This Is Mickey
JoAnne & Glenn picked Me up on September 12, 2000, and on that day I became "theirs." Then on Easter Sunday evening, April 15, 2001, I became "theirs" for the second time, for real. What happened in between?
My first few days were a test because my background was unknown. I had already lost my first placement because of biting the other dog in that home, and there was already another dog in this home. But Mom & Dad were recently retired and so had the time to devote to the settling in of a new/old dog. They got through the first few days and knew they wanted Me to stay with them. From my behaviors, they surmised that I had spent a lot of time on my own, taking care of myself. I furiously protected any and all food sources (and I mean ALL -- whether they were mine or not, and whether they're considered dog food or not!). I gave equal battle about toys. I got into several fights with my big sister in the first several weeks. Physically, my unknown background included the loss of a top front tooth and ear infections to beat the band, but my unpredictable bursts of aggression were the only frightening feature to Mom & Dad. What did they do?
First, they had a consultation with an animal behavior specialist who gave them many helpful hints. Then I attended "teenaged dog obedience" classes and became more socialized; I also learned to trust them during these weeks of practice and class time, and I learned "sit, stay, down, and come." The training was all done with treats as rewards, so I loved every minute of it!
I still eat anything and everything; old corn cobs, sticks, bugs, small animals, and other things that are more gross. In fact, they're thinking of renting me out late this summer to the overly-successful but overwhelmed home gardener. Last fall, I found the pile where Mom and Dad had thrown about 75 unwanted, huge zucchinis, and one-by-one, I brought them to the patio and ate them! Do you suppose there's a market for such a helpful doggy? Now, though, at my regular mealtimes, I sit without being asked, and wait until they say "OK" before I dash to inhale - no, really to eat, my kibbles.
I love to be petted -- there's a surprise, right, with a Golden? - and I never, ever get enough loving. But I'm always ready to give them a chance to pet me more just to see I get tired of it. (Not!) A major breakthrough occurred when JoAnne & Glenn dog sat for their son's beagle for 10 days. A couple of days before the dog arrived, they brought home a towel the beagle had slept on, and I sniffed it well. When the beagle arrived, I just let her in as if I'd always known her. Amazing! They were really smart to come up with that "towel trick." One potential incident during her stay was when SHE initiated some wild-and-crazy running around, fake growling, and invited me to join in. I began looking like my old crazy self until Mom reached out and held me quietly; then I relaxed and leaned against her with a look in my eyes that said: "Gee, thanks, I really appreciate being stopped from going wild."
By Easter Sunday Mom & Dad had more family here to visit; I love that -- more people to pet me. That evening, the Beagle's family returned from their vacation, so we had 6 adults, 3 children, and 3 dogs; lots of chaos and fun. When their son and his family got ready to go home, taking their Beagle with them, the front door was open for a few minutes. I stayed inside, with Mom & Dad. That was the epiphany. That was the second day I became their dog, and Mom & Dad my people because I had never ever before given up the chance to dart-out the door, to make mad dash to cars in the driveway. Now I'm really theirs for keeps!