Dutch, at 7 months, hasn’t caused any real damage or chewed up anything that wasn’t his until now. However, we still weren’t taking any chances – we closed him in the kitchen before we left for about an hour. Upon our return, we realized that both Dutch and Beaumont greeted us at the door! Apparently, we had neglected to close the door from the butler pantry to the dining room. We didn’t notice anything amiss until we went upstairs, and saw the antique love seat in the foyer. Stuffing was all over the floor, and has been cleaned up for this picture. Of course, there was nothing we could do or say to Dutch about it by the time we discovered it.
So, just a reminder: they may look like big grown-up dogs, and act like big grown-up dogs most of the time, but, believe me, they are still puppies! Follow Julie’s mantra: Don’t forget to watch the puppy, and secure him in a safe place when you can’t. I had sprayed all the fringes of our oriental rugs throughout the house with bitter apple yuck, but was afraid that it might stain the furniture. We are home with him 24/7, and he has never even shown any interest in chewing furniture before. Scott thinks that because it’s an antique, stuffed with layers of natural padding like fleece, with possible odors of other animals, etc., it might have been especially enticing. Perhaps Dutch can take over that much coveted title, “Destroyer of Worlds!”
OH MY GOD!!!! That is so not funny, but you are right, they may look mature, but they are not!!! I was on the phone once and looked out my window at a than 12 month old Gavin proudly trotting by dragging something in his mouth, I went out to investigate, and it was the ENTIRE irrigation drip system for my front hedges!!! 🙁 It was the entire 100 yard hosing system, ARGH!!!!
Ouch. I think Scott, is right about the fleece. Started with a really good smelling spot and it went from there. Is he trying to blame to blame the cat? Is that original fabric?
Yep 7 months is far from grown up. I am sorry about your loveseat.
Yes, he’s a 78 pound youngster, and must make mistakes in order to learn. If only I had been home, I would have caught it immediately because he’s always within my sight. I can’t go anywhere without him following me. When I take a shower, he lies against the threshold so I have to step over him to get out.
We bought the sofa at auction with its current fabric, which, although period-correct, is NOT original. I can reupholster it with anything I like. I am just relieved that there weren’t tacks used in the braiding. I found staples, which are bad enough. Scott checked his mouth, and there were no cuts.
Beumont DARED him to do it.
😀
LOL (laughing is better than crying!) You really don’t know how much you love them until they destroy something expensive and you finding yourself laughing about it!
So very true, Irene!
There’s no way that Dutch did this. I’m sure someone broke into your house and decided to destroy your sofa. Julie’s dogs are all angels and would never do such a thing. Someone broke into our house when Roman was young and destroyed my glasses and cell phone 😉
Oh puppy, what did you do?!
I think Scott’s hunch is correct. Probably some great antique smells in there.
As for the sofa, maybe you can sell it to a gallery as modern art? Title and artist: Dutch.
Beverly???……did you stop feeding him his meat????? LOL LOL 🙂
LOL, the great comments are helping us laugh through it. It’s just stuff, it has no heart, no feelings, and could never return our love so unconditionally. I was impressed with my husband’s equanimity, equal to my own. I guess, after 50, all the BS is gone, replaced by wisdom, compassion, and serenity.
Maybe I’ll have the upholsterer replace the fleece in the sofa with all the fur I’ve been brushing off Dutch lately! I’m glad he enjoys being brushed, since he endures it daily. I never have to file his nails, though – he wears them down so far we almost worry that he might need booties!
Be thankful about the nails!
I agree the comments were very funny!
After seeing how beautiful your back yard is, I was hoping we’d one day see some of the inside of your historic home, but not in this state. 🙁
Did he leave the wood intact and just go after the fabric? It looks like it in the picture. If so at least that’s an easier fix maybe.