
Andreas and I wanted to announce that we have officially become parents to a very happy and healthy (did I mention- needy?) 8 week old puppy that we have affectionately called “El Guapo” (aka The Handsome One). He was indeed the most playful, curious and affectionate one in the bunch (6 total- brothers and sisters). He also picked us…not vice versa!

I picked him up on Friday afternoon, April 4th,to take him to join his Daddy in Hannover. He was born on February 10th- so he is 8 weeks and counting…that is, of course, if Andreas and I can keep from killing the poor puppy for all his crying.
He has proven to be a handful and full of surprises for both his Mommy and Daddy. We truly feel like parents right now as he is constantly in demand of our attention, cries all the time, eats, drinks and takes dumps all the time and did I mention- pees everywhere! At times, it is extremely stressful having a little guy that depends on you all the time!
He has proven to be a great traveler, as he was as calm as could be in his little

carrier on the way from Hengelo to Hannover on Friday. He is already paper trained which is nice but he has some accidents from time to time. Bladder control can be an issue when they are so small. But at least he isn’t pooing and peeing in his bed or on us or guests.
We are slowly training the little guy, Andreas took him out the first night around 2 am and while the little guy followed him (with out a leash or collar!), Andreas tried not to step on him. He likes to chase our feet and likes to walk in the middle of us if he can keep up. After trying desperately from stepping on the little guy, Andreas brought him to a tree where Andreas looked down at him and said, “Do it.” Naturally El Guapo looked up at him with his beautiful puppy eyes and cocked his head. I’m guessing he was thinking, “Do what? Why are we up at 2 in the morning standing in front of a tree in the dark?”
So, Andreas proceeded to show him what to do. Andreas peed a little then the little guy caught on and peed himself as well. It was pretty cute- and hilarious if you ask me. He’s a smart puppy!
We’ve been trying to train him to let us know when he needs out and when he needs to go, it’s a learning process to say the least, but I think he’s catching on.
Walks exhaust the little guy but he thrives on other people being around. He tends to cry when we put him in the bathroom when we have to leave but I think he will eventually learn that crying will lead to nothing. Though he will let you know when he’s hungry and Andreas will tell you that this little guy eats a

lot…and takes plenty of dumps to show for it!
Needless to say, he definitely picked us as he tends to follow the two of us back and forth and at times get so confused on whom to follow when the two of us go in opposite directions. His favorite place to cuddle is between my neck and shoulder where he proceeds to snore. Who knows how loud that is going to get!
Ohhh! And his little cow Mumu which you can see in the picture- he likes to hump her- already!!
A little humor for your day. We thought you all might get a kick out of hearing about the trials of being a puppy owner of a Frenchie!
Hope everyone is well.
With love,
April (and Andreas)