I forgot to mention that Stevie weighed in at about 3.75 lbs, up just a bit from the 3.44 of last vet visit. Likely she will be fed a little more; Megan, being a cautious first time dog mom has been worried about Stevie ending up obese. Don't get me wrong, the vet said her weight is fine, and she's not malnourished by any stretch of the imagination. Megan and I just expressed surprise that she hadn't gained more weight, and the vet and tech suggested allowing Stevie to "free feed". Megan said that wouldn't work... she'd just eat and eat until it was all gone (I don't know any other dogs like that, do you?). She did agree, though, that she has no problem feeding her more often and larger amounts. So even though she's obviously growing, Stevie is still just a little scrapper, still has no clue that she's blind and is just as much an energetic, enthusiastic puppy as any sighted pup I've ever known. I continue to feel blessed to be a part of this learning process. Knowing and watching a blind dog gives one a whole new perspective on the world at large...
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I drove into Austin in time to play with Stevie for a bit before Megan and I loaded her up into her crate to go to the vet. She's been there before, but not sure they'd actually met the doctor (?). We spoke with Vet Tech Parker first, who talked to us about the vaccinations for today and showed Megan how to trim Stevie's nails. Stevie was VERY good and didn't mind the nail trimming at all. I wish my two were that cooperative! Then Dr. Jennifer Martin came in and examined Stevie and gave her the shots. Again, Stevie was such a good girl. Honestly, she didn't even seem to notice she was getting them! Naturally, Stevie charmed everyone at the vet clinic. Even though she's not the rounded little puppy girl we first met, she is still just about the cutest thing around. Not that I'm biased or anything... :) We have to wait about 2 weeks before taking her to dog parks or Petsmart (both places where there's no way to tell if dogs have appropriate vaccinations, etc.) until her immunity gets built up a little better. BUT, the really good news is, she has the vet's blessing to come visit Li'l Darlin' and Newt over the Christmas weekend, so that should be interesting. As always, I promise pictures!
Cheers!
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Stevie didn't get her shots today, but I'm going to meet Megan and Stevie in the morning and go with them. I'll see if the vet will allow me to take her and Stevie's photo and I'll post it here when I get back. Got a "dog run" to do tomorrow, so it will likely be kinda late by the time I finally return home. But hang tight, I promise to put up more photos when I get them.

We will likely make a Home Depot stop afterward. If they won't let Stevie in the store, Megan will "baby sit" her while I go in and get the pvc tube for Stevie's leash. This idea came from a book about blind dogs that Megan is reading. The stiffness of the pvc tube helps to guide the bling dog using the gentle pressure of the tube rather than the visual cues sighted dogs have. It will be interesting to see how they progress. I know Megan is looking forward to getting out and about with Stevie along.

More to come, so don't change that dial!

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Sorry I've been blogless lately! :) Lots going on this time of year.

Stevie continues to be the center of Megan's world. Tomorrow, Stevie gets her 3rd set of puppy shots, so it will be okay for her to go outside. It was probably okay before, but Megan is more interested in erring on the side of caution. That also means it's time to start leash training, oh, boy!

Megan has some newer photos than what I've posted so far, and I'm begging her to get them to me or to post them herself here. Stay tuned; there will be more photos soon.

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Double checked with Megan on the whole Stevie barking thing. Turns out she has only barked about 3 times. I have yet to hear her "speak", but I can certainly vouch for her tough girl growl. Unfortunately, it's so darned funny -- kind of like a cartoon -- it just makes you laugh. She's so serious and fierce, ooooh, scary. Ha. I'm sure at some point, she'll be barking regularly just like every other Min Pin, but for now, we just enjoy her antics, her body language and her gruff growls.
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