First store trips today

6:00 pm...

Reilly and I went to Tractor Supply this afternoon. He did better than my highest hopes! He peed before he got in the car. It's about a fifteen minute drive, so I asked him when we got there if he needed to go again, taking him onto the ground cover (no grass), but he didn't. Just to be safe, I kept our first visit short.  We went inside, and he did fine with the electronic door.  He acted like it was perfectly normal.  He stayed with me to the first turn, as we headed back to the animal feeds and supplies.  He paused by a rack of potato chips, but came instantly when I told him to.  He paused again to smell a shirt, but again came when I told him to.  In the doggie isle, he chose a John Deere green rope with two balls on it as his new toy.  That one he'll keep in the car, as he needs something permanent in there for entertainment.

We walked back up to the register, and that's the first time Reilly left my side.  A man ahead of us called him, and Reilly went happily.  He was within loose leash range, so I didn't stop Reilly.  Until he's wearing a working dog vest, it'll be awfully hard to say something to people who just want to admire your puppy, especially when said puppy is being so helpful.  But we can learn.  Once the man left, I told the cashier which feeds I needed, and she called it to the back for me.  We stepped aside to wait, and I had Reilly sit.  He did, and he stayed there, watching the next few people check out.  No trying to go to anyone, no shying away from anything, just lots of interest.  The young man bringing my feed brought it on a flatbed cart.  This also didn't phase Reilly one bit!  Nothing!  And it was a rumbly one, too.  He had to push it right in front of us for the cashier to ring up the feed and toy, but we paid, then went out so the man could put it in my car for me.  I again checked to see if Reilly wanted a potty break, but he said no.

Then we went to the pet shop that carries the harnesses I like.  Another ten minutes.  Not much grass available, but I found a bit, and this time he went.  We walked in through a manual door, and Reilly did fine with it, too.  Neither of the doors phased him, and they were both glass with reflections, come to think of it.  The smells in this place were more interesting, but Reilly walked with me to the back and we got a new harness and a new collar while we were at it.  He's got about two more inches in his old collar, but might as well get one while I'm there.  And I got some Flush Puppies dog poo bags...biodegradable!  Yay!  They aren't plastic, and can go in the trash or get flushed!  That'll make me feel better. 

He was a little more distracted by smells in here, and people too.  He managed to lick one lady on her ankle before I could stop him.  Thank goodness she didn't mind.  I took him to the toy isle again, but he wasn't interested.  He was interested in the treats and rawhides, but I wasn't getting those today.  I need him to not pay attention to edibles in stores.  However, when we checked out the cashier asked if he could have a treat.  I asked if had chicken in it, and she said no, and showed me that they're homemade.  They make them with oatmeal, apples and cinnamon with no meats.  This time, I let him have one, since it wasn't something he was sniffing at.  He ate it like a gentleman, and we left.

Tomorrow, I have to go to my meeting, but in the afternoon I think we're going to the other small pet shop to buy rats for Chris' snakes.  That'll give us another outing and another place to test manners.  And more new smells.  In the car.  Could be interesting.  Wish me luck and good mojo on my meeting!

Shoveling Ferret...I don't know if I can hold one long enough to do the job.  My parents have one; I'll try it out next visit and see if I can hold on to it.  Good idea, thanks!

This evening Chris boosted Reilly up onto my lap, and he just snuggled for a long time.  He's overflowing said lap, but didn't seem to mind.  Just snuggled down and licked on my face and ears.  I wish I could get on the floor with him.  Won't be long before he'll be able to come get in bed with me though.  :) 

We need to get a king-sized bed.  The queen we have now doesn't fit two adult humans and two adult dogs.  Where are we going to put three doggies?  And another sofa.  The love seat holds two dogs or a dog and a person, but not three of anything.  Time to move the rocking chairs out to make room.....

Reilly had a good day today.  He showed he wasn't scared of new things like electronic doors and flatbed carts that rumble, that he wouldn't get into things in the stores, and that he was exceptionally well-behaved in public for a baby.  A good day.

Meg and Reilly