Small Talk: The Welcome Mat

[Spunkygal]

@Netfoot, I wish I could put a fast forward on the grieving process for you. But we have to go through the stages like we do when a human loved one leaves us. I know my little Honey took a big chunk of my heart with her but it will be sweet when we are reunited someday and she jumps in my arms. Of course I have other beloved dogs who I miss but there was just something about that bossy girl! I have the same climate control guy come out every fall to check the furnace ventilation before it is used and last October when he arrived he asked where she was. 😢 Yes, re-telling the story is tough. And that was 9 months later!

Edited October 6, 2021 by Spunkygal

[Netfoot]

Went and made a donation. Wish it could have been more. Doesn't seem like they get many donations - the receipt came from a generic receipt book, and it was the first in the book. Maybe it is just cash that they don't get much of? 

Didn't get to see any doggies. (Heidi will have my guts for garters for not getting photos of Princess). Not sure why no pups were there for playing with. They told me that the extensive kennels I saw were for adult dogs, and a bigger set of kennels behind the house were for puppets puppies only. I asked what was the best time to come and see pups and was told any time between 10 and 4, but apparently 2:30 somehow isn't between 10 and 4?

Anyway, I came back through a thunderous downpour and now I'm home again.

Edited October 7, 2021 by Netfoot

[Netfoot]

Donated some of Bud's puppy-collars as well. Formal, Christmas and Zombie apocalypse. And the collar I bought for Foxy some while ago and never got to give to her. Plus 48 hand-towels 14x17" which should help with the bathing of puppers.

[Netfoot]

Heiei says she is dragging me back to Ocean Acres over the weekend. But I doubt it will happen. She isn't feeling well, so she wont likely feel up to it.

No pain in my jaw for the entire day, not even a twinge. And the pains in my chest and side that I've been experiencing this last month have stopped as well. Now, I've developed a case of the trotts instead. If it en' one ting is another. Very tired, so early to bed.

The original pile of junk has been eliminated. A mass of crap has been thrown out, and all that remains is a new pile of good junk which is mysteriously larger than the pile I started with. And the good-junk pile is now in a terribly inconvenient location. What I should have done was begin by building a storage unit of some sort, drawers, shelves, whatever, to store the good junk in. Because I had nowhere to put it, other than into a new junk-pile. But to build a storage unit, I'd have to start by clearing up that other pile of junk in the workshop.....

Too tired to change the sheets before falling into bed, and that bottle-collection is still intact too. Anon.

[dbklmt]

Do we get to see a picture of the new junk-piles?

 

[Netfoot]

48 minutes ago, dbklmt said:

Do we get to see a picture of the new junk-piles?

 

Too junky. Trying to find different places to put it all. Managed to fill an entire parachute bag with paracord in a variety of colours. I can barely lift it (but that is at least partially because the MG has left me a total weakling). One good thing is I'm finding things I haven't seen for ages. Found at least a dozen knives that went missing from my collection. Including a Barong machete I have been looking for for an age, and my large Kukri, too. If I can get all the good junk put away properly, there will be nothing left to take a picture of. Just a grubby patch of floor that needs mopping.

Then I will be able to start all over again with a totally different pile of junk. The pile I think the mop is hiding in.

[Netfoot]

A small selection of the items discivered discovered in junk pile #1:

Lots of Paracord; a selection of tools including set of sanding bars, a glue gun, a hacksaw, a crab-claw meter, a nail-detector, a safety-wire pliers, and a router including both bases and a selection of bits; a camera tripod; two pairs of binoculars; several small coils of rope in polypropylene,  cotton and manilla; a large collection of electronic components for experimenting; small storage boxes in plastic and metal including cardboard boxes of small jars containing screws/fasteners; two brand new small, canvas tool bags, one navy and one light grey; a laptop computer (with issues); a 1 Tb portable USB drive; a small selection of 25mm cabochon stones; a small pillow, well chewed at one corner; a large bag of RJ45 (CAT5) network cable ends; a woodworking  face shield last used last year in the early panic over the virus of completely unknown origin; several LARTs; two mandrels for tying Turks-head knots plus two books on tying Turks-heads plus one on Globe-knots and a hardback copy of Ashley; two battery chargers; a selection of wall-warts in various voltage and current ratings; a tin of Pedigree dog food (not his favourite); spools of electricsl electrical cable; a bix box of ancient R/C servos, AM receivers and a 72MHz transmit module on channels 46 and 60 (I always used 56); a large coil of heat-shrink tubing suitable for making battery packs; several cans of spray paint in a variety of colours; three small rolls of faux-silk Ito wrapping cord in red, black and gold; five square Nalgene fuel cans in 32- and 64- ounce sizes for taking fuel to the club; a 12v LED strip-light; a mouse trap complete with dessicated mouse; a bamboo walking staff; three rusty blades, one bandsaw, one circular and one machete; several pounds of drywall screws; a bag of marbles; ...

And that is just what I can see at the top of the new, good-junk pile!

Edited October 7, 2021 by Netfoot

[Spunkygal]

At least you found your marbles! I’m still looking for mine! 🤣

[Netfoot]

Finally found Buddy's car-wash guy. It was righr right after a heavy shower of rain, and there was 3" of water in the parking lot. He came up to the car to say hello like he usually did, and I told him Bud was gone. He bent forward at the waist, put his hands on his knees and asked for the story. Again, not easy to retell.

I can't think of anybody else I owe an explanation to. So, from now on, if anyone asks where he is, the answer is "In St. Philip," which will be the truth.

Pinto beans! Found some dried, Waitrose brand pinto beans. No idea what to do with them, so I guess I'll be watching some YT videos to see what looks like i) I could make it without an oven, and ii) it would taste good! I want something that is savoury and tasty but doesn't entirely mask the flavour of the beans, since there is no point my trying them if I conceal the taste behind a strong, peppery, curry sauce or something like that.

Heavy rain and severe thunderstorms predicted for this weekend. Heidi going abroad Thursday and she won't want to get to the airport sniffling and sneezing, for obvious reasons. So I guess we won't be going to look at puppies at Ocean Acres after all. I'm not really upset by this. I'm nowhere near ready to bring home a pup, and while I wouldn't mind going to OAAS to just roll around and play with a dozen (or two) puppers, if the time ever comes to actually get one of my own, I will get him from the Ark.

Good-junk pile down to about 50% but only by putting stuff into my bookshelves (for want of a better place). But this means chucking out scores of books. Well, I guess the Book-tent will benefit from the donation. Should I re-read all those books before I donate them? Right now they are all piled on the bed. Haven't read the Dragonriders of Pern books for decades. But I actually have nothing to read, right now, nor for that matter anything else to do with my life (hell, I'm resorting to housework), and the Book-tent won't be back for another 25 days, so...

Edited October 9, 2021 by Netfoot

[Spunkygal]

I will PM my pinto bean directions to you tomorrow! Definitely make on the stove top, not in the oven! 

[Netfoot]

2 hours ago, Spunkygal said:

I will PM my pinto bean directions to you tomorrow! Definitely make on the stove top, not in the oven! 

Looking forward to it. Dunno when I will get around to trying it, but try it I will. As soon as poss.

This cleaning up.lark is for the birds. I'm breaking down the good-junk pile by type, into smaller junk piles. For instance, all the CDs in one box. All the tools in one pile. All the magazine's over here. All the USB cables over there. So now, I have a bunch if of smaller junk-piles that are taking over the room. I don't know how this mess will ever get straightened out!

Edited October 9, 2021 by Netfoot

[Netfoot]

The junk-pile has been mostly put away. So much so, I can actually reach my desk and use the computer again. (Which is good because I hate the mobile website which appears to be 86% adverts that make it difficult to read along, and virtually impossible to post. I swear that each post I make from my phone is jeopardized six times over because I went to type something and a GDMF advert popped right under my finger, taking me away from the forum to some bullshit site. If it weren't for auto-restored text, I would have given up entirely.) 

The trouble with this house is there is not much in the way of storage anywhere -- which is why junk accumulates in piles in the first place. Anyway, what I need to do is build some cupboards or drawer units or shelves or something in the way of storage. But for that to work, I need to 

1. Clean up the junk in the garage/workshop so I can get to use the tools to make the storage unit(s).
2. Clean up more piles of junk here in the house to free up space so I have somewhere to put the storage unit(s).

I'll have to look into the possibility of this. But I'm so lethargic these days all I want to do is sleep and read and watch junky movies/TV on the computer. And the books and videos are only to get me tired enough to sleep. Don't even want to eat (which is rare for me) and certainly don't want to cook, but can't afford (in more ways than one) to live on Pizza and fried chicken from Chefette.

Maybe I can get ShortMan™ to come and give a hand with the garage for a small consideration?

Heidi goes away in a few days and Dr. K. doesn't get back for two more weeks...

 

[Netfoot]

Stealth model. 

Infra-red camera required.

Eight weeks come Friday.

Kinda stinky, right now.

[Spunkygal]

Squeeee! So adorable! Is it official?

[Netfoot]

5 minutes ago, Spunkygal said:

Is it official?

No. Far from.

Dr. K (1,600+ miles away) responded in less than 15 minutes with a "YES YES YES YES".

Heidi who is around here somewhere took an hour to respond with "Where R U?" and when I told her I was at home, she responded "Where is the pup?" and when I told her he's at the Ark..." she failed to respond.

Dominique (the lady from the Ark) hasn't responded yet. She is the one who will want to come and inspect my yard to make sure her puppy will be safe.

[Netfoot]

Dr. K. sent this link to a list of suggested names. She is highly enthusiastic, and is already insisting I bring him (he's a boy) to her clinic for cuddles. But she was quite happy with my name suggestion: Molasses or Mo for short. Or even Moll or Molly or Lass. (But never Lassie.) I doubt he will be upset by girl-sounding names. Dotcom never objected to being called Dotty. I even thought of Blackstrap but how do you shorten that?

So far, Heidi has asked nothing but questions and changed the subject. I don't think she is on board with the idea. :-/

 

[Browncoat]

He's adorable!

[Netfoot]

5 minutes ago, Browncoat said:

He's adorable!

He has a very pronounced ridge down the center of his back. So do his siblings and so does his mom.

But yes, he's cute. He's inky black all over except for the tips of the toes on his hind legs. 

[Browncoat]

Just now, Netfoot said:

He has a very pronounced ridge down the center of his back. So do his siblings and so does his mom.

But yes, he's cute. He's inky black all over except for the tips of the toes on his hind legs. 

So, part Rhodesian Ridgeback, then?  

[Netfoot]

14 minutes ago, Browncoat said:

So, part Rhodesian Ridgeback, then?  

Quite possible, but I don't know any Ridgebacks to compare with. His ridge has a pronounced start and finish, and starts below his shoulder blades and ends well before his tail. Judging by Google Images that is typical for the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The photos are terrible, but the second photo shows the ridge.

Ridgebacks are pretty uniformly brown, but there is no apparent brown in this boy's coat. Just basic black with a few white toes.

Still no encouragement from Heidi. Nothing negative either, except the lack of positive is a bit negative if you ask me. I sent her a photo at 1:30 and said "Say 'Yes'" but so far she hasn't said 'yes' or 'no'.

[Spunkygal]

1 minute ago, Netfoot said:

Quite possible, but I don't know any Ridgebacks to compare with. His ridge has a pronounced start and finish, and starts below his shoulder blades and ends well before his tail. Judging by Google Images that is typical for the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The photos are terrible, but the second photo shows the ridge.

Ridgebacks are pretty uniformly brown, but there is no apparent brown in this boy's coat. Just basic black with a few white toes.

Still no encouragement from Heidi. Nothing negative either, except the lack of positive is a bit negative if you ask me. I sent her a photo at 1:30 and said "Say 'Yes'" but so far she hasn't said 'yes' or 'no'.

I thought she was leading the conspiracy for adoption! I can’t imagine that she doesn’t think he’s a doll. What’s important is if you feel a connection to him. Those hind toes….😍

[Netfoot]

59 minutes ago, Spunkygal said:

I thought she was leading the conspiracy for adoption!

Well, she is acting like I already decided and she has to go along with it. And she isn't acting too happy about it. But I did ask for her approval, and she never said anything.

It's all up to Dominique now.

[Spunkygal]

Let us know if you need pet papa character references! 

[Netfoot]

I'll send her a link to Buddy's photo album. If that doesn't do it, nothing will.

[raven]

On 10/12/2021 at 5:29 PM, Netfoot said:

Mo for short. Or even Moll or Molly

I like all of these.

He is beyond cute.  Hoping this is meant to be!

[Netfoot]

1 minute ago, raven said:

Hoping this is meant to be!

Still not a single word of encouragement from Heidi. Which is tantamount to a condemnation, in my book.

And more to the point, nothing from Dominique. If I don't hear something tonight or tomorrow morning, I am going back to the Ark and talk to the kennelman. (And try for better pictures of the puppy!) See if I can at least confirm that Dominique "got the message" and maybe reinforce the idea that I am more than just passing interested. She is very busy and hard to catch in person, but maybe I can pass on a message. Or maybe get her e-mail. The last time I exchanged e-mail with her was when Buddy was a little tyke. Doubt that e-mail address is still good.

Unfortunately, if she says no, it's no. And all it would take is for her to think someone else would make a better parent. The animal's well-being is not her primary concern. It is her only concern.

He sure is cute with those white tootsies!

[Spunkygal]

Is Heidi the type to get her feelings hurt because you found the pupster without her along? I just can’t imagine that she’s upset about this possibility of adoption. But you would know better. Anyway, I wouldn’t let Heidi’s silence deter me if I were you. I hope you can connect with Dominique tomorrow!

[Netfoot]

2 minutes ago, Spunkygal said:

Is Heidi the type to get her feelings hurt because you found the pupster without her along?

No, but maybe she doesn't think I should get another puppy at all. If so, obviously she isn't in a position to forbid it, but...

[Netfoot]

Not having heard from Dominique or one of her cohort, I went visiting this morning, and as I opened the gate I noticed this blurry little fellow:

I've seen him several times before; he has decided that, at least for now, he wants to live on my front gate. He gets really nervous if you disturb his home, so now I'm opening the gate slowly and carefully.

Anyway, I opened the gate this morn, and he was on the right-hand gate (looking out) which I opened wide, along with the left-hand gate. On my return, I carefully closed the right-hand gate but saw no sign of him. I was worried that a bird might have gotten him (one of the big dangers babies like this face) but when I went to close the left-hand gate... there he was! 

So, I wonder why he chose to cross from the right to the left? That would require him to walk from one side of the driveway to the other. 

If only I had a better phone with a better camera...

[Netfoot]

Oh! In case you were curious about this morning's visit:

Still stinky. Had to come home and take that shirt off. Pooh! A good wash would do him some good. You can just see the little white toes on one of his feet. But what I didn't notice before today: The tiny goatee beard!

Still no word, but apparently they are scheduling a home-visit to ensure the place is safe and secure for a little guy to live. I have two areas that will need to be secured (easily). In both cases they arise from the fact that a very little boy can squeeze through places a bigger boy can't. I'm not going to start work on that unless I get a qualified "yes" from the Ark. Since the work can be done easily, I don't anticipate any huge delay in completing the tasks.

[Spunkygal]

What a sweetheart! The toes! The goatee! The tongue!  I know you’ve got a big smile under the mask! 

[Browncoat]

Oh my goodness!  I expire from teh cuteness.

[raven]

6 hours ago, Netfoot said:

So, I wonder why he chose to cross from the right to the left?

To get to the other side?  (sorry, someone had to say it!)

Lil Stinky is so cute!!  The tongue!  Glad the process is in motion at least.

[luv2lurk]

Molasses/Mo is the perfect name for this tiny bundle which looks very happy in your arms. I love how the pic goes from goatee to adorable pink tongue. He seems to be saying - I found my furever human - what's the wait?

How big will he grow to be?

[Netfoot]

15 minutes ago, raven said:

Glad the process is in motion at least.

Just gotta hope they do decide I am good enough for their boy.

15 minutes ago, luv2lurk said:

How big will he grow to be?

Hard to say. He is from a litter of ten (alas, one did not survive). He has a brother that is quite a bit larger than he is, so he might be the runt of the litter (although his other siblings are about the same size he is). I've seen his mom, but not his dad. Mom is not a very big dog. Somewhere between Buddy and Dotty. His paws don't indicate he will be a big dog. So, I am assuming he will take after mom in size. She is a black/brown patchwork with the ridge. Some of his siblings are black, some brown. I'm not sure where the touch of white comes from; didn't notice any on mom.

22 minutes ago, raven said:

(sorry, someone had to say it!)

It would have paid him to just wait until I came home and closed the gate! Far less to walk that way.

[Netfoot]

Strange. As a result of the spring clean (I call it that because it won't be done before next spring) I've been pulling books off the shelf, deciding what to keep, what to dump and what is good enough for the book-tent. And I just picked up an oldie, to read. An old Adam Hall thriller from 1963. 

So, I just opened it up and a cardboard bookmark fell out. Written on it is a shopping list in my mother's handwriting. January will be 11 years since she passed away, at the age of 88. How strange it is to see her hand again after 10+ years!

I couldn't find any fresh salt-kine to buy, nor pigtails. So my Pinto beans remain uncooked. But I'm anticipating it so much I went and bought another 500g package of Pintos!

Tired but too thirsty to sleep. Drank nearly 2L since dinnertime but can't quench my thirst. So back to that book!

[Netfoot]

I am pleased to introduce my son: Molasses. 

Two hours work in the failing light yesterday, followed by the entire morning in the blistering sun, and the home was secure for a little man.  I was feeling a touch of sunstroke by then, despite the hat!

To the Ark to sign the adoption papers and collect the little fellow. A photo on departure, and home, driving with one hand because he demanded to be petted and stroked the whole way. I'm typing with one hand now, because he is asleep on my chest and I can't let him fall. 

When we got home he cuddled with me as I sat in the car and cried for my lost Budweiser. Mo licked my face as if to tell me it was OK to miss Buddy. I showed him around his new home a bit and he promptly peed on the driveway.  I took this poor photo to show his ridge. He is very difficult to photograph. It's like trying to capture an image of the shadow of black smoke, at midnight.

It is hot here now, with very little wind blowing, so in a few minutes we will take a drive up to the club where it will be a lot cooler. And he can meet some of his uncles.

More later.

[Spunkygal]

Congrats! What wonderful news! Mo has hit the jackpot with you as his papa! I love his cute little ridge. He will be a happy boy indeed. Looking forward to his antics. 

[Netfoot]

Up at the club now, and Uncle Rudy has already started teaching him simple tricks in exchange for ice. I'm feeling rotten, a touch of heat-stroke I suspect. Raf is playing with him and making enquiries about his siblings. We are all keeping an eye on him to make sure he doesn't get into trouble. Just can't get good photos of him due to the Black-Hole effect. Point a camera at him and it gets sucked in past the event horizon!

Dr. Kristi says she will be his God-mother, and wants to meet him as soon as she gets back.

Not sure what sleeping arrangements are going to be made tonight. I have a crate for him, but how do you house-train a pup if you don't let him pee on in the house?

Edited October 16, 2021 by Netfoot

[Netfoot]

I'm feeling awful. Sweaty, thirsty, a touch of nausea, no appetite. No idea what is the cause. Shortness of breath because the warfarin hasn't had a chance to eliminate the blood clots yet (that will take a few months more).

Mo had a good day out. Several 'uncles' played with him. I took a photo and had to fiddle with brightness, contrast, etc, until I got this washed-out image which sort of shows him as more than a dark splotch on the film!

Of course, my friend Rudy (and best mate of Budweiser) was very pleased to see him and Mo was pleased to see Rudy as well. Rudy was trying to get him to sit for ice-cubes but I don't think Mo is ready for that sort of thing yet. Instead Mo was playful with Rudy before going for a nap in Rudy's lap.

He did quite a bit of napping under my chair, and also tried to eat my mini-cooler.

On the way home he crawled out of his box and vanished into the rear of the van, where I found him fast asleep when we got home. (Had to get a torchlight to find him.) I hope he didn't piddle or poo. I will have to search the van in the morning and clean up if necessary (too dark now).

He didn't eat any lunch, but a while ago, after chewing hell out of a toy and shaking it like a rat, he began to eat some of the Puppy-Chow I'd put out for him. And drink some water from his bowl. I'd put out a bowl for him at the club, but all he did with that was sit in it!

Right now he's curled up on the front door step. I have to figure out where he is to sleep. I think it's a bit premature for him to sleep in the bed. He isn't even close to house broken, and he's also tiny. I think he is going to sleep in his crate (on loan from the Ark), but I just don't know where to put it. I also have to figure out how to put it together!

I don't want anyone to think I've forgotten Buddy or don't still grieve for his passing. I still miss him terribly, and always will, but I think Mo is going to be enough of handful that there won't be too much time for fixating obsessing on Bud's loss. 

Edited October 16, 2021 by Netfoot

[Netfoot]

Just kissed him good night and put him in his crate. Wasn't sure how to assemble it, and by the time it was done, it was dark, so I figured he could sleep out there for tonight, and in the morning when there is light enough to see what I'm doing, I can close it up and move it into the bedroom so he is close during nights to come.

He's in the crate now, raising 19 kinds of hell! But he has water, food, two toys to chew, an old beach-towel to lay on, and make a nest out of if he wants to. 

I had a lukewarm shower and now I'm off to bed early with an iced drink and a book (which will probably put me to sleep in 2-3 pages). Wish Mo was with me, but he's too small still. I could roll over on him in the night. And he would probably P&P all over the bed by time I woke up in the morning. So, it's the crate for now!

Mo is now making piteous cries. The loud cussing didn't work, so this is his new gambit. This isn't going to work either!

ETA: Completely lost him just now. Searched everywhere before finding him sleeping in the middle of a coil of black Shop-Vac hose. Perfectly camouflaged.

Edited October 17, 2021 by Netfoot

[luv2lurk]

I am so happy for you and Mo! What a day of adventure for the little boy (and you).

NOW there are two things you need to do:

1. Get a fluorescent/glow in the dark collar for Mo. Yellow, green, maybe orange for Halloween

2. Change your avatar pic so we no longer have to see the image of a bottle of rum beside you 😉

When I lost my first cat (who had been with me for 17 years) a friend advised me to get a new kitten "sooner rather than later".  Four weeks later I came home with a 1lb 1oz kitten and looked her straight in the eyes and said "You have big paws to fill". She just turned 20 and has filled the paws, but in a different way. We remember them all even when new ones enter our lives. I think somewhere Buddy is smiling.

[Netfoot]

2:00 AM and a loud racket from Mo.  I tip-toed  over to make sure he was OK, and went back to bed. 

6:00 AM and I went and fetched him. Spread a towel on the bed (to catch any leaks) and tried to catch another 40 winks. No chance. He chewed my fingers to hell, then discovered my face.

After an hour of this, he wandered off the towel and promptly peed in the bed. As I admonished him for this, he jumped off the bed (!) and deposited a massive poo on the tiles. For that he got his botty spanked (one finger) and deposited in the garden. He was back at bedside demanding a lift up before I could get there! Cleaned that mess up and spritsed the area with alcohol (the virus of completely unknown origin at leased caused spray bottles of alcohol to be widespread).

He's been quite sleepy since then. I was even able to get a close-up of the white toes. One on the left rear, three on the white rear.

I'm seeing white hairs here and there on him, but very sparse. Like two or three hairs on his throat. Literally two or three, no more.

A photo of early morning antics when I get to the computer. The camera usually shoots pictures too big to upload without massaging them, and I'm not going to try that on the phone.

8 hours ago, luv2lurk said:

Get a fluorescent/glow in the dark collar for Mo. Yellow, green, maybe orange for Halloween

Actually... not a bad idea at all. Dunno about fluorescent,  but maybe white? I was going to make him a paracord collar in a day or two, and was planning to go all-black for dramatic effect. But until he is old enough to come when you call him, white might be a better choice. (I don't have any fluorescent or glow-in-the-dark paracord on hand.) When he gets old enough I will get him a collar with his name and number on it like Buddy had, but not until he reaches full growth.

8 hours ago, luv2lurk said:

Change your avatar pic so we no longer have to see the image of a bottle of rum beside you 😉

I'll have you know that Old Brigand is an excellent rum! And I got a complement only yesterday for that new avatar! But yes, I will change the avatar as soon as the right photo comes along. And by the way, it's more than 30 years since I last drank a rum. Or anything.

The mozzies are giving Mo hell. Well, they generally do prefer the colour black, so I guess he's stuck with it for life.

He's now wedged himself between my neck and the pillow and gone off to sleep. I have to get up in a few minutes, but he can stay there for now.

Edited October 17, 2021 by Netfoot

[raven]

ooooh congrats @Netfoot and Mo!!  What a fine pair you make.  Very happy for you both.

Yep, he will scream bloody murder in the crate until he gets used to it.  He is a baby so wants to be cuddled and warm, so will cry and cry until he trains you he is trained. It will help him get housebroken, however - unless it the crate is too big, the instinct is not to pee or poop in the crate.   When he is free in the house, you will have to keep an eagle eye on him at all times to be able to hustle him outside when he is squatting and then praise him thoroughly when he goes outside.  He will need to go at the normal times - on waking, after eating, etc. , so yes, you'll need to anticipate as well. Routine is very important here.   Unfortunately, after he has gone in the house, he will have no real idea of what he did wrong, irrespective of any sad little face he makes (more in reaction to your tone than anything else).

I confess I was not able to keep my puppy in the crate for long (this was years and years ago, and was not Tai, who I adopted as an adult).  We kind of made our way through house training by trial and error.  We did get there, eventually.

LOVE his little ridge!!  He is so cute.  Looking forward to the trouble he is sure to get into.

[Browncoat]

Crate training is hard at first, but it is also quite useful.  I'd recommend taking him outside as soon as you get up in the morning instead of bringing him to bed with you first thing.  And praise him mightily for peeing and pooping outside.  He'll get the idea pretty quick.

[Netfoot]

As promised, a bedtime cuddle-photo:

I've never used a crate before, so it's new to me. He just did a tiny piddle on the floor and I gave him a finger-spanking and put him out on the grass. As before, he was back inside before I was.

He doesn't seem to understand / like grass. We will see to that.

[Netfoot]

I took Mo for a drive this morning, down to the vet that looked after Buddy and Dotty before him, their entire lives. I took him inside and introduced him to Sarah. Sarah isn't a vet. She is one of those indispensable "Veterinary Assistants" we couldn't do without. She looked after Bud during his final days and cried when he left us. 

I introduced her to Mo and thanked her for her care of Buddy in his final days. While we were chatting the vet on duty (don't know her) came out and made a fuss about how cute he is. When the vet moved away I quietly told Sarah that I'd brought Mo to meet her, but that I was taking him to Central Vet. Looking over her shoulder she said "I don't blame you."

Thank you, Sarah, for all you did for Budweiser and for myself.

And so, onward to Central Vet to make introductions. I didn't have an appointment because by time I got Mo yesterday, it was too late to make one.

I'm going to say this, and because it is about the virus of completely unknown origin I may be thrown off the forum. If I am, your loss, I'm afraid:

As a part of the CV19 safety protocols in place by the vet, you have to wait outside until your turn. (Only two can be inside waiting.) So, we waited outside in the blistering heat, under a scorching sun, with no shade and no breeze blowing, for almost 45 minutes. When finally allowed inside into the A/C, my left arm was in spasm. It seems to me that however dangerous may be the virus of completely unknown origin, the stupidity of man is far more dangerous! It makes no sense to save me from CV19 if to do so you have to kill me with sun-stroke!

It may also interest you to know that Mo has already had his first COVID vaccine. My two shoes, however, have not. Perhaps I should get them vaccinated too? </soapbox>

Anyway, in we went (after a very welcome delay in the A/C), to introduce ourselves and get a file running for little Molasses. The vet thought he was ultra-cute with his ridge and his "under-bite" and (apparently) some wire-hair? Checked him out to make sure he had all the right number of toes, teeth, testicles and what ever else he should. All present and accounted for, heart and lungs sound clear and good as do bowels. Good temperature... he's perfect!

Only think thing is I forgot to get the name of the vet who saw him, but I will rectify that tomorrow.

Not feeling too great after this morning's scorching experience, and my hands are cramping up a bit. If we go to the club this afternoon (most likely) I must move his crate inside first, so I won't have to do it when we get home. To be honest, I just feel like having a lie-down. But...

He is asleep, directly under my swivel-chair.

He isn't black. He is the absence of all colour!

Edited October 17, 2021 by Netfoot

[Netfoot]

We never made it to the club. I drank so much water after today's sun-bake that I gave myself the runs. We do have a W/C at the club, but I'm one of those guys that prefer to be home if I'm going to be going back and forth a lot.

Moved Mo's crate inside.  It is right next to the bed and on the same level as the mattress, so if he cries on in the night I can put a couple of fingers inside the bars and hopefully comfort him that way. Or he will cry non-stop all night and I won't get any sleep. Which one will decide if I move the crate again tomorrow.

Moving it wasn't easy. I'm completely without energy. I shifted things around in the bedroom (the fan now blows through the crate and onto the bed) then I had to stop to rest. Then folded up the crate and rested again. Next, I moved the crate which is heavier than it looks. At which point another rest was called for. Finally unfolded the crate in place, and I'm resting again. Later I will "make up his bed" in the crate and install a toy or two.

Boy, the heat yesterday † really did a number on me. Hopefully I can just vegitate tomorrow, and just drink water and eat ice without hitting the bad-tummy wall again.

Speaking of toys, the Ark loaned me several, and Mo likes playing with them (and my shoes, and my toes). But you would never guess what he really likes to play with.

This is a doubled, footrope knot, tied in 5/8" three-strand rope made of pure, soft cotton. He enjoyed playing with it, and moreso when I suspended it 6" off the ground on a cotton string. When he attacks it, it swings away, then pendulums back and attacks him back!

 

ETA: † And today.

Edited October 17, 2021 by Netfoot

[Spunkygal]

I would suggest enrichment toys to entertain and challenge Mo. Honey had several that you hide small treats inside and they have to figure out how to get to them. And they can expend their chewing impulse to a degree. She loved those toys!

FYI: Don’t drink so much water that you flush out your electrolytes! A friend wound up in the hospital getting an IV of potassium after drinking too much water after a day of yard work. Gatorade Zero doesn’t taste that bad and is low in carbs but replaces electrolytes. 

[Netfoot]

I will pay attention to both of your suggestions, @Spunkygal!

ETA: I should mention I am on Lasix and have had issues in the past with cramps due to flushing too much salt out of my system. So, I know of which you speak!

Edited October 17, 2021 by Netfoot