Inseparable, they are wicked partners in petty crime. By the time morning is half over they've exhausted us. Almost. There's always more energy to call upon. A little bit of distraction from their constant shenanigans demanding vigilance helps.

When we sit in the breakfast room having our first meal of the day, they've long since had theirs, and they tend to want to be companionably in our presence. So they settle intermittently into one of their beds situated beside the table, and alternately pester one another, or look nearby for neat stuff to chew on. Boots are dandy, so are slippers and shoes, even the drapes that hang over the patio doors, not to mention any electrical cable-attractions that are so irresistible to them. Oh, and the new, larger rubberized mat that has been placed at the patio doors, that's a chewing-winner of distinction.

So distractions are called for, on their behalf, too. We manage, nonetheless to enjoy a peaceful enough breakfast, and it's a restorative. Then out they go for the second, or is it the third time, this morning. Jilly never disappoints; or rarely does, and she receives fulsome praise. Jackie, well, he's a little reluctant at times to make regular deposits out-of-doors. It would help, needless to say, if the weather wasn't so frigidly wintry.

First thing in the morning and last thing at night before bedtime they both collaborate to please us. It's as though they've agreed between them to give us a break now and again.

They're loving and bratty beyond measure. As befits normal, healthy puppies.

Looking to the future we've made enquiries locally to find out which of the animal hospitals use laser surgery for neutering and spaying. One only, it would appear. But that's a good three months into the future.

My husband has been working on strengthening their playpen located in the family room. They like it as it is, and often enter to relax or to play. As long as the gate leading to its interior remains wide open, it's an attractive venue for them. As soon as it's properly secured and we can trust that Jackie won't be able to clamber his way up the sides and over to !freedom! they'll likely not enjoy being in there quite as much, until they become accustomed to its occasional use as a haven and security area.

In the meantime, I've had to remind my husband not to leave his mini-computer on the loveseat when he walks away from it. They've already kind of chewed up some of the wiring, and this morning I discovered acrobatic little Jackie sitting complacently beside it, on the loveseat; height, it seems, no longer deters him. Jillie has yet to make that discovery for herself.