Nicholai and Molly

Nicholai came to us at an unusually young age. He and his litter had been left in the freezing rain in a North Portland park (see Finding Nicholai, February posts), and were discovered while on a walk with our then middle-aged labs – Kali and Molly. Raising Nicholai from such a young age meant that he was with us during a very early window of his development. Studies have shown that exposure of puppies to people within their first five weeks influences how they will respond to people their whole lives.

Nicholai and his littermates were a mere four-weeks old – "and not a day over" – according to the vet who cared for them. At this stage puppies need to socialize with dogs, such as their littermates and adult dogs, to learn how to be a dog. For the most confident and comfortable relationships with people, they need human contact during this time as well.

From the beginning, Nicholai sought the company of our older black lab, Molly. We never could figure out what drew him to her and not to the other dog – a yellow lab mix. Perhaps he saw the resemblance; she was a black dog like he was. More likely, her warm and accepting personality felt safe and welcoming. Whatever it was, puppy Nicholai followed her everywhere. He could always be found snuggled near her as she relaxed on the couch. Occasionally, Molly would shoot us a look analogous to a roll of the eyes – "Does this pup need to be with me all the time?" Still, she tolerated his closeness, never growling or showing her teeth, but always allowing the little guy her safe harbor.

Nicholai's contact with Molly and being lovingly handled by us from a tender age rendered him deeply bonded to his family – human and animal. While he worries about strangers, there is never any doubt about his love and connection to his "pack," humans, new dogs, and even chickens, included.