We have a new pup here in our home and his name is Achoo. We are currently fostering this little guy until we find the perfect family for him. Achoo is a 9 year old Maltese who was rescued in Korea by Band for Animal and flew to Dulles Airport on January 4th. Achoo is actually our second foster. Cream, who was also a Maltese, came to us in early December and was adopted to a wonderful family just before Christmas.
For the past few days we have been learning more and more about Achoo. First off, he is the sweetest, most affectionate dog. He loves people and being with them. He does have a tendency to cry when he doesn't see his people and so we're hoping to find him a family who is willing to work with him so that he can eventually stay home by himself or a family who is able to incorporate him into their lives in a way that he won't be left alone for too long.
Other than his tendency to cry when left alone, Achoo is amazing. We start our mornings off with his incredible zoomies (he has so much energy!) and then he settles into his routine of napping and playing with toys and napping some more. I have shared some videos of this ball of energy on Instagram (his hashtag is #nmser_Achoo) and it may be hard to tell from watching him be so fast, but he naps just as hard. And he makes the perfect snuggling partner (he loves to burrow under the covers and sleep right next to my leg and he also loves falling asleep in my arms).
He has started crate training. He didn't like it at first but he goes in now when I ask him to go "inside." I have asked Yangkyu to do it as well so that he is familiar with the command from different people. He also doesn't cry as often and I hope that means he is starting to get used to the crate as a safe and relaxing space.
Achoo has also started working on his housebreaking skills. He hasn't had an accident or marking incident since his first day and we have only begun to not use his male wrap as often starting yesterday. I am still very proactive about taking him out but he completely understands that every time he comes out of the crate and after every meal it is "outside" time. He runs to the balcony door and does his business in the backyard.
Achoo definitely knows basic commands in Korean. He knows sit, stay/wait, come and I think he even understands "go inside" which I used when we first started crate training. He picked up on it really fast. For the past day I have been asking Achoo to sit in Korean and as soon as he does I repeat it in English in hopes that he will understand his commands in English. Another fun fact - Achoo even knows how to wait before eating his food until he is told to eat. I don't do this often but he is so great with his stay/wait command that I was curious whether he would be able to do this. And he can!
All in all though I think we have a pretty smart boy on our hands. He is just really quick in picking on things. Did I mention that he was a sweetheart? Because he is an incredibly sweet guy!
Achoo's has issues with his back right leg. He's not in pain but he holds it up and doesn't walk on it. Although for the past few days I have seen him put it down more and walk on it more and more. This doesn't deter him from having his zoomies or having fun while playing with toys. I haven't had the chance to take him out yet on a leash but I do believe he loves going out (he saw me put a harness on Noah yesterday and he wanted to be the one to put it on).
Achoo also eats very well. He loves his food and treats. I am currently giving him 1/4 cup of I and Love and You dry food with 1 oz of Just Food for Dogs. So far he has had their Venison, Lamb and Beef recipes and he loves them all. He does eat on the faster side - he'll take big chunks of food and eat and when he is done with his food he will lick his dish until it is completely clean in hopes of getting one last taste of something good.
I have also been giving him some of the same supplements I give to my Momo girl including pre and probiotics, Turmeric, green lipped mussel powder and Dr. Harvey's Golden Years supplement. He also gets some Answers Goat Milk - we think maybe twice a week would be a good amount for him.
I have wanted to foster for a long time. But many times I thought I wasn't the proper candidate (I can't drive and my schedule isn't flexible enough to attend adoption events, do home checks, etc.) and so I kept hesitating until there was a call out with the rescue who helped bring Noah and Momo from Korea. Instead of assuming I wasn't a good fit to be a foster, I let them know what I can do and can't do and it was good enough. I'm incredibly glad I inquired.
Yangkyu and I were fortunate to have had two amazing fosters who cared for Bartles, Lady and Noah. They (and a few friends on Instagram who are also fosters) really encouraged and inspired us to take on the same role.
Achoo is available for adoption in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. Out of state considerations can also be made (NY, NJ, Philadelphia). All adoption inquiries can be made through Achoo's Petfinder Profile.
Fostering saves lives. And always choose adoption.
More pictures of videos of Achoo can be found on our Instagram.
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