THE FOSTER DROUGHT IS OVER - RILEY 2.0

Riley came back to Turtle Gardens just before Christmas but due to a crazy schedule, I wasn't ready for a foster.  But I am ready now, so I picked up Riley last Friday.  I originally fostered him back in 2011 so this is somewhat familiar territory for both of us, but with some changes.  I live in a different home, he has a bit of grey on his face, I have different dog skills than I had back then and he's learned alot about being a companion in the city.   It's fun to let him tell me his story as we go, especially because he's such a smart little guy. 

At the front door after our walk tonight.

Since I'm in a new home I can only chalk it up to his intelligence that when I said "let's go to bed" on Friday night, that he knew to run to the stairs to head up even though we hadn't been up there yet.  He also shows me how he used to get his harness put on because he puts his front paws on my legs, lets me loop the harness over his head and then lifts up his left leg ready to slip into the leg hole and then patiently waits for me to untwist the ends and click them together.  He wags his tail in excitement for a walk.  On Friday he walked ahead of me, a bit detached but by tonight he was walking beside me some of the time and then walking a bit ahead but looking back to check in regularly.  He walks nicely on the leash and is a good walking companion.  He has good endurance and really enjoyed our walk on Sunday with two friends and their dogs.

At home he is still the same playful dog that I remember.  He is so much fun to play with.  He fetches, chases, plays hide and seek and is really agile.  I can throw a toy for him and ask him to wait without holding his collar.  Despite his excitement to go get it he will wait until I release him with an 'okay'.  He has learned quite a bit since the last time I saw him.  He is quick to catch on to things and is happy to listen to what you ask of him.

Tail is a wagging blur....

Riley doesn't seem to bark very much.  He's been clean inside the house and does his business outside when asked so there's no hanging around waiting when its raining outside.  He likes his treats, as you can see from the picture above, but is not overly fond of the camera being turned his direction.   He'll get used to it....he has a foster mom that blogs after all.

So serious....he was smiling before the camera came out

He had a good first day at dog daycare.  He found a new friend and I'm sure as the days go by he will find many dogs to play with.  I'm told he was a good boy and of course they discovered how great of a cuddler he is. 

A tiring day for Riley.....he sleeps while I type my blog.