Visited Zeke today

[Amanda]

We went to visit Zeke at his new home. It’s been about 8 months since we saw him last. It took him a second to process who he was seeing and then it was like he just erupted in joy. I got a full sniff down and then he jumped up and hugged me. It was sweet. We went for a little hike near his house and had lunch with his owner and her mom. We had a nice time. And it’s great to see him so happy and doing so well. We brought a toy that he used to play with and he was thrilled to get it. He showed off a little of his reactivity to some people on our hike but then he got over himself and was fine. She said he’s still like that, but fairly predictable still so she can manage him. We traded stories about his habits and he’s basically the same dog with her. She just sees less of what triggered him at my house and doesn’t have the risk of children in her home at all. I am glad that we waited so long to come see him. He tried to get in my car twice which was a little sad, but he went right back to T and was fine watching us drive away. So, overall it was a good visit. Bittersweet in a way, but mostly sweet. I’m happy that he’s happy. And you guys... his eye brows are out of control. He’s developed more coat and it’s hilarious because she doesn’t tidy it at all except for shortening his beard a bit.

[maxs_mommy]

Aww, I'm glad he's happy. As painful as it was to let him go, it seems like he's in a good situation for everyone.

[connie]

Look at him, he is a crazy dog!

What a good thing, to know that he is so happy and that he remembers you and is so happy to see you. It's got to be reassuring, too, to hear that he is the same dog in this home -- for me, that would validate the decision to rehome him. If he has to deal with fewer of the things that triggered his reactivity, that's only a better situation all around. Not like he suddenly showed the capacity to deal with those things; they still stress him. Good to know.

Once when Alex's breeder visited me, and Alex FLUNG himself into her arms -- he is reserved with strangers, but clearly she was not a stranger to him! -- she said 'I think they always remember their first people, it's an olfactory memory' and I guess you are Zeke's 'first person'.

[SherriA]

You both look so happy! It warms my heart to know that he's doing well in his new home. I'm so glad it all worked out.

[Amanda]

It is reassuring, in a way, that he is who he is and it wasn't me. I think the big difference for him and his happiness is that he can reset to zero more easily. When we left today, he crashed asleep. She sent me a picture of him and Max zonked out. Not that he didn’t nap here, of course, but he can totally let down his guard there. It’s much better for him. I had other pictures attached to my original post, but looks like they didn’t load. Check out his eyebrows.

[Jen]

I just love this update, and I'm glad you can rest comfortably knowing your decision was the right one.

And his eyebrows?? He looks like a Dr. Seuss character

[Bettyna]

So lovely... and he looks just great!!

[JudyL]

I'm glad that you were able to find such a perfect home for him and that you and your family were able to visit.

[catherinec]

I'm so glad to hear about the reunion and that he's doing so well. I remember how heart breaking it was that you had to send him off but it looks like he's in a great place and that he's happy! You did the right thing!