Busy Ole Me!

It’s been a busy week for me. First I visited my foster mom’s dogs at her house and then back to Camp Bow Wow where I spend most of my days and nights. It’s a really fun doggie day care and as you can imagine, since I’m so handsome, cute and charming, I have all kinds of friends. It’s like a party every day. They do work with me on training, but everything we do there is fun so I don’t feel like I’m working at all.

I went for a sleep over with another volunteer, Sandy. She wanted to borrow me to take on a home visit since I’m what she thinks is a typical young GSP and the family we were meeting is new to the breed and they have young kids. She thought if I came for the visit, they might see that while I am tons of fun, I am also a lot of work. It worked – they think a middle aged GSP is a better fit for their family and we agree.

I had a fun sleep over though and it was nice to be out on the town for the night. I met Sandy’s dogs. They are older, but they still liked me. Sandy didn’t even know that I liked to play with the “CUZ” toys and she had one too in her yard. She couldn’t believe how high I could jump when she bounced it in the air. I take a flying leap and can catch it way above my head. She was impressed – I’m not surprised! That’s my style.

She brought me inside to see how I did in her house. I didn’t have one accident. Even though I’m a big guy, she treated me like a puppy and took me outside very often... I mean VERY often, just as I was getting comfortable, she’d wisk me out the door again. I found the toy bin and there were so many it was hard to choose. I liked the kongs and also the stuffed toys. They are fun to squeak and throw around.

I do like to jump. I have these huge paws and I use them to try out everything – counters, cabinets, refrigerators, people – anything. They were using “OFF” and kept me on a leash so they could be sure I listened and I started to get it. I am one smart fella after all.

Sandy even took me to visit her sister and nephew. I liked them both a lot and they couldn’t believe how handsome I am. They loved my ears because they are so big and my big feet. I was very well behaved and didn’t jump or have any accidents.

In the morning Sandy woke me VERY early. We were up at 5am and we walked for what seemed like forever. Even though it was dark and raining, I wasn’t frightened at all and I knew I wouldn’t melt, so I just went with it and didn’t complain. I heard water in the storm drains, saw leaves falling all around me, walked through puddles and past loud trucks and even rounded the corner to find a stranger walking towards us. I took everything in stride and mostly wondered how he could pass me by without a pat on my head. I guess he was in a hurry.

While I’m really good in a crate when riding in a car and just curl up and sleep – even for long periods. It’s not the same in the house. At Sandy’s sometimes I’d sleep and other times, I’d complain. It’s hard to be alone. Sandy would stay with me until I’d settle down and then I’d do ok. Also I never like to go into a crate so I have to be picked up and put in. I don’t mind, but I’m big and have those BIG paws everyone keeps mentioning so it can be hard for the people – that’s my plan.

I’m back at Camp Bow Wow with my friends. They are going to focus on my crate training so that I’ll have that under my belt when I get adopted. I’m having so much fun, but from what I hear, it will be even better when my FOREVER home comes along. I can hardly wait!

My 1st Update

Hi everyone! Today, I got to visit with my foster mom's dogs and play in the backyard. I had so much FUN! My foster mom discovered that I love to play fetch! I will play all day long if you let me and I even bring it right back (well, most of the time). She also noticed how smart I am. I tend to get really excited when I see the tennis ball and I like to jump up and down to try and get it. Well my foster mom taught me today that I need to be calm and relaxed, then she'll throw it. I picked this up very quickly, and after 3 times, I was waiting patiently for her to throw the ball. It was hard to contain myself, but I now know that being calm is worth the reward of chasing after that ball! She also started to teach me this new word called "sit". After a couple times, I started to understand what she wanted me to do. We are still working on it though.

Boy, did I have fun running around the backyard. I even got introduced to a pheasant! That was very interesting. I liked the way it smelled. We played a fun game where me and my fellow GSP friends chased around a pheasant wing on a string. My foster mom says I'm suppose to point it but I'm not quite sure what she means. I just had fun chasing it around.

I'm still working on my manners, but I think I will catch on quickly. My former owners never worked on this jumping thing, and that's my biggest issue. I like to jump up to see what you have, what's on the counters, to say hi....I jump for just about anything. But I know this is not the proper way to do things and soon I will learn I need to keep my four big paws on the ground. Because of my jumping issue, my foster mom says that it's probably best that I don't go to a home with small children. I don't want to knock them over, but since I am still learning not to jump, it's best I don't risk hurting anyone. Also, I have this strong desire to bolt for any open door, whether that means I'm going in or out. I even like to try to bolt out of the car before anyone can grab my leash. This is definitely something I'll need work with. I am told that I will be able to take advantage of young children and bolt right passed them through the door.

I am told I am a sweet, affectionate boy! They also say I am very handsome. I'm still a big, goofy puppy with big paws and big ears...how cute does that sound? Can you help me find a furever home where I can learn to be a well behaved GSP?!

Stay tuned for more updates from me!

Introducing...Me!

I am almost 11 months old and I've had a rough start at life, but you sure wouldn't know it if you saw what a sweetheart I was towards people.

I am a big strong boy weighing about 61 lbs but need to gain some more weight and fill out a little.

I spent the first part of my life living in a pet store cage. I was in a pet store from the time I was 8 weeks old until I was 6 months old. I was so happy the day a family came in and purchased me! Unfortunately, their son moved and they no longer wanted to take care of me. So, after only being out of the pet store for 4 months, I was again looking for my own forever home. My owner gave me away to another family. They didn't have any experience with the breed and after only 5 days realized I was too much for them to handle, as they were older and retired.

So here I am...hopeful to find my own FOREVER home.

I am quite handsome....my pictures don't do me justice.

Every one that has met me has commented on how very friendly and affectionate I am.

However, I am lacking basic manners as a result of not being taught any. I do jump on people and pull hard on a leash.

These are minor things though..I just need a family to work with me and teach me the right way to behave and I promise I'll do it!

I am good with other dogs, I think I won't like cats because I'm a strong big boy and I'm interested in critters.

I moved into foster care today and I heard I'm going to a doggie day care, so that sounds very exciting!