Update on Dude, the shelter dog.

[MineralMan]

Well, Dude, the adult 32 lb. beagle/basset mix we rescued from a local shelter last Saturday, has been with us now for almost a week. He's adapting very nicely, and is already just about done with his kennel confinement. He's getting good at his obedience skills, got an A-OK rating from our vet, and seems to be enjoying himself. He's completely housebroken, and lets us know when it's time for an outside break.

Best of all, our biggest worry turns out to be no worry at all. He knows about cats already. Our two cats have been visiting him from outside of his kennel, and all he does is wag his tail. No barking, no lunging. I started taking him on a short leash to where the cats are. Neither the cats or the dog seem at all bothered by proximity. Dude tends to look away from, rather than at, the cats. I suspect that his puppyhood was spent in the company of felines, and that he has nose memory of disciplinary action taken against him by a cat or two.

Anyhow, he's going to get to explore the house without his leash, but with one of us present, starting on Saturday. He's already been everywhere on the leash, and is well behaved in the house. From what I can see, it will be uneventful. The cats seem to be very interested in him, and have taken to lying just outside of his kennel. It looks very good.

Of course, he's wormed his way into our hearts, and turns out to be a great people dog, wanting to meet everyone. When he does, he stands very still while they pet him, tail wagging furiously. He's so docile around people, both young and old, that my wife is thinking about therapy dog training for him after a year or so with us.

Good Dog, Dude!

[GoCubsGo]

1. What a happy face!

So glad to hear that things are working out between Dude and the kitties!

[Kaleva]

2. Looks like a very happy dog!!

[MineralMan]

3. And so he is.

He was sort of depressed at the shelter. Once we got him home, that went away immediately. He's a happy-go-lucky sort of dog, without a mean bone in his body. The transformation was amazing. I thought we'd have our work cut out for us to rehabilitate him. Nothing of the sort.

[glinda]

4. Congratulations on your new family member. What a wubbie wubbie face! Cuuuuute.

[roguevalley]

5. beautiful baby. lucky you. my sister is going to Anchorage

to pick up a 9 week old bloodhound puppy. I CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE HIM TOMORROW!!!!!