2/19 - Master Randy continues to
totally entertain the Savage Zoo keepers. He was not impressed with
the ½ inch of snow that fell the other day and stopped cold at the
door – almost tumbling out. This little man has the best
expressions. The look on his face was like “what happened – you
want me to go out there? There’s no deck!!!!” Once he noticed
everyone else was out rolling and sniffing he decided to join the
fun. Of course, the cold weather prevents the dogs from staying
outside too long – but Randy totally enjoys running around the back
yard. Naturally, because of the cold, he does not seem to ever
tire. He has amazing energy.
We have been working on his obedience
challenges. While he really tries to please, he does have a
stubborn streak. He will do a long stay, 5 to 10 minutes at a
time, but once you release him, he gives a look like “it’s about
time”. We would like the weather to warm up a little so that we
can work more with him on continuously walking nicely on a leash.
He does fairly well, but gets excited and “control” is not one of
the words he has caught onto yet.
The cats are of less interest to him –
he will still watch them and I still have to be on my toes, but I am
happy to say that when I call him over, he comes. Good Dog. I
still recommend his forever family not have cats.
He rides very well in the car and
enjoys being with people. He sleeps well in his crate and is
amazingly not the first one to want to get the humans out of bed in
the morning. Like all boxers, he has to be under your feet or at
least in the same room as you are. He loves attention and is full
of boxer kisses.
Randy is a “tester” – let me see what
they do when I…..fill in the blank. He loves to explore and somehow
finds things that you know were up out of sight (well at least they
were). He takes great pleasure in grabbing anything from your hand
as you walk by – a sock, the towel, even the leash. Not in a
menacing way, but in a playful “let me help you” way. He loves to
play and have his belly rubbed. Although he does not stay long, he
will join you when you are relaxing – I think he thinks he may miss
to. something if he is not on the move. Randy’s forever home will
have be one with a very strong leader who is willing to work to
bring out the best in this guy.
1/20 - What a great dog Master Randy is
becoming! He has calmed down and learned his name which is so helpful.
He is still high energy and loves to play with the other dog residents
of the Savage Zoo. However, his cuddly side has started to shine
through and he can be the sweetest pup going. This took a while to be
brought out but he has the greatest expressions and the biggest eyes
ever which melt you right away.
Randy has a great appetite and made the
transition to Candiae without an issue. His coat and skin tone have
improved – the discoloration was probably a dye in the food he was on
before. This is a dog that can finish two cups of dog food in a single
gulp – he is done before I get back down the hall to put the bowls down
for the resident dogs. He loves to eat – which is why he has to eat in
the crate – he would eat everyone’s given the chance. He has filled out
well and probably weighs 65 pounds or more. Given his size, that seems
to be an ideal weight for him.
Randy gets along great with the resident
dogs. They all play all the time which is great to watch – a little
noisy at times but fun. Latte, the smallest, can hold his own against
Randy’s energy. Randy is still interested in the cats, however, this is
improving. The fearless one, Slam, educated him on how kitty claws work
– one little scratch and now Randy is not so aggressive toward them.
The scratch has healed but the lesson has helped.
Randy loves to play with all the toys and
is quite comical in the process. He is a clown who entertains himself
by tossing the toy in the air and looking at it strangely when it lands
beside him. Randy has no toy aggression – you can take anything away
from him without issue. He is the typical youngest child – if he wants
something someone else has, he will give a strange little whine/bark.
Dang it if the other dogs don’t give in. What a hoot.
Randy has never had an accident in the home
– which was something we thought may happen given he was in a shelter.
He enjoys the outdoors – but returns quickly from the run if it is
cold outside or raining. Now if he can just learn to come in and sit
when he is wet so he can get dried off before trotting through the home,
we may be onto something.
Randy does well in his crate at night and
when we need a time out from our constant watching to keep the cats
safe; besides the cats do need to come up for food, water and the kitty
litter box. Of course, he is not the happiest pup being put in for
time out, but he quiets after complaining for a few minutes. My rule is
complete quiet for 10 minutes and then you can come back out. He’s
getting the idea – giving into his complaining would only escalate it.
We are working on basic obedience and Randy
is improving in those areas as well. He is a quick learner and eager to
please. His expressions are priceless and his anticipation of what you
would like him to do can be entertaining. He walks well on a leash and
we are working on becoming quickly calm when we return home. Randy gets
so excited that his boxer wiggle takes him right off the floor. My
rule: calm submissive or I totally ignore you. While the resident dogs
get it, Randy is still trying to figure out how come my back is turned
while he’s being so cute.
Master Randy would do well as an only dog
providing he receives a lot of attention and exercise. Another dog for
company would be beneficial to help relieve some boxer energy. Now cats
– not unless you want to be on watch for their safety 24/7. He would
probably be best in a family with no small children because of his
energy level and size.
12/5 - Master Randy arrived at the Savage Zoo
on Friday with the names Jocko and Romeo. Neither of these did he respond
to in any way which is why we gave him his new name. Randy at least makes
his ears move. What can we say about Master Randy. He is all puppy with
the clumsy puppy stair climbing and the awkward run of a puppy with long
legs. He is adorable. Master Randy was in a shelter for a long long
time. He was originally found as a stray, adopted out only to be returned
as he was too much for the couple who adopted him. He again stayed in a
shelter until Boxer Buddies was contacted to please come get this sweet
boy. Master Randy has only been here for a short while, but he has fit
right in with Latte, Sir Prize, and Cheyenne (the resident dogs). There
were the usual tiffs for pack selection, but that seems to have passed.
Sleep was not high on his list until Sunday night and I swear he never
stopped pacing…..maybe because he could actually walk from room to room.
He ate breakfast for the first time on Sunday – again probably due to the
stress of the move. As for the cats, naturally they had to parade around
the crate or sit just out of reach. Master Randy was curious but he is
just that – curious. He has not tried to hurt the cats, he just wants to
play. Princess at 15 years of age is not interested. Socks and the
younger cats just sit where he can’t reach and stare. I think over time
Master Randy would be okay with cats.
Master Randy rides well in the car – snoring
away. I think he was glad to be off those cement floors. He walks pretty
well on a leash with a gentle leader. Without it you are dragged so we
will work on that. He knows his basic commands – he has just not been
worked so you have to work him for everything he wants. He tries hard to
anticipate what you want. Sit, down, sit, down – with no hand signals –
you must want one of those two.
We will be working on Master Randy’s basic
commands and maybe trying to teach him some tricks.
More updates will be forthcoming.
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