The latest with what's been going on with me...

Hi everyone. Just a few updates to tell you about. I've been going to my foster mom's job with her several times a week now. She works at a doggy daycare. I do really well there. I get along great with the other dogs and have even played a little with some of them. I'm still working on getting more comfortable, but I think I will start to play more and more soon. I am actually doing really well with all of the employees there. I have let most of them come up and pet me right away (even the men!). It's easier to trust them when I see that all the other dogs let the employees pet and play with them. I still won't let them lead me anywhere by my collar and I still jump when they touch me from behind. But as long as they come up to me and I can see who it is and sniff them, I'm perfectly okay with them petting me. I think this doggy daycare thing will be good for me because I get to meet new dogs and new people everyday.

I've been back in my foster home for a little over 3 weeks now. I'm getting so much better with the 2 men that I live with. Sometimes I still bark if they startle me (like coming in the front door unexpectedly), but for the most part, I am beginning to trust them. They are both able to come up and pet me and sometimes I even go up to them for attention. I'm not quite ready for them to hug or kiss me and I still don’t like sudden movements, but I have come a long way in 3 weeks. I especially enjoy when they give me belly rubs...it's my favorite!

I am also doing really well in the house. I am completely housebroken and crate trained. If I have to potty, I go right to the back door and cry. My foster family has left me in the house while they are away and I behave myself perfectly. I haven't destroyed anything and I just like to nap on the couch until they are back. I play very nicely with my foster brother and sister. We like to chase each other around and play tug-o-war. They tell me I am pretty mellow for a GSP. I do have my moments of high energy where I like to run around and play, but for the most part, I'm happy just hanging out. If you want to play, I'll join in, but if you just want to relax, I'll find a comfy spot to curl up in.

That's all for now!

My Favorite Things

1. FOOD. I love food! In fact, I love anybody that has food to give me! I am extremely food motivated and have no trouble at all gobbling up my meals. Give me food and I'll be your best friend.

2. TOYS. I love toys! Especially the plush ones. They are so much fun to throw around, shake, and chew on. I also like squeeky toys. Those sounds are just so interesting! I can entertain myself all day with toys.

3. PLAYING. I love to play! My favorite playmates include my people and my doggy friends. I like to chase, wrestle, and play tug-o-war with both dogs and people.

4. CUDDLING. I love to cuddle! I enjoy curling up in my foster mom's lap and taking a nap. I really would like to lay by your side and be close to you. If you'll let me on the couch, that would be great, but I don't mind cuddling on the floor either.

5. BONES. I love to chew on bones! Any kind will do. It passes the time and they taste fantastic!

6. WALKS. I love to walk with my pack! When I first came to rescue, I was very scared on walks, but now I love them. I get to see so many interesting things and that helps to make me confident.

7. BELLY RUBS. Oh boy, oh boy, I love belly rubs! It feels so good. I would love to have my belly rubbed all day long.

I'm Back!!

Hello again everyone. It's Phoenix! I made it back to NJ on July 3rd with no problems. I was a little confused at first, but now all is well. I got to meet my original foster mom at her job. I didn't recognize her at first, but once we got back to my foster home, it all started coming back to me. I remembered the yard, the smells, and my foster brother and sister. Once I realized where I was, I went back over to my foster mom and said hello. I've been smiling ever since! My foster mom is so happy that I remembered and my transition back to NJ has gone really well.

My first night back in NJ was filled with good times. I got to watch Cali swim in the pool (I'm not sure if I'm ready to do that yet), go for a long walk, play with toys, eat yummy food, and cuddle with my foster mom. She was surprised to see how far I've come on my walks. We walked for an hour and I only tried to stop and lay down once! With a quick tug on the leash, I was right back up and confidently walked with her and Cali the rest of the way.

I'm still a little nervous with strangers and getting reacquainted with my foster mom's family. I'm a little unsure when they come over to me and I don't like quick or sudden movements. I'm just scared, but I think with some time, I will learn that they are good people. I have become VERY food motivated though, so I have no hestiations when taking food from strangers.

That's all for now. Check back soon as I'll be updating my blogs regularly.

Love, Phoenix