Yesterday we all spent the day out on the farm... and what a beautiful day it was! Sunshine, misty rain, sunshine... chickens, chickens, chickens. Archer did a fantastic job of accepting that it's not his job to supervise these chickens. I expected him to show an irresistible interest, and while he was interested at first he quickly accepted the "leave it" and willingly walked away with me. Yet another example of how quick Archer is to learn and his eagerness to please.

Archer loves to be outside, whether running after a tennis ball, wrestling with others dogs or simply locating a shady spot next to the picnic table for a nice nap on a summer afternoon. He also very much enjoys going for walks, although on these hot summer days a fifteen or twenty minute walk seems to be plenty. While Archer will always be a carrier of Distemper, he is in great health and we're working to build up his strength and endurance. He will happily go go go... which can then bring his tremors on more strongly. We try to find a happy medium by letting him set his own pace while being aware of how much might be too much. Even when he wears himself out, he bounces right back with a good nap... but then don't we all.

If you're looking for a young, affectionate, smart dog to enjoy sharing activities with... Archer may be the dog for you. He loves being with the family... he enjoys getting out and about... and yet because of his bumpy first few months of life he is a mellow guy - especially for a nine month old pup. He looks forward to walks and to being active, but without needing long durations of intense exercise. I think he's more interested in family time and a short walk than to Agility or Fly Ball and a long run. This makes Archer a great match for many of you out there... so if you're interested in meeting him please contact placement.

The other night when I let Archer out just before bed, he was hopping around in the dark. I went out to see what he was up to and laughed out loud because he was chasing a moth. He chased it for a while, trotting behind it, jumping up to paw at it with his front paws, trotting after it again. It was wonderful to see him express such whimsical play!

The next day I was doing some yard work when I heard mischief happening. I turned around to see Archer proudly trotting about the yard like this:

What a goofball. I'm thrilled to see him acting like such a goofball though; this guy has been through the wringer and finally seems to be feeling better and coming into his own.

The vet suggested that we keep Archer's activity low for a week to ten days while he recovers from the neutering... which of course is easier said than done. We knew that he was feeling better the day after surgery when he went into the entry way where the leashes hang and began nosing his lease vehemently while vocalizing. He was ready to get out and about... so we went on a brief adventure in the neighborhood.

His post op check up was on Friday, and he passed with flying colors!

Thanks to our sponsor for sponsoring Archer on behalf of the guests of the Rydel/McGarthwaiteWedding! We appreciate your support!

Archer drew the attention and smiles of several other parents at school yesterday morning when, after watching our kiddo go into school, he stood facing the doors, planted himself firmly in a sit and refused to walk away. After all, his boy disappeared somewhere inside those doors.

We did eventually return home from the walk, and after hanging some laundry out to dry I began to gather the dog toys in the yard for washing. I found myself wondering just how many balls and stuffed animals there were... until I began seeing double. Except it wasn't me... it was Archer... emptying the basket at roughly the same rate I was filling it... Bah ha!

Breaking news - Archer has been Sponsored on behalf of the guests of the Rydel/McGarthwaite Wedding! Big, big thanks for sponsoring him! Archer has been a unique case; he's the first dog surviving with Distemper that his vet has seen in fifteen years... even the neurologist at the U of M invited his students in to meet Archer, telling them they may not have the chance to meet another dog living with Distemper. He's a real champ and having a sponsor will really help with the medical treatments that have assisted Archer persevering through this virus. Thank you.

As many of you are aware, we've been observing Archer over the last four weeks in order to try to determine whether his neurological symptoms are stabilizing, progressing or retreating. Some days Archer is all playfully fierce puppy (see the pics below from his visit with RAGOM pup Max)... and other days his tremors are more pronounced and he vocalizes some discomfort. This makes it a bit tough to decipher how he's feeling as it seems to vary from day to day, so we continue to observe. Despite his struggles Archer reminds us multiple times daily that he is a seven month old, inquisitive, smart and playful (okay... even mischievous) pup.

As I write this, Archer is sleeping in a warm spring sunbeam in the backyard. He is one sweet, happy boy.

This morning he met a friend of ours and her two year old daughter, whom he greeted with tail wags and attempted face licks... no barking and not one jump! Wow. My friend commented on what a nice, gentle boy Archer is. That’s for sure.

We discovered last night that Archer enjoys singing along during violin practice. Er... I wonder if Joshua Bell or Isaac Pearlman have ever considered adding vocals to their repertoire... Anyway, I brought him downstairs to hang out with me while E finished practicing, and the serenade was over.

Yesterday was our son’s first day back to school after spring break, and his first day away from Archer. As you might recall from our first update, Archer took an immediate trust and liking to E. One way he seemed to process this difference was initiating multiple games of chase with me...or maybe it was “keep away”, come to think of it. Anyway, he kept taking my stuff... which was the perfect motivation to pick up around the house and take the opportunity to teach by trading Archer his stuff for my stuff. He actually does know which toys are his and rarely chews on someone else’s things. I think the game yesterday was his way of initiating playful interaction with me, and his frolicsome behavior lets me know that he’s feeling good. When E came home from school, Archer ran up to him with tail wagging, plopped down at his feet toe to toe and watched him intently. Archer then shadowed E as they played in the backyard.

As you see in the pictures, he is an active, energetic, loving pup.