9/18/07: Introducing Walter!!!! Is he a good looking gentleman or what??? My daughter and I picked him up Saturday morning along with Maya. We don’t know much about his background. He was a stray found in Sioux Falls, SD. When we met the transport team, we saw 2 BIG HUNKS of LOVE! Both Walter and Maya weigh about 90 lbs each! We used my wife's Honda Civic so you can imagine the full rear seat. It was quite the sight to see! Both dogs got in and off we went. After 30 or so miles, Walter got up and got a little antsy. We stopped on a side road, took him for short walk. He had to do his business!! Good boy for letting us know!! Back to the car, laid down, and tried to get caught up on the nap he was missing. After dropping off Maya at her new foster home in the Cities, Bear (Walter is now called Bear!) and I headed north. We live west of Garrison. He had a lot more room in the backseat, so he stretched out and went back to his nap. Did I say he likes to nap? He and I are going to get along great. We arrived home at 4:00. He had been in and out of cars since 8 that morning. He rides in the car very well. He did not do the drool thing, didn't jump around, and we only stopped when he told us, so he could get out and potty then back to his nap. When we got home, he met our two dogs, walked around the house a little and went out to do his business, came back inside, laid down, and basically ignored our dogs.
This morning we found out some of his idiosyncrasies. When my wife tried to give him his pill for a skin infection (you can see it on his elbows) he would not take them with cheese without a lot of bribing. When he got his breakfast, we put string beans in the food to help fill him up, he took each bean out, one at a time and set them next to the bowl. He told us later, "no human food for him, that's how he has stayed so healthy".
When we went to church this morning, all three dogs were left to roam freely. We got home 3 hours later and everything was intact. I know we were taking a chance but our home is, let's say, dog, grandkids, and grandpa friendly.
Now for some serious stuff. We guess him at about 10 years old. All his shots are up to date, his blood tests turned out great. I mentioned his infections in the elbow area. We think they are related to him being in a kennel all day with no let-out or care. We all know that's behind him now and just the good life ahead.
He goes to our local vet tomorrow (Tuesday) and gets checked to see if he is ready to be neutered and get his teeth cleaned up.
I forgot to say he walked up our stairs last night and slept in the hallway all night. He does not come to the table when we are eating or when somebody is in kitchen. He has not had one accident. Actually he is better behaved than the resident dogs.
He is really a great dog, and will make somebody a great companion.
