I'm feeling very uncuddled tonight. To do some cleaning, I picked up the dog beds from the walls/corners and dumped them in the middle of the room. Everyone has ditched me for the beds! They have always been around, but apparently, are MUCH more comfortable in the middle of the floor. Of course... everything must be much more comfortable when it is much LESS convenient.
Oh, and the truck Zephyr was getting freaked out by, parked in the opposite direction tonight, and he was all normal, until he got to the other end (the front) of the truck, realized it was the trunk and went booking it in the shrubs for awhile.
FOSTER MUM, IT'S GOING TO EAT ME!!
Zephyr, also known as "The Sissy".
Homecheck tomorrow. And, hopefully over the weekend, some very exciting news! Just have to finish dotting the I's and crossing the T's.
Emily Out
Fostering dogs in Victoria, BC. Giving them lifeskills, cushy pillows, structure, confidence and copious snuggles. From chihuahuas to Rottis, to huskies and anything in between, amusing stories, mostly useless dog tips, and cute dog pictures abound.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Homecheck and Meet+Greet for Rupee
No pictures today, but just a quick note to let you know that Rupee has a meet+greet and homecheck on Friday! This potential adoption comes through my own contact grapevine.
My first foster, Tucker, has a grandmum who is looking for a pooch. We're hoping Rupee fits the bill! She is a very sweet, cuddly, usually low-energy girl, but she's also got some spunk in her. And I found the Min Pin in her! She is almost always a quiet girl, except when she wants to PLAY!!! Then she spins and zooms and BARKS for the better part of two minutes and is wild and nuts. NOISY! And then she's good for another 4-5 hours of lazy contentment and half hour walk.
Good luck little girl.
Your foster mum,
Emily
My first foster, Tucker, has a grandmum who is looking for a pooch. We're hoping Rupee fits the bill! She is a very sweet, cuddly, usually low-energy girl, but she's also got some spunk in her. And I found the Min Pin in her! She is almost always a quiet girl, except when she wants to PLAY!!! Then she spins and zooms and BARKS for the better part of two minutes and is wild and nuts. NOISY! And then she's good for another 4-5 hours of lazy contentment and half hour walk.
Good luck little girl.
Your foster mum,
Emily
Monday, May 28, 2012
Quick Pika Update + Kiiri's New Name + Walk With Suhki
From Pika's new mum: Rebecca
Pika is doing well!! We've been working with her on leash behavior & she's a quick
learner. We were off leash for a bit yesterday on Wiffin Spit - she wanted to
follow the puppies! She's more & more comfortable everyday - a new game for her is
stealing shoes, but once I say drop it - she does & walks away from it. The cats
are getting used to her - she's now trying to pick them up :)
I'll send pictures as soon as I've got a few.
Yesterday we went out and about for a little bit, and it was quickly becoming obvious Kiiri wasn't a "Kiiri". She had no interest in her new name, however, she has LOTS of interest in Jerrad. She isn't as Jerrad-centric as Jasmine was, and will content herself with me when he's gone, but if he's in the house, by darn she is going to make sure she is right there with him! Baby gate is no match for nine pounds of 'where's there's a will, there's a way!'
She's his 'Chi-roupie' (Combination of Chihuahua and Groupie) and she starts wagging her little tail when he says it. So, her new name is "Rupee". She's already responding to it!
Jerrad has also broken his 'no fosters in bed' rule, and she spent last night curled up at the foot of the bed a happy, spoiled house dog. Lemon's looking a little annoyed here and there that her attention is taken away, but I think she's more peeved that Rupee isn't playing much with her. Lemon would prefer to play with dogs bigger than her anyway. Soon enough!
Here are some pictures of Rupee formerly Kiiri from yesterday.
In other news, we visited with Suhki & Veda, with their people Cheryl and Peter on Saturday before Kiiri/Rupee came. It was a very nice visit, although very hot, so Lemon -being quite a furry Chihuahua- got hot fast. It wasn't exactly Suhki's one-year birthday (his birthday is one day after Beckett's rescue birthday!), but Happy Birthday Suhki pants.
A couple of pictures:
More to come soon :)
Pika is doing well!! We've been working with her on leash behavior & she's a quick
learner. We were off leash for a bit yesterday on Wiffin Spit - she wanted to
follow the puppies! She's more & more comfortable everyday - a new game for her is
stealing shoes, but once I say drop it - she does & walks away from it. The cats
are getting used to her - she's now trying to pick them up :)
I'll send pictures as soon as I've got a few.
Yesterday we went out and about for a little bit, and it was quickly becoming obvious Kiiri wasn't a "Kiiri". She had no interest in her new name, however, she has LOTS of interest in Jerrad. She isn't as Jerrad-centric as Jasmine was, and will content herself with me when he's gone, but if he's in the house, by darn she is going to make sure she is right there with him! Baby gate is no match for nine pounds of 'where's there's a will, there's a way!'
She's his 'Chi-roupie' (Combination of Chihuahua and Groupie) and she starts wagging her little tail when he says it. So, her new name is "Rupee". She's already responding to it!
Jerrad has also broken his 'no fosters in bed' rule, and she spent last night curled up at the foot of the bed a happy, spoiled house dog. Lemon's looking a little annoyed here and there that her attention is taken away, but I think she's more peeved that Rupee isn't playing much with her. Lemon would prefer to play with dogs bigger than her anyway. Soon enough!
Here are some pictures of Rupee formerly Kiiri from yesterday.
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| Rupee is Pet-Sitting Jerrad after his night shift. |
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| The difference between the girls. Lemon the joker, Rupee on the slightly serious side. |
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| Jerrad is lucky -he routinely has two girls in his bed at once. |
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| The pathetic face. |
In other news, we visited with Suhki & Veda, with their people Cheryl and Peter on Saturday before Kiiri/Rupee came. It was a very nice visit, although very hot, so Lemon -being quite a furry Chihuahua- got hot fast. It wasn't exactly Suhki's one-year birthday (his birthday is one day after Beckett's rescue birthday!), but Happy Birthday Suhki pants.
A couple of pictures:
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| Veda is off-leash now, and is a fetching machine! |
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| Veda after Lemon |
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| Suhki and Veda playing in the field. |
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| Suhki -the birthday boy. |
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| Four TG dogs posing pretty. "Mama Yvette, we're having a BLAST!" |
More to come soon :)
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Left Behind, Kiiri
With only Zephyr, and a new TG foster not for minimum another week and a half I had the sneaky suspcision that meant there was someone else who would land here in between. I know too many people and have too many dog networks to stay 'empty'. After you foster for a bit, you don't have to go finding dogs to foster, many, many ask to come in. I've been diligent in saying no. Sometimes though... you just have to say yes.
And that's where my newest foster comes in.
This sweet girl was pulled from certain death in California, but the (Canadian) person she was pulled for never came to rescue her from transport! So I get a text from a rescue friend "they'll have to bring her back to Cali if they don't find room for her."
My next text, a little too fast was "is she good with other dogs?"
And then one right after it "Will a rescue back her?"
(IE: I'm not taking any on my own on.)
I'm sure they knew they had me at that point. So, they brought her over from Vancouver to me yesterday. Her new name for a new life is Kiiri, and she is a 10 pound, 2 year old Chi x Min Pin kind of girl. -They said Chi, if they had said Min Pin, it would have been no dice! (I've had some not so great experiences with Min Pins.)
Regarldess of her mix though so far really cuddly, not phazed at all by dogs big or small. I'll get to know her more in the coming days. Right now she's in bed with Jerrad enjoying basking in the sun from the sky light.
The biggest surprise is that Zephyr is SMITTEN. I'm not sure what's up with him and small dogs, but he absolutely has big sexy 'I love you and think you're sexy' ears for miss Kiiri. He keeps scoothing over on the couch trying to indicate she should come up with him :)
For now, here are some pictures of Kiiri.
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| House pet at some point -she is too used to the comforts of indoor living not to be. |
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| She's just a bit smaller than Lemon, but she's got a slim, long nose. A bath and good food will help her coat out too. |
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| Kiiri posing at the farm -she'd much rather go play with Lemon. |
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Middle-Aged Dog, New Tricks
It's been a bit of boring house, but less noses means if I want to do some training, I don't have six bodies vying for whatever treat of choice I have on hand. Tonight, we finally are getting somewhere with Lemon's down (it is excruciatingly painful to teach small dogs how to down!), but since Beckett decided training was no fun if he actually had to DO stuff for the treats, it was just Lemon and Zephyr. So, what the heck, let's see if the old guy will do anything.
About twenty minutes later, Zephyr has a pretty good sit, has a 50/50 touch rate -the other 50% of the time, he gives your hand a lick instead of a touch-, and is progressing quickly on 'wait'. You have to be a little careful with how you treat him, as the index to thumb combo he can nip hard, but put the popcorn kernel or piece of bread with peanut butter in the palm of your hand and he'll just lick it off and be horribly gentle about it.
No videos, but hopefully I'll put one up tomorrow.
Oh, and a check-in from Jasmine who is camping out at Cecily's for awhile.
She's doing well, still a tidbit anxious, but thoroughly enjoying all the outdoor time she is getting. She likes to be outside most of the day, but also likes to snuggle on the couch now. Cecily has many couches/beds so there's room for everyone! Hmm, maybe we should get another couch?
Oh, and if anyone has any suggestions on how to get a dog from Vancouver to Prince George, give me a heads up. Zephyr has a great adoption prospect up north, but we need to find a way to get him to Prince George. Jasmine might be going with him too!
Emily + The Smaller Crew Out
About twenty minutes later, Zephyr has a pretty good sit, has a 50/50 touch rate -the other 50% of the time, he gives your hand a lick instead of a touch-, and is progressing quickly on 'wait'. You have to be a little careful with how you treat him, as the index to thumb combo he can nip hard, but put the popcorn kernel or piece of bread with peanut butter in the palm of your hand and he'll just lick it off and be horribly gentle about it.
No videos, but hopefully I'll put one up tomorrow.
Oh, and a check-in from Jasmine who is camping out at Cecily's for awhile.
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| There's room on the bed here for me! |
Oh, and if anyone has any suggestions on how to get a dog from Vancouver to Prince George, give me a heads up. Zephyr has a great adoption prospect up north, but we need to find a way to get him to Prince George. Jasmine might be going with him too!
Emily + The Smaller Crew Out
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Happy Rescue Birthday Beckett
Four years ago, the TG bus came down to Vancouver with not only my new best friend on it, but also the seeds that change the direction of your life altogether. Not only did he start me fostering, but he lead me down the road to working at the daycare. To think, I might still be ordering teenagers around at the local grocery store!
Beckett was approximately 3 years old when he came to us, although the local vet guessed he might be closer to 4-5. Ironically, every yearly vet visit we get a different age. After his first year here, they thought he was only two or three -less than before-, the year after that when his sight started to really go, they thought he was about seven (more in line with what we originally thought, but still a bit older). One year ago, they gave us a range of 6-9, which seems most likely. Besides his eyes and some wear on his teeth he is quite youthful. We're hoping he's on the younger side. So, he's probably 7-8 now. His vet appointment later this month will yet again give us a better idea. Regardless, he doesn't act like an old dog.
These days Beckett enjoys his farm life, his sister Lemon, and the comings and goings of foster dogs. He is a pack guy. Parts of me are sad I wasn't able to get him a sibling sooner. However, I think he got exactly the sibling he needs. All things in their proper time. He has mostly stopped going to daycare as he gets more than enough dog interaction here and at the lake -his favourite spot-, but if we still need a big dog to screen new clients, he gets called in.
Although Lemon is much more interactive with people thank Beckett, he will always be my heart dog. The dog that started it all.
Beckett was approximately 3 years old when he came to us, although the local vet guessed he might be closer to 4-5. Ironically, every yearly vet visit we get a different age. After his first year here, they thought he was only two or three -less than before-, the year after that when his sight started to really go, they thought he was about seven (more in line with what we originally thought, but still a bit older). One year ago, they gave us a range of 6-9, which seems most likely. Besides his eyes and some wear on his teeth he is quite youthful. We're hoping he's on the younger side. So, he's probably 7-8 now. His vet appointment later this month will yet again give us a better idea. Regardless, he doesn't act like an old dog.
These days Beckett enjoys his farm life, his sister Lemon, and the comings and goings of foster dogs. He is a pack guy. Parts of me are sad I wasn't able to get him a sibling sooner. However, I think he got exactly the sibling he needs. All things in their proper time. He has mostly stopped going to daycare as he gets more than enough dog interaction here and at the lake -his favourite spot-, but if we still need a big dog to screen new clients, he gets called in.
Although Lemon is much more interactive with people thank Beckett, he will always be my heart dog. The dog that started it all.
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| Beckett, Lord of the Chickens |
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| All the puppies are gone! I get the bed all to myself!! |
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Black and White Shots
Hmm, I really should be working on my novel, but instead I spent a stupid amount of time cuddling with Zephyr tonight while whipping up a new black and white banner. -It took even longer as Zephyr kept trying to sit on the computer!
The new banner will be up once my next foster -whoever that ends up being- gets here, but for now, it's odd looking at the one empty space. Uneven numbers don't make good banners. Anyway, I thought I'd share some of the better black and white pics. Some of the first fosters got jipped as I wasn't as quick with a camera, nor did I even know how to point one. Granted, it's not like I'm overly better now, I just take a lot more, so there's a better shot of some of them turning out well right.
The Best of the Black and White Shots:
As I'm sure you've gathered from my night of poking around on the computer, there isn't much to report. I'm enjoying my break though :) I do however have that feeling that pretty soon, I'll be itchy to be helping someone else. For now though.... AHHHH ZEN!
The new banner will be up once my next foster -whoever that ends up being- gets here, but for now, it's odd looking at the one empty space. Uneven numbers don't make good banners. Anyway, I thought I'd share some of the better black and white pics. Some of the first fosters got jipped as I wasn't as quick with a camera, nor did I even know how to point one. Granted, it's not like I'm overly better now, I just take a lot more, so there's a better shot of some of them turning out well right.
The Best of the Black and White Shots:
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| Netty |
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| Chula |
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| Dayo -before he was Suhki |
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| Hank |
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| Jasmine |
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| Aster -Before she was Lemon |
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| Pika |
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| Xena (black dogs are really good at black and white photography :) ). |
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| Toast |
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Lonely Lemon
Lemon and Beckett are a great pair of dogs. They play, they always share the same pet bed, they wear their tails the same height and curl, and they both love to mark on the trails. They are confident, overly social dogs. Beckett takes the comings and goings of foster dogs with more stride though. He has seen more come, and he has seen more go. Neither gets him overly excited. It's more a quick 'welcome to the house, make yourself at home' and when they leave a quick 'goodbye, enjoy your forever home'. He's 'The Host'.
Lemon is more like 'friends, friends friends!!!' and later 'where did my friends go :('. Sometimes, its like a permenant birthday party here for her. There's always someone to be doing something with, someone to instill confidence in, someone to wrestle with or chase around. Lemon is a bit of a working dog, even at home. Now, there's two middle-aged men. Not so much fun!
After Migo and Pika left, Lemon was at first solely bored, and after that, a little lonely. As cuddly and people-loving as she is, I think she'd be lost if she was to be an only dog.
We might have a dog flown down from TG to foster, so we'll see where that leads. Pika was adopted so quickly, it will be at least 3-4 weeks if not more for an official dog run, and I can most likely get another dog adopted in between, so I best make myself useful!
For today, a couple pictures of miss Lemon Zinger
It'll be a slow blog for a bit, but hopefully I'll get some updates :)
And now, to the spring cleaning I've been neglecting for a few weeks!
Emily Out
Lemon is more like 'friends, friends friends!!!' and later 'where did my friends go :('. Sometimes, its like a permenant birthday party here for her. There's always someone to be doing something with, someone to instill confidence in, someone to wrestle with or chase around. Lemon is a bit of a working dog, even at home. Now, there's two middle-aged men. Not so much fun!
After Migo and Pika left, Lemon was at first solely bored, and after that, a little lonely. As cuddly and people-loving as she is, I think she'd be lost if she was to be an only dog.
We might have a dog flown down from TG to foster, so we'll see where that leads. Pika was adopted so quickly, it will be at least 3-4 weeks if not more for an official dog run, and I can most likely get another dog adopted in between, so I best make myself useful!
For today, a couple pictures of miss Lemon Zinger
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| Lemon tells Migo off. |
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| After Zoomies Pant |
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| Stealthy Ninja Lemon |
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| Stealthy Ninja gets poked in the eye. |
And now, to the spring cleaning I've been neglecting for a few weeks!
Emily Out
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Two Adoptions for a Saturday!
Today was quite the eventful dog day. We left early for Duncan to drop Migo off, with intentions of a walk before we got there. However, the car had other plans!
After pulling to the side of the road Jerrad managed to fix it (thank goodness the lug nuts just needed tightening), and we were on our way half an hour later. It's good to have a handy fiance :)
Jasmine spent the ride grooming me. Apparently there was something tasty in my hair. She was skittish getting out at her drop-off spot beside the busy road, but I've already got the report that she's settled in very well. I didn't think it would take her very long. Cecily has a big pack of seven or eight, and Jasmine is amazing with other dogs. She joined the pack as if she's always been there and has been lounging outside all afternoon. I'm not sure if she's found the pond yet ;) Part of me thinks that she's landed where she's going to stay. About a month ago she jumped into Cecily's lap -something she hasn't done with anyone else-, and that might have sealed the deal right there. We shall see though. I trust the dogs to decide. Unless they want to stay with me. ---About three quarters of the fosters seem to understand I'm not their mum, but about 1/4 think they've landed home. They're so hard to part with :(---
Next we dropped Migo off, and she squealed for George. He remembered him! Although he looked thoroughly confused as we drove off without him, he was going for a big hike right away, and would be introduced to the house as a tired dog. I'm sure George will have a few 'first time dog owner' hurdles to get through, but I don't doubt very quickly they will be the best of friends. Migo is off to training classes in two weeks, and his new dad will be looking into daycare for one day a week to keep him social. I'm sure he will love that :)
After dropping Jas and Migo in Duncan, we proceeded back with Pika to Sooke for her homecheck. We stopped at McDonalds where she discovered french fries, had a big drink of water, and then off to what will be her new home! It's a great smaller place with views of the water, and the little community of houses has their own private beach too! (Oh, where I can sign up!!!) Pika took to Rebecca very quickly -after she checked out the yard and found a poo spot- and she wasn't all too pleased to be leaving with us. Thanks Pika, you make us look like bad foster parents.
Suffice to say, she chose her home. There was another AWESOME application for Pika in Richmond, and part of me wants to clone her to send her both places, but it's one of those times when the dog chooses. Inside the house as we were talking Pika hung out with Rebecca and ignored us completely. Even at daycare she hangs with me and doesn't bother with the other girls, so this was special. We basically had to drag her out. NO THANKS, I WANT TO STAY RIGHT HERE!
So, after consulting with the Dog Boss Lady, we've decided Pika chose her home today. She goes home tomorrow :)
Rebecca had a similiar experience to me. She saw the picture and she was like 'that's my dog, I don't care what we have to go through, but that's her'. Her previous dog (recently passed) was highly trained and Pika will be the same. She will also get to enjoy daycare out in Sooke to keep her social skills up, as well as have regular play buddies.
I barely got to know Pika, but I know she is a silly, goofy, happy-go-lucky girl who is enjoying reliving the puppyhood that was taken from her.
A couple of pictures from last night:
So, we will be a pretty empty house for awhile. It'll be my two and Zeph until whenever the next bus run is, or until ODR gets a flight -I'll be fostering a golden retriever for them if she isn't adopted before she arrives. I admit, I've always wanted to foster a golden-.
To the spring cleaning, and have a week or two break. I never stay empty for long though, so you never know what might be around the corner.
After pulling to the side of the road Jerrad managed to fix it (thank goodness the lug nuts just needed tightening), and we were on our way half an hour later. It's good to have a handy fiance :)
Jasmine spent the ride grooming me. Apparently there was something tasty in my hair. She was skittish getting out at her drop-off spot beside the busy road, but I've already got the report that she's settled in very well. I didn't think it would take her very long. Cecily has a big pack of seven or eight, and Jasmine is amazing with other dogs. She joined the pack as if she's always been there and has been lounging outside all afternoon. I'm not sure if she's found the pond yet ;) Part of me thinks that she's landed where she's going to stay. About a month ago she jumped into Cecily's lap -something she hasn't done with anyone else-, and that might have sealed the deal right there. We shall see though. I trust the dogs to decide. Unless they want to stay with me. ---About three quarters of the fosters seem to understand I'm not their mum, but about 1/4 think they've landed home. They're so hard to part with :(---
Next we dropped Migo off, and she squealed for George. He remembered him! Although he looked thoroughly confused as we drove off without him, he was going for a big hike right away, and would be introduced to the house as a tired dog. I'm sure George will have a few 'first time dog owner' hurdles to get through, but I don't doubt very quickly they will be the best of friends. Migo is off to training classes in two weeks, and his new dad will be looking into daycare for one day a week to keep him social. I'm sure he will love that :)
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| Migo snuggling on his last night here. |
After dropping Jas and Migo in Duncan, we proceeded back with Pika to Sooke for her homecheck. We stopped at McDonalds where she discovered french fries, had a big drink of water, and then off to what will be her new home! It's a great smaller place with views of the water, and the little community of houses has their own private beach too! (Oh, where I can sign up!!!) Pika took to Rebecca very quickly -after she checked out the yard and found a poo spot- and she wasn't all too pleased to be leaving with us. Thanks Pika, you make us look like bad foster parents.
Suffice to say, she chose her home. There was another AWESOME application for Pika in Richmond, and part of me wants to clone her to send her both places, but it's one of those times when the dog chooses. Inside the house as we were talking Pika hung out with Rebecca and ignored us completely. Even at daycare she hangs with me and doesn't bother with the other girls, so this was special. We basically had to drag her out. NO THANKS, I WANT TO STAY RIGHT HERE!
So, after consulting with the Dog Boss Lady, we've decided Pika chose her home today. She goes home tomorrow :)
Rebecca had a similiar experience to me. She saw the picture and she was like 'that's my dog, I don't care what we have to go through, but that's her'. Her previous dog (recently passed) was highly trained and Pika will be the same. She will also get to enjoy daycare out in Sooke to keep her social skills up, as well as have regular play buddies.
I barely got to know Pika, but I know she is a silly, goofy, happy-go-lucky girl who is enjoying reliving the puppyhood that was taken from her.
A couple of pictures from last night:
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| Pika's guilty look -she's discovered her inner puppy, which comes with a bad case of the chewies! |
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| What a Mug! |
To the spring cleaning, and have a week or two break. I never stay empty for long though, so you never know what might be around the corner.
Zephyr - He'll have the Couch to Himself for Awhile
The greatest part about it all though: I no longer need to hold any leashes! I'm a spoiled foster mum.
Friday, May 18, 2012
TUAPAs on the Farm
It's easy to get distracted by the younger pups or newer fosters as they do more photo loving stuff, and are well... more 'active' thus having more to talk about. Looking back its been awhile since I've done a true update on my older guys. Zephyr and Jasmine have been her two and half months now, and fingers crossed tightly, have an application together! (No pressure if you're reading this :)) For these two sweet older souls to find a place to rest their heads together is what I idealized when they got here. Of course, it was a dream that probably wouldn't come to fruition. But wouldn't it be so cool if it did! Time will tell.
Zephyr has been off-leash for awhile. We've started barbecuing now that it's nice out, and he will tap at the door until we let him out to go barbecue with Jerrad. He might be looking slimmer, but he's got a fat man's head. BURGERS!!!!! We just have to be careful that he doesn't try to jump up on the rack! Those would be some toasty paws.
He's also become like Lemon and Zephyr. He is crateless! (A rare priviledge for most foster dogs.) He sleeps on the couch, is loose when we leave. He is only fed in his crate. Otherwise he will grump if any other dog gets close to his food. That's instinctual though. Even people guard their food.
Zephyr is also an attention hog. He can barely sit through me typing up a blog before he's cat-like head-rubbing over my hands. PAY ATTENTION TO ME! He also gets demanding when there's no spot on the couch for him and with sit for minutes at a time pawing at my leg or wacking me in the face if he can. He likes to be right beside you on the couch too, so if Pika is on one side and Lemon on the other, he wacks me until I move one of them so he can scootch closer. Zephyr is truly a big cat, who still likes his walks. You can miss one day at the lake, but the next day he'll sit at the car and glare at you. THE LAKE, I MUST GO TO THE LAKE! He's pretty darn good at telling me exactly what he wants.
His only small issue, that we haven't made too much progress with is taking treats gently. He nips hard! We're teaching him to take it from the palm (so he can't grab your finger), but to feed him a treat like a usual dog, he tries to take your nail off with it. OUCH! But what's a thorn amongst all the roses. Sometimes I forgot he's a foster, he just fits so well. I'll really miss his calm zen energy when he eventually goes home.
As for Jasmine, she continues to have almost all good days. There's the odd one (maybe once every two weeks or so?) that she seems to wake up scared of her own shadow, but by the afternoon, and having an extra rest, she is usually comfortable. Switching to a new food had her on the runs for a few days (Jerrad forgot to mix in the pumpkin :S), but she is back to normal today. A tidbit mushy, but no explosions.
Jasmine has also recently discovered her favourite thing. SWIMMING. Down at the lake she is more concerned about her walk, although she's always been interested in the water, and if we're at the beach she always tugs us closer to walk by the ocean, so we've always known she likes the water, but over the last two days, she's found the big pond on our property, and although we don't let her completely off-leash yet (if she spooks, she's a pain to catch), but we drop her leash and let her drag it. She LOVES that pond. I haven't managed any pictures of her in there yet, but whenever we drop the leash, she's over there pretty quick for an older girl. She'd spend hours in there if she could. We make sure to hose her off good afterwards, which she isn't too fond of, but I don't want to take any chances. It's a farm pond after all, who knows what's in there.
I think she's going to like Cecily's new pond when she heads up there (most likely) tomorrow. Even with the application, I think Jasmine would benefit from the change in scenery for awhile, to get out of her comfort zone in an indoor setting, and learn to be comfortable, and hopefully even like it.
Here are some pictures of Jasmine on the farm lately.
I hope I can catch a few of her swimming today or tomorrow morning.
We'll miss you Jas while you go adventure with Cecily for awhile, but I know with a change in scenery comes a change in adopters if your home with Zeph doesn't work out. ---We've had the odd application for her, but they're all in downtown or busier areas, which I don't think she would handle well. She's a dog who needs some zen. And we'll make sure you get it baby girl. Here's hoping you and Zephyr can stay together (after your trip of course). Most of us have our fingers and toes crossed hard for you.
PS: Migo goes home tomorrow! We also have a few applications for Pika already, so I'll be doing a homecheck for her tomorrow as well. Summer means the adoptions pick up and I'm ready to have a little break. Just a little one though :)
Looking forward to all that this weekend brings.
Emily + Crew
Zephyr has been off-leash for awhile. We've started barbecuing now that it's nice out, and he will tap at the door until we let him out to go barbecue with Jerrad. He might be looking slimmer, but he's got a fat man's head. BURGERS!!!!! We just have to be careful that he doesn't try to jump up on the rack! Those would be some toasty paws.
He's also become like Lemon and Zephyr. He is crateless! (A rare priviledge for most foster dogs.) He sleeps on the couch, is loose when we leave. He is only fed in his crate. Otherwise he will grump if any other dog gets close to his food. That's instinctual though. Even people guard their food.
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| Zephyr the farm dog. |
His only small issue, that we haven't made too much progress with is taking treats gently. He nips hard! We're teaching him to take it from the palm (so he can't grab your finger), but to feed him a treat like a usual dog, he tries to take your nail off with it. OUCH! But what's a thorn amongst all the roses. Sometimes I forgot he's a foster, he just fits so well. I'll really miss his calm zen energy when he eventually goes home.
As for Jasmine, she continues to have almost all good days. There's the odd one (maybe once every two weeks or so?) that she seems to wake up scared of her own shadow, but by the afternoon, and having an extra rest, she is usually comfortable. Switching to a new food had her on the runs for a few days (Jerrad forgot to mix in the pumpkin :S), but she is back to normal today. A tidbit mushy, but no explosions.
Jasmine has also recently discovered her favourite thing. SWIMMING. Down at the lake she is more concerned about her walk, although she's always been interested in the water, and if we're at the beach she always tugs us closer to walk by the ocean, so we've always known she likes the water, but over the last two days, she's found the big pond on our property, and although we don't let her completely off-leash yet (if she spooks, she's a pain to catch), but we drop her leash and let her drag it. She LOVES that pond. I haven't managed any pictures of her in there yet, but whenever we drop the leash, she's over there pretty quick for an older girl. She'd spend hours in there if she could. We make sure to hose her off good afterwards, which she isn't too fond of, but I don't want to take any chances. It's a farm pond after all, who knows what's in there.
I think she's going to like Cecily's new pond when she heads up there (most likely) tomorrow. Even with the application, I think Jasmine would benefit from the change in scenery for awhile, to get out of her comfort zone in an indoor setting, and learn to be comfortable, and hopefully even like it.
Here are some pictures of Jasmine on the farm lately.
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| Boys: They always want their butt in your face! |
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| Sweet, older face. |
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| Jasmine, loyally following Jerrad, her zen daddy. Since day one, she's much preferred him over me. |
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| The permenants ruin a good shot. |
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| Lemon always has to make a funny face. Good job posing Jas! |
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| She of the bobbed tail. |
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| I think this is the best one I've gotten of Jas since she's been here. Truly a beautiful girl. |
We'll miss you Jas while you go adventure with Cecily for awhile, but I know with a change in scenery comes a change in adopters if your home with Zeph doesn't work out. ---We've had the odd application for her, but they're all in downtown or busier areas, which I don't think she would handle well. She's a dog who needs some zen. And we'll make sure you get it baby girl. Here's hoping you and Zephyr can stay together (after your trip of course). Most of us have our fingers and toes crossed hard for you.
PS: Migo goes home tomorrow! We also have a few applications for Pika already, so I'll be doing a homecheck for her tomorrow as well. Summer means the adoptions pick up and I'm ready to have a little break. Just a little one though :)
Looking forward to all that this weekend brings.
Emily + Crew
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Lock up your Socks
Warning: may cause DEADLY HARM to your SOCKS.
Found at Large. Forty pound female, thick build, wearing a mask.
Goes by the Alias: PIKA
Culprit has shown preference for dirty victims, so keep your socks clean. Keep them locked safely in your drawers. Culprit has been known to dig through laundry baskets to destroy heels, has been seen shredding, tossing, chomping her cotton victims. Culprit might be able to be rehabilitated with long walks and durable chew bones, but left to own devices, should not be trusted alone with potential victims. A known fabric predator, keep your stuffed animals safe and sound or risk de-stuffing.
Culprit might be showing attention-seeking behaviour as she is available for adoption and would like her new family to know she is a fun-loving, silly girl who is still very much a puppy.
For further inquiries about adding Pika the sock-destroyer to your home, please visit: turtlegardens.org
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Time to Charge my Batteries
Sometimes doing dog stuff all weekend has its fall-backs. Mostly, I end up burning out faster. With one day off, I can manage to do a decent clean, get the mountain of laundry under control, wash all the crates and dog bedding and overall, get everything that absolutely needs to get accomplished, accomplished. But, that doesn't really leave any time to flake out. I'm truly not a type A person, so after a few weeks I start to burn out if I don't get a day off to lay around and enjoy the dogs, the sun, the walks, a clean house. Basically, at least once every couple of weeks, I need to be recharged. I haven't been recharged in awhile. And, it makes my fuse a heck of a lot shorter.
So, I am glad this weekend Migo is going to his new home, and Jas might be going up to hang with Cecily to see if a change in location might spawn more interest in her.
To be honest, it's not the number of dogs that gets to me. I could live with six Beckett's super easily. It's the the confident, teenage boys that I truly don't mesh with. Migo is an awesome dog, he is friendly with people and other dogs (sometimes too friendly), he walks marvellously on a leash, he is super cuddly, he is crate-trained and housetrained providing frequent trips out. He is a whole 'package', and yet, as far as he's come here, as good as he is, he and I just don't mesh. He wears me out quickly, and wears my patience out even quicker. In a nutshell, Migo is really draining to me. I enjoy my time with Migo, but honestly, there are times when I'm so glad he doesn't have to come to daycare every day with me. To be fair, he would be perfect if I didn't spend so much time with him :) He's like sugar... I've just had too much lately! But he's oh so sweet.
Either way, am I so glad he will get to head to his forever home. That is the number one smile. Number two is knowing I get a bit of a break.
As for Pika, she has settled in really well. She has been to daycare and is a little hesitant in the bigger groups, but is very social. She also loves to talk when she plays. There's still young dog in there as she very much loves to de-stuff stuffies and chew her bones, but most of the time she's a mellow, cuddly companion. She's not draining at all, which I am grateful for. :) Expect in her silly pug moments, she is very relaxing to be around. But that's a TG dog for you. They understand the 'lazy inside' thing.
She is great in her crate overnight, and has been left for 3-4 hours at home alone and hasn't shown any signs of seperation anxiety. Of course she'd much rather be with her people as much as possible, but being seperated is a necessary part of life in most homes, so I make sure they get used to it here for a few hours every day. Besides, if I can make them comfortable being alone for short periods, they are better able to be less stressed when they go to their new home.
Here are some pictures of Pika:
In other news, we had a great walk with Suhki, Veda and their servants... oh I mean people... on Monday night. We also ran into May, my first foster Chihuahua who started the chain of them. She's off-leash and still looking slightly chunky, but she is doing very well. She didn't really recognize us until I knelt down and then her ears when 'OOOOO....' It's been over a year since she's been adopted.
Pika was with us, so we stopped to talk to quite a few people about her, and blabbed on about turtle gardens and such. It's amazing how many people have heard of TG. It helps that Pika is quite the looker. People like to stop and ask what kind of dog she is. They see a pug face on a forty pound body and are just confused. I suppose she is a little confusing to look at -but to me that just adds to her charm. She is seriously a very nice girl. A tidbit shy on first approach, but very friendly once you take a minute with her. Going to enjoy all the puggly cuddles I can get.
Luckily, only one more day till my long weekend. We're going to barbecue, finally finish up the fence (now that we know we're staying long-term), and hopefully just relax a bit. It's amazing what one afternoon of laying around enjoying your surroundings can do.
Ah... I can just feel the zen coming back to me thinking about it.
To the weekend!
Emily Out
So, I am glad this weekend Migo is going to his new home, and Jas might be going up to hang with Cecily to see if a change in location might spawn more interest in her.
To be honest, it's not the number of dogs that gets to me. I could live with six Beckett's super easily. It's the the confident, teenage boys that I truly don't mesh with. Migo is an awesome dog, he is friendly with people and other dogs (sometimes too friendly), he walks marvellously on a leash, he is super cuddly, he is crate-trained and housetrained providing frequent trips out. He is a whole 'package', and yet, as far as he's come here, as good as he is, he and I just don't mesh. He wears me out quickly, and wears my patience out even quicker. In a nutshell, Migo is really draining to me. I enjoy my time with Migo, but honestly, there are times when I'm so glad he doesn't have to come to daycare every day with me. To be fair, he would be perfect if I didn't spend so much time with him :) He's like sugar... I've just had too much lately! But he's oh so sweet.
Either way, am I so glad he will get to head to his forever home. That is the number one smile. Number two is knowing I get a bit of a break.
As for Pika, she has settled in really well. She has been to daycare and is a little hesitant in the bigger groups, but is very social. She also loves to talk when she plays. There's still young dog in there as she very much loves to de-stuff stuffies and chew her bones, but most of the time she's a mellow, cuddly companion. She's not draining at all, which I am grateful for. :) Expect in her silly pug moments, she is very relaxing to be around. But that's a TG dog for you. They understand the 'lazy inside' thing.
She is great in her crate overnight, and has been left for 3-4 hours at home alone and hasn't shown any signs of seperation anxiety. Of course she'd much rather be with her people as much as possible, but being seperated is a necessary part of life in most homes, so I make sure they get used to it here for a few hours every day. Besides, if I can make them comfortable being alone for short periods, they are better able to be less stressed when they go to their new home.
Here are some pictures of Pika:
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| Looking all cute. |
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| Playing with Lemon |
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| Happy Pug Girl |
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| The Mini-Mastiff |
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| May when she was with us. (Before she got her nails trimmed!) |
Pika was with us, so we stopped to talk to quite a few people about her, and blabbed on about turtle gardens and such. It's amazing how many people have heard of TG. It helps that Pika is quite the looker. People like to stop and ask what kind of dog she is. They see a pug face on a forty pound body and are just confused. I suppose she is a little confusing to look at -but to me that just adds to her charm. She is seriously a very nice girl. A tidbit shy on first approach, but very friendly once you take a minute with her. Going to enjoy all the puggly cuddles I can get.
Luckily, only one more day till my long weekend. We're going to barbecue, finally finish up the fence (now that we know we're staying long-term), and hopefully just relax a bit. It's amazing what one afternoon of laying around enjoying your surroundings can do.
Ah... I can just feel the zen coming back to me thinking about it.
To the weekend!
Emily Out
Monday, May 14, 2012
Another Year at the Farm!!
We got news super exciting today that we are able to resign a lease at the farm, and this time, a full year lease!!! (It came as a real surprise as our landlord was debating putting the place up for sale. However, it's been in his family too long to part with quite yet. So, we're here for another year!)
We are super excited, as this means we're able to continue fostering, some boarding, and if it happens, we would be in a situation to foster-fail again.
Although its a little far from town, it truly is a little piece of paradise, and I am SOOOOO happy to be able to stay. Truly, this is the kind of place that down the road I'd want to buy for myself and I'm priviledged to be able to live here.
Tonight I am shamelessly happy-dancing and thanking my lucky stars. To be honest, I don't know if Beckett would be too happy to be a city dog again. Now that he is used to his big field and his chickens and his rural lifestyle, he has found 'home'. Not that he hasn't always been happy, or that he was hard done by, just that he feels... at peace here, with Lemon, and the quiet and it's like he's truly the dog he was always meant to be.
Maybe it was your birthday present hey Beckster? (In just over a week, we'll have had Beckett four years), and he will be about 7-8 years old. Still young and spry for a middle-aged medium-large sized dog. I have the feeling when he does get 'old' he'll go fast. For now, he's still a playing machine.
We are super excited, as this means we're able to continue fostering, some boarding, and if it happens, we would be in a situation to foster-fail again.
Although its a little far from town, it truly is a little piece of paradise, and I am SOOOOO happy to be able to stay. Truly, this is the kind of place that down the road I'd want to buy for myself and I'm priviledged to be able to live here.
Tonight I am shamelessly happy-dancing and thanking my lucky stars. To be honest, I don't know if Beckett would be too happy to be a city dog again. Now that he is used to his big field and his chickens and his rural lifestyle, he has found 'home'. Not that he hasn't always been happy, or that he was hard done by, just that he feels... at peace here, with Lemon, and the quiet and it's like he's truly the dog he was always meant to be.
Beckett was always meant to be a farm-dog.
Migo... Adoption PENDING.
Migo met with George yesterday, and the two hit it off. Although George didn't apply for Migo, the application was passed on from Island Dogz, as they didn't have somebody that would fit him. Everyone had their fingers crossed Migo was truly his fit.
Right before I went to bed, I got the e-mail:
Hi Emily,
Thanks for coming to visit and bringing Migo with you. I would like to adopt him if
I am qualified to do so. I really enjoyed having him here and I feel that he was
comfortable with me as well.
If I qualify I could come and get him this coming weekend. I also would like
a recommendation on which training course we should take here in Duncan. Looking
forward to hearing from you :)
George
So, Migo will be going home this upcoming weekend :). George can take him to work with him, and will start training as well to make Migo the best companion that he can be.
In the month and a half Migo has been here, he has really grown up. He went from bouncing off the walls all the time, to being content with an hour of solid exercise a day and a play session or two, and being a mellow couch potato the rest of the day. He has learnt some basic commands -a first for one of my foster dogs- and has overcome some resource guarding with other dogs. He is more than ready to continue his adventure and go to his forever home.
Maybe we'll finish a good roll-over this week! What a great anniversary present yesterday brought. I'm so glad Migo gets to go home!
Right before I went to bed, I got the e-mail:
Hi Emily,
Thanks for coming to visit and bringing Migo with you. I would like to adopt him if
I am qualified to do so. I really enjoyed having him here and I feel that he was
comfortable with me as well.
If I qualify I could come and get him this coming weekend. I also would like
a recommendation on which training course we should take here in Duncan. Looking
forward to hearing from you :)
George
So, Migo will be going home this upcoming weekend :). George can take him to work with him, and will start training as well to make Migo the best companion that he can be.
In the month and a half Migo has been here, he has really grown up. He went from bouncing off the walls all the time, to being content with an hour of solid exercise a day and a play session or two, and being a mellow couch potato the rest of the day. He has learnt some basic commands -a first for one of my foster dogs- and has overcome some resource guarding with other dogs. He is more than ready to continue his adventure and go to his forever home.
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| Migo looking all grown-up. |
Maybe we'll finish a good roll-over this week! What a great anniversary present yesterday brought. I'm so glad Migo gets to go home!
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