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Elmo just got back from another ‘play date’ with a smaller dog. And he’s coming when he’s called, barreling back to me with the biggest smile! He’s definitely a smart dog and a quick learner (as in two minutes with us on the couch has turned it into his favorite spot, while looking at us with those big eyes – knowing that he’s pushing his luck but that it would just be too unfair to ask him to move
)I’m both delighted and extremely sad that he’s found a permanent home. He will bring such joy and playful energy and a lifelong friend to his new owner. We’ve grown very attached to him in the last two weeks, that it makes me respect other foster parents SO MUCH – it can make you just so proud to see how far the dogs have come, and how much happiness they will bring to their future homes. I’ll post a few more photos before he’s off to his permanent home (just across the park from me, so hopefully i’ll still be able to see him out and about!)
here are a few pics of our week with Elmo. he’s made such amazing progress!
DSCN1562.JPGDSCN1572.JPGDSCN1553.JPGElmo is warming up to people and dogs in a very impressive way. He’s made himself quite at home, as he’s currently sleeping at my feet and whenever i go in for a pet, he rolls on his back, legs in the air and he’s nearly smiling. He’s eating well and devouring all treats and seems to be developing some patterns in his life. One of those patterns, has unfortunately been not liking his crate. On Elmo’s second night with us, he was so tired from a day of exercise (and probably because of his sleepless night the night before), that he only cried for a few minutes and then not a peep until 7:30 the next morning. However last night, he was not quite as pleased. After about 45 minutes, he finally calmed down and went to sleep. In the morning, we are met with pure joy and love and wet kisses.
He found a playmate in the park today and it warmed my heart to see him play with another dog. He does this thing where as soon as he sees a dog approaching, he crouches down in the grass or on the footpath – belly on the ground, head very still. . and he just waits. It’s very playful and i think a good sign.
I have learned that he needs a family who will be home for the majority of the day. Hopefully he’ll only need time to adjust to being alone. I think he is too nervous still to be left alone for more than an hour or two at a time. Elmo continues to brighten my days and he will make his future family very very happy!
Aww he’s SUCH a handsome boy!!! Jen, i’m so glad to hear he’s doing great and has such great teachers – you and Razor
That’s wonderful he’s getting on great with everyone, other dogs, and learning his manners. Give him a big hug from us over here!
Elmo (and perhaps the whole street) had a long night last night. I don’t blame the baby – he’s been in so many homes and is getting used to being separated from his brother. So eventually he quieted down and got in a few hours sleep. Today we spent time running in the park, meeting a few dogs (big and small – i’m slowly trying to figure out which ones he likes and which ones he might have issues with) and sniffing out the entire place! He is taking to burying a bone in the back garden. . . it’s funny how that’s such a dog thing to do, but i’ve never actually seen a dog bury a bone! the little joys in life
And below is a photo i slyly took of him – IN HIS CRATE! SNORING! He spent a good 20 minutes in there with the door closed .. . not too pleased about it, but the barking ceased and he seemed to relax after a bit. and now he’s in there on his own accord! I’m falling in love with this little guy. He’s only had a few accidents in the house and has been very good about using the back garden for the other business. Major points for Elmo today!
Photo 41.jpgElmo was brought to us this afternoon and he is the most gentle, loving and calm little guy. Thanks to the fantastic grooming job he received after he was rescued, he has a gorgeous coat of brown and grey with orange highlights. And the whitest teeth i have ever seen!
Elmo made himself comfortable right away and took little time adjusting to our house and has done almost all his business outside in the yard. He eats up any praise and lets out this adorable grunt when he’s being pet. He is like a little shadow and makes sure you are in his sight at all times. He is still a bit jumpy at loud noises, but has been ok with the Halloween bangers and fireworks.We went for a walk in the park behind our house and he was a bit snappy with other dogs – just barked a bit to show who’s boss. In the yard, he comes when he’s called! Ate his dinner like a champ and hopefully after a few more days, he’ll start to get more meat on his bones.
Audrey brought in a crate, so we’ll see how that goes tonight. . he has cautiously explored it with at least one foot ‘on safe ground’ outside the crate, but hopefully he’ll see that it’s comfortable and safe for him. He’s an absolute love and he’s doing so great, seeing how far he has come since last week.
Thank you for these games and encouragement! I’ll try a few with him today. I’ve noticed his attention span for any game only lasts about 5 minutes. So with more games under my belt, hopefully we can keep him stimulated! Thanks again
So it’s been an eventful last few days with Max. He’s drinking in many different noises, smells, people and other doggies he’s meeting in the park. He’s an attention lover, and when he’s not pet by every passerby, he gazes after them, as if he’s wondering why they wouldn’t want to pet a cutie like him! He is great with people, gentle with kids, and everyone has mentioned what a well-trained dog he is. However, we are having some trouble with him at home. He is nipping a lot (probably due to teething) and has some issues with jumping up on me and my husband. As he’s just a pup, i think we could be better at training him and i’m wondering if anyone on here has any experience with training Border Collies. After a 3 hour walk, he’s still full of energy and seems almost antsy, and i have a feeling he needs much more mental stimulation. If anyone has suggestions or recommendations, that’d be great. He is such a love, and we’ve had days when he’s been so fantastic and just seems to be drinking in the attention and positive reinforcement. I think Max would really benefit from an adoptive home with plenty of space and an owner who has experience with training. I’ll attach some pictures below.
DSCN1488.JPGDSCN1493.JPGDSCN1497.JPGWe received this beautiful pup 2 days ago and he’s gradually getting used to our home. We’re calling him Max, as that was what his previous family called him. He’s most likely a Border Collie/Lab mix and will be 5 months old on the 17th of October. After doing a little research on Border Collies, it seems they need lots of exercise, attention, and mental stimulation.
He’s been a mix of pure love, pure puppy, and pure energy.
He’s incredibly smart and is learning to play fetch with a tennis ball and to sit on command. He has slept through the night, no problems at all. He’s been fully trained to pee and poop outside, so we’ve had no accidents in the house.He has been great with people and is learning how to act around other dogs. We’re taking him for long walks in the nearby park and he’s meeting many of the neighborhood dogs. He’s extremely social and wants pets from everyone. We’ll keep posting more photos and stories as they come.
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