I have failed to follow my own advice and adopted dog number three.
I have had my eye out for another dog since November of last year.
My senior dog Dale, is now 12 and slowing down. My middle dog Jesse is 7 and needs a playmate.
It takes a special dog to fit in with Dale and Jesse.
About 6 weeks ago, I walked through the kennel at the Humane Society and this little black and white dog caught my eye.
I checked each week, and the guy was still there. Finally, afraid he might be euthanized due to the huge volume of dogs at the HS, I took the dog out for a walk.
His Humane Society name was Scout. I now call him Rio.
He had all the qualities I enjoy. He is active, friendly and as interested in people as he is in dogs and the environment.
Phase 2 was introducing Rio to Dale and Jesse. Jesse is easy. He is good with other dogs, if not overly friendly. I let them walk together and hang out a few times. All was good.
Dale is more difficult. She doesn’t have good dog social skills and is old and a bit cranky.
I orchestrated a meet and greet event with all three dogs and three people plus lots of treats.
It worked like a charm and Saturday, Rio came to his new home! Cissy Sumner, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA Best Behavior Dog Training Member, Board of Directors, CCPDT Consulting Dog Trainer & Behavior Counselor for the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County APDT #062323 AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator #13985 Vero Beach, FL 772-978-7863 www.bestbehaviordogtraining.org