Angel continues to be a joy! We've learned a few more things in the last day that we'd like to share with you. First, Angel hasn't had a single accident since she arrived! Although we're not entirely sure yet what her signal is that she needs to go outside, I think it's safe to say at this point that if let outside at regular intervals, she won't have an accident. Angel has also spent the last two nights sleeping in a crate in our bedroom. She also stays in a crate when we leave the house. We throw treats into the crate every time she goes in, because like many dogs she'd simply rather not go in that crate! However, she hasn't barked once while in the crate - either at night, or when we leave the house.
Angel also really likes toys. I don't think she entirely knows what to do with every toy - but she's enjoying learning! She really likes to chew on things - but so far hasn't tried to chew on anything inappropriate. Unlike my residents, she likes chewing on toys that aren't flavored (although don't get me wrong, she loves those the best!) but she'll sit down with any old toy and keep herself entertained. As I'm typing this, Angel is laying on the deck, surrounded by two stuffed animals and squeaking a rubber ball as she watches foster dad rake. She is really interested when we throw the tennis ball and the resident Goldens run after it. Several times she's run with them, even if she isn't sure what they're running for. I think Angel would love to have a family that would teach her how to retrieve a tennis ball.
We've continued watching Angel with the cat, and I feel comfortable giving you a few more specifics about her interactions with the cat. Angel is very curious and excited about the cat. When the cat is around, Angel will run up to him and give him lots of kisses. Sometimes, however, the cat doesn't want to be smooched and he heads under a coffee table. This must really be frustrating for her because more than once she's laid by where the cat is hiding - whining and occasionally barking! Unfortunately this is the hard lesson that all dogs must learn - cats never like playing with dogs nearly as much as the dogs would like them to!
Yesterday Angel went on a walk with us and our residents. Throughout the whole walk Angel had me giggling and laughing as she zigged and zagged from one direction to another, trying to take everything in. Although she was all over the place for half of the walk, she didn't pull very much. This is probably partly due to her very small size. Several times during the walk Angel would be trotting along (because she really has this great, lighthearted trot) with her head turned sideways looking at something, and would run smack dab into one of the other dog's butt! Despite being hilarious to her foster parents, this frequent run in with the backside of my male Golden didn't seem to phase her one bit!
We did notice one very interesting thing about Angel during our walk. Since it was a beautiful afternoon, lots of people were out walking with their kids, spouses, friends and dogs. Twice we ran into a family with one or two children, and Angel was very, very curious about them - in a way that made us feel that she probably hasn't been around kids before. Angel is such a sweet girl, and with kids as well as other things, she's going to need someone who is excited about introducing her to all kinds of wonderful new things. She's the kind of girl who seems to have a naturally inquisitive spirit, but catches on to things pretty quick. She truly is so much fun to be around, and leaves her mom forever tickled by her curiosities and sweet temperament.
Tuesday Angel is going to the vet and getting spayed. After that, she'll be ready for her forever home. Anyone who gets this sweet, tiny little girl will just be amazed by how lucky they are to share their every day with her. If you think that forever home is yours, let your placement advisor know!