Hi All
Tess really seemed to attract a lot of attention for her foster appeal so I thought I'd let you all know how she got on for her first day in her new home (the jury is still out about whether she is actually a foster dog or a new family member).

Siouxie collected her from her previous home and we met at Holyrood carpark for a night-time dog exchange. Tess and Daz seemed to show friendly interest in one another so all looked well. Those of you who have seen our truck will know its a big leap into the back and I had to lift Daz in for weeks before he was confident enough to jump. Tess was very uncertain about getting in and I thought I would have to lift her. So I got Daz in first by saying "into the car, Daz" and he lept in. And seeing this, Tess lept straight in after him. Its good to have a happy confident dog for the new dog to copy.

At home we took them into the garden fist and Daz peed and Tess peed (this is significant - take notes). It was about 8 pm.

Went in and had dinner and watched telly, dogs both happy. Tess watching everything Daz does as if trying to work out how to behave. She is a little bit timid. We all went to bed very late because Kathy was packing to go away early this morning. Dogs went out about 12.30. Daz peed and pooed, Tess didn't.

All asleep by about 1 am. At 2.30 am there was an altercation down in the dogs lair. Growling, growly, snappy barking and a yelp. I was out of bed and downstairs in seconds yelling at them both and dreading a bad fight. This of course was great fun to dogs and I was greeted by both of them jumping about and wagging tails. No idea what it was about, no-one injured or even upset so I guess someone had startled awake and over-reacted!

Every one settled back down. At about 3.30 am there was whining and squeeking. I couldn't tell who it was so didn't know what to do. About once a month Daz needs to go out in the night. He doesn't mess about and I know that if he squeeks he really needs an urgent poo. So I never ignore it and he never takes advantage. On the other hand, if it was Tess, I was going to ignore it. In the end I went down about 4.15 am and took them both out. Daz shot round and round the garden so fast I could hardly see him. Tess was bowing and bouncing and barking to encourage him. Then Daz peed, Tess didn't, and we went back in. I tucked Daz back in. Tess doesn't like being tucked in (must be her hard, tough collie side). And we all went back to sleep.

6 am. Got up to go to the airport. Took them both to the garden (Daz peed, Tess didn't) then shut them in the dogs lair with kongs of peanut butter and went out about 7 am.

9.30 am. Got home from the airport. Dogs happy to see me but not bothered about being left. Went into the garden. Daz peed, Tess didn't.

11.30 am. Decided to take the Dogs to Vogrie, thought Tess would like it and Daz gets off-lead running the whole time we're there. "get in the car" and they both lept in, no hesitation at all from Tess this time- its a hugh leap for her, she's tiny compared to Daz. When we got there Daz peed as soon as he got out of the car, so did Tess!! Thats an incredible 16 hours since her last pee! Tess also pooed once. I lost count of how many times Daz peed, he pooed twice.

We had a good walk. Tess stayed on the lead and walks very nicely. Daz went after deer twice but stopped and came back when called (hope Tess is taking notes). Tess's ears shot up and she strutted to the end of her lead each time the deerhunter shot past! They both got bits of chicken each time Daz broke off his hunting and came back to me so I hope she's learning from him that hunting = shouting but recall = chicken!!

Since we got back they've been dozing. Its all very peaceful. They don't need another walk but I might take them for a leg stretcher later if I feel like it.

Over all she's settled in well and hasn't tried to get on the furniture. I don't really let them on the furniture and Daz hadn't lived in a house before so it was never a big deal to him. He just accepts it. Though he does get on my chair if he's very anxious about anything and its just so funny to see his expression because he knows he'll be asked to get down. I bet once Tess settles in she'll take a crack at the sofa and Daz will decide its fair game too then!

Here are some pics of them last night and this morning:

On Daz's bed in the "lair" Daz tucked in, Tess too "collie" for being tucked in like a girlie. Death ray eyes are also from the collie side of the family!


Tess lies lying along the stair. She ended up sleeping here most of the night. This is looking straight down from the landing with Tess lying on the stair below the dog-gate.


Here she is on the next landing:


This is Daz at the top


And finally Tess in kathy's office


Isn't she sweet!

Peter, Kathy, Daz and Tess