He’s now eleven months old (almost a year!) and is in full teenager mode. He’s so bright—which is a benefit and also a curse. He’s a ball of chaotic energy, more aware of his surroundings, likes to push boundaries, doesn’t listen at all, and would eat constantly if we let him. He’s a big boy, yet he doesn’t understand his size or strength. He wants to be everyone’s best friend. When he smacks you with his enormous paw, you feel it.

He also hasn’t figured out how to nap yet. We have to force him to sleep. He’s so filled with FOMO that he’ll sit by the window, thoroughly exhausted, and we’ll watch him nod off and then snap awake. It’s like having a toddler in your house, except this one is seventy-five pounds and eats like a fifteen-year-old.

In December, he had his first dog-sitting experience when we went to Portugal. (Thanks, Julie!) He did well for a big, goofy goober who was still figuring himself out. In the months since, I think he’ll only improve. He’s starting to figure out walks and people. He might not always excel, but he’ll get there.

He adores other dogs. Even typing that doesn’t fully capture his excitement. Other dogs are his absolute joy. He would forego food to hang out with other dogs. There’s his first pal, Fergus, a Scottish terrier he met as a puppy. There’s Cosmo, a shepherd mix who he loves to harass and who, in return, acts like a big brother to him. He’ll spend ages exhausting himself running around in the back forest with his neighborhood buddies, Charlie, Billy (two pit bulls), and Ernie (another—smaller—doodle.) He’s bigger than all the dogs mentioned, but he’s still such a baby that he lets them run roughshod over him. He loves it. His favorite game is being chased. It’s adorable.

Trying to survive a winter with a puppy whose only source of entertainment is attention has been a learning experience. But winter here in the Pacific Northwest is fading. The weather has finally shifted, the cold has left, the rains have returned, and the days are getting longer. There are lots of big moments coming for Ulysses over the next few months, and I’m excited to see what silly new adventures he takes us on.

This has been your Winter 2025 Pupdate.