Picking up "Jack" from the shelter was a great experience. Never having seen any picture of him before, I wasn't sure what I was getting. But I was surprised in a great way. When the handler brought him out, I thought what a beautiful lab Then the vet handler came right over to me and handed me Cracker Jack and his leash. Essentially turning his care over to me. At that immediate time, I knelt down and greeted the dog for the first time. Then I start thinking, what have I just got myself into (what I am thinking... a lab pup = lots of time, patience and care). Even after a long day at the vet getting his medical checkup, all his shots, and preventative medication... he was happy as any dog could be so see me. It's as if he knew that he had been waiting for 'me' with a huge wag of the tail and exuberance in his step. .Once I knelt down with him, with his leash in hand, it was an instant bonding moment when I was handed his leash. We took to each other like we'd been together for years. So today begins what I hope to be the honeymoon stage... but I know better. After all, it's yellow lab puppy....not the easiest dogs to train, but definitely the most rewarding to me.
So now the fostering begins with new lab puppy. To find out about our first day together - click Read More
DAY 1 - Homecoming
The Car Ride - Well, it was instantly obvious that "Jack" was not family with car rides.He came right up to the open car door and just stood there. Not as if he didn't want to get in the car, but more as if he didn't know I wanted him to. So I pick him and place him in the car. It was at that time I realized how heavy he was. He must be at least 40 pounds. But once in the car, he was completely at ease. I rolled the rear windows down, but he just laid in the back seat content for a ride. On the way home, we had to make a few quick stops, so it was good practice for him to get in and out of the car. By the time we got home, he seemed accustomed to the process of getting in and out of the car on his own.
GETTING HOME FOR THE FIRST TIME - We finally made it home around 4pm. After exiting the car, I wanted to instantly take him for a walk to relieve himself and get him accustomed to the grounds (I live in secure gated apt complex with lots of grassy areas and pet stops.) So we walked and walked for about 45 minutes with me hoping he would "do his thing".. but no luck. Apparently he was pee shy and decided to wait to relieve himself within minutes of entering my apartment. "Thank you Jack... a gift to me on your first day"
I wish I could say that was the only mishap for the day, but unfortunately it happened a few more times (4) during the evening, even though I walked him every 2 hours until bedtime.
STAIRS - Well, apparently Cracker Jack had never seen stairs before. Let alone 3 flights of them. So getting up the stairs to my apt was quite an adventure. It took us 15 minutes just get used the stairs and how to maneuver them properly. This was no easy task, but by the end of night he had them mastered! So all was well with that.
Making My Place HIS Place - When we walked into the apartment, he was a curious as any puppy would be. He checked out every nook and cranny, laid on the bed, couch, crate and chair (I guess he was just figuring out which sleeping space he wanted. I think he was trying to fool me by acting so calm and not chewing anything... and just being a very calm pup content with laying on the couch or anywhere next to me so he could be close. (It's too soon tell since it's only been 8 hours since I picked him up). Is this dog too good to be true (other than the few 'mishap' gifts he left me??? The jury is out... but so far, he appears to genuinely be a great puppy doing regularly puppy things
BONDING - Most of the night, we just hung together - playing with some of his toys and treats. Basically just getting him used to his new temporary home and getting used to me. He fulfilled his part of the bonding process by sticking next to, or nearby me at all times. Even on the couch as we watched a TV and then a movie. What shocked me most, was this pup actually seemed to watch (or at least be intrigued by the TV). He would watch for 2-5 minutes at time. As if this dog actually understands what is happening - especially when I couldn't keep up. But in the end, we both agreed that the "Hurt Locker" should not have been awarded best picture.
Well, we are going to bed shortly, so we'll see how he likes his crate for the night. I'll report on that tomorrow along with adventures throughout Day 2.
So stay tuned and click "FOLLOW" above, to read and see about the Adventures and misadventures of Cracker Jack.
________________________________________________________
GETTING HOME FOR THE FIRST TIME - We finally made it home around 4pm. After exiting the car, I wanted to instantly take him for a walk to relieve himself and get him accustomed to the grounds (I live in secure gated apt complex with lots of grassy areas and pet stops.) So we walked and walked for about 45 minutes with me hoping he would "do his thing".. but no luck. Apparently he was pee shy and decided to wait to relieve himself within minutes of entering my apartment. "Thank you Jack... a gift to me on your first day"
I wish I could say that was the only mishap for the day, but unfortunately it happened a few more times (4) during the evening, even though I walked him every 2 hours until bedtime.
STAIRS - Well, apparently Cracker Jack had never seen stairs before. Let alone 3 flights of them. So getting up the stairs to my apt was quite an adventure. It took us 15 minutes just get used the stairs and how to maneuver them properly. This was no easy task, but by the end of night he had them mastered! So all was well with that.
Making My Place HIS Place - When we walked into the apartment, he was a curious as any puppy would be. He checked out every nook and cranny, laid on the bed, couch, crate and chair (I guess he was just figuring out which sleeping space he wanted. I think he was trying to fool me by acting so calm and not chewing anything... and just being a very calm pup content with laying on the couch or anywhere next to me so he could be close. (It's too soon tell since it's only been 8 hours since I picked him up). Is this dog too good to be true (other than the few 'mishap' gifts he left me??? The jury is out... but so far, he appears to genuinely be a great puppy doing regularly puppy things
BONDING - Most of the night, we just hung together - playing with some of his toys and treats. Basically just getting him used to his new temporary home and getting used to me. He fulfilled his part of the bonding process by sticking next to, or nearby me at all times. Even on the couch as we watched a TV and then a movie. What shocked me most, was this pup actually seemed to watch (or at least be intrigued by the TV). He would watch for 2-5 minutes at time. As if this dog actually understands what is happening - especially when I couldn't keep up. But in the end, we both agreed that the "Hurt Locker" should not have been awarded best picture.
Well, we are going to bed shortly, so we'll see how he likes his crate for the night. I'll report on that tomorrow along with adventures throughout Day 2.
So stay tuned and click "FOLLOW" above, to read and see about the Adventures and misadventures of Cracker Jack.
________________________________________________________
Click to learn more about Atlanta Dog Squad, or to see other adoptable Labs from them please click click Atlanta Dog Squad and then click the "Meet the Squad Dogs" link.
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