We are doing well. I'm exhausted - I think I'm getting a real taste of motherhood - sleeping 2-3 hours at a time; forgeting to eat; over the weekend - more than 24 hours between showers... :)

Duke is doing well and in the last couple of days starting to open up (or wake up) and show some personality. He can be a playful guy! We will have to work on jumping up and using his mouth when playing. He'll be a little nippy on clothes, hands, etc when he's trying to get my attention first thing in the morning or when I get home at night. All of that goes away after a walk. In the evening we've been going on 45 min walks (still slow) and he'll basically come home and crash for the rest of the night on the floor (or sofa).

Walks are very fun. He loves to see everyone getting out of their cars, in their front lawns & garages, etc. He'll stop and stare until he gets a response & then wants to go up and meet them in person. Other dogs will bark from their backyards to say "hi"... he's cool as a cucumber and will look up and keep trotting along. And also look to us for "approval" and seeks a quick pat on the head. Or maybe to let the other dog know that we belong to him? I am probably reading too many adoption/ 'dealing with attachment' books & looking for signs but I am finding many similarities here! :)

His stitches look OK although this morning I noticed one of them was missing so we called the vet. The person Michael spoke to said that as long as the wound looks OK (not open and no infection) then it's fine. He is wearing his collar but if he gets in a certain position on the sofa he can get at his stitches. That's why we've been trying to be with him as much as we can. We check on his stitches 2-3 times a day.

He's eating well and there have been no accidents in the house. He doesn't seem to have any "food aggression" issues either. No damage/chewing on anything. He does not appear to be interested in Yoshi at all. We now have Yoshi coming/going as she pleases when we are in the room with Duke (after his exercise) and he barely notices her. She's been good at walking around slow and always has her escape route in mind. We keep Yoshi in our bedroom with the door closed whenever we are not around or are sleeping.

It does appear that he's a momma's boy and because of that Michael and I are sharing responsibilities like feeding, walks, etc. Michael continues to camp out with him downstairs. Duke's very affectionate. Not only does he love to give kisses - but he'll keep trying until he gets one (or two or three...) on your mouth.