Exploring My New Neighborhood

I took a little stroll in the new neighborhood, to tire me out a bit and relieve myself. I did great.

When I was adopted, Liz and Jace had to promise to keep me on my leash at all times. So when we were ready to start, Jace tried to call me to him so he could attach my leash. I didn’t budge. But when he grabbed my leash, I knew what that meant – I was up and ready! I would probably learn faster if Jace would say “come” while I was actually walking toward him, but he’s going to need more practice before he gets that right.

I was very curious about everything I saw, but I didn’t shy away from anything. I got to see another dog across the street, but my new parents thought it best not to let me get too close.

After a few minutes, I found a nice place to relieve myself – near a fire hydrant. My new parents were quick to praise me, and had even brought along a treat. Liz tried to tell Jace to break the treat into smaller pieces to stretch the effect – but she was too late. After “my performance,” Liz and Jace continued to walk me around the neighborhood. If they keep up the habit of walking me after I’ve relieved myself, I think that will make it less tempting to “hold it” just to prolong the walk. I’m sure there will be days when my parents are in a hurry, and they’ll appreciate this small forethought.

While out on my stroll, I got to hear the L train in the distance. As I passed one house, a small dog snuck to the window and unleashed a surprising bark and growl. Much to my parent’s surprise, I didn’t bat an eye.

While out on a walk, my parents needed to stop at the grocery store. Since they’d promised to never leave me tied to anything, Liz stayed with me outside while Jace did the shopping. While waiting, a little boy and his father came by and wanted to pet me. I’m not sure how wise it was, but my parents let them meet me.

When it was all done, I came home to drink some water and crash on my new doggie bed.

I have a new home!

Today is the first day in my new home. Kristen from Greyhounds Only brought me to Liz and Jace’s house today. I was ready to hit the ground running.

There are some basic skills for city living – things like housebreaking and stair climbing – that I never learned at my old job at the racetrack. So before I came to live with Liz and Jace, Greyhounds Only made sure I had all the basics figured out. They also made sure I’d been to the vet to get all of my basic care done – things like neutering, shots, flea treatment, and teeth cleaning.

Kristen spent about 30 minutes with my new parents, going over a lot of things. She had coupon voucher to Petco, a pedigree history on me, and a copy of my medical history, a 20-page reference manual, and a nice recap of my time and experiences in foster to get me ready to come home.

My transition was actually easier than most, because I came to Greyhounds Only from a previous owner who wasn’t able to keep me any longer. I didn’t know any commands, but I was already housebroken and very well-behaved.

Liz and Jace’s stairs are a little unusual, so I was still a little skittish when it came to their stairs. But with a little encouragement, I was hitting them like an old pro within 15 minutes.

My $200 adoption fee also included a leash, a muzzle, and a screatch call (to lure me back if I ever get off leash).

My parents planned for my arrival by getting me a new doggie bed. I didn’t lay on it at first. But after Jace turned the hot wool side down to reveal the cool cloth, I took to it within 20 minutes.

I also love my toys – especially the ones with squeakers.