Slim Jims Adventure Walk: Hi Katie, Mary Kate Olson wasnt at Richmond Animal Care and Control but she left word that she would like her friend Slim Jim to go in her place. Jim was very pleased to receive such a gift for the Holidays! When I found Slim Jim in his kennel he was quietly and patiently sitting watching me as I walked up, he stood and wagged his tail and held still for me to pull a collar over his head. Turned out the boy had quite a big head and some adjustments had to be made to my martingale before it would fit! Once leashed up he walked nicely out of the kennel and too the car where he calmly climbed in and sniffed around. On the drive to Reedy creek occasionally his big head would appear between the seats and I would pet him and talk to him and I had the feeling he was listening and looking forward to the hike. I can really only say good things about Jims manners, for a 11 month old dog coming right out of the kennel he was a very well behaved boy and as we set off down the trail he walked nicely at my side. I think the only time he really pulled at the lead was when he saw other dogs as he wanted to go over and say hi and he seemed well mannered in his greetings here too. I dont want to give the impression that he was all calm and easy, he had a playful side too and was occasionally very exuberant in his expression. His favorite game was to grab the lead and hold it in his mouth, he would then try to engage me in a tug of war, I was OK letting him do this so long as he walked but when it got to the point that he wasnt walking I would sternly say leave it and he would let go of the lead. If he was back at it right away I would give him a follow up no and he would drop the lead and return to walking nicely along side me, I was very impressed. We followed a stretch of the Buttermilk trail through Reedy creek and then walked down alongside the river stopping occasionally to let Jim sniff around and do some loose lead exploring. He would eventually take up the walk again leading but easy going and looking back occasionally, making eye contact to make sure I was still there. With a little leash pressure he would drop back to walking with me and we proceeded like this across the access bridge to Belle Isle then through the meadow and woods to a beach. At the beach he had a loose lead again and walked over to the water right away but seemed a little unsure about it, he walked in a little and had a drink then jumped back out. He would go back and walk up and down in a couple inches of water or sniff around in the mud. We found a stick and I threw it for him and he came alive, pouncing after it then picking it up and worrying it. He would either bring it back or sit down to chew it and liked a little tug game but was happy to give it up and have it thrown for him so he could fetch it again. Jim had some fun playing on the beach then we headed back through the woods and did a little jogging along the way which he really enjoyed, he would get excited and grab the lead again and hold it. As we arrived back at the Reedy creek area a little ahead of schedule we visited the meadow and stopped at some boulders, I thought he might hop up for a photo but he just placed his paws on it and looked around not quite sure how to proceed. A cookie just out of reach got his attention and worked hard to stretch out and get it and seemed quite happy with himself as he chewed on it, a job well done. I liked Jims easy calmness and good manners, his leash skills and willingness to come when you talked to him not to mention a good sit when asked. I think all this went with his big head, he had that big dog personality of watching and waiting and despite not being a water dog or a rock climber he had that easy confidence and self assurance. I think Slim Jim was a good all rounder who would make someone a wonderful companion and would be a great addition to any home. Thank you so much Katie for sponsoring a shelter dog for a Holiday walk, Slim Jim had a great time! He is available with Richmond Animal Care and Control. If youre interested in sponsoring an Adventure Walk for a rescued dog, please visit canineadventure.net/store/sponsored-walk
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 16:00:01 +0000