Dog Blog--Sampson, 10 months old

Age: 10 months

Weight: 145 lbs

Less than a year old, and in seven short months with us, Sampson has incresed to nearly ten times his body weight, and injected our lives with fur-flying chaos, a new, adolescent chuff and doe-eyed devotion. 

Next week is our last week of obedience training, which Sampson has struggled hard to wrap his head around, but proven weekly that he does want to please, it just might take a little longer for him to figure out what I'm asking, as opposed to the wily Husky or the pert and pointed Lab. The two best things to come out of the class: Hayden's increasing confidence in his ability to make Sampson listen to him, and Samps understanding leash manners well enough that we can walk around town without me keeping a constant eye out for posts or trees to grab onto should he see something he really wants to chase. I love our late afternoon/evening walks around town--reminiscent of my first Newf Dakota who literally traveled the world with me, from Ithaca to the Cayman Islands to Spain to Portland to Boulder/Breckenridge and back to our original stomping grounds. I realize that this is critical for my connection to a dog, and why, with our backyard dog Jonah who I rarely walked because he came along in our family's 'stroller years', Joey was more J's dog than mine. 

Suffice it to say, Sampson is mellowing nicely into the Hoffman Family Dog, lounging on the couch, sleeping in bed with the kids and leaving calling cards of fur and slobber in his wake. 

couch dwelling with J

The other day, Sampson was sprawled out on his giant bed in front of the fire while the kids set up a game of Crazy Bones just in front of him. Sampson raised an eyebrow as the plastic pieces skittered past his nose, but he didn't bound over and try to snag any, nor did he think is was worth his time to jump on the backs of the small children sitting cross-legged in front of him or place any parts of their bodies in his mouth.

There are still playdates who come over and spend the entire time on our kitchen counter, but it is out of their anxiety. In fact, as I point out to the kids, he spends most of his time sleeping, chasing the occasional cat, or asking to be let out. And then in. And then out again. And then in. And then out. 

 

 The photo at left is how I find Piper and Sampson often. I may be his mother, but she is his girl. 

Stay tuned for more from Sampson and the dog blog, email me for guest dog features, up and coming authors on the Writers on Wednesday series and BOOK NEWS.