3/25/06 - Mugser B (one of his nicknames, B stands for boy) is doing very well. He continues to improve with playtime with toys and the other dogs. He initially wants to be greedy, but is quick to respond to a verbal command to share. He's really improving.

Mugs had his fecal test done and the results were not normal, so they have decided to deworm him. This will be repeated again in 2-3 weeks and repeat fecal and we'll hope for good results.

Other than that there isn't much else to report. Mugsy remains out of his crate at night. He is only crated when no one is home. He remains in our bedroom with us and has no desire to leave. He's always by our sides. I think he must enjoy the freedom. He and my girl curl up together at night. I don't think I could trust him not to go in the house when he's alone during the day, so he still gets crated. But, he is so good in his crate and doesn't mind it.

Mugsy has become a better walker. I still use the choke chain because he needs that reminder, but he and I both enjoy our walks much more.

Well, I shall update again in a week or so. Mugsy is such a part of our lives and fits right in it doesn't feel as though he's a foster. But, hey, you can't keep them all, right? He is a wonderful boy and sure to make any family happy.

3/15/06 - Did you check out those great pictures of my little pork chop? Mugsy has put on some good, healthy weight since being here and is probably up to 60lbs. He's perfect. He doesn't need any more weight and you can no longer see his ribs or backbone, etc. You can still feel them, so he's right where he needs to be. I only wish I could get a good picture of his shiny fur. He has such a gorgeous coat, so soft. Mugsy is quite the character. I just love this dog!!

3/9/06 - I have really great news to report on Mugser B. He is continually improving in various areas throughout his foster here, but these two things are key for his chance at getting his forever home.

Last night was the first time we did not crate Mugsy overnight. My concern was that he, on rare occasion, relieves himself in the house. I was cleaning my room and he curled up in the corner nearest my bed. I discussed with my husband that he may want to be near us at night and we agreed to give him a try loose. Well, he not only slept in the corner all night, he never moved. He did, however, paw and dig at his blanket until it was right up next to my husbands side of the bed. So, he wanted to be a little closer. That's fine. He never made a move to come into the bed, until my husband got up for work. Then he felt all's fair in love and war. So, in he climbed. Not something we
usually allow but once in a while it's nice to get a treat. I was so impressed with him not trying to wander around the house. He was so good.

The other terrific improvement is in regard to his toys. He used to be too selfish with them. He would have to be watched closely or crated when my girl would play. Now, especially since getting the foster puppy, he has been so good. His instinct is not to share, but Mugsy nice and he's fine. He never attempts to take the toy away if another dog has it. If it drops it's fair game. He is willing to share if they get to it first when it's tossed. He likes to play with toys and when he drops down to chew on it or shake it about is the time when he doesn't want any interference. But, as I said, I say Mugsy nice and he forgets the toy all together. He isn't growling like he did either. He is quiet and looks at them as if to say, get your own. But, with that simple reminder he's fine. And, that's not all the time either. If I throw the rope or whatever they run for it and whoever gets to it first is fine. He doesn't get upset if one of the other two make it there first. Clearly he still needs some supervision when playing, but to even be able to play with them all in the same room with supervision is a marked improvement and Mugsy boy should be applauded.

He is such a good boy. I wish I were in a position to adopt another. I wonder if everyone knows what a great boy he is? I've tried so hard to convey that through his updates, but I don't think any of our babies can be appreciated until you meet them and see the wiggles and get the licks and kisses. You will never know how soft his is or how cute his mushy face really is or how funny that tail is when he wiggles until you've decided to make him your own. Mugsy is a great boxer boy and we just love him. He is a terrific companion for both the 4month old puppy and my 3 year old girl. He's got great energy and they use it. Trust me, they use it!!

3/1/06 - Mugsy boy has had a busy week. First, the addition of two new housemates. He's been very cordial. The one is a senior and he has no interest in her. The other is a puppy and she just adores him. He is very patient with her and engages in playtime when she requests.

I love my girl to death. But, I have to say that since fostering Mugsy, I have found that I love her even more. He plays so nice with her. He lays with her and is so sweet with her. I have a new appreciation for my boxers since having two that get along and play so well. Mugsy is a great, great boy and he has shown me more reasons to love this breed.

He had an accident in the house today, the first in weeks. I took out the very young and the very old before him and when I came back in, he had already gone. This is something he hasn't done in a while. I have been taking him out regularly and this hasn't been an issue, but with the latest changes in the household, I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

I had him at my boss' today to be cat tested. He didn't fair so well. Mugsy was far too interested in the cat, despite it's protests. He did chase the cat and attempt to make contact with it and when he didn't succeed he became vocal. So.... He failed the cat test. But, he passes the canine companion test with flying colors!!!

Mugsy is a handsome boxer with a terrific personality. He is sure to make any family happy. However, he will continue to make this family happy until the right one comes along.

2/21/06 - I have just come to realize that Mugsy is here at the Boxer Fat Farm for just over a month now. He fits in so well I don't even notice him anymore. He has improved in so many areas. At first, he would follow me around, endlessly, and I literally tripped over him daily. Now, that he is secure here, he still follows me around, but just to be with me. He'll follow me into a room and then walk back out again. He will check back on me once he's gone or sometimes he'll stay by my side, but he's much more relaxed. 
On the right, third picture down is a cute shot of Mugs and my kids. He was invited over to get petted and then proceeded to invite himself up on the couch. That's generally a big no-no, but look at how cute!! Buried under that brindle fur is my 8 year old!

He's a fabulous walker now. I have taken him out on occasion without the choker and have found him to respond to my tug on the leash, just as he does with the choker. I still use the choker because he will try to lead the walk, but I think it shows how far Mugs has come with us.

Mugsy has also improved with the playtime with the children. He still wants to be involved and will jump up, but immediate correction and it ceases. The best part is that he doesn't always want to jump in the game. I can pick up the kids and hug my husband without him getting in the mix. Good boy, Mugser!!

This past week the fluid built back up under his suture line, once the drain holes healed. It has started to seep from an area that opened back up and he's in no discomfort. We keep an eye on it, but I am sure he'll be fine once it's all said and done. It doesn't bother him. In fact, I think he likes how my Darlah tends to it like a little mother.

Mugsy is so cute when we curl up on the couch. He isn't allowed on furniture, but when I have an afghan across my legs, whatever drags on the floor is fair game. He snoots his nose under the blanket so that he can lay by your feet and get under the covers at the same time. He is such a sweetie pie.

Mugsy is not really, anything like the boy that came to us. He fits very well here. He has an occasional growl to my girl when he has  a toy, but a squirt from the sprayer and it's over. There was one exchange between the two in the first week, but nothing since. It was one time and one time only. They get along as if they've grown up together. I would expect Mugsy to fit well in any home. He has put on a few pounds, maybe three or so. He has also made my life so much easier with crate time. Everyone gets crated when we leave. All I have to do now is open the gate and say, "Mugs, come on", in he goes and off I go. At first, he needed a very gentle push. He and my girl actually go in there to rest when their beds are in the wash. Heaven forbid he should have to sleep on the carpet!! Also, when he was first here, he jumped up for his food. Today, we hold his dish, (he refuses to eat from a raised feeder) tell him sit and stay, one time, put the dish down and one "Mugsy come" and it's as simple as that.

All that Mugsy ever needed was some structure, love and attention. He thoroughly enjoys the companionship of my boxer girl, the children and visitors. He's a lovely guest and I know any home would be proud to add him to their family.

2/14/06 - BENIGN!! BENIGN!! BENIGN!! The results are in and Mugsy had a round cell tumor, but nothing to worry about. It's benign. Yippee. Mugs had a drain put in ten days after surgery as he had a lot of fluid under the skin. He went back today, they took out the stitches and the drain and gave him a clean bill of health. He's so darn happy to be rid of that tube. He's running around here with his rope toy like nobody's business. We had to keep things low key while the drain was in as he and my girl get pretty rough and tumble and we didn't want further incident. He's happy it's all over. Frankly, so am I. He's a wonderful strong boy and he deserves to be well. In fact, he's such a good boy, the head honcho at the vets saw him when he put the drain in and commented on how exceptional Mugsy was during the whole thing. This doctor is very old school and not easily impressed. He was, however, taken by our boy Mugs.

I'm so excited for him I can't even think clearly about anything new to report on him. I can't tell you enough what a great boy he is. He continues to do well with training in regard to jumping and walks are no longer an issue since initiating use of the choker. I'll write more when I can put my thoughts together. Right now, I'm happy that Mugsy ordeal is over and he can go on to be a healthy and happy boy.

2/8/06 - Too much. This boy is so funny sometimes I can't help but laugh at him. Yesterday, while waiting for my daughter to get off the bus he sat at the door looking for her. He saw her get off the bus and it was instant wiggles. She came up the stairs and was talking to him and giggling through the door and he was literally jumping right up and down about 4 feet. I'm not kidding. I thought I was going to pee my pants. He was so excited and just kept jumping right up in place as if he were being tossed in the air. But, as soon as she came in he was rubbing up against her and dancing around, but never jumped on her. He's so cute.

He is really starting to come into his own now with my girl. They play and run in this house so much, I'm just glad I own my home and don't have neighbors like in an apartment. The way he thunders around when he plays is uproarious. My hall runner is never, ever in place. My husband swears he'll glue it down with crazy glue one of these days. Mugsy is like a cartoon character. He'll run down the hall and try to stop but he keeps going forward while the legs are going backward. He corners very much the same way. He'll circle around my kitchen, dining and living rooms as they are open. So, my girl waits at one side for him, he'll come running at her and then slide. You know when cartoons are trying to take off and their feet are going but the body is still. Yup, that's Mugsy. These two are a comedy of errors. They bump into each other, knock chairs down, bunch up carpets, oh the joys of having two boxers in the house.

I wouldn't have it any other way. Mugsy is a sweet, funny boy and once he works out his bout of energy he's down for the count. He'll play about five minutes with my girl, but then he's done. The nice thing about Mugs, well one of the many, I think he'll be a great companion for a family and other canines of varying ages. He likes to play, but doesn't have enough energy for a puppy, so a fellow dog of three or so would be great. But, he doesn't play endlessly. He enjoys naps on his blanket that he digs at and circles about seventeen times before he lays down. So, he would be a nice pal for a senior, as well. I say this because I think I would really like to see Mugsy in a home with another dog. He thoroughly enjoys his female companion here.

Mugsy is thriving here at our home. He is not at all the same dog that came to us. I love having
him here. Between the comic relief and the great companionship, he's a real nice boy to have
around. You should be so lucky as to have this boxer boy in your home!!

2/2/06 - My apologies for not getting an update on my boy a little sooner. Mugsy has had a busy week. To begin with, he has had some training with the help of one of our foster mentors who has extensive experience in handling boxers. I asked for her help for two minor issues. Mugsy, in my opinion, is not used to walking on a leash because he pulls and doesn't pay any attention to me while we walk.  Well, no more of that. After getting some helpful tips on how to use a check chain (a.k.a. choke chain, but I don't like that term) he is walking remarkably well. After only a few days, Mugsy needs very few reminders that he is getting ahead of me or pulling me another direction, etc. He is a pleasure to walk now. He is very obedient.
The other reason I had some help with training was that Mugsy would jump up at anyone getting affection, i.e. hugs, kisses, etc. and he would want to play with the children as if they were canines. We now use a verbal command in a firm voice and the action ceases immediately, most often before it begins. He is much happier I think. He knows what's expected of him and he is quite chipper. He is much happier to stick with playtime with my girl.
Now, Mugsy had a small lump on his shoulder. After the vet aspirated it, she found the cells to be suspicious and it was decided to have the lump removed. We are awaiting the results of the biopsy and hope for a clean result for our Mugser. He had the surgery without incident, came home to recoup and is doing great. In fact, I have to watch he and my girl play, as she puts her paw on his back and it ends up right across his sutures. So, to avoid any problems until it's healed a bit, I'm watching these two goofs pretty closely. She's already caused it to seep a bit and no one wants to
see any problems for Mugsy boy.
No that we've got all the "housekeeping" out of the way, we can talk about what a pleasant pup Mugsy is. He has come such a long way in the time he's been here. He is becoming more comfortable in the home. He is so happy to see foster daddy when he comes home. He does his little dance and skips and hops. Tonight I actually heard him bark when he heard the truck pull in. Now that's a first. He just looked so happy to hear that he was getting a visitor!! He was even happier to see it was one of his family.
Mugsy is such a sweetheart. In addition to waiting for foster daddy to come home, he is equally adorable when he waits for sister to get on the bus. He sits looking out the glass in the door until she gets on the bus, then he looks up at me like, "Hey, where's she going?" He's very attentive.
Mugsy never ceases to make me smile. He is a very nice pal. All that he asks of me is to feed him, walk him (on time) and love him. I think I mentioned before that I think that he was a bit starved for attention before. Now, he gets so much love. We just enjoy having him here with us. I love having him play with my girl. I also love having him at my side. He's a great comfort and a terrific boy. He is being very patient while learning his new behaviors and I couldn't ask for any more from him. Mugsy is sure to be a treasure for whomever is lucky enough to be his forever family.

1/25/06 - Just as I thought. Once Mugsy started to feel better, he got that pep in his step. He still has an occasional cough, but he has completed his antibiotics and is in good shape. He's definitely more bouncy.

 

As I see more of his personality, I think of other names for him. Not that Mugsy isn't fitting of him because he has the cutest, smooshed mug. However, some days his personality dictates something else entirely. Today, I would call him Tigger. I shouldn't have to explain that one. He is more interested in play. He can spring right up off the floor!! He is markedly improved with his jumping on people.

 

If you'll remember, when he first came, new surroundings and a new routine, he was a bit off and would jump on people and counters. Well, now that he's starting to settle in, he jumps up, but not on you. And... the counters are still of interest, but not enough to get himself in trouble over. I am still making him sit and stay for his food before I put it down for him. Some continual work and he'll do fine in that area, as well, I'm sure.

 

Mugsy loves, loves, loves to go for walks. I keep his leash short to start because he's excited and wants to tell you where you're going. So, the leash is short enough so that he must be at my side and a few minutes into the walk and he is fine. A reminder now and then that he must follow you is all that is needed. That reminder comes in the form of a tug on the leash or a verbal warning, such as ah-ah.

 

There are so many different levels to Mugsy's personality. He enjoys play, sure, but he also enjoys quiet time at your feet. He likes to go for car rides and behaves very well. He wants to greet all your guests by running around until they come to say hello. As soon as they sit and call him over, he is one nonstop tail wag. Mugsy is really friendly and gets along very well with my children and our other canine.

 

Mugsy has a bit of gray in the face, but don't let that fool you. He's no old timer. He's got a gorgeous coat, so soft, a lovely color and remarkably shiny. His ears are my favorite though. They are so soft and floppy. He thoroughly enjoys a good scratch. Mugsy is a really nice boy. I'm enjoying him and his funny face. I'm sure whoever is lucky enough to be his forever family will be overjoyed with this addition.