R's improvement and Shyla's training

We think that R is continuing to improve today. He is still not himself, behaving oddly and being less interested in the world around him than usual. However, some of his more extreme symptoms seem to be dissipating. We're getting hopeful that he'll be running like in this photo sometime again soon! And, maybe he'll even be running with his new sister!

My girl, Shyla, and I had a fun morning hike. She's learning SO fast. I'm teaching her recalls... Here's a practice one. She's a graceful and fluid runner.

We played some fetch. Shyla is so fast that I have to upgrade my photography skills. Here she is retrieving a stick on Hug Hill.

And, another recall...

I intersperse training throughout our hikes. It keeps training from being long and arduous sessions and keeps it all fun for Shyla. I try to make it seem like a series of fun games for her.

After some running around, she had her greatest accomplishment. She did a sit-stay and allowed me to walk far enough away and squat down to take a photo!!!!

Shyla is like a giant sponge, waiting to soak up whatever I teach her. I use positive training techniques, including a clicker and treats, so training is fun rather than stressful (otherwise I would have waited longer after her arrival to start training). I'm astounded by how fast she's learning.

More than anything, her calmness and affection are incredible. Having her with me in the waiting room yesterday during R's ultrasound calmed me immensely. I'm falling in love with our new chocolate girl.

Her first sunset hike was spectacular! It was "raining fire in the sky". Perhaps it was a welcoming show for Shyla.