AJC > Sandy Springs > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USAnd Cody makes three: Dogs, we’re talking about…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
And now there are three.
When we left off last week we were considering adding a third dog to the mix. We had a dog on a trial basis in our home. The trial is over and we have added a third member of the canine branch - Cody.
Last week to preserve his anonymity he was referred to as Woodrow, but when the time came to keep him he got a new name. The name he came to us with was Tom, which is a good name but it is also my brother’s name and it would have been just too weird saying: “Tom get off the couch” or “Tom, come get your dinner” or “For goodness sakes, not there Tom!”
He seems to be blending well with the other two. Our other two dogs are Jake, age 12 (give or take) and Sydney, age four and change. Cody has been a Godsend for Sydney as Jake opted for “retirement” about two years ago and the extent of their play has been Sydney dragging Jake around the yard like a rag doll.
Cody is no rag doll. He still has his puppy legs and energy, and Sydney has to get back into shape to keep up. Initially it was just the two of them, but apparently word got out about the fun to be had dragging Jake through the yard and now he has two dogs interrupting his sunset years.
As much as I talked about worrying about adding a third dog to the mix Cody has carved out his place quite well in less than a week. He’s still shy and tentative but these things take time - even for dogs. Or may be especially for dogs.
There have been some potholes. A plastic drink coaster had to be tossed after it was chewed up. And there was a fast lesson to be had about the fact that the couch is not for dog relaxation. But these are minor infractions that are easily dealt with.
So to steal a phrase from that guy on the home makeover show - there’s just one thing left to say. Welcome home, Cody. Welcome home.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Jim Osterman
Comments
By Tom Osterman (yep)
June 30, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Thanks for naming your new family member something besides “Tom.” You know I’m a cat person. (Ask the wife and daughters.)
Actually, I think you missed the boat by not getting a cat!
Love to all!
By Dixie
July 1, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
How wonderful for Jake and Sydney! Both our dogs came from homes where the owners moved and left them behind. They’ve turned out great after some in-home training. After all, it’s like learning to walk. Not enough people out there realize it takes patience. And remembering that even after you learn to walk, you still trip once in a while. No doubt Cody is thrilled that you opted for this journey. As for the cat thing. Both our cats are rescues as well. Everyone gets along but the cats veiw the dogs as big, disgusting pains in the neck. They play together almost as well as Garfeild & Odie.
By Jim Osterman
July 1, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Brother Tom:
I sort of thought you’d OK the name change. My lovely bride is allergic to cats so that was not an option.