Getting to know a new type of Dood, er Schnood...Bentley, the Foster Schnoodle

[Frannie & Callie]

This past Monday, I took over fostering Bentley from Nina (of Nina, Phil, and Harlow). Nina had Bentley (originally named "Hobgoblin") for about 2 weeks, having pulled him from a high-kill shelter in Augusta. Nina's reports on Bentley (or Mr B, as I've taken to calling him) were glowing and accurate. He's a total love! A cute, sweet, playful baby boy!

Mr B spent Monday afternoon exploring my house (as I tried to tidy it up - I'm still embarrassed that Nina saw my house in such a state. I had gotten back from vacation very late Sunday night and was visiting a friend in the hospital on Monday morning...I hadn't even picked up my mail from the floor!). Callie and Mr B were fast friends. Bentley may only be a 6 month old baby, but he's nearly as big as Callie is, and if his HUGE paws are any indication, he has some growing to do! I was very happy to see no aggression or resource guarding over toys, food, or treats...just lots of good playing.

Tuesday I had to go back to work (bummer!). Bentley isn't making a great connection between leash walking and going to the bathroom, and he didn't go to the bathroom at all until he asked to go out at 1am (good boy!). Then in the morning we walked for nearly an hour without him peeing or pooping. Unfortunately, I really had to go to work, so I closed him up in the kitchen. I came home for lunch ( 3 hours later) and could smell the poop before I had even opened my front door. That puppy pooped so much that I had a moment where I wondered if a giant man had broken in and pooped in the kitchen! There was a corresponding amount of pee. He of course had waded in it, so first order of business - cleaning up the schnood!. One the dogs were clean and walked, I tackled the kitchen. I got the floor clean and sterile, wrestled with both dogs for a while and went back to work. I came home to....pretty much the exact same scene, with the addition of counter surfing. There wasn't food up there, but he pulled down a few decorative knicknacks (I've now thrown them out)!

Ok - time to REALLY get back to puppy mode! Out came the crate. I left it open all evening and would periodically throw a treat in it, which he would then go and get. I fed both dogs, sitting on a dining room chair between them, not letting them visit the other's bowls. The minute they were done eating, we went outside. It was raining and hailing, but I didn't care. That puppy was GOING to poop outside. He wasn't going to develop bad habits because I wasn't planning well! He did - I was so proud of him! He got a treat (so did Callie, because she's just such a good girl all the time!). Before bedtime...nice big tinkle outside...another treat! 3am...poop and pee outside...another treat. This morning...poop and pee outside. He's currently in the crate, about to run home and see how it's going!

Photo below, because he's so stinking cute! If anyone knows the book "The Lorax" by Dr Suess, Bentley looks just like the Lorax!

[Valarie]

I want more pictures of that stinking cute "Lorax". What a doll.

[Phoebe's Mom]

I give you so much credit. I admire you (and your kind heart) so much. I could never do what you do with your amazing attitude to boot. Mr. B is precious--what a face! I hope he finds a forever home soon with a wonderful 'forever person' like you!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I also forgot that a foster needs to start out with the thinking that no matter how old, how big or how darn cute, I must think of them as a puppy and that they know nothing! Even the best trained dog may have accidents in a new environment and routine. Made that mistake ONCE. You live and learn! (to keep plenty of paper towels in the house - WOL!!)
How's his tummy doing? How tall is Mr. B?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

He is certainly cute. I will bet it won't be hard to find a loving home as soon as he is ready.

[F, Calla & Luca]

This schnoodle also reminds me of Joanne's Starlit. Cute boy. You are heroic in taking on a difficult task as was Nina

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Bentley, you ARE so stinking cute! Be a good boy and mind your foster mommy - she's definitely an angel!

[Joyce & Wilson]

Bless your hearts Frannie & Callie : )

[Holly Doodle]

Good for you! I bet it's hard to get back in to puppy mode, but you're making it so much easier for the family that finally does take him in to love forever:).

[Camilla and Darwin]

wow, I admire your dedication and patience! He is certainly adorable, and obviously will do well under your loving care!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

You are such a great foster Mom. I so admire your dedication and love for these dogs who "need a break". He really is very cute...such a sweet trusting face. I can't wait to hear more about him.