Wednesday 27 August 2014

It's Now Official

Teak spent a week long "sleep over" with me to make sure he would be a suitable addition to my little family. It took a bit of adjusting, which is still in progress of course, but he is fitting in nicely.



Pips, being the social butterfly that she is, took to him right away and offered to rub up against his nose as he went to sniff her. He was rather taken aback by her brazen behaviour, but that's just Pips. Despite trying to grab at her fur several times (not aggressively ~ more like he's had a rough-and-tumble cat playmate in the past), she is unperturbed and will do her best to make a friend of him. He's starting to slowly cotton to the idea.



Lila only stayed in the basement for a few hours, and by supper time the first day, was eating on the steps by the back door landing while the dog was eating about 3 feet away in the kitchen. There was a baby gate between them, but none of that is necessary now. However, if she moves fast, he wants to give chase, and if he moves fast, she bolts... so they kind of feed each other's silly antics.

(Can you see Lila there just behind the gate?)

I have had to be slightly stern with him a few times regarding the cats and making sure he understands they are mine... and not his... and that he is lower down the totem pole than they are. He has now gotten to the point that if one of them is sitting in a doorway, he will not go through it unless I come right up to the cat. He's getting the hang of being bottom dog. ;-)

So today, we hopped in the truck and made the trek into the city to the shelter, and signed the official adoption papers. Teak is now my responsibility for the rest of his life. We have an appointment with my vet on Friday for a howdy-do, his next set of shots and getting his hip medication.

He's a sweet dog, funny and cuddly, and is catching on quickly to the few commands I've been teaching as we go for walks around the neighbourhood. He doesn't bark, is friendly with all the people we meet and just likes to hang out with me.

I think he'll do just fine.


13 comments:

  1. I am so pleased for you and the cats! Has he got a bit of shepherd or collie in him? They tend to cotton on to how their owners function.
    Excellent news on this wet Thursday morning!
    Sx

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    1. Thanks, Scarlet. My vet figures he is a Golden Retriever German Shepherd mix. And yes, he is catching on quickly to the household routine! Obedience training will start soon so that he has the knowledge of what to do when I tell him something. Right now, I've not been asking much other than sit and lie down, as he's been getting settled in. But he is very food motivated so it should be very easy! :-)

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  2. I think he's friendly. And Lila and he will adapt, they will find a way of living.

    Hello Teak, welcome home !

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    1. He and Lila are already figuring things out. Thanks, Mago! Hope you feel better soon, my friend.

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  3. Congrats! That's all good news. I especially enjoyed the pix as well.

    Welcome aboard Teak!

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    1. Thanks LX! He's becoming a fine member of the crew. There will always be pix. ;-)

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  4. Teak you look laid back and right at home. The cat stuff will work out...just don't use them for chew toys.

    As for your new "Mama", Hubby could use her professional aid right now as most of his "Nurses" have a couldn't care less air about them. Sad. The most helpful have been the assistants. A day or two more and he'll be home as he walked so much today, his 2nd day up, that the PT said no need for Acute Rehab, go home and to outpatient rehab. :)

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    1. He's been good with them, Hope. Especially now that he knows they are "mine" and he's respecting that.

      I'm so sorry your Hubby's nurses are less than adequate! That so should not be. But at least the assistants are helping him. As long as he doesn't overdue to walking (especially when he gets home and he thinks there are things he 'must' do) and listens to what his knee is telling him, he should do fine. Just make sure he keeps to the the rehab routine for as long as he's supposed to. His long term recovery depends on that. :-)

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  5. sweet! what great news for all y'all, sweet pea! xoxoxo

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  6. I hope his last problem is over and all is well.

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  7. Ah, good ol' Teak!! I love that you've taught him that the cats are yours, not his.

    Also have to say, in response to your comment on my blog, that I have never heard "oh, for cryin' in the sink" before. That may be my new favorite phrase!

    Pearl

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  8. ?
    How's Teak doing ? How are you doing ? Questions abound ... :)

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  9. Just sticking my head in the door to see how you and Teak are doing? Seems everyone in our "invisible world" has been busy. Hubby had a total right knee replacement Aug. 28th and a left one on Nov. 10th. He's doing fine...grumpy and impatient, which is about where he should be at this point. :)

    Hope all's well in your world.

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