Axel has found his home.

Yesterday, a couple I have known for quite some time expressed interest in becoming Axel's owners.  Happily, they thought he was quite charming and would be a great addition to their home that has three other doodles of various ages.  Since Axel is so comfortable being here with four doodles, I am sure his personality will shine when he meets his 'cousins'.

I am delighted that Axel will have an experienced home with several doodle friends.  In time, he will join in the various walks taken during the day.  Axel will enjoy the many opportunities to chase the critters in their yard, go for rides and still have plenty of cuddle time with his new 'mom and dad'.

Unfortunately, Dan had to take a call so was not included in the picture but he did say 'I was in love at first site'.  :+)

Such a cute twosome!

Axel gives the best head tilts!  Yes, they are keeping his namesake.  :+)

 Axel will be in his new home this coming Friday.  

Axel tries to make friends with our pumpkins.

Axel is now 7 weeks of age.  He is full of himself and thinks he is the 'cat's meow'.  He weighs 6 3/4 lbs so is leaning to be the size of his mini daddy, Jaxon rather than his 'bigger' mommy, Sadie.  I expect him to mature around 20 to 25 lbs.  His coat will be curly and his temperament is silly, curious, happy and energetic.  :+)

I tried to take a really cute pic of him amongst some of my pumpkins but he is busy, busy!.

'What is over there?'

'I need to climb over this orange thing to get to the driveway'.

'Oh, what did you say? Sit & stay?'

The next two weeks will soon be over and this bundle of cuteness will be with his new family.  :+)

Axel is growing but not by much!

 This little boy has confidence, energy and smarts in spades!  All 5 and 1/4 lbs. of him is just waiting for something to happen that he can investigate, grab, tug or chase.  He loves to 'investigate' our retired girls here and they put him in his place each and every time.  So, his dogie education is intense!  Thankfully, he is smart and immediately shows respect and rolls over.  :+)

Axel enjoys petting and when you hold him and give him a gentle squeeze, he grunts like he is some sort of squeaky toy.  :+)

He is up on a slide and has no fear.

Oh boy, he is gonna 'get it' from Gunny!

'I WISH someone would play with me.'

Looking for a playmate.....

Here's one!  I like to snuggle too.

Whew! Busy Day!!!

Axel is doing very well.  His mom, Sadie, went home to her guardian family this week and she is doing great too.  Axel is eating his meals, interacting with our adult ladies and getting to meet people on a daily basis.  In about a week, I will be taking him to special places to meet new people to keep the exposure going.  Thankfully, we have lots of people that stop by often and who does not love to meet a puppy - especially one as cute as this little guy?  :+)

 

Axel loves his free time running around our kitchen and also going outdoors to play in the large puppy pen.  Without siblings to entertain him, it takes more effort on our part to be sure he gets lots of people time in our arms or chasing after our feet or PJ legs!  He loves clogs and leather sandals too.  Hmmmmm.  He is very curious, playful, energetic and cuddly all rolled into one adorable face.  :+)

Sadie and Axel playing.

As I mentioned in my last post, Sadie is all over Axel when I let them play outdoors.  Here are a few pics to enjoy.  Sadie seems to be done feeding him but LOVES to play with him outdoors!  She thinks of him as her personal wind-up toy!

 

Axel - 4 weeks old! (Sadie x Jaxon)

 This week I have taken Axel outdoors to explore textures - the turf, the pavers and the wooden stairs and aisle.  He was quite curious and happy to smell and wander.  His mom, Sadie, would not leave him alone - always sniffing and guiding him this way and that.  With her being so pushy, I would sometimes leave her in the house so he and I could be 'cumbersome free' to do as we pleased!  I want Axel to explore at an early age so he is comfortable in odd settings and become very accustomed to places other than his crate area. Early exploration encourages confidence and stability in pups.

Without siblings to play with, Axel needs lots of stimulation from me and the other doodles in our home so he is allowed out of his area to mingle and enjoy our company.  As the weeks go by, he will have more and more time out of his safe zone to grow and learn.

I just love those white toes and short, high set ears!  His nose is slowly turning black and his little fat tail wiggles more and more as he identifies my voice.

Here he is on top of the Play Skol slide outside.  Axel is now four weeks of age and weighs 4 3/4 lbs., slightly above average.  Hopefully, he will agree to eat the gruel I have been making for him and mommy can go back home as soon as he does eat it with enthusiasm!  Right now, he still prefers mommas milk!!

AXEL! The 'Lone Ranger' of Sadie's litter of one.

Although Axel has no siblings to speak of, he does very well by himself.  Our house girls go visit him; and Sadie is with him numerous times during the day but all in all, he is doing well.  I carry him around often and enjoy him on my lap while I use the rocking chair on my deck in the early morning.  He raises his little nose and takes some deep whiffs of the outdoors - rather adorable.  :+)

Don't you just love those little white toes?

Here he is enjoying the view on our outdoor table.  

Pretty soon he will really check out his world here at ADNE.

I still don't know what I will be doing with Axel - selling as a pup, a possible breeder to another program or keeping for a potential guardian home.  I will not be making this decision until he is around seven weeks or so.