Mumbo the Lab Puppy

Hi Mallory, I just wanted to let you know how Mumbo that we have named Rush is doing. He was very good in the car ride home. He loves running around the backyard but is not too comfortable with a leash and walking yet. We took him to Jingle Eve in College Park and he was really good but did not want to walk with the leash so Andy carried him. We bought a few toys and figured out which ones he really like and then got some more of those. He was chewing a lot on my hand and sucking on my thumb so I had Andy get him a pacifier and he seemed to really like that. Andy started the potty training and we got puppy pads and of course he had a few accidents but no big deal at all. The more he went outside with Andy the more he started doing his business outside. Before I left for work this morning Andy said Rush had alerted him that he had to go so Andy took him outside and he went right away. I think that is amazing progress. We were both thinking either you guys did so well will him or this pup picks up fast. Rush is very smart and eager to please. We both took turns playing games with him and keeping him busy. When Rush is tired though he just goes into this wicker basket we made for him and goes to sleep for a little bit then gets up to play. Andy got a doggie gate so Rush could stay at his end of the house at night and we keep his toys and food there. Saturday night Andy slept on this small couch he has in his music room and Rush slept with him. He said Rush got up a few times and then settled down again. My cats are doing well with the change. My Izzy did not hiss or put his claws out in any way but for some reason he is scared of Rush. So he is cautious around him but does not run from him. My older cat, Buddy hissed when Rush ran up to him but we anticipated this and Rush backed away. But Buddy did not hide under the bed like we thought he would do but stayed around Rush. So the cats are certainly curious and perk up their ears if Rush wines. So I think it is only a matter of time before they all interact together and play. We are scheduled with Banfield at Petsmart on Wednesday for Rush to get a checkup, have the vet review the records and get some Frontline. Thank you for all of you help. I think we have a wonderful addition to our family. Liz