This past Saturday we adopted Kuma (previously Willie) from the local Keeshond rescue. He's a 5 year old male
Keeshond. His former owner turned him over to the rescue after being forced to move because her landlord lost the house to foreclosure.
Kuma has been remarkably well behaved these first few days. He largely ignores the cats who are still getting used to him though they now get close enough to pass in the hallway. It looks likely that in another week they'll be playful together. Kuma likes to run around and play with toys just like our cats do, yet respects their personal space.
According to the books and information we've been given, Kuma will likely take a month or two before he fully settles in. He spent over 2 months with his foster family and here's what they said about him (and we agree!):
He's sweet, handsome boy with an abundant, dark coat and a gentle, affectionate personality. He's a cheerful Keeshond who loves going for walks and especially enjoys the beach, where he has a wonderful time exploring, digging in the sand and sniffing all the fascinating smells.
At home, he follows his foster dad from room to room, lies beside his chair while he works at his computer and welcomes house guests with snuggles. He's getting along well with the other dogs in his foster home. He has excellent house manners, tempered with just the right amount of good-natured Keesie silliness.
Willie is looking for someone who enjoys cuddling and going fun places together. He'll be a devoted companion for the lucky person who adopts him.
We've setup a
photo album for Kuma and will be adding more pictures in the future.
--Update 1/29/10
Kuma appears to be fully settled in now, he even has his own daily routine. The strangest part of his daily routine is that he likes to curl up behind the bathroom toilet when he's tired and doesn't want to be disturbed. A knock at the door or the doorbell quickly wakes him up and he runs down the stairs but for some reason he keeps running right past the front door and goes to the garage door, barking the whole way. Other than the bathroom his next favorite spot is under my desk when I'm working.
While the cats don't seem to mind him when he's in some of his less active moods they run and hide when he gets playful and starts to jump and run around. Mieko will occasionally sleep within a foot or two of Kuma and for the most part is not afraid of him. On a few occasions Mieko's even swatted at Kuma but I don't think Kuma's ever noticed or he just ignores it. Tora will get within about 5 feet, as long as she has an easy escape. She has made great improvements. In the beginning she used to run past Kuma which got him excited and he'd chase her. Now she's learned to walk by him in slow motion which causes Kuma to pretty much ignore her. I think she learned it from Mieko as he was fostered with dogs and has done this around Kuma all along.
