Tuesday, November 22, 2011

But I Like THIS One!



Joey continues to amuse us with his childlike ways. More than once, when Elsie has lied down on the bed Joey prefers, he just squeezes in beside her. Luckily, she's good natured and doesn't seem to mind to cuddle. (Notice the equally large and empty bed right beside the one they're on.)

He went to his first Murfreesboro Petsmart Meet & Greet Sunday and did a good job, though he still didn't relish the car ride. He enjoyed taking treats from visitors and getting some extra ear rubs.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Naughty AND Nice!



Well, today Joey had some ups and downs.

We started off the morning with him counter surfing. Unfortunately, he was successful. It seems I've gotten used to having well behaved seniors about the house, and I absentmindedly left the second half of my breakfast bagel sandwich on the counter...not for long! You'd think I would have learned my lesson, yet I went in the other room to retrieve something and he had stolen a piece of the celery I'd been cutting up at lunchtime. Luckily, he did not take a liking to it because I found it all mangled on the bedroom floor. So, he was reprimanded for stealing food and I reprimanded myself for setting him up for it...twice!
That was the naughty part.

The nice part is that last night, Joey showed us he is indeed a fast learner and he is timidly shaking hands now...for treats of course!

Also, today we had a visit by my sister's golden retriever and Joey interacted very nicely, though with a muzzle at first, since we didn't know what to expect. Then tonight we took a car ride to Petsmart and got new treats. Joey still panted the whole time in the car, being nervous, but finally settled down when we were almost back home. We're hoping with practice, and maybe a visit to Mimi's house, he'll understand that car rides bring good things.

Keep up the good work, Joey!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Joey Comes Out of His Shell



Joey has been in our home as a foster a little over a week. He's been a very good house guest, but he has been a little shy. His previous foster mom said he loved his little duckie, but until tonight, he pretended he didn't like toys. Tonight he's made up for some lost time. While his foster sister was playing with her hedgehog, he bounded around with her, playing defense. Then, he got tired of watching and decided to get his duckie out and show it who's boss! This must be the reason his duckie no longer has a face! Being a fast greyhound, he did not allow the paparazzi to capture this in a photo. So, we'll show how cute Joey is when he's settled in and resting. He does love snuggly sherpa blankets.

Joey also likes to make his voice be heard and will show his excitement by barking for joy when the leashes come out. He is very good on leash walks. When he sees a small creature, he gets excited and pulls a little, but has been totally manageable.

He does not like car rides...yet. He seems to be nervous and would prefer to go back in the house instead of getting into a car. Perhaps a few trips to Petsmart and a meet & greet will change his mind.

Joey is very smart guy. He learned to lie down on command in a day or two. Now we're working on shaking hands.

He plans on being at the Zoo event this Saturday, so maybe you can come out and meet this handsome, sweet boy.