Declan 16-046 here with an update on my whereabouts. For the past week I have been on something called a Vacation, to some place called The North Shore. I had never heard of either of those things before, but evidently vacation is where you pack everything you own into a car and drive a long way through rain and heavy traffic in time to arrive somewhere tired, cranky, and a little scared.

After you get over that first part though, it turns out that vacations are GREAT! You get to hang out with a bunch of cool new friends, go to BBQ's and parties, do zoomies in the yard, go swimming (if that is your thing - not mine, thanks anyway), and have lots of people tell you that they really like you and are glad to have met you. Can't beat that!

There is one slight drawback to my vacation accommodations though. They insist here that I follow something called "the house rules". At my very first house the main rule was every dog for himself, so I got things mainly by being fast and being pushy. Evidently in this place that is exactly what DOESN'T get you what you want. Who knew? Here the emphasis in on being calm, waiting your turn, and sharing. I wasn't too keen on this change of rules at the start - I really just didn't get it; but it is growing on me now. I am starting to figure out that in a good resort like this there really is enough of everything (attention, food, toys, etc.) to go around, so I don't have to work so hard for it any more and can relax and be my real silly dog self. I think in my forever home I would like it if there were clear house rules so I can know where I stand and what is expected of me; that will really help me be less nervous.

I met a lot of dogs this week (all full-sized). I got along with everyone, and played hard with a few who liked that game. Neither of the other dogs who live at the resort really like to play, and I haven't bugged them about it. It might be fun in my forever home though if I had a playful sibling or a chance to go to a nice doggy daycare once in awhile. Temporary Foster Mom suggested that a dog park probably wouldn't be good for me (right now at least) as I get kind of over-stimulated and forget those rule things when there is a lot of chaos.

Looks like I will be heading home from vacation over the weekend, so I will be ready once again to interview potential forever homes. After this week I am feeling more positive about how my life is changing and I am excited to get started on my forever golden life! I'm posting a couple pics from my vacation, hope you enjoy them.

A few comments from Temporary Foster Mom

- With a fenced yard and other dogs to join in a "pee train" Declan has had no accidents at all this week. He can sometimes take a while to pick a spot, but he got quicker about doing his business as the week went on. He does not ask to go out, so I just treated him kind of like a puppy and put him out when I first got home, after eating, after a long nap, etc.

- He was loose in the living room with my dogs during the day, and other than dumping the dog toy basket he was not destructive. Stuffies do not have a long life around him, but he will leave them alone if you tell him too. All tags must be removed from all items.

- While Declan is still nervous about all of the new experiences he is having and acts scared at times, it is important not to mistake anxiety for submission. I have seen absolutely no aggression from him, but he stands up for himself among other dogs and likes to take the lead part of the time during chase/play. He can also be stubborn if doesn't agree with the human :)

- Declan is intimidated by people standing up/over him. He rarely will come to anyone if they are standing, but as soon as you sit down he comes over and tries to crawl into your lap!

- As a result of the last couple of items Declan does not have consistent recall outside. He loves going IN through the door though, so no problem getting him in from the yard.

- He eagerly loaded up in a crate in my van and road around town no problem. Leash skills are a work in progress as he tends to surge in multiple directions.

- He really did make friends with everyone, man and beast, that he met this week. More than one person commented that if they could have another dog they would love to have Declan! He has a silly sweetness about him that is easy to love.

Hi All,

Declan here. Well, it's been two weeks since this neutering business, and the foster mom says it's helped me calm down quite a bit! She was also trained to train me with a clicker. I don't know how it works, but when I hear that noise, I magically get a treat or loved on. I now can sit and stay with the clicker. We're working on me now jumping up on foster mom - but I can't help it - I'm happy to see her after her day at work! I also do this when I want something (like to go out and potty/play).

I'm much more confident than I was when RAGOM first took me in, and I love walking in the woods and playing in the yard. Playing is probably my favorite thing ever, except for eating! I'm still sneaking dog poop snacks when I get the chance, so you'll have to do a good job of getting them out of the yard. Otherwise, they're fair game.

The foster mom spent $30 on a cool puzzle game that I figured out in five minutes. Two days later, she put $0.30 of frozen veggies in water and froze that in a dish. I played with that for at least half an hour. She said she's reevaluating a lot of her life decisions after that discovery. 

Have I told you how smart I am? That's right - the foster mom says I am super smart, and need interaction and play time with you or another dog. But don't forget about our walks (runs preferred) - I love to go, go, go!

Well, right now the foster mom is planning a trip home to Michigan in a few weeks, so I'm hoping I'll get to spend some time with another awesome RAGOM volunteer while she's out of town. Who could say "no" to a face like this?

Hi All,

Declan here. I'm writing my update as I'm getting a bit concerned. My foster mom (FM) is awfully giddy about this "neutering" ordeal happening on Thursday. I'm starting to get a bit nervous about it. But, how bad could it be, right?

I'm still having challenges with being comfortable on the leash when it comes to pottying outside. The FM is hoping this "neuter" helps me relax a bit more. Regardless, I really do need a fence - because I'm quick as lightening! I need lots of exercise, and it's tough on the FM because I still need to gain weight - so she can't let me get as many walks or jogs as she knows I need (Who is she kidding? She needs them more than me!).

Well, signing off for now. I'll update you after this neuter. If you don't hear from me by Saturday, send Milk Bones!

XOXO,

Declan

Hi fans, DeClan here doing this update.

First off, thank you so much to Rona and SFHS for the Spring decoration on my page. I'm also thankful for all you have done for me to get me into RAGOM and a foster home.

I'm at my dog sitter's or temp foster's house while my FM [foster mom] is traveling. I was here for about a week when I first came into RAGOM, so I'm familiar with the place. I was a bit freaked out after the ride here but quickly got over it.  I met the dogs and cats without any real problems. I decided the big wire crate was my safe place again. FM was a bit shocked to hear that since I have to be bribed to go in the crate at her house.

I think I may be housebroken. I may have figured out that all the other dogs do their "business" outside, so I will, too. FD [foster dad] says this is a good thing. I get praise for doing my "business" outside. He lets us out pretty often.

We have been going for walks most days. We now walk about a mile. I got to meet the neighbors here. Sarah loves me and gives me treats. I'm really going to miss that.

Today we went for a ride. I wasn't thrilled about it. Braden 16-044 and I went to get weighed. I am up to 36.9 lbs from my original weight of 30.9. I still have a long ways to go, but headed in the right direction.

I go back with FM today. Thank you Barry for dog sitting me this week. Thanks to all who support RAGOM.