It's Brutus' Gotcha Day!

Hard to believe, but one year ago today is when we brought Brutus home!  The time has certainly flown... Life has certainly never been the same since the day he crossed our threshold!

During his birthday week, I already did a post about the day we met Brutus at the breeder. Don't want to bore you all with that again, but our newer followers can find the post here.  

In some ways Brutus has changed so much.  The original 9 lbs. of Brute has matured to an impressive, muscle-bound 25 lbs.  He has more or less grown into his ears, and his head is still becoming more substantial by the month (male Frenchies can take until 2 yrs to mature compeletely). His velvety puppy coat has grown out into the shiniest, blackest coat ever seen on a Frenchie. He is housebroken (well, usually). Brutus has learned so much, from puppy socialization class and learning to be on a leash, to now being ready to make his debut in the agility and rally ring (no one ever told him he was a non-sporting breed).

Then again, some things have stayed the same. Looking back on when we first brought Brutus home, many of his personality traits were already so apparent at 13 weeks.  He always wants to be the center of attention. He has no fear and takes on new things without hesitation - as long as he is at my side. Brutus was, is, and always will be a momma's boy, and prefers me to every other human on the planet. He is very energetic, and very athletic (especially for a bulldog). He thinks very highly of himself, walking with a swagger no matter if we are alone in the back yard or amongst hundreds of people. The Brute truly has a sense of humor, and always keeps everyone laughing. Thankfully he has remained the cute, good-looking boy as well - when all else fails, this is his saving grace!!

So as a tribute to his "Gotcha Day", here are some photos from our first days with the Frenchie puppy that has grown into the Brutus you all know and love.  

13 Weeks old: All ears and eyes, ready to take in a whole new world!

From the moment he arrived in our home, Brutus acted like he owned the place!

Very early on, he showed a talent for exploring the world by eating it!

Brutus has never had a problem with his self-image!  Here he is marveling at his reflection in the shower door.

Not such a bright idea, buddy (that's a landscape light)!  To this day, Brutus sticks his face boldly into everything!!

Here's looking back on a fantastic year!  

I love ya little man!!