Dear Dawna,

Don and Nick are thrilled.  Name is  JIGGS, after a great trombone  player. Don said it suits him.  The first night, Don was practicing his trombone in the room, and Jiggs proceeded to "sing" along with him!!

The next morning, when Nick came into Don's room (where Jiggs had spent the night), Jiggs growled at him at first.  What a pup!  Just like you said on your puppy page.

We'll send you pictures as he grows.

Lois

Hi Dawna,

 Glad you enjoy following your pups.  The initial crisis is over. Jiggs did not do his number (defecate) on schedule for the first couple days after you left him with Don, but now he is drinking, eating and playing on schedule ... as well as eliminating ... so I am sure he will grow in good health.  Funny way to start a message to someone, but that is a primary concern when the pup is adjusting to his new family.  All is well!!!

Don and our younger son made the long drive from Washington to our  Wyoming home, and arrived Monday morning.  That was a great bonding period with Jiggs in close proximity.  When my older son and I flew in on Tuesday at midnight, I opened the door to the van and Jiggs growled at me and would not come out from under the driver's leg space.  So Don held him in his lap, and I drove home from the airport.  By the next day, he accepted me, and by the following day he learned that mom was the one who gives the most kisses and hugs,
which he really likes, so now all four of us are accepted as his family.

We are pleased to report that, at only 11 weeks, Jiggs demonstrates ALL of  the Fila characteristics.   Yesterday we were working outside, and neighbors stopped by to chat, kids skated by with their dogs, a construction worker came to finish a project, etc.   Today, we walked thru town so Jiggs could socialize with the swarm of tourists.  Bottom line:  Jiggs is not afraid of anything or anyone.  He is wary when he doesn't know what is expected of him,  but he is never scared.   A big golden retriever male, then later a female shepherd, stopped by our house.  He was curious with them, but not aggressive or afraid.  But when the dog came up to HIS porch, or HIS people (Don  and me), Jiggs went right between us and took his position.  And when the
other dog got too intrusive, Jiggs gave them a little bark.  As a stand-off developed, he gave a bigger bark, which progressed to a little nip on the other dog's rear when the other guy didn't want to get out of Jigg's space.
It was only a puppy tussle, not a serious confrontation, but he showed his nstincts not to look for a fight, but to take a stand at the appropriate time in order to protect his family.  He is appropriately territorial about his property--the house, the car and the garage. 

As I am typing this message, a rain storm is coming in and it is thundering outside.  Jiggs is oblivious to the thunder, stretched out (across my feet), and he is relaxed in security inside the warmth of his home with his
family.

We take him out with us and make the effort to socialize him, because it is an important part of his development to know that he feel secure and need not be afraid of strangers.

Jiggs got his name this way -- The first morning after you delivered him,  Don was up at 6 a.m. practicing his trombone exercises (what else is new?).  The new pup lifted up his head and started singing along.  Don was in Washington attending a jazz camp at which a famous trombone virtuoso JIGGS WIGGINS was teaching.  The name also fits the pup because, when he walks, his long body jigs back and forth like the big cat he resembles.  So JIGGS it is.  Don says that from the very first day, Jiggs sticks to him like glue.  He probably always will.  When Don takes him for a long walk on the mountain trails, Jiggs does not venture away, but walks within a few feet of him and constantly is alert to Don's actions.  When Don practices his trombone, Jiggs lays down on the carpet right at his feet, and in spite of his sensitive hearing, Jiggs never complains about wrong notes or repetitious exercises. At night, because we haven't yet established his bed (I can't relinquish him to the crate) , he loves to sleep on Don's discarded clothing of the day (Don prefers to  disrobe and fall in bed, not putting them in the hamper until the next morning).

In short -- Jiggs is SENSATIONAL!!!  He sleeps through the night and lets us know during the day if he needs to make a trip outside.  Of course, we regularly take him for a walk not long after he eats his meals.  There has
been no "accident," so you started him well with the house breaking, and he has been no trouble at all.

Thanks, Dawna, for being such a good mom to our pup.  Be sure that we will carry the torch well and take good, nurturing care of Jiggs.  xxx and ooo from Jiggs to you.

Lois

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