Jackson expresses himself:

I'm back! Boy, it has been fun running and digging in the snow again! Recovery is complete. Foster mom is happy because it is hard to keep a puppy "quiet".
I helped foster mom entertain her three grandpuppies the other night.  I got along with everyone, including the Weim.  They all towered over me, but that didn't bother me.  We had fun with tennis balls indoors, that is, finding them in very odd places.  I like chasing balls, but haven't an aptitude for returning them, yet.  Maybe, I will learn.
Mom says, I am very strong for someone so small.  Almost 19 lb now.  She thinks I could skijor some day.  I love being in the snow, not like her past puppies.  Ernie, Slinky and I play tag outside.  Sorry, no picture.  We are as fast as lightening.  Indoors, the Beagle and I play tug-of-war, then I need a nap.  Sleeping, eating and playing. What a life!
         

Hello from Minnetonka! Jackson moved to Minnetonka December 30th, so the dogs and I have been busy getting acquainted. He learned that Beau, my 11 year dog doesn't want to play. The younger adults are fair game. Slinky woofs at him and he dives in for more. The Beagle is more his own size and they will play tug-of-war frequently.  Ernie doesn't want to play every time that Jackson play bows and he is properly inhibited. Learning doggie manners.  Good puppy!

At first the cats were a curiosity, but now he would enjoy playing with them, just the right size.  He is being reinforced to"leave it". My cats don't run away, but the older ones may hiss or give him the paw, if he persists.
Jackson is very smart, very observant! Former foster mom had been working on housebreaking and has done a wonderful job.  He still has a few accidents in the house, but his young age and my signal recognition are improving every day. He sleeps in the plastic crate overnight 5-6 hours and gives out cute grunts when he needs out.  Snow doesn't seem to deter his effort and he has three examples to follow, as we all go out then.  If I know I will be gone more than three hours during the day, I baby gate him in the kitchen and a pad on the floor with his crate open.  He has a baby's capacity and exceptions need to be made.

Jackson loves going outside!  Lots of scents blowing around in those gusts.  His nose is upright, but he also likes to ground sniff.  Plenty of action there, too.  Without a physical fence, I keep a long line on him, so he can explore.  He followed the other dogs into an elderberry/grapevine thicket and we all got tangled up. Jackson shoved his nose into the snow, just like Slinky, his hero, to find out what all the excitement was all about on the hill.
I continue reinforcing "sit" and "down".  "Wait" is not reliable with his attention span. We are working on "shake". "Come" works better inside than outside.
Jackson may not have the retrieving gene, but he makes up for that with super cuddles.  Puppyhood is a busy stage of growth.  Besides growing and learning to be a good canine, there is chewing and teething.  I have a revolving assortment of toys. A trachea chew lasts a long time-if the big guys don't steal it. I reserve this for "kennel up" time.
A physical fence would be desirable to romp within and explore.  A younger adult canine who enjoys playing with another dog would be beneficial. Most pups are too active for the seniors. Always remember the old adage of "a tired dog is a good dog".

Jackson will be an A+ student in puppy Kindergarten and dog training classes.  A winter puppy benefits a lot from puppy Kindergarten for socialization as it is more difficult to be exposed to new and different things.
Distemper combo booster and oral Bordatella Friday .  Thirteen weeks old and 17.4 lbs.  The trip to the vet has not slowed him down.
If you have the time and patience to devote to a puppy, you will be rewarded ten times over with the unconditional love and companionship.  If interested in meeting Jackson, please consult your placement advisor.

Now to deal with the colder winter, at least we are not going to Sunday's Vikings' game at TCF stadium!