TOO MUCH NOISE. TOO MANY MEN

There is an excellent book that recently surfaced in our neck of the woods, that describes dogs' body language. Indeed, Jack can hide his emotions so well, that if you are not attentive, you might not notice what's going on.

It was a tough day today for Jack. Two men came to do some outdoor electrical work, and although they never stepped into the house, Jack was not a happy camper about seeing the men in the windows. Although you just couldn't see that in his eyes, but some clues could reveal that Jack was at the end of the rope for hours: his facial muscles were tense, he salivated like he'd eaten a pickle for breakfast,breathing hard and sticking his tongue out like a spatula. At one point his Mommy thought he might feel better if crated, but he started jumping into a corner of his crate and even whined for a second.

Only in the end of the day, when the men left, Jack finally relaxed and even munched on a treat that had been given to him earlier. He cherishes the silence most

I Want You ...To Show Me The Way

Jack is a one smart dog, plus he learns a lot from his sis. He is now allowed off the leash in the backyard, which he enjoys a whole lot more that being on a stinky long line. And, as one would expect from a dog of noble English lords, he doesn't go to the toilet anywhere in the play area - only in the far corner of his yard.

Over the winter, his wonderful Fommy (foster Mom) taught him "Come!" "Off!" and "Sit!" - and he polishes those commands daily.


By now he also learned not to rush ahead a human at the stairs or through a door: he waits until he gets "OK." He is also actively learning the command "Down" - like in "Lay down!" Once he masters that, he will be learning how to "Stay!" - that promises to be a hard one for the energetic young pal.

While Jack loves to play fetch in the house, doing it outside is just not his thing. He buries in the ground everything his Mommy throws! You know, you can't trust those squirrels...

IMAGINE ALL THE DOGS LIVING LIFE IN PEACE

Did you know that Jack and his fursister Tais are now best buddies? Well, OF COURSE! How else? When nothing is going on, they prefer to be apart: Tais seeks sunny and quiet spots around the house, while Jack prefers to stay close to his Mommy.(Only once he snuck out into the kitchen and stole a chunk of salami from a counter!!)

But once there is something cooking - literally or figuratively - the two form an aliance and are one happy bunch.

They do the snout-snout thing all the time, watch the squirrels together, and even pu-pu in the yard next to each other !! (I'm afraid the Blog Police will go after me saying this)

Although, Jack is still shy of Dave, because he doesn't see him much - but generally, the peace seems to be restored.

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU

Jack is doing his best to just "fit in." His first challenge is his older fursister, Tais. As you know, she hasn't been exactly a good sport when Jack arrived. She used to be THE queen around here, and not ready to share her favorite bed, toys, and humans with the newbee. Tais: "Look...I'm trying my best, ok?"

Jack understands... He learned not to get too close to Tais, otherwise she snarls at him. He respects her space and tries to live by the rules of the house he came to live in (some immigrants in this country should learn this from Jack, but I dirgess). Jack stays close to Tais but doesn't get too much in her face: Jack is handling his grumpy sis with self-respect. He doesn't get even, nor he desperately seeks her approval. He just is being self-sufficient and always a gentleman!!

JUST RUNNIN' SCARED EACH PLACE WE GO

There are MANY things in Jack's new place to be afraid of : kitchen in general, because of noises of dishwasher, kettle, and washer and dryer...shutting of cabinetry doors, opening the blinds...even afraid of his own tag hitting the dish bowl when he eats.

It takes a lot of nice calling from his Mommy to come into the kitchen and have his food eaten, or he would be just standing there in the hallway like this.

Here, Jack is scared of a TV-stand door that opens by itself once you hit it with a toy.

Suprisingly, Jack is so not afraid of the vacuum cleaner!! Good boy!

Tonight, they forecast thurnderstorms - but at the first sign of a storm, Jack will be cuddling with his Mommy to take his mind off the thunder and stuff

OK...THIS NEW PLACE IS ALRIGHT

Well, well, well.. Jack's new humans got downstairs at 7am and found a wet spot on Jack's bed...I wonder what happened? I don't know what you are talking about...Must be this old grumpy Tais got into Jack's crate at night and made the nasty spot.

Let me tell you something more exciting than that. This place has a big yard!! With all the wild creatures in it!! The female human (I think she is supposed to be the new mommy - but we will see about that!) well, she went outside each window and scattered nuts and berries on the ground. That surely was some sort of invite for all kindsa birdies. Neat... the show was going on for the whole afternoon!!

But the real cool part is that the windows in the place go all the way to the ground! OMG!! Not just one window, but six!! Jack paces between the windows, afraid to miss the action!

By the way -- they surely know how to play rope here!

Because it's Jack's FAVORITE GAME!!

Ye-e-a-ha-a!! So far so good, so stick around till next week update!

MEETING THE NEW FAMILY

After a long ride form Michigan, Jack finally arrived to Northern Virginia, and first met his fursister Tais at Reston Park&Ride. All the sniffing and associated activity went very well!!

Upon entering the house, Jack inspected every inch of it. Tais wasn't exactly fond of this, as her aristocratic upbringing dictated that guests do not act in such obnoxious manner. She didn't realize at that point that Jack is gonna be a family member, so she was protective of her homestead. But Jack was a REAL gentleman -- despite some growls of his older sister, he just was trying to get along with everybody!!

The humans stayed in the canine quarters for some fondue and movie, so everybody settled, once the pre-views were over.
Finally, the evening closed with some hugging and kissing, only occasional growls from Tais :)

WE SAY GOOD BYE... AND YOU SAY HELLO!

Getting ready to head home!

Mixed emotions.

Tears of Happiness because you are getting a great family to call your own.  Tears of Sadness because we have grown to love you so much and will miss our Snuggle Buddy! 

No worries, Jack!  You are a wonderful boy that deserves the loving family that chose to add you to their family.  You are a very smart, loyal and big hearted boy.  You have touched our lives in so many ways!  I hope we have made up for the misfortune of your past and given you the ability to trust the humans in your future!  Take what you have learned from us and make sure you are a good boy for your new mommy and daddy!  Treat your new Fursister with respect... she is your elder!  

I could say so much more to you Jack, but it's time to say Good bye!   I need to borrow something I learned from another foster mom.... because there is no better way to say this...

"You may have left my home but you will never leave my heart!"

Love you always,  Lisa (Your "Fommy"),  Sofia (your little girl), Bobby (your Foster Dad), Cali, Mallory and Mazie (your foster fur sisters), Binnie (you foster guinea pig sister) and Zee the resident Gecko!  

THE ATTENTIVE CO-PILOT!

Jack was the perfect Setter Ball during the 8 hours it took us to reach Bedford, PA.  I'm sure he was dreaming about his new family.   He woke up for head rubs and belly rubs and then went right back to sleep!  No worries, Jack!  Your new family will love you !  

WAKE UP, SLEEPY HEAD!

Jack... It's time to wake up!  It's time to go to see your family!

BIG S...T...R...E...T...C...H............

Come on!  The sun isn't even up yet!