Okay, I have to be quick today.  Got to rush off to a meeting tonight.  But, wanted to share some updates on Mr Simon.  He continues to do well.  I would describe him as a busy boy.  He likes to look for things to do.  So, that is why we have lots of toys out and about.  My three aren't into toys that much (except Miles likes tennis balls) so it has been fun getting all the stuff out and then shopping for some more things.  He likes just about everything.  Fluffy toys, chew toys, etc.  I think he is a smart boy and looking for stimulation and that's probably why he started the behavior of taking things.  When his surroundings were boring he looked for something else to keep him occupied.

Anyway, I wanted to share with you a video of the type of thing Simon will do and how I've been controlling it.  My daughter took this video.  It shows me dropping some tissues and him picking them up.  He then tries to go under the bed.  This scene isn't perfect since we set it up but it shows a sample of the behavior.  On occasion, he has dashed under the bed very quickly.  He may have known here that I had some goodies so his usual was not as quick.
Anyway, you'll see that rather than running after him and pulling it from him I make it a training session.  I try to sound very upbeat...like.... you better come here buddy or you're going to miss something really great!  He comes.  Then, I don't give him a treat right away.  Otherwise, I'd be encouraging the behavior I'm trying to discourage.  I make him do a little work like sit and stay.   Then, I grab him and his "treasure."  If I were to go right to him and try to take his item he does not like the challenge and will try to keep it.

During the  days he plays with toys and also plays with my dogs.  Mostly he plays with our Standard Poodle, Missy.  Here are a few pictures of them playing and resting.  Then, some pictures of Simon trying to catch some sun in the kitchen.  At night he plays some more and then will cuddle up on my lap.  When he's tired he will even go into his crate by himself.

Today he rang the bell on the back door and went out by himself, did his thing and came back in.  I do think he's really getting it.  We've had a couple accidents in the house but I think he is starting to get the idea that all the business is done outside and when he rings the bell we will let him  out.

Thanks for reading and thanks for thinking rescue!

Okay, I'm having trouble loading videos here again so you'll have to click below for the link.  Sorry...somedays this works great and other days it doesn't like me.

Simon's behavior