After losing two dear, 15 and 13 1/2 year old Bassett Hounds almost exactly 6 months apart, our home was strangely still and silent.

At the North Shore Animal Shelter in Long Island, we were screened by and accepted as an adoptive family for Wilbur a "Schnoodle" mix of standard schnauzer and standard poodle. Apparently he was a "latchkey" pup and received little or no formal training in his former home. Hence, despite his adorable looks, he was offered for adoption, we have begun to realize why.

We are still reeling from the shock after 3 weeks. After years of the sleepy, lethargic pace of two elderly Bassetts, nothing could have prepared us for the puppy play, mischief and manic energy of this dog. We are dumbfounded. We are too old for this… He has been shortlisted into obedience training school, gets an hour per day at the dog park, and has chewed through everything he can get his little jaws on. Details to follow as we try to turn this charming little terror into a companionable household pet.

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