Tuesday night Mr. Alf actually had an accident indoors -- a sure sign something's wrong in the tummy department, as his housetraining has always been great. He tried to wake me up, poor guy, but I just couldn't quite get him out in time. Wednesday I thought he was better but then Thursday I could tell things still weren't normal so I called Larry (puppy supervisor). He confirmed what I'd guessed -- time for our first line of defense, withholding food for a short time to let Alf's system rest and work out whatever's bugging him.
Let me just say: Alfie's NOT going to like this! Although his...er..."output" isn't normal, he's quite as bouncy and happy as ever, and his appetite hasn't suffered. With our first puppy, Willie, we had to do this any number of times and he just moped around resignedly until it was over. Dakota, our 2nd puppy, was a bit of a poor eater and the time or two we had to withhold food he actually seemed relieved: "Oh thank goodness, they aren't going to make me eat that stuff tonight!" But Alfie is another personality entirely and there's no telling what he'll try when he thinks we've forgotten his dinner. So wish us luck!
On another note...is this an odd place to sleep or what?
His coat kind of blends in with the dark floor, especially when he's sound asleep and not moving...it's ever so slightly creepy to think you're alone in the bathroom and then notice this...
...or worse, not notice until a tongue licks your foot...yowza! He seems to think that teeny little space between tub and toilet was designed just for him!
