Dear Melanie,

I have thought of you so often over the past months but did not get to sit down and write a proper note to you about sweet Oscar.  It has been busy here with spring activities but everyone has stepped in to help keep Oscar's transition here as smooth as possible.  I will just throw a bunch of info out while he sleeps by my feet.

He came to us already sleeping through the night and loving his crate.  He only woke up the first two nights to go to the bathroom but then went right back to sleep.  His crate is in the extra space of my bedroom next to River's crate.  He also has one downstairs in the living room where he will often nap when not in someone's lap.

He is a funny eater.  He often only eats part of his meal or sometimes the whole bowl but only two meals a day and leaves the third alone.  He prefers his pumpkin as a treat and not with his food.  He still takes a bite and walks away from the bowl to chew.- this leads to a lengthy meal time!  He seems to only drink water out of River's bowl so I am finally going to buy the same size bowl for him to see if that will help.  He is 13.4 pounds and caught up on all vet visits.  (give or take b/c he is so wiggly on scale)  He likes fruit which is helpful as a training treat.  We have been lax at training but he does sit for his meal and before opening a door.  He is grasping COME but you better have a treat in site or he gives pause.  I think we have to use some kind of bathroom bell thing because if I miss his glance and forget the time he will try to go in the house.

 He tries to steal socks, dish towels, tissues and toilet paper at every chance.

He still loves fetch, he claimed all the toys River had but never used and loves gnawing on the antlers.  He still goes "crazy dog" once a day where he runs around the ottoman growling and barking at noone/nothing in particular.

His tail is so long and he chases it often.  He also chews on his ears when lying down which has fooled me more than once where I run over to see what is in his mouth.

I expected River to play with him more often but it seems to be only one session in the morning of chasing eachother around while I do morning kid routine.  Oscar will chase River around the front yard which is funny.

He has met many people but not too many dogs yet b/c I was waiting for all shots to be given.

Oscar follows me around while I clean up but slows me down when vacuuming and mopping because he gets in front of me and barks at the vac and mop!!

 I have been very pleased with the way my children have stepped up to help out with Oscar.  Spring time here became busier than expected.  I did not need to fly back down to my dad but have been busy with doctor calls and taking my mother in law to many appointments.  I  did not want Oscar stuck in the crate for long periods of time especially in his first weeks here so we all staggered our times at home to give attention but mainly to get him out to go to the bathroom!  The rain did not help us, Oscar did not like the wet, long grass in the easiest area to set up the pen.  I eventually let him walk around and pick his own place to go to the bathroom, although I did draw the line at the doormat!

I will send pictures but don't have many on my phone because he never stops moving!  My children have more I will send later.

Hope all is well with you all at Monarchy, thank you so much for everything.

Meg Amin