Rainy Days

I thought the end of March was an ideal time to adopt a dog. It is not freezing out anymore, we are spoiled with days that reach 70 degrees, and there is usually no snow storms. Since we brought Fergus into our lives (on a picturesque Saturday in March)it has rained on average twice a week. The first time it rained I took Fergus on a 15 minute run around the neighborhood. Each time after I have either not taken him for a walk or allowed myself to get soaking wet while we went on our usual 30 minute journey. The most difficult part about a rainy day is remembering to have a towel ready to dry off the dog when you reach home. Yesterday I forgot. When we entered the house Fergus wanted to head straight for the hardwood floors. I stopped him by standing in the doorway, but he was persistent...I forced him to lay down on the kitchen floor with a couple treats to prevent the hardwood floors from becoming saturated. Today I will have to remember a towel.
One of my favorite things to do on a rainy day is to curl up under a warm blanket, which is exactly what I did after my cold, wet walk with Fergus. No sooner had I tucked the blanket in all around me that Fergus had his head in my lap wanting attention, needing attention. He must have wanted to curl up under the blanket too! Although I did not let him under the blanket I did give in and pet him until he thumped onto the floor into a peaceful sleep.

Easter with Fergus

We went back and forth about bringing Fergus with us to celebrate Easter, mostly because we weren't sure how my mom would feel about Fergus spending a couple hours in her house. So, I worked my mom up to meeting Fergus. Thursday night we watched Marley & Me. I have seen the movie before, and knew, even if you aren't a "dog person" it was nearly impossible not to fall in love with Marley. It worked! The movie moved her! Friday my mom and dad made the journey down to NJ to meet Fergus. Since it was a warm night we were outside when my parents pulled up. Fergus ran towards my mom, but did not jump on her. Then, Fergus posed for a couple family pictures. My mom couldn't believe how well behaved he was, and even got in a couple pictures herself. I knew she was falling in love! By the end of the night my mom claimed "Fergus is family" So I knew we could bring him to Easter.
Fergus met his entire family on Easter...grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins! He started at my parents house, then went to Kevin's aunt's house.
Fergus had a great time at both houses. At the Listers he even had the opportunity to meet his great grandmother, Mom-mom, the matriarch of the family. Mom-mom instantly won Fergus's heart by sneaking him several pieces of peperoni off the table!
Fergus was well behaved on the car ride home, but was tired. When he came in the house he went straight to bed. He could hardly get up for his visit outside before we went to bed. When we woke on Monday morning he was sluggish to go outside. No lie, Fergus slept all day Monday. It was not until Tuesday afternoon he was back to his loving energetic self. So I guess it is true, dogs sleep at least 20 hours a day!