Step 2 was a visit to the shelter to get some last minute suggestions on last minute purchases for the dog. I found out what they had been feeding him, decided that he would be better off with a harness than a collar, and pointed the Jeep North toward Bethlehem, GA where the closest PetsMart was located. $115 later we had toys, harness, food containers, food, and two varieties of treats, and headed back to Monroe.
We officially became his parents around 2:45 PM, and immediately hit our first roadblock. Otis does not like to get into vehicles. After hoisting his skinny butt into the back seat of Marilyn's Commander, we rode home. The ride started with grave apprehension on Otis' part, and ended with his nose plastered against the window, enjoying the ride.
Out of the car, and into the fenced area in the back yard, sniffing and marking everything on the way. After a lap around the inside of the fence on the leash, I let him loose to explore his new play area. He seemed pleased.
We came into the house through the garage, and spent a while in the den while he explored, found his water and food, ate, drank, and slobbered all over the floor. Otis does not have the most delicate eating habits. A towel on the tile floor under the water bowl seems to have become a savior for the nearby carpet. I'm thinking a rubber backed carpet door mat might be a permanent solution.
The next hurdle was meeting Wally. Aside from a few snarls and snaps when Otis pawed at Wally, I think it went well. Wally is old, set in his ways, a little arthritic, and a general curmudgeon, but he seems to be making peace with another dog in the house.
The evening was interesting. A procession of Daughters, Sons, Granddaughters and nearly-in-laws gave him a lot to adjust to.
Whatever his personal eating issues are, he was good while we ate dinner. No begging, shmoozing, or whining, but rather a respectful (if slightly drool-filled) wait on the carpet by the side door until dinner was over. Good Dog, Otis!
After dinner we went for a quick walk, one lap around the block (about 1/2 mile). He was a gentleman on the leash, with no pulling, no pooping on other folks lawns, and only the occasional mail box "decoration". The high point of the walk was the 37 three to five year old kids playing at the top of the hill. They were doing their thing in the street with their calico cat. This cat must have considered itself a) a lion, and b) the kids her cubs, because she puffed up like an adder and leaped onto Otis face. Otis had a WTH?! look on his face after the cat got off, but was gentleman enough to let the smallest of the kids pet him.
Bed time was uneventful. Wally accepted his lift onto the foot of the bed with his usual disdain, and Otis took up a position on the floor at the foot of the bed.
All was well until about 0230 when Otis decided he needed to go outside. OK, I can deal with getting up with the baby. The bad part was that he wanted to play. We've got a little bit of re-education to do here. Three o'clock in the morning is no time for a 62 year old man to be running around the back yard in slippers and a bath robe playing with a dog. It was fun, though.
Playtime over, we slept (in the den out of deference to Marilyn's sleep) until about 0700. We both took a quick potty break, and then went for a walk. We covered 1.5 miles in 30 minutes, discovered that Otis does not chase cars, but would eat a golf cart if it got close enough (maybe he just wanted to play a couple of holes) and is a sweety on the leash.
Day 2 will be filled with further adventures, learning experiences on both our parts, and is eagerly anticipated.
Y'all stay well, and keep moving.
Otis is wonderful. He was so sweet with Vi last night. He is a great addition to the family. After a few times of him getting in the jeep and not being locked up in a cell he will be fine with riding in vehicles. Just give him time. Also the 3 AM thing he will get over that to just dont play with him just go back to bed and he will learn.
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