From Happy's new family...
Greetings, RAGOM!
This is Melody, Buddy's new mom (formerly Happy 02-219). I can't tell you HOW happy we are with our new baby. He is just the sweetest guy you could ever imagine! We've had Buddy now for just over a month. He's been a total gentleman and we have not had any problems (that we couldn't correct quickly!) with his behavior.
When we first got Buddy he had issues with inappropriately mouthing, barking, and chewing (sometimes). We've done some quick work with the trainer who came out to work with us on our invisible fence (she's a general dog trainer also!) and we've been able to break him of the mouthing and chewing.... we're still working on the barking, but he's gotten much better now that he's started to recognize who/what should be around the house and what shouldn't!
He and our lab, Sadie, have become best buds! They go EVERYWHERE together! And it's been so funny..... they play almost non-stop. Something that my girl hasn't done ever! They're both soooooo happy!
Buddy had his first visit to his new doctor this past week. Greta, the trainer from invisible fence, noticed a slight (and almost undetectable to the untrained eye) limp in his back right leg. So we packed him up and went to visit the doctor. Everyone there just LOVED him..... and he LOVED them! His tail was wagging the whole time! He was such a good boy! The doc said that there is definitely something wrong with his leg, so we're going back this Saturday to have a sedated exam and x-rays done to see if it will require surgery. We're hoping not just because I think it would KILL him to not be able to run!!
Buddy has stolen the heart of his new Daddy. I come home from work every day to find my hubby in the recliner, with a 60# lap dog on top of him! (Yes, he's gained more weight and looks GREAT now...... his body finally caught up to his head! And the doc said he's as healthy as a horse!). And of course Buddy's found that snuggling up with us at night is MUCH more enjoyable than sleeping in his crate. And neither of us mind ONE LITTLE BIT!!
He's fabulous with all of the neighborhood children (which is nice since my lab is the 'moody' female type!) and I'm not sure who loves who more!! They come play with him, and are very good with minding where the fence boundaries are! Although I don't worry too much because Buddy's REALLY good with the fence and doesn't try to wander at all.
He's still somewhat of a velcro dog. But that's to be expected from the months of emotional neglect this poor baby suffered! Every time I hug him it breaks my heart to think that someone could intentionally mistreat him. He's getting better, and more confident every day now. I think Sadie helps with that. When we first got him he wouldn't go outside without me, and he would stay outside without me. Now I open the door and he trots right out and plays with Sadie! Not even bothering to see if I'm still hanging around!
All-in-all we're just really happy with the new addition to our family. He's a very smart, beautiful, loving, well-behaved baby with a heart of GOLD! THANK YOU for helping us to find him!
Melody & Dan
