Donna and I just tried to avoid getting bowled over by flying canines who were having the time of their lives.
Foster grandchild ran on ahead to climb a tree, then followed the dogs to the water (but not into it, thank goodness). He then wanted to go build his "dog restaurant" in another section of the park. The mythical son picked up a big fallen branch to help build the restaurant, using it as a walking stick, and we began the trudge.
There's not much a dog loves better than a good game of chase. Carl's leading the charge.
Unless it's a swimming chase, that is. In this case, it was Ember taking the lead.
When the visit to the park ended, the planned test ride with FGC went very well. First, DIL got FGC's permission to take the ride. Then I gave him a brief training session on how to play ItsYerChoice (one of Susan Garrett's Recallers games). We loaded Ember into the backseat with me beside her, then swapped out the human and buckled the youngster in.
The mythical son crammed himself into the front seat beside me to essentially give FGC security (FGC has never ridden with me before, much less alone and with a dog). We drove to my house, a very short mile. Once there DIL, son, FGC and my co-Mum-in-law had the 50-cent tour, since FGC had never been to my house before.
We started in the back yard. FGC made a beeline for the playhouse over the sandbox and climbed the ladder, poked his head out the window, and ventured onto its little balcony. No photos, of course, because of foster system rules, but he was so cute in that playhouse. Last time it had a kid in it was during the weekend of my brother's memorial service, when my great niece came down with her grandma from North Dakota.
Then we went inside. FGC was attracted to Ember's X-Pen, and shut himself into it. Ember was still out on leash. He proclaimed that he felt nice and safe in there!
The people departed after a bit, then I was left with a rapidly drying dog. She got toweled off, I fed her the evening meal, we chilled on the couch, then I tucked her into her crate "until last call", I told her. But when I headed upstairs to do my normal thing... barks! I went back down, she was quiet, laying in her crate, so I headed back upstairs again, and... barks! This is not a barky dog, so I decided to go back down and take her outside an extra time. Sure enough... she had not peed when we got home with all the extra people around. Extended pee. Good girl for letting mommy know! Good mommy for trusting your puppy!
Then we cuddled on the couch for a bit before putting her back to bed. And I came up to find the photos my DIL posted to messenger and FB, so I could pick a few goodies to share here.
Life is good! Spark on!
Feeling "nice and safe " in the X pen says a lot about the kiddo. My heart aches for him and others like him. 💔 There were so many of those types of kiddos in the school where I taught. If it had been possible, I would have brought them all home. I'll say it again...it's a blessing that he has found your DS and DIL.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a good time had by child and canines.
I agree that he is blessed by each day with my son and his wife. Things are still swirling around this poor kiddo and his siblings, and I pray every day for them and all others like them. All told, he's a pretty happy kid, and chooses to "live in the moment".
DeleteAnd yes, a good time was had by all!
Me too, my school had me seeing all kinds of situations that I wished I could fix but hearing about the FGC just warms my heart. And it looks like the birthday boy and friend had a great time! Ember is doing so good really and come so far. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteYou wish you could rescue them all, and have to be grateful for each one who does become a success story.
ReplyDeletePHOENIX1949
ReplyDeleteAppears the Birthday Party at the park was quite a success. Those six years have flown by.
Susan
Ember is only just getting herself up now, at about noon. She's had a very lazy day so far. And yes, those 6 years have flown.
DeleteIt's great that Carl and Ember enjoy each other's company; they get to have a doggy blast and you all don't have to worry about snappy dogs. :D
ReplyDeleteYou know we worried about that, whether they would get along, but then when we introduced them back when Ember was only 16 pounds of wiggle, they got on so well. We got lucky!
DeleteSounds like a great time!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from the flip side, the midst of a howling wind blizzard. I am ready to hibernate, but I have livestock. 😂
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