Ok! So I know that I haven’t made a running post in quite some time. Also, this post will clearly be off topic. BUT, Team Kwablo (my husband and I) recently adopted a dog from a local (actually, maybe it's a national) rescue. Since nothing else exciting is going on in my life, I figure why not make a getting to know Limón blog post
Birthday:
We really don't know. When we picked him up early this month, the rescue aged him at 7-10 months and gave him a birthday of November 01, 2024. I guess we'll go with that.
Breed:
We really don't know either. The rescue had him listed as a shepherd/terrier mix, with no specifics on which types of shepherd or terrier. Interestingly, my iPhone's photo app says he is a Blackmouth Cur.
I can really see a lot of similarities between Limón and these images of Blackmouth Curs. Of course, the iPhone's phone app makes these suggestions based on the angle of the shot.
What inspired us to adopt a dog?
Not really sure. I always wanted another dog since the passing of my last one (Bacchus, a beagle) back in 2015. Since we live in Maryland, which has a slower pace of life compared to NYC, we thought why not? Or as my dad sometimes says: Ain't sh*t else to do.
Why did we choose the name Limón?
Originally, the dog's name was Calvin. However, we think the rescue just gave him that name because he never really responded to Calvin during the first few days having him. Limón's name was chosen by the husband because he read a novel that was set in the Limón Providence of Costa Rice, and he always wanted to visit that providence. I was fine with the name because I've visited that region of Costa Rica twice, and I really enjoyed the calm and easy beach vibes. It's an interesting area because that is where many Afro-Costa Ricans live. Or rather, they HAD to live there until the 70s or 80s because they were not allowed to live in other parts of the country. Since many of Afro-Costa Ricans have Jamaican roots, there was a vibrant mix of Latin and Afro Caribbean cultures...which is reflected in the yummy food.
Limón at the vet
Where did we adopt him from (shelter, rescue, foster)?
We adopted him from Lucky Dog Animal Rescue (LDAR). Overall, I thought the process was pretty much what I expected. However, I have to be honest and say that I did't completely agree with all of their procedures for adoption - especially after hearing an adoption story from someone that also visit our local doggie park.
What was Limon’s story before adoption?
F*ck if I know. ;) According to LDAR, he was moved from their affiliate shelter in South Carolina. However, I recently learned that sometimes the rescue transfers dogs from Puerto Rico to South Carolina and to the DC area. So, Limón might be "Puerto Rican". During one of our walks, a person on the street asked me if he was "one of those Puerto Rican street dogs". I thought she was a loon, but it turns out that Puerto Rican street dogs, also known as Satos, are a thing.
However, I'm not sure if he is a Sato because I don't think he understands any Spanish commands. Speaking of which, the hubby (who is from Spain) has yet to teach him a single command in Spanish.
What was our first impression when we met him?
He was super calm and immediately rolled on his back to let me rub his belly. Then, he laid on my foot and rubbed himself on my leg like a cat. To be honest, we were more interested in adopting a 2+ year dog, but I think Limón picked us. There was something about his chill vibe that was intriguing. However, I think he might have been chill because he was overheated. For some of the LDAR adoption events, they have the dogs sitting outside in a hot a** PetCo or PetSmart parking lot. Come to think of it, all the dogs at that particular adoption event were really "calm".
How did Limón react on his first day at home?
First day home was interesting. While cautious, he did not really seem scared by anything. I was 100% shocked that he was so good with being placed in a crate. Then, I was shocked again because we did not hear a single peep out of him while we slept in our room and he in the crate in the living room. I was expecting a bunch of whining, crying, pissing, and pooping. I wonder if the crate didn't bother him because he probably spent most of his time in a cage while at the shelter.
What are some of his quirks or funny habits?
He stretches A LOT, which I think means that he trusts us.
He will plop right next to you with no concerns for your personal space.
He only plays with larger dogs.
Limón stretching it
What are his favorite toys or games?
LOL. He likes this rag (picture 1), which he had while in the shelter and a standard plastic bone (picture 2). We learned very quickly that he is a toy, tennis ball, and bed (picture 3) destroyer. Any stuffed toy will last 20 minutes to 24 hours in his hands...errr paws. For instance, I bought this cow/dog toy (picture 4) from PetSmart the other day, and there were already holes after our 20-minute drive home. There probably would have been more damage to the cow but he dropped the toy on the floor of the backseat and probably couldn't get to it.
How does he behave around other dogs or people?
For the most part, he's fine around other dogs. However, he does bark loudly if he cannot greet a dog face to face (well maybe nose to nose). At the dog park, he prefers to play (sometimes a bit rough) with other large dogs. I wonder if he prefers large dogs bc he has a sense that he might be a big dog.
Limón playing with another big dog at the dog park.
With people, I'm going to have to observe interactions more astutely. In general, he is great with people. However, we were at the bar the other day, and he constantly barked at two different men that were speaking to us. The barking wasn't aggressive because I think it was more of a "Hey, look at me" type of bark. Regarding the 1st man who spoke to us, I think Limón picked up that the hubby and I was annoyed and bothered by the man. Why? The man was a shirtless, drunk and/or high nutjob that was pestering us to buy him a beer and they he tried to sit with us uninvited. On the other hand, the second guy was a really nice gay man, who posed no threat or issue to us. Oh, I only mentioned the gay piece because the guy kind of reminded me of myself (e.g., mannerisms, drinks preference, and even his brand of cigarettes). I hope in the case of the second guy, Limón was simply on alert because of the 1st individual (the nut). However, he didn't have a single problem when women chatted with us.
Limón “protecting” us at the Limerick Pub.
What commands or skills is he learning right now?
Unfortunately for us, Limón is somewhat stubborn and not really food-motivated so training can be a bit rough. So far, he seems to know: 1. his name, 2. sit, 3. lay (with some slight verbal pressure), 4. to sit when in the elevator and before I open a door. We're trying to work on: 1. leave it, 2. down, 3. car (because he's somewhat afraid to jump/step into the car), paw (because I need to lift his leg to put on his harness).
What has surprised us the most about him?
Limón at the park
He doesn't really seem to have any issues with separation anxiety, and I hope this remains the case. Ok, so he may whine a little bit when the hubby leaves...even if I'm still home. But, he only does that for 3-5 minutes. LOL. I am somewhat "annoyed" that he misses the husband more than me. However, I think this makes sense because 1. I'm home with him for longer periods of time since I work from home on MWF. 2. He probably associates me with "bad things" like making him follow commands, giving him baths, giving him his meds (the 1st week we had to give him eye drops for mild infection), clipping his nails, etc. When the husband comes home, I joke and say something like: You know he has been fine ALL DAY. As soon as you arrive home, he loses his goddamn mind.
What’s his favorite snack or treat?
He really loves when we prepare salmon for him. In terms of treats, he really likes doggie beef jerky and pupperoni. However, we have not found a treat that makes him go crazy.
Does he have a favorite place to nap or relax?
He relaxes under the coffee table while we are home. On many occasions, he'll put himself in his crate. Recently, he has started taking his toys out of the crate and treats and putting under the dining room table. Not sure what's that's about.
How is he adjusting to his new environment?
Word on the street is that we should observe the 3x3x3 rule - 3 days/3 weeks/3 months. I guess now we are in the 3 week part of 3x3x3.
What have we learned from him already?
I've learned to be more patient and how to be efficient in getting ready in the morning. Attempting to sing a high note, makes him come to me really fast.
Kwame “attempts” high G to get Limón’s attention.
How do we handle challenges like training or anxiety?
I do not think we have had any major challenges...yet. You might have to ask the hubby if he has major challenges. ;) The biggest thing for me is leaving him alone when he doesn't pick up a skill, or even try to pick up a skill, and to know that it's fine if he doesn't "get it". Actually, I take that back a little bit. We had major struggles walking him with a collar because he constantly pulled. He did get a little better with me, but I would have to hold the leash very tightly with little slack. I wonder if that actually stressed him out more, which led to more pulling. However, the vet informed me that our harness had another place in front of his chest to connect the leash. Since learning this, our walks have been 100% better. However, it is not foolproof because all bets are off when he sees a bird or a butterfly. All that said, he is getting better with the leave it and ignore commands...kinda.
What are our goals for him over the next few months?
Learning more commands and solidifying the ones he knows - especially around distractions.
Getting him to let us know when he has to go potty. Fortunately, we have not had an accident in the house. However, I think this is because we take him out frequently (about 5-8 times a day). But, I would like for him to indicate when he needs to go outside.
Trusting him outside of the crate while I'm at work. I think this might have to wait until he is 2-4 years old. I'll say while working from him he usually just chill in the living room while I'm in my office, BUT on a couple occasions, I've caught him en route to the kitchen...which is a big NO NO for us.