Booster Shots

Yesterday, Arkhon got his three-month boosters. It's hard to believe that he is that old. It seems like just yesterday we picked him up.

He is an excellent puppy. Now, when Kevin hugs him, he'll just sit there and lay still until Kevin lets him go. Occasionally when they're both getting too tired and a little crazy they'll still end up biting and hitting each other, but I think the worst of it is behind us.

He goes weeks between accidents now. He still occasionally will mess up, but he's a baby, so what else can you expect? He definitely is holding it longer, which is a wonderful thing.

He's also learned to sit and lay down. He's starting to learn to stay. This is what happens every time I feed them:

Dakota is doing okay. She's stiff and old, but still happy. She enjoys life, eats her food well, and can get around pretty well. We try to go on hour long walks every day, and I think that's helped her stiffness a bit as well. None of us are up to a half hour jog yet.

The reason we're pretty excited about these boosters, is that it means we only have one set left. Also, our vet told us that two weeks after the second booster that Arkhon could go to the dog park. I think he's going to love it. He gets along well with everyone.

The vet told me something interesting yesterday. She said that if the mother dog has had all of its shots, it will actually take longer for the vaccines to take effect. The immunity that they inherit from their mother will actually impede the vaccinations. Thus, the puppy has to have three booster shots. However, if the dam doesn't have her current vaccinations, the puppy only needs two boosters.

Unfortunately, with Arkhon, we don't know if he mother was current on her shots because she showed up at my aunt's house, and had a litter of pups. Arkhon's ears are a little long for a border collie, so it is most likely that he is a mix of some sort. We'll probably be able to tell better when he's full grown.

We like mutts though. They tend to live longer, have fewer health problems, and cost less money in general.  Dakota is a cross between a border collie and an Australian shepherd/border collie. She's been a great dog and turned 14 this August. I think it's safe to say that she's been pretty healthy.