Ah yes, so I've mentioned that I walked dogs for the local Humane Society for some months before I adopted Yoda. One of the dogs I walked was a beautiful blue-eyed huskie called Sinatra. Sinatra taught me how dangerously clever those huskies can be. He proceeded to show me where all the weaknesses in the Humane Society's perimeter were. Holes in the fence and such. At one point, the trail didn't go close enough to one portion of the fence, so he jumped straight up from a standing position like two feet or something to get a look.

So, later, after I adopted Yoda and was looking for a good dog gate, one with a huskie on the box naturally caught my eye. It's about 3′4" high, made of metal rather than plastic, and has a handle at the top for a human hand to open and secure it.

It worked for Yoda except once or twice for some unknown reason he got it into his head to knock it loose (usually during his passing bouts of separation anxiety). Gerry's probably 2/3 Yoda's size, stands a little over 2 feet tall and was pretty near skin and bones when I first brought him home. He also doesn't have any human hands as far as I can see – nope no opposable thumb either. And yet, as I was trying to build up his tolerance to being left alone, gate in the kitchen, one day I came home to it wide open! He had knocked over his dishes and his bed was askew. He also appeared to have thrown a tantrum as couch pillows were on the floor as well, but nothing was damaged. No scratches on the walls and the gate was still firmly wedged in place. He must have worked out to get on his hind legs, chomp on the handle with his mouth and push forward with just the right timing to let himself out. Wow! As soon as I gave up on the gate, he was and has continued to be a perfect gentleman when left alone in the house.

So, coupled with his destruction of crates, his absolute misery riding in cars, and his excellent behavior when ungated, it seems pretty clear Gerry is claustrophobic. Oh, Ger, if you don't ride in the car, you'll never get to the dog park! We're working on it. I'm hoping taking him to super-fun destinations like the park will have some impact. Any tips on resources on this issue would be very welcome though!

"Foster" has been in my name from the beginning and it's going to stay for 2-3 more weeks at the very least. I'm keeping an open mind until we're through his recovery. Gerry is very adoptable, friends and neighbors have already commented on how they would love to have him (though none of them believe I won't adopt him either). They have all been single folks like me though, and I've been thinking Gerry would probably love to be a family dog. Yoda was inclined to be a one-person dog, but Gerry is super-social. I don't think I could convince myself to part with him to anything less than a loving two-person household.

But I will not give in to all the well-meaning peer pressure from you all. This is not a decision I'm even going to try to make until after he is recovered from surgery. And apparently, as the foster, I have veto power over prospective adopters (with this particular shelter) so I might give potential adopters a chance and then change my mind and keep him forever after all - I think that's allowed. My personal finances are a factor - they have to be for Gerry's sake too - but maybe a little stalling will help the situation. Finding a good housemate could certainly make the difference. Time will tell.

Thanks for your recent tips, Angel Jake's Mom and Karen & the pug girls!

I think I'm going to try my hand at a Gerry blog soon. I have a few (very few) pictures that go with Gerry stories that I want to share next. But I have a bunch of chores and errands to be sure to get through this weekend, with Gerry's surgery coming up this Wednesday, so I may not get to it today.

Yoda's Mom,

I call you Yoda's Mom to remind you what a wonderful mother you were to Yoda.  Forgive me, please, but I AM going to give you well meaning peer pressure.  You are able to provide Gerry with socializtion at doggie parks and walks around your neighborhood.  I cant help but feel Yoda put Gerry in your path and I would hate to see you have to suffer another loss in not keeping Gerry.  I want you to keep him.  I really want you to keep him.  If you don't though, think of me  because I don't want him to go to a family we don't know.  Remember I am encouraging you to keep him.  Yoda didn't put him in my path.  

Debra & Angel Emily

Dear Gerry: You are ADORABLE and we know your F.M. will take good care of you. We're sending you all good, healing thoughts and lots of love tomorrow. We know you have a special guardian angel watching over you.

Eve and Romeo

I'm so glad you were able to get the time off to spend with Gerry during his recovery! I'll be thinking good thoughts about him today and hope that his surgery goes smoothly!!!!

Angel Jake's Mom