimidated Drummer, but as he continues to gain five pounds a week the tables have turned. At six months Drummer is now 97 pounds and 28" at the shoulder.

January 7th, 2012

Brogan is 22 months old (Drummer is now 5.5 months). Brogan and Drummer have the same mother. Drummer was initially intimidated by Brogan's enthusiasm, but soon overcame his fears when he realized Brogan was gentle. They played until exhausted.

How Long Until Drummer is Cruising Countertops?

Three Days Before Christmas - 2011

Christmas 2011

December 3rd, 2011

Thanksgiving, 2011

Can You Tell He Needs a Walk?

The Gentle Sighthound Personality



Wish I knew who to attribute this photo to. Its been passed around the Internet without crediting the owner or photographer.



11-13-11: Four Months Old

A glimpse of what Drummer will look like as he grows: handsome boy! Right now he's on the cusp of puppy/dog.

Drummer hasn't grown into his ears yet, and can point them in ways he won't as he gets bigger.

11-6-2011: Drummer Meets Fiona

Fiona is from a litter with a different breeder
than Drummer: Lochbay Irish Wolfhounds, and was born one week after Drummer.

Fiona is owned by Brande Ingrando & Kimo Bonnelycke in Denver.

When Brande was looking for an I.W. she alerted me that Drummer was available.

10-30-11: Fourteen Weeks Old

Drummer has been with us now for a month: three and a half months old. He is gaining about five pounds a week, and is now 53 pounds. His routine is to play, take a walk and hopefully find another dog to chase, then sleep. His digestive system is still developing, and he is getting known for his particularly pungent farts. In my therapy group one member said it was so bad it stung his eyes. He's a very mellow guy, affable with kids and other dogs; and assumes everyone will want to pet him (especially on his tummy). He is a smart boy: he has learned to ring a bell hanging from the doorknob when we wants to go out.