Trail

It has been just over two weeks now since Trail has joined our home.  It is so much fun to watch him learn about us and our routines.  What is he like? Well, first and foremost, he is a sweet boy!  He has very typical Australian Cattle Dog traits such as being a velcro dog - wants to be with me all the time and also has the typical ACD stubborn attitude and a good sense of humor.

I found Trail on the Petfinder.com website. He was listed by an Australian Cattle Dog rescue in Indiana as a former stray who was deaf.  Indiana is a long way away from us here on Canada's east coast but I am one of those people who think that if you don't ask, you'll never know, so I sent an e-mail.  Many e-mails and a few phone calls were exchanged and next thing we knew, someone had offered to drive him to Maine, via New York. I was so excited that this was going to work out!

The rescue was a little concerned that we couldn't all meet prior to adoption but was confident that with the ACD experience I have that things would be okay. Also, being able to exchange e-mails and learn more about Trail and his personality was a big help.  

So, after a lonely solo night camping, I met Trail and his transport crew and we headed home.

arrival on the island!

Trail is quite a bit bigger than Brook, about twice the size of her actually. She is small enough (or he is big enough) that she can duck her head and walk under his belly. They love to play together and initially he was a bit rough (as I had been warned of) but quickly caught on that he was not allowed to step on her or try and squash her.

Brook is very small for an adult Cattle Dog, more the size of 4-5 month old but she is a very rough and tumble girl who is enjoying a playmate again.

Trail has won over Hiker and the two of them play and act silly.

Bill tends to keep a close eye on the rowdy ones but is easily redirected and leaves them to their fun.  

Callie and Trail have had a few "words" but Trail, being the smart boy he is, quickly learned to leave her alone, so no pictures of the two of them together. 

For now, Trail is still wearing a collar all the time for a little control if needed. There were only a couple of times that I used it to get him off of Brook during some rough play. He does well with hand signals - when he wants to.  He has tried to get away with not "listening" but that doesn't work with me. Consistency is important, deaf or not.

Trail is being introduced to island life and we are looking forward to sharing his adventures with all of you.