He's almost two and a half years old now, and that little fellow continues to bedevil and worry us. We have never been able to persuade him that eating inedible objects is not conducive to his good health. A few days ago he had been given an ultra-hard little bouncy ball that he just loved. He was enthralled with it, tossing it about, running after it, pawing it and nosing it, and was entertained for longer than we've ever seen him busy with an object before. Until he destroyed it, chewing its surface, and obviously eating a good part of it before we removed and discarded it.

He is a chewer by habit, and tends to get into things that aren't ordinarily considered a good idea for little dogs to eat. He will flip a rug to get at its underpad, for example. We haven't lately seen him chew any of the furniture legs, but he's done that, too. When he's out in the forest he and his sister pounce on detritus lying on the snow, considering fibrous bits of tree branches delicacies to be gnawed on while they're rambling about on the trails. They haven't been immune to copraphagic fascination, either to our great dismay. Which means those rambles are compromised by our having to be constantly alert.

Jillie

The veterinarian who looks after them prescribed a special diet for him because we've encountered so many difficulties with him refusing food. For the longest time he's been good, no stomach upsets, no refused meals. And then several days ago, after a bout earlier in the week of meal-refusals and signs of upset stomach, he experienced a still-ongoing, prolonged bout.

We'd given them both antler horns to chew away at, but after the initial spurt of interest they fell out of favour. Anything soft they're given as toys they destroy instantly, particularly Jackie, the little monster. His sister is far more unlikely to engage in the destructive efforts he engages in. Unlike him, his twin also never has stomach upsets, and she never, ever refuses the opportunity to eat anything.

Jackie

Which accounts for the fact that she is built like a little steamroller, and he is slightly taller, longer legs and lean, very lean body. The weight disparity is evident. He's infinitely more physical than she is, though he's also fairly meek and submissive while she's the more assertive one, though both are constantly seeking out physical contact and praise. He is restless and she takes every opportunity to just plunk herself down and nap.

They contrast so emphatically it's amazing they represent the same litter as the only two occupants of their mother's womb, awaiting birth.