I'm a Pretty Lucky Lady

After some soul-searching nights of "OMG, is this going to work out" when the new landlord hadn't responded after the weekend (when he was due back), and we'd already given our notice here, I'm glad to say we sign the lease either Sunday or Tuesday (depending when the weather allows him to get back). He stayed the week with his family. But, he picked up enough fencing for us to do the small back yard!! So now we just have to buy posts. For not even having technically signed the lease -which we'd be crazy not to sign-, I'm feeling pretty damn lucky.

I've got my husband-in-training, my dogs, I'm going to be able to keep boarding and fostering, and I'm going to live in a nice big farmhouse. Most likely I'll be able to set up the fencing before we even move in. All in time for the holidays :) Oh, and I just got a comfy new chair, since I'm moving to a nice big place!

Okay, okay, it isn't really dog related, but for $30, I'll gloat.

PLUS it's a soul-mate leather match to my couch!! (next pic)

 The Couch that was Missing a Chair

Oh, and since I'm a lucky lady, I've got some lucky dogs coming up from California soon. They've been waiting awhile for the transporter to be available, but should be coming Nov 10th or so.

Chata, (who will be Ginny) is already adopted.

Kane will be my final foster in my current place. The CRD has been advised he'll be my final extra dog around, so we're in the legal clear.

 Lady will be hanging with Allie.

Kane and Lady will most likely be posted on Victoria Adoptables and quite possibly adopted before they even get here. I have my fingers crossed :). IF we can get these two adopted before they come, there's a chance I can send another on the transport.

I have my eye on this guy!

A4351480 Adam is a graceful one year old tan neutered male Spaniel/Longhaired Chihuahua mix puppy who was found in Baldwin Park on October 12th and brought to the shelter. Weighing nineteen pounds, this silky soft, medium energy boy walks okay on leash and adores other dogs. Adam is initially shy around strangers but warms up quickly. Adam will be a perfect indoor pet for an individual or family in any living situation.

To watch a video of Adam please click here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxjjn0TV_g8

More soon on the foster front. I'm looking forward to having Kane if he isn't adopted beforehand. He's kind of tiny, but when I pulled this round -I pulled as Chata was spoken for, and I might as well bring 3-, I knew Kane had to come from the video/picture. He hid in the corners of his cell shaking all day. No potential adopters knew he even existed. He wouldn't have pulled through.

Luckily the CA foster home says both dogs are awesome with dogs/kids, and warm up to people quickly, although they are both initially shy. They're small enough that cats shouldn't be an issue.

Oh, and HAPPY HALLOWEEN. I ran around the city yesterday trying to find Lemon a super-dog cape, but came up empty handed. So, instead, just visualize Lemon in a super-dog cape, and Beckett wearing shades and having a walking stick (he's a blind dog ;) ).

Adios,

Emily

Tug-for-Rescue -A Way to CHEAPLY get Involved

As many of you are I'm sure aware, I am definitely not made of money. So when I lost my ability to foster, it drove me absolutely nuts that I didn't really have another way to help TG out. Fostering is a great way to help out, without spending money. Actually, its a hobby that saves you money, because instead of thinking 'oh hey, we should go out, we should do this, do that, and this other thing', you are home helping a dog become the best they can be. (Of course you can still have a bit of a life ;)).

But, if you can't foster, and you're like myself and definitely not made of money, here's a way that you can help TG http://www.turtlegardens.org/ over the Christmas holidays.

We're making TUG-TOYS

K9HQ Doggy Daycare, where I work, has generously put the word out that we're making tug toys for rescue this year, (a 'what if' idea of mine) with proceeds going to Turtle Gardens and Ocean Dog rescue. The way me make tug-toys is cheap (if you have old blankets laying around, you've got all that you need!) They're 100% fabric so they don't have any pieces that can get stuck in a dog's mouth, and are completely washable. Best part is, if they start to fall apart, you unbraid them, and re-braid them again. And playful dog LOVES these things.

Fosters who've loved them include: Tucker, May, Honey, Toast, Xena, Evee, Dayo, Trunk, Chula, Antoinette, Hank and Lemon (Which is 13/17 for the record!)

Evee with her Tuggie.

We've sent the e-mails out looking for people to braid tug-toys, to scout out locations to sell the tug-toys, and for donations of fabric. As of right now, we're staring on the Island, but if anyone would like to co-ordinate a "Tug-for-Rescue" on the Mainland, please do. Tuggie-ing is EASY. The ones above are simply braided, like one would do their children's hair. We will be putting together videos in the next few days, of how to do more complicated tug-toys.

You can Tuggie on your own, with a group, over wine, while you dine. You can tuggie in the dark, on an arc, while you fart, it's no complicated art. You can Tuggie while watching TV, its that easy, and you'll be doing it all for rescue, cause Yvette's got a zoo, which costs a lot to feed, and those doggies are in need. Won't you Tuggie??  

This is what we need:

 (and anyone who wants to head up their own Tug-for-Rescue will need)

 a.. Donations of fleece (old blankets) or Hemp or Cotton cording
  b.. Business locations for drop off of donations, supplies, and completed Tuggies. Think pet stores, vet offices, get creative! I bet someone could get something up and running on EBAY. They're motivational toys, dog sports people might be in on that.
  c.. PEOPLE  to braid lots of Tuggies (two per person would be great - any more -
amazing). PS: If you pre-cut your fabric, you can do about 3-5 in the span of watching a movie!
  d.. Word of mouth to get it all happening.  Please share with Family, Friends,
Coworkers, Neighbors, Associations, as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and to your
email contacts. Awesome Brownie or Scout project. Or for teachers who want their students to give back to the community. Invite a TG dog to the classroom to get even more interactive!

We can and will supply video clips of step by step instructions on how to make a Tuggy (coming soon).  The strongest & best looking seems to be the square or box braid which many of us
learned in school.  We will keep it simple to the standard 2ft finished length with or without a handle.  For those who catch on and like these sorts of things, the dog bone in a 1ft length.

The Fancy-Smancy Tug-Toy! I will hopefully make one of these :)

We're thinking about holding a 'Tuggie-Thon' as well, with a bunch of people together on a weekend for a few hours to make a whole bunch of tug-toys. I myself am thinking about doing a Harry-Potter, Tug-Toy combined marathon for a weekend at my place. Got a birthday party coming up for some kids. Get them to make a Tuggie each! Great craft time, and everybody's is unique!

We will get videos up shortly to demo how to 'tuggie'. Its simpler than knitting, and after you've cut your fabric, the best thing is you can watch your favourite shows and still do it!!

Please, please, pass this along to everyone you know. We're hoping to do $5 for regular braided tuggies, and possibly $8 for fancier ones. $10 for those crazy "bone-shaped" ones. Any crafty people are welcome to try on their own designs. Each and every tuggie is just a little bit different, so buyers will have multitudes of colors, designs, and thicknesses to choose. And if you're just too partial to a tuggie, go ahead, keep it -but make another one for a rescue in need.

Best regards,

Emily

Lemon's Take

Hi blog-readers, its me, Lemon, previously Aster from TG. My mum has signed the adoption papers, so I'm sticking around for good. I'm apparently crazy, so I make my mum laugh all the time. I'm kind of hyper, but boy oh boy, no one told Beckett he's supposed to be MIDDLE-AGED, and he's wearing me out!

There's talk about a farm, and agility, and obedience, and other friends down the road. Right now, I would just like a nap, and remind everyone that just cause I'm 13 pounds, DOES NOT mean I'm to be carried around like a FROU-FROU poodle. I can walk myself!

I'm not FROU-FROU!!!

I love my yard, daycare, and I'm even allowed to stay home with Beckett and not have to sleep in my crate. I'd rather sleep with Beckett anyway -he's nice and warm!

My mum INSITS I eat and sleep overnight in my crate though. I love my food, and if Beckett hasn't finished his and I've finished mine, his food is free game. Apparently the old guy is skinny and needs his food. I don't complain -MUCH. My mum says she "won't have a butterball turkey as a dog-" whatever that means.

Beckett and I are excellent partners in crime. I've got him loving to chew on socks, I've taught him the finer art of sleeping sprawled out on the couch, and he's taught me how to beg for cheese. I prefer peanut butter on my nose, but I won't stick up my nose to cheese!

We play ALL DAY long! We used to start at 5am, but now we wait until mum is out of bed until we start the party. That way, we get to play longer, and sometimes, we even sneak into her bed and start wrestling with her. What's the fun of having a mum if you can't JUMP ON HER!

I am a pretty fast little runner, and on the trails, mum makes Beckett walk me. I make sure I walk him most of the time though. Mum says I might be part sled-dog! I know she was wanting a 'sports dog', but I'm going to prove that I'm crazy enough and smart enough to be a good sports dog without being one of those "Border Collies" she keeps talking about. You should SEE her DROOOOOOL when we go to the dog-park and there's border collies there. But she knows I'm better (for right now). Besides, what Border Collie would want to play with Beckett -they'd just want to WORK all day. And working is so BORING.

But I play with my brother all day long. Like this:

Mum tooks some pictures from one of our play sessions too:

You'd think being young, slightly hyper and active, I'd wear the old guy down, but he just keeps coming back! Oh well, he's a good play partner, and he likes quiet time too.

Oh, and of course, a girl has to have her own mini-photo-shoot (inspired by not doing the housework).

My mum says I didn't win the jackpot, but I think being adopted at all, I'm a winner. I would like to note that she won the jackpot though! I'm fabulous after all!!!

I'm looking forward to having more friends around in the future, and helping them become 'real dogs' like the pack here has shown me. I hear my mum might take on another "puppy" in the future, which I would LOVE. Beckett too! He still gets excited when we visit Suhki at the park!

Well, that's my blog, and look for me in a bunch of pictures once 'The Funny Farm' --oops, I'm not supposed to call it that---, once fostering again becomes a reality.

Bye for now,
Lemon

Ducks in a Row

Okay, there's still one tidbit left to fill in, but some very exciting news.

Dec 15th we move to a farm! And despite needing to put up fencing (anyone have some ideas where to go look for cheap fencing??), we'll be fostering, boarding, and generally be dog-people again by Christmas!!!

Now, this doesn't mean any of you rescue heads get to send me dozens of dogs okay.

We sign the lease early next week.
But for curious minds, this will be our new digs:
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=244+Hartland+Ave,+Victoria,+BC&hl=en&ll=48.527412,-123.441518&spn=0.000863,0.002328&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=27.424382,76.289063&vpsrc=6&hnear=244+Hartland+Ave,+Victoria,+British+Columbia+V9E+1L7&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=48.527412,-123.441518&panoid=jZmYu_ELofOSPYeTgibgPQ&cbp=12,11.83,,0,7.11

And no, it will not be named the foster farm, the funny farm, or the Doog (dude/dog) Ranch, although it might resemble those things.

So, although I'll be out of fostering commission until Christmas time, I will be back -and with land that # of dogs (under 10 at least) will never be an issue.

I like to think the world tries to balance the good and bad. At this point, I think I better pony up and do some more good for this one to balance out in the end!

4 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, 2 acres, at a very, very good price. Whatever is watching, thanks!

Oh, and cause I haven't yet written a blog of Lemon being an official member of the Looney Tunes ---I mean our family!!!--- here's one of my two TG alumni.

They remind me of the song "I wanna be like you" from the Jungle Book. Lemon tries to do everything Beckett does, including MARKING on the trials. Same ears, same tail, same posture. Except one is a sled-dog with tall legs, and one is a 14 pound lap dog. But they're meant for each other ;)

Its Been a Great Road, but the Journey Ends Here for Now

Well, sometimes the pieces fall where you don't want them to, regardless of your best intentions. So it is with the latest situation. I talked to the CRD, I talked to a couple of neighbours, and as completely bullocks as it is (even the CRD would like to side with me), one person with a hate-out can, and has, ruined it for everyone involved.

At my current residence, I can no longer foster, and I can no longer board dogs either. The regulation states "Four dogs per parcel," and with two upstairs, and now two downstairs, we're full as far as bylaw is concerned.

If there wasn't a complaint (or more, a series of stupid complaints from one lady with a hate-out), they would have never done anything about it. They even know countless places that are over-limit. As the lady on the phone explained "We don't go looking for people that break bylaws, but when reported, unfortunately, regardless of particular circumstance, we must follow protocol."

On a brighter note, it was reassuring to be reminded we were doing something good. Our immediate neighbour with Sunny is very sad, as is the neighbour on the left, who finally got a handle on his dog barking at the fence when other dogs approached. With any of our dogs, he doesn't do a thing now!

None of the fosters we've had have ever had a problem with the landlords, or in interactions with neighbours, which is a testament to how awesome TG, Island Dogz, and my own lucky pulls have been. Not only have they grown into themselves here, but they've had a positive impact on the cul-de-sac. Whenever we were out, we had people ask us who was with us, who was looking for homes, and a few kids on the cul-de-sac were always coming up to pet the dogs. And the dogs were always very good about dealing with anybody and everybody -even the shy guys!

It is very sad to see that such a positive thing can be brought down by one nay-sayer, but it seems that nasty neighbour has won. (If only I could report her out of control children! We think this all started with Andy, our landlord, politely asking her to keep the kids off the cul-de-sac when people would be getting home from work, as he nearly ran into one of them when they came out of a bush on a bike!)

Life. Good people (and dogs) getting the short end of the stick. But, I believe Karma will pay them a visit. I'm tempted to print off the pictures of the dogs that have been saved by coming here and distribute around the cul-de-sac, but that might get knickers in an even bigger knot.

On a much brighter note, we've got the go-ahead to keep Aster. So, I'm officially a foster-failure! We named her Lemon before we got the unfortunate news about the # of dog situation. And I think Lemon both suits her, and the situation that is around her.

For someone who thought it would take a very long time to foster-fail, this was quite unexpected. And it took her nearly two weeks of being here until it hit me in the face that she was supposed to stay forever. Plus, the situation on top of it. Memo: if shit hits the fan and you still can't part with them, they're supposed to stay! Oh, and if you really want to say no, even when shit hits the fan, and you just can't, they're also meant to stay.

I think in the end Beckett chose his sister, and I just gave the final approval. Now they play like loonies all day. Lemon has even gotten Beckett playing tuggie -something he's NEVER done before-. I caught them with my flip-flop this morning dancing around the livingroom. I might not even have to exercise them at this rate! Just kidding. With all this time on my hands, I'm sure we're going to be walking even more than usual.

Jerrad was kind of funny: "Hey, we'll have time to DO THINGS! . . . oh wait, we don't have money to do things." Oh ain't that the truth! At the very least, we'll have a month or two to work with Lemon, conquer the list of things that are hard to get accomplished with a bunch of dogs around, and we might even be able to you know, do stuff that doesn't involve dogs? ---I need to figure out cheap things that don't involve dogs. My non-dog entertainment involves a lot of driving out to Port Rentfrew and stuff like that.

So, a little video of my two TG Alumni. Beckett, one of the sheriff dogs, adopted May 2008, and Lemon, a little momma dog who couldn't look after her pups and was ditched, foster-failed Thanksgiving Weekend, 2011.

My Fur-Kids

**** Update. Two potentially great prospects with regards to the future of fostering.

1) We're looking at a little rancher on 12 private acres that's for rent, and if I ever needed to, I could get a boarding liscence for a minimal fee a year to have up to 20 dogs on property.

2) One of the other foster mums from Island Dogz has had a similiar issue. Although she lives in Nanaimo, she was able to contact Animal Control and be granted permission to have foster dogs as they weren't hers, she wasn't responsible medically, and Animal Control is about keeping animals out of shelters.

So there might be hope around the horizon!

For now, I'll keep my spirits high. With Lemon around its hard to be in a bad mood anyway. She makes you laugh too much!

If you wouldn't mind keeping your fingers crossed for us, it would be much appreciated!
Best wishes,
Emily

Ah, The Inevitable Rollercoaster of Rescue

I'm been suckered-punched a few times this week, but suprisingly, I'm feeling rather good about it all. In a weird sort of way, I'm feeling energized. I think this partially has to do with the biggest up of this adventure I've been on.

I've Foster-Failed. Aster -now Lemon- is staying. At this point, I've completely decided. Even with the potential that I might not be able to foster here anymore, she's pretty much family. She makes me laugh my butt off every single day. She is outgoing, super quirky, doesn't have a mean bone in her. She's cuddly, but not needy. She's good left alone, and she's awesome at daycare. Plus, she likes to sing to the fire trucks as they go by, which would be kind of annoying on some dogs, but with her, I just can't stop laughing about it.

She's small enough that I don't worry about having to find a new place with her -even with the fact staring me in the face that I might have to move sooner than I thought if I want to keep boarding (I'm still adamant about finding a way to foster/board and have my two dogs).

But what sold the deal on Lemon was Beckett.

I hadn't really thought about keeping her as she's quite small, but with having just her and Beckett around for 3 days -Diesel has been crated whenever someone can't keep a good eye on him, as he was marking-, they played like loonies. They slept together, they get in little husky-like conversations with each other. Not only does Lemon initiate play, but Beckett will follow her around and initiate play with her too. They're in love. When other dogs are around they have their own friends, but, if it comes down to it -and it might sooner than I ever thought- to where I can only have two, they love each other enough that having extra friends over won't be an issue.

So, horny-little-house-guest will almost certainly become permenant. I just have to seal with deal with the landlords, which, considering they've been after us to get a permenant second dog for awhile, I don't think will be hard. But, at the same time, nothing seems to be easy here anymore. So, I won't party quite yet, but 95% sure Aster (Lemon) is staying.

Some pics of Lemon and her most-likely new fmaily.

Couple of Nuts!

Refusing to Look at the Camera

Lemon hanging out with Jerrad

Talking to Each Other

Love

My Fur-Kids

And as for the downs.
After the moments of pity-party, I quite suddenly realize I'm a big girl, wearing big girl panties, I'm well-versed, I can write a mean letter, and when I set my mind to something, its going to get accomplished. Am I not incapable. I can be a force to be reckoned with. I might not get through this with rainbows and butterflies, but I will get through this. And, if it comes to it, I clean up good!

On a completely different note, Jean reminded me there are a ton of rescues/people that have over the limit and are never reported. I'm very thankful for all the great neighbours they must have! Despite a nasty neighbour here and there --Cheryl (Suhki's mum) has complaints about the height of her bamboo even!--, its reassuring to know most people are helpful.

I've sorted most things out on the dog front. Hank -now Duke- is being adopted this afternoon! They're coming over to seal the deal in an hour or two. In a weird twist of fate, Hank met up with Suhki at the pet store, and Suhki was all over him like a dirty rug. I love little details of fosters meeting up again. Its amazing that they make such good bonds while in foster care. Not a single one whose come back here for even a quick visit hasn't been excited out of their mind. That makes it obvious to myself that I'm doing a good job with them. And that is its own reward.

Jerrad has taken Diesel over to Van to spend the week with Becky, and then he'll head back up to TG. I think Diesel will miss us. When there's only 3 dogs around, he's super content. He follows us everywhere, always wanting attention, always looking for direction. Very needy fellow, but very loyal.

He was quite upset Beckett never did play with him:

Be good Diesel! You might need some more time to get comfortable in your skin, but you're going to make someone a very loyal dog :).

I'm also greatful for my great support system.

I've had great support from Sarah, who, if it comes to it, will take Beckett on for a few weeks, or possibly one of the Chis from Cali. The last resort is kicking my own dog out of the house, but I have a commitment to the 3 coming up, so if I can't find a solution for them, it might come to that. It doesn't hurt that Beckett is pretty much the easiest going dog. When I go away there are usually fights about who gets to take him.

Cheryl and Peter, Suhki's people, have been great too, offering to take Lemon on for me for a couple of weeks. Her and Suhki are best buds, and it'll give them the chance to see if they'd like to either foster down the road, or find Suhki a companion! The hardest part about adopting her is what it means for the incoming dogs. NO ROOM! So, this way, if I need to, I can keep sort of have the Lemon and eat it too!

I've contacted a couple of the rescues I work with about having someone to foster Kaiser, as he's sponsored to come up. I'll kick Beckett (or Lemon) out of the house to have him if need be, but I'd really rather not kick my own dogs out!! So far I've only heard back from one -and that rescue doesn't have any for him as they've just saved a ton of dogs I guess-. Oh well, today its a good thing I've fostered for a couple of different places!

This is Kaiser's link and video: http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=170290916384681&set=a.161633100583796.41900.151616524918787&type=1&theater
If anyone might know of any leads to find him a foster home, give me a shout. He's welcome to go to any rescue that will take him on and is neutered and healthy. He might be finishing the tail-end of kennel-cough. He's tested well with other dogs. I picked him out of hundreds of dogs at the shelter, and although I'm kicking myself in the arse for ever rescuing on my own, I'm still glad he wasn't put down. He's already had one miracle, but is looking for another. Does anyone have room for a sociable, good-looking boy? I can most likely supply food at least.

And as for CRD, I've sent an e-mail, so hopefully I will hear back soon. Tuesday I go and talk to them in person. And then we go from there I guess. I haven't had a foster stay for more than a month, so my fingers are crossed that I can somehow continue to have 4 dogs at my residence, as long as only two of them are permenant.

Most people who know me say I follow a straight and narrow road in life. I am unflinching when I am passionate. But sometimes what they don't understand is that to follow the straight and narrow road, you have to bulldoze your way through a lot of mountains.

Will keep you posted.

Some Terrible News

Neighbours have complained about the number of dogs on the property. My landlords were awesome and tried to find anything they could that would be able to include a foster or two, boarding dogs, etc. Although with them my max is 4 -which is a great number for me, as I can have two fosters and a paying customer. My new limit is 2 -which apparently includes board dogs, foster dogs, Beckett -and Aster, who I really want to keep.

I have no idea how this works, as many of my co-workers have between 5-9 dogs at most times, but for now I'm at a complete stand-still. Luckily Hank has gone to his possible home, and has back-up with Sarah if we need it. Diesel is leaving tomorrow. Willie (a short-term foster while his usual foster is on vacation) will be gone Friday, and I don't have any board bookings yet.

My main concern is with my CA dogs. Kaiser, Kane and Lady are coming up in the next week or two. Either Kane or Lady will be fostering with my co-worker Allie, but that leaves two extras that I have no back-up for. I'm not too worried about taking the small one on, but I've saved Kaiser, I've paid for him with my birthday money from my family, and now I'm worried sick that he has no where to go once he hits Canada! I'm not a cryer, but I'm so overwhelmed. Not only with fosters, but although I don't do a lot of boarding, it does help a significant part of the rent!

I'm desperately hoping someone knows more than I do. Apparently you can have only 4 dogs on property (I was under the assumption that was four of your own dogs!). Apparently its per household too, so we have to count Sam + Sophie from upstairs.

I finally find the second dog I want, and to have her it seems I need to give up having any board dogs, and/or fosters -or at least until we finish off this lease. And I REALLY like my place. I don't want to leave my place.

F. That's all I have to say at this point. Just F. If they were noisy, I'd understand. If I knew what the problem was, I'd try to fix it. If they were rude to people, I'd understand. We live in a little cul-de-sac with a swamp on one side and a big wooded mountain on the other. There's noisy dogs all around us -I KNOW cause I'm at home most of the day when I hear them howling-. I have not complained once. I have not complained about one of the neighbour's stupid little dogs that keeps charging my dogs when we walk by their place. I have not complained about neighbour kids who are ALWAYS running around the cul-de-sac, nearly getting run into with cars. I do not complain about the one neighbour's dog near the end of the street that usually goes for walks with me when he's left outside unattended. There have been numerous times where I've had to toss him back in his own backyard or he'd try to come home with me!

What do I do? Most specifically with Kaiser the pittieX. Oh what the heck do I do? It seems I'm going to have to give up Aster to fufill my commitments to Kaiser, and if I have to, that's what I'll do I guess.

Just overwhelmed -and just when things got all worked out.
And now, if you'll excuse me, I need go take a long shower and pretend none of this is happening.

TG Team for the Win

Alright, I must admit, whatever hardships TG goes through, we have a great team, and I never feel like I'm completely stuck. Hopeless for a day or two, yes, but never completely and totally stuck.  For being a rescue whose only come into fostering recently, I'm thankful for our team of people. Lisa, Jean, Denise and her crew, and my own co-workers who step it up when they need to! I've very glad of our loyality to each-other. The people pack!

Update: as of 9:30pm.

Hank is staying the night with Jess and is loving all of her girls. She even volunteered to finish up fostering him if we couldn't find Diesel a place to go. She quite likes him, which I knew she would. Hank is a very good dog. Foster mum Sarah also volunteered to take Hank in if need be for a week or so until Diesel could potentially head back up to TG. Luckily for Hank, he has a homecheck tomorrow! I sent the e-mail off asking if we could do the homecheck sometime this weekend, and they replied with "How soon can we do it?" ---I love when people are excited like that!

Diesel is also doing very well, and I totally put in a good word for him. He's loyal, he gives great eye contact, he is trying to initiate play with Beckett, but Beckett isn't quite sure they should be that chummy yet! He hasn't tried to lift his leg on my furniture tonight. He knows his name, he settles nicely by mine or Jerrad's feet. Without Hank in the house I can see his stress pretty much melt away, and he didn't so much as blink when the landlords' dogs came outside to greet him. I think without his son Toojoe around, Diesel is becoming more of a follower.

Actually, I think Diesel is Mr "Meat and Potatoes". Someone sounds the alarm for battle and he's the first one in there fighting, but he definitely doesn't call the shots. He's no alpha dog, he just knows he's good at fighting. Almost like a soldier. He does what he's told to do.

In other news, I'm getting kind of attached to Aster, which is really quite odd as although I quite like having smaller dogs around, I didn't think I'd actually want to adopt somebody as small as she is. I'm pretty sure once she gets an application or two that I'll feel differently as I'll see the amazing life/lives she can have that beat me hands down. Maybe I'm just on the rebound for Trunk.

Oh, here are some pics of Diesel.

His good looks make up for my really messy chair!

 Reminds me of Goofy.

I'm not sure where the mane comes from, but Diesel really reminds me of Scar from the Lion King!

Please lets go for a walk?

Totally Good-Looking Young Man!

Look at that non-flinching eye-contact, even with flash on the camera!

Dear forever home: I'm a Good Boy who needs firm leadership. Little corrections don't phase me AT ALL. I am stubborn, but you show me why I should follow you, and I am a constant loyal companion. I will challenge you, but overcoming challenges will make us bond together. I'm sort of sheepish, very good-looking, and need to be reminded whose in charge. PS: I like the ladies and they like me back! Some boys are jealous of me, and sometimes I can be jealous of other boys my size or bigger. Any ladies looking for a bachelor like me? You provide the discpline, I'll have your back every step of the way.

Diesel will be heading off either Saturday or Sunday to his new foster, that doesn't include Hank. Even though its been quite the little adventure, I'll kind of miss him and the way he always looks for direction, and the way he perks his ears like he knows you're talking to him and is rapt to pay attention to every word. Under different circumstances, I know he would be fun to work with. A challenge most definitely, but at least he's eager to do things.

Hey, I somehow managed Beckett, who was -and is still- eager to go for a walk, eat food, and hang with other dogs, and smooze with girls in bikinis (if Jerrad and I ever broke up, Beckett would be the best bachelor's dog ever! Where a hot girl is on a beach, you're bound to find Beckett sidling up to her!). Other than that, he'd rather not learn a damn thing!

Beckett: Please mum for the sake of pleasing mum -yeahright, why the heck would I do anything for my mum just to make her happy? I do what she says, or she gets scary. Oh, and I do what she says when I go off-leash, or else I need a leash, and leashes suck! I'm nice when I feel like it.

Ah, I love him anyway. What's having a dog without a challenge here and there.

Oh, and in finishing for the night, a couple of Aster and Beckett together.

Aster perfecting her Husky Ball

Squish!

What the Heck -Why the Hate-on Boys?

I've dialed into my 'I'm just going to get through this' side. Panicing isn't going to help much -granted, underneath this self-imposed resolution, I'm sure I'm still panicky. Oh well, don't let them see you sweat right! Move forward!!

So Diesel. Take Hank out of the picture, and he's a great dog -minus trying to mark my house! He's fine with Beckett, he tries to play with Aster, he was completely fine with me bringing Willie (Evee's brother BTW) in. Greets him very politely, even gives him a little play bow to get the shy guy more comfortable. He walks well, he wants to play with you, he likes to lie by Jerrad's feet and watch him play video games.

And then Hank. Take him to daycare and he's solid with everyone -even the idiot male Airedale who thinks he's king of the daycare. BTW: Who the heck thought of the bright idea to put a terrier in a big dog body! Hank gives appropriate warning, he's fairly tolerating, he's playful, and at times he's even submissive to other big male dogs. Quite hontestly, he's a joy to have at daycare (except that he keeps peeing in areas that are hard to clean!)

So what the hell is the problem with these two!!! They're both great dogs, but the instant they even sense each other, all war tries to break loose. Jerrad's on mission keep Diesel out of the house and keep him exhausted with exercise. My fantastic friend and co-worker is taking Hank for the night to her house with a bunch of bitchy female dogs that will fawn over Mr. Handsome. Its a temporary solution, but I'm thankful for my support system. To Jerrad who puts up with much more than he probably should have to dog-wise, and for still sticking with it, and to my friends who lend a hand to my fosters where they can.

So, its not necessarily a brighter day in terms of behaviour, but its gotten a whole lot more manageable. The hardest part: how the heck would I explain a big ass fight to my landlords and have them still thinking fostering is a good idea.

Memo to self: learn to say no. Why the heck is it so hard to say no? I say no to California dogs nearly every single day now -the number of yesses far, far outweighs the number of negatives at this point-, but when it comes to TG, I find myself jumping in too often. Maybe part of me aspires to be as amazing as Yvette and Dave who run the rescue, but whose kidding who, I will never be as amazing as Yvette. Yvette makes me believe there must be some sort of higher power, cause I don't know how a person like her would be created without one! I want to help them as much as I can. But this, this particular situation isn't helping anybody!

But if I know TG, the support system always finds a way. I'm looking into a few kennels just in case for Diesel, as he needs to be gone before Saturday night or I think we'll all go nuts. But you never know, Jerrad might decide to go camping with Diesel for a few days or something like that.

Either way, I'm still waving that white flag, I'm just being more collected about it. In reconstructing behaviour, we ask a dog's mind to move forward. And right now, that's what I'm asking of myself.

I Will Go Down with This Ship?

What happened to my awesome six-some? Heck, bring me back a week, as much as a couple of puppies is tiring, I'll take that over this feeling of near helplessness that has come my way.

Poor Diesel failed his adoption. I took him for a walk -does fine-, is fine being handled, is friendly with people, did fine with the dogs at TG. Fine with Aster too. Unfortunately, not so hot with the boys. 

Diesel is fufilling his own prophecies. He walks around like he's going to be mugged, and has his daggers ready. So of course, when you think there's a mugger around, someone is bound to turn into one. When a victim shows up, so does the aggressor.

All night I've been trying to get the boys settled, but so far no luck -where is THE BITCH when I need her. Right at this moment I really want Buster back. She'd have these teenage boys whipped into shape in minutes! Memo to self: second dog, I need a true dominant style female, most likely in the age range of 4-7.

Anyway Diesel has this energy that screams 'attack me', and he responds in kind. He has the scabs to prove it poor guy. And Hank, although the two were fine together at TG, has a hate out for Diesel's energy. He hates anyone that isn't balanced -although hasn't done anything at the daycare, even with the crazies-, but for whatever stupid reason, even after about 2 hours of pack walking, Diesel and Hank just won't mesh and its driving me up the wall. I haven't even been able to let them interact with each other, as a fight tries to break out as soon as they look at each other! And its bloody different each time I try to get them together. Sometimes Hank is the complete jerkwad and starts the growling, which starts Diesel lunging, which starts the snarling, etc, etc. And sometimes its the other way around. What the heck am I supposed to do? I don't even know whose the problem!

To be fair, Beckett's told me loud and clear whose the problem, and although Hank is nastier in terms of correcting (he turns into a completely different dog with Diesel here), Beckett doesn't have an issue in the world with Hank.

Even Beckett dislikes Diesel's energy, and although he will call off (cause he knows the full extent of his mother's power), I'm at a loss of what to do. I mean, I know Beckett will scrap, but at the same time, he's one of the most balanced dogs I know, so if he has problems with a new dog from the get go, I really have to take a step back and realize it probably isn't going to work.

So, I'm waving a white flag. I know its early in the game to give up, and I'm not going to give him to the SPCA or anything stupid like that, but I do, I give up. This is where I finish.

I won't give up on Diesel, and I won't give up on Hank, but I will give up on fostering the two of them together -unless the wonderful Lisa can't save me from this sinking ship. No pressure Lisa ;)

At the same time Diesel has so much going for him. He likes people, he's friendly with people, he walks nicely on a leash, he seems to be good with most female dogs, he learns things quickly -just not around my dogs anyway-. In my opinion, he really needs somewhere that can devote a lot of one-on-one time to him, or quite possibly, he might need some more time at TG to realize he is a dog, and not a victim. He's a fairly anxious guy, but the crate is already helping him to discover he has a safe place where he doesn't have to worry about being mugged.

Okay, still waving that little white flag. And hoping things are better in the morning.

From 6 to 4

Chula and Antoinette joined their forever home last night! They were such an awesome pair of Chihuahuas, -and still are-. Not a fault between them. Chula is the cuddler extraordinaire, and doesn't leave your side. Netty is the scrounger. Wherever a crumb happens to be, she's on it! And having a nice BIG house now, she's sure to be in paradise, finding crumbs all day long! She was pretty darn happy to be able to run in circles like a loonie. One day we'll have a nice big house too, but you know what, I can appreciate the little cleaning that goes on with about 800 square feet. I like being done the main cleaning routine in 2 hours.

They're story is a long one, but from being on death row in CA, to living the pampered life now, its got to be good! Its disheartening that so many 'no issue' dogs are put down every single day -especially when we take a look at some of the dog-dog aggressive dogs, or even people-aggressive dogs we see in our own shelters. Its a sad reality that over 75% of the dogs in our own shelters would be immediately put down in CA. So, although I can't save them all, and I can't save whackloads, I can save a life here and there in my own small way. Netty and Chula were the two that started this road, and will always be remembered as my first 'self-rescues'.

Enjoy your new home girls! You deserve it!

Please enjoy some pictures from the girls' stay in foster bootcamp! (Which they passed day1) If you feel like getting a little emotional, you can do what I've done, and listen to this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qFIaI1M5kU (open in a new tab) while looking at the pics :)

I wish you all the best girls in your fabulous forever home. Be good sisters to one another, and good girls for your mum! Enjoy your Halloween costumes, your 'puppy shower', and the good things in life. We'll make sure your adoption fee goes back into helping other CA dogs find awesome homes in Canada!

Love always,
Your foster mum.