Sorry for the missed update yesterday. Randall and I got really busy, so updating didn't happen.
Things are still going well with OC. He's coming up to Randall more and more. Tail wagging, tongue out, grinning. Happy boy learning good people skills.
Yesterday was the first day I took the gates down that we'd put up to block access to the living room. There has been some interest, but I suspect mainly because it's been off limits. It's now open, and OC has had a chance to go in and check things out. I took him in the first couple of times, but he's free to explore on his own now. I wanted to be sure I wasn't going to see an immediate leg hiking, and I didn't.
While I wouldn't go so far as to say OC is housebroken, I will say he's had no accidents in the house, and he's not trying to mark. This is good because not only would it be a pain with him, but I can just see Elvis deciding this was the thing to do. So I am really happy to see this behavior isn't something that's sticking around.
OC is spending time in his crate of his own volition. He started that a couple of days ago, and he's continued it. He's beginning to go in when asked, even though I'd put that at maybe only 50% of the time, and then only when bribed. But that's OK. The main thing is he's recognized that crate is his, and he's beginning to understand there are times I want him to go in without a fuss. If he has to have a treat always, then that's OK. Sometimes the treat is a dog treat, and sometime it's a bone....which he DEARLY loves. :)
My only serious complaint is I think he may have brought us fleas. It's my own fault for not walking in the door and plopping him in the sink and giving him a bath. I've always done that in the past, but I've let it slide. I won't make that mistake again. I'll keep an eye peeled. Because of Elvis' medical issues, I want to be careful what treatment I use for him, but maybe we'll escape the problem. **fingers crossed**
As far as the possessiveness goes, the problem seems to be lessening some. He's gets corrected verbally if he growls (and it's always aimed at Elvis), and he understands he's done wrong. More often than not he gets up and goes into his crate. I REALLY want this to stop, though.
I'm not seeing the weight gain I'd hoped for. He's holding steady at 10 lbs, though, and I know I'm sometimes impatient on the weight issue. Enough time needs to go by that his body adjusts and the weight he's carrying shifts around. If I don't see a response by mid-week next week, I may pick up a supplement to give him. I'll just see how things go.
Oh. And I got my first kiss! Actually two. Little kisses on the tip of my nose. He's been giving me little licks on the back of the leg occasionally, but this is the first time he's gone so far as to lick my face.
All in all, for a little guy from the streets, he's doing remarkably well. He's only been here five days, and I've seen the sort of progress that makes me really hopeful for his adoption future.
