We got the best puppy ever!!!!!!!
On Friday, our new friend, Jess, who lives across the hall and loooooves animals, took Dave and me to the North Shore Animal League in Long Island. We spent all afternoon there, walking past cages full of dogs, our hearts breaking that we couldn't take every one (one day when I have a big farm). We got a few out, holding them and petting them, not completely sure about any of them yet. Then as Dave walked past a cage with a pup labeled "terrier," the little guy stuck his paw out and touched Dave's shoulder. Out of all the dogs, he was the only one not barking his head off. So Dave stopped and pet him but I was thinking terriers were too crazy for us. Dave walked away to check out another dog, and the "terrier" started barking. So, Dave turned around and looked at him, and the pup stopped and stared adoringly straight at Dave. Obviously we got him out, but when we put him in the area where people play with dogs, he went CRAZY. Now we know the spazzing out was because he absolutely loves other dogs and there were three near him, so he was really wanting to play (and there were lots of people, which he also likes, so it was just too much stimulation). But we didn't know that then, and I was instantly like, "He's too much." Dave picked him up to carry him back to the cage, and as soon as the dog was in Dave's arms, he chilled out and laid his head onto Dave's chest. Then I thought, wait a minute. Dave handed him over and right when he settled into my arms, he nuzzled his little head into my neck and that was it. We cuddled him for the next half hour, anxiously filling out paperwork and waiting for the workers to call our references, and then we were approved!!!
We brought him home and he instantly fell in love with Jess's dog Toby, a one-year-old, super cute dachsund. They romp and play every day, like best buddies! After going through a few options (including Oberon, Obi for short, Horatio, Tio for short, and Diego), we settled on Basil and the name fits him well. He has long lanky legs that flop around when he runs, and a cute, long tail that curls up and touches his back when he bounces about. His eyes are deep brown and almond shaped, and his coloring is "brindle," or black with stripes and specks of brown, gold, gray and white. GORGEOUS!! The shelter rescued him and brought him in, where he lived for a week, getting neutered and vaccinated. He's now 3 months old but amazingly well-behaved. Even though he's teething, he listens instantly when we tell him "off" and is content with his toys. He adores us, following us around the house and walking perfectly on his leash. He knows "sit," "off," and "down," and is almost there with "come." He's also house broken!! We have no idea how that happened, but we're guessing that during the week in the shelter he picked it up. But a week is so fast! He's only had one pee accident, the first day. What a good puppy!
So my weekend consisted of walking, playing, cuddling, taking loads of photos, playing catch, training, on and on. The hardest thing for him is not climbing over the baby gate between him and the bedroom, but he really knows "down" well and since last night, won't jump at all but will instead whine for a few minutes and be done. Blacula, Dave's kitty, is very interested in him but Basil got too close today and received a swift swipe on the nose, accompanied with a hiss. Frida, who hangs out in the bedroom only, enjoys staring at him through the gate but isn't ready to be physically near him yet. No hissing though! She watched him with extreme curiosity but has absolutely no desire to cross the gate into the living room. I'm not worried though; she's already more open with him than she is with Blacula, and they've been living together for four months! I think our cats hate most other cats but are cool with dogs, because they both like Toby, too. Frida will even sit right beside Toby and chill out! I envision her cuddling on the bed with Basil, and taking a picture that i'll title , "El amor de Frida y Diego, o Frida Bat the Slinkster Cat y Sir Basil Diego."
We are absolute dog nerds now. Well, I guess Dave was before but since this is my first puppy, I wasn't sure what to expect. But it's just perfect. Our little zoo is complete!
Feast your eyes on this beauty...
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