It’s been a week and a half, and we can finally say that Snickerdoodle had become comfortable enough to feel at home.
Don’t believe us? Here’s our proof:
Different fosters have taken different amounts of time to really settle in, and we suspect that the Doodlebug’s trajectory was thrown off temporarily by his medical issues and his big scare last weekend. It’s true that he still won’t go anywhere near his crate (his third crate, after thoroughly defeating one and convincingly threatening the second) and he still gets a worried furrow in his brow when we leave the house. He still rolls his eyes and sighs when we pull out squeaky toys and balls. And he still isn’t entirely convinced that food is worth working for. But progress takes time.
We’ve hit some big milestones over the past few days: the Dude conquered his first kong snack. He learned how to walk into another room — not the one we’re in — for a nap on the couch. And he reclaimed that very primal, canine instinct to dive into the grass for a long, satisfying, post-bath back scratch, four legs pointed toward the heavens, with a big silly grin on his face. Our favorite milestone yet.
To check out our other blog — about pit bull advocacy, education, rescue, and events in Texas — click here.
Love and a Six-Foot Leash 
I love this cause; these dogs are very lucky animals!
Gorgeous and heartwarming post. Living in Hackney, East London, I am very wary of Pit Bulls (or rather, of their often incapable and less than clued-up owners) So, it is fab to see you doing something so wonderful for these animals, after all it isn’t their fault they have become popular with people that don’t really know how to care for them.
i looove your dogs 🙂
My favorite place to come first thing in the morning is here. I am so happy to see Doodlebug’s progress. This is incredible. But it’s all about love and safety.
Love the rolling on the back… and agree that going into the other room for a nap is a HUGE milestone…yay Dude!!!
ps…so jealous of your green grass and sun right now.
He looks content … that’s nice … 🙂
livin’ the life. i can see him smiling!
Love the progress! Go Doodle!
There is nothing more rewarding then watching a scared dog begin to come out of their shell and feel SAFE! Anyone who has never fostered is missing out on one of the greatest joys in life. Thank you for taking Snickerdoodle into your heart and home! Oh, and I absolutely LOVE your photos!
Thanks Melissa! It is addicting, isn’t it?
so glad to see snickerdoole adjusting. love those babies 🙂
It looks like he is settling in nicely! He is SO happy looking!
oh thats the best!
Benny & Lily
These photos remind me of a wonderful poem by Mary Oliver. (She’s one of my favorite poets and her little dog Percy is named for another favorite poet.)
Little Dog’s Rhapsody in the Night (Percy Three)
He puts his cheek against mine
and makes small, expressive sounds.
And when I’m awake, or awake enough
he turns upside down, his four paws
in the air
and his eyes dark and fervent.
Tell me you love me, he says.
Tell me again.
Could there be a sweeter arrangement? Over and over
he gets to ask it.
I get to tell.
I love when dogs discover some of the simple joys of life in a home! Sinatra’s best was learning that sleeping under a blanket is actually better than sleeping on top of it. Keep up the great work with him!
It’s lovely that you know all these ‘little things’ are symptoms of Snickerdoodle getting more relaxed. Lots of people miss these little victories!
the first photo is cool with that tongue flick – Vanilla Bean
So happy that the Dude is settling in and feeling at home. Can’t wait to see which lucky family will be the one to take him home for good!
Awww…i love that honeymoon stage. So fun to watch their true personalities surface and shine!
I knew Bax was really settling in when he went inverted. Love it! Go Dude!