Monday, October 16, 2006
More than just want
Well, it's official. I'm a wannabe dog owner no more.
I picked up Nemo for the trial weekend on Friday, and within a couple of hours I recognized that he was my dog. I was really prepared to have to give him back to his foster parents at the end of the weekend, because of their reservations about him, plus his size in my small space, and the unknown Cecilia factor. But after an entire day in the car, he was calm, friendly, loveable, cuddly, and interested in Cece only to the extent that he sniffs her when she comes into the room. I was in love. The search was over.
I have to say I credit her for being the most calm cool and collected cat I could imagine. When first confronted with him she stuck her face in his--her 10 lbs. to his 85--as if to say, and you are...? A couple meows, and the introduction was a swinging success. They've seemed like lifelong siblings ever since, and though I did notice a couple of little tufts of cat fur after leaving them alone together at first, now she naps on a dining room chair while I'm gone, so I'm fully confident she's either put him in his place, or he's just decided to leave her alone, or both. That was the biggest hurdle, and he was such a champ about it that I couldn't imagine wanting any other dog. All those dogs are someone else's dog, apparently.
So right now he's sighing and napping on his bed at the foot of my bed (although this is the first night in four I haven't caved and wanted him up here with me, despite the fact that it requires a bit of contortion on my part, as Cecilia is always up here, too. I feel like Noah or a zookeeper. A happy one.)
Nemo and I are going to start obedience classes next week, because as good and responsive and well-trained as he is already--thanks to Shaun and Kelly of NC for that--he's huge and willfull and has all kinds of issues with a small percentage of dogs he meets out there. Plus my left hand is getting sore from yanking on the leash. Four days of it is more than enough. Am off to see what I can learn from the doggie daycare place on 11th Street, and also to Barnes and Noble to cash in a b-day gift certificate on dog books. Am most interested in the Cesar whatever-his-name-is Dog Whisperer, because after a few days I already get that Nemo senses my fear and that of others. Am trying to be zen about him meeting other dogs, and for the most part it's going okay. I can't wait for the real training to start, though.
A bunch of friends have been so great in helping me decide or celebrate Nemo, especially Jared, Sacha, Darryl, Scott, Josh, Jessica, Elizabeth, Jen (Jones), and Gavin. I'm so thankful to them all for their enthusiasm. Josh and Jessica have even signed on for care over Thanksgiving. I'm sure Nemo will love staring at the doves. I still can't believe that only a few weeks ago I got serious about looking for the right dog for me, and here he is. I noticed on the flight home from Boston last Monday that October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Who knew?
I picked up Nemo for the trial weekend on Friday, and within a couple of hours I recognized that he was my dog. I was really prepared to have to give him back to his foster parents at the end of the weekend, because of their reservations about him, plus his size in my small space, and the unknown Cecilia factor. But after an entire day in the car, he was calm, friendly, loveable, cuddly, and interested in Cece only to the extent that he sniffs her when she comes into the room. I was in love. The search was over.
I have to say I credit her for being the most calm cool and collected cat I could imagine. When first confronted with him she stuck her face in his--her 10 lbs. to his 85--as if to say, and you are...? A couple meows, and the introduction was a swinging success. They've seemed like lifelong siblings ever since, and though I did notice a couple of little tufts of cat fur after leaving them alone together at first, now she naps on a dining room chair while I'm gone, so I'm fully confident she's either put him in his place, or he's just decided to leave her alone, or both. That was the biggest hurdle, and he was such a champ about it that I couldn't imagine wanting any other dog. All those dogs are someone else's dog, apparently.
So right now he's sighing and napping on his bed at the foot of my bed (although this is the first night in four I haven't caved and wanted him up here with me, despite the fact that it requires a bit of contortion on my part, as Cecilia is always up here, too. I feel like Noah or a zookeeper. A happy one.)
Nemo and I are going to start obedience classes next week, because as good and responsive and well-trained as he is already--thanks to Shaun and Kelly of NC for that--he's huge and willfull and has all kinds of issues with a small percentage of dogs he meets out there. Plus my left hand is getting sore from yanking on the leash. Four days of it is more than enough. Am off to see what I can learn from the doggie daycare place on 11th Street, and also to Barnes and Noble to cash in a b-day gift certificate on dog books. Am most interested in the Cesar whatever-his-name-is Dog Whisperer, because after a few days I already get that Nemo senses my fear and that of others. Am trying to be zen about him meeting other dogs, and for the most part it's going okay. I can't wait for the real training to start, though.
A bunch of friends have been so great in helping me decide or celebrate Nemo, especially Jared, Sacha, Darryl, Scott, Josh, Jessica, Elizabeth, Jen (Jones), and Gavin. I'm so thankful to them all for their enthusiasm. Josh and Jessica have even signed on for care over Thanksgiving. I'm sure Nemo will love staring at the doves. I still can't believe that only a few weeks ago I got serious about looking for the right dog for me, and here he is. I noticed on the flight home from Boston last Monday that October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Who knew?
