This is Aspen.  Aspen will be one year old on November 27.  He came in last weekend from a hobby breeder from southern Iowa.  Aspen weighs 52 pounds and will likely gain more as he is about 15-20 pounds underweight.  He has a dark red coat, and will be a big boy. 

He was taken to the vet given his vaccinations, heartworm preventative, Frontline (flea and tick preventative), and found to have hookworms and ear infections.  We were sent home with medicine for this that he took like a champ.  We will be taking a sample back to our friendly vet Monday for a re-check to make sure these nasty parasites are all gone.  Provided all is well, we will schedule his neuter surgery.
 
In less than 3 days of arriving, this little guy is showing more confidence and a little bit of that playful puppy personality.  He has a good idea what toys are and loves to destuff the animals and chew on his Nylabones.  His favorite things to chew on are all made from wood and off limits, but takes well to redirecting his energy to the appropriate toys.  He is not much into playing with the resident dog, but is trying more and becoming more and more outgoing and goofy every day.  He loves going out for walks.  As long as you ignore him to get him through the door, he walks great on the leash and even has tried the golden game of carrying the end closest to him all by himself.  He has made huge strides in the house training area and I am glad to report that there have been no accidents for two days now!!  Way to go Aspen!! 

The pictures are not the best as it is really hard to get Aspen to come out for the camera since he is still pretty timid and shy, but with practice, patience, and love -- this little boy in the big body will begin to shine.