Found!

No, we didn't lose our dog and find him. Rather this little guy found us. I walked Jesse the Cairn Terrier as usual one morning, and when I came back up the driveway, this guy was sitting in our horse barn. He wagged his tail, but was a little hesitant to approach. So I secured Jesse and thought I'd go check on him. No need... by the time I turned around he was right there at my heels. And he has stayed there since. We don't know where he came from, but he's young so it can't be too far away. We're in a rural area of farms, so neighbors aren't real closeby. And we know the pets belonging to the neighbors who are fairly close. However, he was thin, peppered with fleas, and needed vet attention. He got a flea bath and treatment the day he arrived, and has since been to the vet for innoculations and check up. She estimates his age at 12 weeks, and he is of uncertain bloodlines. I would say assorted varieties.. I see Lab in the head shape, even a little Chihuahua in the face, maybe some Daschund and Pit Bull? The vet staff sees Doberman. So he's a dandy mix for sure.

He was lethargic at first, but now that he's been fed a few good meals and treated for parasites his playful side is showing and his coat is looking shiny and nice. We are really hoping that nobody is looking for him too hard as we hope to keep him. Fingers crossed. His condition certainly pointed to neglect and he still needs to return to the vet for a few issues. Jesse and Lily the cat (who ought to be accepting since she was in the same boat as a foundling herself- story here) are tolerating and adjusting to his presence. But neither are resistant to him. So that's a plus. And Jesse is Grampa to him (Jesse is 14+ now) and being around him keeps the puppy pacified. And he disciplines him as needed by warning him off. They sleep side-by-side in their crates. So far, so good.



We're calling him Scooter because when he is startled, he can really scoot for home (ours). Here he is with his puppy-sock toy. He favors my tote bag that has a package of quilt batting in it. He's a great little fellow, and we'd love him to stay. I'm thinking if anyone claims him, we can always ask for reimbursement for the vet costs before releasing him. That could surely change the picture. But, as I said, we hope nobody is looking. Because Jesse is of advanced age, I recently said to Jack that when Jesse is gone, I think no more dogs. And definitely not a puppy. Then Jesse had a dental surgery and seemed very perky afterwards. So I jokingly said, "Maybe Jesse needs a pal to keep him young. ha, ha." hmmm.... apparently The Master did not catch the ha, ha part? Because the pal arrived within days. And I'm singing a different tune... please, can he stay? Can we keep him?