On Friday, 16 September, comes the question:

Hello experts!

Pirata was eating Eukanuba Puppy chow when he arrived five weeks ago (already five weeks!!). I am noticing that his poops are often too soft.

He also gets the odd carrot, bit of yogurt, & puppy biscuits made by Nutro. The Eukanuba bag is nearly gone and I'd like to switch but haven't a clue what to try next. I'm not going to do raw food.

Question two is when do you recommend switching to adult food? It has been so long since I've had a puppy around here I don't remember the guidelines. I suspect the advice has changed over time.

Other than that worry, Pirata is doing fine. He weighed 31.3 pounds on Wednesday at his vet visits this week. He is just over 18 inches right now.

On Wednesday we visited with the vet surgeon and had Pirata's sutures removed. When Dr. Aguila came into the exam room, Pirata twirled with happiness, tail wagging.

We then drove to see Dr. Kivney who gave him his last puppy booster. She, too, was pleased at his recovery and remarked that he was looking very good.

Looking Good . . .

On Tuesday, 20 September, comes the news from Christine:

Pirata & many others may have to evacuate from Houston, due to Hurricane Rita.

And on Thursday, Christine writes:

On behalf of Pirata & Ellana, I would like to thank everyone for their concern about them and other families who had to evacuate.

Pirata & all of Ellana's dogs will be riding out the storm at Becky Preston's CountrySide Pet Resort. I would definitely send my dog there - in fact I would stay there myself.

It is likely that other members of our Airedale community will be there as well.

Please continue to send loads of Zen for the safety of all - both human & canine.

On Tuesday, 27 September, comes word from Ellana:

We all returned from the Austin area yesterday and the humans are still tired from the evacuation. All the dogs, especially Pirata, are just fine! He is such a good boy. He took all the distruption and stress, the long long day (and night) in the car, being kenneled, and the trip home in stride.

. . . and running . . .

One of our dreams for him was that he would be able to run with the big dogs. This dream is now reality. Loree & I went to visit Pirata, Bonnie & Rugby at the kennel on Sunday. Pirata was able to keep up with my two dogs as they zoomed around the enclosed play area. It brought tears to our eyes. (Loree, her husband, and her Molly & Sophia were staying at our motel.)

. . . running . . .

Thanks to all for your well-wishes during the Hurricane Rita evacuation. I hope we never face this again. Everyone who left is home safely and there is little damage, if any, to our homes.

. . . running . . . "C'mon, Bonnie! Don't quit on me now!"

CONTINUE WITH THE STORY OF PIRATA HERE