Cuddling Stuffies

Wow! Conan is almost "spirited" compared to a few weeks ago.  His health is very much improved, he's gained some muscle and weight, and his energy definitely has improved.  He's much closer to being housebroken.  He's graduated to staying outside the crate most of the time and sleeps in a bed in our room at night.  All this togetherness makes him really happy. In fact, being the perfect example of "velcro" dog, Conan's biggest dilemma is where to go when the adults happen to be in different rooms! 

He's been super lucky to have two 401(Grey) sponsors, one of whom made a "care" package available from Petco.  Conan chose two stuffies and dried chicken treats.  Luckily, he's super easy going and willing to share with all the dogs.  As soon as he fell asleep, our lab-mix, Boxer, brought a "gift" of an old toy to Conan, and stealthily grabbed the new blue sheep stuffie.  As soon as Boxer fell asleep, Ashton helped himself to it.  Apparently the blue sheep is the new hit.  We had our very first experience with a cut so you'll see the bandage on Conan's leg.  It does not really need a bandage, but keeping him from licking it open was impossible without it.  Accident aside, he's doing really wonderfully!

What a difference two weeks can make!

Sweet Conan has come a long, long way in just two weeks.  He feels considerably better.  His leg and foot swelling has stopped and even his skin is improving.  The antibiotics have made a big difference in this little boy's health.  Now that his health is improved, he is free to be the greyt dog he is:  He prances around the house with a spring in his step.  He loves attention and will come to stand beside you to signal he's ready to be loved on.  Otherwise, he lays in his bed beside our resident hound.

He shows no interest in the inside cat nor in getting on the furniture.  He is fully house-trained again (yay!!) and so he spends his days and nights outside the crate with the other dogs.  He does crate nicely, which we do when leaving.  He still loves to eat and go for walks, so long as he can go at his own slower pace.  He's teaching everyone how to TRULY relax, and his happiness and gratefulness are apparent. Although, I would say that WE are the lucky ones for having had the opportunity to foster him.

This sweet boy is settling in nicely.  He's quickly learning the rules of the house and the pack (who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?!)  and he's so very happy to be in a family that spends substantial time with him.  His favorite activity is eating. . . but going for walks is a close second.  When lounging he spends all of his time near our resident hound, but when people move about, he follows right behind.  Although at first, Conan was a little depressed, he is happy and his energy has increased tremendously. 

We are working on figuring out his nagging health issues, but they seem to be improving with activity and with antibiotics.  He is a really polite boy; he ignores the cat and he greets people gently.  So far, he hasn't played with stuffies, but he enjoys his kong with peanut butter.