Mocha Day 6
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
By: Mocha's Foster Mom

Heather's Finishing Academy: For the socialization and potty training of little men.

My apartment has been affectionately coined, "Heather's Finishing Academy: For the socialization and potty training of little men."

Mocha has a sweater collection, because he gets cold quickly outside. He's really good about putting his gear on (Sweater/Harness/Leash.)

When you're as cute as Mocha, adding a sweater just magnifies an already magnetic presence. He was good last night with one of my neighbors who used to work at NHS...She approached him slowly, and he sniffed her hand. We talked for a few minutes, and then Mocha & I headed into Scooters. (Now that we've been going for coffee, he'll head right up to the door...Even when it's outside of business hours.)

On our way back inside, we ran into another neighbor...(Actually, a former NHS volunteer...My building is packed with animal lovers). At first Mocha did well...sniffing, as she kneeled sideways. Then, he let out a quick BIG bark...It exploded from his little body. Although he's been doing great with people walking by him & sniffing people here and there, I'm not sure about sending him to a place with kids who can't read him. His cute face is inviting, but he needs very slow introductions and his bark can be loud enough to frighten a small person.

Mocha and my cat, Earnest, are warming up to each other. Mocha watched calmly through the baby-gate as Earnest claimed a ball as his own. I think Mocha could get along with a resident cat...He's VERY playful, almost like a little cartoon character. It will be important the resident cat is patient and (eventually when they're loose together) does not take his exuberance as anything other than innocent-puppy-play. Again...Slow introductions seem to be working well so far.

We took 3 trips outside this morning. He pooped the first 2 times...and finally pottied the third.