Well, we got our new “puppy.” At the shelter he was just too excited to sit still or listen to anyone - he just wanted to say hi to everyone. Holding onto that leash was interesting, especially when he caught me off-guard. We found out his name was Sam, but I’m not such a fan of it. One of the people there said he looks like a Zeeke. Den and I both liked the name. We tossed it around all day and it stuck.

He’s a very friendly dog, wants to play and say hi. We took him to baseball practice where he said hi to a few of the guys there and even chased one around for a bit. He woofed a few times, too. We were having issues mainly in the car - he does not want to stay in the back seat. I hope this sorts itself out soon, because he’ll be a pain to drive places if he can’t sit still.

Of course we’re having problems with dominance. He’s not a pushy dog, thank goodness, but he definitely has the idea that he should have his way now and then. He growled and even snapped at me as I reached for a bone he was chewing on. Den quickly corrected the problem with a little talk, whereupon Zeeke flopped over onto his back. However, my voice doesn’t get quite the reaction. We seem to have little staring contests now and then, as if he’s sizing me up. I’m trying not to let him get away with it, but I am a bit nervous about being bit. I don’t want to provoke him - but I definitely don’t want this continuing. Yes, it’s his first day - but he’s going to quickly learn that we’re in charge.

We got him a rope toy, a kong toy, a bone to chew on, some tennis balls. And what does he bring in to chew on? My slipper. I told Den he needs some fuzzy toys, but noooo. I did manage to throw one fuzzy toy in the cart, but it’s a squeaky toy, and relegated to the land of when-Den’s-not-home. So tomorrow he can munch on it.

After expending some energy and getting used to the situation, he’s calmed down enough to just flop out beside us. But if one of us gets up for any reason, he gets to his feet and follows us to wherever we’re going. I’m not sure if it’s curiousity or anxiety or what. Maybe a little of both? He doesn’t seem like a very anxious dog, though - but he definitely wants to keep us nearby. He’s not velcro - he’ll wander off to find a toy - but he always ends up flopped by our feet.

He is definitely Den’s dog. I was really hoping for a puppy, because all puppies are sooo cute, and you can train them right from the start - Den put it best when he said this is “culture shock” for me. I’ve had Oreo for 8 and a half years - introducing this grown german shepherd into my life is a little daunting. So, like I said, he’s definitely Den’s dog. I’m hoping he’ll grow on me - I already feel a fondness for him, but it’s nothing what I would expect with my own dog. On the good side, this makes it much easier for me to sit back and let Den deal with Zeeke however he wants.

Pictures have been added in the menu. Hosting them off-site for now, along with Tessa’s - makes it easier to post them on the PetFinder forums (too much traffic to be hosted here).