A Pair of Calm Middle-Aged Dogs

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

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

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

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

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

Getting comfy in her new foster home.

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

Maybe we should have called him Fluffy Brindle Sausage?

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

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

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

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

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

More to Come
Emily