Marmaduke is absolutely blossoming! He accompanies us on more and more outings and he's become much more confident. Saturday, he went to his first Meet & Greet at the Bowling Green Petco! He was a HUGE hit. People felt compelled to stop to see this strikingly beautiful hound. Most importantly, he settled in nicely within just a couple of minutes. No one would have suspected this was only his third trip to Petco and his very first Meet & Greet. He's a champ! He's still too anxious to take treats outside the house, but it's only a matter of time and more practice. 

As he gains confidence, Marmaduke will make an excellent "special events" hound. He's a perfect balance of social and gentle. He tolerates all people, including children. He would make a good therapy dog, given his calm demeanor and his tolerance for (craving for?) attention. He does need to be watched around small dogs, especially when they approach him quickly without hesitating to greet first (sigh. . . ). He accepts hugs even from the front and he LOVES kisses on the top of his head. He is a champion leaner and he shows affection by nuzzling his head into your chest, or if you are willing to hit the floor with him, by cuddling up to you. He still has a penchant for jumping into the bed and he quickly nuzzles in to lay his head on you, perhaps in hopes that being so endearing will earn him a place there beside you. He's not allowed on furniture, so he's at least learned to vacate when told.

Marmaduke's leash manners are really very good. We've figured out his potty routine, so he has made only one mess in the house during the past two weeks. Marmaduke just insists on a WALK to go poop. He will not go in our yard. A jaunt across the street is usually successful within 5 minutes. Whew! Glad we got that figured out.

Marmaduke is a young, spunky boy. He eagerly awaits being released from medical hold so that he can run off leash and play. He's a big boy so he needs some room to maneuver and he gets pretty wild with his stuffies. When I turned to watch him one evening, he and Ashton had learned to play together. It was a beautiful sight to see them nose to nose, both in a play bow! Seconds later, they started in. It was like synchronized swimming in the family room, except at super high speed! Gotta' love these guys.

Marmaduke is eager to meet everyone at the Picnic. Catch up with him in the X-Pen area or investigating with Ashton.

This picture is from his first Meet & Greet, where he happily settled in with our resident hound, Ashton.