With Confidence Comes Attitude

I love building confidence in shyer dogs. To see them come out of their shells into the dogs they are meant to be is very rewarding. However, as much as confidence building is a good thing, it comes with the added inclusion of: attitude.

Because the dog is developing their sense that they have some control, that they are safe, and that they are capable, they also figure out fast that they can get away with some things with other dogs (and/or people). Confidence isn't a bad thing, it just comes with its own set of hurdles to tackle.

Chow is far from the shyer dog she was when she came. She interacts well with people and other dogs, and has great introduction skills now, where before she was a little on the fearful side. She has learnt a lot of things. She loves going for long hikes and no longer hides from bikers/joggers/horses. She is still a great dog, but a dog that is definitely confident. Her sharpei and terrier are emerging, and she's figuring out she likes to be bossy!

She reminds me very much of how Honey switched. One day Honey was a fearful terrier mix, and then the lightbulb went off that she was indeed a terrier. She never went back. I don't think Chow will either.

With her attitude, she's getting to be a bit of demanding dog. She's pushy. She's got a strong personality. And Beckett and Lemon don't, so they don't put her in her place.

But -she's got me. And I'm got personality and attitude that trump hers for miles and miles.

Yesterday saw the arrival of the Taiwanese dogs, and although Chow did have good introductions skills she tried to make it known quite quickly that Beckett was 'her dog'. Poor Jasmine, who is one of the most submissive dog I know- got a good nip. But Chow got the shitty end of the stick. I don't usually practice rolling or pinning dogs, but the instant I heard that cry from Jasmine Chow was on her back. There is one fundamental rule in this home, whether you're a foster or not.

You do not get to hurt other dogs.

Not that Chow really HURT her, it wasn't an attack of anything. But a strong nip is an upgrade from her usual guarding tactics,and it hurt Jasmine as far as I'm concerned. You can be confident, but you can NOT be a jerk!

Chow hasn't gone back for more or tried anything further. Except she's tried to make friends with Jasmine and Jasmine is like 'what the hell puppy, you snapped at me. You're SCARY!'. She got the point. Foster mum is the biggest bitch on campus. Chow hasn't tried to guard Beckett or her bed again, and she seems to be looking at me more thinking things though. 'Hmm... should I share my bone with those outsiders??' The look goes a long way with her. Still, she's kind of like that teenager who is weighing their options (reminds me of Beckett actually). Can I get away with that, or am I going to get in shit. Strong personality dogs need strong personality, confident people. For her, I'll be that person -I'm SO used to it with Beckett. The 'no shit' mantra.

She's also been a little guardy with her crate and food from the new dogs. With Beckett and Lemon, her 'pack', she'll let them right in her crate and right into her food bowl. It's so sharpei. That outsider thing. They are a type of dog that is very sure of themselves, very confident. Doesn't trust easily. And the terrier in there pushes it. I know a lot of terriers with guarding tendencies (still, it is a behaviour, not a genetic trait, so can be worked on. Just needs to be worked on harder than your shitzu or whatever.)

This does not mean Chow is a difficult dog, or a bad dog. It means she is finding herself, and her breed traits are showing through. It also makes it easy for me to work on it, as I have every opportunity to correct her and show her the correct way. And, it makes it obvious that even though I love her, she'd rather not be a dog that lives in a foster type environment. She needs 'her pack', and of course friends, but not the stream of dogs that comes through like here. Of course she'll be just fine to finish up her fostering here, and I'll still enjoy my time with her -even though she's now a confident, slightly bratty youth and not a shy girl.

Still, I love her very much, and she is a good puppy who just needs further commitment to her ongoing training and education. This is the dog underneath the shy girl. This is Chow!

Doesn't She Look Proud!

A Pair of Calm Middle-Aged Dogs

Why is it everyone wants a puppy? Even as good of a puppy as Chow is, she's got a lot of energy. She needs a couple of hours of play time with the other dogs, at least two half hour loops of the property, and usually a trip out for an hour or two to the lake or hiking to keep her a 'good puppy'. Don't get me wrong, Chow is AWESOME, and with daycare and active people, she is at her best but having the TUAPAS here, I really wonder why more people don't adopt a middle aged dog.

They so far haven't peed or pooed in the house, they are affectionate and come for scritches, they go for their lightly paced half an hour walk around the property (Jasmine is spooked for new noises, but recovers quickly) and are happy, but not in any rush to go for another walk or play. Zephyr slept the night in a crate just fine, and because we didn't have another crate big enough, Jasmine slept beside Zephyr's crate. No fuss. Jasmine danced around for a bit trying to figure out where her companion went but settled down after a few minutes.

They are happy to just 'be'. Mostly, they are quite content to curl up on cushions or the floor and just relax. Zephyr particularly likes to sit near your feet. They aren't dogs on their deathbeds, or dogs that can't be active with you if you want them to be, they are middle-aged dogs. Calm, affectionate, loyal middle-aged dogs.

They don't mind the barn-cats (Jasmine is a little shy of them), ignore the chickens, and enjoy rural life. Zephyr walks well on his leash, though likes to switch sides. Jasmine is pretty good on her leash, but has a habit of stopping like a deer in the headlights if she thinks something like blowing leaves are going to hurt her. In a couple of days we'll start the city-skills aspect of foster care.

Individually Jasmine is a total sweetheart. She's a dog that really should go to a home with another dog or two already. She's spent almost her whole life in a group of dogs, and is a complete follower. She takes her direction from all the other dogs. She's a little spooked about loud noises, but is getting used to them fast. I haven't heard her make a sound yet! She'd be okay with older, calmer children. If anyone is looking for a calm, cool and collected dog to keep their current semi-senior company, this would be your girl!

Getting comfy in her new foster home.

Zephyr is also a very good boy. He can be a little snarky on first greetings to dogs his size of bigger (IE: Beckett and Chow), but isn't fearful or pushy or anything. Not aggressive! Just very communicative of not appreciating them in his face. -And a puppy and a mostly blind dog don't get that right away :S He's found his cushion though, and the dogs can play in their half of the livingroom without bothering him. Funnily enough he'll let Lemon jump on him. How the heck does the brattiest one get away without Zephyr's grump-snark?? And she's the only one that really deserves it!

Maybe we should have called him Fluffy Brindle Sausage?

Zephyr's quite confident, doesn't seem afraid of anything so far. He's always looking for some attention. I hand fed him last evening, and he only ate about 1/3 of what I offered him. Good, cause he needs to lose about 10 pounds! He and Jasmine are about the same height give or take an inch, but Jasmine is a nice ideal 36 pounds. Zephyr is a whopping 53 pounds! Granted he's built a bit more solid, but still. Whopping I tell you!

Zephyr could do a single dog home with ease. He's much more peoply than doggie. He just wants a nice retirement home where he can lie his head on someone's feet and lay in front of a fireplace. He would definitely be up to taking his girlfriend Jasmine with him.

How cool would that be if they could be adopted together!!

If Zephyr is here past Friday, he might as well stay. He doesn't need to be bounced again and the two Taiwanese are good for each other. He doesn't seem too bothered by the commotion of the pups, and Jerrad can take the threesome for their longer hikes, and I can do the shorter property walks with the older ones for awhile until I think they can last the 2 hour hike (probably, but will work up to it!) Besides, they've had a long trip. The first week is for resting :) Besides, I have board dog Minnie here until Saturday, and she's no hiking dog, so I'm kind of stuck home with her. But that's okay. More company is welcome :).

I definitely recommend if you're going to get into fostering, asking for some middle aged dogs to start. It's a heck of a lot easier than getting teenagers!

More to Come
Emily

Arrival of the TUAPAS

A-Lang, (Now Zephyr), and Molly/Jasmine (now just Jasmine) landed today. They are both from Taiwan, and are older 7-8 year olds.

Fresh off the Plane

Jasmine is the girl I've been waiting almost a year to foster, and she is super sweet. She's nervous of loud noises, cautious, but very, very sweet, leans right into you for a pet. Very good introductions with the other dogs. Just needs someone who can introduce her to Canadian life and give her a nice warm place beside them. It's so cool when you finally see the dog you've been waiting forever for AND that they live up to your expectations :)

Zephyr is quite overweight, and has a bald bum, but is a very loving dude. Up for an ear-scratch and likes to lie by your feet. He was put off by Chow and her puppy energy, and mostly-blind Beckett, but has been a gentlemen with bratty Lemon and very submissive board dog Minnie. He'll have to get used to puppy energy in the house for a bit, but tonight I'll make him his own comfy corner near my feet, and hopefully that'll work to keep him safe, and still keep the players playing. We'll see if he finds his foster, but I figure if he's here more than 2 weeks tops, he might as well just stay here. There's no point bouncing around once they get comfy.

Oh, and Chow has some interest now :) We'll see if anything goes anywhere, but interest is good! Going with the flow.

Pictures of the new recruit(s) soon.

Emily Out

New Dogmobile

Well, both the vehicles died in the same week, and both of engine failure. FML. When things like to go wrong, they really like to go wrong in clusters. I can feel the money flying out my hands... So, as much as it burns the bank, we can't go without transportation. That's the downside of living on the farm. Busses and walking are kind of out of the question.

So we poked through the ads and found our new dogmobile!

1997 Subaru Legacy Outback

It's even got a dog barrier already! So, I can easily tote around 5-6 dogs, or more depending on size (although I like 6 to be my max unless we're talking Chihuahuas). We've got to get some new tires on her, but she's a bit of an upgrade from the 88 Tercel and the 86 Camry. Here's hoping she'll last us at least another 3-5 years.

Funny story. This car had a lot of interest, but I was the only 'articulate' person who replied to the ad ;) Writing skills pay off!

In other quick news, I'm scratching my head wondering how the heck Chow hasn't had any interest. She's a pup for crying out loud. Isn't everyone supposed to want a pup? Maybe its a slow time for adoptions??

Tomorrow I pick up Marley (the Cali dog), and bring him to his foster mum, and tomorrow or Tuesday, Promise and A-Lang show up --A-Lang will almost certainly have another foster home, but he'll land here if he needs to.

Boarding is picking up a bit too, so up to a full house this week. But that's okay. I don't like the transition periods of having a full-house (those 2-3 days), but once things settle I really enjoy having 4-6 bodies around.

And now, to a nap. I've been stressing all weekend about vehicles that I think I need to crash.
Emily Out

Mopey, a Twist, and the Bladder of Steel Continues

With no car, Jerrad had to stay overnight at a friend's after his shift. There are no busses even close to home at 1:00am. None of the dogs even came to bed with me! Brats! So after tossing and turning for awhile, I decided to sleep on the couch.

This morning I've done 3 about half hour walks around the property. I'm antsy. Not that I usually go anywhere, just that without the ability to actually go anywhere, I feel stuck. And its really close to an hour walk to GO anywhere. I'm also not used to Jerrad being away completely overnight. Big bummer!

I don't know if Chow is picking up my nervous energy on her leash, but she's resigned herself to NOT peeing on her leash today. She's been doing well this week with it though she knows she can wait until daycare to poo! She's a brat that way! She knows the drill. She doesn't pee, she goes back in her kennel, and she's making no fuss about that. But when her last pee was last night at just after midnight, and its about 11am now, I'm close to giving in -but won't, I'll probably go do another loop in the next hour and she'll probably finally pee-. I think me being off is throwing her. She's sensitive. She's really a dog that mimics the energy being fed her. Beckett is indepedent, if he doesn't like the energy, he leaves. Lemon is one of those nearly bomb-proof dogs that would do pretty well most anywhere. Chow is a dog that would really benefit from someone that understands gentle, sensitive dogs. She doesn't understand what to do when you aren't in a calm, mostly assertive state.

PICTURES OF THE CREW

Dogs Tired after Daycare

Chow always looks like she's smiling.

Lemon playing with Chow.

Raging Beasts.

She's even happy when she sleeps!

I've also been a bad foster mum and have been calling her Lemon and Beckett's 'sister' instead of their foster sibling as I usually do. To be perfectly honest, if I owned my own home and didn't have to worry about possibly moving with 3 dogs, I'd adopt her. She fits in flawlessly. She sweet, but still has character and spunk. And its annoying, because I know, except for commitment to 10-15 years, I can offer her everything a puppy needs. BUT, she's not mine. I'm sure once we find her a great family, my attachment to her will mostly go away. It wouldn't be fair of me to adopt her without knowing what the future holds. MAYBE if we had already resigned a lease for another year, but nope. My brain has to trump my heart. But I'm sure she'll find someone even better than here!

On a different note, I really have to find out why I'm getting attached more and more. I'm not sure if its the dogs (Chow is DEFINITELY a dog I would have considered for adoption, even before Lemon), but for whatever reason they just get to me more. Maybe that's not such a bad thing though.

And cause I like to post some of the better pictures of my pooches, a few of them too :)

Size is all about perception says Lemon to a little Beckett.

What nice Chompers you ladies have.

Lemon won't let Chowmein play with Beckett's tail. LOL!

What you sneering at?

Hmm, I wonder who didn't get to go to daycare ;)

The other note is about Migo, who I was going to be fostering temporarily until his potential home including the autistic son meeted and greeted with him. Unfortunately, Migo's home backed out, AND Migo has developed pancreatitis, which they have to get under control before sending him. So, no Migo until at earliest the end of March. Get well Migo! I'll make sure you have a foster spot if you need one :)

Well, off to do another loop. Pee for Chow here we come!
Emily Out


Fingers crossed the Camry is salvageable.
Emily Out

Car Goes Kaput, and More Videos

Well, its been a LONG day. Went to grab groceries and the car suddenly quit on the highway. Done. Kaput. And so it was with the diagonostic. She's done. Engine has no more in her. Would have to get a new engine, which at minimum would cost twice what she is worth.

RIP Tercel, for being over 20 years old and only costing us $700 you gave us three years of flawless service, never once leaving us strandred. We had a Toyota before that did the same thing. No issues until she went for good.

So, suffice to say groceries didn't get bought, but we did get the Tercel towed close to work. So, I went to work an hour early, without Chow. That's life. There was no way to go get her, but she had her pee, she had her food, and she had a bone in her crate. She would just have to survive a nearly full 'work-day'. And she did. She's been kind of nutso tonight, but by about 8:30 or so settled back down again. She's been to daycare all this week, and been out on multiple hikes so she's not too strapped for exercise. Heck, what I feel guilty about is the norm for a lot of dogs. ---Now I really know why people bring pups to daycare. After a long day of work, you really just want an hour or two to chill out without a puppy clobbering you.
We'll hopefully get the Camry up and running over the weekend -she fizzled out about a week ago, and we just haven't had the time to bring her in and didn't have an incling the Tercel was about to kick the bucket so didn't bother-. If she bites the dust too, I'll have to dig deep to buy another junker. Money things like to show up all in a neat little basket of costs. Hopefully nothing else goes down the sinker soon! I'm just glad I have a seperate account for vet stuff for Lemon and Beckett set aside. If there are plans in place, there's no huge panic, and Murphy doesn't like to sink his laws into your life.

So, not much to report since I spent most of the day figuring out the car, at work or getting back from work. But I do have a series of smaller videos :). Hope you enjoy.

Oh, and a Cute Picture for Good Measure:

If I owned my own home, I'd just keep Chow. But, I'm a mostly-broke student who rents, has two dogs already, and now has to most likely buy another car. I think Karma is telling me "Who do you think you're kidding, don't even think about it!"

But I must admit, they all play so well together. But life is life, and I know her family is out there somewhere. So until then I'll enjoy each and every day I get to foster her :)

Emily Out

Some Videos

Well, I thought I'd finally post some videos :) Chow plays super quietly, as you'll notice throughout. And she obviously plays well with Lemon, a 13 pounder who thinks she's part husky.

Submissive Chow

The Bed is Good for Sleeping, AND for Playing!

And the Most Epic Video.

Chow versus Lemon

Complete with Battle Music!

Not much else to report. We are making progress on mission "pee on a leash" and she is usually peeing between 8:00-9:00 instead of holding it so long anymore. However, with going to daycare 3-4 times a week, she seems to be holding her poo for daycare time! She has pooed on a leash before, so I know its possible, its just one of those things that might be difficult during her time here in foster care.

I'm crossing my fingers she gets a home with a yard, then her new people won't have to work on it anyway. Regardless, we'll still continue to work on it.

Figuring out the other incomings. Thinking in general about attachments, and perhaps lack of attachment with foster dogs. But that's a blog for when my brain has wrapped itself around the ideas.

Thanks all for tonight folks.

Emily Out

The Nylabone, and Nipping Bad Behaviour in the Butt

Nylabones have saved me a great deal of destroyed other belongings. Big, little, no matter the breed, dogs really, really enjoy these toys. Even Beckett has gotten into them -and he's not a toy dog-. So it is no surprise Chowmein's favorite toy is a nylabone as well. A puppy who is still developing her chompers, she will spend HOURS chewing her bone contently. Although there will be no habit of it, we wanted to make sure she would be okay left up to 4 hours crated -something that might be a reality wherever she is adopted. The more skills they have, the easier the transition to their forever homes. Suffice to say, Chowmein was A-Okay for her for hours and was quite surprised to see us home at the end. As if she was going 'Oh, I just saw you, and I was chewing my bone.'

AKA: The nylabone is a puppy's best friend!

NYLABONES

However, when one introduces toys into the mix, guarding behaviour can jump in too. Chowmein has potential to be "a guarder" (why do we figure this is just one of their many traits, I have no idea) but she's young enough to nip the behaviour in the butt fast. She's quite the sensitive bugger, and takes correction personally, so she's learning fast.

Chow with her Bone after Daycare

Catching the behaviour early in the puppy stage curbs it. Like a toddler trying to go 'mine, mine, mine' they have to be taught. Good dogs don't just 'happen', it takes a lot of patience, a lot of teaching, a lot of nipping bad behaviours in the bum. To be sure it is amazing so many of them turn out so well! I am always impressed to find well balanced rescue dogs who have little in the way of negative behavioural problems. Reality is, I'm spoiled with TG dogs. They learn from other dogs. Sure, they have some things to work through, but there are usually no huge issues on the plate to start with. Working on a blank slate is much easier than to work on one that's been scribbled on.

It is typical in our society to say: "Oh, my dog's a jumper." "Oh, my dog's a guarder." "Oh, my dog's a barker, or a puller, or my dog is anxious." As if that's a trait that's as built in as fact such as 'Oh, my dog is black, or oh, my dog is a Rhodesian Ridgeback." Behaviour is NOT a trait of a dog, it is learnt, and practiced. Of course certain breeds have tendencies towards different behaviours -herding or protecting, or being anxious for example-, but behaviour is learned. If at this stage Chow figures out guarding behaviours get her no where, she won't practice them anymore.

Regardless, Chowmein won't be "a guarder", she will be a dog that has learnt that it is in her best interest to guard. That is very different. It is not INGRAINED  in her, it is not part of her DNA that she be a guarder. It is learned behaviour. And so, funny enough, is NOT being a guarder. That is also not in her DNA, and it is ALSO learned behaviour.

Now, that's not to say her guarding behaviours are severe. They aren't at all. They're little signs. A puppy testing out behaviours to see if they work to get her what she wants. The curl of a lip, the postering over her nylabone, sometimes the quick nip of a dog that comes too close to me when she is there (only with really high-energy dogs). They're signs that most people wouldn't even notice. They aren't severe -which means they aren't a problem -YET-. The more she is able to practice the smaller behaviours and benefit from doing them (keeping her bone), the more she will esclate to get what she wants.

But Chow is really basically a 4-5 year old. She's impressionable, and she hasn't hit the bratty teenage stage yet. She's almost a blank slate.

So, what we're doing is very simple:

If she shows any guarding behaviour towards her bone when the other dogs are around, it IMMEDIATELY gets taken away from her. I don't even verbally correct her .By the toy's immediate removal after the behavioural 'the lip curl, or the postering' becomes a signal that the toy will be removed, not that she will not have to share. Since she'd much rather keep her bone, she is learning quickly -lip curl behaviour takes the toy away, so I don't want to lip curl. Not sharing gets the toy taken away, I don't want the toy taken away.

At the same time, to build tolerance for sharing,  I set a time limit on Lemon or Beckett, or if at daycare whoever is playing with the toy she willingly shared. After a bit of them playing with it, I take it away and give it back to Chow. This way, she understands that sharing, the toy comes back quickly. It is not gone forever. Therefore, it is not worth losing for a long time for, if she just has to share for a few minutes.

When it comes to the couple of times she's tried to guard me (only twice, and she hasn't tried again in a couple of days), I quickly remove myself from her prescence, and do not allow her to interact with me for a few minutes. The guarding behaviour -in Chowmein's case, an air-nip, a very minor guarding behaviour- instead of making it so that she keeps me, makes me go away. IE: the behaviour does the exact opposite of what she wants it to do. It is unnatural to practice a behaviour that doesn't benefit you.

With more advanced signs of guarding, the training would be more deliberate and focused, but for Chow, its a matter of 'you share, you get the bone a lot, you don't share, it goes away'. Very simple. Easy to catch on. And indeed she's catching on fast!

So working on the little things and nipping bad behaviour in the butt before she even becomes a teenager. In no way is she a bad dog! All puppies go through a testing of many, many different behaviours to figure out what works to get what they want. It is an exploration. Just like children who need to find ways to express themselves. To be in the world without the help of parents eventually. We expect our dogs to learn a lot on their own -they don't have their mums with them while they are young. So, we have to be their to guide them. Of course they learn a lot (more most likely) from other dogs too.

So, when you think 'my dog is a barker', 'my dog is a guarder, 'my dog is anxious' ask yourself what behaviours they are allowed to practice which reinforce those particular behaviours. And then, if you have the drive to try to change the behaviour (and believe me, its a heck of a lot harder when its been ingrained in them so many times that its almost like nature to them to be that way), ask yourself how to move around the variables to change that behaviour.

Think of it as somewhat of an equation.

For Chowmein's Toy Guard for Example

How Chowmein Intends it

Toy + Lip Curl = Other dog will leave/she will get to keep the toy, which equals a postive association with Lip Curl. Therefore, since it was positive, and worked for her, the chances of doing it again are more likely.

However, if you factor in my 'correction' you get

Toy + Lip Curl + Removal of Bone = Chowmein gets no toy. That is a bad outcome for Chowmein. Being a negative association, the chances of doing the behaviour again, are less likely.

Of course, you have to weigh those up against all the past experiences too. Just like you're own bad habits (like my chocolate addiction...) it won't go away cold turkey.

For example, Beckett has always been -and will probably always be to some extent- a 'marker'. IE: He lifts his leg on pretty much ANYTHING outside. For at least the first two years I had him, I didn't even really notice -or really, to be perfectly honest, know much about marking-, but was always embarrased when he'd lift his leg on something inappropriate like a stroller or other dog sometimes, or a bike. But through discplining the behaviour he has become a lot better.

Still thinking in equation it would go like this:

Lift Leg = I'm the big bad Man
Lift Leg + Putting on the leash on an off-leash walk = BUSTED. Marking makes my freedom go away. How the heck can I be the big bad man on a leash?

Of course, the timing has to be on as well, which is why he's usually worse for marking when he knows I'm about 5 seconds from him. There is no point for correction after that -they don't get the association to leg lift = leash for example, or lip curl = toy being taken away.

He still marks out on the trails, but not on every bloody tree or stump now. We're not perfect, and indeed, having a perfect dog would be a little boring don't you think? But we're getting there :)

Unfortunately, most of us don't know there is something afoot until there is a real 'problem'. All big behavioural problems have smaller triggers that have led to them. Of course in fostering its sometimes interesting to try to break down the behaviours as they've had different owners in the past usually. Anyway, I blab. And I'm sure you need no more equations!

I have no pictures of Chow and her Nylabone for tonight, but I can happily report that she is sharing it with Beckett as I type. She drops it near his nose, grabs one end and chews, takes a small break, sees if he wants a turn, and if he doesn't, she takes it back. Good girl! Eager-to-please dogs are really quite lovely to work with. You show them what you want, and they do it :) But still, they have to be shown.

Emily Out

Dear Murphy, Stop Messing Around

For being on foster #24 and just under a year into fostering, I should really know my boundaries a bit better and know not to go messing with Murphy and his stupid law. But, when a 7 month old's life is on the line, that just doesn't happen.  Dear Murphy: This one was going to die, can't you lay off!

Regardless as much as I'm chicken without a head running around stupidly now, I know it'll work out.

But, its hard to juggle potentially 4 incoming dogs all at once.

We have: Marley, the boy from Devore who was going to be put down. He is coming mid-week instead of this weekend or next weekend, so throwing a bit of a monkey wrench into things. Ironically, its a small rescue world (or, I seem to be a in a lot of the rescue world at once), and through Jeneane, I got in contact with Larissa, who previously fostered Primus for Turtle Gardens, and who works with New Bark. So, she can bring him to the island, and most likely hang onto him for a few days until we can go grab him. Man am I ever glad for my seemingly far and wide connections these days!

Marley has a foster home lined up, but he is my responsbility to back up. So, for now I have to count him mine until things are sorted out. If you count the chickens, shit hits the fan. Expect the worse, and you suddenly have an easier time of things. So, until those first few days of being fostered are over with, I'm not in the clear. I'd say he's seven months and shouldn't have a problem, but if I really start relying on that thought, something is bound to happen.

Marley, Saved from Devore, CA



The next two are TUAPAS. I had agreed I would foster A-Lang if Molly/Jasmine (Promise) could come into foster care. Tuapa has REALLY been wanting to send A-Lang abroad, but being an older guy, he hasn't had the opportunity. I didn't quite realize they meant for me to foster them together -I had thought send me A-Lang first as as reward I'd get to foster Promise. Or vice-versa in order. Oops, miscommunication. They will come in the next couple of weeks providing their passenger is a go. They are both middle-aged/older dogs and both 'easy', but they are two warm fuzzy bodies coming in together. We're looking into getting another foster home for A-Lang, because we know if we get that one, it'll make things a lot easier.

Handsome 50 pound, 8 year old A-Lang

My older girl Promise

The fourth dog is Migo who is coming into to temporary foster-care with me from Ocean Dog Rescue at the end of the month. He will meet his autistic brother to see if they're a good match. But, I think Murphy is going to mess this one up, and turn him into a full foster. That's what my gut is telling me anyway. Anyhoots, he is definitely coming and I'm looking forward to having him.

Yep, and that's how it all comes down at once. I'm sure things will work out so that I only need to foster 2/4 dogs, as I think Jerrad just might beat me if I take all four in within a week or two of each other. But Migo is a definite, and I definitely have to be Marley's back up. If that delays the trip of the TUAPAS, I suppose that is what needs to happen.

Why is it, if I commit to three dogs in three months, suddenly they all need to come within a two week period of each other? Memo to self: only commit to one specific dog at a time!

Oh, and in some non-crazy news, Brojack, who came down with Chowmein and is being fostered by Meshum has a homecheck with his most likely new dad on Thursday. Peter has been 'courting' Brojack, coming and taking him for walks while Meshum is at daycare, and he always brings a new present for him. He takes Brojack out for swims, and has shown him off to all his staff (Peter owns the restaurant right beside the dog daycare). Providing everything is a go, Brojack will get his forever human, and Meshum and I will be spoiled rotten and get to see him a lot!

Seriously, you can wait your whole life and never come across a dog like Brojack. He is pretty much a 'perfect' dog. A real gentle, loving guy -much like Peter, his potential dad ;)

Will keep you updated. :)

Emily Out

Port Renfrew Loop

Every couple of months, we get the itch to go to Port Renfew, at 2-3 hour drive away, with great sandy beaches, and usually, very little in the way of other people on them. For Valentine's day, mum sent us Subway giftcards, and a gas gift card, and since it was still wet and nasty out at the farm, we headed out yesterday. We haven't been in awhile!

We stopped in to visit Mother Goose Sherry of Island Dogz and drop off paperwork and checks for Helen, Alvin and Allie. I also got to see how Alphie is doing -which is VERY well indeed. His eyes have cleared up, he's put on weight, and he is a sleek, shiny, extra happy little man. I snuggled him up a few minutes before leaving. It isn't written in stone yet, but Alphie is pretty much a foster failure. His K9 brother Junior (Ridgeback/Pitt/something elses) has really chosen him, and that's the deal sealer right there. I highly, highly doubt Sherry will be able to let him go -which is good :) Although she doesn't think so because of tight money, she's the best home for him. And he's a great little mascot with big bat ears for Island Dogz.

On the road, we hit up a trail, then got to Port Renfrew. The dogs ran around for an hour or two, and despite almost losing Lemon a few times (she went absolutely looney near the middle and seemed to lose her mind) we had a great walk. For a bit we hooked Chow up to Beckett so they could run together, and for the most part Chow stayed pretty close. However, she can DEFINITELY pull Beckett along instead of the other way around, so to be on the safe side, she came back on leash with Jerrad holding her.

Pics up at Port Renfrew

Our batteries died about halfway through our trip, so unfortunately, not a lot of pictures.
After Port Renfrew, we all loaded up again, and set off. We stopped in Lake Cowichan, and decided to hit up the bargain store to see if we could find batteries. Not only did we find cheap batteries, but we also semi-raided the leash and collar section of the store. Cool looking collars for 1.50 a piece, no matter the size (bought four, two Beckett sized, two Lemon sized, though really should have picked up a nice BIG one), and we picked up two chain leashs for 1.50 a piece too -they are hard on the hands, but good for puppies who want to chew their leashes all the time! With everyone asleep in the back, we carried on to Duncan, grabbed a snack, and hit up another short trail.

On the way home, just for fun we decided to do the about 40 minute smaller loop of one of our old favourite spots, Devonian Park (which was our #1 walk in our old home). I also managed to get the camera working again, although by this time Jerrad was much less keen to wait for me to take pictures.

Chowmein: I'm going to be bigger than Beckett when I grow up!

 Looking all puppy here.

And two of my dogs just for fun:

The Big and the Little

Finishing up Devonian Park

Oh, and the 'bladder of steel' continues. Chowmein peed at 9:00 yesterday morning, (and peed at 9:00 this morning too), but throughout all of our journeys yesterday she didn't pee or poo. And she didn't all through the evening either. By the time midnight hit, I gave up, and put her to bed. She didn't fuss at all throughout the night, and didn't pee on our trip out at 7:00am, or 8:00am and quite contently went back to her kennel. We got a pee at 9:00 this morning! 24 hours!!!! That is a record I'm sure! I don't know if she willingly goes that long, or if its a leash thing. But, we're making progress in the mornings at least!

Emily Out

Non-TG Rescuing (My Second Dog Passion)

Well, when I get it in my head that I need to save one, apparently it gets done whether I go looking or not. Actually, these days I don't even look myself -I get sent too many dogs anyway. Lists actually. Lists of dogs about to die without me. Talk about your guilt-trip. BUT, I will not be pulling any more of my own Californian dogs to rehome myself -there is too much risk in medical-, but that doesn't stop me from trying to convince other rescues to take them on when they become super urgent. Meaning, they don't really have a chance in hell.

So it happens with this currently nameless guy.

This is a 7 month old pup, labelled as a Chi mix, but from this one pic (which is all he gets by the way) seems bigger, that was set to be euthanized Friday night unless saved. With two hours to spare I pleaded with Island Dogz to take him -I can get him here easily, I even have the contacts that network for 'pledge fees' to help with the amount of money it costs to bring them up. To be perfectly frank, and I can get him here for pennies. He's 7 month. A puppy still. No bad habit at this point is going to need extensive rehab. He doesn't deserve to die.

So, we saved him, found him a foster home that does only small dogs, so he won't be stealing a bigger local dog's foster home, and he will become apart of Island Dogz. If for any reason his foster bails, I'm his back-up foster home. Fair enough. To save his life, if that's what I have to do, sure. All of the current chis are adopted, so they won't compete with current Island Dogz up for adoption either.

I'll be picking him up in Abbotsford either this weekend, or the weekend afterwards. Welcome nameless little man. PS: We had 3 fosters lining up fast, so I might see about bringing a #2. Since I have to be back-up for them, I won't bring three! That's too many to possibly get stuck with down the road!

Gotta be realistic about some things :)

And a second dog (non-Californian) will be coming to me soon. If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you'll know I work with Taiwanese dogs as well -through Island Dogz-. Evee, Ren and Helen have been my current Taiwanese fosters to date, but I will have another coming in soon(ish).

This is Promise.

 In her Prime

This dog is actually the reason I started fostering Taiwanese dogs to begin with. I became interested in them first when I found that my TG dogs were being adopted quite quickly, leaving me with a couple of weeks between fosters, and more importantly, leaving me with a REALLY bored Beckett. (He playbowed and tried to play with trees for crying out loud). The main reason I became interested in them, is because they live in group packs similiar to TG dogs, and are well socialized with other canines. This is the skill above any other that is needed here. Or else they could never come to work with me, and 6-7 hours at home seems a little harsh for my foster dogs day in day out. The odd day maybe, but not a usual. 

Anyway, I found that picture and fell in love. I couldn't get her out of my head. She is the closest I've ever come to a picture completely selling me on a dog besides Beckett. I knew she'd eventually have to come here -and before Lemon, I was pretty sure she'd be my foster failure.

This is why I've called her Promise. I think I made a promise to her about a year ago now that I would save her. She's not a young dog anymore -indeed she is 8 now, and been at the shelter for many, many years-, but I'm so very happy to say, that will a lot of bugging, prodding, annoyance and general helpfulness, she will become my next Taiwanese foster dog.

Promise Lately

I'm SO looking forward to finally meet you girl!



Ironically, near the end of the month I will have a second Taiwanese dog here as well, (actually, he might be the first depending on how flights work out) but not with Island Dogz. My old boss is helping start a fostering program with Ocean Dog Rescue. She's my boss, and my friend, so of course I'll help her out as I can. (Just one at a time though please!)

My new goal is to stay TG first, and do Taiwanese dogs. Of course the odd other one will probably creep in, but that's my 'plan'. Anyway, Migo will be my first 'foster' for Ocean Dog Rescue, but he's meant to be really temporary. He's got a home lined up, however, an autistic child is involved, and dog and child need a real meet+greet before signing off. So Migo needed a foster home just in case. Welcome me. I don't count any chickens, so I'm going to air on the side of pessimism and say he'll fail. (Not that I'm pessimistic, but that not thinking that way I could land myself with a foster to take his spot when he's not actually signed, sealed, delivered.)

Migo, who is basically like a bigger Evee!

And today, its cold and drizzly, so we're headed off up island in about an hour to do some hiking, and hopefully be back around 2-3 and sun!! But whose kidding who. The weather doesn't want me to finish my fence!



Rain, followed by Rain, and The Bladder of Steel

Alright, its been at least 4 weeks now that we've had nice weekdays. Nice and sunny, rain here and there. But it seems for the past month, when the weekend has hit, all we get is wet, wet, wet. Pour pour pour, drizzle, drizzle, drizzle. Odd bouts of DOWNPOUR. I have about 2-3 hours to finish the fence off completely, but NOOOOOO, it just can't stay sunny enough for those couple of hours on a day when Jerrad can help. It's a two person job. Oh, and because its rainy, there's no point doing a big clean of the house either. Muddy paw prints and wet dogs shaking themselves off will ruin it fast. I've been relying on the wetjet a little too much! Ugg, if only the rain could come when I worked. It would make things much easier.
Well, rain be darned, we decided to head out today anyway. We went down to Clover Point, and although we'd usually go to the dog-park there, we decided to take a trail instead. We had Cheryl and Peter with Suhki and foster-to-adopt Fala there with us, and walked as a nice (well, mostly nice) pack.

Our pack kind of went like this:
Beckett -the daddy who was peeved about being on a leash
Lemon -the tired. Chow has been keeping her pooped
Suhki -the happy-go-lucky
Chowmein -the curious
and Fala -the shit-disturber.

Fala sure is a spit-fire female. Telling all those big dogs off. She got better as we went along. All she needs is more walks with big dogs, to learn that she doesn't have to boss them all around. I'm not quite sure if she's a super-bossy girl, or if she's not used to being restricted by a leash and getting frustrated over boundaries. Or both. For dogs not used to being controlled, leashes can definitely piss them off.

Anyway, back to Chow. For being a little on the frightened side at the lake yesterday, I was figuring she would need some extra confidence boosts today, but she did AMAZING. She has learnt very quickly people are good to her, and whenever anyone passed she was quick to dart in for a scratch -she's perfect height to hit wandering hands as they pass by-. When someone would stop to talk to us she'd get the silly-puppy-wiggle-bum and happy smile as if she knew they stopped to say hello to her exclusively.

She's walking well on leash, though near the end was getting confident enough to start pulling me towards interesting things (not needing me as a body guard is good, but so is good leash manners!) She met multiple dogs, and was fine, sometimes interested, sometimes laisse-faire. She was also oogled by quite a few people.

"6 months? For adoption?" was a frequent reply I got, as if people were stunned dogs that young come into rescue or something. (Oh the pups I could show them!) I need to find my adoption bandanas --or remember if I got adoption bandanas, or just general bandanas. Can you say brain fried?

Chowmein's confidence is gaining in other ways too. She now jumps into the car eager to go somewhere. She rides excellently, super quiet, okay to be left in the car for a few minutes while you run in somewhere. She doesn't look cautiously about before getting out of the car either now. I guess she figures she's safe enough with her pack and people. She's still a gentle, somewhat cautious dog all the way around, but she's so quick to warm up I don't think it'll be an issue when she goes to her forever home.

The one thing we are still working on is: PEEING ON LEASH

Chow seems to have a bladder of steel! She is crate-trained for night-time, and we have a process that if she doesn't pee first thing in the morning, its back to bed for 30-45 minutes. Then try again. We go to bed approx 11:00pm, and the first pee is roughly 7:30. Usually she pees before 9:00am, and then she's got free range with supervision for the rest of the day.

Today, took her out at 7:30, nothing,
took her out at 8:15, nothing,
took her out at 9:00, nothing
---gotta be happening soon we think!--,
take her out at 9:30 -nothing,
take her out at 10:00am, nothing.

By now I'm going 'did Jerrad miss something?' Did he miss her pee cause hot dog Chow hasn't peed since about 8:00pm last night! But, I've been doing this process for awhile with pups, and it works, so I don't want to ruin it and have her pee indoors (then she knows she can escape peeing on the leash!)

Finally, at noon, we got her to pee! And with tons of rewards we are working on a 'go pee' command. For a sixth month old pup, or any dog really, that is a REALLY long time. Still, it might seem harsh, but it paid off this afternoon even. "Go pee" at the park, and she went pee right away, and she even went poo on the leash for the first time this afternoon too. (She'll usually wait until we go to daycare during the week.) Small victories. Tomorrow, I betcha she'll pee much earlier.

And that's how it works: No pee, no play. Once you pee, you get your long walk, your trip to the dog park, your wrestle session, my attention. So, peeing where you're supposed to pays off.

PS: We only bother with the morning pee. After that, she's not in a crate until nighttime again. Once that first pee is set for the day, she knows she's not getting out of it for the rest of the day. And usually, she only pees once in the morning, and once around the 7:30-8:30 pee break marker. I wonder if she'd go more often if she had the yard. Probably not. And she's not as bad as Xena (Shep x Karelian bear dog) I fostered awhile ago. Xena went ONCE a day. Even with the yard. The only way she'd go twice is if we ushered her over to her little pee spot and left her out for about 10 minutes with the door closed and us inside.

Some dogs!

Tomorrow if its still a rain fest, we're thinking about heading up island to slog through some wet, grimy trails and see if we can spot whales at the beaches. Should probably work on some more high-trafficked areas, but what fun is that!

One wet, muddy crew, out for today. And most likely, one wet, muddy crew out for some adventures tomorrow.

Trip to the Lake and a Happy Tail

Friday happens to be my day off, and even though its been a rather ugly day, we decided to head out to the lake. Apparently they have a toxic algae problem, but our usual walk doesn't really get us to the lake, and Beckett and Lemon are 'anti-water' dogs, so we figured we were there anyway, might as well do our 6 km (lazy man's version of the full 10km).

Apparently I'm one of very few semi-irresponsible Victoria dog walkers. Usually Elk Beaver lake is THE SPOT to be bombarded by dogs on the trails. We didn't meet a single dog until we were loading up to go home, and some other semi-irresponsible people were unloading their crew.

Oh well, we had the place pretty much completely to ourselves, despite a few horses and odd joggers. Enjoy it while you can!

Chowmein is nervous around things she doesn't know. She just needs exposure. It's a little harder to give her that exposure here on the farm that where we used to live, but we have to work in baby steps anyway, so no heavy traffic for awhile. ---It overwhelms her when there's too much to focus on. Typical for a dog that hasn't been socialized too much. She's getting her confidence built up slowly but surely. It helps that Beckett and Lemon aren't phazed by basically anything. I am very lucky that my own pack is so stable. It allows me to focus on the needs of my fosters while we're out and about working on confidence, moving forward, and the like.

Some pics from the Non-Lake, Lake

Jerrad and the Pack

Chowmein stops to pose.

At only approx 6 month, and about 40-45 pounds, she's going to be quite a big girl!

Not the best picture, but a good one to illustrate her size.

 And now, a couple of my own dogs.

Lemon in her Tribal Get-Up

Right in step with Me

She spies a bird!

Look Mum, NO HEAD!

And to end our trip, all three dogs promptly checked out a dog bed for a few hours.

Yep, they all picked the same bed!

We might take the pack for walk X2 today, but chances are the hour and a bit is good enough. Lemon and Chowmein played hard at daycare yesterday, so should be low-key today. Beckett is usually low-key these days no matter how much exercise he gets. He runs around the farm and vainly playbows to the chickens for hours if he has some extra to burn. I must admit, it's nice to be able to leisurely stroll around the property in my pyjama pants to let the dogs burn some energy. They can get an hour's worth, and I can be on the lazier side :P.

Work smart, not hard ;)

Oh, and I got an update from Alvin and his new mum Cheryl. This picture says it all:

Enjoy forever Alvin! I know your mum is treating you like a big dog, which is what you need to continue being the awesome Chi you became here.

It's weird, I really feel the want to rescue another chi, to pay it forward to Alvin and to the other Chis I've saved, but there's no funds, and I won't be 'going solo' until there is (which might be never at this rate :P). Very sad. Hundreds, if not thousands of these little guys are put down in shelters across the states every day. Besides Pitbulls and Shepherd mixes, its these little guys that are killed the most. Of course there are some rescues that bring them up by the batch, and make profit (it isn't a joke), but to save the odd one here and there, what crime is there in that? Why do I and any rescue have to be labelled and finger-pointed at, just because we save a couple of Chis here and there.  Are you really against the dogs, or just against the practices some 'rescues' employ.

Fact is, its easier to find foster for the little guys. Facts are bitches.

Sigh, most days I'm just grateful to have the opportunity to help as much as I do, but then there is the odd day like today that I'm peeved at myself for not being able to do more.

This too will pass.  Negativity only breed negativity, and I don't need that in my dogs!

Getting into a Groove

Not too much new to report in the last couple of days. Chow has being sleeping off her bus run a lot (Bus lag?) but the terrier puppy is starting to emerge. Still, she's a very laid-back, easy-going puppy -and I work with A LOT of puppies!

She has been to daycare, and LOVES Brojack when he's there, and when I take Beckett with her, she's a very happy dog. For being so young, she takes quite awhile to warm up to other dogs and want to play. I'm not sure if that its too many dogs at once for her, (15-20 per group) or a lack of overall manners (daycare pupes are raised by people, not other dogs, so they are NOTORIOUS for not knowing proper play etiquette and especially how to greet another dog). However, despite the difference in dog skills, every day she's been a bit more playful, and when she plays, she plays in a totally terrier, over-the-top way -reminds me so much of how Honey and Toast played, except that Chow is clumsier, and about twice the size!

We've also found that Chowmein is crate-trained. Don't know if she was formally crate-trained, but she is fine in a crate, and was okay left for an hour of grocery shopping. I wouldn't recommend crating her for a full work day, but I think she'd be okay to go to a home and be crated up to five hours if needed.

She's also got one of the strongest bladders ever! Our yard still isn't 100% fenced so its all on-leash walks around the property. (They play so much inside, I don't think its hindering anybody :P). She is hesitant to pee on a leash, so if she won't pee in the morning, she goes back into her crate, and comes out every hour to try again. When he last pee is approximately 7-8pm, she will hold it until 9am or 10am yesterday. I'm feeling slightly bad that she's crated so much in the morning (daycare makes up for it though), but the upside of getting her to pee on a leash and not in the house is better for everyone involved -especially if she gets a family that doesn't have a secure yard.

Other than that, curbing the puppy things -jumping, mouthing, chewing on the odd inappropriate thing. She's a good pup.

I promise pictures in the next blog :)

Emily Out

Oh Boy, I REALLY like this One

If I didn't know better, and wasn't a renter, I'd be SO tempted right now to say: "Sign me up as foster failure X2."

Maybe Lemon broke me, but it seems ever since we adopted her, I grow attached to more foster dogs. (Adam, Alvin, and now my current TG foster Chowmein). Of course I knew Adam would do better with one-on-one, and loves kids, and Alvin would have been eaten eventually here. I should know that there's better out there for Chowmein than me too :P

Trunk was the only dog that really got me. The one that was HARD to give up. I couldn't give Lemon up. When I thought about someone else taking her home I went 'Nope, Beckett would just be too depressed. And, I have to admit, I love her too."

I'm just hoping Chowmein doesn't make me do the same! I'll be responsible. We rent, we have two dogs already, we aren't in dire straights financially or anything, but just like with Beckett and Lemon, I want to have a $1,000 medical fund set aside for them. Sometimes its just so hard to be realistic though! I REALLY like Chow! (I'm suddenly very glad Jacky got adopted!)

On the bright side, Chowmein should be easy to adopt. She's young, affectionate, cuddly, playful, funny, and unique. She gets zoomies but has a great off-switch. I couldn't gush more about TG pups. Even the young guys know and love their breaks :) It shouldn't be hard to find her a great home.

Man, when I eventually get my own place, I'm going to have a big crew of failures aren't I? Okay, Chowmein's people, better find her soon, or it's going to get too tempting!

Pictures:

Now, it was a Picture of Beckett and Lemon that did me in. This one is even better!

 Three TGs sharing Dog Bed #3

It is ONLY TG fosters that cluster on 1 bed, when there are 3 perfectly good beds to choose from. I think this means, if there is a #3 down the road somewhere, they're going to have to be from TG. Continue tradition and all that :P

And Chow got to sleep both in the bed, and on the dog bed on our floor. I know she is still a pup and I should be starting the crate-training, but you know what, whatever.

So yeah, GUSH. Whoever gets her better like her even more than I do!
Thats all Ive got to say :P

Off to daycare with her this afternoon, and to shanghai the groomer into bathing her. Nothing like the smell of a dog fresh off the bus. Hmm, maybe its the smell I adore so much. Weird as that may be.

More updates soon.