Margarita

Meet the newest canine member of the VanDerKolk family, Margarita.

"Rita" is a Weimaraner puppy and she has been doing great so far. She seems to be getting along well with Belle and Sadie - however, Sadie seems to be pretty jealous at times. Sadie wants to be the baby of the family forever.

Rita loves Sadie, though. Every time I let them out, Rita tries her best to keep up with our leaf-chasing dog. Sadie sprints across the yard in pursuit of a tiny leaf and little Rita clumsily scampers behind. She often gets caught underfoot and takes a tumble. The little ball of fur rolls to a stop in a cloud of dust and she whines pathetically. This does not seem to faze or slow Sadie down one bit. She is still cocking her head with every slight breeze, quickly looking this way and that way, then she takes off again - usually chasing nothing. Perhaps willing a leaf to appear before her. I think Rita is as confused about Sadie's past time as the rest of us. After a while, she stops running and just stares at her in bewilderment.

Here are a few pictures of Rita:

Notice Sadie in the background looking for a leaf!

Michael was really concerned about Belle last week. We noticed her nipples were very swollen and she was producing milk. We do not want her to be pregnant - especially not by some Mexican stray dog! Oh dear. But we think this may be a result of Rita trying to nurse from Belle. Apparently, dogs can produce milk when puppies constantly try to nurse and stimulate the area. I don't know. We're keeping an eye on Belle to see if she gets larger in the stomach area. Anyway, I know this is still happening because this is what I saw a couple days ago. Belle, you are one patient, dog.

Do you mind? I'm trying to eat, here!

This dog definitely belongs in this family. Yah! A stick!

This is how Rita eats the food she SHOULD be eating. I can see why nursing from Belle is a more attractive option for her. This seems like a lot of work!

Whoops!

Smile for the camera!

Whatcha lookin at?