11/26/06 - Rocky has officially been adopted

11/20/06 - Happy Birthday! Rocky had his first birthday yesterday. In celebration we planned a busy day. I took him and his year old boxer friend, Dexter, to an abandoned day care park we found not far from home. It is surrounded by 4' high chain link fencing and they get to have a good run. Later, we visited Grandma and her pug, Barney, where he got treats and presents. He seemed quite proud of his Birthday Boy ribbon he got to wear on his collar and posed nicely for some pics.
He has been doing much better on the leash as long as we stick to our routine area. Give him something new to explore and he becomes a champion sled dog with me as the sled. Last week we attended our first obedience class. It was to be just introductory and we were instructed to have our dogs in a flat collar and on a 6' leash. I knew that was going to be trouble. It's obvious he loves other dogs and wants to make friends with all. By the time we left, I felt like my arms were orangutan length, but we got introduced to a gentle leader collar that the instructor thinks will work wonders. My fingers are crossed. We haven't actually test driven it yet, but are getting close. Right now we're getting used to it a little at a time with plenty of treat reinforcement.
Rocky has been with me a month now and is doing very well at work. I've accompanied him beyond the baby gate a couple of times with just the right visitor. Men seem to get bigger wiggles, but he has been very friendly with all. I really think he likes his job. He has met all the staff from the park next door now and is a hit with everyone.  We will continue to let you know how we are doing. 

11/08/06 - Rocky had his veterinarian check yesterday. Fecal and heart worm were negative. He got updated on his inoculations and was a very good boy through the whole event lavishing boxer kisses to everyone there and wagging his tail while straining to approach every dog there, large and small. That gave me a work out!

My vet gave him an A+ overall, particularly temperament! Rocky weighed in at 76.5 lbs! and I know he's a bit thinner since we connected about 2 ½ weeks ago. At least I can see some semblance of a waist now. Even Grandma has noticed a little improvement after originally nicknaming him Pork Chop. 

This guy is a keeper as things continue to go very well. The crate training has been extremely successful. I recognized that last evening when he opted to take a nap in the crate over the sofa! Fortunately he gets to spend most time with me and is only in the crate for brief periods.

I'm taking him with me everywhere possible and exposing him to a variety of new things and situations. We spent about an hour in the waiting room while I had my car serviced.  He got a bit bored after a while, but he made many new friends and they got to learn about BAR.  I'd give him a gold star for the PR.  Recently we stopped to view some cows close to the fence by the road. Suspect that might be a first for this city boy. I giggled at the expression on his face as he kept turning back to look at me as if to say "What ARE those things?"  The migrating ducks and geese on the lakeshore outside my office are equally fascinating. It's almost like being at Disney World with a 4 year old! Fun!

We've seen improvements on the leash, but hope to see more. We've enrolled in an obedience class beginning this week. It will be a small group of 10. All are working dogs and 2 others are boxers. Hooray, more socialization skills!  We will continue to let you know how things are going.

11/01/06 - Rocky has had a busy few days! A lot of new experiences. He had his first introduction to the crate, which he was not too sure about. We started with a few minutes at a time and he did very well. I actually went in for awhile first…..well most of me.  I had to leave him for about 3 hours, so had a friend check in the interim. All was well and quiet! He still needs a bit of encouragement and sometimes a nudge, but is having no troubles there. Occasionally he wanders in and out on his own.
We also had our first toddler (human) approach the baby gate that separates my office from the visitor center lobby. I'm happy to report he stayed seated behind the gate....merely stretched his neck over the top while licking the air that separated him from the adorable 2 year old girl. I was on stand by for correction, but none was needed. 
Over the last several days he has met two other boxers and made new friends. One is a very well behaved senior, of whom he was respectful, and one a 13 month old full of energy; a real live wire. All went very well. He has no apparent issues with other dogs. He would have loved a good wrestle with the live wire, but listened to correction about what was permitted.
He's found a favorite "sun spot" in my office for rest and relaxation. His preferred toy here is a tennis ball which he manages to retrieve from under everything, but the copy machine. By the way, he's learning to fax! Several times now he's depressed the buttons on the fax machine and cocked his head sideways while it beeps the "nothing to transmit" indicator. Adorable! More later........

From Susan - one of Rocky's transporters - I was glad to be able to help moving this sweet guy!  It makes me feel so good to know that he will be with a great new home and have a family that will love him.  He was such a nice dog!  When I met Suzanne she had a big sign on her passenger side window that said "Welcome Rocky", it was so touching.  Attached is a picture of him before he left with her. (bottom left)