The Appointment

Thanks for all of your kind words! It is greatly appreciated!!!

Victoria and I met her new mom around 10:30 this morning, at a Therapy Center housed inside of a refurbished historic building. Victoria is always eager to greet new humans 1-1 and went up to the lady with tail wagging. *gulp

We walk into an office, and I let Victoria walk around a greet the ladies, who were firing question after question at me. I told them about the different commands she knew,(*disclaiming it by reminding them she is an adolescent and "thinking for herself right now") and demonstrated some of them; which she did quickly (much to my amazement).

They were both impressed at how quickly she responded, and proceeded to tell me they were looking at her for a Therapy Dog for their counseling center. *gulp a good home AND a job?

Her "mom" wanted to spend sometime with her away from me, as Vicki was acting pretty clingy..which is too be expected. So she attempted to take her upstairs. I say attempted because Victoria flat out decided that she was NOT going anywhere with this lady, if her mom(me) was in the other room. So I walked her up the steps and quickly left.

What seemed like an eternity lady, they make their way back down stairs.....and walk past ...eer shuffle/drag past me.

It hurt me to know that Vicki was so scared, but I knew she'd be fine.

Another eternity passed before they brought her back to me.

Stating that she was a winner! They think she has the temperament that they need in a dog, and she might be able to pass the Delta Society Test (whatever that is)

I'm happy for her.

For Real.

While she might be fearful, I knew she needs a job, and what better one than loving on and being loved?

*Ssssigggghhhhhhh*

I'm going to miss my girl.

Happy Adoption Day

Today 1 year ago, Texas officially became a part of our family. It has been quite the roller coaster ride,and I can defiantly tell you there is a good reason I have him.

After the first couple of months, my dad wanted me to give him up, his high pitched scream would go on for hours while crated, he was/is extremely reactive on leash, in my car and at the door. While he is wonderful with people he knows, he is extremely wary of strangers and would rather bite first and ask questions later.

He's defiantly a trainer kind of dog, and has forced me to learn more about dogs, training, aggression, desenzitation etc..

We first tackled his separation anxiety, I did it the hard way truthfully, I could have let him learn that the crate was a great thing, with treats and toys; but I mainly just put him and left. Which worked...eventually but it was a long and loud process. Once I saw the error of my ways, we went back and re taught him, and now he LOVES his crate. I just tell him "kennel" and he dashes for one of the five crates. :))

While his behavior was difficult, he learned new things sooo quickly, he got to be my clicker guinea pig, and LOVES it. Training sessions are always funny as he'll throw behaviors before I'll even finish cuing them. He knows; "Sit,Down,Wait,Come,Leave it, Up, Spin, Roll, High Five, Shake, Get em' Tex (A bad command for a reactive dog, but I can't help it), Go to your bed, Kennel"
Its a challenge find new things to teach him! (Ideas anyone?)

I can say that he has improved GREATLY, and if I could spend some more time at home, we could make sooooo much more progress. But that is on the to do list for next year.

He has been a great companion for Bubbles, and truthfully the two are inseparable. 

He spent his first weekend boarding this weekend. I was very apprehensive about how he would do, but figured I'd get a phone call if he'd bit anyone. (He's less reactive out of his territory) 
When I went to pick them Up I asked how he did, and the guy who hauled their crate to the car for me, said they were very good, and didn't bark. Could've knocked me over with feather.

Have I mentioned the word progress lately?? I love this little guy!

Its Official!!!!

Please join me in welcoming

TEXAS!!

To our family!

Birthdate: July 5, 2008

Adopted: November 29, 2008

I'm so excited I don't know what to do with myself.

LOL!