Tippy, Ruthie, Jett, and Chateau/Maggie

Hello everyone!  Sorry for the long break!  I was holding off on writing my post last week until Rosie got adopted, and then I just ran out of time.

Does anyone remember Chateau?  I fostered her last November and she was adopted in early December.  Well, fortunately for all of you, she is back!  She was with a very loving family, and she really bonded with her dad.  Unfortunately, that bond caused her to be jealous and protective, and it was just something the family couldn't handle.  My understanding is that she nipped when people would get too close, but not hard enough to cause any bleeding.  This is something I haven't experienced with her (not when I fostered her previously, and not so far since I've had her back), but then again, she and I didn't bond like that.  It's something I'm watching out for, and something that a future adoptive family should be aware of.  Also, her adoptive family had renamed her Maggie.  I'm thinking I'm going to stick with Maggie while I have her, because I'm sure she knows that name much better than Chateau.

Tippy is becoming another one of my perfect dogs.  He's playful at times, and a cuddler other times.  He really gets along with everybody.  He is really enjoying the nice weather we've had lately.  Often times I'll find him just sunbathing on the deck.  He isn't the kind of dog that needs to be with his people 100% of the time, he doesn't insist on following me everywhere.  If I leave the door open to the yard, he will just wander out at his leisure, even if I'm inside.  In fact, if the other dogs are playing to rowdily for him, he'll go outside to get away.  He's very mature.

Ruthie and Tippy sunbathing

Ruthie is still my wild child.  Completely the opposite of Tippy, she does need to follow me everywhere I go.  And if we're sitting on the couch, she insists on being right next to me, if not on my lap.  Sometimes she gets a little pushy about it, insisting that I move my arm so she can be more comfortable.  Nudging me with her nose until I comply.  :-)  Housebreaking has improved over the last couple of weeks.  We're having less accidents in the house, and she has figured out the bell system! 

This is how Ruthie sleeps if I let her sleep in my bed...under the covers.

Jett is really coming out of his shell with me lately.  He's still a little shy and he won't lay on my lap, but he is more often laying next to me now (rather than the other side of the couch).  His housebreaking is improving by leaps and bounds.  He has the bell ringing down!  And 2 other things about his potty habits that might be of interest: 1) he doesn't lift his leg to pee.  I assume he just wasn't around any male dogs to learn it, and he hasn't picked it up at my house yet.  This means that if he does have accidents in the house, it's never on anything other than the floor.  2) he is willing to go outside in the rain! 

Jett and Ruthie taking a nap

Jett playing Tug-of-War with me

 

Maggie is a beautiful Schnauzer.  I'll write up a definitive guide on her by the end of this week.  I was so worried when I heard that she was coming back that the transition would be really tough on her.  Fortunately, I think she remembered me because she has been doing so well.  And after an introductory period, she's really getting along with the other dogs.  In fact, all morning while I was getting ready for work, Maggie was playing with Ruthie and Jett.  They were running around, pouncing on each other, playing tug of war...like they've known each other for ages.

Maggie, Ruthie, and Jett playing...Hardy joining in from a safe distance.