Clark was adopted!
Update October 2009:
Hi Ginny, just wanted to give you the 24 hour update on the black lab we adopted from you yesterday. By the time we got home he had a new name, Bode-which he seems to like (much better than Biter, that’s for sure!)
The pack introduction went very well- pretty much a non-event. We are babysitting my sister-in-laws black lab this weekend, so poor Bode had two matronly Labs to meet and greet. Butts were sniffed, there were a few feeble humping attempts and that was that.
It’s fascinating getting to know a new dog. Bode loves to counter surf (we haven’t had one of those in years so –so completely forgot that leaving dinner on the counter is not a good idea-however, Bode enjoyed it immensely ; ) Then spent the next hours worried that he’d get sick- but thankfully no issues.
He loves to sniff our bath towels (!), hasn’t a clue what a ball or toy is, and slept like a rock through the whole night. He seemed very depressed on the ride home, but ever since has been happy and lively. He has eaten all his (regular!) meals with gusto so I think he approves of our choices in dog food. I placed an order with Smart Pak this morning so he won’t have to share Bella’s too much longer. And he is already modeling a nice new collar (with matching leash of course!) We’ve been applying ointment to his skin to help speed up the healing of the rash. He’s taken all our attention like a gentleman and he is very loving even when he isn’t at all sure just what the heck we are doing.
I’m attaching three photos- wish they were better, but getting three labs to poise—well, you know how that goes. Oh, he has already figured out how to drink out of our fish pond without falling in (and shows no inclination whatsoever to jump in- so I’m thinking that swimming will be another new experience for him when we go to bark park.) (BTW-fish pond is all natural-no chemicals-so safe to drink and very shallow)
It was lovely meeting you, and thank you for providing such a wonderful safe haven for dogs in dire straits,
Mary Jane and Gerry
Bella and Bode
Update October 2009:
Bode has had a lot to figure out since he arrives - he didn't know how to climb up or go down a flight of stairs, didn't know how to sit, and couldn't figure out how to climb up (or maybe wasn't allowed previously) onto the sofa and the bed, he also didn't "get" fetching the ball, or playing iwth toys. Needless to say, he figure everything out pretty fast! Well, except sitting, that has taken the longest even using dog treats. At first I thought perhaps he physically couldn't sit comfortably, but now that he is sitting on command, I think he has just been used to either standing or laying down. He is eating with gusto, and has lost that very skinny look he had.
He and our other lab, Bella, bonded very quicly. They now lseep next to each other and groom each other (Bella is in heaven because Ben, who died in March, would never groom her). and love to wrestle and chase each other. It's been interesting to see who gets the role of Alpha, and so far they are splitting thosee duties up between them.
Bode is just a delight - he is such a quiet, elegant dog. I think his favorite thing to do so far is curling up with Gerry to watch TV everything - and I think it's Gerry's favorite thing too!
Thank you for everything you do for unwanted dogs and horses, but I especially want to thank you for rescuing Bode, I can't imagine our home without him.
P.S. Was so relieve to see that Bode's brother, Lewis, was adopted. Not taking them together really bothered me, but I knew it would make Bella odd dog out in the pack. |
