Walter’s Weekly Adventure
Walter has been so busy since last week, it’s hard for me to keep up with him and watch out for Doc at the same time. But I made a promise to Doc before I passed over that I would watch out for her and now that includes this new puppy.
Even Doc has to remind herself that Walter is experiencing everything for the first time, so she has to tell herself to stay calm, even thought Walter can test her patience over and over again. Why just last week after it rained, Doc let Walter out into the back yard and when he barked to come back in his paws and legs were all covered in mud. I saw him digging that hole out back, and knew Doc wouldn't be happy , but that little thing is hard-headed. Doc had just given him a bath a few days ago, so when she saw all the mud over his white fir, well lets just say she had to bite her lip to stay calm. In the deep laundry sink he went so she could clean him off. Even though Walter is technically a water dog that should like to be in water, he is not a fan. Doc said trying to bath him is like wrestling with a wild tiger .Before it was over there was more water and soap suds on the floor and on Doc than the puppy.
Last Thursday night Walter also experienced his first Trick or Treat. For safety, Doc kept him on the other side of the front door because she didn’t know how he would react to all the costumes. Well, it didn’t faze Walter at all and all the kids and adults in the neighborhood wanted to see Walter. So the Trick or Treaters came in for a visit and he ended up being the number one treat of the night.
Walter continues to work everyday with Doc and he continues to improve except for one thing. Once again he pooped on the floor during Stress Management group. I guess that’s the way the poor little guy relieves his stress. After he pooped, then he started barking, so one of the patient’s decided that Walter might calm down if they put him in a chair at the table so he could see everyone. That worked for about five minutes until he decided to jump up on the table and start walking around. Doc just looked exasperated, but you have to admit it was funny. Doc is realizing that she is razing a willful little dog.
On Saturday, Walter officially became an Ohio State University football fan. I use to get scared when everyone would yell during the game, thinking there was some kind of emergency. All that yelling doesn’t faze Walter a bit, he seems to like it and joined in on the festivities.
On Monday, Doc took Walter to get his booster flu shot and when they weighed him he had gained six pounds in two weeks. He is going to be a big boy if he keeps gaining at this rate. Walter was disappointed that his Irish Wolfhound puppy girlfriend Bree was not at the Vet’s when he arrived. He even ran down the hall to look for her, but she had taken the day off of work with her human. Oh the heartache of new love.
After work, Doc put Walter in his car seat and took him to his trainer Amy’s house for therapy dog training that Doc calls puppy boot camp.. Doc had the conversation with him about going to training for 10 days, so he knew where they were going. After Walter and Doc got out of the car and Doc gave Amy Walter’s food and a copy of his shot record, she handed the training leash over to Amy. Immediately Walter tired to test Amy by nipping at her pant leg and without a word, Amy leaned down, corrected him and boy did Walter straighten up fast. I whispered in his ear that she doesn’t mess around so don’t even test her.
When it was time for Doc to leave, she bent down, kissed Walter on the forehead and told him to be a good boy. But as she walked away I saw that glimmer of sadness in Doc’s eyes as she left her 17 week old puppy behind. It warmed my heart to see her reaction, because I knew she had bonded with him and that is another sign that she is moving forward from her sadness from loosing me.