Fate plays its hand

[Lilo-Lil]

Branston`s sister is now on her way to her new home in the country.

Bless them, the people bought their dog and our helper all the way in the driving rain the meet her. She got on well with them and their dog so has gone off to a new life with them. They had a dog from us 18 months ago who sadly died very suddenly 3 weeks ago. Their other dog is so upset they have had to borrow mother-in-laws to keep her comapny! A happy ending all round I suspect.

Branston is not really missing her at all, he was more concerned as he thought he was missing out on a walk. He is currently snoring his head off on the rug, waiting for the blessed rain to stop so we can go out again.

[Homemade]

How lovely. The right pet does seem to find you when you need one.

[Lilo-Lil]

Just a quick update -

Everything going well at home, he has almost stopped chasing the cats in the garden (permitted in previous home) and rarely headbutts the chicken run (allowed to harass rabbits in run). Getting on well with Clover and the cats indoors, sleeps all night and housetrained! No longer trying to drink out of the loo either, thank goodness.

The vets have agreed to him having the snip asap, booked in for Friday (just dont let on to him). He is slightly underweight but eating well. He no longer inhales his food in his haste to eat, so on bigger meals now.

He has been a bit of a pain at times with other dogs in the park, especially if Clover is playing with them and they are young entire males. However, tonight I discovered someone has been walking a young female on the green who is in season! Bumped into her at tea-time, letting her dog wee, sit on the grass and leave a very attractive scent there. No wonder the boy is confused, he is not used to mixing much and now he is bombarded with all this stimulation.

The lead walking is going well, my arms are still the same length and he is not weaving half as much in front of me. I even managed to walk with him on a normal collar and lead tonight on the way back.

However, Clover is being a bit of a pain now she knows I am not watching her like a hawk when we are out. She legged it this am to retrieve a discarded bag of chips from the bushes. Madam!

[manda]

Aww glad it's going well..he's a lucky dog...and as for Clover well opportunity knocks

[madmum]

Sounds as if you have things well under control

[Lilo-Lil]

Well, things have progressed somewhat this week

Branston is feeling much fitter and alive thanks to a new routine, exercise and lots more to do. He has even started to make his own amusement when I am out, eg stealing the eggs from the eggskelter (only the five, thank goodness!) and opening the drawer today to shred the contents over the floor!

I guess he`s telling me he needs NOT to be given full access to the kitchen when out. Back to restricting him to the hall, stairs and landing for a while. He didnt have much to do before he came here and was rather switched off. Suspect we might have pressed the "creative" button!

His recall is doing well (when nothing else around to distract him) and he is much better around other dogs now. I`m beginning to read when he has had enough of this socialing lark. Funnily enough, a very nervous dog we see regularly has taken to trying to beat him up since he`s had the snip.

If the kids at work behave themselves tomorrow morning he`s going in for a socialise in the afternoon. Not holding my breath, they have been big horrors this week

[Luna]

I've loved reading the story of Branston's arrival into your life and Clovers. Glad it's all going well despite the blip in the kitchen the other day

I loved your description of him being rather switched off in his previous environment and how you've hit the 'creative' button. How much better for him now (maybe not so great for you and your eggs!)

Hope all continues to go well.....