Happy Birthday Graber

I have to interrupt the reporting of our trip to France to cover Graber's first birthday.  Now some of you may have noticed that the French Trip reporting had slowed significantly since our arrival home, so this isnt' really much of an interruption.  Sorry about that, but things like laundry, shopping, cooking have gotten in the way.  But birthday's can't wait, so we'll write a few lines about our Golden Retriever. 



Three Months Old



Father's Day 2010, Graber and Kate

 Yesterday was his first  birthday.  It's amazing how much they grow during the first year.  Hopefully, he's done growing -- he rings in at about 70 pounds now.  It's also amazing how much dog food costs in Europe.  A large bag of his food is about $100 US!  Too bad we didn't know that when we were selecting breeds last Christmas.  We might have gone for a dog that was a little less hungry.   It makes me wonder about the legend of William the Silent's dog starving himself to death after the death of his master.  Perhaps what really happened is that Mrs. Silent had to trim a few expenses following her husband's demise and Rover's dog chow was eliminated in the name of a balanced budget. 

Graber has adjusted well to being a European dog.  Some things are the same as New Jersey -- he's got a decent sized yard, food still arrives twice a day and he hates to wipe his paws when he comes inside.  Some things are different though.  There's a horse trail in front of our home.  It's non-stop barking whenever one goes by.  Sometimes in the evenings he'll discover a hedgehog.  These are great fun because they just roll up in a ball and sit there.  Graber then barks and runs around excitedly like he's some great hunter.  The biggest change is that our cats have decided to stand up to him rather than simply run away as they did in NJ.  Of course, he thinks it is play time so he loves to sneak upstairs and visit them. 



Captain and Commander


Despite having an official European Pet Passport, Graber has not fully integrated into European society yet.  We haven't dared to take him to a restaurant.  All those people with all that food would be way too much excitement for him.  Maybe that will happen on his second birthday.






Our guard dog; burglars beware




Showing off his intelligence



A boy and his dog