Pacer looking noble (and making sure Púka knows he's behaving!)
In my
last diary, I wrote about some issues I was having with the building manager in my subsidized housing complex. He had always referred to Púka, my hearing alert dog, as a pet, and he was trying to tell me I couldn't get Púka an apprentice.
Of course, armed with paperwork from the ADA, HUD, letters from my medical team, and a prescription, and presenting all this to his vacation stand-in who sent it well over his head, I received permission to bring in Pacer.
My uncle and aunt brought him up on Valentine's Day.
Pacer is a bit older than we thought, 6yo according to his vet paperwork. He's also a bruiser of a min pin at 20lbs, standing 14 inches high at the shoulder. Yes, he's easily twice the size of my sweet little Púka!
He's very sweet. My cousin was enamored over the drive to bring him up, and it's not difficult to see why! The miniature pincher breed has a reputation for being protective of their family and stand-offish if they don't know you--Pacer wants to cuddle and appreciates scritches from everyone he's met so far.
Cuddling
As you can see, he's having a
terrible time settling in! He doesn't feel comfortable with me at all... (He's in a very similar position right now as I type, heheh).
The biggest issue we're having is that he was pad trained, probably after his previous owner moved them both from Hawai'i to New England (I know, I know). I don't have a basement, nor yet the temperament to deal with that, so we're working on teaching Pacer to relieve himself on the snow. Given the high frostbite factor at the moment, it's a challenge (especially since the crate my family picked up had a Púka-sized dog in mind! The replacement should be here Wednesday). Wish me luck on that part, eh? I can't even dig down to grass or dirt!
But he's smart and eager to please and learn. He's already picking up my hand signals and commands, and I'm feeling very proud of my new pretty boy.
So welcome the newest member of my family, Pacer!
Hello!