The Woody test

We tend to look at dog adoption from the wrong perspective. I guess it's natural to ask if the dog can pass the tests we throw at them, can they conform to human expectations of what a dog should be. But consider it from the dog's perspective. Can this prospective human give me the same degree of loyalty and devotion, through thick and thin, that I am prepare to give as a German Shepherd Dog?

I know he was a major pain in the butt in the beginning, and he's still an OCD shepherd, constantly wanting to play fetch with either a stick or a ball, but really Woody is pretty easy to live with these days. You never have to worry about him running off. I walk outside and whistle and he's always the first to come running. He will willingly go into the dog yard or to Daneland when I want to leave him outdoors. I have to leash Bailey to take her out to Daneland and she just sails over the dog yard fence without even exerting herself. He does like to play ball if anyone gives even the slightest indication of willingness to engage, but indoors he settles down quickly and quietly, sometimes having a chew session on a bone, or just snoozing on his bed. He goes willingly into his crate when I ask. 

He's a good playmate for Bailey and all things considered he's become a pretty easy foster, but he can't stay here forever and he will be a pain in the butt when he relocates unless someone gives him enough time to settle in. He's not an off-the-shelf, ready to go right out of the package dog. He's one that will test any adopter's patience, but will give back so much more to anyone who passes the test.

My shoulder seems to be healing. I've been going to physical therapy twice a week but can't begin any strengthening exercises until it's been six weeks past the surgery. Right now it's just range of motion stuff. But I'm back to sleeping in bed again instead of in the recliner. Bailey is good company and hasn't complained about our lack of walking but we need to get back to that. We also need for this damn rain to stop.