update 02/12/05:
Hi Barb,
We have changed Adams name to Buddy, we were getting too mixed up, since my son is also named Adam. We started calling him Adam Buddy and gradually went to Buddy. Buddy was the name that seemed to fit so we stuck with that. We are loving him, he has brought much joy and laughter. He is a very special dog, he has so much character. He is always at our side, so inquisitive about what we are doing and always ready to play. He is a "buddy" to each one of us. He has easily become one of the family. Even the teenage sons play and spend time with him. They help feed him and let him out to go potty. We play fetch and go for a walk every night(if its not icy). He now has free roam of the house while we are at work and school, and have not had any problems with accidents or chewing. He has been very good. We are very happy to have him.
Our dog park is not open this time of year, so we are patiently waiting for it to open. I'm sure he misses playing with Zeta, Bear and Rio. My brother has two black labs, so I have gotten Buddy over to play with them. Also I have enrolled us in an obedience class, which starts in March. There are a few things we need to work on, and we want to make sure we are teaching him the right way. One thing is he likes to go for your hands when your playing, and those teeth are sharp! He does not do this in a mean way but in a playful way. Do you have any tips on this behavior? We have tried the marbles in a soda can, where you toss it by them when their not looking, this has seemed to help.
I think he has gained some weight, even since the pictures. He is sleeping by my feet right now. We usually are in bed by now. Well I hope you like the pictures. Thank you again,
Robin,
Andy, Jesse and Buddy
Adam and Derek are back at school now.
Hi Barb,
Sorry I did not see your message sooner, we have been busy playing and teaching Adam. He is a big bundle of energy. All of us are having alot of fun with him. Jesse (my youngest son) taught him how to shake. Adam learned that so fast, he is very smart. He has not had an accident with the pooping now in 4 days. I don't think he knew where to go, once he did go outside we made a very big deal out of it and praised him up and down. Then that was it , there were no more accidents. He lets us know by going to the door. Everyone in the family has been keeping a look out for Adams cue to go, and we all take turns taking him out. We have a 20ft dog leash that we hook him too, so we do not need to walk him while he does his duty. Yes, we actually have talked about fencing part of the yard so he can play and go potty, without fear of him wandering off. The boys have been walking him around and around the yard, so he can get familiar with his new home. I have taken him out for a quite few walks, and he is doing well with the leash. The "poky" collar did help with pulling. He has free roam of the house most of the time, if we are gone longer than 3 hours we block him to the kitchen. He is adjusting very well, as are we! We just love him already.
I know he misses you all too. When you first walked out the door he did not know what to do. He looked at the door like what is she doing not taking me with her. So we just sat all afternoon playing fetch and tug a war with him. I feel bad for Zeta, I wish he could understand that Adam is doing well. I'm sure Adam misses his brother too. Adam can spend hours at a time having us play with him. He must have played like this with all of you and brought much joy to your home.
We are very happy with Adam. I want to thank you for being there to rescue and take care of him, without you and your organization we would have never met him.
Thank you,
Robin, Andy, Adam, Adam, Derek and Jesse