== Oso took his first snowshoe hike this morning. As Dean says, he needs “woods training.” So for today he was on a leash and loved it anyway. What Fun he will have when he is able to run free! A couple of things need to happen before then though. He needs to be neutered and that surgery is scheduled for a week from today. That vet visit will also include updating shots and vaccines. Then we need to have a tag with his name and our phone number on it. Just in case the first time off the leash he takes off and disappears. We don’t think he will because he knows “come” and “sit” and other good words. Still, the allure of the forest may be too much the first time freedom beckons.

For now, even on a leash, it has been exciting and tiring. I brought his bed into the living room and he is tucked in beside where I am sitting on the window seat. He would Much Rather be On the window seat with me and we had to stop that behavior when we had three dogs, all of whom were used to sleeping in the bed with one of us. They learned and so will he. I feel like a bit of a heel making him get down or keeping him from getting up. Still, those are the rules. :)

Have no idea what food he is used to and he hasn’t eaten any of what I have put out for him. Oh well ~ he will when he gets hungry enough. At least he is going on his own to his water dish. Very soon the food will tempt as well.

We are adjusting to each other. It is good to have a dog in the house again!