The ongoing saga of Sam. Now 16 months into the integration of Sam. Behavior is much better and more balanced but still moments handful. Clearly he would be a much different dog if he was the only dog in a home. He wants to be the star player and being an equal among equals is not his favorite role.

Still and all, he pretty much plays by the rules. He's adapted to my ideocyncracies quite well though he is not a dog I would let free roam with strangers in the house. That a double edged sword, in that I wouldn't want to be someone who decided to pay an unwanted visit.

I take the two males out on a joined lead, and make the two of them work and cooperate with each other. They perform well, no issues. I sit them and down them so that they have to actually touch each other. Can't have conflicting attitudes with two serious males proximate to each other in the house or on the street. They seem to get it.

Sam is so fast, has so much energy, is a neat dog. He gets better and better. Or maybe I'm wearing rose colored glasses. I do have a hyper critical eye, so maybe the glass is half full, when all is said and done.

16 months on from his cancelled date with the needle, and I'm not sorry he's here.

Excellent work with Sam!

I love hearing stories like this especially when there are so many sad stories out there. Sam sure hit the lottery when you took him into your home.

Sounds like he's been a lot of work but in the end, a great dog to have a around. Thank you for saving him from a needle.

Well, Sam, once known as Bam, will have been here two years in April.

What a mutt. Talk about a long project. He has turned into a loyal and integrated pack member. Still has his moments but nothing a sharp command can't immediately refocus.

He would have been an excellent police partner, I think, but the Sheriff who had the chance wasn't up to the challenge or the training. The NYS K9 Trooper who was running the training, and who had the conscience to look for a home for Sam is the real good guy.

I've reported before that Sam is a shadow. If I stand, he stands. If I leave, he downs by the door until I return. He accompanies my Bride on walks and behaves flawlessly. He is strong as an ox. And where he once wanted to be the dominant dog, he is now a willing equal in the pack. He is my version of Hondo's dog, Sam. Well, maybe not.

In the 50's here in CNY. Too warm. Makes for an inch of mud on frozen ground. Treacherous walking conditions, and muddy mutts.

Four GSDs, with one showing her age a bit. The cycle of stuff. I'd have it no other way.

Anyway, got to wander out into the night and enjoy the temp before it turns to February.

"He is my version of Hondo's dog, Sam. Well, maybe not".

Sounds like my idea of the perfect truck dog.

.........Well, if the Duke had a truck in that movie.

I'll take a good truck dog any day over a top compition dog.

 Quote: Mike Arnold

Four GSDs, with one showing her age a bit. The cycle of stuff. I'd have it no other way.

Anyway, got to wander out into the night and enjoy the temp before it turns to February.

Geeze, Mike. Right when I start feeling a little sad looking at our girls graying muzzle, after only 7 years, and thinking how many more dogs can I allow to rip a piece out of my heart when they pass, I read this from you. Guess that puts it back in perspective and, like you said, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Same here in SW Ohio, starting to turn winter again and time to put up with the walks getting colder. Our girl is still happy over the long muddy hike we took this weekend in 60 degree weather but I guess it's back to reality.

 Quote: Mike Arnold

The ongoing saga of Sam. Now 16 months into the integration of Sam. Behavior is much better and more balanced but still moments handful. Clearly he would be a much different dog if he was the only dog in a home. He wants to be the star player and being an equal among equals is not his favorite role.

Still and all, he pretty much plays by the rules. He's adapted to my ideocyncracies quite well though he is not a dog I would let free roam with strangers in the house. That a double edged sword, in that I wouldn't want to be someone who decided to pay an unwanted visit.

I take the two males out on a joined lead, and make the two of them work and cooperate with each other. They perform well, no issues. I sit them and down them so that they have to actually touch each other. Can't have conflicting attitudes with two serious males proximate to each other in the house or on the street. They seem to get it.

Sam is so fast, has so much energy, is a neat dog. He gets better and better. Or maybe I'm wearing rose colored glasses. I do have a hyper critical eye, so maybe the glass is half full, when all is said and done.

16 months on from his cancelled date with the needle, and I'm not sorry he's here.

THANK YOU for your wonderful work with, and encouraging updates on, "Sam-the-Shadow" !!! You guys are a GREAT inspiration to all of us who endeavor to integrate Multiple Adult rescue dogs into a pet home -- Yes, many months in, there are often ongoing issues that must be meticulously managed ... But such is life in general anyway And as we've all agreed, the hard part of this road is forever when it comes to the Finish Line

Well Sam finally crossed the line with my other male, Titan, this morning.

Sam has been a work in progress since I got him as a rescue. Occasionally he has had the temerity to try to be the dominant dog, and Titan was easy going and kind of endured his annoying behavior. And I didn't tolerate Sam's behavior.

Apparently, this morning, Sam pushed his luck a bit too far. Just got back from the vet, who put 9 staples in one ear and two in one leg, and checked a few other puncture wounds. Got sent home with some antibiotics, and will have to go back to have the staples taken out.

Titan sorted out Sam good and proper.

I wasn't home, and I think a part of the issue had to do with the males wanting to be closer to the bride. But it really doesn't make much difference why it happened. What matters is not letting it happen again.

Sams seems disinclined to posture, at the moment. All and all, and hopefully, an epiphany for Sam.

Kinda angry, really. But it is a cautionary tale... Never assume.

Were they still together when you got home?

Hopefully they have the situation sorted between the two of them but it can also mean a long, hard road with a lot of vigilance on your part.

Good morning Bob,

Yeah, an interesting turn of events. They were not together when I got home but the separation was the decision of my bride and daughter.

Apparently they really went at it, and for some period of time, and judging by their demeanor for the rest of the day, they were exhausted.

When I got home, I immediately put them back together and with little tolerated nonsense, they were verbally reminded of who was in charge.

Within minutes the tails were wagging, the sniffing was going on, and the atmosphere was normal. Since yesterday afternoon they have been proximate and without any obvious issue.

I made sure they had to be in a status quo ante atmosphere. The good thing about dogs is that they are mostly in the now. They are arrayed around me proximate to each other and relaxed.

I've stress tested the mutts a few times and they are, for the moment, in stasis, or so it seems.

A dust-up every now and then is just one of the possible outcomes of having dogs with strong personalities. Probably was a long time in the coming, and may prove to be beneficial in the long run.

They are both aware of my dis-favorable disposition and posturing. It will be a while before I am inviting.

And so it goes.