Tom's Foster Journal

This month marks two anniversaries for me.  My Brett passed away on February 20, 2008 and Tom passed away February 18, 2013.  Part of the reason I started this blog was to have a history of my personal dogs and foster dogs.  I am going to post a series of things to document a bit of Tom's history.  I have enjoyed revisiting these stories.  Yes, I have shed a few tears too.

This picture was taken of Tom in his foster home.  I had bought this bed for him and his foster mom took it to her house so he could lay on it and have something with his scent on it when he came home to us.

The following is the journal that Tom's foster mom kept:

Tom’s foster journal (KD Tom Sawyer)

Sunday, August 17, 2003 - Tom and I made it home in the middle of the evening. He was tired and stressed from his trip. He did fine with all my other pets. Actually, he barely looked at them. He was too busy pacing around the yard, and then the house.

He's doing tons of pacing and panting while he adjusts. He's ignored the cats other than a very quick sniff, and he turned away from them immediately when I told him to leave it. While he toured the house incessantly, Clover and Darrin were right on his heels keeping him company. It was cute, but it sure is hard for a person to move around when there are 3 big dogs constantly underfoot. Hattie was in her usual corner on her favorite bed, and let him know with a warning bark if he got too close. He respected her and left the vicinity. She'll adjust - she always does. Blackie is fine with him.

The only time Tom is still is when he's in his crate, and thankfully he slept there quietly last night. I kept him company on the living room couch. He hasn't tried to potty in the house once, so he may only have one more night in the crate before he can sleep in the

bedroom with the rest of us. As he settles in more we'll make very sure about the cat situation, too.

Monday, August 18 - Tom finally settled down for a few minutes at lunchtime. He laid on a rug next to the kitchen table where I was eating my lunch. He stayed curled up very tightly, obviously still uncertain, but it was so nice to see him be still.

Later in the evening he laid behind me while I was on the computer. He finally stretched out just a little bit, more evidence that he’s relaxing.

He ate a decent supper and got a bedtime snack as well.

I baby gated him in the living room with me to sleep. That worked for about an hour, when he jumped the baby gate as I suspected he might. He was still too restless to be still so I ended up crating him again. He settled right down and slept quietly all night.

Tuesday, August 19 - This morning he chose to stay in the crate (door open) while I worked out. I wasn't surprised since all my jumping around must have appeared scary to him. After that he was ready for breakfast. He didn't eat it all, but he ate enough.

He finally had enough food in his system to give me a fecal sample to take to the vet. It was negative.

This morning while I was getting ready for work, he came into my tiny bathroom and admired the handsome dog in the full-length mirror. He stayed in there for quite some time, so I petted him as much as I could while doing my make-up. I think he likes that room because it's so small.

He's taking treats from my hand now. Overall he's getting more relaxed. I've seen his ears perk up several times as he checks things out. He's looked at and sniffed the cats, but that's it.

He’s starting to do “drive-bys” now. When I’m doing something else and not paying any attention to him at all, he’ll walk by and give me the briefest touch with his nose, then he keeps on walking. Too cute!

Wednesday, August 20 - Tom slept in the bedroom with the rest of us. He was restless at first and I had to gate off part of the house to keep him in the back part of it, but he finally settled on his new bed and slept quietly.

Thursday, August 21 - Tom had his dental done today, and got a heartworm test. Everything went very well and he was glad to get back to my house. I offered him a few bites of food before bedtime since he’d not been able to eat breakfast, but he wasn’t interested.

Friday, August 22 - He was ready for breakfast this morning and ate enthusiastically.

Saturday, August 23 - Tom enjoyed your visit today. I was a little surprised at how quickly he calmed down and relaxed, but that’s a good sign. I’ve been telling him ever since then that he’ll be going to live with you in a few days.

Sunday, August 24 - I got a small start on brushing Tom’s teeth. I just slipped my finger in his mouth and ran it quickly over his teeth and gums. He looked surprised but didn’t fight me. I don’t think he’ll give me any troubles in that regard.

Monday, August 25 - Tom seemed interested in going for a walk today when I took my other dogs, so when I got back I put them in the house and let him in the back yard so I could leash him and take him for a brief walk. He seemed very spooked and I was puzzled until I realized I was wearing my sunglasses. He seemed a little uncertain while I was leashing him since this was something new, but we got out of the yard he really relaxed and enjoyed his walk.

I brushed Tom’s teeth with a toothbrush and some doggy toothpaste. I didn’t attempt to do a thorough job of it, just ran the toothbrush over his teeth quickly so he’d get used to the feeling. He liked the toothpaste.

Tuesday, August 26 - Tom and I went for another walk and he did even better.

He did well with getting his teeth brushed again and I did a more thorough job of it this time. He’s such a good boy.

Wednesday, August 27 - I keep telling Tom he’s going to his new home tonight. I’m excited for him, and for you. I know he’ll do fine once he gets settled in.