Today the sutures come out! Woo hoo!
Mocha isn’t as excited though. He’s licking his chops nervously. Something’s up. He knows it. Something potentially scary and painful. Something to do with his pee pee. (“Bad touch! Bad touch!”)
But don’t worry boy, everything will be fine once it’s over. The sutures will come out real easily, and then you’ll be able to go into the pool and the dog beach. Won’t that be fun! Woo hoo!
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Today was a big day for Mocha. Today was the day we went inside the dog park.
We tried to get into the dog park yesterday too, but Mocha seemed too timid for that social interaction. As we approached the park, he began barking wildly at the other dogs. This incited them to bark back. It was a total bark fest. A bark orgy. Barkstock, sans hippies, and lots of barking.
He seemed so uncontrollable that we ended up walking over to a patch of open grass elsewhere. With the leash still on, we ran him around in circles. The big goofy grin on his face told us that he loved that.
So today, I tried again. This time, I discovered that there are two dog parks – one for big dogs and one for small dogs. Yesterday, we were at the big dog park. The small dog park seemed like a better place to acclimate Mocha. So onward we went.
Mocha’s verdict?
He loved it. Parkstock, sans hippies, and with all the love.
There were just a few small dogs there. One of them loved to run as much as Mocha did. And boy does Mocha love to run.
He was apprehensive at first. His tail was tucked between his legs and he wouldn’t leave my side. There was lots of nervous barking too. But once the atmosphere calmed down, he started to socialize. Then he started to run. And run and run and run. Run Mocha run!
I imagine this is how parents feel when they see their kids at the playground, playing with other kids. A rush of pride swept through my bones. My grin matched Mocha’s. “Damn, I’m a good parent,” I thought to myself humbly.
As soon as we got home, Mocha conked the heck out. Collapsed right on the floor. Too bad I didn’t have my camera at the dog park. At least I got a shot of him sleeping blissfully, with happy dreams of running at the dog park.
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It’s amazing how quickly Mocha has begun warming up to us and his new home. Maybe it’s the medication wearing off. Maybe it’s all the love and attention he’s getting. Or maybe it’s his emancipation. Whatever it is, he’s already playing around like he’s been here forever.
Treats in a Kong work pretty well, it seems. Unfortunately, he seems to get frustrated once he’s gotten the easy stuff out, then leaves the Kong along.
He just loves this rope bone. Mocha will grab it and toss it around, then roll on the ground and hold it above his face with his front paws. The rope bone is soggy with doggie saliva by the time he’s done with it. Gross.
Lookit him, chillin’ like a villain with his new toys. Dawww.
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After picking Mocha up from the vet, I walked him for a bit so we could get to know one another. I also wanted him to poop and pee before coming into the apartment. Fortunately, that seemed to work. No poop or pee in the apartment! Whew.
He cowered away from other people though, especially men. It made me wonder if he was abused earlier in his life. His tail was permanently tucked between his legs as we walked around. Poor little guy.
He wandered around the place, sniffing every little corner and crevice. Mocha was still nervous, so I tried to be as calm as possible. He eventually gravitated towards a particular corner and laid down.
This probably didn’t help, but I couldn’t resist taking lots of pictures. I felt like a new Dad who takes thousands of pictures of his first child. If we ever get a second dog, he’s going to have like just two pictures. Ever.
I played with him as often as I could, so he could grow comfortable with me. Being in a drowsy state, he entertained me a bit, then wandered back to his new favorite corner to nap.
At one point, Mocha got up, so I outfitted his corner with an old towel and some dog toys. He just sniffed them and laid down again. I think I had more fun with his toys than he did. That sounds dirty. I mean, I had fun arranging them around his head for my photos.
As expected, Mocha was pretty timid on his first day with us. He eat well though, despite being heavily medicated from the neutering operation. That was a great sign, especially since he was so emaciated. (I kept saying he was emancipated, to which Mia finally replied, “Well, of course he’s emancipated. He’s out of the shelter now, a free dog.” Hardy har har.)
Welcome home, Mocha! You’re a free dog now.
Mocha is a playful 1-year old 25 lb mutt we rescued from a local animal shelter. He loves to run, play, and eat. Don't you?
Mike is was the proud owner of this adorable little guy. We miss him terribly every day.
