October 12, 2007:  We welcomed Alfred into our home yesterday.  My husband says that for our first foster dog we hit the jackpot!  Alfred is just a sweetheart of a dog.  He is light in color with a huge head and big heart.  He's 8 yrs old, but someone seems to have forgotten to tell him that.  He is very playful - NOT a codeword for hyper.  He calms down very well also.  It seems he came from a very loving home.  He really knows how to be a great dog.

He was pretty stinky when we got him.  After introducing him to our children and resident dog, letting him get to know our yard and taking a quick walk around the neighborhood, Alfred got a much needed bath.  He let us brush him, clip out some mats, wash and dry him without a peep.  He is a very patient boy and simply loved the attention!  He kept taking foster sister's stuffed animals and actually took one very gently off her bed when I went to check on her once she was asleep, so I assumed he wanted a "baby" of his own.  I found one for him and he carried it all night long (while trying to sit in my lap, nonetheless!)  He has a very soft mouth - no chewing, just carrying the baby with him.

Alfred spent the day with us helping with yard work and cleaning the house.  He was content in the fenced yard even when we were on the outside of the fence.  He chased a ball and ran around with us and loved rolling in the leaves.  Our resident dog is not one to play with other dogs (she's 12 and past those games) and Alfred seems to respect that.  He doesn't get in her face at all.  He also respects her food.  He got up first this morning and ate early (and heartily!).  His furry foster sister got up a bit later.  I was concerned about feeding her with Alfred there as she doesn't usually eat all of her food at one time - she likes to save some for later.  Alfred was interested in the food going into the bowl but never once went near it, even when she walked away.  He really seemed to know that it was hers, not his. 

So, in a nutshell, Alfred is wonderful!  He listens well, knows basic commands, does not seem to want to get on the furniture, is very playful, is great with his foster siblings - human (6 and 4 years old) and canine, and smells a whole lot better than he did yesterday.  He needs some work on the leash as he likes to pull.  He goes to the vet tomorrow, so we'll get an official weight and health outlook then.