A WELCOME WAGGIN FOR FERGUS

I went to the cargo pick up at Hawk Air today and the guy at the front counter had me sign the slip and then he passed a wee-little crate over the counter.  I knew Fergus was little but it still surprised me how small the crate was and how easily the guy passed him over the counter.  Fergus was peering out with lots of tail wags.  He seemed unaffected by the trip.   I took the crate outside and when I was securely in the back of my truck I opened it up and was greeted with more tail wags and the softest, friendliest ball of black velvet ever.   I suited him up with a martingale collar, which I over estimated and was too big, and we came out of the truck to meet Gloria.   Gloria was very popular because she's a foster mom carrying treats (why didn't I think of that!).   Fergus sat nice for some treats, we took him to the grass to stretch his legs and have a pee, and then off to the beach so we could give Gloria's foster pups a new experience and give Fergus a good welcome to Richmond.  

Fergus in the truck...with his flying sweater.

It's not my normal first day walk to go somewhere with so many new things and distractions, but he's such a happy go-lucky little guy that we skipped a step.  Once in the parking lot at the beach I was starting to re-think this plan.  He was going nuts with barking watching the dogs in the distance running and playing.   We took ages to get from the parking lot to where Gloria was waiting with Cedar and Cricket.  I wanted to take a calmer dog to the beach so we took our time.  Eventually we made it to the grass field and Cricket and Fergus played.  We headed down to the beach area and Fergus was much better about all the other dogs being around.   He just wanted to go everywhere and meet everyone.  He's really a very happy, bouncy guy. 

First impression of the beach.  And, check out
the cool sweater.

Cedar and Cricket were the first to check out the water.  Fergus wasn't far behind.  I'm not sure if Fergus has ever been to the water but he loved it and showed no fear.   Cedar and Cricket on the other hand were a bit tentative.

"what's that in the water?"

"better raise my front leg in warning"

"oh....lets run back to foster mom just in case"

The journey down the beach was a slow one.   With 3 dogs needing to check things out and two foster moms talking 'dog' to anyone who asks about them, it takes a while to get anywhere.   Cedar and Cricket were definitely the main attraction for anyone stopping, but Fergus was the one who was brave enough to go right up to people and get the pats.  We also had several rounds of Fergus and Cricket playing.  Some times Cedar joined in but most times it was just Cricket with Fergus on his hind legs trying to be taller and make up for the size difference. 

'ready....set....'

'...pounce'



Just happy to be at Foster Mom's feet.



After showing just how much he liked the water, I decided the sweater needed to come off.  Fergus loves to spend time fishing for driftwood and other little bits floating around.  When the big waves came from the tug boats he was undaunted and saw an opportunity as each wave might bring something new to shore. This dog is a water lover and I think he will be swimming in no time.

We walked three tired dogs away from the beach.  By the time we hit the grassy field and they saw more dogs playing a second wind hit.  I went and got the 80' leash for Fergus and he had a good rip around, playing with Cedar and Cricket and running to come back to me when I called.  Cedar and Cricket were both off leash today and you should see them both come back to Gloria when called and sit like they're synchronized, waiting for their reward for being good pups. 

It was a fun day and Fergus napped on the way home, once he realized I wasn't sharing my sandwich, that is.  You'd never know he had been in Smithers just a few hours previously. 

When we got home, he ate his dinner, drank some water and then had a short nap on the couch with me.  We then got out some toys and figured out that he mostly knows how to fetch already.  After a bit of time with the toys we went for our last walk of the night and to check out the neighbourhood he didn't get to see earlier.   He walked quite well on the leash with only a few crossed paths and seemed to like being out and about.  

So far he is a very cute and confident little guy.   He has settled in nicely and is asleep on the couch while I write my blog.   I think he will be the first foster dog in a while to get full mileage out of daycare.  I suspect he will find many friends to play with.

More pics and stories to come soon.

p.s. A big thank you to Vicky for sending him to me and thank you to whoever shaved off his matts and made him so soft!