So tired...

This picture was too cute of Mason. Had to show it. He sure was comfortable.

I call this one...Mason and the Monsters

This is the only time Mason was on the bed, when he visited NY. Mason, 50 pounds, just relaxing with the two "Monsters" (Faccia, 91 lbs and Bell about 95 lbs) As you can see they are exausted from all the play. They are all great together.

First Trip to NY

Mason is fantastic in the car, we had a 3 hour ride this weekend and it was no problem at all... He just laid in the back seat on his "mat" (it's a soft rug with rubber on the bottom something you would use for a bathroom, this way he's secure, doesn't move and a bit more comfortable than the seat - plus we take it inside and he has something of his own to sit on.)

Mason met the family - aunts, uncles, and lots of cousins of all ages around including my 87 year old grandmother. My parents have a dog, she's a pit/mastiff mix about 2 yrs old (she's in the picture). She is the sweetest thing and i had no problem introducing them, and as I expected all was wonderful and the dogs had a great time together.. waggy tails and lots of kisses for everyone, including the people!

As you can see, the kids LOVE Mason..most kids do because of Mason's tempermant. He's very gentile, sweet and loving. The kids were fighting over Mason's attention they all wanted to be with him and play with him.! I feel really bad for Faccia, everyone always fusses over Mason..(Faccia is just slobbery and big and most people aren't use to that.)

Today I had calls from my family saying that they missed Mason and couldn't wait for him to come back to visit.

He's so cute...

Mason just loves running around the back yard with Faccia and chasing after the big squeeky tennis ball.

Mason close up

We took a bath for the first time this weekend. He's fur is so shiny and soft... Mason did very well and he loves to be dried off..but he's use to that becuase he gets really wet after sitting in the pool.

Relaxing on Labor Day Weekend

We had company stay all weekend and Mason really seemed to enjoy having other people in the house. Actually, he was so great with my cousin Michelle and her husband, Chad. We went for walks together, played in the back yard and hung out in the pool. Check out Mason lovin the "big" pool... but he really loves just sitting in the "kiddie" pool too!

Everyone who meets Mason really falls in love with him!! My cousins did!

Kayla Came to Play

Kayla, the Airedale/poodle mix Faccia's BFF, came over to play to night.. These three dogs were BUDS! Kayla is very active and loves to run so Mason and her got along so well. They met a couple times before but they really bonded tonight. Since Faccia is a Mastiff she gets tired easier so i thought tonight would really get these pups tired..but as I write at 9pm Faccia is antagonizing Mason with her Kong in her mouth to run around and play. "Hey, what's wrong with this picture" I say and "Puppy" keeps coming to me with the look of "What's up with Faccia?, I just want to get pet!" We can't wait to see Kayla again!

Things "Puppy" Mason Likes

Mason loves other dogs. On our walks when he sees another dog he is curious and wants to walk up to them to say hi. He has lots of neighborhood friends, to name a few a big 6 yr old chocolate lab, a 7 month old spaniel mix, a 4 yr old Wheaton terrier, and Faccia shares her best friend Kayla, who is a Airedale/poodle mix, with Mason...

We saw the neighbors cat outside the other day...(this cat lives with 2 dogs) and Mason smelled the cat and did not seem to have any problems with her.

"Puppy Mason" REALLY likes kids and is warming up to people especially if he recognizes them or if they are walking with a dog. He is known to give some unexpected kisses sometimes too!

Mason really like to run around in the yard and play with tennis balls, etc. Steve and I always play outside with the dogs to keep them occupied by throwing/kicking balls around etc.. We had a tennis ball that is slightly larger than a normal size one and it squeaks, Mason loves this ball. We also play "tennis balls" in the den. In this game there are usually a couple of tennis balls around and this game allows the pups to have a ball to themself while we roll others around, it is cute to watch them follow the ball as it is rolling.

Also, Mason loves to chew on hard bones and Kongs. His teeth a sharp so he tried to pick at the rubber Kong ball so we watch him with that. Mason also LOVES to take anything that Faccia is playing with..if Faccia has it...it must be fun! The best part is when the two dogs chew on their hard bones together and lay next to eachother and switch every couple of minutes. It took about two or so weeks to teach them to "share" If you have experience with children you understand the concept of quickly changing the focus of attention. I do it with these dogs all the time.

Mason liked to be combed with the furminator and he likes his ears scratched.

He LOVES HoneyNut Cheerios...but who doesn't??

A Day of Fun and Play for "Puppy" Mason...

I took the day off of work today and Mason and I spent most of the afternoon outside... On a hot day like today, Mason enjoys soaking himself in the kiddy pool... He loves to run around in the yard. He played with the squeaky tennis ball then runs and jumps into the pool and it's fun to watch him play; he is really cute!

We are practicing some commands and Mason really gets it! When the dogs are running in the yard I like to practice calling them into the house...by using the words "let's go inside". We are also practicing his treat word, which is "biscuit".

He ended the night chewing on bones while Faccia was sleeping next to him.

Lots of Little Friends...

Friends, two families, were here for the afternoon and evening and they brought the kids: four kids in total(boys 2, 5, 71/2, and a girl 4). They LOVED "puppy" Mason. Faccia is bigger and more excitable when we get "company" but Mason was so calm, the kids liked that. We think that Mason is learning from Faccia - letting him know that people are ok! Just like Faccia, Mason seems to be a bit stand off-ish with men but really seems to like women and kids. The kids understood that dogs needs to be treated gently. Mason even gave the kids some kisses.

Meeting the "Aunts"..

Mason did very well this afternoon with the dog walker, "Aunt" Michelle. Aunt Michelle had a dog that was very similar in look and temperment to Mason... so she really enjoys him.

Faccia and Mason ran around like lunatics this evening...I never saw Mason run so fast...He actually jumped over Faccia twice because he was running so fast. Faccia was confused!

Tonight Mason met another Aunt..."Aunt" Nancy. She's a friend of ours and Faccia just LOVES her...Mason met her within the first couple of days he was with us while we were out on a walk. Aunt Nancy noticed some difference in Mason from the first time she met him. She gave Mason lots of lovin (petting/kisses) while sitting on the floor in the den...he even gave her a couple of kisses. Aunt Nancy walked Mason around the block while I walked Faccia and he was walking with his tail up and showing Aunt Nancy the way.

Right now, Faccia watches Mason chewing on a bone while Aunt Nancy gives Mason lovin.

So Excited...to see ME

Just a quick note: When I got home from work today...I got lots of tail wagging and kisses from Mason...it was more than usual so I had to mention it... I loved it!

The Garbage Pail Challenge

Those darn garbage pails are always in the streets. They are so blue and big... and Mason rather walk as far away from them as he can. Lately,..he's been walking by them and just paying a little attention to them.. much better.. (Faccia hated those garbage pails too!)

Beach Blanket Mason...

Mason just hanging out on the grass after a dip. I love the fact that he could just "hang" because Faccia never stops, she's always on the guard..

fun in the pool..and running around

Very busy day...Faccia woke us up early to see the "puppy" (like she's been doing alot)

After our morning routine, we spent some time on the front lawn with the neighbor kids and their Dad. (three girls 13, 5, 3) Mason did very well with the three girls. Let all of them pet him. A bit hesitant at first, like usual, but after some time he even walked up to 13 year old for another pet. A little reluctant with the Dad but did allow him to get in a pet or two. Mason was't scared of the 5 year old being a year old. Laughing, running around and then coming up to him giving him a pet...

Hot day...Steve parents came over and spent most of the afternoon with us. We introduced them to Mason with some butter on their hands. Mason gave Steve's mom LOTS of kisses (I know we tricked him, but it worked!)

Mason was off the leash in the backyard today for the first time. As you can see from the picture Faccia shared the "kiddie" pool with Mason. This pool is very small but they had lots of fun cooling off in it together... Mason even put his paws onto the first step of the big pool too.

Out of nowhere, Faccia and Mason start playing in the backyard and running around like crazy...it was a cross between a "hide and seek" and "chase me"...Mason is really fast and Faccia likes being chased! We were so happy to see this...

Needless to say the dogs are very tired tonight...What a great day for Mason and Faccia!

While i'm sitting here writing....Mason is walking around the den following a fly that somehow got into the house....while Faccia has been sleeping on the couch for over a half an hour...How cute!

Active, then Lazy

Had Mason and Faccia outside for a hour or so this morning. It was about 10:30 and it was about 90 degrees already. Mason seemed to be content sitting in the sun with me while I threw the ball for Faccia. Faccia went in the pool but Mason wasn't interested. After everyone was panting we got drink of water. When we went inside both dogs dropped to the floor. While I've been working today they've both been sleeping. We'll go out again when it gets cooler this evening.

Into the Groove

6:30 AM and we're already playing in the den. Mason and Faccia we're running around first thing and they didn't want to stop to go for a walk.

The heat seems to make both dogs lazy and tired. But at lunch Mason went into the kiddie pool.

Nightly chew started. Chew and switch. Chew and switch. I think they'd do this all night until the sun comes up. I wish I could record and put it on the blog so you could hear it.

My new friends

A good morning. We've established a routine with a walk in the morning and Mason and Faccia hanging out while I get ready for work.

Into the kiddie pool because it's hot at lunch. Mason is getting very comfortable with our dog walker, "Aunt" Michelle.

In the evening we got a visit from a co-worker and her two little girls (five and eight). Mason was friendly with them and warmed up after spending time with them.

After they left, we took a walk around the block and Mason pooped for a second time (unusual) at night. When we got back Mason and Faccia started to chew. And switch, chew and switch even though it was 10pm and bedtime..

Whaddya doing, puppy?

Tonight Faccia was walking around with a deflated football in her mouth and Mason walked up to her and TRIED TO TAKE THE BALL! They really like to play together. Mason confidence shows when they play.

It's a hot day

In the afternoon Steve took both dogs out and it was so hot they all just sat down in the grass and soaked in the sun. When they were both panting, they all went inside and sat on the floor. Chew and chew and chew.

Settling In

Mason met two new dogs on our morning walk. He did great with both. He saw a neighbor that we've seen a couple of times and we practiced eating treats from her hands...

Faccia and Mason were very excited tonight. After belly rubbings for both dogs they played really well in the den and Mason was so excited and playful.

Tonight the dogs had fun chewing on their bones again... that makes us very happy. As I'm sitting on the floor writing Mason is sitting right next to me...he likes to be close, he's very affectionate and loves to give kisses when you least expect it...

1 Week today..

This morning to the early afternoon was a bit rainy. Mason and Faccia hung out in the Den and chewed bones together. Faccia was lazy and went upstairs to sleep on the bed. Mason was looking for Faccia up the stairs. Later Faccia came downstairs and jumped on the couch while Mason layed on the floor infront of the couch. He seemed content that Faccia was back.

As I'm sitting here Mason and Faccia are laying next to me (on the same side!) They are actually about 3 inches from each other and they have two bones between them that they are chewing on. Faccia decided that she wants Mason's so Mason allows Faccia to take his bone but he takes the one she was chewing on right back. This is amaying! From Faccia sharing to Mason being so comfortable and a bit confident.

So Tired...

We are so tired after a long day of play.

Fun day outside

This morning was the first time that Faccia got in a play position to play with Mason. Mason was so excited that he was standing then laying lifting his paw, etc...it was so cute.... he was very excited that Faccia was giving him that type of attention.

We spent alot of time outside together today. Mason had a great time lying in the grass watching Faccia play in the pool (kiddie and big) and running around the yard. I combed Mason with the "Furminator" a de-furing brush. This is perfect for both Mason and Faccia's length hair. We walked around the yard on the leash together so he becomes comfortable in the yard. It was hot so we took out the kiddie pool. Mason was a little hesitant at first but he did eventually go it with some encouragement. After Faccia was tired we put her in the house to rest. Steve and I gave Mason a bath and gave him lots of attention telling him how good he was. We toweled him a bit and he laid in the sun with me to to dried off. Steve was inside for a while and when he came outside Mason gave him a little bark. It was cute. Mason realized it was Steve and was fine when he walked over.

Meeting some neighbors

Mason has been enjoying long walks around the block and today we made it almost all the way up the block..a different route..he did well...

He has been meeting some of the neighbors, their babies and some other dogs in the neighborhood. of course, he's happy to see the dogs and goes right up to
them..but shy with people..and not sure of baby carriages yet...but we are working on all that..he's been eating some treats out of some neighbors hands...they are so use to Faccia that they are all interested in Mason...Faccia is being very good with sharing her friends with him...

he's learning new words like, "let's go" "let's go for a walk" and encouraging that the leash is for a fun walk...we're taking it very slow...

It seems that faccia is getting use to seeing him now.. :)

First Day

Marleen stopped by with Mason at 2:30. We were excited to see them. Faccia, Steve and I were out front waiting for them. We all sat on the lawn for a while and then went for a walk. Mason was shy and submissive, but liked our walk to the park. When we got back to the house sat in the front again for a little while. Faccia gave Mason a little growl (she is a little dominant, but not an "Alpha"). After a little bit, we all went in the backyard and sat together in the sun talking.

Marleen left after about half an hour and Faccia, Steve, Mason and I stayed outside. I groomed Mason with a "defurring" brush and he really seemed to enjoyed. He licked my hand. He still was a little shy around Steve and kept an eye on Faccia.

We went inside and introduced Mason to his crate, which he seemed very comfortable in. We all sat in the den together with Faccia and Mason on leashes. Mason jumped on the loveseat, but we gently told him "Off" and brought him down with us - he seemed to go on there to "get away" from us. Since Mason hadn't eaten, we fed him in his crate, just like Marleen did. He didn't eat and laid down and seemed to take a nap.

After a little while we took him out to try to pee, but he didn't. We can back inside and spent some time with him. Faccia was separated by a wooden, sliding baby-gate and was curious about him, but didn't bark or anything. After a while, Faccia went upstairs and took a nap.

We put Mason in the crate and gave him HoneyNut Cheerios as a treat. He ate the treats, but did not eat his food.

About 30 minutes later, we all went for a walk down to the park. Mason did very well on the leash, but was hesitant to walk in front of me and wanted to stay close to Faccia. He finally peed.

We all came back to the house and went inside. Mason was out of the create lying on the floor and we sat with Faccia on the leash. She's very curious about him. Mason is really good with me, but still shy around Steve.

After a hour or so, we went for another walk, all together. We saw a neighor with her two little girls (infant in a stroller and 18 months walking). They love Faccia and we really excited to see Mason. Mason did very well with the them, even seemed to enjoy all the attention. After a few minutes, we did our walk and this time went all the way around the block.

[Unfinished Entry]

What have I gotten myself into?

Tomorrow we get Mason, our first foster dog.

For the last 2 months, I've been talking and volunteering with Lost and Found Dog Rescue in Delaware. A few weeks ago we visited Marleen at her home to meet candidate foster dogs.

"We" are my husband, Steve, myself (Cristina), and Faccia. We live near King of Prussia, PA.

Faccia is our two year old Cane Corso (Kah nay Kor so; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_Corso). She's about 24" and 90 lbs, so not that big for a Corso, but big enough.

We met a few dogs, but Mason was the best fit. Mason is a collie, maybe collie mix, Portuguese Water Dog and still a puppy, about 9 months. He's about 18" and 40 lbs. (http://www.lostandfounddogrescue.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=120304)