“It’s difficult to decide whether growing pains are something teenagers have — or are.” – Author Unknown
Luka has unofficially arrived at that stage of puppyhood considered the beginning of adolescence; the haphazard sum of many parts: nose, elbows, long velvet ears, and heart, all fueled by a limitless supply of enthusiasm. Brains, so far, appear to remain optional.
Suddenly he’s big and strong enough to go all day dragging me along behind him, but lacks judgement and any sort of focused concentration, like most teenagers. This time in raising him requires lots of patience and the challenge of seeing past the immediate irritations to appreciate the dog he’ll one day mature into.
At least Luka, like all Labs, comes with the built-in means of endearing himself to those around him, no matter how trying he often is. He always manages to convince me that he never intended any harm. He radiates charm, even as he spills a full cup of coffee all over my iPod (ruining it) and then pulling the same trick a few days later by jumping into my lap and sending another cup of coffee all over the laptop. One day soon I’ll learn not to drink coffee around him! Most of his antics do not produce such destruction; instead they make me laugh in a way that begs an official pardon for his misdoings.
The beginning of his adolescence marks a period of transition that will last for at least the next two years. Right now he’s little more than an overgrown puppy, all random energy and unfocused enthusiasm, but if he ever matures (god help us!) he’ll be a wonderful and playful companion. Hopefully he will have learned something between now and then, and will be trained well enough to resist the temptation to misbehave. For a while, at least.
Well, brains may be optional right now, but looks–WOW–Luka is so handsome.
Labs are all heart, aren’t they.
My vaccuum mug is one of my most prized possessions. I bought it at a $1 store close to ten years ago. No more spills – and coffee that stays hot for much longer on my front porch in winter weather.
You must REALLY love him. 🙂 An ipod and a laptop both down in a week’s time. Wow!
He is beautiful and clearly developing his teenage side right on time! 🙂
-llm.
Wow…you must love him. I think I might get rid of my kids if they ruined an iPod and laptop.
I’m kidding…mostly.
He sure is getting handsome!
He is a beautiful boy, Laura. Your patience is remarkable. He reminds me of Chloe as a young dog (two different breeds and size, of course). She was full of puppy antics that caused me a great deal of grief but there was a twinkle in her eyes that kept me amused, every day. She did mature around the age of 5, so hang in there. He’ll mature more quickly than she…
BIG DOGS ARE LIKE THAT. SMALL DOGS MAKE MESS TOO. THEY ARE JUST SOMEWHAT EASIER TO CATCH.
KGMom: They are, yes. And he is too good looking – gets away with everything!
Dave: Thanks, yeah. I do need to do something.
Liza: Oh but I do! You know what I’m in for.
Susan: The laptop isn’t ruined (yet) just sticky.
Mary: 5? You’re kidding right?
Z: You are so funny – thanks for the laughs! 🙂