Saturday

Toby: Day 3

 

We took Toby to Wall Springs Park this morning in the car. More on that later. When we got back we walked him around the block and past these wood storks at Lake Saundra. Then we placed him in his crate and went for a walk downtown.

 It was 81 degrees and sunny, and everyone with a bike was outside on the Pinellas Trail.

 

  

 

 

 

Weaver Park on the trail.

 

 

Trail-side flowers like the ones in our backyard.

We got home about 12:30 and had lunch. Toby joined us for a nap, while we ate.

Then John and Toby took a long nap, while I did some business: I enrolled us in the state health plan for 2021, I got Toby an appointment Monday with our veterinarian, I got confirmation from the adoption agency about what vaccines he had left to take and which ones were covered with the adoption fee. It turns out all of them are covered, but we're keeping our appointment with our vet because we need clarification about when Toby should be neutered. The adoption agency wants it done ASAP for obvious reasons, but research shows that bone health long term can be improved if you wait 6-9 months. We need help sorting out the timeline for what remains. We might need to make two trips to the agency vet to get vaccinations and later surgery for neutering. 

 

 

Toby kept me company while I did business.

 

I have two guys interested in buying my electric bike. I've decided that it's not as comfortable as my mechanical bike, and even though it's really helpful to have electric help on windy days on the causeway and going up Palm Boulevard, I'd rather tough it out on my original bike than be uncomfortable on the electric bike. Perhaps later I can buy an higher quality electric bike that is more cruiser style.

 

This morning we took Toby to Wall Springs Park for exercise and socialization. I got into a puppy pile while trying to put on my socks.

The park was beautiful. It was 72 degrees.

The mangroves were holding on, creating a safe place for small fish.

The spring water was crystal clear.

The outflow from the spring goes to St. Joseph Sound whenever the spring is pumping water. Pure spring water wasted. 

We had a salad and beans and rice for dinner.

 

  

Toby took a nap while we ate. Are you seeing a pattern?

Toby Report:

1. We played the name game again. It's fun for everyone and he's starting to associate fun and food with his name. He also learns to come when called.
2. We taught him to sit, stay, come--or started teaching him, I should say. He's a quick learner.
3. We practiced leash walking in the house with treats--used to get him to look back at you when walking on a leash. It's easier to do in the house because there are fewer distractions.
4. We practiced leash walking in the neighborhood. He's pretty good. When he pulls, we stop, and we don't move ahead until he turns around and comes back to us.
5. We passed a dozen dogs today without incident. He had two that barked at him, but he didn't bark back, which we find amazing. Dexter and Dee Dee went nuclear if a dog barked first, which was rare because they usually barked first. Luckily, we had treats and the sit command when the two dogs started barking. We were able to distract Toby and make what was happening with us far more interesting. We did see one woman discreetly head to the bushes when she saw us coming (because SHE had a bad dog). We know that maneuver of shame trying to avoid any dog interaction and the embarrassment that comes with it.
6. Our neighbor wanted to say hi to Toby again today, but for some reason Toby was really shy. He wouldn't get too close. Another neighbor came out of her yard to meet him for the first time and she got kisses and hugs. Dogs are funny. Another neighbor stopped the car to get acquainted with Toby.
7. He had his first burst of crazy puppy behavior where a dog runs in circles around the house. It lasted about 3-4 minutes. I think that means he's feeling safe and comfortable. He can be himself. He settled down and took a nap.
8. I still haven't heard a full-throated bark yet. He's muffled a bark and a half when John came back from the store and Toby heard the garage door open. He got up to check out what was going on.
9. He hasn't destroyed anything yet. He has brought us a sock, underwear, and a shoe, but we swapped them out for his toy and he went on his way. It reminds me when Dexter came into the living room at Dollar Ave. wearing my underwear over his head with the crotch eaten out.
10. It helps, though, being retired and able to have eyes on Toby almost all the time. And, of course, the crate is a guaranteed safe space for him and our things.
    

While I put together this blog, Toby napped. 

Miles walked: 8.1
Miles biked: 0