Max had a good first night for the most part. We got a big ol’ wire kennel for him for when we’re out of the house and for bedtime. This is NOT cruel to animals. The folks at the shelter recommended it and everything I’ve read says it’s the best way to relieve seperation anxiety for your dogs. He’s got a safe place to just flop and it gives Gypsy cat a break from having to avoid him.
We originally had the kennel in the living room but he cried so loud and started howling that I moved it into our bedroom for now. He settled right down. After I got up and fed Gypsy, I took him out in the backyard so he could relieve himself and he got tons of praise for waiting his turn. The thing about kenneling, is that a dog won’t mess in his “den.” He’s happy having his own space. You’re happy that he isn’t peeing on the rug. Pretty good for a hundred bucks and some change worth of steel, plastic and wool (pad for the bottom).
After we came back in, I had my coffee and then got the leader out for our first long walk of the day. Dogs that are his size and his high energy level, must have a lot of exercise or they’ll bounce off the walls. I don’t think I’m going to have any problems getting rid of the extra pounds that I’ve wanted to lose. Once I get my time down on the mile and a half, I’m thinking I’m going to build up to about five miles a day on the days I’m running. I don’t think I’ll wear Max out and he looks like he’s going to be an amazing running partner. He doesn’t heel too well yet, but I’m sure he’s going to catch on pretty quickly.
When I was mowing the lawn this morning, (yeah, it might be Father’s Day, but he base yard Nazis don’t care) Max was whining at the door. Beautiful Wife thought he might need to pee again so she brought him out. Nope didn’t need to pee, wanted to follow me back and forth across the lawn. Somehow I’ve become his primary human. Part of me thinks that it’s because I moved the kennel, the other part may have been the bit of beef jerkey I slipped him this morning.
He’s not eating much. He nibbles his kibble even after a long walk. I’m not sure if he got shoved aside at the shelter or if he’s still not sure about his surroundings or what’s going on. We’ll keep an eye on him though.
Gypsy has finally come out from under the bed, but is spending most of her time in the cupboard above the refridgerator or on the top “limb” of her “cat tree.” Max whines at her now and then, but isn’t getting too close.
And that’s Max’s day on this Father’s Day. A pretty good present all the way around.