Refined canine

Foster mom has a scrapbook page titled, "Refined Canine" featuring her Norwegian Elkhound, Bailey, in very similar positions so I think I reminded her of her late buddy.

When I'm really, really sleeping, I tend to migrate towards the positions below. Can you blame me? Don't I look incredibly comfortable?

Love me some rawhide...

Foster mom knows I can shred a rawhide in no time flat, and I love every minute of it. I don't even mind when she bribes me with them.

But what's more impressive is that I am truly pretty good at entertaining myself. Don't get me wrong, if you adopt me you'll need to give me a lot of attention and time (walks, play, etc.), but if there is another playful dog in the home, I can get out a lot of energy via companion play. Zoe and I play/spar non-stop!

As I've said before, I'm adaptable. I'm lovable and a true companion. I offer you unconditional love if you'll give me a chance.

Father's day road trip

Foster mom took me to her brother's house on Saturday so she could rendezvous with her parents for a Father's day celebration on Sunday. She kind of tricked me, as I wasn't aware of my date with a large plastic crate for the day during Sunday, but the arrangements were entirely appropriate and I've gotten over it.

I certainly enjoyed the large fenced yard after my incarceration, so it really wasn't that bad.

Foster mom and her mom hung out with me for quite a while after they got home. I was more than happy to give Foster mom an extreme close-up.

I really am super-friendly and I'd like to become part of your family.

Snug as a bug...

Again I tell you, this double-decker dog bed is heaven! Foster mom told me the first picture reminds her of when she and her brother were kids and played in a claw-footed tub in their basement. I do kind of look like I'm captive in a tub, no?

I'm definitely chillaxing in the second pic as you might notice my right foreleg haphazardly kicked out to the side. So comfy...

This is my coy pose. "Who me? What?!"

Konged out

Foster mom works from home on Thursdays so I usually don't get a Kong treat Thursdays as she saves those for when she has to be away. Presto-chango: Foster mom gave me a Kong treat while she was still home, and wow - she got such a kick out of watching me with my Kong...

After the first several minutes, I've usually reached the lovely treat-filled center of my Kong, but I'm pretty sure Foster mom had no idea about what ensues after that.

I grab the Kong in my mouth, shake it violently, then slam it downwards and then upwards, hoping morsels will fall from way up inside that Kong. I repeat this over and over and over and over. Foster mom found my "Kong behavior" very, very funny.

Foster mom has created some awesomely delicious Kong treats for me. My new favorite (now that I'm no longer on a diet) is pumpkin, vanilla yogurt, peanut butter and flax seed blended and frozen. YUM. And she lets me consume them as I like.

No cats allowed

It's no secret that I've historically exhibited a pretty strong prey drive, but the rash of bunnies surrounding Foster mom's house lately has kicked it into overdrive. If you've seen the movie Up, just think, "Squirrel!" Foster mom's dad even mentioned that line while witnessing my full throttle alert on a recent visit.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am still a gentle dog. I'm officially untested with cats, but having come across one in the neighborhood I did show a bit too much enthusiasm for Foster mom's comfort.

Rest assured, my prey drive has only been exhibited towards cats, squirrels and birds. I absolutely love my tiny foster sister, Zoe (Jack Russell terrier/Poodle mix), who weighs about 8 pounds. That might seem odd to some, but we dogs live through our noses so I can certainly discern a tiny dog from a cat.

I've also been around kids of all ages and have been told I was very well-behaved.

I'm feisty but sweet; independent yet loyal; and truly a fantastic dog who just wants to find my forever home. Fill out an application here if you're interested in making me yours!

More peanut butter please

My dieting days are officially over. Foster mom took me for a weigh-in yesterday and I'm just a hair over 40 pounds now. Woo hoo! Bring on the peanut butter Kongs.

Yesterday was a busy one. Foster mom took me to the adoption event at the Cary Petsmart where it was packed as well as hotter than Hades. I met Bella, a dog that could not stop kissing me. I found that funny since on the way to the adoption event, Foster mom turned around and told me my amber eyes are Edward Cullen-ish.

As per usual, while in route to and from our destination I spent some time resting my head on the rear seat of Foster mom's car. She took the photo below on our way home. (Off-centeredness due to Foster mom's responsible driving and therefore lack of aim/focus).

But we also took a couple of detours so Foster mom could take me to meet her most favorite veterinarian in the world, who is no longer going to be practicing in Durham after next weekend. (Foster mom is quite upset about that).

Here I am in the Starbucks drive-thru. This was taken just before I made an attempt to jump over the back seat. The girl at the window asked if I was trying to say hi, so I answered with a bark (yes). She told Foster mom that I am a super cute doggie, but I didn't blush because I know it's true!

Date Saturday

I'll be at the Cary Petsmart this Saturday from 10 am until 12 pm. Please come meet me and the other BFPA dogs and puppies who will be there.

Also, Foster mom found it quite funny that her god daughter Sydney (3-years-old) picked up on my nickname originally given to me by my first BFPA Foster mom Carol. By the end of the evening on Tuesday night, Sydney was also calling me "Russell T."

Sunday afternoon snuggle

Foster mom barely had the chance to catch these pics of me snuggling with Zoe in our tiny dog bed yesterday afternoon. She was lucky her camera was nearby, because once I realize I'm about to be photographed I often skedaddle or walk right up to her and sit by her feet - usually too close for a photo.

I don't remember when the small bed landed on the large bed, but it makes for an extra-cushy place to snuggle!

Beauty shots

I wasn't really cooperating when Foster mom tried to take some pics of me Friday night. I can't help it! When I hear my name I want to go towards her.

Therefore, a few "goof" shots became what she decided to label "beauty shots." The first one is my extreme close-up. Yes, I know I have lovely white teeth, thank you.

The second shot is my profile. I hope you'll notice my pretty merle "collar." I think it's kind of cool. It gives me some natural bling!

3-day weekend

Zoe and I enjoyed having Foster mom home for a 3-day weekend. We didn't go out much during the day because of the heat, but we still got our walks in early in the morning and late in the evening.

On Saturday we went to Animall for an adoption event. I met some new doggies and people and enjoyed all the attention, but I was pooped afterwards and rode most of the way home with my head resting on the back seat. Foster mom was sad she didn't have her camera!

She took some pics of Zoe and I today as well as another video of us playing. I was pretty frisky!

Here we are during a brief break from wrestling.

Animall: Saturday, May 28th

I'll be at the Animall event tomorrow from 10am to 12pm. Come by and see me! One of the Rockstar puppies will be there, too, along with other BFPA doggies looking for forever homes.

Svelte Rusty

Foster mom took me back to the building with the scale last night and she was so excited to find out that my weight is down to 42 pounds. Boot camps must be paying off!

She took the pictures below after we returned from the weigh-in. I really like her car - the back cab is so comfy, and when she rolls the windows down I get to experience a supreme breeze! I definitely love car rides - she can barely get the cab door opened before I jump in. Foster mom still restrains me with a leash tied to the backseat head rest, but I think she's realizing that isn't really necessary. I'm a faithful boy and want to be by my human as much as I can!

Tight Squeeze

As mentioned earlier, Foster mom inherited a small dog bed from a friend. I guess the key is that the main cushion was missing - otherwise I could never have fit in/on this bed. Having said that, I do love this cozy little nest. It's perfect for curling up for a long dog nap.

Hangin' in the yard

Foster mom tried to get some pics of me in Winston's yard on Sunday, but I didn't make it easy. I just couldn't stay still. She particularly enjoyed watching me stand up by the back of the fence because she said her old dog Bailey used to do that in the very same yard.

There's a large tree on one side of the yard that seemed to host the most birds and squirrels. That was the one and only place I really sat still. I stared up into the branches, eagerly trying to figure out how I might get to the little critters.

I also enjoyed trailing through the back of the yard where the trees and bushes are dense. There was so much to smell! I'd really love a forever home with a yard like this, but if you don't have one I could still be your best friend!

Foster mom likes my faux underbite in this last picture. She's so silly.

Sharing Winston's bed

Umm...without Winston. If you can read upside down/sideways, you can see that the bed Zoe and I are lounging on is clearly Winston's, but we managed to hog it all on our own. Not to worry, Winston was happily perched on the ottoman across the room.

I love it here at Winston's house. He has a HUGE fenced backyard to romp in. Zoe and I could spend hours taking in all the smells and sounds. Zoe is more into marking her territory (even though she's a girl), where I love to explore in search of squirrels and birds.

Mom said we only get to stay until Monday morning. We're here to keep Winston company until his family comes back home from a trip.

I will be sad to leave. I hope Winston will invite us over to play in his yard again soon. I don't know why he wouldn't - we all get along famously!

Boot camp

I'm not sure what boot camp is, but I heard Foster mom use that word in the same sentence as my name the other day so I wonder if that is where we go when we spend time together outside? If so, then I think boot camp is awesome!

We take long walks and practice things that I'm getting really good at - things like heel, sit, wait and leave it. Leave it is hard sometimes, but I must be doing well because Foster mom only gives me the tiny chewy delicious morsels when she's happy with my behavior, and I usually manage to bag several of those per boot camp session.

My favorite boot camps are when Foster mom takes me out for races. We'll walk for a while and then she'll suddenly break into a sprint and we see who can run the fastest. I'm pretty sure Foster mom doesn't like to run, but sometimes she beats me! But I know if we were going for distance she'd be toast!

Here I am post boot camp, tongue lolling. Don't you want to take me to boot camp with you?

My tail

Foster mom tried to get a picture of just my tail for this post, but I wasn't in the mood. What self-respecting dog would want his tuchus photographed close up? And you can see my tail in my other pics anyway.

People always ask Foster mom what happened to my tail and I wonder why. My tail has always been very short (hence my breed name, Australian stumpy tail cattle dog). I like it because it's kind of unique and Foster mom loves it.

She even nicknamed it "The nubbin."

The nubbin is very indicative of my mood. If I'm happy and playful it wags. If I'm alert and curious it lifts up high off of my rear and sometimes puffs out a bit.

If you'll adopt me I promise to wag my nubbin for you all the time!

Exciting Saturday

Foster mom took me to an adoption event on Saturday and I had so much fun! It was a bit of stimulation overload, but I enjoyed it. I met tons of people and dogs (big and small) and loved all the attention I was given by visitors. One of my fans, Julie, was happy to hold on to my leash while Foster mom took a couple of pics of me in my "adoption getup."

I heard Foster mom answer LOTS of questions about me, so I think I was popular (wink). I particularly enjoyed meeting Karma - she was super-friendly and I think she'd make a great playmate.

Thanks to all who came out to see me!

Wanna hang out?

I'm a pretty cool guy. I love to relax, wrestle, RUN, explore, stretch, sniff, hug, show off, flirt and love. Look into my warm amber eyes...

I will you to adopt me!