It has been a big week for Wrangler, the TODAY puppy. Not because he met big celebrities or had great times on the 30 Rock Plaza (although he did those things too), but because he now has a little sister! On Monday afternoon, Wrangler welcomed 8-week-old female yellow Labrador, Jewel, into his home. Jewel is also a future guide dog, and Wrangler canโt wait to help teach her all the important lessons he has learned thus far. Though Wrangler and Jewel technically come from different canine mothers (Wranglerโs mom is named Emmy and Jewelโs mom is Flossie), they are siblings in the sense that Jewel will be co-raised by Wranglerโs puppy raiser, Saxon, as well as Wranglerโs close human friends, Allie and Alex.
Wranglerโs first task as big brother will be to teach Jewel how to interact and play nicely with the big dogs. Sheโs still very small, and Wrangler can help to teach her important social cues as she grows and starts playing with bigger groups of dogs. Wrangler has done a great job so far sharing all his Nylabones and playing gently with his new little sis. Heโs even been snuggling on the dog bed with her, and occasionally taking a cute photo or two. Most importantly, the two future guide dogs have been practicing their skills together. Wrangler works on his duration and self-control by maintaining a โgo placeโ while Jewel masters the art of โsitโ and โdown.โ Wrangler is a great role model and loves spending time with Jewel.
The fun times have just begun for Wrangler and Jewel, and as Jewel grows and learns, the two will be able to go on socialization outings together with Saxon and Allie. For the time being, Wrangler is enjoying all of Jewelโs puppy snuggles and kisses (and even a little extra love from his puppy raiser while the baby sleeps).
