Confessions of a First Time Foster

Another drizzly morning walk. Well, not so much drizzly as it was misty and foggy. I couldn’t even see past the fence line, though I could hear farm equipment in the cornfield. Jackson, who seemed none the worse for wear after his medical ordeal, was unnerved by the noise but still managed to squat and pee outside. Progress in housebreaking…I take what I can get!

I think I finally figured out Jackson’s “tell” — that behavior which says, I need to go NOW! It’s the standard running back and forth with nose to the ground. The problem was, he usually carries a toy while doing it, so I can’t really discern if it’s his signal or he’s just playing. I have to rely on timers and instinct. I really don’t want to leave him crated for extended periods of time, the noise will surely drive us all insane.

It’s so funny when I walk him with the big dogs — he watches Brother lift his leg as if it’s The. Coolest. Thing. Ever. From the look in his eyes, I think he believes he will be Brother when he grows up. Something will happen, some fairy will wave her wand and he will be transformed from a 9 pound bichon to this long-legged critter.

Hero worship notwithstanding, we continued our walk. The grass was high and dewy, and Jackson was starting to frizz from walking through it. I zoned out, letting him do his thing, and let my nose tell me when he was done. Ding! I thought he was, but he hadn’t…but that smell…where was it coming from?

It was coming from a tractor going down the road, hauling a long flat trailer loaded with manure. Of course…the day the cornfield gets fertilized. No opening the windows today. Between that, and trying to housebreak Jackson, I feel I’m surrounded by poo.

But I am a Foster and a DogMom. I read poop like an oracle. And often while doing it, this song runs through my mind…

Message from Joan:

Thanks so much for the much needed feedback. I was starting to feel like Charlie and I were the only two facing completely irrational responses. It does bring home the fact that I have a need to get reinforcement from the fosters.

I love my cuddle time and watching the improvement. But I know I have to stop expecting to get me reinforced – I rationally know it’s all about the dog. Last night he watched my two give me the wave (that’s their beg for goodies before bed). It was so funny watching him – it was clear he was trying to figure it out, didn’t try, but I know he was thinking on it. Completely focused on them.

He’s also thinking on getting into bed with us. If Maggie would stop her mean girl act it might happen sooner. The goal will be when I can reach to pick him up without watching his backside run away. I also wish I was fast enough to catch him – my feet just can’t get going quickly enough to grab him.

Message from Kristen:

Einstein [formerly Cotton] will be a while yet, he has ZERO social skills and will not come to anyone willingly.