Update from Metric

Apr 23, 2009

Hi hi!  Metric here, sneaking onto mom's computer to let all my friends at APA! know how I'm doing.

But first, let me start by educating those of you who AREN'T familiar with the infamous Metric.  I started my new life mostly by chance - I tried to tackle APA! counselor Brian when he was out socializing and minding his own business.....it looked like fun at the time!  APA! took me into their program, and I was one of the first poster children for rescue doggies at APA! that needed training as soon as I went to my new home.  As well as lots of exercise.

All of the counselors absolutely adored me.....well, maybe not.  I'll have to admit that my manners needed, uh, a little "tweaking".  I had a habit of jumping on people, and dogs, and everything else.  I would grab cookies and food with a little TOO much gusto, pulled like a sled dog on a leash and loved to wrestle.  Actually, that was the ONLY way I knew how to play, even if the other doggie / person didn't appreciate it much.

It was a little hard for me to find a home, since I was so energetic and was starting at square one regarding training, and I was already over a year old.  I was at APA! for 5 1/2 months before I found my forever home.

I knew my new mom from day one of the program - I was such a charmer that she KNEW I was going to go home with her eventually.  She just denied the inevitable.  Haha mom, I won!

[caption id="attachment_1480" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Trash diving - one of my favorite activities"][/caption]

I'll have to admit that I didn't snap into good manners as soon as I was adopted.  But, mom has worked with me, and now I'm a good little boy....most of the time.  I get lots of compliments on what a good, handsome boy I am.  Except from mom when I get into the trash.....

Actually, being good is kind of fun.  I get to do all kinds of new things now, and am having a great time!  Mom even lets me cuddle with her, and sitting in her lap is one of my favorite things, other than playtime, of course.

I LOVE chasing a ball....stick.....dogs....frisbee....leaf....bug....did I mention a ball?  I get to go to dog parks, and as long as I'm a good boy, mom lets me stay and play with doggies.  Most of the other people there throw balls for me too!

I did find something that was even MORE fun than chasing balls - chasing balls while SWIMMING!  Did you know Austin has this cool area called Red Bud Isle where I can go off my leash and hop into the lake?  Hopefully mom will get to take me there again soon, if the water warms up.  I'll jump in to get that dang ball no matter how cold the water is, or if the ball is even mine!  I'll even hop in just to swim in circles, and like to go say "hi!" to the people in the funny looking boats across the water.

Mom says that I'm a smart boy, although goofy.  I make her laugh a lot, and she teaches me cool new things.  I can do most of the obedience stuff now, although I can still get too excited at times, but Mom says that she's going to take me for a Canine Good Citizenship test in August....I'm a little nervous, but she has faith in me!

I can also do a few new tricks, like spin, close the door, touch the one chair of six that she points to, and give kisses with my TONGUE instead of my teeth!  I will even leave treats on my paws and not eat them - I can draw a crowd!

Even the counselors at APA! all mention that I'm getting to be a good little puppy....well, I'm 58 pounds, so not so little, but I don't mind.

Uh oh, I think I hear mom coming.  For all of you doggies at the adoption sites that are energetic like me, and could maybe use some manners, keep your chins up!  I was one of you, and with a little patience and the right training, I'm happy in my new home!  I even get to go to Home Depot and pee on the flowers when mom isn't looking......

I'm at the Parmer PetSmart a lot with mom, so if you see me come and say hi!  My mom is happy to share our story, and you can see what a good doggie I am now!  And it didn't take long - I've only been at home for about 2 1/2 months, so there will be more fun times to come!  She says that even though it was a little work in the beginning, I was worth it because I'm her best buddy and a fun doggie to have around!  She wouldn't trade me for ANYTHING!

Life is good!

Whole body wags and sloppy kisses,
Metric