Now to maintenance

Took Texas Teddy in to be weighed today and he is now 33 lbs so I am putting him on maintenance. He is eating what Sunny eats right now...one cup for the day. I intend to check his weight in a month and as long as he doesn't gain or lose, that is what he will stay on for now. He will probably go for his check up in February and we will see what the Vet says. It is nice to know he is able to gain weight and when we were gone, didn't lose any cuz he was stressed.

Anniversary

Today Texas Teddy-maybe we need to change that - has been with us 6 whole months! We were in Texas and I just returned last night and Dave the week before. Denise stayed here all week and Jen and Miriam filled in when she worked. Jen also mentioned that she can't get over the difference in Teddy since he first arrived. And last night when I got home, he was SO excited that he was jumping all over me, barking etc. as were my gang. So that is a positive sign. I have him doing some small jumps and learning the weave poles cuz I think he needs to learn to do things besides mooch. So he has settled in and now Texas Teddy needs to get his immigrant status and the way things are going, he will probably have them before Denise gets her US one!

5 months and counting

Texas Teddy is with us now 5 months - and counting. He has made a lot of strides since he first came, timid and fearful after that plane ride with a goat. His weight is up for one thing and he looks good. He has our routine down to a science and thank God summer is over and we have had peace and quiet sans fireworks. Thunder and lightening, and rain, freak him still but the noise phobia I am afraid, is now ingrained. I have been heeling with him on a leash for awhile now but recently brought out the weave poles and jumps for him to attempt. He was afraid of the equipment when he first came, but seeing them and the Collie Crew on them has eased that fear. Slowly he is learning to weave and I consider each turn on those poles as well as each jump on the jumps, a huge accomplishment for him. He wags his tail so much more now and gets all excited when we go for walks or car rides. He is very sweet but still is somewhat apprehensive about playing with my gang. They, in turn, try to steer clear of him which is not good. Sunny especially has tried to play with him and he with her, but it takes just one quick movement to have him snarl in what I think is a defenisve move, for her to quit. Hopefully in time this will stop and they can all play together. I am hoping the first snowfall will encourage Teddy since it seems to rejuvenate my crew.

Left to right in the picture is Harley, Teddy, Storm and Sunny; taken earlier today.

Brown-Eyed Girl

Ah Sunny-my "little" girl..the only female in this group of 4. She had her check up on 9/11 and is in good health with, as her Vet says, "perfect teeth". She is always smiling:) Her weight is good at 44.6 lbs. But she is 7 now so will have to have her "wellness test" (blood work). Sunny at work is what she is all about. Unlike her "brothers", work IS play to her and she thrives on it. Sometimes I can't believe the bond I have with her. She is my sunnybunch, my sunny bunny, always bouncing, always gentle.

Bad Moon Rising

The inimitable "Storm"...a dashing handsome dog if I do say so myself. And my standup comedian too...I refer to him as the "Seinfeld of the dog world". He had his check-up last week and weighs 56.5 lbs. He looks much bigger. He is healthy and also the biggest weenie around. He hid from Dr. McTaggert and cowered by Mommy:) Actually cried out when he had his temperature taken. Of course there I didn't blame him. We talked about his allergy if that is what it is and vaccinations. All in all, it went well and he is my beautiful tri boy..full of mischief and about as loving a dog as there could be.

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!