So, both of the boys have a homecheck to do. Alphie has one on Friday. I just hope his eyes clear up. He's over KC, but suddenly his eyes are really boogery/developing blue film ---he can still see, so we're good that way. He's got drops and polysporin for today and tomorrow, and a vet visit on Sunday if they don't clear up. If it isn't one thing its another...
Alvin has his homecheck this weekend too.
Fingers crossed boys! It's been almost a month, its time to transition to those new homes :) :) :)
Lemon is back to normal from her spay. She's back to being her spitfire self, wrestling Beckett and beating up on me when I let her. She's also made it her mission to teach Alvin how to play. Unfortunately, she's so impatient (much like me!) she just gets frustrated with his minimal learning skills, and starts mounting him. Beckett and Jerrad have patience out the ying-yang. Us girls not so much :P
Allie has made lots of progress. She is now hanging out in the common area, right in the middle, no worries if I'm 'close' to her. Open crate be darned, she wants to be in on the action! She's also started to solicit attention here and there. Only to scratch her nose or under her chin, but by golly, for the dog who ran at the slightest sign someone was going to pay her any attention, that's a big milestone. I can also take the leash on and off her now, though I put it on well before I need to use it. IE: I am making it a routine, but don't completely trust it yet. She needs to be okay with some approach before I make 'off-leash' permenant.
The only thing that is slightly worrying about Allie is that she has become 'my dog' -she doesn't trust Jerrad more than take her out for her pees and little walks and still grumbles at him from time to time. I'm sure she's capable of eventually trusting more than one person, but even if I make a lot of progress with her, she'll start from near-scratch when she moves to wherever it is that she'll eventually go. Soon she'll start daycare, so I'm hoping that'll slowly pull her out. I'm glad she's not fearful with people in her general area, but she'll eventually have to be handled. One step at a time though :)
I've also figured out what works with Helen. Verbal correction or physical correction even done softly have her going 'ooooooo, they don't love me anymore :( :(, tail tuck, ears slicked back. She showed me her belly when I poked her lightly. I don't want her to cower or be scared of asking for attention, I just don't want her to constantly paw at me (or my face!) to get attention. So, I've become a dog. I give her dog signals. I show my teeth, squint my eyes, do stare downs, growl at her. And I've snapped at her too. I'm most definitely not a dog, so the body signals aren't quite right, but she gets them. And she gets them without getting shut down. So I'll look stupid and act like a dog.
**ironically we use this approach at daycare too, but its usually with really rough dogs, not the soft ones.
Pictures soon. Without the fence completely finished, its hard to get anything that isn't a bunch of dogs trying to cuddle. We just have a gate though, and that should be accomplished over the weekend.
I must admit though, I like my little walks. Feels more like a pack :)
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, January 25, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Temptations, an Update and a Milestone
Black Babies
We have awhile to figure these babies out though. Most likely they'll be adopted before Yvette can send them to me ;) We'll see. I'll possibly be getting my first TG foster in the next week or two. Not sure who, or exactly when, but I'm excited to get back to my TG roots. But if not this upcoming bus run, hopefully the next one. Once my current pack is adopted, I really want to get back to fostering TG dogs. Not necessarily exclusively, but I really do want them to be my main focus.
The main reason they haven't been lately is that the bus only comes down every month, month and a half, and usually that leaves me with a couple of weeks (or longer) without any foster dogs. I don't do well empty, especially when there's e-mails out my butt about dogs in danger.
Beckett and Lemon are TG alumni, and don't get me wrong, every dog -Alvin included ;)- has grown on me regardless from which rescue, but I'm never worried with the TG dogs. Sure they might come slightly shy, or scared, or with a bit of baggage, but they fit in the group easily. I'm biased, but TG dogs really are the best. First and foremost, they know how to be DOGS.
The only dogs we've ever seriously considered adopting have been: Trunk, Tucker, Dayo, and obviously Lemon. All Turtle Gardens dogs :) Hmmm, maybe I'm doing better not fostering for them. I don't seem to fall in love with non-TG dogs as much ;)
The main reason they haven't been lately is that the bus only comes down every month, month and a half, and usually that leaves me with a couple of weeks (or longer) without any foster dogs. I don't do well empty, especially when there's e-mails out my butt about dogs in danger.
Beckett and Lemon are TG alumni, and don't get me wrong, every dog -Alvin included ;)- has grown on me regardless from which rescue, but I'm never worried with the TG dogs. Sure they might come slightly shy, or scared, or with a bit of baggage, but they fit in the group easily. I'm biased, but TG dogs really are the best. First and foremost, they know how to be DOGS.
The only dogs we've ever seriously considered adopting have been: Trunk, Tucker, Dayo, and obviously Lemon. All Turtle Gardens dogs :) Hmmm, maybe I'm doing better not fostering for them. I don't seem to fall in love with non-TG dogs as much ;)
And speaking of puppies. Picture update of Suhki-Dayo! I see him quite often, but take a look at him growing up!
Now: About 7 months
Shortly after he left foster care
Suhki-Dayo when he first came into foster care
And, the last tidbit of the blog. Allie's milestone. When I took Helen out for her pee tonight (she goes out every hour until she pees, and then she gets a 3-4 hour break), I came back in to Allie jumping up on me. She's usually happy to see me, but it was so good to have that physical connection with her on her own terms. There's a dog that wants to trust underneath all that baggage. I feel so blessed that I got to share that moment with her. It might have been the first moment she's ever felt that at ease with any human being. How lucky am I that I get to be that person!
I'm sure they'll be more setbacks to come, and more progress too, but its the little moments that get you. The moments they shed their shells and show you whose underneath. And underneath, Allie shines brightly. Time, patience and love. Whoever adopts her and is willing to subscribe to those three words will forever have a great friend. For now, I'll enjoy the small day-to-day moments. Patience -its a good thing for me :)
Friday, January 20, 2012
I Need a Bigger Couch -and other things
Okay, so I can't get a full shot of us all on the couch, but that's how I've been spending my morning. Me, and six pooches, squished all together on the couch. Allie, Helen, Alphie on the left, me in the middle, and Beckett, Lemon and Alvin on the right.
Everybody is coming along well, and the biggest change I've seen with Helen coming in is with Alvin. The other dogs are quite polite with him, but Helen puts up with no guff -she's in no way aggressive, she's just very firm and direct. Alvin understands her very clear and precise communication. Suddenly he's no bother. Although I never thought I'd say it, he's kind of growing on me. Welcome to doghood little man!
Allie continues to make progress. She can go walk in busy areas without a worry until someone stops and wants to pet her. I just tell them, "Sorry, she doesn't like being petted" and some of them look at me like I'm crazy, but most go "Oh, okay" and continue on their way. People have to learn dog's have personal bubbles just like people do (although if you told that to Lemon she'd roll her eyes). Allie isn't nearly as quick to jump away from a stranger's approach now. She trusts that I won't let them touch her.
Allie is a perplex puzzle to me. She's not people fearful, and she's not overly shy, she just doesn't trust anybody. I see glimpses of trust with me (I woke up from a movie yesterday with her head on my butt, and my hand on her head), and even though she still skitters away from my touch a lot, she doesn't skitter far. It's like she's going, "No thanks, let's hang out from here." I think she trusts I'm good company and won't do her harm, but she still isn't comfortable being approached, even by me.
Although Helen and Allie are nearly polar opposites, Helen is good for Allie. Helen is outgoing and affectionate and kind of needy. Ying to Yang? They need to rub off on each other a bit ;) I know it'll take awhile for Allie to find her perfect match, as whoever that is has to let her come to them completely on her terms. But I've promised her that person or family is out there. And for as long as she needs, she's got us. And I admit, as frustrated as Allie gets me sometimes, I do have a big soft spot for her. She's recovering, and healing, and its not a fast process. She's making me learn some patience though, and I could use some more of that :)
Lemon still has kennel cough too, and with recovering from her spay, has been couch-bound by her own choosing the last day or two. Lemon is exactly the kind of dog I'm grateful for. She feeds of everyone else's energy. If they're wild, she's wild. If they're chill, she's also a couch-potato. Little miss follower.
And now, some pictures from the last few days:
It seems like a rather slow time for adoptions. Maybe everyone got dogs over Christmas? Either way, I'm not quite sure why nobody has any real interest. (Although someone did make a good point that I'm giving Alvin a hard time on this blog.) Helen isn't up yet though, so that could change. Who knows. Either way, the pack is happy. A couple of snotty noses, but good chemistry.
And an awww moment to finish off the blog. Alvin is keeping care of sick Alphie. He's grooming Alphie's ears and head. I'm not quite sure if Alphie wants to tell him off, but he hasn't yet. Maybe they'd make good brothers yet :) The one that needs to learn how to be a real dog, and the one that needs to be a little less cranky.
But I very much doubt anyone wants to adopt them together.
But then again, in rescue, you never really know how the cards are going to be dealt.
For now, I'm just happy. Group foster -even if its only 6 six- works. Alvin couldn't become who he is becoming without stable dogs. Allie could not learn to begin to trust without role models to learn from. Dogs heal other dogs, plain and simple.
I'm just here for food, pee-breaks, supervision and direction. And for the fosters to have the manners needed to be good house pets. My role is rather minimal, but it is a role nonetheless.
We all have a part to play.
Emily Out
Everybody is coming along well, and the biggest change I've seen with Helen coming in is with Alvin. The other dogs are quite polite with him, but Helen puts up with no guff -she's in no way aggressive, she's just very firm and direct. Alvin understands her very clear and precise communication. Suddenly he's no bother. Although I never thought I'd say it, he's kind of growing on me. Welcome to doghood little man!
The pipsqueak. My fingers look HUGE!
Alphie's kennel cough isn't completely gone, but he isn't hacking nearly as much, and definitely not as hard. He's still got some eye-goobers, but his appetite has drastically improved, as has his mobility. When we're laying on the couch together he's not shivering or wheezing. I'm so glad. I was quite worried about my little man. Out of everyone here, I always look forward to seeing Alphie when I get home from work. Most of the other dogs maul me, and Allie comes running to the baby gate to see me in. But Alphie stays on the couch until I come around the corner and then nearly wags out of his skin in happiness. He's so nice. I know he's a little black, bland boy, but I tell you, he really is a best friend. He's so lovely, but not needy.
It's a rough life I tell you!
Allie continues to make progress. She can go walk in busy areas without a worry until someone stops and wants to pet her. I just tell them, "Sorry, she doesn't like being petted" and some of them look at me like I'm crazy, but most go "Oh, okay" and continue on their way. People have to learn dog's have personal bubbles just like people do (although if you told that to Lemon she'd roll her eyes). Allie isn't nearly as quick to jump away from a stranger's approach now. She trusts that I won't let them touch her.
Allie is a perplex puzzle to me. She's not people fearful, and she's not overly shy, she just doesn't trust anybody. I see glimpses of trust with me (I woke up from a movie yesterday with her head on my butt, and my hand on her head), and even though she still skitters away from my touch a lot, she doesn't skitter far. It's like she's going, "No thanks, let's hang out from here." I think she trusts I'm good company and won't do her harm, but she still isn't comfortable being approached, even by me.
Although Helen and Allie are nearly polar opposites, Helen is good for Allie. Helen is outgoing and affectionate and kind of needy. Ying to Yang? They need to rub off on each other a bit ;) I know it'll take awhile for Allie to find her perfect match, as whoever that is has to let her come to them completely on her terms. But I've promised her that person or family is out there. And for as long as she needs, she's got us. And I admit, as frustrated as Allie gets me sometimes, I do have a big soft spot for her. She's recovering, and healing, and its not a fast process. She's making me learn some patience though, and I could use some more of that :)
Allie with her role model Beckett. Out of anyone, Allie trusts Beckett the most. When I work with Allie, I always have Beckett with me. He's her mentor.
Helen has also fit in with relative ease. She's having a hard time adjusting to her new food, but otherwise is doing well. She's got a few bad habits: like trying to countersurf (She isn't quite tall enough to do it efficiently ;) ) and trying to bolt out the door when it opens, but with postive reinforcement (she's got no spine, so hard corrections are for her) she's getting there.
The most frustrating part about Helen is that she likes to try to get away with stuff, and be completely sneaky, but then when she's caught she can cry like a baby. I'm pretty sure she's never been told 'no' and is finding rules scary. It's going to be interesting finding a balance with her. I don't want to put too much stress/pressure on her, but I need to make sure she gets the point. She's definitely a soft dog though. Soft dogs are both a good thing and sometimes troubling. They usually don't put up any resistance, but at the same time you risk scaring them with almost any correction. I'm sorry my dear Helen. Rules are rules. Once you learn them, there's no need for correction :)
Helen looking out the window. She's fascinated (and frustrated) by windows. She doesn't quite understand why she can't go say hi to the people outside! -There's kids tobaggoning across the way.
Lovely Helen.
And now, some pictures from the last few days:
The yard, full of snow! Too bad we couldn't finish the gate in time so that it was a secure yard :S (Dear snow, please go away so we can finish the gate!)
Jerrad out with Helen and Allie
Three Chihuahuas in a Row.
Lemon mid-shake.
Alvin: "Please foster dad, LOVE ME!"
Helen face shot.
Ying and Yang Dogs.
Foster dad on duty.
Lemon returns to her humping roots :P
It seems like a rather slow time for adoptions. Maybe everyone got dogs over Christmas? Either way, I'm not quite sure why nobody has any real interest. (Although someone did make a good point that I'm giving Alvin a hard time on this blog.) Helen isn't up yet though, so that could change. Who knows. Either way, the pack is happy. A couple of snotty noses, but good chemistry.
And an awww moment to finish off the blog. Alvin is keeping care of sick Alphie. He's grooming Alphie's ears and head. I'm not quite sure if Alphie wants to tell him off, but he hasn't yet. Maybe they'd make good brothers yet :) The one that needs to learn how to be a real dog, and the one that needs to be a little less cranky.
But I very much doubt anyone wants to adopt them together.
But then again, in rescue, you never really know how the cards are going to be dealt.
For now, I'm just happy. Group foster -even if its only 6 six- works. Alvin couldn't become who he is becoming without stable dogs. Allie could not learn to begin to trust without role models to learn from. Dogs heal other dogs, plain and simple.
I'm just here for food, pee-breaks, supervision and direction. And for the fosters to have the manners needed to be good house pets. My role is rather minimal, but it is a role nonetheless.
We all have a part to play.
Emily Out
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
New Arrival in a Snowy Wonderland
So, its snowing like no tomorrow here in Victoria. As a Saskatchewan girl, its no big deal, but its pretty much shut the city down. Today there are only 8 dogs at the daycare, so Ive been given a snow day too!
There's a nice blanket overtop of everything. Beckett is HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY. He runs around the farm in the snow and is an absolute snow dog. He tosses it up in the air and spins circles. But at the same time, he's keen to come outside after 10-15 minutes to warm up. He's got no undercoat!
Lemon also loves the snow. Although its getting piled up so much that when she tries to follow Beckett she lands in too big of a pile and has to squirm her way back out. 12 pounds isn't really meant for snow :P But she's a good sport about it and its funny to watch her go like stink through it like she's tunneling.
Alphie and Alvin really don't care for the snow. Poor Alvin steps out and is already up to his belly swimming in the stuff. To his credit, he hasn't had any accidents inside. Slowly, he's figuring out how to be a well-mannered dog around the other dogs. I'm letting everyone tell him off. Even Alphie has gotten a good tell-off that isn't too severe. He's still on the annoying side, but that's in his class-clown nature. Once the kennel cough runs its course through here (by next weekend at latest), Im going to bring Alvin to daycare with me. He needs stimulus the other dogs arent giving him here. Mostly, he needs someone to play with. Lemon will play with him a bit, but shed rather play rough with Beckett or chill out with Alphie.
Alphie's kennel cough is slowly going away. He hasn't put on any weight whatsoever, and its worrying. Not only can I see his hip bones, but Im starting to see parts of his spine too. Im hoping once the KC runs its course, he starts putting on some weight. Regardless, hes still a happy, cuddly, easy-going dude. His sickness isnt running him down much.
Allie is whatever about the snow. Although she hasnt come any further than the last few days, shes still my couch potato, cheese scrounger and doesnt hang in her kennel very much. Soon Ill be working on taking her leash on and off. Since shes so hesitant to be touched, Ive been leaving it on just as a trust measure. I dont want to set her back by letting her offleash and then freaking her out by putting it back on. So when were on the couch later today Ill take it on and off a couple of times, to get her used to it. Weve still got a gate to make for the fence, so it isnt secure. Once its secure its not a big deal as we can work on the leash issues slowly, (they might not be issues at all), but Id like to keep the speed up. Shes come so far. Shes so close to being adoptable.
Oh, and I suppose the whole point of this blog was a new arrival.
Welcome: Helen
Helen is from Taiwan, also being fostered for Island Dogz. Although she looks like a German Sheppard, shes actually only about 20 pounds or so. So Sheltie size. Island Dogz has been wanting to bring Helen for awhile, but shed been labeled reactive. After seeing videos of her I went yeah right, reactive my butt, she just doesnt like dogs right up in her face. Thats fair.
Helen was dropped off at daycare yesterday and did just fine. She got bowled over once or twice by a golden retriever puppy with no tell-off. She interacted with everyone just fine, and has good introduction skills. I had dogs in her big personal bubble and she was fine. The ONLY thing, which isnt reactive at all, is that she doesnt like dogs playing right beside her muzzle. She tells off, appropriately. I too dont like people right in my face. She is polite, well-mannered, social. Not really playful with other dogs (yet). She is a people dog. Super friendly. Cute as a button, friendly, social with everyone -I dont think shell last in foster care very long :P
She walked in here just fine. The only dog she told off was Beckett -hes blind and got a little bit too much in her face-, but he went oh yeah, sorry, and they were fine. Social skills are about communication. People dont like the growls, the tell-offs, the barring of the teeth. These are all signs of a properly socialized dog. You wouldnt chastise your kid for asking another kid to get lost or please leave me alone. Sure, there are dogs that are fine with absolutely everything, but these are far and few in between, just like people.
So, we welcome Helen, who hasnt had any accidents inside (yet), slept through the night in her crate, and is as friendly as they come. We will work on her not putting her paws anywhere and everywhere, and she will need to learn barriers around doorways -she could be a bit of a bolter or escape artist that way-, as well as leash skills, but yet another highly adoptable pooch in the house.
One more and we are a full house. I have my fingers crossed for an adoption or two by the end of the month, but there is no time limit on the foster front. There are average times of course -about a month-, but you take them on for the long-haul if necessary.
Hopefully Ill get some snow pictures to add to this blog later today!
There's a nice blanket overtop of everything. Beckett is HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY. He runs around the farm in the snow and is an absolute snow dog. He tosses it up in the air and spins circles. But at the same time, he's keen to come outside after 10-15 minutes to warm up. He's got no undercoat!
Lemon also loves the snow. Although its getting piled up so much that when she tries to follow Beckett she lands in too big of a pile and has to squirm her way back out. 12 pounds isn't really meant for snow :P But she's a good sport about it and its funny to watch her go like stink through it like she's tunneling.
Alphie and Alvin really don't care for the snow. Poor Alvin steps out and is already up to his belly swimming in the stuff. To his credit, he hasn't had any accidents inside. Slowly, he's figuring out how to be a well-mannered dog around the other dogs. I'm letting everyone tell him off. Even Alphie has gotten a good tell-off that isn't too severe. He's still on the annoying side, but that's in his class-clown nature. Once the kennel cough runs its course through here (by next weekend at latest), Im going to bring Alvin to daycare with me. He needs stimulus the other dogs arent giving him here. Mostly, he needs someone to play with. Lemon will play with him a bit, but shed rather play rough with Beckett or chill out with Alphie.
Alphie's kennel cough is slowly going away. He hasn't put on any weight whatsoever, and its worrying. Not only can I see his hip bones, but Im starting to see parts of his spine too. Im hoping once the KC runs its course, he starts putting on some weight. Regardless, hes still a happy, cuddly, easy-going dude. His sickness isnt running him down much.
Allie is whatever about the snow. Although she hasnt come any further than the last few days, shes still my couch potato, cheese scrounger and doesnt hang in her kennel very much. Soon Ill be working on taking her leash on and off. Since shes so hesitant to be touched, Ive been leaving it on just as a trust measure. I dont want to set her back by letting her offleash and then freaking her out by putting it back on. So when were on the couch later today Ill take it on and off a couple of times, to get her used to it. Weve still got a gate to make for the fence, so it isnt secure. Once its secure its not a big deal as we can work on the leash issues slowly, (they might not be issues at all), but Id like to keep the speed up. Shes come so far. Shes so close to being adoptable.
Oh, and I suppose the whole point of this blog was a new arrival.
Welcome: Helen
Helen is from Taiwan, also being fostered for Island Dogz. Although she looks like a German Sheppard, shes actually only about 20 pounds or so. So Sheltie size. Island Dogz has been wanting to bring Helen for awhile, but shed been labeled reactive. After seeing videos of her I went yeah right, reactive my butt, she just doesnt like dogs right up in her face. Thats fair.
Helen was dropped off at daycare yesterday and did just fine. She got bowled over once or twice by a golden retriever puppy with no tell-off. She interacted with everyone just fine, and has good introduction skills. I had dogs in her big personal bubble and she was fine. The ONLY thing, which isnt reactive at all, is that she doesnt like dogs playing right beside her muzzle. She tells off, appropriately. I too dont like people right in my face. She is polite, well-mannered, social. Not really playful with other dogs (yet). She is a people dog. Super friendly. Cute as a button, friendly, social with everyone -I dont think shell last in foster care very long :P
She walked in here just fine. The only dog she told off was Beckett -hes blind and got a little bit too much in her face-, but he went oh yeah, sorry, and they were fine. Social skills are about communication. People dont like the growls, the tell-offs, the barring of the teeth. These are all signs of a properly socialized dog. You wouldnt chastise your kid for asking another kid to get lost or please leave me alone. Sure, there are dogs that are fine with absolutely everything, but these are far and few in between, just like people.
So, we welcome Helen, who hasnt had any accidents inside (yet), slept through the night in her crate, and is as friendly as they come. We will work on her not putting her paws anywhere and everywhere, and she will need to learn barriers around doorways -she could be a bit of a bolter or escape artist that way-, as well as leash skills, but yet another highly adoptable pooch in the house.
One more and we are a full house. I have my fingers crossed for an adoption or two by the end of the month, but there is no time limit on the foster front. There are average times of course -about a month-, but you take them on for the long-haul if necessary.
Hopefully Ill get some snow pictures to add to this blog later today!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
2 Week Update
Alphie was diagnosed with kennel cough, but nothing more serious. With the meds, he should be KC free within 1 1/2 weeks. Lemon has some light coughing too, but unless she gets anymore serious, she should be able to ride out her KC without drugs. Not a sniffle, cough or extra lethargic day for the other three. Bordetella works!
Lemon was spayed Tuesday, and is slowly becoming her old self. She isn't playing quite yet, but she's back to her fairly independent yet cuddly self. No more 'pity me' baby.
Allie has done really well this week. She spends very little time in her crate out of her own choosing -even if it is available-. Most of the time now she's a couch potato. She visited with Sherry, another volunteer and did great. Went up for some cheese (though rolled her eyes at the beef jerky!), got comfy on her couch. Even jumped up beside Sherry once or twice to give her a sniff. I had my sister over yesterday which kind of confused her (although we don't look all that similiar, we have super similiar voices.) After an hour or so Allie was fine with Kathleen hanging on the couch with us and having her stroke her toes. Even with her open crate she didn't go into hiding. Yes! We're well on our way. She still isn't a fan of being touched (she'll let me pet her once she's settled on the couch, but I don't know if she particularly enjoys it), but she's no scaredy cat, and there's less and less potential for fear bite (there's ALWAYS potential in any dog, so to rule it out completely isn't realistic.)
I see her with a middle-aged couple who like shorter walks and to putter around in the garden, and don't mind that she isn't overly physically affectionate. Of course she could go to other situations too, but she needs a quieter place, somewhere she can relax. Another week and I think she'll be ready to go to a special home. No idea if that home is out there sooner rather than later, but I'm not too worried. As much as people seem to want to adopt overly friendly, kissy-face dogs, the shy guys are the easier to have around. They don't ask for much, are hardly ever 'needy', and its really rewarding once they decide they trust you. Allie's an easy-keeper. Rough around the edges still, but an easy-keeper. If she stays months I don't really mind.
As for Alvin, I'm trying to think of his annoyingness as entertaining. He is definitely entertaining. He's a one dog circus. He makes tunnels for himself out of the blankets, throws his chew boys clear across the room to go chase them, and every five minutes or so tries to get you to pay attention to him. Although he peeves me off, I can see a young boy or girl having a lot of fun with him. He's got a family out there somewhere that will want to laugh at his sillyness. Alvin can fit pretty much everywhere. Busy family, retired senior, single dog, bunch of dogs, cats, farm, bachelor apartment. It's hard to believe for a dog that could go just about anywhere, that he doesn't have a single application. I admit, he's kind of ugly, but he is funny. Surely someone must want to adopt him?
No apps on anyone. Oh well, everyone is settled at this point, and despite the fact that there are 5 dogs in the house, it feels like maybe 3. Alphie is so lazy, he's like having a cuddly cat. Allie doesn't ask for anything -she's not the princess she was last week. Throughout the time I've been fostering, I've learnt that it isn't the number of dogs in the house, but the overall energy of the group. The dynamics are much more important. I've had 3 dogs in the house and been nearly pulling my hair out. I've had 7 in the house (the most I had at one point), and despite the extra poo, it was a pretty zen week.
Besides, weeks 3+4 are the best fostering weeks. The dogs have learnt the routine, they've pushed the boundaries and I've pushed back. Their pack has formed --it isn't an uncommon sight for everyone but Alvin to be hanging out on the couch. They all realize he's a misfit :). Their 'issues' usually start melting more and more away, and the shy guys suddenly get lightbulbs that they don't have to be so shy. But hopefully we'll see some adoption before about week 5-6, as although only a few dogs have stayed until that point, that's usually the 'the honeymoon is over' phase and the boundaries get tested in all new ways.
So I will enjoy the next two weeks, and have my fingers crossed that these Chihuahuas find their forever homes soon. But even if they don't, I forsee another foster in the near future.
Lemon was spayed Tuesday, and is slowly becoming her old self. She isn't playing quite yet, but she's back to her fairly independent yet cuddly self. No more 'pity me' baby.
Allie has done really well this week. She spends very little time in her crate out of her own choosing -even if it is available-. Most of the time now she's a couch potato. She visited with Sherry, another volunteer and did great. Went up for some cheese (though rolled her eyes at the beef jerky!), got comfy on her couch. Even jumped up beside Sherry once or twice to give her a sniff. I had my sister over yesterday which kind of confused her (although we don't look all that similiar, we have super similiar voices.) After an hour or so Allie was fine with Kathleen hanging on the couch with us and having her stroke her toes. Even with her open crate she didn't go into hiding. Yes! We're well on our way. She still isn't a fan of being touched (she'll let me pet her once she's settled on the couch, but I don't know if she particularly enjoys it), but she's no scaredy cat, and there's less and less potential for fear bite (there's ALWAYS potential in any dog, so to rule it out completely isn't realistic.)
I see her with a middle-aged couple who like shorter walks and to putter around in the garden, and don't mind that she isn't overly physically affectionate. Of course she could go to other situations too, but she needs a quieter place, somewhere she can relax. Another week and I think she'll be ready to go to a special home. No idea if that home is out there sooner rather than later, but I'm not too worried. As much as people seem to want to adopt overly friendly, kissy-face dogs, the shy guys are the easier to have around. They don't ask for much, are hardly ever 'needy', and its really rewarding once they decide they trust you. Allie's an easy-keeper. Rough around the edges still, but an easy-keeper. If she stays months I don't really mind.
As for Alvin, I'm trying to think of his annoyingness as entertaining. He is definitely entertaining. He's a one dog circus. He makes tunnels for himself out of the blankets, throws his chew boys clear across the room to go chase them, and every five minutes or so tries to get you to pay attention to him. Although he peeves me off, I can see a young boy or girl having a lot of fun with him. He's got a family out there somewhere that will want to laugh at his sillyness. Alvin can fit pretty much everywhere. Busy family, retired senior, single dog, bunch of dogs, cats, farm, bachelor apartment. It's hard to believe for a dog that could go just about anywhere, that he doesn't have a single application. I admit, he's kind of ugly, but he is funny. Surely someone must want to adopt him?
No apps on anyone. Oh well, everyone is settled at this point, and despite the fact that there are 5 dogs in the house, it feels like maybe 3. Alphie is so lazy, he's like having a cuddly cat. Allie doesn't ask for anything -she's not the princess she was last week. Throughout the time I've been fostering, I've learnt that it isn't the number of dogs in the house, but the overall energy of the group. The dynamics are much more important. I've had 3 dogs in the house and been nearly pulling my hair out. I've had 7 in the house (the most I had at one point), and despite the extra poo, it was a pretty zen week.
Besides, weeks 3+4 are the best fostering weeks. The dogs have learnt the routine, they've pushed the boundaries and I've pushed back. Their pack has formed --it isn't an uncommon sight for everyone but Alvin to be hanging out on the couch. They all realize he's a misfit :). Their 'issues' usually start melting more and more away, and the shy guys suddenly get lightbulbs that they don't have to be so shy. But hopefully we'll see some adoption before about week 5-6, as although only a few dogs have stayed until that point, that's usually the 'the honeymoon is over' phase and the boundaries get tested in all new ways.
So I will enjoy the next two weeks, and have my fingers crossed that these Chihuahuas find their forever homes soon. But even if they don't, I forsee another foster in the near future.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Update: I am the Dog's Woof
Open crate, and Allie has decided I'm still better company. She's also not flinching when I pet her on the couch. I'm not sure if she overly likes it, but she tolerates it anyway. I also took her over to Sherry's (volunteer for Island Dogz) and she did very well. Got some cheese, was as curious as possible, hung out on the couch with Sherry for a bit and generally followed Beckett around. She's confident until you go to pet her and then she's like 'no thanks' and goes back to being independent. She isn't a coward anymore at least. Just needs a quiet home that knows she's still a work in progress, and isn't overly affectionate (she could be done the road though!)
Alphie is scheduled for a vet check tomorrow. His cough/cold is getting worse :( I'm just hoping its not going to pass to anyone else. Everyone else is vaccinated against it (so is he), but you never know. If we get some meds tomorrow we should be KC (or whatever it is) free within two weeks. Fingers crossed its just kennel cough. Will update you all tomorrow.
Photos from the Couch
Alphie is scheduled for a vet check tomorrow. His cough/cold is getting worse :( I'm just hoping its not going to pass to anyone else. Everyone else is vaccinated against it (so is he), but you never know. If we get some meds tomorrow we should be KC (or whatever it is) free within two weeks. Fingers crossed its just kennel cough. Will update you all tomorrow.
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| I'm not Feeling so Hot |
Tidbits
1) Alphie's meet and greet last week never went anywhere. Very sad, as he tried so hard to win them over, and I really thought he had. Oh well, he's a good snuggle butt. Easy to have around.
2) Allie is turning into my sidekick and couch companion. She's still a bit of a wallflower, but something in her has decided I'm not too shabby as far as humans go.
3) Beckett finally snapped. Alvin the pest finally learnt some respect. And I let Beckett go like stink on that little dog's ass (Beckett never makes contact, but he's super scary looking when he finally snaps. I've only seen him snap on 3 different dogs at daycare, and now, they all respect him -and as stupid as they'll play with others, they play properly with him :P) So, last night Alvin learnt that he shouldn't be a pest -at least to Beckett-. Finally, some progress.
4) Alphie seems to have some kennel cough or potential uppe respiratory infection. She's a snuffly, gooby little man. So off to the vet today to book him an appointment. It is not unusual for KC/URI to come up with them from California and not show itself for a week or two. It's been a big change on his little system, and its certainly much colder up here. No signs of it transfering to the other dogs, but we'll be on the lookout. At least KC/URI is fairly easy to treat.
5) We finish the fence tomorrow -providing no downpour!
2) Allie is turning into my sidekick and couch companion. She's still a bit of a wallflower, but something in her has decided I'm not too shabby as far as humans go.
3) Beckett finally snapped. Alvin the pest finally learnt some respect. And I let Beckett go like stink on that little dog's ass (Beckett never makes contact, but he's super scary looking when he finally snaps. I've only seen him snap on 3 different dogs at daycare, and now, they all respect him -and as stupid as they'll play with others, they play properly with him :P) So, last night Alvin learnt that he shouldn't be a pest -at least to Beckett-. Finally, some progress.
4) Alphie seems to have some kennel cough or potential uppe respiratory infection. She's a snuffly, gooby little man. So off to the vet today to book him an appointment. It is not unusual for KC/URI to come up with them from California and not show itself for a week or two. It's been a big change on his little system, and its certainly much colder up here. No signs of it transfering to the other dogs, but we'll be on the lookout. At least KC/URI is fairly easy to treat.
5) We finish the fence tomorrow -providing no downpour!
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