An update on Cash - He is full of surprises!

[Kathy Janes]

Cash is beginning to bloom! And what surprises he has been for us!! He is still bonded to me more than anyone else in the family. Mater is taking Tom’s attitude of “I loved one foster and it was sad when he left so I’m going to try to not let myself get attached like that again!” But with a guy as gentle and sweet as Cash, I think they can’t help it.

Cash looks like a spring lamb when he runs through the yard! He leaps and springs and bounds as he and Mater play chase. Mater is teaching him how to play lots of things that he didn’t seem to know before. Tug-o-war is one of Mater’s favorites and it has taken over a week of teaching, but Cash has finally got it! The both love to tear the fuzz off of the Kong balls and toys; no yellow fuzz for them! Just the ball in its purest, squeaky form! They trade and tease one another with different ones.

I was genuinely concerned that Cash was a bit aggressive with strange dogs, so I enrolled him in obedience class for the socialization. The first night, I put the training collar on him thinking I’d be holding him back from every dog there. What a HUGE surprise it was when he walked in like it was an old familiar place! True, he had been to the facility once before to have a bath and trim. But this was a class full of dogs! And he was actually un-intimidated by them and just a little curious! He wagged his tail now and then, but he mostly wanted to stay near me and just check things out. He went through all of the exercises in this Novice class just as well as those that had just graduated from the puppy class! He was tired by the end, but not once did we see even the slightest bit of aggression. Amazing the things you discover as a rescue begins to unfold.

One of his other surprises is that he has no tendency toward resource guarding as most rescues seem to have! He and Mater both eat well, then check for any leftovers in the other’s bowl. We give Cash his medication in peanut butter (yum, Mater’s favorite), and they will share licking off the knife. I've known dogs that have lived together for years that won’t share like that! Just amazing

He is snoozing beside me now, fast asleep on the loveseat with his head on a pillow. Yes, he likes pillows and being on the
furniture. Sorry, future owners, but we have spoiled him that way. He stayed off at first, but when he saw Mater cozy up on chairs and sofas, he figured he was going to try that too. And he likes it! (Tom is to blame for all of that. I said no furniture, but he wanted to snuggle his little puppy on the sofa! It is still their cuddle time!)

Cash doesn’t shed a speck, but he will need grooming both at home and an occasional professional clipping. His coat is very soft and curly and probably would mat if allowed to grow out like Mater’s. I’m anxious for it to get a bit longer, as he looked almost like he had been shaved when he came from the shelter. I think he’ll be cuter with it about an inch or inch and a half long. He loves to be brushed though, so it’s an easy bonding time. With winter growing near and the cold temperatures we’re having, I got him a nice warm coat to wear when he goes out. It also helps to see him in the dark with its reflective stripes! Our yard is big enough that I like that for keeping track of him.

Cash is such a quiet, pleasant dog (except that he likes barking when he sees things out the front window). He isn’t a licker and doesn’t paw at you, but he’s just started wanting to jump up on me when I get home. We’ll work on breaking that fast! It seems like it’s only when he’s super happy and excited that he does the jumping and may mouth my hand gently. (But the way – he has a very gentle mouth when taking treats.) This guy is going to make someone a really wonderful furry best friend.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

Kath all I can say is that Cash is one lucky dood to have you Tom and Mater as his foster family.....Thank you for being so wonderful and kiss that hubby and those "doods" for me....

[Judith Wheeler]

I am so glad you are having a good time with Cash. I'd love to meet him and I know Sadie would too, but would Cash like to meet Sadie :-) Great article!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Told you Cash hit the jackpot when he got you for his foster!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

What a great dood! So glad you have him - sounds like you are doing a great job with him :)

[Kyoko]

What a great progres...Thank you Kathy for taking time with him and allowing hinm to become the best he can be!! Hats off to you and your family!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is all such wonderful news to hear. What a great job you and your family are doing with Cash. He's going to be a wonderful addition to some very lucky "forever" family.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Wow, Cash sounds like he has decided to be part of your family. I am with your husband...I couldn't love them and then let them go. It takes a special person to be able to do that. I would cry for days and days. Cash has found himself a wonderful foster Momma!!! You are the best!

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Kathy you are doing a wonderful job with Cash and you've done a wonderful job raising Mater to be so sharing with his foster siblings. Thank you for keeping us up to date on his progress. Once he is ready you will find the perfect family for him because you will know him so well and will know what is best for him.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Cash sounds like a great doodle and you and your family and Mater, of course, are doing a great job with him.