Marley

Marley and I left Asheville Saturday afternoon on our way to the Chicago suburbs. He shared the entire back of my Prius with a bunch of new toys I bought for him, a Kong, a throw toy, a stuffed toy (his favorite). He played in the back with his toys, enjoyed the ride through the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains, smiled at me in the rear view mirror and then just flopped down and s;ept until he needed to go.  We stopped at a lot of Starbucks, coffee for me and great walking areas for Marley.  I was amazed at how good he was . He bounced and jumped but after a few stops he stopped when I gave him some very strong NO"S.  We stopped for the night in Layfayette, Indiana. He was extremely anxious and yipped when I put him in the room and I went to the car to get our things. He did not want me out of his site for a second. He did the same all the times I would visit him here in my neighborhood. I got into bed, helped push him up and he threw himself right up against me. He flipped his stuffed toy around and when I turned the lights out he settled with his legs over mine, making sure I would not leave him.  Then he moved up in my arms and slept with his big soft head on my shoulder.  You are right Julie, every time I would get up he wanted to play, but he did calm down right away.

When I had to use a bathroom I had to leave my car running with the air on as it was so hot but he never took his eyes off the door I entered. He spent 14 hours in the car and was absolutely perfect with one small exception. It was dinner time and he must have been hungry so he started eating a flap on a cardboard box. The word no didn't work so at the next exit we stopped for a huge bowl of food. He ate several cups of food and about 1/2 cup of cardboard.

We got to Terry and Nyla's home and were met by them with a sweet welcome sign. Marley went right to them, no bouncing. There was a lot of licks and pets. They brought their golden, Greta, out and then smelled and wagged and let him know in no uncertain terms she wasn't going to tolerate any nonsense. Terry walked him and then went right into their home. Marley looked around, looked at the table that was filled with our dinner, never disturbed anything.  Terry took us to his boats, took Marley on the floating pier (very funny to watch him for the first time as he was almost crawling) and then onto the platoon boat.   We then had dinner, no issues.  Marley sat by us while we ate.

Then we all went for a boat ride with Marley and Greta. I could barely keep my heart from pounding out of my chest. Marley was thrilled. He looked at the lake, probably thinking it was the biggest bowl of water ever. He saw flocks of geese, ducks, AND a herd of blank angus steers that live on a ranch about 5 blocks dow the lake from Terry and Nyla. The animals were in the water cooling off. Terry said occasionally one will swim past his house. Marley was very excited to see the cows.

We cruised on the boat for about  3 hours. Marley sat in Ny's lap. He tried pouncing Greta the golden once and she quickly put him in his place. He has not bothered here again.

Marley has spent the his nights in their bed with Greta. He was left alone several times with absolutely no problems. Terry said he is terrified of the crate and thus far has found no need to use it. He takes Marley for several walks a day and watched him run fast in an enclosed area. Marley follows Terry all over the house. His only bad deed  was chewing one of Nyla's flip flops. When Terry saw him he gave him a sharp NO and Marley stopped and dropped it.  Terry also told him NO to the couch twice and now he knows the couch is off limits and curls up on the floor.
(beds are fine :)

Terry calls me several times a day. They ADORE Marley. It was almost too good to be true. Terry and Nyla were so forewarned about his wild behavior they were expecting a totally out of control and misbehaved dog. After about 6 hours I was going to leave..I told them I had to get outta there as Marley's drugs were about to wear off. He was calm, sweet, undrestood immediately when told no.

Terry and Ny are so kind, very calm and very active. Marley seemed to read them when he walked in the house those very first minutes. Terry walks the dogs numerous times a day...long walks too. He lives in a loving and understanding home and I believe he knows it.

When I left, they walked to my car with me with Marley on the leash.  Marley was watching every move I made. I leaned over and held those great mubbies (jowls) in my hands and told him I was leaving and this was his forever home. I told him I loved him and asked him to be good.  He watched me get in the car and barked his deep bark not the high pitched demanding one. I swear he smiled at me. As I pulled away I watched him happily trot back into the house with Terry, Nyla and Greta. He didn't look back once...and that is exactly what I hoped for. I cried for an hour...a long cry of relief.

Thank you, each one of you, for caring about Marley and all those just like him. As for Marley, he is home now....the best home imaginable.

Hugs to you all.

Marley and Me