Thank you to everyone who offered input. We went the suggestion that we pick the dog who was most responsive when we visited. The blue dog was demonstrative, the red dog was lovey, but laid back.
We named her Tessa Blue, Tessa for short. She is very much a puppy — nosing into everything, hectoring the cat, playing tug of war and keep-away with Molly, and then disappearing quietly into another room to chew on a rocking chair or something. I’d forgotten how wonderful life with puppies can be.
She’s five months old. Her breeder kept her as a show dog, but as she aged she showed some flaws. I think she’ll be happier with us than trotting in circles in a dog show ring.
I applaud your choice. Do you hear my paws clapping? Arf. Blue is by all means the choice of the season.
She’s beautiful – same age as our puppy Dixie who is growing at an astounding, no make that frightening, pace. The interaction between her and 4-5 year old Yoda is a joy to watch – it’s brought the mother instinct out in yoda as well as given her a second puppyhood – they play together all the time.