Videos, CA Dogs, and Apparently I Better Get a Move On!

Not that its a competition, but both Lisa and Louise have adoption pendings on their dogs! Rolo has been adopted, and Rudy heads to Victoria tomorrow to meet his most-likely new family (please Rudy, be a good boy and no constant fence-jumping okay!) Do be fair, Rudy and Rolo are ridiculously gorgeous. Not that my dogs aren't, but Rudy looks like a black golden retriever, and Rolo looks nearly pure Samoyed.

And Aster and Hank have diddly squat. Alright, that means I'm being lazy! So I slung their bios over to Victoria Adoptables this morning, that usually gets things up and running on the island. But who am I kidding, I don't mind having them kick around for a few more weeks. Hank is pretty much the easiest foster I've ever had next to the two Chihuahuas, and Aster is funny as beans to watch playing.

Unfortunately, Aster might not be staying for too long. Unfortunately her spay certificate that was supposed to be good through the SPCA, isn't. Long story, but apparently its only for a rabbit or a pitbull. So, she will most likely be heading over to Lisa in the next couple of weeks, as Dr. Ubi can do her spay on the cheap, and Lisa is out of fosters. I'm on the hunt to get her a home beforehand -I haven't had a foster (minus Sail, who I don't really count as she was a bit of an emergency take-in) who has left before they're adopted. I don't see myself as failing her or anything, just that my ego would remain in check if I find her a home beforehand!

That, and I'm kind of hoping a friend of a friend of a friend might find her. She plays so well with Suhki, I have this itch that it would be nice if she could be adopted somewhere close to him so they can play with each other throughout their lives. But that's probably being too optimistic.

In other news, yesterday saw the pull of my next CA dog. My B-Day present was enough to pull a dog from a high-kill shelter, and I basically worked out with Island Dogz that I would cover his expenses to come up, and that I would foster him, but they would be his rescue -just in case anything were to happen.

So this is Kaiser, who basically, my mum saved:

And this is the video that made me choose him:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMWhV9qQoBY

If anyone wants to pass Kaiser and his info along to any interested adopters, that would be fantastic! He is in boarding (with a couch all to himself) for about 2 weeks to recooperate from any kennel cough before he comes to the island! As much as I want to foster him, if he can find his forever home before he lands in Canada, that would just be icing on the cake!

And, for my TG fosters, a few videos of the afternoon/evening yesterday. And yes, there are 6 dogs here currently, and yes, as loud as the videos get, is about how loud it ever is (unless Hank and Beckett are playing outside).



In other small tidbit news. Chula and Antoinette's mum, Michelle, is still unpacking like crazy, so the girls didn't get to go home yesterday, but after work today, I get to bring them to their brand-spanking-new home!

And, to make things even more interesting, Chula and Antoinette will be gaining another housemate. Michelle's parents, who will be living in the suite (I believe) fell in love with Chula -but she's TAKEN, and she's like Velcro to Netty (At this point, I don't think Netty really cares either way, she's the more independent sister). Chula and Netty are a pair. BUT --I have the power to find another Chula type dog.

So, in flipping through the CA 'death-lists', I found Chata! (PS: Its SO much easier going through those lists when you know what you're looking for!)

Chata's Glamour Pic

Chata was saved two days ago, and once we figure out transport to Canada, she will be joining Michelle's parents, Michelle, Chula and Antoinette in their brand-spanking new house!  

And, since the transports work better with 3 dogs (Kaiser is coming seperately), and because after Allie fostered Amelia she wanted to foster again, we also pulled Kane, who was a shy, shut-down little guy in the shelter that hid most of the time and trembled. The chances of him being noticed we're super slim -how do you even know there's a tiny little 5 pound black chi hiding in the corner? So, most likely Kane will be Allie's next CA foster dog. His CA Foster home reports he's a super snuggly love-bug!

Lovely Little Kane

We're still up in the air as to whether a third dog will be coming or not. I have foster commitments to TG, and with no applications on anybody yet, so I don't know if there's room! But, most likely a third one will hitch a ride. After we pulled Kane we found out his has a sister! (Both by blood, and by the household that dumped them!) I can't say no to taking his sister.

And, in final news. Diesel isn't working out with his current home in Nanaimo, so chances are he's coming here for foster boot-camp. Apparently he isn't doing so hot at dog-parks, and is being a jerk towards Toojoe (his son that was adopted with him). We'll see. Dog-parks are usually stupid, and for most TG dogs, bad manners get told off REAL fast. Once the Chis leave, and Suhki heads home tomorrow, we have a pretty mellow crew all in all. Although 3 big boys together without a real bitch in the house (I can make up for it!) is a little unnerving, Beckett and Hank have amazing manners. So if Diesel is telling either of them off, then I know he needs work, and its not just stupid young dogs being stupid young dogs. 

And of course, the slew of pictures from yesterday. Now that the camera's back, I find myself a little too attached to it.

That's all for now folks!

Sunday Morning Wake Up Call -MUTINY!

Yesterday was full of karma, but this morning saw a small mutiny against Mrs. Pack Leader.

Usually the morning goes like this: 6:30 -first pee break. Back to bed until about 8:00 on weekends. Okay, sue me, I slept in to 8:30 (did do the 6:30 pee mind you). So let everybody out, start pulling all the dog blankets out of crates and the ones on the floor cause Sunday is dog-laundry day (BTW, they get 3 loads! Jerrad and I have MAYBE two loads throughout the rest of the week!) The door is left open so they can come and go, and I can keep an eye on everybody through the screen-glass door, or the kitchen window.

The dogs play like loonies -except Chula who is always trying to climb in my lap, or Netty, who is already on the hunt for breakfast-. I usually let them play for about an hour, and then its breakfast time. And never has no body refused to come in for breakfast.

Except this morning.

So, I put my flip-flops on, and go out to bring the crew in.
"Breakfast time." Not a single ear-twitch in my direction. Even Hank, who is usually a very good boy, flipped me the bird.

So, I start calling individually, starting with Beckett, who completely flips me off -not unusual-. So, go out, grab Beckett by his collar and yank him towards the door. Let him go before I throw him completely in as he's to follow my rules. BS, the moment I let go of him he books it away from the door. So now he's in big shit, and I'm PISSED. And suddenly he knows I'm pissed.

So, after Beckett gets the horns, he figures out that Mama means business and goes -and stays- inside. Hank is smart enough that he follows suit pretty damn quick -he is NOT getting into trouble. Hank very nicely goes right into his crate and patiently waits for mutiny to be over to get breakfast. Today I love Sheppards.

Meanwhile, Suhki and Aster are playing like loonies, which is fine, but even with a few gentle prods to regain their attention, both of them flip the bird too. So, I seperate them, leave Aster to her own devices, and concentrate on the most impressionable. Suhki.

I get him close to the door, call his name once more, and what does the little bugger do, he pulls the same move Beckett did and WHOOSH off he goes with stupid 'HAHAHA SUCKER' zoomies around the yard. Sorry bud, you get the horns too.

And with a yipe-yipe, oh-shit I'm in trouble, I grab him by his collar with a quick jerk, hold him maybe a few centimetres off the ground, and drop him. He gives me a look like 'not fair', thinks about it a moment, and decides he should follow me. Until -he tries to pull the same move again!

Too bad bud, Beckett's the sneakiest boy in the world, so I know what to watch for. Grabbed him right as he started to fly off and brought him inside, and plunked him right in his crate. If you're going to play hard-ball, you're going to get it, despite the fact that you are usually a very good puppy. You ARE NOT going home with the idea in your head that you can get away with mutiny. And if I'm not a bit of a hard-ass on you now, I don't want to know what kind of "HAHAHA SUCKER" moves you're going to play on your people later on.

By now Chula knows I mean business, so she's gone into 'duck and cover' mode. I pick her up gently, put her inside and close the door. She's such a softie. No horns for her. She never warrants them. So, onto Aster, who decides the game Beckett and Suhki played was SO MUCH FUN. Impressonable! That's what Aster is all over. She does exactly what the other dogs do. Did she not see what happened to them! Aster doesn't seem to have a lot of clues to rub together. Lovely, entirely, smart, not very.

Luckily for her, I manage to herd her inside without too much trouble, but unlike everyone else inside, who dares not re-enter the mutiny going on outside, she decides to take me for a second round. And unlike Beckett and Suhki, who will stop when I get close cause I mean serious business, socially-awkward Aster doesn't stop. So five minutes of playing catch-me-if-you-can around the yard with a dog that just doesn't get it. Great. Apparently I should have put on my running shoes.

Eventually I catch her, and bring her inside. I think she got that I was pissed, but I don't know if she put two and two together to figure out catch-me-if-you-can got me pissed. This afternoon is mission find a way to get Aster not to play catch me if you can.

Oh, and Netty throughout all of the ruckus, was busy inside trying to find breakfast. Chow hound!
Beckett and Suhki are back in 'the know' of who the bitch is around here. Hank now knows the horns can come out, and hopefully Aster is catching on somewhere down the line.

And now, breakfast!

Learning to Be a Dog

Not quite a week in and Aster is making a lot of progress in the 'act like a real dog' field. Two big benefits: daycare + Suhki. Many TG dogs find daycare way too easy, or some even find it kind of annoying (like Hank) as the dogs don't have the same standard of MANNERS. But with Aster, who needs to re-learn (or learn?) how to be a real dog, its helping her out big time. And having Suhki (and now Beckett) at home to play with she's not only learning HOW to play, but how to play POLITELY. Yesterday she even told one of the more rambunctious dogs off for being rude! Oh how I love progress :)

PS: She's ADHD in a good way! Not a bother whatsoever (although Beckett might disagree ;) ). Actually, she more makes me laugh than anything.

Suhki and Aster Play Session

Beckett says: "Dear Mama Yvette, see what you've made me put up with! But am a good dog, and I'm very nice about it, although I don't appreciate my momma Emily laughing and not helping me out!"

Beckett: Just ignore her, just ignore her, just ignore her!

 He's of the tactic now that ignore her gets her to stop faster and that telling her off just gives her the zoomies, and 10 seconds later she comes back even harder! Oh poor, confused Beckett. At least he's trying to play with her now too. --Not so much annoyed as thoroughly confused!

But Aster is being a very good girl.

She's very cuddle, and can be worn as a scarf.

She's ridiculously cute and looks for direction.

And she does have an off-switch after a good half hour + play session.

So Aster is coming along just fine! And regardless that she's socially awkward, she's a welcome addition to the house. She's just not your typical TG dog.

But Hank is!



Where's my Breakfast!

 Kisses for Jerrad.

Hank is a real Sheppard dog, except that he's kind of lazy. He's eager to please, he learns super quickly, he is excited (but not overzealous) about doing anything you want of him, or going anywhere you want. He's sensitive to correction (Sheppards take things to heart!) In a conversation with Jen, a sheppard rescuer, I was trying to explain the difference between Sheppards and Huskies -as both are working type dogs with usually high amounts of energy.

The simple truth: The German Sheppard is USUALLY the A+ kid that challenges everything and exceeds expectations. They go above and beyond and with good authority, listen to it.

A Husky is instead the 'asshole' in the back of the class who has the mental ability to be the A+ student, but doesn't give a shit about the teacher's expectations, authority, and what-not. They're the ones that make their own decisions about everything. If they want an A, they'll go get it themselves, but not because anyone told them to.

You correct a Sheppard and they feel like dung cause they got something wrong. You correct a Husky and all you're going to get is a slew of F-bombs, and an even bigger act out.

BTW though, huskies can still be trained. They're just a different beast than your BC or your GS. They see an inch, they take 10 kilometers. Although it isn't the right description, huskies need A TON of military type directions. A warning -pfft, that just means they can get away with it 3 more times before shit hits the fan. Some people think I'm hard on Beckett, but I know what I expect from my dog, and its simple: he listens to me. He doesn't, he gets it.

If I tried the same thing with Hank, he'd just look sullen all of the time. So I teach him things -he knows when to go in his kennel now (for his breakfast and supper, for bed-time, and for the occasional time he's left home unsupervised). He mostly comes for his name when outside, or at the very least when I head indoors, he always follows loyally behind, as if he didn't I'd have to go get him -which to him would be a mistake on his part.

If I stand by the kennel, he runs in, looking very happy that he did what I wanted him to. Which is a nice contrast to Beckett, who sometimes seeks a way to avoid what I've asked him to do. Within minutes on a walk he's in a heel, looking proud of himself all the way. Although he doesn't give the best eye contact, you can feel his eagerness to work through the leash. Whoever adopts Hank is going to have one loyal companion. That said, they're still going to need to have strong leadership skills. Just because a dog is smart, catches on quick, and wants to do what they're told, doesn't mean they see every person as their leader.

The only downside to the Sheppard type dog is that they're almost always asking you to ask them to do something. Having Mr. Independent, I find it a little weird to have someone who into doing what I ask them. So I have to make things up for Hank. I play with him, I get him to follow me around, I get him to stop following me around, I get him to go in and out of his crate repeatedly, I get him to sit, sit, sit. I really don't want to formally train him -as I think that's a great bonding exercise for adopters-, but I need to keep his mind active. Luckily, he's fairly lazy, so after a good 10-15 minutes of being told what to do, he's a nice big foot warmer for a few hours.

 But enough blubbering. Here are a few more pics from the last few days!

Beckett on the couch: SAVE ME MUM!

Suhki getting more and more mature! Those fuzzy ears are too damn adorable.

Look at how cute I am!

Suhki is as big, or bigger than Aster now! He's probably going to be about Miniature Schnauzer size full grown.

Look Mama Yvette, I'm growing up so nicely! I even met my momma at Sarah's house, and I'm bigger than her already! I'm about 20 weeks now!

In other news, I get to do a homecheck for Rudy today! If all goes well, he'll be coming to his forever home in Victoria on Tuesday! If not, he'll be coming into foster with me, as unfortunately he's not so hot with cats in his Nanaimo foster home.

Handsome Rudy!

And Chula and Antoinette at long last join their mum permenantly! They get the house today, and are bringing the girls home tomorrow! Lucky girls. Together forever!

Oh the Places You'll Go and the Things that You'll Do

Like chase after dogs when they go missing. Chula and Antoinette went with their mum for a walk yesterday, and Chula was scared away by a big prey-drivey dog -some dogs NEED leashes pople! So, I just settle down to some much needed ichiban noodles, when the phone call comes in. Okay, no noodles, the homework will have to wait (even longer than it already has) and we'll be out for a few hours hunting, so pack up Beckett -cause he needs a walk-, and ADHD (Aster) cause she's going loonie and also needs a way-. Drive off to Thetis Lake.

Luckily, the minute we pulled up we saw Chula come running for the car. Yeah for dogs recognizing cars! She scared her new mum shitless, but is safe and sound -with the addition of some burrs. Good girl Chula -what could have been hours searching a huge park turned into 5 minutes. I am thankful for small things -thank you whoever is looking over me.

Funnily enough, in the great scheme of things, we brought ADHD (Aster), and this "semi-retarded" dog got some interested from a friend that was helping the search party. So, whose to argue with the way things work? Maybe Chula going missing helps another dog find their forever home? We'll see if she puts in an application ;)

Meanwhile Hank continues to be a joy to have around. He walks fairly well on a leash, although is still excited to meet people and dogs that go by. He doesn't quite understand why he can't stop to say hello to everyone! He also likes to try to chase flying birds. We all have a weird quirk somewhere.

Oh, and Netty has been flirting him up.
Hank (not quite 80 pounds) with Netty (4 pounds tops) in the yard:

ADHD is slowly learning how to be a real dog. Luckily the only dog she's completely obsessed over is Beckett, so she's doing well at daycare. She likes everyone and everything and is eager to be involved in whatever is going on. Suhki is still teaching her, and I'm hoping he teaches her lots before he leaves!

Suhki and Aster



And a few pictures from yesterday.

On the Run.

Handsome Hank. Mum a PB German Shep, I think the dad might have had some Akita in him.

Hank and Netty in the yard.

Four TG dogs. Beckett and Hank in the foreground, Suhki and Aster behind them.

Aster being the fan girl.

Hank and Aster Arrive -Amended with Pictures

Okay, they arrived Sunday, but I was hoping to hold out into the camera is working -which I haven't managed to get working. So today I either break down and buy a new camera, or I get it working. Please, please, please just get it working. Cameras are expensive!

Anyway, Hank and Aster arrived on Sunday. Hank is lovely, although unfortunately he's still full of worms :( Oh well, to the vet to pick some dewormer up this afternoon. Hank LOVES Beckett, but he's a good medium-energy, is laid-back in the house, and is a nice mix of lovebug and independent Sheppard dude. He came to daycare yesterday and was unfazed by pretty much everything, although he was kind of confused why most of the lab dogs play like complete idiots. Sorry man, you're too well-socialized for most of these bozos!

Hank at TG

The only glitch in Hank is that he likes to mark, but at the same time, he's not one of those sneaky markers. He's one of those 'Think about it for 5 seconds, then lift' guys, so usually I can catch him. (Unlike Beckett who is a 'must pee on EVERYTHING' type marker). With some persistance I think I can break Hank of the habit -at least as far as daycare goes-. He hasn't tried to mark inside yet, but has looked like he's been thinking about it. Better not buddy, or you'll be seeing your foster mum come down like Thor's hammer.

Oh, and for complete bonus, Hank is crate-trained. I don't mind when they aren't, but for the first few days its really handy to have them be able to sleep in a crate at night so you know there won't be deposits in the morning. Or, in the case of Trunk, a re-arranged house -she was so sneaky! Especially with the young ones, as I wouldn't leave Hank home without being crate-trained. So, whoopee, that makes life especially easy. He quite likes it in there anyway, not as much as a single whimper of complaint. Just a long sigh and a thud as he hits the deck. ---Boy can he SNORE though!

My second foster is Aster (who I keep calling Astra). She is some sort of ChiX and was given up because she killed her pups :( Aster is only 8-9 months old! She hasn't had a lot of socializing (as is proving evident here), but has the sweetest temperment and doesn't have a mean bone in her. She just doesn't get it. Her form of trying to get Beckett to play (who she is nearly obsessed over by the way), is to hump his face until he tells her off. Then she gets the zoomies, runs around the house and looks confused as to why he won't come play with her. Then she does it again. And of course Beckett looks down-right confused about the whole thing and has taken to hiding out beside me on the couch to defend him against Aster raping his face.

Suhki (previously foster pup Dayo)-who is here for a few more days- is helping her out though. Its pretty darn funny to see a 4-5 month old pup nearly rolling his eyes and taking Aster under his wing to show her how to play properly. Its refreshingly cute and endearing. Suhki shows her something -like to chase a toy, or how to play-bow, or how to wrestle without any humping involved, and waits until she mimics him. If she doesn't, he shows her again, and again, and again if need be. When she gets something wrong, he stops, snarks her once, and then demonstrates proper etiquette again. Aster is trying to be a good student!

And of course, Hank and Beckett look on like two old souls who don't give a damn about helping her out! Hank is fine with her -he's great with everything, I think he might be good with cats too-, but he doesn't want anything to do with her, which is fine. If you can't get along, just ignore.

BTW: Aster has these gorgeous freckles on her face, and this very cute floppy ear, and such brown, adorable eyes you just smile whenever you see her. She's freaking adorable! I'm hoping she'll get a home with someone who will continue to give her more dog socialization. She REALLY wants to play with the other dogs, she's just not sure how to go about it. I have a feeling daycare -which she'll probably start near the end of the week, or next week- will help her out on that end.

Hopefully I'll amend this post with some pictures tonight!

PS: Anyone want to donate a camera :P

Best,

Emily

Okay, so I got the camera working -Whoopee! Had an interesting day trying to figure out dewormer, but I think we're a go. Roles have reversed slightly. With an hour an a half of exercise Hank is a huge indoor potato. After sleeping off the bus run, Aster is now a crazy, loveable spaz. She's picked up a nickname -ADHD-, because she's that kid in class that's just 'off', half in an annoying way, and half in a very endearing way. I'll let the pictures tell the story.

 Aww... I don't want to be in trouble :(

 Cuddle, I can do that!

 My favorite activity: Getting Beckett to notice me.

Beckett is my FAVORITE. I LOVE Beckett!

 The "Estacy" face.

Just a little obsessive?

Staying still for a minute to give me a good shot for her petfinder.

 And back to her favorite activity. There's no stopping her.

Got him by the tail and hung on tight!

Time to get your spayed ADHD! Phoning the SPCA is on the agenda for tomorrow. But I think Beckett is in for another week or two of the humping queen.

Hank is smart and tells her off before she can even start sniffing him. No horniness for him!

Some Hank shots.



All in all, everybody is doing awesome. I'm glad to see Aster is playing more and more with good play skills. I don't think she'll ever get over her obsession with Beckett, but at least she can be distracted by other play partners -IE Suhki.

But Suhki has had almost enough of her too. Evident here:

Only a few more days of puppy. Sometimes I forgot he's not mine!