I thought that it might be appropriate for a pet owner (and a proud one at
that) to talk to all of you about HER brags. Now, these brags are not
show brags, nor are they large; but they warm my heart and make every day
with Sailor a joy and a wonder.
He sailed out of the airport and into my heart two weeks ago, having flown
down from Washington state with his crate, his water bucket
and his blankie. (Awwwwww...) He decided that I was just the best thing
since sliced Sunshine Liver Brownies and velcroed himself to my side. I have
not met a more attentive dog ever! Or living being, come to think of it.
Very good for my ego.
On our daily walks, aided by the clicker and pocketful of freeze dried liver
bits, raisins and kibble cat food, Sailor has had Heel reinforced and learned
to "walk by my side" on a loose lead and go on MY side of the light poles
when I say "Pole." He only got hung up on pole about three times and figured
out how to fix himself. He's learned to untangle his feet from the leash
when he walks over it and even likes having his teeth brushed. His "Heel" is
to die for and he now sits on cue. Actually, Sit was
the first clicker reinforced game we played and for a few days, at odd
intervals, he'd come running to me and slam his bottom on the floor with that
Treat look in his eye. I learned quickly to have clickers and treats in ALL
my pockets and stashed everywhere in the house! He's very proud of how
quickly I was trained to do this. Now on to the down...he's remembering that
one, too.
He was neutered last Tuesday and sent home as stoned as I've ever seen anyone
since the 1960s! Bleary, bloodshot eyes, though fairly steady on his feet,
he spent the evening leaning on me. Peeing was a giggle, but I suppressed my
mirth. I told him to enjoy this while he could, this was probably the best
he'd ever feel in his life! The next day he was his normal happy, bouncy
self. He did have a slight setback yesterday with swelling of his scrotum.
So it was back to the vet, who said this was probably from licking and sent
him home with an Elizabethan collar, a steroid injection, prophylactic
antibiotics, and instructions to ice his scrotum periodically. Right. He
learned rapidly how to drink water wearing the collar and is much better
about crashing into walls today. I think he wants sympathy, but somehow I
find it a little difficult to feel sorry for anyone who can lick his own
scrotum. Any moment I expect him to realize he can scoop up his toys in the
collar and fling them across the room! Shall I click/treat for that?
So that's our first two weeks. Remember, all you collie friends, back when
you finally got your first collie? Or your first dog even? Well, that's me
today, and each click/treat, each wag, bow and kiss, each wookie noise in my
ear in the early morning are a delight.
What follow are Sailor's Stories in his own voice about his adventures and mis-adventures in his forever home.
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