Colby is his name and he’s a German Shepard mix of about four years and a solid 55 pounds of hair.
We had gone to the animal shelter only to look at dogs. I never intended in actually buying a dog at that time, but Colby was a good salespooch. We took him on a walk and he behaved. His cute factor isn’t that of a puppy or other well-groomed dog, but Colby knew several commands - the all-important “sit” - and was also very calm and didn’t jump, chase, and didn’t bark but once. Ah, my kind of dog - chilled.
Before I knew it, we were filling out papers and out buying doggy supplies at Wal-Mart. The next day we returned to pay for the mut and take him home.
Colby himself is a very good, well-behaved dog. He’s not interested in much, not even cats, but if you ask Frankie you’ll get another story. She did not approve.
Neither one of us really knew how to take care of a dog. We didn’t know eating schedules, outside time, or play time, let alone how to integrate a dog with cat. What a chore.
Although to Frankie’s credit over a period of only four days she has gone from not coming out of hiding to being in the same room with the dog. She has seen that Colby just sits there licking himself not paying her much mind. But if she runs, he runs, so if we can get her to the point where she can be somewhat happy walking around while he’s out we will all be OK.
For now Colby has to be caged overnight and during the day. It will be a while until Frankie settles in with him and we can let him go on his own. This is unfortunate because Colby is already potty trained and doesn’t need a cage for any other reason besides his interaction with the cat.
Never did I think I would own a dog. I just didn’t see it. He’s growing on me though and I’m sure he’ll make his way into my heart as Frankie has.
If anyone has any experience with cats and dogs getting along, please post any tips. Actually, any good tips on caring for a dog would be good.
And as with Frankie, a Colby photo gallery has been put in place. Please stop by and check out our new son.
Colby is a very good dog. I feel badly that he has to stay in his cage until he can get along with Frankie. Frankie is doing better with him being around. Hopefully they will manage to get along. They don’t have to love each other but it would be nice if they could tolerate being in the same room together at the very least.
The cat-dog story is most enjoyable! Established Cats seldom take on new borders, so you’ve got your hands full kids!! I’m sure it’ll be fun!
Word on the street is that you guys already broke your dog. What’s up with that?
I hear the dog was too smart for the cage. Kinda the 007 of dog escapes.
As for tips. $30 for a little hand held Bissle carpet cleaner is well worth it. Even if your pup is potty trained there is always going to be a few times they can’t or won’t hold it. The hand held carpet cleaner is nice because you can get it to the sceen of the crime very easily and you don’t have to lug your big carpet cleaner around. (although the big ones are nice to hit your whole carpet periodically). Its also nice to have around for the inevitable beverage spills. I keep mine on the charger with the solution already mixed up and ready to go. It works so much better than blotting it up or using resolve or some other such product. Best $30 ever. And more than worth it for any pet owner, especially if you don’t have a full size carpet cleaner.
Bond. Colby Bond.
Which isn’t far from the truth. He did manage to pull a jail break. He slid out one of the cage pins somehow, then essentially kept trying until he popped the hook on the top of the cage from the front of the cage and he was able to squeeze his way out.
He just has total social attachment disorder or something. He loves people around so much that not having them drives him crazy. He goes a little weird when I go into the garage and he can’t follow.
But he’s a good dog that is learning fast not to chase after the cat. And the cat is MUCH better than she was. I think she’s more afraid of the vaccum (still) than the dog now, so that’s a plus.
But, due to his jail break and freak out without people around, we’re still a little weary of letting in the house when we’re not there. Hopefully before too long he’ll earn that.