Update 7/26/2009

It is customary for a new presidential administration to report on the First Hundred Days in the White House. In that vein, we have reached that same milestone with Brutus and, as such, I am providing an update on him.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If that’s the case, looky here:

He is THRIVING! I can’t tell you what an impact he has made on us. He is such a good, well mannered and gentle dog, everybody loves him. All of our friends, even those who don’t really like dogs, can’t get enough of Brutus.

When Kim told me the story of how Brutus was acquired, on the verge of being put down in a seedy, Texas shelter… I shudder. It’s beyond belief.

A few interesting things have surfaced:
1. He is not a big water dog. He’ll walk into the lake about knee high and take a drink and that’s about it. He’s never gone for a swim.
2. He’s not a big eater and not food oriented at all. We started feeding him 2 meals/day when we got him but he always left more than half over. Now, in the evening, he gets his meal and finishes it
3. We have 2 cats and Brutus doesn’t even acknowledge their existence. He can be walking around the house and a cat will cross directly in front of him… he doesn’t break stride, doesn’t look, I don’t think he even realizes these are animals.

So, I can say that after 100 days… it is as good as it can be, beyond my expectations and hopes.

I kiss the ground he walks on and he “licks the ground I walk on” as evidenced here:

Take care and enjoy the rest of your summer
R Heyman

Update 5/12/2009

Tomorrow marks 4 weeks since Brutus’s triumphant arrival
He’s doing great as evidenced by the above picture. He has settled into the routine nicely and is as happy as ever. He is off leash and enjoys the company of the sparse neighbors we have and they have commented that they love his visits. He and Saki (the 13 yr old female) had their last battle royale nearly 3 weeks ago and I don’t expect any more tussles. When we have to go out for several hours during the day, he does fine. He hasn’t misbehaved once . The kids can’t get enough of him although he loves to throw around his weight and 40lbs of kid doesn’t stand a chance of keeping upright against the onslaught of an enthusiastic, 110lb Brutus.
He’s a very well mannered, well behaved, happy boy and we’re thankful to have him.

 

Update 4/16/2009

Brutus in his new home with the Heymans and Saki in NY



Rescued 2008


Brutus is approximately four years old and is 104 pounds. He is very well-behaved. He loves all things two-legged, including children. He gets along well with my females although he has had three fights total since December. He is very well-behaved with my 9 pound papillon mix and the cats. He never chases cats but loves to chase squirrels.

He loves a lot of attention. He will get upset if I go for a walk without him, and he wants to stay inside most of the time unless he sees a squirrel through the window. He sleeps on the couch at night after he has had his milkbone.

He is insanely smart. He learned how to open the door to the laundry room after he is finished eating. He is also the only dog to learn to climb onto the spa heater in order to get over the six foot wooden fence. He will also sit on a kitchen chair and help you eat your dinner if you let him.

He needs a home that will give him a lot of love and attention. He would be perfect for a family that will incorporate him into their lives or a retired couple who like to take long walks and are home all day. He is not a yard dog. He likes his couch. He does have some anxiety about being left. I would not recommend leaving him inside if you leave because he gets upset. At least he used to . I think he's actually calmed down since then, but I don't take any chances anymore. Plus, a new home will set off a new round of anxiety anyway.

He is an awesome dog who needs an awesome home.


It is amazing how a few months of TLC will change a dog. Picture below is Brutus pre-foster.



Brutus has found the perfect forever home with the Heymans and Saki in NY