the back yard is dog-secure

[mellowtigger]

I'm essentially done with the fence. It's not completely finished yet, but it's good enough to contain the dog, which was has been this summer's goal. I don't want to admit how many trips to the hardware stores it took me to get this far. The main lesson is this:

Always choose a basic chain-link fence.

I'm unsure about the gate on the right in this photo. You'll notice it's slightly lower than the other. If it hangs okay for a few days, then I might just accept it as is (and dig the ground out slightly, so it swings freely) and put the latch on it. For now, I've just got twisted wire holding the gate shut at the bottom. Good enough to contain a dog, but still not human-proof yet.

I let the dog out without his leash for the first time today. As expected, he was entertained only by staying near me. You'll notice his shadow beside me on the porch steps.  I wish he could entertain himself with a ball, a rope, something that didn't require my active participation. But he mostly just wants to go on walks with me. All of the toys I've bought him sit unused.  He's a simple dog with simple pleasures; he just wants to go on walks and sniff the grass.

I still don't have the cat and dog living amicably.  I'm slowly asking people if they know someone who wants a dog. He's great with people (especially kids) and other dogs, but apparently he's just too rambunctious around cats for them to tolerate him.  I'm in no hurry, and I could change my mind if the animals start living together well, but the cat has already endured enough banishment.  She deserves to roam the house again.