Introduced Apache to J.C. Palermo, our wonderful veterinarian, friends and neighbors, including horses Ike, Boss and Shammy. Got his tags, license for his collar. Took several long walks and runs, which helped him burn off a lot of energy. He’s a chewer and has adopted the brick fireplace as a favorite spot. Needs training but seems smart. Learning sled dog commands easily. Teaching him to speak on command more of a challenge. Hard to know who is breaking in whom — we are adapting to each other, I guess. Bill wants to call him “Boll Weevil,” can’t imagine why. I’ve nicknamed him Fuzzbucket, Doodlebug, or “Patch.”

Took guest family to see Boss, Ike & Shammy. Fed them apples and carrots. They enjoyed the pool (the people, not the horses). Deer are appearing just east of the side garden. While sitting on the new porch swing, saw a spotted fawn trotting down the driveway, looking for its parents who were braying behind some trees, on our trail system. Suddenly he took off in their direction, flicking his little white tail.

Within the last week, guests have visited Ike, Boss and Shammy (horses next door) to be nuzzled and feed them carrots and apples. Also saw a doe with two fawns one time; a doe stared at us from the front lawn for about 8 minutes, a fox crossing the driveway, a rabbit by the trail by the driveway, and baby bunny by Baxter’s barn.