Abby moves in with her new family

A report concerning her first day

The following letter was sent to the foster family that took care of Abby while she was waiting for a new home.

Mr. and Mrs. Tracy,

Thank you again for your hospitality.

I know it was somewhat difficult to say good-bye to 'Big' Abby, so I thought I would give you an update on her first day in her new home.

She was greeted by all the neighborhood kids, 7 in total. She immediately seized the opportunity to have some fun. The kids threw and Abby retrieved a tennis ball for about an hour.

Then they all disappeared for a walk in the woods. Upon return from the walk, Abby decided it was time for some more fetch. She does quite well with retrieving and performing aerial catches of the tennis ball.

Abby seems to have designated me as the 'boss.' Most retrieves were directed toward me, even going around the line of kids in front of me.

She is very responsive to my voice and commands at this point. She is somewhat responsive to my son and totally ignores my daughter and wife.

She seems to love the couches, which is going to be a new learning experience for her. The couch is off limits to Abby, per my wife's request. I sternly raise my voice and make eye contact for her to move down and then I show her the new bed we have for her, as that is her place of leisure.

Abby growled at both children as they tried to persuade her off the couch and teach her the new behavior. This I believe is just a learning curve for all parties. Abby and the children need to learn the 'pecking' order.

You were right about the trash. She found it and seemed to enjoy whatever may have been in the basket. We have modified our trash holding, as of her feast.

She went to bed about 9:45 and did not make an issue of retiring to her cage. She did not make a peep, until I woke her at 5:00 am. We went for a 3 mile walk, which will hopefully will become a jog routine, upon my leg healing. This is what will be our routine, when I am home and not traveling.

We also followed our long walk with my son's routine, which will be in place when I am away. He took Abby at 6:00am for a mile walk down to the pond and through the woods.

Abby has already identified that she is to protect my son, as I went an alternate route, so I could keep an eye on both 'children'. Abby started to growl and lean against my son's legs, until she identified me.

Abby and I spent the rest of the morning getting her set up in town, we went to the vet, got her Heartworm medicine started and created her file for future visits.

We also went to the town hall and got her license. She was quite a hit with the Town officers as they walked through the halls.

Finally, we went to the pet store and did some shopping. Abby picked out a new pull toy and some biscuits. She tried 4 varieties of biscuits and choose peanut butter flavor.

All in all, we seem to be off to a good start.

Thanks again,

Chris