Almost 4 months

Tomorrow "Texas Teddy" will be here 4 months!! He is now up to 31.8 lbs and looks great. He has come such a long way but I doubt the phobias he has with noise will ever leave him. However he has become a very social little guy with us in particular. Although he still is wary of others, he does allow people he sees often to pet him and give him treats. After all, he IS doing THEM a favor! The summer has been unusually hot and noisy but we all have survived. He still behaves like an only child at times: play his way or no way - allow him to pester but don't pester him. Fortunately the collie crew are all pretty laid back. He has learned that if I cut up treats, we are going out to play and he is the first one at the door, just like he is when we touch our car keys. I guess I should be thrilled with his progress but there's always a part of me that wants more for him. I guess that will remain a period of wait and see and I need to be patient.

3 months and counting

Teddy has been with us exactly 3 months. His weight is up to 31.5 lbs. and he looks great. Outside of his noise phobia, he is doing really well with us. Shannon and the kids were here for 2 weeks and he didn't seem to react when they left so I don't know if that is good or bad. He was happy to see them of course, and actually behaved like I remember he did at his home. He walks with us and plays with us although I wish he would play more with the dogs. He doesn't seem to know how to interact with them and has a tendency to snarl if, I think, he believes they are challenging him. Of course my crew are blase about everything so they don't care. He has learned to be better with people and yesterday he willingly went to sit next to Scott and get petted. He is the worst mooch ever and considering that is Harley's title, there is competition. My main desire is for him to quit being so crazy when he hears noises but that seems so ingrained in his psyche after 8 years, I doubt that will happen. He seems to be adjusting and it is a relief not to worry he hates it here!

Happy Birthday Teddy

Yesterday was Teddy's 8th birthday so of course we celebrated with homemade muffins and biscuits!!! He finally looks more confident which is wonderful. Outside of his fear of noises like firecrackers and thunder, he has come a long way. We heel each morning and he is getting better at staying around the yard. I only wish the stupidity of these firecrackers would stop since they also drive Harley nuts. Both dogs panic and it breaks my heart. Since the end of May we have some sort of bang almost every night and usually more than a few. The dogs have come to anticipate it which is terrible.

We were at Barb & Larry's on the weekend and got to spend time with the Friesen collie clan. Unfrotunately, Laddie passed away on Monday and it was very sudden leaving both Barb and Larry devastated. Didn't help my heart either. Dogs should at least have to live as long as people. It doesn't seem fair.

We are waiting for Shannon and the kids to arrive. Dave went to pick them up and they are on their way from the airport. Should be interesting to see Teddy's reaction!

Week 8

Wednesday...weighed Teddy at the Vet's - 31.1 lbs. I thought he might weigh more because he is actuallyu looking it.

Week 7

Teddy is into his seventh week with us. In that time, I'd like to think there has been progress made. Certainly, he is beginning to adjust to "normal" noises and doesn't necessarily freak when he hears hammering or other such sounds. Thunderstorms and firecrackers in particular make him crazed, but then they do Harley as well. We had a brief but strong storm on Friday and as soon as we could, we walked and all was well. I have started to work with Teddy. We have been heeling. Not for the perfection of an obedience trial but rather for the discipline involved and the work ethic introduced to Teddy. I think he needs some routine and a job of sorts. Since agility equipment at this point would probably scare him, I want to do something he will be successful at. And he is!! In fact he already is staying with us when we play ball instead of running back and forth. So I figured I better get him to do something to "earn" his treats and he is very good at heeling. I wish he'd play more with Sunny and Storm but he seems apprehensive (as do they - "bipolar Teddy"plays on their minds I'm sure!). But yesterday he played with both Dave and me as well as Sun and Storm and had a great time. I wish I could read his mind, if only to know for sure he is happy here. He has gained a little weight, sleeps and eats well, has a regular routine but I know we are not his "real" family and it bothers me to think he may miss them more than I think. He's had more than 125 walks so he's logged over 60 miles and he goes out whenever we do and in fact, can let himself out. He loves being with Dave and cries and carries on to go in the truck. Of course then I wonder if he thinks he is going home.......

"Weigh"to go Teddy

A trip to Fort Erie resulted in my stopping into Borderview to weigh the Sheltie. Texas Teddy is up to 30.1 lbs!!! For him that is great news since it (obviously) means he is content and not stressing and losing his weight.We celebrated with homemade biscuits tonight..always appreciated by the Collie Crew plus One as they are now known! He has gained about a pound and a half since he got here.

Sunnybunch is 7!!

My "Brown Eyed Girl" turned 7 on May 30th. I can't believe all the time that's passed. She is the only female in Colliewood. And of course she is one tough chick, rules with an iron paw!!! We clebrated with homemade muffins with carrots,zucchini,bananas,blueberries,vanilla,honey,cinnamon & nutmeg. Yummy:)
Today is Friday and everyone is back to normal after last weekend's firework fiasco. But the forecast is for thunderstorms on Sunday and I am not looking forward to that. Teddy has had a good week and is walking fine again. He even walks past the noise from renovations and he even spent time nosing around the backyard while Dave was rototilling. A good sign to be sure. He barks and carries on as soon as we get keys. Shannon thinks he doesn't like to go for rides. We think the opposite and I believe he is determined not to be left behind. Part of me wonders if he thinks we are going to take him home. I hope not. I'd rather believe he enjoys being with us where he gets 24/7 attention, lots of exercise and lots of hugs and kisses.