Today has been interesting. Unlike Sunday when we brought her in, today she tried to play with the cats. Our oldest cat biffed her a good one--our cats are declawed, so no injury. Ingrid ran down the hall to get away from her, but she is trying again this evening to approach her. I held her while showing her the dogs next door through the fence of the side yard. The Akita started barking. When I took her back to the back yard and put her down, she yelped while running in the house and down the hall. She likes the front and back yards. I tried to take her around the cul-de-sac. We got part of the way--she has to investigate every bug, leaf, etc. She is also still adjusting to the harness and the leash--still not her favorite things, but she is doing better. This evening she saw her reflection in the patio door and had to bark at that dog.
No, she does not sleep completely through the night, but anytime she has whined, she has to go to the potty. She is the best little puppy we have had. I told my husband that we need to go over the book together--he wanted to put her up on his bed--I told him that would be a mistake. She loves her crate, and I have a bathmat that is doubled over that she lays on outside the crate. Right now she is on the couch next to me with the cats on the other side of me. I could probably hold her on the trip north next April. Of course, we will take her crate with us, but she travels well. Everyone she has met just loves her--who wouldn't?
Thor may have cost a lot of money, but he is sure worth it. Yes, he still has the occasional accident, but that is usually because one of the kids is too lazy to take the poor guy out.
He sleeps with Tess or us every night; and he loves our daily walks. When we ride in the car he sits in the back of the van with Tess on his SABLE throw we bought him so he doesn't get cold on the leather seat! On Friday we are taking him to Nashville to visit my sister and her family.
He was quite the star at his first vet appointment. The Dr. & his assistant couldn't believe what a nice dog he was. Tess brushes his teeth every night; and he doesn't seem to mind it at all.
All of our neighbor boys (ages 12 - 17) come over after school to play with Thor. I don't think he'll ever lack for attention. When he fell asleep on my father-in-law's lap on Sunday my father-in-law thought he was "the nicest dog he's ever seen". We even took him into the nursing home to visit Bob's 99 year old grandma; and she is 100% Norwegian; and she loved the name and thought Thor was pretty special. He was so good with all of the older residents. He would let them pet him; and he would lick their hands. One older woman started to cry because it made her miss her own dog.
We love our little boy; and I thank God every day that I found you and your dogs online! Have a Happy Easter!
Tess wanted me to write to you to wish you a Happy Mother's Day from Thor so here it is! Yesterday we spent the day at Bob's brother's house; and they have a 9 month old German Shorthair. Thor and Augie chased each other all day, and our little boy was tuckered out last night.
We have been watching THE DOG WHISPERER on TV; and we love Cesar and the methods he uses with his dogs so we've been working on the nipping with Thor and it is so much better. Everyone who meets and sees Thor can't believe what a well-behaved dog he is, and how he lets everyone hold him. Bob's brother Steve's neighbors have two Springers, and he is the only guy that has ever heard of the Norrbottenspets breed; and he commented on how dark Thor was; but he said he was a beautiful dog and extremely well-behaved. I give full credit to you and the breed. The other night we had our first puppy class at the Humane Society, and the lady in charge said I shouldn't have Thor on my lap because when he grows bigger I won't be able to do that. She also said that dogs weren't family members, but dogs, and we needed to remind them of their place in the family. I think I am going to flunk because we all love holding and cuddling with Thor; and he sleeps in our bed every night between our legs.
Eating much? He is eating like crazy. Unfortunately he likes to eat things that aren't dog food too. This leads to very interesting deposits on the lawn. I just love to sleep and cuddle with him. My brother-in-law has a very HYPER 9 month old German Shorthair. Thor truly looks like a god compared to him. He is so well behaved, and even when we've had to leave him sitting on the seat in the car while we run into the store; he just sits there and rests. He is so cute! Thank you for making my Mother's Day extra special with an extra family member.
Linda, Sorry we haven't written to you. It has been kind of hectic for me. Jewel is perfect. My camera is broken at the moment or I would send you some pictures. There have been so many. I cannot believe how much Jewel loves the snow. We have a nice sized fenced in back yard and Jewel will go out there by herself and play for quite some time. It took her a little while to adjust, with reason, but I feel she has adjusted. Right now, Jewel and Sarah are lying on my bed, Jewel in Sarah's arms and they are dozing. I was telling my oldest that she is the best of both worlds. She is a rough and tumble puppy but at the same time she is very lovable. Jewel saw the vet on Tuesday. When I called for her appointment they asked her breed. When we got to the vet, every single employee had to come in and see her. I guess because of her breed, but also because she is so adorable. We were joking about how big her paws are. The Basenji legs are long and thin. We were laughing about how the Basenji is more of the super model and how Jewel is more of a working girl. No problems at the vet though.
I am sorry we have not sent you any pictures yet. Santa did not get me a new camera and I have not gotten my camera fixed yet. I wanted to let you know how things are going here and I have a story for you. Jewel is a perfect little girl. She is hard core puppy though. I feel as if I have a toddler on my hands. She is so full of energy that by 10:00 she needs a nap. She is great with not chewing on stuff she is not supposed to. My Christmas tree was not touched once, except when the two dogs are running/playing in the front room. Her potty training is going great. She still has accidents though. She is trying so hard. I know she feels bad when she does make a mistake. Our big problem is to get to our backyard, which is where she goes, there is a flight of stairs which she has not mastered going down yet. So for her to go potty she needs someone to take her down. She lets us know by a whimper. The story that I have is today after I took Sarah to school, I had just let Jewel in from going potty and I know she went. I was in the bathroom and a show was on TV involving dogs. I heard a whimper and with Jewel just coming in, I assumed it was the TV. Jewel came into the bathroom and started peeing in front of me to let me know that she needed to go outside. I was very proud of her. I had to call my sister, who is a major dog lover, and share that story with her, then I felt it was a story I knew you would appreciate.
He is getting big fast. I took him to the vets today; he weights 12.5 pounds now. Everyone wants to know more about him, anyone who meets him says how cute he is ~ and that we know.... He has become more sure of himself and now he really likes Griffin ~ they play, eat and sleep together all the time. Griffin wants him to know you do what I want to do (ha).
Rylee has taken well to the 3 hour car rides on the weekend to go up-state; he has been there 2 times already and knows his little routine. I think he likes the change; we all act very different up there and the dogs feel that change. He is the smartest dog I have ever known; & I thought poodles were smart!
I will send more pics soon. My son Eric asked me, do you think Rylee remembers his mother or sisters & brothers?
Dear Linda and Family,
I want to thank you so very much for all you have done for Rylee. This was the best Christmas gift ever.....He is sooooooo cute......soooo soft and smells sooooo good, we all love him......
Loki is such a self-confident dog, who easily learns new things. He is so happy and adaptable, and we know that is because of the time Linda spends with the puppies, and also because they spend time in a home and outside with other dogs and people. Although he likes to mouth things - like all puppies - his mouth is very soft. He is very sensitive, and he knows with just a look and a little "no" when to settle down. I really appreciate the time Linda spent with us answering questions about everything from training to food to traits -- anything we asked about. It really prepared us to be good Norrbottenspets parents, and Loki has fit in from day one. The best thing was how he had already learned to go potty outside and with a set up similar to Linda's, potty training has been effortless. We can't imagine our lives without him. I don't know how many times a day we say to each other or just to ourselves, "he is such a good boy" or "he is too cute."
We just love him and I think the cats are on the verge of liking him as much as any cat can like a dog.
She is wonderful! Our vet fell in love with her too!
Nora whines to go out when she needs to potty. The only accident that she has had was when she was whining at Harry and I and we kept asking her if she was missing Devin. She then took 2 steps, peed, then looked at us like, "Now do you get it?" We have since paid close attention to her whines!
We love her so much. She is quite the character. I have taken lots of pictures but have not downloaded them yet. As soon as I do, I will send them to you. She seems so happy. I thought she would be lonely, but in all the pictures I have taken, I swear she looks like she is smiling!
She loves her bed and is having a good time with the cats and their toys. We took her to the pet store to let her choose some soft and fluffy chew toys of her own and she found several so we HAD to buy them all!! Her favorite was a hedgehog. I found out this morning from Lael that she played with that same toy at her house.
We feel so lucky that you have given us this opportunity. Thank you again. If all she will ever need is love and affection, she will have a very rich life.
What can I say about Frankie? He's the best! Adorable, smart, affectionate, healthy, loves playing with other dogs, not an aggressive bone in his body but nicely energetic. My daughters love him, roll around on the floor with him, sleep with him, hug him constantly.....
I took him to a series of classes when he was younger ("Puppy 1") and will start another series in a couple of weeks. He's easy to train. We take him there almost every night to play with his dog friends.
Frankie is very popular in the neighborhood. One woman regularly calls up and asks Frankie to come over for a play date with her dog. The dog's name is "Cookie"--a beautiful, playful Jack Russell terrier/Beagle mix, same coloring as Frankie. Wish I had a picture of the two of them because they look like a page out of a puppy calendar. At our puppy play group (done by the trainer I had) she would use Frankie as the dog she would place in an enclosed area and with any puppy who was fearful or very shy. She said this was because Frankie was playful but had great bite inhibition and knew just how to get the other dog to play without scaring it--she would put Frankie in with the most freaked out dogs and I would get nervous; and she would say "just watch!" and inevitably the other dog would calm down and play.
Frankie does bark a bit at squirrels and birds and when the cats run along the top of the fence to tease him, but nothing obnoxious. I can get him to be quiet by talking to him about whatever it is. "Yes, Frankie, I see the bird". He does have some puppy antics. He's taken to flipping pieces of our new sod over. He grabs socks and runs around the house. He chases the cats around trying to get them to play with him. The one time he got out the front door he made a bee line down the street to the school where he plays with all his friends.
I wish we could have another one, but I still feel like there is much to do in Frankie's training. He is capable of so much and such a wonderful family dog.
You know Chris and I love Gunner very much; he is a real lover. Gunner is doing great. He has pottied and eaten and is resting. We have introduced him only to Gersie at this time. Don't want to overwhelm him. He is gorgeous, and oh so sweet. Smells good too. Thanks so much, it must have been hard to let him and the others go. I'll keep you posted and send some pictures.
Gunner is very smart and gets along really well with everyone. When I bring the dogs ("Gersie and Gunner) in the living room in the evening I put Gunner on a long line and I put a pad down for him to lay on. He usually walks around for awhile and then he lies down and goes to sleep. When he gets up I take him out to potty. He is really good. He doesn't bark too much. This breed is very smart and sensitive. They learn quickly. Gunner is more willing to please than Gersie. I love them both. Gunner is really doing well at his classes on Sat. He is smart and wants to please.
We took Kaija out yesterday as we were taking Piper for a haircut. He is just great in the truck too! He just sits in my lap and looks around. While we waited for Piper we took Kaija to visit my aunt who is in a nursing home. She was absolutely thrilled and he was just wonderful with her. He is such a great little boy - we are sooooo happy with him! He really has come out of his shell. He and Piper constantly play together whether they are wrestling or playing tug of war - it is just so wonderful to see them! I have some pictures of the tug of war that took place last night. He is such a quick learner, he even knows how to sit already and is starting to give "paw"!! He has his next vet appointment today at 4:00 and we weighed him last night and he was 12 1/2 pounds! He is averaging about 1 pound a week. (It was right after he ate so we are attributing the extra 1/2 lb. to the food in his tummy). His ears are almost up too - the left side is a little higher than the right, but it looks so cute.
Kaija had a very busy day today. He went to see the vet and got an excellent bill of health. From there he went to visit his new Grandpa. He then was so tired we had to bring him back home to have a rest. He is the cutest most lovable dog. He is just a sweetheart and we already are totally in love with him. Thank you so much for taking such good care of him. The vet said he was in excellent shape. He has really formed an attachment to my husband. They are just turning into great buddies. Well enjoy the pics and I will send you more as he grows too.
Niki absolutely loves Becca. He follows her everywhere. He likes to sleep and hide everything in her bed. His favorite things are the car and the yard. Every time you go to the car he jumps right in although you can't open the windows all the way because he has no fear and will try to jump out. He likes to run free. He comes when you call him but he gives you a look like "do I have to". He likes to go to Becca's softball games because after the games he gets to chase all the kids all over the park.
He is pretty funny. The other day we tried to give him a rawhide bone and he turned his head like saying "no" and took a carrot instead. I will try to send you pictures sooner especially Halloween since Becca wants to get him a costume too.
Maxmo is doing great from all standpoints - very easy in the house training department, but more significantly he's fit right into the routine of our family. And, he's growing. At his last vet appointment (last Thursday), he was almost 12 pounds and starting to look less puppyish and more like a dog.
He's a great dog and we're having so much fun with him. We all love him! He is more than living up to our expectations.
Thanks and Maxmo continues to do fantastically. Zack keeps telling me that I can't possibly know how much he loves Maxmo. But, I think I have a pretty good idea.
I thought you would like to see some pictures of one of your babies. The brown spot on his butt is turning black and so is his tail. He already knows how to sit; he will shake hands with Dad, gets the morning paper with Dad, and just learned his name. He really likes pictures taken of him up close. Thanks.
Viking Heaven Nordic Spitz • Linda Erickson • 5478 Cherry Heights Road • The Dalles, Oregon 97058 • (541) 298-5682
her. I held her while showing her the dogs next door through the fence of the side yard. The Akita started barking. When I took her back to the back yard and put her down, she yelped while running in the house and down the hall. She likes the front and back yards. I tried to take her around the cul-de-sac. We got part of the way--she has to investigate every bug, leaf, etc. She is also still adjusting to the harness and the leash--still not her favorite things, but she is doing better. This evening she saw her reflection in the patio door and had to bark at that dog.
He sleeps with Tess or us every night; and he loves our daily walks. When we ride in the car he sits in the back of the van with Tess on his SABLE throw we bought him so he doesn't get cold on the leather seat! On Friday we are taking him to Nashville to visit my sister and her family.
yard and Jewel will go out there by herself and play for quite some time. It took her a little while to adjust, with reason, but I feel she has adjusted. Right now, Jewel and Sarah are lying on my bed, Jewel in Sarah's arms and they are dozing. I was telling my oldest that she is the best of both worlds. She is a rough and tumble puppy but at the same time she is very lovable. Jewel saw the vet on Tuesday. When I called for her appointment they asked her breed. When we got to the vet, every single employee had to come in and see her. I guess because of her breed, but also because she is so adorable. We were joking about how big her paws are. The Basenji legs are long and thin. We were laughing about how the Basenji is more of the super model and how Jewel is more of a working girl. No problems at the vet though.
meets him says how cute he is ~ and that we know.... He has become more sure of himself and now he really likes Griffin ~ they play, eat and sleep together all the time. Griffin wants him to know you do what I want to do (ha).
Loki is such a self-confident dog, who easily learns new things. He is so happy and adaptable, and we know that is because of the time Linda spends with the puppies, and also because they spend time in a home and outside with other dogs and people. Although he likes to mouth things - like all puppies - his mouth is very soft. He is very sensitive, and he knows with just a look and a little "no" when to settle down. I really appreciate the time Linda spent with us answering questions about everything from training to food to traits -- anything we asked about. It really prepared us to be good Norrbottenspets parents, and Loki has fit in from day one. The best thing was how he had already learned to go potty outside and with a set up similar to Linda's, potty training has been effortless. We can't imagine our lives without him. I don't know how many times a day we say to each other or just to ourselves, "he is such a good boy" or "he is too cute."
kept asking her if she was missing Devin. She then took 2 steps, peed, then looked at us like, "Now do you get it?" We have since paid close attention to her whines!
I took him to a series of classes when he was younger ("Puppy 1") and will start another series in a couple of weeks. He's easy to train. We take him there almost every night to play with his dog friends.
have introduced him only to Gersie at this time. Don't want to overwhelm him. He is gorgeous, and oh so sweet. Smells good too. Thanks so much, it must have been hard to let him and the others go. I'll keep you posted and send some pictures.
wonderful with her. He is such a great little boy - we are sooooo happy with him! He really has come out of his shell. He and Piper constantly play together whether they are wrestling or playing tug of war - it is just so wonderful to see them! I have some pictures of the tug of war that took place last night. He is such a quick learner, he even knows how to sit already and is starting to give "paw"!! He has his next vet appointment today at 4:00 and we weighed him last night and he was 12 1/2 pounds! He is averaging about 1 pound a week. (It was right after he ate so we are attributing the extra 1/2 lb. to the food in his tummy). His ears are almost up too - the left side is a little higher than the right, but it looks so cute.
Niki absolutely loves Becca. He follows her everywhere. He likes to sleep and hide everything in her bed. His favorite things are the car and the yard. Every time you go to the car he jumps right in although you can't open the windows all the way because he has no fear and will try to jump out. He likes to run free. He comes when you call him but he gives you a look like "do I have to". He likes to go to Becca's softball games because after the games he gets to chase all the kids all over the park.
Maxmo is doing great from all standpoints - very easy in the house training department, but more significantly he's fit right into the routine of our family. And, he's growing. At his last vet appointment (last Thursday), he was almost 12 pounds and starting to look less puppyish and more like a dog.
