Meet Ethan

Ethan
(c) 2018 MJ Miller

Several years ago, a cowboy friend in a pick-up truck with a puppy box in back pulled up at our place to say hello. Forty-five minutes later,  he left one puppy lighter than when he'd arrived. That was our first introduction to the McNab Collie breed - and to our beloved pup Earl.

McNabs get under your skin. Their sensitive nature, their loyalty, their intuitive way of learning, and their almost unbelievable intelligence will win the right owner over for life. You can't have just one, even if you only have one at a time. You just can't quit 'em.  

It seemed only fitting Earl would soon be joined by Molly, a prick-eared McNab from Garcin McNab Collies in California, and the two McNabs were joined six months later by Mattie-K8, a Papillon.  Earl's muzzle has long since greyed, largely due to the addition of our first kittens; kittens intimidate Earl, although he doesn't hesitate to chase large bobcats off the property.

When Russ mentioned he wanted to get a "red boy" McNab, I played it cool despite being inwardly giddy. He asked Teri Garcin to let us know when she had a good pup for us. 

Early Sunday morning, we ventured west, puppy crate in car, to pick up Ethan. A thousand miles of road and nearly 18 hours later, we brought one sweet, snuggly pup in to meet the pack.

Molly and Ethan, McNab Collie dogs
(c) 2018 MJ Miller

Ethan is ten weeks old and a solid, sturdy pup with greenish eyes that may lighten to an intense amber. McNabs are generally easy to housebreak, and this little guy is no exception. He's already figured out how to ask to go out. Although the crate is set up in the living room, he's not confined when I'm home and he sleeps in my arms. He keeps up with the morning chores, staying at my side when feeding the livestock. 

The other dogs happily welcomed Ethan. The cats ... not so much. Froggy was first to approach him and lay down some paw-law; this isn't her first puppy rodeo. Hank was, for the first time in his life, frightened - but has since approached for a nose-bump or two, although he's keeping his distance for the most part.  Little kitty waif Lucy, though, is petrified. She's keeping to a tactical advantage from high ground and growls when Ethan ambles into view. Lucy was unfamiliar with dogs when we adopted her from the Humane Society, but has adapted, and with time and patience she will adapt to Ethan as well.  

Mattie-K8 and Ethan
(c) 2018 MJ Miller

Ethan is a quiet pup. His play-growl came out this morning during a pounce-and-run session, but he's yet to bark. He watches and learns by doing so, as McNabs do. Their learning style is visual and independent. Walking up the hill from the barn to the house, I was amused to watch him figure out a solution. He struggled trying to navigate the terrain beside the footpath. You could see his forehead furrow as he watched me and concluded I was having an easier go of it, and he promptly hopped over the rocks and back onto the path. I recall Earl having similar insights as a young dog.

Ethan the explorer
(c) 2018 MJ Miller

And so our puppy journey begins anew. Life's adventures are best with a good dog (or three or four) at your side. We're well equipped with the McNabs and their Papillon mascot!

Copyright (c) 2018 by Marcy J. Miller * All rights reserved * Thank you for linking, liking, forwarding, and otherwise helping grow my readership * Most of all, thank you for stopping by and sharing our love of the McNab dog.