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.
