We are having a beautiful weekend and spending as much time outside as possible. We went to my mother's house yesterday- it was Ozzie's fourth trip there- and he ran up the stairs and greeted her with a kiss! Remember, he barked and barked at her on the day he met her for the first time... and today a long walk. I tried a Halti collar, suggested to give more control for anxious dogs or dogs that pull- I'm not sure if it was the collar, walking Ozzie with his best friend Pixie, or just the beautiful weather but I can tell you that Ozzie had a great time! He walked right by my side, with the leash hanging loosely. and It was Blackstone Boulevard, with all the cars, bikes and foot traffic! Yes, he was a bit unnerved at first, but after just about 100 yards settled right down and walked 3 miles with his head held high, looking around- and NO barks at anyone. He loves his walks, and seems so relaxed and happy afterwards!

Another love of Ozzie's is playing with balls- he's not so good at playing fetch cuz he doesn't want to bring the ball back to me! He runs around the yard for a while, then runs into his crate so the others can't take it from him. He'll always give up the ball for a treat, though. Ozzie LOVES to eat and has been very easy to train because he is so food motivated!

We've been taking advantage of the longer days and warmer weather, and spending more time outside- and Ozzie is never far from his friend Pixie. He loves to play, to go for walks and to play fetch. We took a long walk at Slater Park today, over an hour- and NO barks, NO anxiety- he held his head high and had a great time. The more exercise and play time he has the more confidence he seems to feel!

Tomorrow Ozzie will have been with me in foster care for 9 weeks, and will officially be my longest foster dog. I have to say that I'm surprised- when he first came to me, I figured he'd be my typical short timer- 2-3 weeks, then adopted- but with his fear of strangers it's taking a little longer to find the perfect home. I'm wondering if I'm scaring people off by being so open about his issue with meeting people, and I have to say I'm not going to paint an unrealistic picture- introducing him to others takes caution. But I also have to say that other than barking at strangers Ozzie really is the perfect companion! He's so loving and affectionate, and has a silly side when he's playing that I just love. And the progress he is making gets me excited! Another trip to the fire station today- and NO barks at all! Nothing but warm and friendly greetings to everyone he has come to know, and he sat in the SUV with his foster dad looking so handsome and proud.

It was a beautiful day but COLD! Ozzie took another long walk at Slater Park, and made a new friend at the dog park after. He's definitely more comfortable with dogs than people- Ozzie and I have that in common!

Ozzie's feeling a little Irish this weekend! And enjoying a rare sunny day with his friends. The house has been chaotic with lots of work being done, men in and out- and Ozzie's doing surprisingly well with all the commotion. Yes, lots of barks when he meets someone for the first time, but he settles down much more easily than he used to. He is such a loving and affectionate boy, and I'm glad others are able to see that side to him!

Ozzie went to day care yesterday, and spent time in the big dog pen! The staff at the Barking Lot just love him, and he's one of the few dogs that can go play with the small, medium or big dogs- he gets along with everyone! I've been bringing him to day care once a week, to make sure he gets exposed to all sorts of different settings- and each time he goes he becomes more and more comfortable. He greets all of the staff with a friendly hello and no barks! He's calmer and more relaxed just about everywhere we go, and getting close to being the perfect pet!

Ozzie has made so much progress! We went away this past weekend and I was concerned about how Ozzie would interact with my housesitter-I am happy to tell you that there was no trouble whatsoever. He greeted him warmly and was very affectionate and loving. And when we went to my mothers house today he ran right into her apartment and gave her a friendly hello. This is such progress for Ozzie! When he first came he was so very fearful of anyone other than my husband and I. I can see how much more relaxed he is! On the way home we stopped at the Petco in Middletown and I was so happy! Not one bark at anyone, And he allowed to strangers to pat him. I am so much more hopeful now that there will be someone who will see in him the wonderful things that I do and give him a loving forever home. Ozzie is just about perfect in so many ways! His fear of strangers is really his only, only issue but I am becoming so confident that it can be resolved.

Today was a beautiful day- no wind, nice and sunny- so Ozzie and I met a friend and took a long walk at Slater Park. We met at the dog park, and of course Ozzie barked and barked at my friend when he met her. I handed her his leash, she stood calmly so that Ozzie could check her out, and before I knew it Ozzie relaxed enough to take a beautiful walk which he seemed to love! I admit that I haven't walked him nearly enough with the snow and ice but will do so for sure- seeing how happy and self confident he seemed just made my day! Ozzie does need regular, structured exercise- on a treadmill or by taking long walks- to help relieve his anxiety.