It's been a bit of a whirlwind day, but both Momo and Meghan are officially Halloween-day adoptees! Meghan's mum picked her up from the daycare with the biggest smile I have seen on anyone, with girly pink collar and leash. I have to admit, part of me wanted to take Meghan and just run home with her and keep her, but I bit my lip and let her go. Hopefully I'll get to see her around from time to time though, and I know in my heart of hearts, this is HER home. Besides, I guess it's best they leave their foster spot behind for the next dog anyway. Close my dear Meghan, but no cigar. To be fair to me and you, I have to let you go. Make sure you stay happy :)
Momo's adoption papers were also signed today, and she will be going home with new brother Petey the jack x chi alongside new mum and dad. In a 'small world' sort of thing, May, my 3rd foster ever and first Chihuahua was brought up on the same trip from California as Petey, Momo's new brother. Kind of cool!
Momo's new family is away for a week for a pre-scheduled business trip, but will pick her up when they return. So, she is effectively signed, sealed and post-dated for delivery.
On the incoming end, there's a good chance we'll be getting a shy Taiwanese dog in within the week. She's been fostered for a bit now, so isn't really new to Canada, but hasn't progressed any from the time she's come and rescue is afraid she's not really adoptable without some work. So, we'll see about that! She's young yet -9 months-, so I bet with a few weeks of bootcamp we'll make a fairly to very adoptable girl out of her.
Other than that, I'm sure someone(s) will sneak their way in here sooner than later. I don't stay empty long, and to be honest, I start to go a little loonie when it's only my two kicking around after a few days (actually, they too get a little loonie without the fosters now). I have the feeling if we ever had to go back to not fostering, I better get me a working dog --or some sort of both physically and mentally draining hobby that doesn't cost much money!
They'll show up eventually I'm sure. As always, it's about the right dog AND the right home. Great homes and great dogs sometimes don't make a great match.
Will update more when some new arrivals show up. Until then, it's hanging out with Momo and working on finishing up my french course I've been pushing to the side for a little too long.
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.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
T(w)o Forever Homes
The last two nights have been really great. Sometimes homechecks can feel like a chore, but once you get to them, I'm almost always delighted to talk about dogs for an hour and go over canine care, training, etc, etc. I'm not usually a very talkative person, but get me talking about dogs and I could probably go on a fortnight.
We had Megan's homecheck on Tuesday night and I could tell the second the two met, mum was in love and Megan would be the apple of her mum's eye. Megan is heading home tomorrow. I kind of wish I had her awhile longer, but I know that would just make the transition harder.
We also had Momo's homecheck tonight, and it was totally what I thought from reading the application. Fingers crossed and providing all systems are go, papers will be signed tomorrow, but Momo will be staying until the tenth while her new parents are away on a pre-scheduled trip. Not a problem to me, the fosters are always welcome to stay until they find their awesome forever homes (unless of course, they were to become a danger or what not.) Obviously Momo is far from dangerous :P She might lick you to death mind you.
I've been lazy on the camera front but I managed to get new batteries, so hopefully I'll get a few before Megan goes home tomorrow. I just realized I have maybe two pictures of her! Piper took such a good one though I didn't need to get a good mug shot. Face shots truly get adopters. You just see something in the face you can't refuse.
For now, I'm going to go snuggle Megan. If only the dog had drive...
We had Megan's homecheck on Tuesday night and I could tell the second the two met, mum was in love and Megan would be the apple of her mum's eye. Megan is heading home tomorrow. I kind of wish I had her awhile longer, but I know that would just make the transition harder.
We also had Momo's homecheck tonight, and it was totally what I thought from reading the application. Fingers crossed and providing all systems are go, papers will be signed tomorrow, but Momo will be staying until the tenth while her new parents are away on a pre-scheduled trip. Not a problem to me, the fosters are always welcome to stay until they find their awesome forever homes (unless of course, they were to become a danger or what not.) Obviously Momo is far from dangerous :P She might lick you to death mind you.
I've been lazy on the camera front but I managed to get new batteries, so hopefully I'll get a few before Megan goes home tomorrow. I just realized I have maybe two pictures of her! Piper took such a good one though I didn't need to get a good mug shot. Face shots truly get adopters. You just see something in the face you can't refuse.
For now, I'm going to go snuggle Megan. If only the dog had drive...
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Are You Really Shy?
Just like people, dogs come in all varieties of temperments, quirks and desire to be around others of their species, and different species. There are people hermits who don't want much to do with the world, just like there are dog hermits. Social butterflies who love everyone, those who have only a few friends, and those that are abrasive in general. It's so important to know where your dog fits in all of it, and to understand they are not really wrong for possibly not liking other dogs, or possibly not liking people, but they do need to develop good manners around everyone to be a good citizen. Just because your kids hates another kid doesn't mean he should go beating him up! At the same time if your child is a fearful one and scared of the world, doesn't mean they don't have to be exposed to it.
But back to the topic of shyness. People, even fairly smart educated, dog people have the tendency of grouping behaviours into one meaning. If a dog doesn't want to be touched or hang out with people it is common they are labelled a 'shy dog', or if they like to hang out by themselves a lot, or if they don't say hi to every new person out there. To me, that's not really shy, that's 'I don't really care' which is a totally different behaviour set all together. To be honest, I kind of like dogs who have a 'who cares' attitude about people, because they are going to end up loyal to their people and not running off on you for a better person every jogger they meet. I personally find a complete social butterfly a little annoying (makes me wonder why I have Lemon ;) ).
True, most of these dogs can benefit from the same condition as a truly 'shy' dog, to make them tolerate humans and touch better but a lot of them aren't really shy at all.
To me shy dogs -which are dogs leaning to fearful behaviours and scaredness- do the following:
1) Will go the other way when they meet somebody or something new. No curiosity whatsoever. I know a dog that bolts into the bush every time she meets a new person on the trail. Instant flight.
2) The shyer they are, the more of a fear response they might have. More than anything they want to get away, and get away fast.
3) Are always watching. I remember Allie would never take her eyes off me. I had to cover her crate so she would sleep. She was always watching and waiting for me to do something to harm her. A truly shy dog is always on guard and ready.
Working with Kahlua this past week and a bit, I've come to the conclusion that he is not a shy dog, but has developed avoidance behaviours from people thinking he is shy.
Examples that Kahlua isn't shy:
1) He meets new people and smells them from a distance. He will get within touching distance quickly even without treats. He may not let them pet him right away, but he is not fearful/going the other direction.
2) He is curious about his world.
3) He only truly practice shy/fearful behaviour when he ASKED something. IE: time for bed, or sit or go for a walk, or go down the stairs.
4) His 'shyness' goes away as soon as you overcome the behaviour he didn't want to do. If he goes down one stair, he suddenly perks right up and goes down them all with no further coaxing or reinforcement.
He goes: "NO, I don't haveta, I don't wanna, I'm not gonna-"
And you go: "Too bad, no choice."
And he goes: "Fine then."
A bit like a teenager!
To me, this means that in order to not follow a command or do what he's been asked to, he's gone into avoidance behaviour -I'll leave and you won't catch me, and I'll sulk in a corner if I do get caught-. I can understand where someone could be confused. He isn't a social butterfly dog -he's one that is content with his own company for the most part-, so he doesn't see the value in doing what he's told when he can avoid doing it at all. But he's not truly shy. The shy behaviours people have seen him have not consciously been created for him. His shyness is a learned behaviour not in his temperment at all. He's actually a bit of a confident, but very nicely dog social, boob. He knows how to play people.
Does he need further socialization with people, definitely, does he need more confidence building and training, most certainly, but mostly, he needs to learn that there are expectations from people and that to earn his keep (IE: his breakfast and supper), he best mind those expectations. He definitely doesn't need to be coddled and thinks he's shy! He needs someone who says "You'll be fine, let's go." It might take a little while to create new behaviour that overrides the learned shyness, but it'll happen.
He's going home on Sunday and I'll miss him for sure. In such a short time span I've seen so much change in him -even at last night's homecheck he made himself at home right away and soaked in the pets from a complete stranger. There's so much promise for this little guy and I'm glad I could be even just a tiny piece of his puzzle.
Emily Out
But back to the topic of shyness. People, even fairly smart educated, dog people have the tendency of grouping behaviours into one meaning. If a dog doesn't want to be touched or hang out with people it is common they are labelled a 'shy dog', or if they like to hang out by themselves a lot, or if they don't say hi to every new person out there. To me, that's not really shy, that's 'I don't really care' which is a totally different behaviour set all together. To be honest, I kind of like dogs who have a 'who cares' attitude about people, because they are going to end up loyal to their people and not running off on you for a better person every jogger they meet. I personally find a complete social butterfly a little annoying (makes me wonder why I have Lemon ;) ).
True, most of these dogs can benefit from the same condition as a truly 'shy' dog, to make them tolerate humans and touch better but a lot of them aren't really shy at all.
To me shy dogs -which are dogs leaning to fearful behaviours and scaredness- do the following:
1) Will go the other way when they meet somebody or something new. No curiosity whatsoever. I know a dog that bolts into the bush every time she meets a new person on the trail. Instant flight.
2) The shyer they are, the more of a fear response they might have. More than anything they want to get away, and get away fast.
3) Are always watching. I remember Allie would never take her eyes off me. I had to cover her crate so she would sleep. She was always watching and waiting for me to do something to harm her. A truly shy dog is always on guard and ready.
Working with Kahlua this past week and a bit, I've come to the conclusion that he is not a shy dog, but has developed avoidance behaviours from people thinking he is shy.
Examples that Kahlua isn't shy:
1) He meets new people and smells them from a distance. He will get within touching distance quickly even without treats. He may not let them pet him right away, but he is not fearful/going the other direction.
2) He is curious about his world.
3) He only truly practice shy/fearful behaviour when he ASKED something. IE: time for bed, or sit or go for a walk, or go down the stairs.
4) His 'shyness' goes away as soon as you overcome the behaviour he didn't want to do. If he goes down one stair, he suddenly perks right up and goes down them all with no further coaxing or reinforcement.
He goes: "NO, I don't haveta, I don't wanna, I'm not gonna-"
And you go: "Too bad, no choice."
And he goes: "Fine then."
A bit like a teenager!
To me, this means that in order to not follow a command or do what he's been asked to, he's gone into avoidance behaviour -I'll leave and you won't catch me, and I'll sulk in a corner if I do get caught-. I can understand where someone could be confused. He isn't a social butterfly dog -he's one that is content with his own company for the most part-, so he doesn't see the value in doing what he's told when he can avoid doing it at all. But he's not truly shy. The shy behaviours people have seen him have not consciously been created for him. His shyness is a learned behaviour not in his temperment at all. He's actually a bit of a confident, but very nicely dog social, boob. He knows how to play people.
Does he need further socialization with people, definitely, does he need more confidence building and training, most certainly, but mostly, he needs to learn that there are expectations from people and that to earn his keep (IE: his breakfast and supper), he best mind those expectations. He definitely doesn't need to be coddled and thinks he's shy! He needs someone who says "You'll be fine, let's go." It might take a little while to create new behaviour that overrides the learned shyness, but it'll happen.
He's going home on Sunday and I'll miss him for sure. In such a short time span I've seen so much change in him -even at last night's homecheck he made himself at home right away and soaked in the pets from a complete stranger. There's so much promise for this little guy and I'm glad I could be even just a tiny piece of his puzzle.
Emily Out
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Kahlua finds His Home
The amount of great applications for both Kahlua and Megan have been amazing, especially as we are entering what usually is a slow adoption time of year with the weather getting colder.
Sometimes an application just stands out amongst the crowd and you find yourself saying "This is the family." It usually has nothing to do with the house or the 'space' they will live, but more of a sense of the personality of the people. I went through a ton of applications for Dickory before I found her 'one', but I absolutely knew it when I saw it. I had the same thing happen with a few dogs, and in the case of multiple applications I always try to find the app my gut is drawn to. Playing match-maker, it's hard! Sometimes I'd like to clone a dog to place them in two or three homes!
Even though there were three applications for Kahlua I really liked, it was obvious to me when this particular one came along that it was his. So, homecheck set up and as usual with dog people, I probably talked much too long about much too much, but in the end we got a great match. Kahlua will be going home on Sunday after his family is back from a pre-scheduled trip to Vancouver. I am hopeful that his other two great applications might consider one of his siblings from Taiwan, or possibly two of the other pups Ocean Dog Rescue has in local foster homes. One of the other families will meet Kahlua tomorrow night to see how a shy dog is and whether they would mind working with one. Working with a shy dog is oh so rewarding, they bond so closely to their handlers. They might never be social butterflies, but really, wouldn't you rather a dog that wants to hang out with you more than anybody else on the planet?
I'm making headway on Megan's wack of applications. She's got such great ones, but I admit, I'm totally biased because she's close to what I'd consider adopting myself. I know she'd rather be an only dog -I can just see that in her personality, wanting HER person to bond with-. We'll be having her first homecheck on Monday which to me is the 'gut' application. That application when I have everybody's app open that I keep coming back to. Luckily, Megan's got a look-alike named Maggie up at Turtle Gardens, so there's the possibility of two families being chosen :). If Maggie isn't scooped by next bus run, I know who to ask to come down.
I almost feel like an employer screening candidates for a single job. Except a dog is more than a job, it's a lifelong partnership. Sometimes I have to take a big breath, clear my head and just tackle it with my heart. All the logic in the world doesn't make something right.
On another small note, in all the hub-bub of Megan and Kahlua, Momo is still without interest. But that's okay, let the flurry of applications for the pups pass. She will find her people and is a sweet, cuddly yet adventurous companion. With her, I can see her go almost anywhere, she's just that flexible. I really enjoy having her comedic nature around.
More after the weekend. If anyone would like to network Momo, it would be much appreciated :)
Emily Out
Sometimes an application just stands out amongst the crowd and you find yourself saying "This is the family." It usually has nothing to do with the house or the 'space' they will live, but more of a sense of the personality of the people. I went through a ton of applications for Dickory before I found her 'one', but I absolutely knew it when I saw it. I had the same thing happen with a few dogs, and in the case of multiple applications I always try to find the app my gut is drawn to. Playing match-maker, it's hard! Sometimes I'd like to clone a dog to place them in two or three homes!
Even though there were three applications for Kahlua I really liked, it was obvious to me when this particular one came along that it was his. So, homecheck set up and as usual with dog people, I probably talked much too long about much too much, but in the end we got a great match. Kahlua will be going home on Sunday after his family is back from a pre-scheduled trip to Vancouver. I am hopeful that his other two great applications might consider one of his siblings from Taiwan, or possibly two of the other pups Ocean Dog Rescue has in local foster homes. One of the other families will meet Kahlua tomorrow night to see how a shy dog is and whether they would mind working with one. Working with a shy dog is oh so rewarding, they bond so closely to their handlers. They might never be social butterflies, but really, wouldn't you rather a dog that wants to hang out with you more than anybody else on the planet?
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| Kahlua's Couch Shot |
I almost feel like an employer screening candidates for a single job. Except a dog is more than a job, it's a lifelong partnership. Sometimes I have to take a big breath, clear my head and just tackle it with my heart. All the logic in the world doesn't make something right.
On another small note, in all the hub-bub of Megan and Kahlua, Momo is still without interest. But that's okay, let the flurry of applications for the pups pass. She will find her people and is a sweet, cuddly yet adventurous companion. With her, I can see her go almost anywhere, she's just that flexible. I really enjoy having her comedic nature around.
 |
| Momo's Couch Shot |
Emily Out
Monday, October 22, 2012
Might as Well Stamp them Adoption Pending
Well, it's official. People love puppies. Kahlua has had at least seven applications and there's as many or possibly more for Megan. Personally I'd adopt Megan over Kahlua, but I might be breedist. As much as I enjoy working with the shy guys, I know we'll never adopt one of the shy guys. There's lots of reward in them, but I want a dog that enjoys doing stuff and doesn't always have to be encouraged to be brave. Maybe that's why I like Lemon so much. For better or for worse, she's overly friendly.
Meg was grouchy last night towards all the dogs and slept from about 4pm until 7am the next morning. I didn't even bother moving her to pee. I found her cuddled up to Beckett in the morning and though she was a bit cranky with Lemon and Kahlua once Beckett played with them she decided they were okay too. Both her and Kahlua have decided Beckett is the bomb and once again he has become the ideal babysitter. He loves the position too. He is a working dog after all :)
Comfy Meg passed out for the night:
Momo is doing well too although we are having troubles in the house-training department. I think at some point in her short life she was left either in a basement or in a crate and she learnt the really bad, unnatural habit of doing her business where she sleeps. So, we've gone a somewhat unconventional route and moved her into a nice big crate and put a pee pad at the back. So far so good, but hopefully not a long term solution! She sure is a fun, nice little dog though. I betcha she could be trained to one of those indoor potties pretty quickly, which might make her a good companion for someone in an apartment. She doesn't need much exercise that's for sure! She makes me laugh -the comedian nature of a pug :)
A homecheck for Kahlua is scheduled for tomorrow, and then onto the scheduling of some of Meg's possibilities, but for her I know what I'm looking for. Some dogs just come and I can tell what they need in a home to make them the best dog they can personally be. I guess having gone through so many you get to have a pretty good idea. I think because Jerrad is going "can we keep her" my standards are even higher. I like Meg a lot, but I don't think she's quite '#3' CLOSE THOUGH! For me, she has the spunk but not the drive. She'll be a great little dog for the right home though and I'm sure they're coming pretty soon around the corner.
Will update tomorrow night with how Kahlua's homecheck goes.
Emily Out
Meg was grouchy last night towards all the dogs and slept from about 4pm until 7am the next morning. I didn't even bother moving her to pee. I found her cuddled up to Beckett in the morning and though she was a bit cranky with Lemon and Kahlua once Beckett played with them she decided they were okay too. Both her and Kahlua have decided Beckett is the bomb and once again he has become the ideal babysitter. He loves the position too. He is a working dog after all :)
Comfy Meg passed out for the night:
Kahlua and Beckett: Is it just me, or does Beckett look like he could be Kahlua's daddy?
Momo is doing well too although we are having troubles in the house-training department. I think at some point in her short life she was left either in a basement or in a crate and she learnt the really bad, unnatural habit of doing her business where she sleeps. So, we've gone a somewhat unconventional route and moved her into a nice big crate and put a pee pad at the back. So far so good, but hopefully not a long term solution! She sure is a fun, nice little dog though. I betcha she could be trained to one of those indoor potties pretty quickly, which might make her a good companion for someone in an apartment. She doesn't need much exercise that's for sure! She makes me laugh -the comedian nature of a pug :)
A homecheck for Kahlua is scheduled for tomorrow, and then onto the scheduling of some of Meg's possibilities, but for her I know what I'm looking for. Some dogs just come and I can tell what they need in a home to make them the best dog they can personally be. I guess having gone through so many you get to have a pretty good idea. I think because Jerrad is going "can we keep her" my standards are even higher. I like Meg a lot, but I don't think she's quite '#3' CLOSE THOUGH! For me, she has the spunk but not the drive. She'll be a great little dog for the right home though and I'm sure they're coming pretty soon around the corner.
Will update tomorrow night with how Kahlua's homecheck goes.
Emily Out
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Pictures of the Newbies
We go grab Megan, our new TG foster, from Marie later this afternoon, but for now, some pictures of the Taiwanese duo.
First is Momo the pug. She is a super friendly, typical pug although seems to be a bitter smaller than average. No worries, that means she'll always look like a puppy! She is only a pound or so heavier than Lemon (12-13 pounds). Very dog social, very people social, cat friendly and chicken safe. She's a little on the independent side, but that's not a bad thing! The only issue we've having with her is the housetraining, but give it a few days and it should be coming along really well.
Some pictures of Miss Momo.
The second is mister shy and sweet Kahlua, who reminds me so much of how old foster dog Zephyr must have been as a puppy. He is so, soooo sweet, loves to nudge your hand ever so slightly to get you to pet him. He can do 'the pancake' sometimes out of fear when we're out in the big wide world, but there are no mean bones in this dog, he just needs some confidence building. He is super dog social and great with the barn cats. Kind of scared of the chickens poor thing.
Kahlua is approx 22 pounds and will mature to approx 30. A great ideal size.
And here's a picture of Megan (courtesy of Piper from the bus run) that is coming this afternoon. She is a 5.5 month old Border Collie mix, who I have to admit, I'm somewhat in love with already...
First is Momo the pug. She is a super friendly, typical pug although seems to be a bitter smaller than average. No worries, that means she'll always look like a puppy! She is only a pound or so heavier than Lemon (12-13 pounds). Very dog social, very people social, cat friendly and chicken safe. She's a little on the independent side, but that's not a bad thing! The only issue we've having with her is the housetraining, but give it a few days and it should be coming along really well.
Some pictures of Miss Momo.
The second is mister shy and sweet Kahlua, who reminds me so much of how old foster dog Zephyr must have been as a puppy. He is so, soooo sweet, loves to nudge your hand ever so slightly to get you to pet him. He can do 'the pancake' sometimes out of fear when we're out in the big wide world, but there are no mean bones in this dog, he just needs some confidence building. He is super dog social and great with the barn cats. Kind of scared of the chickens poor thing.
Kahlua is approx 22 pounds and will mature to approx 30. A great ideal size.
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| He's cuddly! |
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What a cute face :) |
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| A little on the serious side. |
Friday, October 19, 2012
Family Resemblance!
I never quite know what breed to call Lemon and I have never seen a dog quite like her. We know there's got to be some chihuahua or at least some terrier, but otherwise, she's just a cool little mutt. However today I stumbled across a dog that looks like her bigger version at the Kitimat Humane Society. At 3 years old and coming from the same general area (Northern BC), it could very well be they are related, this girl might possibly even be Lemon's mum! The resemblance is truly uncanny.
Now there's something in me to go save her or see if she could somehow come into foster here. Something about family sticking together?
Pictures of the new recruits tomorrow after my big almost-all-day staff meeting.
Pictures of the new recruits tomorrow after my big almost-all-day staff meeting.
Graduation
It's cold and rainy and we're waiting for the two Taiwanese pups to come in since they're plane was delayed by a lot and the transport got all weird. Lucky us, they'll find someone to bring them to us! Apparently they're both in very good spirits, and even somewhat shy Kahlua is being nice and friendly and loving grass!
So, in other news, on Monday I finished my Dog Training course, and on October 27th I'll be starting my practice class on many of my old fosters, and a couple of faces I haven't seen before.
Faces include: Tegan (TG Alum), Chula (a foster of mine who is from California), Dickory (TG Alum and previous foster), Luma (TG Alum and previous foster), Jocko (previously Koko, TG Alum) and Carlin -a TG dog fostered in Victoria who is looking for his new home. Also, Carlin is Tegan's littermate! I will definitely have to get a group photo once we're all graduated. It'll basically be a bit of a TG reunion minus one Californian Chihuahua!
For now, here's mine and Lemon's graduation photo. It was raining up a storm and we were all sporting the 'wind-blown' hair look. Also, wearing three sweaters for heat doesn't exactly make a pretty picture, but it's not too bad all things considered :)
I still have a lot to learn and a ways to go, but after doing a couple more group practice sessions I'll be raring to go on the group obedience courses and private obedience courses, with privates on dealing with most anything you can think of except strong aggression -which I have the basis of, but I believe if you're dealing with high-end aggression where a dog has broken skin before you owe it to your dog to find someone who specializes in that department.
PS: Lemon is really glad she doesn't have to go to training class throughout the day anymore. She has a habit of giving me 'the look' of 'I'm NOT a working dog!!'. Though, now after a few days I think she's getting bored. We're too much like. Way too busy or not busy enough. Never quite satisfied.
Pictures and updates of the new dogs later today or tomorrow once they bounce in from Vancouver.
Emily Out
So, in other news, on Monday I finished my Dog Training course, and on October 27th I'll be starting my practice class on many of my old fosters, and a couple of faces I haven't seen before.
Faces include: Tegan (TG Alum), Chula (a foster of mine who is from California), Dickory (TG Alum and previous foster), Luma (TG Alum and previous foster), Jocko (previously Koko, TG Alum) and Carlin -a TG dog fostered in Victoria who is looking for his new home. Also, Carlin is Tegan's littermate! I will definitely have to get a group photo once we're all graduated. It'll basically be a bit of a TG reunion minus one Californian Chihuahua!
For now, here's mine and Lemon's graduation photo. It was raining up a storm and we were all sporting the 'wind-blown' hair look. Also, wearing three sweaters for heat doesn't exactly make a pretty picture, but it's not too bad all things considered :)
PS: Lemon is really glad she doesn't have to go to training class throughout the day anymore. She has a habit of giving me 'the look' of 'I'm NOT a working dog!!'. Though, now after a few days I think she's getting bored. We're too much like. Way too busy or not busy enough. Never quite satisfied.
Pictures and updates of the new dogs later today or tomorrow once they bounce in from Vancouver.
Emily Out
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Incomings
Sorry I've been a bit absent the last week. I was finishing off my dog trainer's program, busy with my Master's program, and all in all, just trying not to fall off the speed-rocketting bandwagon. We just entering the 'calm after the storm' today.
Very quickly we have two new incoming pups from Taiwan. One has a potential application already in the works, but needs a meet+greet over the weekend to make sure, but I'm not counting any chickens and will consider her my foster anyway. If there's anything I've learnt in rescue it's that the best laid plans are usually the ones that blow up in your face.
I just heard this morning that there will be an emergency TG bus run this weekend as well, which might make for a full house sooner than later. I have my eye on someone, but I think she might have an application too -it kind of happens to the ones I have my eyes on.
For the two Taiwanese dogs, here they are:
He is about 20 pounds and will probably hit about 30 full grown. From his videos he is very dog social, on the submissive side, but can be shy with people (typical of the breed). I will be building his confidence up a bit, and looking for his nice forever home that will continue to do the same.
Momo -the one with a potential home- is a typical friendly, sunshiney, happy, happy, happy pug. One of her legs had hip dysplasia, but it has been treated (surgery). She is great with peope, dogs, cats. An ideal little friend who is up for nice leisurely walks, but no hard physical activities for this girl.
More in the next few days once the new arrivals get here and get settled. For today, it's back to my usual schedule at the daycare. To be honest, I feel like I want a couple days off first :P No rest for the wicked!
Emily Out
Very quickly we have two new incoming pups from Taiwan. One has a potential application already in the works, but needs a meet+greet over the weekend to make sure, but I'm not counting any chickens and will consider her my foster anyway. If there's anything I've learnt in rescue it's that the best laid plans are usually the ones that blow up in your face.
I just heard this morning that there will be an emergency TG bus run this weekend as well, which might make for a full house sooner than later. I have my eye on someone, but I think she might have an application too -it kind of happens to the ones I have my eyes on.
For the two Taiwanese dogs, here they are:
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| KAHLUA: 6 month old male Formosan Mountain Dog mix. |
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| MOMO: 2 year old spayed Pug. |
More in the next few days once the new arrivals get here and get settled. For today, it's back to my usual schedule at the daycare. To be honest, I feel like I want a couple days off first :P No rest for the wicked!
Emily Out
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Happy Rescue Birthday Beckett
5 years ago, Turtle Gardens undertook the rescue of 52 sled dogs, known as The Sheriff Dogs. It wouldn't be until May of the following year that we adopted our boy, but what a start to a life of adventure. Sure I had to give up some things, but what I reaped in return I wouldn't change for the world.
Tomorrow when I get back from Thanksgiving in Vancouver, I'll take a few new pictures of my man (who is now almost 8, since I guess he was just over 2 when he was rescued, and 2.5 when we adopted him). How time flies.
And to anyone who says a sled dog can't turn into a family pet, I'm sure Beckett could change their minds.
Tomorrow when I get back from Thanksgiving in Vancouver, I'll take a few new pictures of my man (who is now almost 8, since I guess he was just over 2 when he was rescued, and 2.5 when we adopted him). How time flies.
And to anyone who says a sled dog can't turn into a family pet, I'm sure Beckett could change their minds.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Gotta Love When the Timing Works Out
I think my mother might kill me if I miss another family get together due to dogs and/or including my fosters. So, by Tuesday afternoon it was 'let's hunt fo a sitter' time so I hopefully could get away for the weekend. This is not necessarily an easy task since it's a holiday weekend, and since two huskies are involved in the process. Luckily, some things have a way of timing themselves out brilliantly. Luma had a great homecheck last night, with dog-savvy people who won't let her get away with much. So, instead of going to the sitter's, she is now camped out in her new home, probably giving her new mum and dad a bit of a run for their money husky style.
So, that leaves me fosterless again, but with another dog in an awesome home, which is the goal anyway :) Some stay longer than others, but it isn't the amount of time they stay that matters, it's that they find the people they are supposed to find. I don't think it's a coincidence that Luma made her way to the island instead of Rumi. Call me a 'there's a bigger picture' person, but even the more difficult dogs that land here I figure land here because here they will find who they need to find. It's a step on their journey. Unless it's Freddie, who I was kind of just a sidetrack!
Good luck in your new home Luma!! I'll see you again soon :)
Also, I dropped Lemon and Beckett off for the weekend as we'll be catching the early ferry tomorrow, and I already feel like an empty nester. Whatever the heck did I do before I had a dog? It's really quite lonely around here and I haven't even left for my vacation yet.
Never know whose on the horizon foster wise, but I'm going to try to enjoy being fosterless until whenever someone else shows up. I never stay fosterless for long, but I really don't mind.
Have a happy Turkey weekend everyone.
Emily Out
So, that leaves me fosterless again, but with another dog in an awesome home, which is the goal anyway :) Some stay longer than others, but it isn't the amount of time they stay that matters, it's that they find the people they are supposed to find. I don't think it's a coincidence that Luma made her way to the island instead of Rumi. Call me a 'there's a bigger picture' person, but even the more difficult dogs that land here I figure land here because here they will find who they need to find. It's a step on their journey. Unless it's Freddie, who I was kind of just a sidetrack!
Good luck in your new home Luma!! I'll see you again soon :)
Also, I dropped Lemon and Beckett off for the weekend as we'll be catching the early ferry tomorrow, and I already feel like an empty nester. Whatever the heck did I do before I had a dog? It's really quite lonely around here and I haven't even left for my vacation yet.
Never know whose on the horizon foster wise, but I'm going to try to enjoy being fosterless until whenever someone else shows up. I never stay fosterless for long, but I really don't mind.
Have a happy Turkey weekend everyone.
Emily Out
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Emmett Goes Home, and Luma Settles In
It's kind of funny how things work out sometimes. After Emmett's first homecheck not panning out, I cuddled one snuggly Emmett and thought 'I'm kind of glad you're staying'. There is something about the pups and wanting to keep them close. I'm so fortunate, the three young pups I've fostered have all stuck nearby. Suhki is here as I type, a very nice grown up gentlemen, and Barley and Buckwheat (IE: Mika and Skye) come to daycare. If they would all stay close, that would be lovely, but they have to go where they have the best home. With the pups, I have to tendency to be a little bit more protective!
So, I talk to Meshum briefly online and she says: "Hey, a good friend and client of mine -someone I've met actually- is looking for a pup. Their old dog passed away a few months ago and they think they're ready."
"Okay," I say, "What kind of dog are they looking for?"
"Pyrenese mix."
"Uh Meshum, you checked my adoptables in the last two days?"
"No, no internet."
"That's exactly what I have."
Send her to the picture.
Meshum: "When can we show him?"
So, because we're all in the same circle of friends, and I met his old dog, I sent Emmett on a new adventure with Meshum to meet his potential new home. Suffice to say, he never returned and is now officially adopted :)
They're lucky they snagged him fast. Somebody wanted to make a service dog out of him which is a great testament to his temperment. He truly is a great dog, despite the puppy crazies from time to time. And his new home has big dog experience, which will go a long ways to turning him into the great BIG adult dog he will become.
Oh, and with a new home, a new name. Emmett is now "Gary".
Luma continues to settle in really well. True to her northern breed heritage, she has a bit of a mouth on her! Just like Beckett she is a perfectly quiet dog until she starts playing, and then you can't get her to shut up. Ah, life with a northern breed. She's a very nice girl though, doing well on her leash though can get excited by dogs coming along the path. Everything is so new to her. Basically, she's a total blank slate, just in a bigger package. Total puppy brain, but much more focus. She has a really nice application, but as always, I never count my chickens. More pictures later :) For now, going to go enjoy my last night with Suhki and Veda before they head home tomorrow evening.
Emily Out
So, I talk to Meshum briefly online and she says: "Hey, a good friend and client of mine -someone I've met actually- is looking for a pup. Their old dog passed away a few months ago and they think they're ready."
"Okay," I say, "What kind of dog are they looking for?"
"Pyrenese mix."
"Uh Meshum, you checked my adoptables in the last two days?"
"No, no internet."
"That's exactly what I have."
Send her to the picture.
Meshum: "When can we show him?"
So, because we're all in the same circle of friends, and I met his old dog, I sent Emmett on a new adventure with Meshum to meet his potential new home. Suffice to say, he never returned and is now officially adopted :)
They're lucky they snagged him fast. Somebody wanted to make a service dog out of him which is a great testament to his temperment. He truly is a great dog, despite the puppy crazies from time to time. And his new home has big dog experience, which will go a long ways to turning him into the great BIG adult dog he will become.
Oh, and with a new home, a new name. Emmett is now "Gary".
Luma continues to settle in really well. True to her northern breed heritage, she has a bit of a mouth on her! Just like Beckett she is a perfectly quiet dog until she starts playing, and then you can't get her to shut up. Ah, life with a northern breed. She's a very nice girl though, doing well on her leash though can get excited by dogs coming along the path. Everything is so new to her. Basically, she's a total blank slate, just in a bigger package. Total puppy brain, but much more focus. She has a really nice application, but as always, I never count my chickens. More pictures later :) For now, going to go enjoy my last night with Suhki and Veda before they head home tomorrow evening.
Emily Out
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