I Call it Puppy Love

My husband would disagree, but this is how my overly active imagination saw the events of New Year's weekend in Maine:

Once upon a time, Shadow the Silver Labrador loved the freedom that came with visiting his extended family in Maine.
(Click here for more info about his first visit.)

The fresh mountain air and lack of artificial boundaries made Shadow feel alive and full of adventure.

But like many a bachelor, Shadow was happily following his instincts when the unexpected crossed his path.

In his case, the unexpected came in the form of a beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy named Zula.

He didn't know what was happening, but suddenly Shadow was floating on air.

For three days, he and Zula played with each other,

looked out for each other,

and even began to look like each other.

Like all couples, they fought...

but they always made up.

Alas, as is so often the case with young love, the time came for the puppies to part ways.

But as Shadow was summoned to the car, he gave his Zula a final glance and a promise that he would return.

Video: Shadow vs. Moose

Another acquisition from the long lost camcorder vault: Shadow and his non-biological cousin, Moose, vie for a tennis ball in Maine. (Double-click to see it larger on YouTube)

Video: First Swim

This happened a few weeks ago... but it's still fun to watch! Check out Shadow's first swim in a river in Maine. (Double-click to see it larger on YouTube)

Helpless?

The count is two canine fangs gone (both on the bottom), and almost no full teeth in the front half of Shadow's mouth. Poor little guy's been rendered helpless. And I can't imagine eating the sharp little things is making him feel much better. Basically, if he and Moose were to play tug today, Shadow would last barely two seconds.

Freedom on the Fourth

Shadow, off leash and free for the Fourth, gets some fresh mountain air in Maine.

Shadow reentered New Hampshire last weekend for the first time since we picked him up from Blue Diamond way back in February. I don't know if he recognized anything, but I do know that he was an absolute angel for the entire 7-hour drive to Maine (and back again a few days later).

Moose prods his cousin Shadow to get back in the game.

It was an impromptu Fourth of July family reunion, and Shadow couldn't have been more thrilled to see his buddies Moose and Artie, whom he'd been missing for nearly a week.

I also couldn't have been more thrilled... to have the ability to play with my puppy without worrying about cars or moss (his favorite food), and to be able to wander around with my camera knowing he'd be safe with his cousins, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc.

The sunset was spectacular on Independence Day...

...and I had a blast taking photos...

 

...while Shadow played with Moose and Artie.

The difference between Maine and suburban New York -- the former with wide open wilderness and a generally easygoing attitude toward dogs, the latter with its plethora of boundaries and rules regarding where, when and how dogs may place their paws -- was readily apparent from Day One. At one point, the little guy was so relaxed he actually fell asleep in his water bowl outside.

Under the table and daydreaming

In Maine, Shadow get to take his first swim (a no-no in most places down here), and to enjoy the fresh mountain air and warm sun without a leash. (It kills me to have to put it back on him now that he's home.)

I opted not to take my camera into the "swimming hole" we went to on Monday, but there is video of Shadow's very first dip into the river on Saturday. Check back for that and some more choice Maine photos in the coming days.

Just one more for good luck  ;)