Belly rubs, paw shakes and smooches...oh my!

Well last night we had some really severe thunderstorms and I tossed and turned all night due to worrying about Teddy. I couldn't imagine what reactions he may be having. When I went to the shelter today to visit, they told me he chewed his harness off, whether or not it was related to the storm, I don't know.

As my husband I walked down the road toward the kennels, I bellowed out my Teddy whistle, he was outside. His ears immediately perked. As he saw me and I began to talk to him he got very excited barking ! and wagging his tail. As I came around the side of the building he headed toward the door to go in seemingly knowing it was time for a visit. He was duly excited once they brought him out.

I do believe he was somewhat pensive from the night before (storms) as he was a little more easy to startle and he sniffed the air often initially. On the walk he was tentative in the beginning. When more people and dogs came around he grew much quieter and some what reserved (kind of like we could imagine in the wild when a possible predator was near), more so than usual, but after an hour together he seemed to relax and all was well once again, unless there were too many people, noises, and other dogs around-he would be a little reserved and wouldn't take a treat whenever he was nervous, ever. Also, when the camera flashed he really startled too and kept looking up through the trees, probably reminiscent of lightening. On time I touched his side while he was watching something else and he was quick to show his flight response as he startled quickly but was ok once I spoke to him.

As time went on with quite a few walks he really became a dog! He followed the commands for shake and initiated shake several times on his own. Too funny if I ignored him! He also was ready for a few belly rubs as long as there was not a lot of dogs or people around and he rolled over requesting his rub with his upside down Teddy head looking back at me. Also.....drum roll please...he not only wanted to sit with his front paws up on my lap several times, but he also leaned on me for a good amount of time AND I got SEVERAL SMOOCHES without asking! Yea!(Caught me off guard and got me on the lips once)

My husband and I spent three hours with him and in between walks he was outwardly seeking attention from us, and was very content as he leaned up against me or slept near by. When he did get scared a few times if I spoke his name softly and pulled him by his side into my body, he seemed to calm. It is so great to have the opportunity to see him and get to know him. I just know he is very smart and hope that wherever he may go, that the people teach him something new every day-tricks, obedience, agility, flyball, whatever. He deserves to have a chance to learn it all and show off!

He also loves to have the top of his nose rubbed and will sit for great lengths of time and almost snooze off when this is done. I also discovered what I believed to have been one of Teddy meals on the run-fresh squirrel! He spied one on one of our walks and I really had to hold on tight. He was really intent on the little critter.

Does he not look happy and just a "tad" content? He is actually smiling for the camera and licking his chops. In case you might be wondering...today's treat bag was filled with grilled sirloin, and did he love it! God I love this dog!!!!