As an update to last week’s post about family life here at the RNS Blogstation: Tacoma, The Wife and I decided not to cancel our appointment with the rescue agency. As much as it hurt to think we were getting a new dog “too soon” after Ellie and Mrs. Buttersworth’s passings, it hurt more that Gigi’s was unhappy being alone and that we had a spot in our lives and home available but were not giving to a needy dog.
So, without further ado, I’d like you all to meet Buster.
(click to enlarge, of course)
Buster is a 5-6 year old German Shorthaired Pointer/American Bulldog mix. Buster is mild mannered and has a moderate energy level. He had run out of time at a kill-shelter in the People’s Republic of California and was rescued and brought up here in September of last year. He has been at Puget Sound Rescue since then. Apparently, yes, Washington State has fewer dogs per family waiting for rescue than the PRC, so they pull them from there and bring them up here for adoptions.
When The Wife and I first arrived at the rescue, Buster was out playing in what is a former corral with his brother, Chance, and a couple other dogs. The owner of the rescue came up to meet us, the introductions were made and we mentioned that we had seen Buster’s profile and wanted to meet with him first. She grabbed a leash, went into the corral, got Buster hooked up and and walked him over.
Wifie had Gigi on a leash and the two met noses, then as Buster extended his neck around her for the “butt-sniff protocol”, Gigi stepped along his right side, put her front paws on his flank and “got her greet on”. Her maneuver didn’t phase him a bit and after those particulars were done, his next step to walk over to me and sit down.
I got my introduction out of the way without incident and had Wifie walked over and gave him the same. We then walked over to a smaller, empty corral and let Gigi off the leash. Nothing happened. Buster was totally focused on The Wife and myself, even when Gigi walked between us and him. He was even quite mindful of where she was when she was in close proximity so that he wouldn’t accidentally step on her.
We did the “snack test” to see if he had any food possession issues, and a leash test to see if he pulled when another dog was leading. He passed both of them with flying colors. All this time we were asking the owner of the rescue his history (medical, vaccinations, etc.) and once we had checked all the boxes, we told her we’d be happy to adopt him. We handed over the cash and got all of his paperwork and a couple gallon bags of transition food.
Buster is somewhat of a big boy, weighing in at 90lbs or so. Thankfully, he is not a puller, because he is strong as an ox and fast as any other dog I’ve ever seen. Together we have already figured out a system for him to let us know when he needs to go outside to take care of the business.
He is not a fan of stairs or hard indoor surfaces (tile, hardwoods, laminates, linoleum, etc.), but he’s already learning to overcome those. He was out in the back yard yesterday afternoon and saw one of the resident rabbits and pointed. It wasn’t a textbook point, but you could easily tell what he was doing. Someone has giving him a little bit of work training, which was great to see.
Buster’s last name is now Bluth, after the Arrested Development character. For those acquainted with the series, I promise to keep him away from Dolphins. The names rejected were as follows: Brown, Poindexter and Hymen. The Wife refused the last one because she’s usually the one who goes to the vet.
Thank you to all who stopped by last week for your condolences. We’re sure Buster Bluth will be filling our household with good cheer for a good long time. If you’re in the Puget Sound area and are looking for a dog-friend, I would highly recommend the folks at Puget Sound Rescue. If you’re not local, I would recommend the PetFinder website as the easiest way to find a local shelter where you might find your new friend.
Ya did good!!! Our dogs have always come from rescue organizations, and a few years ago we wound up adopting three house rabbits that we were (supposedly temporarily) fostering for a local rabbit rescue.
Good on Ya! I have been debating getting two rescue dogs that get along to keep each other company when the wife and I are at work during the day. Just seems cruel to leave one dog alone all day. Still we have always had “a” dog not two so still considering….
That’s a good-looking dog. Big dogs are better, in my opinion. Being a slightly biased individual, I’ve always thought that if a person wants a yippy-dog, they should get a cat if their allergies permit. No, it’s not a dog, but cats shake less.
Da Missus and I got a rescue pitbull bitch about two years ago about six months after our 8 yr old Pit dog, Ozzy died of pneumonia. Bella is a little lighter than Oz was at 80#, and is less well trained. However she’s very people and critter friendly and does not steal from the food bag, eating only from her dish or our hands. She’s quit pulling on the leash when we walk her, but has trouble with the most ignored command in Canine Land, “Come”. She was abandoned on a rescue facility’s property where she immediately got kicked while trying to make friends with a cow. No serious damage, but she’s leery of cows now. We had to jump through some hoops to qualify, but nothing silly. My wife’s sister paid all the rehoming fees. Seems like calling things weird ass names keeps the tax man under his rock.
Anyhow, Buster is a fine looking critter, here’s hoping he has a long and happy life with youse guys.
Gerry N.
Buster is absolutely adorable… and I know from experience, sometimes, what you need to heal from losing a best friend (or what your wife or kids need), is another young and energetic life taking up the empty space.
Yeppers,
He looks like a keeper dude,you can fill me sat/morn.
Congratulations to Buster, he looks like a great addition. I am happy for you Phil!
Condolences for Ellie, I hate the idea of ever losing my dogs.
Congratulaions to Buster, may you all have many many years and good times together.
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