We've Been Adopted!

By Farmer or Astronaut depending on the time of day you talk to Erik.  

We found him wondering around on the back roads (wooded area) early yesterday morning.  He didn't have a collar/tags so I tried luring him into the van but he wouldn't come.  It was clear he was friendly but too nervous to get in the car.  

A few hours later another neighbor spotted him.  They had dog treats with them so he hopped in their truck.  They already have a dog so were planning to take him to the local humane society (there isn't a no-kill shelter in the area).  

I am not sure what possessed me to go look at him one more time but we did and now we still have him. 

He is in good shape but appears to have an ear infection, a badly ingrown toenail, and is dirty.  He is a really sweet and laid back dog.  He likes the kids and does really well with them.  He seems to be house-trained.  He walks well with a leash.    He really likes people and dislikes being crated.  He is not afraid of other dogs and doesn't bark when we walk by one.

He is really afraid of doorways and is somewhat timid when people initially go to pet him (ducks for a second).  He really loves being petted though and warms up quickly. 

Erik and Astronaut (nickname Astro which sounds like Asshole to me!)

All three kids like Astronaut but Erik is especially fond of him.  We crated Farmer when we went to church this morning and he was whimpering when we got back.  Erik rushed in the door saying, "Don't worry Astronaut!  I am here now!!"  So cute.  

Last night I got up at 230 AM to feed Carson.  I noticed that Erik's light was on and his bedroom door was open and he was missing.  I went to check downstairs and found him asleep on the kitchen floor next to Farmer/Astronaut.   

We had originally planned to crate Astronaut/farmer overnight but the howling was enough to drive even a deaf person crazy.  Once we let him out he went straight to his bed and slept through the night.   Cute dog!

We did notify the local "pound" that we found a beagle (no one was looking for one) and had a vet check for a micro-chip (there isn't one).  Our neighbor also posted a "found" ad and I have kept my eyes open for a "lost" poster.  It seems Astronaut either escaped from somewhere or was dumped by someone who couldn't afford him.  It would be interesting to know. 

I'll take him to a vet in the next 24-48 hours to make sure his health checks out and then we will decide for sure whether or not Astronaut/Farmer is a permanent resident in our home.