Wondering about The Bean?
It's been a while since I've posted an update about Teddy Bean -- most of you know that's the foster dog that I took care of for most of the summer, but was too sweet for me to do anything but adopt.
I've had Teddy for three months now, total, and it's honestly remarkable how much progress he's made. He's turned from a shaking and scared pup, quaking in the corner of my house, shying away from physical contact, into a bouncing ball of energy, who's regularly called out at the park for being "such a happy dog." A happy dog! A noteably happy dog! How awesome is that!?!
He's come with me to a number of area dog events -- most recently Dogfest this weekend, where I took the photo above. I don't think he's ever been so excited -- five hours straight of meeting new dogs, new dogs, more dooooogs!!!! One of the people working the Camp Bow-Bow booth had been watching him happily bound from one hound to the next -- for hours on end -- and predicted The Bean would sleep well Saturday night. He did.
I enrolled The Bean in the Maryland SPCA's awesome All-Star Canine classes. To no fault of the instructor, Nichole, Teddy isn't exactly a star pupil. While other dogs in class will go to the end of the earth for a treat, I hand Teddy chicken, biscuits, his beloved cheese, and he looks at the nibble in my hand, contemplates, sniffs, steps back, considers, and by the time he's decided whether or not he wants to indulge, the command has been long since forgotten. I'm not really that upset -- or at all upset -- about his academic issues. I really only want him to come when called so I can take him off-leash. Hopefully he'll figure that out someday.
And in the meantime, he's warmed so much to people. He'll accept pets from anyone and everyone. And when it comes to other dogs, he wants to greet every single one -- whether they want it or not. The Bean is a little furry social butterfly.
Oh -- and speaking of fur. Remember what a shorn little thing he was? He's fluffed considerably. I can run my fingers through his woolly coat. Soon he'll need a trip to the groomer.
Everyone come see him at BARCStoberfest this weekend! He's raised more than $300 to help other dogs and cats, who, like him, need a rescue. (He's the fourth-place fundraiser right now! Go Bean Go!)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
Comments
Yay bean! Woop! :)
Posted by: jen | October 12, 2009 1:16 PM
that really warms my heart.
Posted by: lesley | October 12, 2009 1:25 PM
I love hearing about Teddy Bean!!! Thanks for the fantastic update. I am so proud of him and all the progress he has made and so happy for you both. :)
Posted by: Barb | October 12, 2009 3:44 PM
I had the privilege of meeting the Bean at Dogfest this past weekend. What a delightful, friendly and -- oh-my-god -- adorable pup. I'm petless right now ... but was thinking how great it would be to have a Bean clone... He was really something special.
Great to meet you, Bean and Jill! And what a great story it is about Bean and how he's getting his bearings and feeling comfortable in his new home. Yay!
Posted by: petlover | October 12, 2009 3:53 PM
How have the cats accepted The Bean? (Or not, as the case may be ...)
He is such a sweetheart.
Posted by: Dahlink | October 12, 2009 5:26 PM
Jill: Teddy's story warms my heart beyond description. I bet if he could talk, he would tell you that the puppy mill experience was worth it to end up with a wonderful human in a wonderful home with lots of comfy places to sleep, plenty to eat, delicious treats...even with 2 kitty siblings. Somehow, I bet he manages to tell you all that everyday anyway. There is a special place in heaven for people who rescue animals; I just know it.
Posted by: Tanner's Mom | October 12, 2009 11:13 PM
I am so proud of him and all the progress he has made and so happy for you both. :)
Posted by: adsglobe | October 13, 2009 5:06 AM
My Maeby is a canine social butterfly as well. She can't wait to play with Bean at BARCStoberfest.
She's not one of the top fundraisers, but she is only $10 away from her goal!
Posted by: dcdiva | October 13, 2009 8:58 AM
aaawww, this is so sweet! brings tears to my eyes... ur such a good mommy, jill!
Posted by: minpinmama | October 13, 2009 11:33 AM
His coat looks great!
Posted by: Heather | October 14, 2009 8:53 AM
Jill, it's amazing what love, affection and attention can do for an animal. You should be commended for bringing Teddy Bean into your home and giving him exactly what he needed, a forever family!
Posted by: BeagleMom | October 14, 2009 4:21 PM
Teddy Bean looks healthy, happy and loved.I'm so happy for you and the Bean!
Posted by: Dana | October 15, 2009 9:56 PM