Ruby's Spayed, But You Wouldn't Know She Had Surgery From Her Behavior

Ruby continues to amaze us with her cheerful, sweet personality. She was spayed on Thursday, but by Friday was already dancing on her hind legs for treats. That made me hurt just to think about it, but I guess Ruby is a fast healer!

We don't give out treats around here unless the dog is sitting, so Ruby has learned "sit." She gives lie to the old expression "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."

Ruby still likes walks, and she likes to walk beside you, not in front or in back. Walking 2 dogs last night attracted some attention from the neighbors, but Ruby loves everybody, so everybody gets to pet Ruby.

We also got her a new crate, a wire one she can see out of on all sides, and she has made it her den. She eats there, and takes her naps there, but she still wants to sleep near our Chow Chow at night. We have not been very disciplined about acclimating her to having the door shut, but we will start doing it more regularly this week.

Oh--Ruby decided she likes biscuits, after all.

Come Meet Ruby this Saturday in Falls Church!

Come meet Ruby and other great Homeward Trails' dogs this Saturday, April 18, 12-2pm at Wylie Wagg located at 7505 Leesburg PikeFalls Church, VA (www.wyliewagg. com).

Ruby is Learning Commands

When we first got her, Ruby didn't know any commands.

She now knows her name, and will look at you if you say it. She also knows "hurry up," which is code for "do your business because I want to go inside," and "let's go," which means "I am walking forward, and you should, too."

We are working on "sit."

Making progress

Ruby is getting used to our house and family, and she has started to play. When we got her, she was somewhat subdued, but her new mode is "scamper." It is great to see.

She has settled into her "go out and do your business" routine very well--she knows what is expected and does it. Then she gets a jerky treat when she comes in. Her accidents in the house are getting fewer--less than one per day.

Ruby likes the larger of our 2 crates to rest and sleep in, but it is soft-sided with zippers and she can open the zippers. She doesn't like the slightly smaller hard-sided airline-style crate at all. She can't get out, but she fights it and howls. So crate training is stalled; we plan to get her a wire-sided crate big enough for her and her water bowl this weekend and try that.

She and our Chow Chow, Chloe, are getting along great. Because Chloe likes to look out the front door when we are home, Ruby has staked out Chloe's bed when she is not there. The cat ignores Ruby, and Ruby watches the cat walk by but doesn't do anything. She is too happy on Chloe's bed!

Ruby will still let you pet her as long as you have time for her. If I sit on the floor, she comes over and leans against me. If I move, she moves, too. She is very sweet.