4/25/15:
Just wanted to let you know that Fergie is doing super! No kid, cat or dog aggression and hot spot is almost gone with no cone use or further treatment beyond a little apple cider vinegar/water wiped around the area to discourage any further licking. Hair is almost grown back in! She is about 98% potty trained (only accidents are when we miss the signal) and the grabbing trait has gotten a lot better (she seems to know that she can only try it with Gus or I vs the kids). She is doing fine with the cows (much less focused on them than our previous ACD) and is very entertained by the chickens who I think she is trying to herd (good thing they are in an enclosure :)). She does have her devil moments, but clearly wants to be a good dog so we can get her under control pretty easily. She loves her toys for sure and she and Mia have a grand time racing around and playing...especially if the kids are playing too. So thanks again for this great girl!
4/13/15:
She really is doing great ..a bit of a rough first night, but last night showed huge improvement. She did meet the cows yesterday and put on a good show of barking (didn’t phase them). I would say some Spaniel going on in the ACD mix is a good bet as she loves the pond and has a really soft mouth when not grabbing at us (which is getting better ). She and Mia are buddies already...will have that little bit of chub off Mia in no time. Lelo (the "gate keeper" of the house) is tolerating her (and she is interested, but not overboard so I think Dinah will come around). The kids are doing well with her too. Definitely a lot of puppy behavior, but she learns quickly and as a bonus for me, they are picking up their stuff so she can’t get it! We are doing lots of supervised outside time until she gets used to the boundries and equipment, etc and she is well on her way to being totally potty trained (little smarty!). I'll send a few pictures..thank you for the fabulous new family member!!
4/11/15:
Just wanted to send a quick note that Frankie is doing fantastic thus far! Mia and she just love each other..it's like the Indianapolis 500 for dogs in our front yard. Stay tuned...