INTRODUCING ...

SAMI

We have a new editorial assistant. His name is Sami (pronounced "sammy"). Born, June 29, 2008. He's just 14 weeks old. Another Silky to add to the pack. He arrived on Monday and is settling in, finding his place in his new 4-footed family. So far so good. Abby and Zack have been good siblings, letting him know what his limits are, without getting snarly about it. Sami, on his part, has been very respectful of his new brother and sister. He's also getting braver by the hour.

The breeder, who lives just a few minutes away, had named him Sam, but as I'd had another dog named Sam, I wasn't sure I wanted to keep that name. So I googled dog names 'til my eyes crossed, came up with a few alternatives...but when he actually arrived in the household, none of them really seemed to fit. So my revised approach was to try a variation on Sam...hence "Sami".

We're off to a good start with the housetraining. He's been a good little boy so far. Follows the other two out and does his business. He and Bridget the cat have had a few encounters, and so far they seem to be doing fine. Gently touching noses now and again. Bridget gave him one swat yesterday when he got a little rambunctious in front of her, so now he's very respectful.

His ears aren't quite up yet...as you can see in his picture. They'll take a bit more time to make the transition to the perky Silky ears. Abby's ears were slow to rise, but they eventually made it, so we'll just have to be as patient with Sami's ears.