I received these 2 updates on June 3 & 5, 2006 about
Shaggy (now Goose):
Renee,
The vet had heard of you through the Friends Fur Life program. Had heard really wonderful things per his direct words. I think it was Michael Butler, although there are five vets in the Indian Ridge practice and it seems like we get a different one almost each time. We've met 3 of the 5 so far.
Goose had a great time last night. Slept in our room along with Maverick and Jester the entire night. Never left the bed and Mav did as he usually does getting up and down from the bed to his doggie bed on the floor. All three of the pets ended up in the bed next to each other for most of the night. It was very adorable. We are working on Maverick to remember to come if we call him when he is playing with Goose. He's trying to forget that because he is so focused on Goose and we're not going to allow it. I worked with them this morning for about 30 minutes and would interrupt their play with a come command. Goose came better than Maverick, but by the end both were stopping and coming to me immediately. That'll be the training program for the week. They are both doing real well playing together in the yard and staying in our back area. Goose is finally calm around the cattle and he's doing great with Jester. They are stopping to sniff each time they pass each other and no more hissing from Jester. Jester still isn't 100% ready for playtime, but we noticed him swiping at Goose with his paw from the bar stool last night every time Goose would come close to Jester. That's how Jester initiates play with Maverick. Very funny how they model behaviors for each other. Some of the training sites I reviewed are as follows:
The last one was the best and most comprehensive.
Will take some pictures and send them soon. Maverick and Goose have been laying on top of each other with me on the couch as I've been typing this. How cute!! Just a pile of puppies. Mav definitely feels a need to dominate, but we're keeping it in check so there is no out of control play of fights. Going great so far. The fun of watching the two of them play chase is perfect and exactly what we were hoping for. Goose has been a great addition. None of the puppy issues to deal with. He is fully crate trained. He only makes a slight taping noise by moving his paws up and down in the crate and a couple of times a tiny whimper if he really had to go to the bathroom. Still hasn't barked yet. He is becoming more comfortable with his surroundings and everything and relaxing more. For the first couple of days we couldn't get him to stop panting and he would rarely lie down. Now he his breathing normally and lays down most of the time in the house. Still very into both Heather and me. But, will follow Maverick and Goose around to see what they are up to. I hate to take him to the vet for the heartworm treatment with things going so well, but the vet really wants it done with the injection and I agree we need to get it out of the way. So, we'll send some picture updates and I'll let you know how he does after we pick him up. Thank you again for rescuing such a wonderful dog and helping bring him into our lives.
All our best,
Heather, John, Maverick and Jester
***
Renee,
Well, we are approaching the end of a very busy and good first day for Goose. We've done some name juggling and have decided to rename the cat Jester and allow Shaggy to get the name Goose. A better fit for Maverick's playmate.
Goose and I had a very quiet ride home and we went straight to Petsmart to get a crate, some toys, Greenies in his size and another grooming comb after talking to the groomers there. He also got signed up for Beginners Training starting June 16, 2006 for 8 weeks. He seems to like the Bill-Jac liver treats best so far. He also liked the Greenie and it got his teeth really clean. He also got a full bath, flea dip and comb out and blow dry as well as nail clip and coat conditioner at Petsmart. He looked so cute in the UT orange bandana they put him in and he smells great. They found mostly dead fleas from the Frontline treatment, but I noticed he was chewing a bit on the lower hind legs, which is typical. His coat is so thick they can live in there a long time. Then we went to lunch together and visited while at Sonic. He finally drank from a cup of water I got there for him. I did notice that he really balked at going into Petsmart initially. I think all the dog smells at the front door signaled dog pound to him. He finally got over his hesitation and went in and relaxed after 15 minutes. The groomers loved him and he was very affectionate with them they said. He saw me and came right to me when I picked him up so I knew we had bonded and I was in the inner circle of trust.
After Sonic it was off to the vet's at Indian Ridge for a check up and visit to discuss the heartworm treatments. The vet said he looks great and he felt pretty sure he was 2 years old at most judging by his teeth and mouth. Agreed that it's Aussie and most likely Belgian Turveren. Doubted German Sheppard because of the small size. He was totally calm and a gentlemen at the vet's with some really annoying Miniature Schnauzer's. No sound or aggression or fear at all. Just calm and neutral. What we've decided to do is treat him for heartworm this next week starting on Thursday and Friday and the vet wants to keep him over the weekend as well to observe him and restrict activity. He wanted to let Goose have a few days at home to calm down and relax before the stress of treatment. He really wants to do the shots and get the worms out of his system so there is less risk of transference to Maverick. Given that we are going to be doing just initial adjustment and orientation we can restrict his activity adequately for the four weeks that the vet has requested. They knew of you very positively at Indian Ridge. Thought you'd like to know.
Then we came home and started getting settled in to the house and checking things out. Maverick was crated out of sight in the living room and Jester (formerly Goose) our cat was put up behind closed doors in one of the bedrooms. We spent a long time just sitting in the kitchen. Then he finally started coming into other rooms with me with some gentle coaxing on lead. We rested on the bed and he was adorable. Then it was walk outside time and also some crate time so Maverick could come out and check out the smells of the new dog in his house. Also, Jester came out to check out the scent trail as well. Then Maverick and I ran some errands and had some outside play time and then we swapped again. This time I let Jester roam around and he checked Goose out from the doorway to the bedroom while Goose was lying calmly on the bed. Goose looked, but showed no aggression or desire to chase. I just kept petting him and the cat even came up to me near the edge of the bed then left the room satisfied with his initial view of Goose.
Heather came home and we left with Maverick for dinner with her parents and then came back and took both dogs for a walk down the country lane a couple of times for about a mile walk. We let the dogs meet on the road and kept them apart so there was no jumping and they dig great on the walk. Goose finally went #1. I was worried he was dehydrated. We came back and all sat down for a pack meal and Goose finally ate something and drank more water. Still no #2, but we're hoping tomorrow morning after breakfast will be the trick. Maverick and Goose ate great together on opposite and slightly out of sight (around a corner) with me between them and a pet gate as backup. Jester sat on the floor with all of us and Heather stayed next to Maverick and I sat between both Mav and Goose letting them kiss my checks between bites of food. No direct stares were allowed between them and they respected this well with some gentle insistence on my part. Especially to Mav who is so curious. Goose is just happy being around so far.
Goose is absolutely silent in his crate and goes in better than Maverick, who usually will try to blend into the bedspread and be small to avoid us noticing that he is out of his crate. We're hoping the weather let's us get to a fenced in park tomorrow for some heavy exercise and a potential meeting again on neutral turf for some playtime and ball chasing. Two balls for each dog so there are no fights. I'll send you another update soon, but we're off to a very good start so far.
Hugs,
Heather and John Kunysz
