Ernie*

So, our boys continue to grow and do well despite the occasional “mess” and they have generally been very excellent about the mornings, I wake up to dry clean floors and the only time I get into trouble later is if I push them too far in their tolerance. On the other hand, I have found that as long as they are physically in my presence they will stay in good control and a couple days ago I intentionally did an 11 hour stretch they handled it without problem. Still some work to do but we're getting there. Lucas has now turned into a complete and total snuggle bunny and insists on morning and evening close hugs and particularly likes to crawl on the bed, put his head on my arm and then fall asleep. Of course, as this was formerly Sam's exclusive territory (Charlie sleeps on my head, you see) there's been a little jealousy. It doesn't erupt in any sort of hostility but sometimes it gets a little overwhelming with both of them demanding attention. That is, as they say, a good problem to have with rescue dogs.   Bernie continues to be a good boy and will now come up for head pats and rubs, and will occasionally sit down and go for a full body rub but has not got to the point of stretching out belly up like the others. He will get there, he's just a little reserved compared to the other dogs. Bernie has also developed one other unusual bathroom habit, as has Lucas. Lucas first, he will sometimes require 3 separate walks before he takes a poop. He will immediately pee when he goes out but the rest of the time is scavenging snow comes from the ground and licking up snow which distracts him from bathroom duties. A little time-consuming and aggravating, but I would rather have the additional walks than retrain him to go in the house.   Now Bernie, on the other hand, after his initial pee will go find one of his favorite bathroom spots but with 10 inches of snow he starts by digging a hole, then turns around and backed into it, takes care of business and then use his hind legs to fill the hole in. It's actually very funny how serious he is about this and he always looks inordinately proud when he is done.   Frustrating at times, yes, but still good and lovable boys making great progress and I admire and love them. Here's a few shots of these fellows and some of the other crew, including a brief video showing how surround I get during the day when I'm working!