By Suzanne Quick
This morning came around way too quickly. My efforts to treat the dogs with some raw chicken necks (my other dogs love them) were rewarded with a round of diarrhea. Ugh! Everyone seems fine now.
Joe is still sequestered in the crate, he doesn’t seem to want to come out, and I am not going to force him. Ralphie had his first free play experience in my back yard. He’ll come out of the crate on his own but won’t venture too far. I picked him up to take him out and carried him to the yard. When I placed him on the ground he went into an all out frolic running nose to nose with my Standard Poodle. 
No easy feat for a dog that is only 6 inches at the withers. After a short romp, he was happy to return to Joe, check on things and flop down for a nap. 
I think Ralphie tires quickly since he’s not used to running around. He’ll build up some stamina I hope as we go along.
A little concerned about Joe’s lack of interest in leaving the crate. While Ralphie is out, Joe barks the entire time and seems a little stressed. 
Tomorrow I think I will try to lure him out with a squeaky toy since he is so enamored of them. I just want him to get out and smell the flowers.
More to come.
For more information on fostering or volunteering with shelter pets, please call the Sarasota County Animal Services 941-861-9500.