It was nerve-wrecking last night. We 3 girls were anxious about our new member of the family. We were going to meet him this morning. We don't know how he will be like nor will we like him, or even if he'll like us?
Who are we talking about, you may ask...it's someone the girls had been hankering for some years back, but I didn't want it then....the kids were too small, no else can help me. It's something that I had when I was just a little 10 year old like them now. It's a doggie!
As you know, we like in an apartment, so small dogs are best. However, toy dogs are so ridiculously priced! So the next best thing (other than begging friends) was to look to SPCA.
I saw the ad and the pix of Moodle (a mixed breed poodle). He's an abused dog who mistrust humans and fierce to man and animal alike, however, we were told he doesn't bite.
The lady called me, checked my background and arranged for me to view the dog. I had missed 2 opportunities before (1 a 4 yr 10 mth mini schnauzer - someone had already arranged a viewing and obviously adopted it and another a 8 mth old chihuahua - the advertiser didn't get back to me). This time, I know Moodle was a problem dog, so it took me some time to consider, but decided that I think our family could give him all the love that he can handle. I got the girls to give me 3 reasons why they want a dog:
1) Dogs are great companions and devoted animals
2) They felt great compassion for the dog and wanted to shower it love and care
3) They believe taking care of a dog would make them more responsible people with greater compassion for each other (the girls), family and animals
Wow, the last one just blew me away (actually all these coming from the younger 9 year old Feli!); I was impressed and knew then that the girls were ready for a pet.
Feli and I went down today to view the dog. We were so lucky Moodle was rescued by a dog groomer, so he was handsome though his white fur was growing out in patches. There were patches of baldness but the groomer reassured us it's not skin disease but due to being exposed to the elements of sun and rain whilst tied to a tree for almost a week!! So sad right?
Bert was saying he'll leave the decision to me as I am the only one with dog experience. Also, since I will be home most of the time, I need to have a chemistry with the dog. He's only criteria were it must be small, don't bark at night and free of disease and below 3 years old. Well, Moodle just made the age limit...he's 3 years, but the groomer says from checking his teeth and the brightness of his eyes, he's less than 3 years.
Moodle came to greet us like duck to water, like he was expecting us and hoping we will like him and take him home. The groomer was pleasantly surprised that Moodle didn't bark at us. He wagged his tail and came to lick my hands and sniff my trousers and feet. He did so to Feli too. We loved him immediately. He didn't look at all like a poodle! He was more like a Westie mixed Maltese or Silky Terrier! His coat was soft like candy floss and smooth like silk. He has long slighty wavy coat, unlike the tighter curly coats we would expect from a poodle. However, he has a poodle crop on top of his head but it's soft like wool.
When Tiffy came home from school in the afternoon, the dog took to her immediately too. Like an old friend.
When Bert came home in the evening, Feli and I were at the pool and the dog was in the cage. Bert said the dog didn't bark nor made a sound. I let his out of the cage and he didn't bark at Bert. Instead, he wagged his tail and went to lick Bert on his hands and arms and jumped onto his legs with such friendliness. I told the groomer and he was so pleased as he says the dog usually barks at strangers.
He didn't eat his dinner tonight, but he enjoyed his evening walk with Bert, Feli and me. We took turns holding his leash. He was aggressive to strangers that a lady commented in a friendly smiling way that for a small dog, he's very fierce! He even approached a bigger dog (a small breed with floppy ears) quite aggressively too. They sniffed each other till the bigger dog yapped when Moodle sniffed his body. By the way, we decided to rename him Snowy cos he looked like Tin Tin's dog from the cartoon show.
We ran Snowy up and stairs. He's fast. But he's a bit frightened on the coming down of the stairs.
So far, we have taught Snowy to sit. It also seems he may not be paper trained. So far, as I am writing this, he has not barked and is currently sleeping in complete darkness in his cage in our backyard.
Keep our fingers crossed that he'll soon eat tomorrow. He stinks very fast (he had a bath only today)...I hope it's just because of our Singapore hot weather now.
Love Theresa
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