First Day: He is so awesome! He slept in his new dog bed all night without a problem.  He did try to sleep with us he is so sweet we almost gave in. We went for a long walk. We met some golden retrievers. He was calm and polite. He doesn't pull at all on the flexi with the harness. He turned up the driveway and led me to the door. Now he is napping in the sun on his bed. He moved it into the sun. He goes searching for his blankie before settling down. He wags his tail whenever someone approaches and follows Chris everywhere. If Chris isn't around, I am good enough. 

One Week:  Rufus is settling in nicely and getting used to our routine and showing more of his personality. He remains very laid back as long as people are around. We left him alone for the first time and he stole some food (2 cupcakes, 2 bagels and a bag of popcorn) where the unsuspecting babysitter had left it. The second time left alone he opened the garbage drawer and had a field day. Ooops. Babyproofing is back. He does not like to be left alone and barks a few times to let us know but eventually settles down for a nap on our bed. He puts himself to bed in his own bed at 10:00. 

Two Weeks: Mr. Rufus is Great!! It is hard to imagine not having him! He is relaxing a bit more and showing us his ver funny personality. He is very playful and pushy (in a cute way). He finds and tosses his rope kong at me and barks when he wants to go out and play. He bounces with excitement about two minutes into our daily walk. He used to pull a bit on the walk home but now is a gentleman. Around 5:30 he barks and goes to the cabinet where the food is. If he thinks he is not getting enough attention he gives us a gentle paw. Last night he tried a different room for sleeping. Admittedly he does have 4 dog beds. The kids love him and invite him wherever they are going "C'mon Rufus, let's go play Wii" and "Rufus, do you want to come up with me while I read?" Doing homework with Rufus is much more interesting than doing it by yourself I am told.  We love our big Rufus Boy!

One Month: We cannot imagine not having Rufus! How amazing that a dog could live with other people for over 8 years and then fit right into our family of six! Today he was so happy when my kids were home from school and playing basketball that he ran sprints up and down the driveway and around the parked car like a puppy. He hiked and swam with his new friend, a golden retriever name Rudy. It has been very sweet to see and feel the trust and relationships developing between all the humans in our house and Rufus as the weeks go by. We gave him a middle name in honor of a dear sweet little boy in NJ who we follow on Facebook who is waiting a double lung heart transplant--Riley. So Rufus Riley is thriving and we are enjoying every minute with him. He has the best attitude in the house all the time. Karen and Chris