RHETT

To say that West Texas has been an adjustment for RHETT would be an understatement. He is not adapting well at all, poor guy.

He does a lot of this

when he is not doing this

One of the major challenges for RHETT has been the lack of places to go to the bathroom. For some reason RHETT has always been a very private bathroom user (usually backs into bushes so no one can see him) but being that the terrain out here looks like this

he doesn't have many options as to to where to use the bathroom. So for the first couple of days, he found a tumble weed; that was until a big wind gust hit and the tumble weed took off on him mid-potty. He was terrified and stayed away from the tumble weeds for a few days. He finally found the courage to attempt the tumble weed again but again it blew off mid-potty so I think he is officially over the tumble weeds. He appears to be dealing with his fear and he actually went to the potty in the wide open this morning (I think he is quickly learning that's about the only option he's got!)

Another problem we are having with RHETT is his separation anxiety. Here is a picture of RHETT in the car. He refuses to stay in the hotel room when we leave (he scratches on the door, barks, whines, you name it) so he literally goes everywhere we do and just sits in the car all day while we work. He seems to be 100% content just being with us so whatever works.

And here is what he looks like when we get back to the car in the afternoons! For those of you who are wondering, yes I do go out to the car multiple times throughout the day and let him run around and go to the bathroom.

Another problem RHETT is having out here is with his paws and the dead grass. I guess I never realized how soft his paws where until we got out here. When I take him for walks it's so hard for him to walk in the "grass" because it is so dead and hurts him to walk on. It is also covered in stickers. So we did a little research online and found some doggy booties (for hunting dogs) that we are going to try out on him and see if they will allow him to better enjoy his walks! Hopefully, he will embrace them!

The final problem we are having with RHETT is his need to feel like he needs to protect our room from anyone who walks down the hall. I am glad he is protecting but am growing a bit tired of him growling and barking at all hours of the night when anyone walks down the hall in front of our room (literally midnight, 3am.) This can grow a little tiresome, especially considering we are living in a hotel!! I found a box fan at Lowe's this afternoon so we are going to start sleeping with that on in hopes that it will block out any noise from the hallway so maybe he won't be able to hear it!?!?!

Hopefully he will continue to adjust. I feel so sorry for the guy but I try and spend as much time with him as I can; seems to be the only thing I can do!

CMG