As I'm typing this, Rambler is desperately trying to get under the living room chair. Why? You might think he's after his ball that rolled under. It might even be because he sees a bug under the chair. Nope. He's just randomly barking with his booty in the air... He does this a few times a week until I look under the chair and see NOTHING.
He's a weird and odd little dog. It's my favorite part about him! Rambler joined our family November 17th, 2015. He was only 6 weeks old and had been through more than the usual lap dog. We adopted him from the Humane Society, here in Brunswick, after I saw his little families pictures on their website. We rushed over after work and before a conference. We initially came in to look at his brother, a speckled black and white puppy. Instead, we fell in love with this little family member. He had bandages on his back legs, which tugged our heart strings even more. (We later found out it was only from removal of his dewclaws.) We wanted to play with him first and then his little white sister. After playing with him in the playroom, a few laughs, tears and snuggles, we took him to the front to begin adoption.
His background: He was born to a lab/beagle mix mom at an abandoned house. He and his family were found at this house by a real estate worker. They were covered in fleas, almost hairless and very malnourished. He was brought to The Humane Society, named Ice Man and they set his birthday as October 1st, 2015. The fleas were removed and he was washed daily to heal his skin condition so his hair could grow back. His hair was still very thin when we got him. He was 9.8 pounds. He is now 30 pounds.
His first few days at home were scary. He found a safe place beside the couch and only moved when we made him (see left picture). He learned to walk up the back stairs after a few dramatic tries. He loved the backyard and his new toys! He has always been a snuggler. His favorite place is on our chest, pushed as close to our face as possible. If we are not present, he settles for the pillow (see right picture). He became more comfortable with the house after a few days and he was introduced to the crate. He loves this thing! He slept in it- no problem or crying- the first night they were introduced. It is truly his domain and his space. He turns flips in this thing during the day.
He went back to the Humane Society a few weeks ago to get his rabbies shot. I was unable to go but I was told that he remembered 2 of the workers! He was loved on, pictures were taken and even a few tears were shed. That really warmed my heart! He is such a big part of our family and it was sweet to know that he mad an impact on his temporary family as well!
Speaking of, he is such an important part of our family! I had no idea he was going to be so loved. I've had dogs all my life but they have always been family dogs. He is truly ours. We spend so much time with him every day that I think about him when he's not with me. He is so much more than we thought he would be. His couch snuggles sealed the deal very early on.
Things Rambler likes to do:
Snuggle on the couch
Lay on his back to sleep
Having his belly rubbed
Play outside
Eat pinecones
Play fetch
Squeak his toys
EAT
Play in his crate
Go on walks
Go to the beach
Go to his grandparents house -both here and on the farm
Play with babies
Play with other dogs
Play with ANYBODY who gives him the time of day
Take baths
Bite the hairdryer air
Take baths
Bite the hairdryer air
Things Rambler has learned to date (4.5 months old):
Fetch
"Crate" to go to bed
"Go get your toy/ball"
How to jump off the couch- a big deal!
How to jump on the couch - just last night!
"No"
"Don't bite"
Many family member voices
"Sit"
