baby checkup

El Lobo Galassi's Madison Girl ... is now microchipped, vaccinated, hugged, admired and appreciated. What a love. She charmed everyone at the vet office, giving ear-washes and kisses and sliding her big feet along the tile floor until she was splayed out on the floor in a calm and attentive sprawl.

She is 32.1 pounds at 3.7 months. A large dog in the making.

We were concerned about "over-exerting" her, but our vet has assured us that "nature knows best." Let her run, play, roll and jump. If Madison wants to go all out, then that is what she should do. Giant Schnauzers are working dogs, and don't need to be coddled. When they are tired, they will stop.

We are having fun. At the dog park, in the "little dog" area, Madison loves the agility equipment. She hurdles gracelessly over the jump bars set on the lowest rung, clambers onto the table and looks at me with a laugh in her eyes, then bumbles up the V ramp and rolls down the other side. Her technique needs refinement, but her heart is in the right place. Do we have a giant agility dog in the making?

Photos are still a challenge. Why stop for pictures when there is fun to be had, things to chomp and corners to explore?