Well, I have been waiting for Tyler to show his true self but it is taking longer than expected so I decided to update what I can.
Tyler is a beautifully marked red Boxer boy who arrived in foster care about a week ago. I allowed my female (Tootsie) to meet him thru the crate the first night since he was extremely stressed. Observing both of their behaviors, I felt she could help him feel more secure....She then layed by the crate through the night and was concerned when he cried. Tootsie is very motherly with puppies and by watching her reaction to his stress and seeing his immature body structure, I felt he was quite young and not the two years old that was stated on the paperwork.
About 5 days after his arrival, we took a ride to the vet office. Tyler was harnessed in the back seat of the car and did excellent on the ride. He slept and at times stood looking out the side window. The vet confirmed my suspicions that he felt Ty was not much over a year, if that. Tyler also met the resident cat and as he approached to say hello, she hissed at him....at which time he backed off and looked at me as if to say "What was that?".
Tyler was initially on a very bland diet because his intestines and stomach were acting up. I have been adding some kibble and chicken back into the yogurt, pumpkin, rice and potatoes and I'm now feeding him larger meals, four times a day. He is very thin and I am hoping to increase his weight now that he is becoming more regular. Despite his stress level and not feeling up to par, he is such a sweet boy and just wants to be loved...enjoys being hugged and kissed. He follows us around and is glued to you until you sit down...then allows himself to relax when he knows exactly where you are. He has been difficult to assess since he has not completely settled in. His eyes are sad... he is still a little anxious, very quiet and has not really exhibited that playful, active Boxer, even when he is with my dogs. I am still waiting for him to decompress completely and come out of his shell. He goes into the crate nicely, sits on command and is learning "wait" when it is time to eat. He rarely jumps but I am not sure that jumping behavior will arise when he begins to feel more comfortable...will have to wait and see!
Both my female (Tootsie) and my male (Leroy) met Tyler separately at first. Now, all three run around the yard together. When they initially race out the door, Tyler patrols the yard prancing all around the perimeter, Tootsie looks for rabbits and squirrels, while Leroy runs to the back fence to see if there is anyone walking by that he could say "hello" to. Tyler also plays chase with his foster siblings, enjoys the time outside but then has to come in to take a nap! He is such a sweet, loveable boy and I am hoping he feels more relaxed soon. I have attached some pictures of Ty and his foster sister Tootsie... Stay tuned for more info on this wonderful boy!