Update on Thing 3, the foster...possible name?
Believe it or not, the foster pup I told you I brought home late last week has made it a grand total of four days with me.
Though the kitties were essentially sequestered upstairs at first, on Sunday we had the big reveal. Pumpkin wasn't so much interested in the dog -- except when he saw it came with extra bowls of food. He greeted the food bowl with open arms (and open mouth). As for Leo, let's just say it wasn't exactly love at first sight.
Not that the doggie didn't try! Though I hadn't seen his ragged little tail wag once over the two days, as soon as he saw the kitties, the tail, that looks like a mussed tassel at the end of a piece of bulky yarn, was wagging like mad. He really wanted to be friends with Leo and The Pumpkin. The kitties had other plans.
Leo spent all day following the dog like Javert tracked Jean Valjean in Les Miserables -- stalking his every move. Though the pup did nothing wrong, Leo hissed now and again for good measure. Pumpkin just stretched on the floor and enjoyed the show.
By Monday, Leo was cutting the doggie a measure of slack. But to be on the safe side, the doggie was steering clear of all things kitty, taking up residence in a corner of the kitchen -- as far to the back of the house as one can possibly get.
As for his relationship with me, I think it has improved -- though perhaps not in a way one could notice with the naked eye. I get the sense that he's a bit more at ease with me. He's still shaking, but I don't think quite as much. He allows quite a bit of petting. And if I stoop way low to the floor, he'll come over and almost touch his nose to mine.
I haven't settled 100 percent on a name, but despite some really great sugges
tions from you guys (I -- and many of you -- loved Baltimore Gal's suggestion of "Chocolate Chip," "Chip" for short), nothing seemed to really fit him.
I'm kind of thinking he might be Teddy. Teddy Bean. (A little fuzzy black bean). He really looks like a Teddy.
At tippy top, the pup who might be "Teddy Bean," relaxes on a puppy pad, which he finds much too nice and soft to soil. The kitties like to lay down on them, too. So much for their intended purpose.
Above, the kitties investigate Teddy's carrier. Leo inspects the surroundings while Pumpkin taste tests the doggie kibble.
At right, Teddy huddles in the corner of the kitchen, a spot he seems to like if he's finding the kitties a bit too intimidating.
All photos by Jill
For more on Teddy, click here. For more on the puppy mill rescues in Baltimore, click here.
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
Comments
yay teddy bean! i think he needs some peanut butter.
Posted by: jen | July 7, 2009 12:38 PM
I'm sorry, but he's a Chocolate "Chip" through and through!!! Such a cute little guy. If you have friends with well-adjusted dogs, get them together for some dog socializing. He'll pick up "how to be a doggie tips" from them.
Posted by: Sandy C | July 7, 2009 2:53 PM
What a cute little guy- enjoyed reading about his experience and hope he has a bright future ahead. I'll be checking to read the continuing story. Our little dog Oscar loves to get the hunk of cheese out of his Kong, so I know cheese is miracle food! He also loves to eat our cats' food far better than his own!
Posted by: Jim W. | July 8, 2009 1:23 AM
I love checking in on this story! It has been a year, and my kill shelter dog is still struggling with her fear of strangers. I have found taking her to Petsmart once a week, enrolling her in obedience class, and having strangers give her treats has done wonders. Maybe we need to have a socialization party for those rescue dogs that need some help realizing all that their new lives have to offer!! :o) My dogs had a great time at the MDSPCA Wine and Wag a few weeks ago!
Posted by: Ashley | July 8, 2009 3:06 PM
I'll bring Dizzy over for play time -- since it seems like he's staying for a while!
Posted by: Meredith | July 8, 2009 4:48 PM