CNN iReport

Like the now famous novel and movie "Marley and Me", I have decided to write some brief reports on the acquisition of my new puppy, Amber.  Amber is a pure bred German shepherd, and my girlfriend and I picked her up last Friday from a very respectable breeder in Wisconsin.  We were originally going to name her Wisky, to correspond with her home state of Wisconsin, but that name fell through when we learned of another dog just a few doors down with the same name.  Out second choice was Gracie, but after tripping over her own big paws, falling into her bed numerous times when she is too tired to stand, and also from her general lack of balance, we just didn't see her as being too graceful.  Thus, the name Amber somehow fell into place and since she will be more amber colored as she grows-up and matures, it seemed to stick. 

Amber was a young 7-1/2 weeks old when we picked her up and brought her home.  My girlfriend took a couple days off of work to assure she wasn't left alone the first 4 days we had her.  She exhibited the typical puppy aspects of being unable to hold her urine, chewing on anything available, and of course, whining and howling like she was being tortured any time we left her alone.  Speaking of leaving her alone, that brings us to where these stories start to get a bit more interesting. 

ROUND 1 - Winner: Amber

On Wednesday morning, my girlfriend Jan and I both left for work.  This would be Ambers first time at home alone, so we placed her crate in the laundry room and I placed a plastic compression gate in the doorway to keep her from getting out.  I piled her toys and treats in her crate, placed a bowl of fresh water next to her bed and left for work. 

3.5 hours later I arrived back at home for lunch and to check on our puppy.  Right when I opened the door, I saw my worst nightmare.  The gate was knocked down with puppy nowhere in sight.  But, lucky for me, only a few steps into my home I saw Amber sitting (so innocently) in the middle of our kitchen, stressed out after missing her mom and dad all morning.  I searched the home and found no other signs of destruction, but still labeled this as a win for Amber since she was able to conquer my seemingly unstoppable gate.  Good girl Amber, but just don't do it again, please!