Mocha's Thanksgiving Holiday
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
By: Mocha's Foster Mom

How Mocha Spent his Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving:
Mocha and I spent Thanksgiving at work together. He slept on my lap, while my fingers clicked away at my keyboard. My boyfriend stopped by with a feast from Boston Market and Mocha sat patiently on the floor with his "Feast" while we ate.
 
Mocha hasn't had an accident with me at work. He's joined me 4 or 5 times for 2-5 hour clips. I take him out for about 5 minutes once per hour to keep his bladder empty and his mind engaged.
 
Mocha REALLY wants to be integrated into every part of his person's life. He will be happiest with someone who can spend lots of time with him, and wants to take him on little car rides/errands.
He's a full-time best friend, and really shines when his person allows him to do HIS job :-)
 
Black Friday:
Mocha and I have been together a week, and it's clear that he is VERY SMART! He stops everything when asked to "Sit". Such as...If he's in hot-pursuit of my cat...I say "Sit"...He sits and waits for a treat. Because he's treat-motivated...He ONLY gets treats when he does something very good. It's a great training tool, and we are now working on "Stay."
 
It's becoming obvious that Mocha has ultimate one-person loyalty. He's very fond of my boyfriend. He's friendly with most of my co-workers. He's good with anyone that gives him at least 10-30 minutes of "Warm-up" time. BUT...If I am around, he defers to me. He sits with me, follows me around, and waits for me outside the bathroom door.

If you are half of a "Couple," I predict that Mocha will pick one of you...AND make no secret of his "favorite."
 
Saturday:
Mocha tries really hard not to have accidents, but his potty-training is still a work-in progress. Although I believe he is perfect for apartment life, it's important to really pay attention to his needs...Right now, getting out the door, down the elevator and outside takes at least 4 minutes. This morning, he made it to the elevator.

I don't think it will take long for him to be completely potty-trained, but right now-don't expect to get more sleep than he does. (5-6 hours).
 
Although Mocha and I spent almost the entire day together, there were a couple short periods of time we were apart. He whined initially when left alone. He was quiet (sleeping) when I came home. When I say he's sleeping...I mean he's sleeping in the cutest possible way: buried under the covers in his little den. When he crawls out, yawns and greets you...It will make the stress of the day disappear. He's a joy to come home to :-)
 
Sunday:
Mocha and I woke up early and did some cleaning. He likes to come with me down to the basement with the trash. He's a good supervisor. In the afternoon, we had a photo-shoot with Farrah Grant! He did a really great job both at home and in her studio. When they met, he barked at her for about a minute. Within 5 minutes he was running and playing as she was snapping action shots.

After suiting up in his sweater and harness, we went down to her studio. Mocha didn't enjoy the steps. I'm not sure if he's ever been up or down a full flight of stairs! He climbed half-way/stopped/and was carried the rest.

We stopped by Scooters for coffee. He was good until a large group of kids came in. He barked at one of them. I told him to, "Sit," and "Be Nice" and he was quiet again.

We wrapped up the evening with the usual: Dinner/Fetch/Potty/Chase The Cat/Sleep on lap/Potty/Bed.