Update on Teddy Bean, the foster... A Big Day
Thursday, easily, was Teddy's best day thus far.
He and the kitties have reached something of a detente. He's eating quite a bit. He's not shaking so much.
And -- drumroll please -- he started to make himself at home on the living room furniture. In particular, he's tried out two chairs and seems to have zoned in on a favorite, a leather armchair near the front window. It's the kitties' choice, too. Just like they do, he curls up, wedged between a wool throw and a soft pillow, alternatively napping and checking out the goings-on of the street.
He spent hours there Thursday afternoon. I dropped a few treats on the chair arm, hoping that as long as he was trying new things, he might also be willing to taste a Beggin' Strip. Or any of the other two bags of nibbles I bought. Not so much. Not yet.
Anyway, as if conquering homestyle seating wasn't enough of a thrill, Teddy and I also took a walk to Patterson Park. He's been on a leash before, but only on my block. Being as it's essentially all concrete, save a few tree beds, I think it's somewhat lacking as far as a dog's idea of a good walk would go. Not that Teddy has preconceived notions.
Though he might not have had much -- if any -- experience with it, Teddy took to the grass immediately, sniffing and snuffling around so much that his black buzz cut of a coat was soon covered with flecks of clover. Every time he encountered a dog, a big one, a small one -- ANY dog -- his little bedraggled tail wagged and wagged. He may not know what to make of humans, but dogs? Those he knows he loves.
Above, Teddy, atop his new favorite chair, snuggles against the wool throw. Below, he checks out what's going on outside, from the chair, which he's so bravely chose to try. Photos by Jill.
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
Comments
I love hearing about this little guy. He's really coming out of his shell. Are you getting attached?
Posted by: Lesley | July 10, 2009 4:39 PM
Jill, you should write about and photograph every animal in every shelter in Baltimore. Every last one of them would find homes.
Posted by: Tanner's Mom | July 10, 2009 6:25 PM
Jill, I think you are doing a great job of respecting Teddy's personality. We have a brother and sister pair of rescue cats. Max was born to snuggle and socialize. His sister Missy was extremely shy. We had a big break-through this week when she jumped up on the sofa to snuggle with me without any hesitation. In the past she would have looked longingly and wondered, Do I dare get up there? And then she would have tapped me with her paw and run away. I am still working on accepting treats from my hand--she prefers them tossed to her.
Posted by: Dahlink | July 11, 2009 8:15 AM
Oh my goodness, this is such a wonderful thread. There really is nothing quite like saving a life.
Posted by: Diana Hartnett | July 11, 2009 2:41 PM
Thank you for the continuing Teddy Bean coverage. It always brightens my day. I know that if you don't end up being his forever home, that someone else is going to quickly jump at the chance!
Posted by: Lauren | July 11, 2009 8:13 PM