Spot and Matt have been spotted in their Christmas finery, with a spotted present!
Actually, the present is Spot's newest "squeak", the word used to describe all squeaking toys, even after they stop squeaking.
We adopted Spot from a shelter in Encinitis in August. He was scrawny, and feisty. He has calmed down a bit, though he is still definitely a guard dog, with the usual phobias about UPS deliverers. When we got him, he went wild every time he saw a wheeled vehicle: skateboards, strollers, wheelchairs, you name it. It is very embarassing to have your dog lunging for a wheelchair. He is much calmer now, and will content himself with a few low growls if the wheeled thing doesn't come too close.
Spot is a chihuahua/rat terrier mutt. He weighed nine pounds when we adopted him, and has bulked up to ten pounds now. He is happiest sleeping all day and night in a bed with a human. He and I have some issues around that, and he does get away with murder at times. He just graduated from Puppy Obedience II. Of course, the classes have more to do with owner obedience. Spot is very smart, and really likes to train and learn new behaviors--he was kind of the class star. Of course, most of his classmates were actual puppies. Spot is around two and a half years old, so he had an advantage. He would probably tell you he needs every advantage because he is so small. He does have a bit of a Napoleon complex.
Spot is Matt's dog, first and foremost. They take lots of walks together, and Spot loves to hang out in the kitchen while Matt cooks, saying the "drop-it" prayer over and over. (Sometimes, it works.) Spot thinks all this fuss this month with boxes and bags and moving furniture is just crazy. Just wait until all our guests start arriving!
