Today marks Week 13 of Ben’s foster care and rehabilitation. He has made significant improvements in virtually all areas of concern, and he is learning impulse control. He is also learning to control himself, and to look to us for help when he’s feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope in situations where excitement levels are ranging from medium to high for prolonged periods. In this area, progress is slow, but it’s far more than I’d expected when he first arrived 13 weeks ago.
With the milder weather we’re having, Ben is starting to show signs of cabin fever and a driving need to run. Over the past few days, I’ve noticed that he’s starting to measure the height of the fence, and gauge where he needs to be in order to jump it. To prevent him from attempting to jump it, we’re putting the long line on him. He’s got lots of room to run, but even if he takes a running leap at it, he can’t get close enough to the fence to jump it. We’re trying to get him some time at the dog park, where there’s a large enclosure of 10-foot-high chain-link fence. The enclosure was designed and built specifically for small to medium-sized dogs. Getting time in the enclosure is proving to be a big challenge, because Ben attacks small dogs. But, we keep checking and hoping, and in the meantime, we continue to work on finding ways to help him release some of the pent-up physical energy he’s carrying.
I am holding a “meet-Ben” event this Saturday, weather permitting, at our local park. I’m hoping for a good turnout; the more people who attend, the better the chances of finding Ben the right forever home.
Ben has his quirks, and he’s always in a state of learning. But overall, he has made tremendous progress. He’s loving and playful, he’s compassionate and caring, he’s got a comical side that, when he turns it on, never fails to make us laugh ourselves silly. He will make an excellent companion for the right person or people.
Have a great day, and remember to stay calm and lead on…