Little Shop of Horrors

It seems like I've grown a monster ... I was looking at some photos of the dogs and thought I'd post some then and now pictures to demonstrate what has happened to my adorable puppy.

Here is Raimi at just 4 weeks old ...

And here he is at Christmas - The Grinch he's sniffing is about the same size as the red and blue ball ...

Here's Petal with Raimi at 3 weeks - I've used this picture before ...
















And I've used this one before too - this is Raimi and Petal about 2 months ago ...

This was his 7 week stack photo - he was being so good ... that's his sister Rosie's nose in the background sniffing out extra treats ...

And this is him from this past Sunday at the park ...

Here's my favorite comparison because it's so obvious ... well, he's the little one in the first picture and the big one in the second...

This is a good demonstration for why it is critical that large breeds not get fat or over worked during their first year(at a minimum). The rate at which they grow is so stressful on their bodies that any additional stressors like extra weight or over exertion means their body has to work against itself. You can end up with a lame dog at 3 or 4 years old and this is why many breeders will not guarantee the joints (hips & elbows) on a fat or over-worked dog - even if it's in the contract. Environmental factors play a huge role in the development of puppies ... consider the years you are potentially denying yourself and the dog the next time those sad eyes beg you for more treats or that exhuasted puppy tries so hard to keep up on a 2 hour hike ...