Lab Work - Abby Updates

Our first day went very well.  I got up once in the night and Abby came in from the furry rug in the hall that she had vacated the dog bed in my room for,  made sure I was OK, then went right back to sleep.

When I woke up this morning it was to happy face and "oh boy, it's dog food again!"

After a walk, Abby doing well with the pulling but sometimes weaving ahead (actually more like dropping down immediately in front of me like Tony Stewart in turn two), which I had been told about by her Foster Mom. I made an appointment for dog training.  Part of the adoption agreement is I get her basic training and I plan on honoring that, to work on the leash skills and any other basic commands she may need to work on, though she comes when I call, and sits on command.  I then made an appointment with Dr H., to get all her info into the system and plan out care she may need over the coming months as she gets a general wellness exam.

She did great in the truck and wasn't at all anxious at the vet, and even calmly laid down while we waited in the exam room about 10 minutes (we were quite early). 

Barkley not only would not have laid down, he'd have been rifling the cabinets for prescription dog treats.

She was great with the exam, other than squirming when it was time for the ears, as all dogs do, and follow up care for her heartworm was discussed as well as a lyme screen, as she had evidence of a possible recent tick bite. Barkley loved Dr. H and Abby was no different, trying to give her "kisses" to the face to the point I heard a laugh and "no tongue!" A new prescription for her heartworm/flea monthly medication was made out and enough purchased for a few months, and after pats and treats from Dr. H. and her gentle and skilled assistant, we were on our way home. I really appreciate Love of Labs providing such detailed records for her care after she was picked up as a stray. That helped a lot getting a plan for the coming six month's care set up so I can budget accordingly.

After we got home, I did have an errand to run to the grocery store, and she did real well while I was gone for an hour. The master bedroom bed wasn't slept on, she hadn't opened my gun safe to check out the old Mausers and dog food was pillaged off of the counter, but she was happy to see me, though not anxious. I'm glad I'm just working a partial schedule and telework for her first few days here, though, and Partner will join us here for a couple of days, as well. I've also found someone licensed and bonded (and highly recommended) as a professional dog sitter to walk her mid day as needed. She can go all day without a potty break from what I hear, but I want her to have some company as she settles into the routine.

But at the store, I got her a Frosty Paws.   I usually make my own, a recipe known around here as Frosty Pause , but didn't have time, nor the ingredients on hand last night.  I don't think she had ever seen one before.  Barkley loved them and would delicately lick them until they were gone, on a plate. I expected the same from gentle Miss Abby.

I put the Frosty Paws on the plate, sans container. She sniffed and tentatively licked it, then . . . .

You know that scene in Jaws where the shark grabs the guy whole in his mouth and swallows.

It was something like that

That was one happy dog, though how she kept from getting "brain freeze" is beyond me.

(Note: She got skittish when one photo triggered the flash,so I switched to the little point and shoot, no flash and stealth photos, so she would relax, but the picture quality isn't the best.)

After that, a walk to explore the grass out front and back of the crash pad.  It was 86 out, so it was just a quick jaunt, on the grass, not the pavement.

After that, we read on the couch. (Well, I read; Abby put her head on me and gave me looks that said "Moby Dick? Look the whale did it, put it down and lets have another walk"). But it was time for supper. I had a plate of steamed veggies with lemon (someone had  Home Run Pizza for lunch) and she had kibble that was probably tastier, though I grinned at her eating while laying down as she got to the end of her food (better to get close to every last bite).

Time for a nap while Mom, gets a few things done on and off line.

All in all, a good day and all your kindness and warm words were welcomed by all.
-Brigid