allow me to introduce you to...

LOUIE!!!

Louie is the newest and third member of our family as of last night. I had found his profile on a adoption website for pets in Indiana and contacted his kennel about meeting him. The meeting was scheduled for last night and what a night it was!

As we were driving to the kennel Stephen and I discussed what kind of dag we wanted. I wanted a havanese, like Louie. Stephen wanted a larger, outside dog. We were obviously not on the same page. But...que melting hearts as soon as we met and held beautiful Louie. It was love at first sight for me. I saw this beautiful dog who is so shy and timid, but that I know has a great personality just waiting to emerge with the right amount of attention and love. Stephen saw a miniature lyon I think, because Louie kind of looks like that right now.

Louie was rescued from a puppy mill where he was used for breeding for the first 5 years of his life. He was rescued in May and brought to a private kennel in Indiana where he started being introduced to human contact and life outside of a cage. At that time he also was neutered and began heart worm and flea treatments. Since he arrive at the private kennel, he has been quiet. The woman who had been taking care of him has never heard him bark or anything. Given that he was in an abusive situation, it is going to take a lot of time and love for Louie to feel safe and comfortable in our home. Because he has spent all of his life living in a small kennel with no attention, vet treatment, grooming or care it is going to talk a long time to teach hm basic things like walking on a leash, or going outside to use the bathroom in the grass. We realize we have a long road ahead of us with Louie, but we are so thankful for him already!

I am sure he will be making his appearance on our blog frequently, so you can watch him grow and improve with us! I also hope that as his personality emerges that I can capture it on film to share with you. We just think he is the cutest dog-he is sweet too!

Here are some pictures of our first night at home:

  

He is mostly brown and black, but he does have some cream spots too. Right now his fur is shaved to basically a buzz cut because he was so matted and knotted in May. We plan on letting his fur come in so he has a little bit of curl.

Look at that face! So cute!

His eyes are brown, and so beautiful! I also love his brows and how they stand out because they are a different color!

First family photo! The Donaldson's August 24, 2011!

You can't see his eyes in this one, but he is still cute!

So how did our first night go?

Well, I put Louie down in our grass when we got home and he was not sure what to do. He walked around and sniffed a little bit but I think with me following him everywhere he was scared. Inside, he explored a sniffed a little. We put down some piddle pads and showed him where they were and put him on them several times to get him used to their scent and feeling. He curled up on the rug outside of the shower as we took our showers and got ready for bed. He laid on my lap under a soft towel while we watched a movie-he actually watched too! His eyes were focused on the TV! :) When it was time for bed, I put him on the piddle pad again and then in front of his water dish. He sniffed his kennel but would not go inside of it. I place a towel and a treat inside his small kennel and put him inside. I was worried about how he would react, but I think he did fine. He circled and laid down on the towel. We left the kennel door open because we don't want him to feel threatened by his home. Outside of his kennel is a piddle pad and his food/water bowls. We left him in the bathroom downstairs with the door shut. I'll admit that I was worried about him! I set my alarm for 1am to check on him and he was fine. He had not appeared to have moved at all, but he did look sleepy...I think he was sleeping but woke up when I opened the door. Stephen checked on him before he left for work and had the same report as I had from 1am. When I woke up I got ready upstairs as usual and when I went downstairs I got him from the bathroom. He looked excited and even wagged his tail once or twice! He was still in his kennel and there were no doggy pee or poo for me to clean up. I hooked him on a leash and carried him outside to the grass and set him down. Because he has never been on a leash before I stood still and let him just walk around me. I was hoping that he would go potty, but that did not happen. After 10 minutes or so I carried him back inside and he stayed right near me in the kitchen as I packed my lunch. When it was almost time for me to leave he went back into the bathroom on his own and sat in front of his kennel. That is where I left him. He has food and water in the bathroom and his kennel with a towel and a treat for cuddling and napping. I wonder if he will get brave enough to go into his kennel on his own today? Or if he will eat or drink anything? Or if he will use the bathroom?

I am anxious to go home from work and see him tonight! I hope he is having a good day at home!

Let me know if any of you guys have any training advice or tips on breaking in a puppy mill dog! Remember that training right now has to be gentle and not stern...he is not ready for that yet!

Now you know Louie...and probably more details than you ever wanted!