Big Brother Cory

Millie (left) and Cory (right)

Today I adopted a 5 year old male chocolate lab from Lab Rescue.  His name was Pony Boy but I renamed him to Cory.  He was a shy boy at the adoption event, but once he got home and went out into the yard, he was a happy boy.  He also loves toys.  It's unclear how much the dogs like each other, especially with Cory growling at Millie at times, but I have high hopes that they will get used to each other and become best buds.

It's a scary thought having two dogs to look after on my own.  I've been thinking about getting a second dog for a while now, perhaps over a year.  However, each time I decide to get one, Millie ends up at the vet and then I change my mind.  (The most costly part of having a pet is the vet bills.)  Then again, since separating with Brad back in April, I feel like Millie looks more bored and lonely than ever.  I'm gone almost 10 hours during the work day, and on some weekend or week night I am also gone.  For a long time I didn't do much because I felt guilty about leaving Millie home alone.  As a single woman now though, I can't afford to be a
hermit.  Plus, I enjoy going out and hanging out with my friends.  I think there will be a little more work, especially when it comes to walks, but I hope Millie will be a lot happier, and Cory too.

Cory spent about six months in shelter during a court case involving his prior owner.  He seems to have forgotten his basic commands, or never knew them.  I pretty much have to start with 'sit'.  Although he does seem to come when I call.  He likes rolling around in the grass.  I wasn't too happy he decided to roll around in the grass right after I'd given him a bath.  Leash walking needs lots of improvement too.  The Easy Walk harness isn't helping too much, so I may have to try the head halter.  In some ways Millie is a better trained dog.  In other ways though, Cory is better behaved.  For example, Cory doesn't beg for food like Millie (and I plan to keep it that way.)

First day with a new dog was kinda long.  I did leave the two of them alone for a few hours while I shopped in the afternoon.  Only casualty seemed to be few slices of bread off the counter.  I'll have to make sure not to keep food visible.