Sweet Boy Mikey Goes Home!

Mikey's forever family didn't even know what they were missing, but they walked by a Homeward Trails adoption event and the Sweet Boy won their collective heart.

Hooray for Mikey! WE LOVE YOU!

So much to be thankful for!

handsome Mikey

Bella and Mango (Tgiving houseguest) huddle with Mikey

Mikey was hilarious over Thanksgiving. A wee golden puppy came to stay, and Mikey was not amused by his *endless* energy. At one point, he stole away the toy the puppy was pouncing on, walked back to his bed and used the toy as a pillow!

We Love Muv

I guess I could have titled this week's entry "We Like Mike," but it wouldn't have been entirely accurate. Truth is, we *love* Mike. I have never known an easier dog! In the apartment, he's happy to lie on his big ol' dog bed and crash out--or accept a belly or chin rub with grunts of appreciation (though he won't turn down an offer to play tug).

sleeping dog and his squirrel

a belly rub for me? don't mind if I do!

Outside, he's game for anything. He's fantastic on leash, anticipating my movements--slowing when I slow, speeding up when I speed--and wagging his tail the whole time. We had alot of rain this week, but Mikey wasn't bothered. We went to the park twice and it would not be an exaggeration to say that Sweet Boy M was *overjoyed* to play fetch. I wish I had taken my camera, but I don't know if I could have captured the glee.

We've also spent some time in the woods, where Mikey has shown us that age is just a number. He raced around, chasing Bella as she chased squirrels, and reprimanding her with his impressive bark when she strayed too far.

i love the woods!!

Mikey is a pleasure--calm and loving. Here's what I've learned about the Sweet Boy so far:

• He's fully housetrained.
• He's got an inside voice and an outside voice. He barked just once inside--when Bella heard someone coming up the stairs and started to growl, Sweet Boy gave a woof! in allegiance. He has little sounds: groans of pleasure when his belly's rubbed, or a squeak of excitement when I'm putting on my sneakers. And he doesn't really need to bark--his big, beautiful eyes speak volumes. He often bellows his sheer pleasure at being in the great outdoors. :)
• He doesn't have a mean bone in his body: a toddler gave him an ear tug and he didn't blink. Bella has stolen his treat once or twice and he couldn't care less. (When Bella has his squirrel and he wants it, he just takes it from her. No growling or bullying.)
• He hasn't shown any interest in getting up on the furniture.
• He jumps right into the car when told to, then he sleeps or looks out the window.
• He isn't interested in marking his territory: when we go out, he pees and that's that.
• Sometimes when he's sleeping, he yips and moves his feet. I think he's dreaming of chasing squirrels!

In an entire week, I've had to tell him NO once, and that was when he tried to climb into the passenger seat of the car and I needed to direct him to the back.

A full week in a new place and he hasn't misbehaved a single time.

Can't you see why I couldn't label this entry "We Like Mike?" He's just too lovable!

Please Welcome Mikey!

October 25, 2009 Somewhere in VA --When we opened the car door for him, Sweet Boy Mikey gamely jumped in. He spent the ride gazing out the window, watching the world go by. Bella regarded him with curiosity, but by the time we got home, she was fine with him. That, my friends, is a new record.

Sweet Boy Mikey has come to stay with me and Bella and what I'm about to say may strike those who have had the pleasure to know my other fosters as crazy, but it's the truth:




sweet boy mikey
is the sweetest boy i have ever met




He's absolutely made of sugar. He has the most beautiful face--I will take pics tonight--and terrifically expressive eyes. Doesn't rush for the kitchen as I prepare the kibble, walks on the leash without pulling (this is brand-new for me and, wow, it's great) and is a good listener. He's a bit confused about what he's doing in this new, tiny apartment, but he's calm about it. He's sweet with Bella, who is literally just sniffing him out so far. He was previously with a temp foster (while I was out of town) who had six dogs under one roof (my dream, btw. But in my current place I'd have to stack 'em one on top of the other) and SB Mikey was fine with them all (even the one who could be, shall we say, a little prickly).

At nine, he's a senior, but he jaunted up the stairs to my place and he wags his tail with pleasure on our walks. He does like to sleep, and he just plops down on the floor with a sweet little sigh. He sorta moans--a little motor inside him purring along--when you rub his neck.

I'm excited to spend time with this big bear and learn more about him so we can find him his best forever home. Whoever gets to live with this boy is luckier than he or she or they yet know.