A few things about Chevy

 There are some things we have learned about our big boy over the past year.  Here are a few:

Chevy is not a fan of the heat.  He may lay in the sun for about 5-10 minutes before getting out of and digging a hole in the shade to lay down.  Even when it is only 40°-50°F, he still lays in the shade.  

Chevy loves, loves, loves the snow.  He isn't bothered by the frigid cold or bitter winds.  He is more immune to the cold than some of our Husky mixes were.  

Chevy loves to roll on his back.  All. the. time.  He just has a blast entertaining himself and always makes me laugh when he does it.  

Chevy is not a foodie.  It seems he didn't inherent the Lab's insatiable appetite that they are known for.  He hesitate before he eats anything, including water.  

Chevy is not a fan of toys of any kind.  He may chase a ball a few times, or chew on a stick, but will not play with any toys or stuffies.  

Chevy is scared of thunder and loud bangs.  Turning up the TV/radio during thunderstorms and fireworks seems to be enough for him to tolerate the noise.  Because of his fear of thunder, he is not a fan of the the rain.  Light rain during walks is okay, but heavy rain means staying inside.  

Chevy doesn't bark.  I mean hardly ever.  Once in a while he barks at a person or dog, maybe a deer, but really 99% of the time he pays little attention to anyone.  He also ignores critters, like chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, or birds.  I've seen chipmunks come right up to his nose and Chevy didn't flinch.  It's kind of nice not worrying about Chevy chasing and catching animals, but I kind of miss the game that the 24 Paws made of it.  

It has been quite an interesting experience learning about Chevy.  I'm sure there is so much more to learn about this awesome dog.  So glad he's in our life to find out more.  ♥ 

Chevy becoming Chevy

Chevy has become his own dog.  He has become an independent thinker.  Chevy has developed his own thoughts and ideas on what he wants.  Because of this, his stubbornness has been coming out as he wants to make his own choices concerning his needs and wants.

An example is we went to a new store so that Mark could do some shopping.  This store wasn't dog friendly, so Chevy and I were going to walk to the edge of the parking lot where the grass was so he could do some sniffing.  

Well, he sat and stayed in the car then I got him out and that was the last time Chevy listened to me.  Once he was out of the car it was all about what he wanted.  lol  He was pulling every which way to get to that green grass and he didn't care how he got there.  And I was in such a state of shock at his behavior that I didn't know what to do.  Everything I did to try to get some control went unheeded.  It is hilarious now, but at the time I was so frustrated and couldn't understand what was happening nor what to do about it.  It didn't occur to me until a day or two later that I should have turned him around in the opposite direction of the grass until he earned going there.  Not to mention that he remembered that I was there, too.  There's no doubt this boy is head strong.  It brings on a new challenge with us and I love that.  And that's okay, because I wouldn't want him any other way.    

Chevy is not the same dog we brought home a year ago.  He doesn't follow me around as much anymore and likes to have his own time and space to himself.  I kind of miss that dog that thought I was the greatest thing in the world.  lol  But, that's okay, because that means he's growing and changing and isn't that abandoned dog anymore.  He has found his place with us and he is comfortable and safe.  

And that's the best feeling in the world for a dog owner.