Don't Cry Over Spilled Kibble

There were a couple of firsts for both of us today, Max.  You wore your seatbelt for the first time and visited our groomer, Lyn as Completely Gone to the Dogs.  You may have to go visit her because you resist every grooming/clipping/snipping attempt I make.  Lyn suggests that the only time you were groomed was at the vet when you were rescued.  All I know is it won't be easy.  We're going to give your coat another month to grow.  Then we'll see..

 

Don't know if I mentioned the time you were able to knock the package of tortillas off the counter.  Or the time you pulled the container of chicken soup down and splashed it all over the kitchen.   For today's first,  you were able to snag Canon's dog bowl and flip it up, splashing the refrigerator, the cabinets, and sending most of it to the floor.  That was your dinner tonight, eaten straight from the floor.  I poured your food into Canon's bowl, even though he did help you eat the fallen food.

Four Weeks and You're Ours!

We met four weeks ago, and today I told Kathy that she's lost a rescue dog.  We claim you- to love, to train, to join our pack.  Welcome, little Max!

The Deed is Done

Yesterday was a big day for you.  We drove you out to Taylor Ranch Veterinary Hospital for your neuter surgery.  My, you were squirmy in my arms!  I'm glad I didn't drive you across town by myself.

 

There was a cat on the counter at the vets' office, which you took very casually.  Michael thinks you've lived with cats.  I wonder if you even noticed.

 

Anyway, you came through with flying colors.  You no longer have testicles, but you do have a microchip, you little escape artist.  You were quite subdued sitting in the back seat with me on the way home, but glad to get home, and especially to get something to eat.  It had broken my heart not to give you breakfast yesterday morning, when you get so excited about eating.

 

After the anaesthesia wore off, I was afraid you might hurt so you got a pain pill.  when you started licking, I put a little cone around your neck.  Poor boy-- running into things, door jambs, the couch, chairs-- I took it off after a little time with it on in your crate.  You weren't a very happy boy.

 

You were a little whiney last night, but you made it.  You felt well enough to jump up on the couch with Michael.  Today, we kept you from playing, but you're doing great.

 

And now, little boy, I have something to tell you.  I know you're not pure poodle and may shed a little, and I think I'm allergic to you.  When you pee, you hit your front leg sometimes, and need cleaning up.  You lick our faces an awful lot.  I haven't succeeded in getting you to sit on command yet, and you don't love cuddling.  But you're a charming boy.  A good boy.  And we've fallen in love with you.  We want to make you a permanent member of our pack.  What do you think of that?

Doodles and Cuddles

We met a golden doodle puppy on our walk today, Max.  This big girl was only 4 1/2 months old.  She looked similar to you, especially in coloring, if not in size or length of hair.  I still can't wait to see how you look with hair.  Interestingly, her "mom" said she sheds.  That reminded me of an article I read on labradoodles, where it mentioned that the non-allergic and no-shed qualities are not givens in the mixes.  You don't shed, but the sneezing starts when I hold you in the mornings.  Does that make you any less loveable?  Absolutely not.  Poodle people and other breed people may have distain for designer dogs, but you're here anyway, so why not love you?

A cuddle moment!  I carried you up to our bed this evening.  Caprice growled and barked, as she has for every other dog in our house that has approached the bed while she's on it, but you were actually comfortable and slept by me for awhile.  I would have loved to have taken a picture, but I know you would have gotten up with me.  When you did get up, you stared at the floor.  What a long way down!  Although you made that leap this morning, I helped you down.  Don't fear.  I will take care of you!

...Of Things to Come...

Little Max, you've been here just over 3 weeks, and you're still a joy.

You go into one of your crates when you're tired and want to get away.
You are absolutely overjoyed when you come out of your crate in the morning.  You go into an absolute frenzy when I am putting down your food bowl.

Last night, after I got home from three days away from home, I picked you up and put you on the bed with me and the other two poodles.  You didn't love it, but I was able to manipulate you into a down and pet and cuddle you.  (Yes, a week ago I said you wouldn't go in the bed so you wouldn't be spoiled for your new home.) I'm afraid to let you jump down yourself, but I suspect you'd do fine.

 

You enjoy chasing your little tennis ball, and chewing on it, too.  (I don't think it will last for long.)

 

Your favorite thing (besides eating) seems to be licking faces, sometimes with a little nip thrown in.  We're working on having you get down when you jump on me while I'm sitting, and you seem to be learning what a firm "Off" is.  I still can't get you to sit, either by holding a treat over your head (you jump), scooping your legs into a sit (what resistance!), or pushing your little rear down (you are so strong!).  I am so afraid of hurting you.

 

Speak of hurt, I'm nervous about your neutering visit to the vet on Thursday.  I've never sent a dog to a low cost neuter clinic, and I'm hoping they take good care of you.

 

Every day you become more of our pack...