Meet Larry

Before we could bring Larry home, we had to bring June up for a visit. Its fairly common up here for rescue organizations to require a new dog to meet resident dogs before finalizing the adoption. It helps ensure that a dog doesn’t come right back because he couldn’t get along with the folks at home.

On the drive home to get June, C and I discussed our options. He still felt really guilty about Sasha not being the right dog for us. So we agreed that we would ask about adopting both dogs.

Turns out, we couldn’t do that because the shelter doesn’t allow you to adopt two on the same day unless they are bonded. If, in 30 days, Sasha still hasn’t found a home, we can come back and adopt her.

The meet and greet went well. Papers were filled out, fees were paid, a new collar was bought. (We had leashes at home, but not a collar the right size for Larry.)

C rode in the back seat with the dogs for the drive home. Larry simply curled up next to him and slept. June stayed on his lap the whole time, a little tense (probably from trying to keep her balance on his lap and still look out the window) but otherwise her usual mellow self.

We got home, though, and the playing began.

This is to be expected. Both are young dogs, full of energy, and dogs have an inherent need to understand their place in the pack. Playing helps them figure that out.

It does turn out, though, that Larry is the king of the power nap. He’s all play, then crashes, then boom is ready to go again.

June is very much a hound dog. She plays, but when she’s ready to sleep, sleep is serious business.

We were prepared for Larry to be different at home than at the shelter. That’s pretty standard. We weren’t quite so prepared for how quickly his transition happened.

We think that instead of being a JRT/ACD mix, he’s most likely a smooth coated Fox Terrier (possibly pure bred, though not show quality). And apparently, fox terriers bond with their new families incredibly quickly.

However, much like JRTs, they do need consistent leadership from their pet parents. This will be a challenge for me, but I think we can do it. Larry is a little mouthy, and we are consistent on telling him that is not appropriate.

Our biggest challenge appears like its going to be around food dishes. June will wander over to Larry’s bowl and finish it if she feels like it. Larry seems to be quite fine with coming up and trying to taker her food from her while she’s eating it. We may have to start feeding them separately.