Home at Last

I am happy to report that Domino went to his forever home last night. Domino was such a mess when he first came to us and he turned into one of the best dogs we have ever had. We have had 12 foster dogs in the past couple of years and Domino was with us the longest - nearly 4 1/2 months. Domino will certainly be missed but we are so pleased that he is home at last.

The end!

Forever Home

Well, the day that we have waited for his finally come. It appears that Domino has found his forever home. We are very excited for Domino to get to start a new chapter in his life in a loving, permanent home. We are also very sad to see Domino go. He has become such a fixture in our lives in the past four months and we will miss him terribly. Last night I gave him a bath so he would be nice and clean and he got to sleep in the bed one last time. Good luck Dog Face!

We have had a lot of people view this blog over the past month, I would love it if people would leave comments wishing Domino well in his forever home.

 Such a happy dog, even wagging his tail when he is going to get a bath

 Such a sweet dog face

 Getting dried off after the bath

Last night in the bed

Evening Play

The past few days have been quite warm, so we retired to the backyard to enjoy the nice evening temperatures. Domino and Monty played, while Chewy enjoyed the view from my lap.

 Chewy

 Monty

 Monty trying to get Chewy to play, but she didn't budge

 Wrestling on the furniture cover...

 The standoff, which generally leads to this...

A kiss!

Teddy Roosevelt What?

Chris was under the weather this weekend, and Domino was quite content to lay in bed and keep him company. I took the opportunity to do some research on little Domino. We are frequently asked the question of what kind of dog is Domino, and everyone likes to offer their opinions (Chihuahua/Corgi, Jack Russell mix, Chihuahua/Wiener dog). The vet that neutered Domino listed him as a Rat Terrier, and I thought that was pretty close, with something else mixed in. Then I came across a little breed called the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is related to the Rat Terrier, but with a little bit more diversity. Below are the characteristics of a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, obtained from the United Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Club of America. It is a spot on description of little Domino.

 "The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is an energetic, alert dog whose curiosity and intelligence make him very easy to train. He thrives on human companionship and will enthusiastically share any activity with his owner. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a lively, friendly, affectionate dog with his family but can be somewhat of a one-person dog. With his strong protective nature and well-developed pack instincts, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier gets along well with children (when raised with them), cats, and other dogs. He is a bold, tenacious hunter with seemingly unlimited energy whose size and endurance makes him an excellent hunter of squirrels and vermin." http://www.utrtca.com/

So, if you have a vermin problem, and need your barn to be "ratted" Domino is your guy. More likely though, it you just want a smart and affectionate dog, Domino is also your guy. He is incredibly affectionate with us, and he had loves Monty and Chewy. He also did fine with Sunny the Cat, which I posted about earlier. He hasn't really met any kids, but I am sure he would do great with them as well.

I read another description of the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier that they could be "standoffish or un-interested in strangers." That, combined with Domino's fear from being abandoned, make me understand why he doesn't always make the best first impression. Nevertheless, he is a wonderful and loving little dog. Please spread the word about Domino, and help him to find his forever home!

 He is quite happy to cuddle all day

Domino loves Jen and he kept going back for more attention

Hike and Coffee

Domino was begging for a hike all week. The day started off overcast, but by the time we got to the flag it was sunny and warm. After the hike we went to Starbucks where Domino made some new friends and enjoyed a tall no ice H2O.

Sunny at the flag but still overcast at the beach 

 On the lookout for snakes (we did not see any)

Chilling at Starbys

Dead dog tired

Yet Another Hike and Breakfast

The weather was absolutely beautiful over the weekend so we headed out for another hike. Domino is getting to know the trail pretty well, and is becoming less cautious than when we first started. He even chased a bunny, but we were able to get him to stop with the "leave it" command. Good job Domino! After our hike we went out to breakfast, and Domino made friends with our very nice server.

 Excited to be on another hike

 Happy to have reached the flag and stop for water

 Waiting for our food

 Gratuitous food pic for my friends that love pictures of food...

Letting the friendly server give him an ear scratch

Domino Meets Nick the Horse!

I took Domino to the stables to meet Carly's horse Nick. Domino was very well behaved around the horses. I picked him up for a quick photo op - and he was relaxed at first. Then Nick moved a tiny bit and Domino realized that he was next to a GIANT animal!

Domino Takes Another Hike

Domino and I took a hike with Brooke, Susan and Goliath. As you can see, hiking is a pretty regular weekend activity for me and Domino. It is a great way to let him exercise and encounter lots of different people and dogs. Domino absolutely loves to get out and hit the trails - and he had a lot of fun with his pal Goliath.

 Still pretty gloomy at the beach

 Headed up one of many hills

 Waiting for us to catch up

 Cruising with his Goliath

 Goliath grabbing some shade and Domino playing king of the hill

Domino, me, Brooke and Goliath (with Susan behind the camera)

Dress Up

Domino recently asked if he could try on Monty's Halloween costume. He was very well beehaved...

 Modeling in the hallway

 Monty checking out the costume

 Chewy giving Domino some tips on posing for the camera

The cutest bee in the backyard

Domino Says Happy Birthday

Domino's favorite hiking buddy has a birthday today. He wanted to wish her a very happy birthday, and Monty and Chewy wanted in on the action as well. Happy birthday Carly!!!

He wanted to smile but was afraid he would close his eyes

They had a hard time standing still

Finally got it! Happy birthday Carly!!!

Domino Meets Goliath

Domino made a new friend - sweet as can be chocolate lab Goliath. They had a great time on an early morning walk.  

 Waiting for Goliath to arrive

 Goliath the gentle giant

 Domino was unsure about the sprinklers

 Cruising along with his new pal

Happy boy

All done

Domino Meets Sunny the Cat!

Domino recently met David's cat Sunny. He played it pretty cool, and I think it is safe to say he would do great in a house with cats. He would probably prefer a canine brother or sister because he loves to play, but depending on the cat it could be a great match.

 Domino checking out Sunny through the screen door

Sunny was cautious at first

Sunny gets brave

 Getting acquainted

Sunny took up off the stairs after my camera spooked her (go figure - she wasn't scared of the dog) and Domino wanted to play some more!