[Mackenzie’s Admin]

Intake Date – 9/29/2007
Adoption Date – 9/3/2008

9/5/08 – Hans & Gretchen (now named Willy & Tess)
Things are going very well so far! Their new names are “Willy and Tess.” Both dogs are seeming so comfortable, and Frank & Shelly are both feeling comfortable with adjusting to the routine too. Frank was so excited, because today for the first time, Willy showed dad a submissive roll-over and nudged dad for a tummy rub. . . each dog is coming out of their shell more every day.

They are wearing Willy & Tess out on walks daily, both dogs are very healthy & active – they even walked 2 miles today! Willy & Tess have only had a few potty accidents which was expected, no big deal. Both dogs are sleeping fairly well at night, they might softly whine/whimper a few times but other than that they do very well for only being in the home for a few days so far.

Willy is actually turning out to be more of the mello dog, and Tess is more the aggressor . . . for instance, at the Vet today, they saw a Lab mix in the waiting room, and surprisingly Willy was very reserved, but Tess is the one who snapped & lunged at the dog, she is such a fireball!! Overall they said that things are working out even better than expected, they are all just so happy to be together!

9/11/2008
The rest of the 1st week has gone really well, even better than expected! Both dogs are pretty close to being housetrained now . . . they still don’t go potty “on-demand” so they take the dogs out for breaks on a frequent basis, and are getting closer to a routine now. Both dogs seem like they are bonding & adjusting to the family well. . . when I spoke to Shelly on the phone, she was making dinner in the kitchen while Tess napped on the floor beside her, and Willy was waiting for mom to drop some food!

For sleep time, Tess & Willy at first would sleep right on top of each other, side by side. . . but on Sunday mom noticed they have started to choose to sleep on their own separate beds now, almost like they are comfortable enough & trust that it’s ok to be apart because they’ll still have each other when they wake up.

Shelly said they both love to tear around the living room together, chasing & darting like they’re playing hide-n-seek.
Tess & Willy are so creative with how they chase each other. Shelly said they’re SO HAPPY they adopted both dogs together, because Tess & Willy love to entertain each other (and its also entertaining to mom & dad)!!

1/23/2009 – Update on Hans & Gretchen
Frank just wanted to call to let us know that Hans & Gretchen (Willy & Tess) are doing excellent! He said they are SO GOOD, and seem so content & well-settled into their routine. Frank said he and Shelly are just “tickled to death to have them as part of the family.” He thanks us for bringing these dogs into their lives!

Both dogs are still very closely bonded, always glued to each other – two peas in a pod. Tess likes to boss Willy around still, and once in a while she really works him over good if she’s in a mood…. but within a few minutes they always reunite back together and forgive each other. They both ride really well in the car, and love to run in the fenced yard on nice warm days. However they are not too fond of cold weather & snow, it’s just too chilly for their liking. They are still not fully housebroken (especially with the cold weather, they’d prefer to stay in the warmth indoors!), but the family said they were prepared for the extra time and patience Willy & Tess would need in this area. It was hard work at first, but the efforts have definitely been worth it – because these two dogs are amazing companions, even with their accidents here & there. Willy & Tess have truly brightened their lives in every way, and they would never give up on them. They are part of the family.

Medically, Willy has had no more issues with Urine Crystals, so their Vet put him on a different food. He’s been doing very well so far. Willy might have the beginnings of back/spine problems like Daschunds sometimes do, so right now they are careful with watching his jumping, running and walking. (Just after their adoption, the family noticed that when Willy went for long walks too often he’d stiffen up a little, or if you picked him up once in a while he squeels/cries or stiffens). They are continuing to monitor him and will keep in contact with their Vet on his status.

[Author]

Posts