First public outing

I took Duggan and Rex to a Promises adoption event up in Manassas today. It was the first public outing for both of them and they both did very well. I didn't really have any concerns about either of them; they are both social and friendly both with dogs and people. It was a stark contrast to many adoption events I can recall, with dogs like Trooper and Max where we would have to stand away from the other people and dogs and be careful about who came close. Duggan and Rex were right in the middle of the action and enjoyed every minute of it.

Duggan enjoyed everything new.

There were only four dogs there, so both of the boys got a lot of attention. It was a good opportunity to see how they would react to a new situation. Duggan may not be able to see really well, but he's not the least bit shy or hesitant. He did like having Rex nearby, and Rex liked having me nearby although neither dog objected to being handled by other people.

Rex worked on killing the squeak
until he succeeded.

Duggan was excited and playful, but he
settled down too.

Rex is four weeks past the first round of heartworm treatment and the second round begins on Monday, so today was the first and last time that he'll be out at an event for another month at least. Rex is a ball dog and today he discovered that some tennis balls have squeakers as well. He destroyed one and then a man who was playing with him went into the store and bought him another. Rex can catch a ball in mid-air, in fact he didn't miss one all the time we were there. Someone will be getting a great dog and a great ball player when Rex is fit and ready for adoption.

Duggan is just a puppy still and he reacts to the world with puppy interest and enthusiasm. He had a great time and he loved everyone he met.

Rex, staring intently at the ball.

Rex leaping to catch the ball, and catch it he did.

Duggan and Rex checked in on each other frequently.

Rex has pretty much assumed the big brother
role and keeps an eye on Duggan.

The tips of Rex's ears had been eaten away by
flies and they won't grow back, but the hair is
growing in to make it less noticeable.

Rex should be a highly sought-after
adoption prospect when he completes
the heartworm treatment. 

We still aren't sure how well Duggan can see, but there
seems to be no impairment on his quality of life.

Happy and handsome young dog.