Hopscotch's Sunday

8:00 - Morning walk.
10:00 - Car ride.
12:00 - Dog Park
3:00 -Visit with adopting family (yay!)
4:00 -Afternoon walk.

Now-NAP

Hopscotch enjoying the day

Hopscotch one week update

Hopper has been with us a week already. Boy time flies.

Housetraining – Hopscotch has been 100% accident free. We put the belly band on him the first night, but quickly learned it was completely unnecessary. After just a few days, he earned freedom of the entire house.

Crate- Hopscotch crates easily with a small treat, and sleeps quietly all night. He also spends time in the crate when we are at work. He is resting quietly in a spotless crate when I get home, and sits politely until the door is opened. Awesome job, Hopper!

Leash- Hopscotch did a lot of sniffing and investigating, wandering here and there on our first few walks, but who can blame him. He was in a brand new place, with brand new smells. The past few days, he just marches alongside me. In fact, he moves pretty fast, and has great endurance for a little guy. He REALLY loves his walks and is a breeze to handle!

Food/Eating- He is eating grain-free kibble with a spoonful of canned food stirred in, and loving it. There is no food aggression, and no stealing from Charlie’s bowl.  He will chew on a hoof, or rawhide, but he’s not “driven” to chew. He takes treats softly and politely.

Socialization- Hopscotch greets new people and dogs calmly and politely. He has not shown a lot of interest in playing or “wrassling” with new doggy friends. He just seems to enjoy being close and sharing the same space. He seems to be OK with any size or gender dog. He embraces new places, new things and new people. He loved my son when he was home visiting this weekend. I think he actually likes the adventure of new things. He loves riding in the car too!

Personality – Quiet, calm and gentle. At first he liked staying close to his person, but now if he is busy with a toy or resting quietly, he doesn’t feel the need to follow us around the house. He enjoys a good walk, but he is a pretty low-energy guy. He has amazing house manners. No digging in the trash. No counter surfing. No chewing on anything that’s not his. He has even been left free in the house for a short time, while we were doing chores outside, without issues.

Coat/Size – Sorry… I have not measured or weighed Hopper yet. He is a small guy, but not frail by any means. He is sturdy and strong, and loves walking and playing. He is just small enough to be able to pick up easily, but not small enough to be a “pocket” or “purse” dog. His fur is long. Not really soft, but not really course either. He could probably stand a day at the groomer. (I think if he were my dog, I might keep him a snazzy, short cut)

Hopscotch has a nice brother

I have to admit, that our dog Charlie sure makes my fostering job a lot easier.

Thank you Charlie, for being such a good brother.

To get Charlie's perspective, go to his blog at:

Charlieesperspective.blogspot.com

Hopscotch having dog park fun

He just loves being outdoors. The cold doesn't bother him at all.

Click on picture for video

We met two young labs at the park. They were all legs and elbows and wanted to play. Hopscotch greeted them politely and then just went about his own business. So big dogs don't seem to bother him. And since one was female and one was male, he doesn't seem to have a preference there either.

So...I declare him officially "dog friendly" !!

Hopscotch the travel buddy

I think it’s safe to say, Hopscotch is NO stranger to the inside of a car. I helped him get into the back of our SUV and by the time I got to the driver’s door, he was sitting on the console between the two front seats. And by the time I buckled up and put the key in the ignition, he was on my lap. “Oh no Hopper, your foster Mom does not drive with doggies on her lap, you will need to go to the backseat.”

He didn’t seem to mind. He spent the rest of the trip with his little front feet on the arm rest of the door with his nose pressed against the glass. He has an amazing sense of balance. He never left his perch no matter what the terrain. When we got home, he didn’t want to leave the car.

Looking for a travel buddy ????

Sorry no pictures of the car ride (I was driving after all). But here are a few new pics in the house.

Hopscotch wants in

Actually it doesn't look like it, but he's having a really good time outside with his friend Charlie.

Even if he's a bit of a showoff.

To find out what Charlie thinks of all this, go to his blog at:

Charlieesperspective.blogspot.com

Hopscotch first impressions

Only been home for a few minutes, and hopscotch has already  found a favorite spot.

Hopscotch may be the quintessential lap dog. He just wants to be near his person. Last night his person was my husband. I even caught Hopper on my husband’s lap a few times.  He is quiet, gentle and very polite. He was indifferent to our Charlie, but it was the first night. I’m sure Charlie will have him “wrassling” in no time. He crated easily, slept quietly and woke up with his tail wagging. He ate a good breakfast, did his business outside and seemed to really enjoy his walk, even though it was below zero outside.

Check back in a few days. I will post updates as we get to know more about this little gentleman.

Congratulations Skillet!

Skillet - ADOPTED!

Dog • Airedale Terrier Mix • Adult • Male • Medium

Fluffy Dog Rescue Hartland, WI