As 2021 comes to an end, Rocket takes to the winter festivities with the same happy, enthusiastic mood as he approaches everyday life. The colder weather and shorter days that winter brings means that there isn’t as much time for hiking and getting outside after work, but the weekends allow for time to get out and play in the snow. His first experience with snow was one of uncertainty. After a night of heavy snowfall, there was an accumulation of several inches of pristine, fluffy snow on the ground. Quick to step out of the door, Rocket soon put on the brakes as his paws sunk into the snow. With a little encouragement and coaxing, Rocket propelled himself off of the deck and into the yard running and darting just long enough to find a place to “do his business” before he ran back onto the deck and straight to the door to beg to come back inside.
Rocket’s uncertainty with snow didn’t last long, at least not when it is time to go for a short walk or to play games. Once the games are finished, he is ready to come in and warm up. Rocket is not a fan of the cold, so unless there is fun involved, he isn’t going out! Sometimes, we even have to coax him to go outside to do his business when it is especially cold or wet.
Luckily, our winters are relatively mild for stretches at a time and Rocket can get a good hike in during those milder days.
Rocket has learned that Christmas is fun! He poses quite well for our annual Christmas photos, waits impatiently for his Christmas gifts, and loves all the company that visits and brings him treats. When baking Christmas cookies, Rocket can be found lying in the kitchen watching for any bits that might drop on the floor.
Rocket loves to wear sweaters. He has several, and at Christmas, he wears holiday ones. Once the sweater comes off, Rocket turns his sweater into a game of chase. He loves to grab it (or socks, which are his favorite) and run. If you don’t catch him quick enough, he sometimes gets a little overly excited and chews a hole in his sweater, like in the above picture. Most often, a quick chase around the house will satisfy him and he will give back the sweater to either be put on or back into the laundry basket from where he often grabs them. Hoppy, Rocket’s brother has at least one matching sweater. He often wears his, too. Hoppy also visits at Christmas and both dogs (and Frank) are happy to receive a Christmas present. Most often, it is a ball or stuffed chew toy. In the picture, Rocket shares his ball. Balls are an absolute favorite of Rocket’s. He has several balls and loves to fetch and chew on them. In these early years, Rocket did well with sharing toys and bones, but as the years pass, this will change.
Matching Christmas pajamas for Rocket, Frank and their tiny human friend
Another year with Rocket and life has been good! With a grateful heart, we looked forward to 2022 and what the new year would bring.
Now that Rocket is growing out of his puppy stage, his life and his personality will begin to change in some ways. This next year with Rocket will reveal those changes and one of our biggest challenges. Keep reading Rocket’s Story as it unfolds!
Rocket’s Story will continue in two weeks. Next week, there will be a break, but we would love to hear about your furry companion. Leave a comment or message us to tell us about your pet!