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Articles by DougB

Sasha Swingtail

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Sasha is a Husky, just being a Husky, but seemingly she got a bum rap.

Last Updated: Jan. 31, 2021

Base Info

  • Arrival date: Jan. 09,2021
  • Breed: Husky mix
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: Youth, Adult, Mature, Senior
  • Birthdate: Dec 2019
  • Weight: 45 Pounds on Jan. 9
  • . 50 pounds on Jan. 26
  • Spayed: Yes
  • General Health: Excellent
  • Temperament: Mild, low key for a husky.  Affectionate.
  • SAFER Test performed: No
  • Departure date: January 30, 2021

History

Sasha’s owner refused to crate Sasha while away at work all day, so their house got torn up.  Her biggest issue was that she’d bolt out the door and once out recall was iffy.  She liked to wander along the highway (very dangerous).  Owner gave up on trying to keep her safe and a friend of the family picked her up (after a skunking) and took her in, then contacted us.  She loves to chase skunks and has been skunked twice.  Her friend, Kate cleaned her up both times.  She loves car rides.

Sasha’s Progress Summary

Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.

Relational Behavior

  • Relates well to other dogs: Yes.  Standoffish at first, but gets along fine once she’s acclimated to them.
  • Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Yes: https://vimeo.com/499204252
  • Preferred style of play: Undetermined
  • Is affectionate: She’s loving and cuddly and follows her people around all day.
  • Is good with:
    . Men: Yes
    . Women: Yes
    . Children: Yes
    . Cats: No violence or even teeth baring, but she grumble/growls at them.  Loves to chase skunks so probably best to avoid black cats with white stripes.
  • Jumps up on people: Yes but she’s just wanting to cuddle and is gentle about it.  Still … I’m discouraging it.
  • Mouths: No
  • Walks well on a leash: Excellent!

Commands:

  • Comes when called: Yes
  • Sits on command: Not yet
  • Down / Off: Yes
  • Shake / Paw: Not yet
  • Kennels on command: Yes, with a bribe.

House Dog Training

  • Willingly enters her crate: Yes, with a bribe and as long as she hasn’t been crated too much.
  • Is calm/quiet while in crate: Yes, mostly.
  • Understands going outside to potty: Yes
  • Alerts me of need to go outside: Yes, but it’s subtle, unless she’s crated.  Then she yells for me.
  • Is destructive of bedding and/or toys: No
  • Engages in kitchen counter cruising: No, she has not done this so far.
  • Stays off people furniture: Sort of.  She has not gotten on our sofa except when I’m on it, then she wants to be on my lap.

Diet

💕 Victor Classic – Professional Dry Dog Food
.      1 cup + 3 oz. home made stew AM
.      ¾ cup + 3 oz. home made stew PM
💕 PMFC Peanut butter cookies
💕 Retriever Beef Basted Sticks
💕 Jones Beef Hooves
💕 Pig Ears or Oinkies as weekend treat.

Gallery

  • At parking lot church
  • At parking lot church
  • After parking lot church
  • Enjoying fireside petting
  • Hanging out with Callie Roo.
  • Sasha in crate
    Sasha enjoys resting in her crate even when she doesn’t have to.
  • Breakfast comfy
  • My belly hurts: see?

Progress Updates

Jan 9

Sasha just arrived.  We went for a walk in the yard and she came inside for a tour and meet the other dogs.  She’s a little wary of the “strangers” (dogs) though they are all reacting well to her being here.  She went willingly into her crate and has been resting there while I process her intake.  We’re in the same room.  If I leave for a few minutes she calls me, but is remaining calm.

Sasha walks well on a leash.  Kate, her former caretaker, says she could drop the leash and Sasha would continue to walk alongside her.

Jan 10

Saturday afternoon, Sasha spent most of her time in a crate getting used to our other 4 house dogs.  After supper Sasha came out and hung with me at the sofa while most of the rest gathered around the fireplace.

Sunday morning we went to Liberty Church of Cosby, and took Sasha with us. We can do that because we are currently meeting as Parking Lot Church, using an FM transmitter so we can listen on our car radios.  Sasha loves to ride, and she was deeply interested in parking lot church.  So many cars, a few people milling around, stuff going on up front, and she watched it all.

All that paying attention was exhausting, so on the way home she took a snooze.

When we got home, Sasha took a potty break, we all had lunch, and as I’m writing this up she is sound asleep on the carpet next to my desk chair.  Blondie Bear is napping a few feet away.

Jan 11

On her first night here we left her crate in the den.  She did okay with sleeping in there by herself, but did “call” me 4 times during the night to go outside.  Each time we went out, she did pee but I got the distinct impression that this was incidental.

Last night I wiggled her crate into the bedroom and she slept with the rest of us — and slept through the night.  When I got up at 4:30 she watched me go, but made no fuss.  She slept until Marie got up at 5:30.

Also, she has lost her wariness of the other house dogs.  They are now getting along fine.  She is not fond of Timmy or Blade (outside dogs) but likes Scout.  And he likes her.  If he would come out of his kennel, I think they’d play well together.

So far she has shown no inclination to play with the house dogs, although the other night Josephine hid behind a tree and jumped out at Sasha as she passed, dropped into a play bow, then scampered around her in an attempt to get Sasha to chase her.  Sasha was tempted, but refrained.  Maybe later.  Josephine is half her size, but I don’t think Sasha would hurt her while playing.

Jan 15

Sasha has been a full-time house dog, mostly free ranging it for almost a week now and she has done excellently! She does have some separation anxiety issues, but has learned to control those well. Yesterday we needed to go away twice for a couple of hours each time with a little over an hour between sessions. Sasha crated easily each time. The first session she remained calm as we left and was excited to see us upon our return, but not frantic. The second time we left she cried as we headed to the car, but upon returning we found her still in her crate and no damage to either the crate or her bedding. We think having other dogs in the house (and some of them in crates) relieves her loneliness.

Because of her reported wanderlust and escapism traits I have been taking her outside for potty breaks on a leash. Yesterday I started letting her accompany me outside without the leash. Most of the time she stayed near me, took care of her business and headed back to the house. After being cooped up so much yesterday, and it being a pleasantly warm sunny afternoon, Sasha engaged in some zoomies around the yard, but always in big circles around me. When she’s worked out the pent up energy she zoomed back to the back door of the house and waited for me. Inside she was well behaved.

She has been sleeping in her crate, in our bedroom, at night. She has behaved extremely well. Tonight I will take her crate in there in case it’s needed, but will invite her to sleep on a dog bed like the others.

Jan. 26

Sasha is home from her surgery. They say she did really well and everyone thought she was just the sweetest girl! As would be expected, she is in pain. But she did eat dinner and she is walking around, slowly. Even went outside for a potty break. Right now she’s tucked up under my chair so close it’s hard to get in and out without stepping in her. But if it maker her feel better to be close, that’s fine. It does make it easier to reach down and give her scritchies often.

  • Went straight to her crate
  • That’s too cramped
  • She’d rather be by me

Jan. 27

Sasha is a sensitive gal. She’s not dealing with the pain well despite giving her a Tramadol (pain reliever). She’s not crying, just fidgeting a lot because she can’t get comfortable. So we were both up most of the night as she needed lots of comforting.

She’s sleeping now (of course) 🙂

She did eat dinner last night, so that’s good. She lost part of that due to anesthesia induced nausea. It takes a while for that to go away. Today will get better for her. The first 24 hours are the worst. Dogs (animals in general) have amazing recuperative powers.

Did you know that giving a dog a good, deep ear rub releases endorphins in their body that make them feel good? It’s true!
https://www.cesarsway.com/why-do-dogs-love-to-have-their-ears-rubbed/
And of course you know that petting a dog releases endorphins in us, so it’s a win-win situation.

At breakfast this morning I brought Sasha’s favorite bed out to the kitchen so she could be comfortable yet near us as we ate our breakfast.

Jan. 28

Miss Swingtail’s tail was swinging again by yesterday evening. She spent a good part of yesterday outside lounging in the sunshine. After dinner last night she decided to snuggle with Marie and Josephine.

You have to look close to even see Josie! But she was quite comfy down there.

We had a better night last night. I was up a few times to get her to stop licking. She has discovered the fabric is stretchy and she can get her nose in there to lick the incision. Sometimes she’s just licking a foot. But I have to check just the same. So I keep a small flashlight on a cord around my neck, Sasha sleeps next to my side of the bed, and I seep lightly. Listening. At least I got to be in the bed last night.

I gave her that last name because of what she does with her tail: it’s a long tail to start with. Instead of wagging it the way most dogs do, hers sweeps around in a full arc, touching her ribs on both sides on each stroke. It’s a slow motion too, just a relaxed, comfortable swinging motion. Swingtail.

Special Notes

Sasha likes to hold hands. She finds this soothing, and will come and ask for it when she needs it. If you stroke the top of her paw with your thumb, it is especially soothing. She is not highly anxious, she just gets nervous.

Sasha does not shed like normal huskies do, but she enjoys being brushed. She has an itchy spot on her right rear leg. I don’t see any issues with her skin, but when she starts chewing on that spot I get her brush and work on the leg for a minute or so an that seems to take care of the issue. I use a slicker brush (like THIS ) but you can find one locally, and other brushes may work as well.

Sasha is reliably housebroken. She will go stand by the door to the outside (once she knows which one that is) or will come get me and lead me there. Most of the time she will insist that I go out into the yard with her or she won’t leave the porch. But I need only be where she can see me. She will wander off to do her business, but keeps an eye on me, then comes running back to go inside. Unless it’s nice weather, then she sometimes want to linger. As she becomes confident in her surroundings (see the 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 Months rule) she will probably go out without accompaniment.

She likes to ride in the car and will sit in the back seat or the front. She does not jump around or get crazy, but I recommend using a harness and seat strap for safety. The strap buckles into the seat belt buckle and the harness prevents breaking her neck (as a collar would) in the case of a sudden stop.

Sasha is a talented escape artist and has more than once slipped past me, without my knowing, as I’m closing the door so that I turn around and she’s sitting there grinning at me, “Where are we going Dad?”

She is now comfortable enough here that I can go into the kennel building or into my workshop (the old trailer) for a short time and leave Sasha in the play yard with the other dogs and not worry that she will go over a fence to come looking for me. If I’m planning an extended work session, Sasha, Buddy and Callie all get crated to prevent issues.

Sasha uses a 36″ wire crate. These fold down for ease of transport. I line the bottom with a soft blanket and a pillow. I leave the door open so she can go in there to rest when she wants to. Sasha does not tear up her bedding. She crates easily when I give the “In your room” command and poke a dog cookie though the bars so she goes inside to get it. She prefers to sleep in there at night. With no other dogs around she may not feel as strongly about that.

Sasha is wary around new dogs. Once she is assured she is not about to be eaten, she gets along with calm dogs fine. I can even hand out treats to them as a free-range pack and she waits her turn. Sasha has become a well behaved, sweet, gentle, reserved little lady.

ADOPTED

Sasha and Geoff
This is MY Hooman, Geoff, and I’m gonna keep him!

January 30, 2021: Happy tails, Sasha! We will miss you, but we’re happy you’re launching into a life with Geoff where you will be loved and well cared for. Drop us a note when you can!

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Timber (Timmy)

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An emergency situation brings this big handsome boy to us so another rescue could work with him safely.

Last Updated: April 3, 2021

Base Info:

  • Arrival date: Jan 4, 2021
  • Breed: American Staffordshire
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: Youth, Adult, Mature, Senior
  • Birthdate: Dec 2018
  • Weight: @60 Pounds on Jan 4
    .
  • Neutered: Yes
  • General Health: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor
  • Temperament: Rowdy but affectionate.
  • SAFER Test performed: No
  • Departure date: April 2, 2021

History

He was chained to an outbuilding and starved before being taken from his owner by Greenville Animal Control.  A rescue worker, Heather, pulled him via Cat’s In the Cradle New Life Sanctuary to prevent euthanasia and wanted to foster him.  But she lives in an apartment and has cats.  Timmy loves cats, especially with a dab of mustard.  She has been working with him while boarded at Animals West veterinary office the last few days to help him learn how to walk on leash.  But he needed a better environment, so he came to Piney Mountain Foster Care until he can be transported to Animal Rescue Network of New England.

Timmy’s Progress Summary:

Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.

Relational Behavior

  • Relates well to other dogs: Seems to.  He did well with a dog that he was tested with at the shelter.  My whole gang greeted him upon arrival without incident. Timmy has been on a lead in the yard with Blondie Bear. He is “socially awkward” but not aggressive.
  • Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Yes, he and Blade often push their bowls against their separating barrier and eat inches apart without issue.
  • Preferred style of play: He doesn’t play.  I don’t think he knows how.
  • Is affectionate: Yes.  sometimes he just wants to melt into you because he’s so much enjoying being petted.
  • Is good with:
    . Men: Yes
    . Women: Yes
    . Children: Probably.
    . Cats: NO! Definitely not.
  • Jumps up on people: Not that I’ve seen
  • Mouths: Only occasionally, when he tries to play with you.
  • Walks well on a leash: Yes.

Commands:

  • Comes when called: Most times
  • Sits on command: Yes
  • Down / Off: Not yet
  • Shake / Paw: Not yet
  • Kennels on command: Yes

Diet

💕 Victor Classic – Professional Dry Dog Food
.      2¼ cups + 3 oz. home made stew AM
.      1½ cups + 3 oz. home made stew PM
💕 PMFC Peanut butter cookies
💕 Retriever Beef Basted Sticks
💕 Jones Beef Hooves
💕 Pig ears

Gallery

In chronological order, newest at the bottom. Some pictures are linked to a more detailed Doggy Tale about that update, click those to open the related story.

  • Timmy is a handsome boy!
  • Timmy enjoys his heat lamp.

     
     

     
     

Progress Updates

Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom so you can read through this dog’s history in order.

Jan 5

Timmy arrived yesterday evening and sent us into a flurry of construction because we needed to increase the height of the privacy wall between Timmy and Blade.  They weren’t getting along.  I blame Blade for that, he was being a butt-head about having a new neighbor and his dinner being late.  They settled down that night and both slept soundly.

This morning I took breakfast out to them and Timmy was curled up on his Kuranda (dog bed) in his bedroom, under his heat lamp and was SO happy.  It make my heart ache that this sweet boy was so badly mistreated.

Our arrangement for this boy is something new for us: PMFC is basically boarding him.  Heather will be coming to do his training.  When he’s ready he will transport to Animal Rescue Network of New England to be adopted.

Jan 8

Timmy has been here 4 days.  Heather comes in the evenings to train him after she gets off work, I continue and reinforce during his daily play sessions.  He’s doing fine.  He is quite affectionate, shows no hostility toward my other dogs.  He’s even learned to ignore Blade.  He loves lounging under his heat lamp – which I leave on for him during the day because it’s chilly and he’s too thin to ward off the cold himself.

Jan 15

Timmy is doing much better at walking on a lead. Far less pulling and easily corrects when he forgets. He and Blade are playing games with each other through the barrier between them. Timmy has been in the yard with Blondie Bear on the loose. That was a little awkward for Timmy, but it turned out well. He sniffed her thoroughly, propositioned her, she said, “Not interested, sonny” and he wandered off to pee on something.

He now routinely sits on command, in fact he often anticipates and sits before I give him the command, so then I have to redirect by stepping away and asking him to “come” then sit. Most of the time he complies if we’re in his kennel. Still iffy with the “come” command in the yard.

His transport date has been set for Feb 26. Heather will make arrangements for Health Certification and getting him to Bulls Gap to meet the transport truck.

Jan. 28

I took Timber off the lead-line for a few days, just letting him out to run unfettered. The first time he walked out the door, stopped, came back and nosed my hands, “You forgot something.” I had to convince him that it was okay, he can go out without it. It brought him such joy! But that lasted only a couple of days before he began getting haughty and refusing to come when called. If I’d go take hold of the handle built into his harness he’d reach around and mouth my arm. It was done gently, but saying, “Don’t do that.” So I’d go get a leash. He does fine on a leash. So it was back to using the long lead.

About 60% of the time he responds to the “Come” command with an enthusiastic gallop across the yard to receive his small treat and petting. Other times he goes stone cold deaf! Sometimes he works his way over to me slowly, meandering along to eventually stand before me expectantly.

Timber is doing well with the “In Your Room” command, which means to return to his kennel. If I do this when he’s within 30 feet of his kennel he will comply. About half the time he will comply from across the yard. But it does depend on if he’s done all his business. If not he will hasten his search and take care of that before complying. Sometimes if I’m occupied (doing a poop pick-up in the yard or something) Timber will decide he’s done playing in the yard and I’ll find him sitting in his kennel waiting for me. What a good boy!

He is really well behaved while “trapped” in his bedroom at night. I put him to bed around 8:00 PM by taking him out for a leash walk so he can pee. Then back to his kennel. I go around and go inside, he comes in through his doggy door and I give him some small treat and close his doggy door. He will stand up and lean against the fencing so I can scratch the side of his face for a while. If I go inside with him he gets too excited, jumping around. Not enough room for that in there. Then he settles on his bed and sleeps. When I return at 6:00 AM to take him out again for a walk, he appears to have just been awakened, I could probably let him go longer, but I don’t want to risk making him have to spoil his bedroom. As long as I let him out every 2 to 3 hours, he will keep his entire kennel clean, preferring to use the yard to potty.

When Blade and Blondie Bear are in the yard together they roughhouse. Timber watches and gets quite vocal. When I’ve put Blade up and let Timber out he goes bounding over to Blondie, intent on roughhousing with her too. But Blondie gives him a “Not so fast, Junior” look that stops him in his tracks. Then they walk around together and peer through the fence. I give him high marks for his ability to reign in that exuberance.

April 2

Timber went off to New Hampshire last night.  The Gabipentin / Trazadone cocktail we gave him did the trick.  He snoozed for a little while but most of the time he was awake and watching out a side window or sitting between the seats so Marie could scratch his head.  But he was not threatening to eat the other cars on the road.  A good things since there were a lot of cars on the road. 

The only time he got excited was when we passed the Pizza Plus place in White Pine.  I guess he had a bad case of the munchies and wanted to stop for a pie.  We didn’t stop and he quieted down.

We arrived at the truck top 10 minutes early and the H.E.A.R.T.S. LLC transport was already there.  The driver said that new truck is a hauling monster.  Even coming up steep grades, it glides along like it’s got no load at all.  They made great time as a result.

Timber hopped right up into the trailer when they opened the door.  They closed the door behind them while they got him settled in the crate: in case he broke away from them and got loose in there, at least he was contained.  It took a few minutes before they came out again, so it’s possible he gave then a challenge.

By the time they opened up again and showed me the special box they had for him, he was calm.  Confused and sad, but calm.  It broke my heart when he looked at me saying, “What’s going on Doug, aren’t you coming too?”  But that’s just part of doing what I do.  Timber is alive because people cared, intervened, and saved him.  I was part of that process. Now he’s going off to a new home and a new, much better, life.  That is what rescue is all about.

accomplishment

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Rugar LaChocolate’

Posted on: by:

It seems this boy is a victim of circumstances, just doing what he was trained to do.

Last Updated: Feb 2, 2021

Base Info:

  • Arrival date: Dec 28, 2020
  • Breed: Chocolate Lab/Spaniel
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: Youth, Adult, Mature, Senior
  • Birthdate: Dec 2017
  • Weight: @ 70 Pounds on Dec 28
    .
  • Neutered: Yes
  • General Health: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor
  • Temperament: Sweet, affectionate, playful.  Hates confinement.
  • SAFER Test performed: Yes – Passed
  • Departure date: Jan 29: pulled by BePaws They Matter Animal Rescue

History

This boys owners asked their neighbor to shoot the dog because he was going over fences, charging people, fighting with other dogs and harassing their livestock.   The only thing we have seen to be true is the harassing livestock.  At some point, I assume it was his original owner, he lived with people who ran a rodeo and trained their dogs to herd the bulls and horses from one place to another.  So “harassing” livestock would be expected.  As to the rest, he seems quite gentle to us.  Val, the lady who rescued him for us, had him at their house for a couple of hours.  She has cats, she has dogs, she has kids.  She and her husband had no trouble with him except that he likes to sit ON people, not next to them.

Rugar’s Progress Summary:

Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.

Relational Behavior

  • Relates well to other dogs: Yes
  • Can eat food/treats near other dogs: No food aggression noted
  • Preferred style of play: Undetermined
  • Is affectionate: Yes
  • Is good with:
    . Men: Yes
    . Women: Yes
    . Children: Yes
    . Cats: Yes (as long as they don’t run: he’s a Lab!)
  • Jumps up on people: A little
  • Mouths: No
  • Walks well on a leash: Yes

Commands:

  • Comes when called: Not yet
  • Sits on command: Yes
  • Down / Off: Not yet
  • Shake / Paw: Not yet
  • Kennels on command: Yes

House Dog Training

  • Willingly enters his crate: No
  • Is calm/quiet while in crate: No
  • Understands going outside to potty: Yes
  • Alerts me of need to go outside: Yes
  • Is destructive of bedding and/or toys: Yes
  • Engages in kitchen counter cruising: No
  • Stays off people furniture: No: foster parents allow him on the sofa.

Medical Data

  • DA2PPv: Dec 29, 2020 by PMFC
    .  1st Booster: January 19, 2021 by Stacy Dekker
    .  2nd Booster: Puppies only
  • Bordatella: Dec 29, 2020
  • Wormed: Dates | Product | Dose | By
    . Dec 29 to 31 | Fenbendazole | 14 ML | PMFC
  • Rabies: Jan 12, 2021 (Claws and Paws 4 A Cause)
  • Microchipped: Yes
    PetKey Not registered
    To register: https://www.freepetchipregistry.com/
  • Spay/Neuter: Done before intake
  • Heartworm Test: Jan. 12, 2021 – NEGATIVE
  • Flea/Tick preventative:
    . Dec 29 Fipronil, 2.68 ML
    .
  • Heartworm preventative:
    . Jan 19, 2021 Heartguard Plus
    .

Gallery

In chronological order, newest at the bottom. Some pictures are linked to a more detailed Doggy Tale about that update, click those to open the related story.

Progress Updates

Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom so you can read through this dog’s history in order.

Dec 29

The first 24 hours have gone well.  Rugar’s neighbor, Blade, harasses him, but Rugar simply withdraws.  No retaliation.  When Blade is in a more congenial mood, Rugar goes over to touch noses with him and try to be friends.  They were “discussing” things yesterday evening, just barking at each other through their mutual kennel panel.  But they settled down and both slept through the night once “lights-out” came around.

Rugar refused to eat the dry food I gave him this morning.  I mixed a pouch meal in with it mid-morning and he gobbled that down.

I had Rugar in the yard this afternoon with Blondie Bear.  They were cordial to one another, then went their own ways.

Dennis is to pick him up this afternoon and take him home for fostering.

Jan 1

Rugar is settling in at his foster home.  There were some difficulties, mostly stemming from the fact that he is not accustomed to being in a house and that made him nervous.  But he seems to be coming to grips with that.

Jan 17

Rugar’s foster parents report that he gets along fine with their pack of dogs and is quite affectionate toward the people, but is averse to confinement.  Both work all day and Rugar stays in a kennel outside.  Or, he’s SUPPOSED to stay in a kennel outside.  But he has been finding ways to break out.

He never goes far, he greets them upon return, but it is clear this boy needs a higher level of daytime interaction.

Jan 23

Rugar came over for a visit today.  He was well behaved and calm.  His foster Dad says when he’s with them he’s a super sweet boy.  He likes to lay on the sofa with his head resting on Dennis’ leg.  He gets along great with their other dogs and their cats.  He just does not like being confined when they go away to work.  In the right home, this handsome fellow would make someone a wonderful, attentive companion.

Jan 29

Our rescue partner, BePaws They Matter Animal Rescue from New Jersey, was in the area today and called to say they’d like to pull Rugar and take him on their run … today.  That was sudden notice, but since there had been no serious interest from adopters, Dennis decided that would be a good thing for all.

So Rugar has gone north.  Happy travels big fella.  We hope you find the perfect home up there.

Feb 2

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Bedrooms

Posted on: by:

NOTE: this is a summary article of the work done in October, November, and December of 2020. More detailed articles (if you’re into minutia) are available in our Random Thoughts blog. Here is [a listing] of those.

kennel front original

The building we’re converting.

The building we’re converting to kennels used to be a garage, then became a lumber storage shed. It needs modification to be truly useful (and comfortable) as kennels for our residents. The first order of business was to build “bedrooms” or interior kennels for each of the outside runs and an ICU room for our serious medical residents.

New empty space
The first step was to sell off the lumber that almost completely filled the building. When the first stack sold I had room to walk and work all along the wall where the new kennels were to be built.
Interior block wall begun
With room to work, I could begin building T shaped block walls separating the interior kennels. To conserve space I used 4″ wide blocks. I started in the back and worked my way outward.
As they were completed I painted them, added guillotine doors to the outside, and built front panels with doors. I built these myself from chain link fencing materials. I also upgraded lighting as I went.
All three regular bedrooms completed. The one in the back will be meshed in between tops of the walls and the loft floor and used if I get a “climber”. The ICU room will be at the far left of the picture, but I can’t complete that room until I do something with that big hole in the front of the building. That is my next project.
Once I’ve sold off all but the last lumber pile, I have MUCH more room to work – and to store stuff. Selling that last one may be tough: it’s strange stuff like Holly. I’ll probably have to haul it outside and restack it on another rack to keep working.

Rebel Redpit

Posted on: by:

He’s just passing through …

Last Updated: Feb 6, 2021

Base Info:

  • Arrival date: Dec. 9, 2020
  • Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: Youth, Adult, Mature, Senior
  • Birthdate: Feb 13, 2020
  • Weight: 37 Pounds on Dec. 9
    .
  • Neutered: Yes
  • General Health: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor
  • Temperament: Sweet, playful.
  • SAFER Test performed: No
  • Claimed by: Animal Rescue Network of New England
  • Departure date: January 1, 2021

History

Unknown

Rebel’s Progress Summary:

Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.

Relational Behavior

  • Relates well to other dogs: Yes
  • Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Yes
  • Preferred style of play: He likes to frolic.  Gets the zoomies sometimes.
  • Is affectionate: Yes
  • Is good with:
    . Men: Yes
    . Women: Yes
    . Children: Yes
    . Cats: Unknown
  • Jumps up on people: Some
  • Mouths: A little, corrects well.
  • Walks well on a leash: Yes

Commands:

  • Comes when called: Yes
  • Sits on command: Yes
  • Down / Off: Doing better
  • Shake / Paw: Not yet
  • Kennels on command: Yes

Diet

💕 Victor Classic – Professional Dry Dog Food
.      1 cup kibble + 2 oz homemade stew  AM
.      ½ cup kibble + 2 oz home made stew PM
💕 PMFC Peanut butter cookies
💕 Retriever Beef Basted Sticks
💕 Jones Beef Hooves
💕 Grillerz Pork Femur

Medical

  • DA2PPv: Nov. 16, 2020 by Newport Animal Control
    . Booster: Dec. 5 by NAC
    . 2nd Booster:
  • Bordatella: Nov. 16 by NAC
  • Wormed: Dates | Product | Dose | By
    .  Nov 20, 2020 Pyrantel Pamoate 2.5 cc by NAC
  • Rabies: Dec. 9, 2020 by Cedarwood Veterinary
  • Microchipped: Yes
    fi NANO Not registered
    To register contact City of Newport Animal Control
  • Neuter: Dec 9, Cedarwood Veterinary Hospital
  • Heartworm Test: Dec 9, NEGATIVE by Cedarwood
  • Flea/Tick preventative:
    .
    .
  • Heartworm preventative:
    . Dec 10, Ivermectin solution, 0.4 ml
    .
  • NOTES:
    .
    .

Terms of Adoption:

Gallery

In chronological order, newest at the bottom.

Other videos: Rebel In the Yard |

Let me IN, it’s COLD!

Josie says, “Please don’t poot, Rebel!”

Progress Updates

Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom so you can read through this dog’s history in order.

Dec. 11

Rebel has been here a couple of days and he has settled in nicely.  He’s a super-sweet boy who loves attention.  He is friendly to the other dogs and he and Josie really want to play together.  But they’ve both just had surgery so that will have to wait a while.  Blade does NOT like Rebel and is giving him a hard time by throwing himself against the metal privacy panel between their kennels.  He has done this so much and so hard that he’s broken the panel and jammed the door to Rebel’s kennel.  I’ll need to repair that today.  When he does this Rebel scampers off into his bedroom and hides out there.  It’s a good safe place for him.

Dec 16

Rebel is SUCH a doll: he is so calm and accepting.  He’s affectionate too, but not demanding.  Check out the Random Thought on Guillotine Doors for an example.

Josie Darkshep will be leaving on the 18th, that will open a House Dog position that Rebel can audition for.  I expect he will do well and be accepted by all.

Dec 25

Rebel has been a “house dog” for three nights now.  All three nights he has slept soundly in his crate all night long, not needing to go outside until I get up in the morning.  That is normally between 4:00 and 4:30 AM.  Today, being Christmas, I slept in until 5:20 when Buddy Beagle decided he needed to go outside.  Rebel went too.

Normally Rebel will take quite a while to finish all his business: peeing quickly but needing to investigate multiple potential sites for making his deposit.  It was 22° this morning.  Rebel went out, took care of everything all in one spot then RACED back to the door.  Being an hour later than usual probably played into the swiftness of this task.

He has had no accidents in the house: mostly because when he’s in free play I watch him constantly and if he seems to be “seeking” we go right outside.  We are having no inter-dog-relationship issues.  After recovering from his surgery his energy levels went up and he’s a bit too rowdy for the other dogs to want to play with now.  He intimidates Josephine, annoys Buddy (everything annoys Buddy: he a grumpy old Beagle) Blondie is too old to cavort with him, and Callie is undecided about him.  He could be fin to play with, but she’s protective of Josephine, and Josie is scared of him.  So she’s conflicted.

He;s getting more free-play in the house.  Learning the rules.  He is intelligent, mischievous, and inquisitive.  He is still a puppy, so he still has puppy mannerisms.  But he can be shaped into a great companion because is does seek affection and wants to please.  I have another week to work with him, then we’ll hand him off to his next caretaker as he goes North to seek a forever home.

Also, he has the most wonderful, plush, soft coat of fur.  Petting him is such a pleasure!

Jan 1

Are we there yet?

We put Rebel on his long haul transport (HEARTS LLC) for his ride up north.  He rode in the cab of the truck with us for the first time.  Because I’ve always been alone when I transported him before he rode in a box in the back (not to worry, it’s under a shell and strapped down, he’s well protected) because of his tendency to need to snuggle.  Snuggling is great when in the house, not so much when I’m trying to drive us at highway speeds.  He rode really well.  Partly because it was 2 hours past his bed time and he was tired.  He slept much of the time.  But whenever I’d change speed or direction he head would pop up between the seats to ask, “What’s going on?  Are we in New Hampshire yet?”

We arrived at the truck stop in Bulls Gap TN with just enough time to take Rebel for a walk.  Just as I was loading him back into our truck, the HEARTS transport pulled in next to us and Rebel got really excited about the big truck.  He greeted the driver affectionately, and when the door was opened, instead of shying away like most, Rebel saw all those dogs and said, “PARTY TRUCK, let me in there!  Let’s PLAY!” He was ready to ride!

Farewell, and happy tails to you, sweet Rebel.  You start the new year with a new location and beginning a new life.

If I get updates and photos of Rebel in foster and his adoption I’ll post them here.

Feb 6

Rebel had some issues getting through NH state quarantine, but these were resolved and he went into a foster-to-adopt home.  We are happy to report that Rebel has been officially adopted by that home and is happy and well cared for.  He gets along famously with is “brother” Dax, too.

Another happy beginning.

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Josie Darkshep

Posted on: by: Comments: 3 Comments

 

A rough start in life for this young sweetie.

Last Updated: Dec 19, 2020

Base Info:

  • Arrival date: Nov. 20, 2020
  • Breed: German Shepherd
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: Youth, Adult, Mature, Senior
  • Birthdate: June 2020
  • Weight: 27.2 lbs.  Oct 29
    .              33.8 lbs. Nov 24
    .              34.0 lbs. Dec 8
  • Spayed: Yes
  • General Health: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor
  • Temperament: Affectionate, unruly.
  • SAFER Test performed: No
  • Claimed by: Animal Rescue Network of New England
  • Departure date: December 18, 2020

History

Picked up as a stray, riddled with mange and coated in motor oil, this sweet girl has much better days ahead than she’s had behind.

Josie’s Progress Summary:

Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.

Relational Behavior

  • Relates well to other dogs: Yes but too rowdy for small dogs.
  • Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Some food guarding if others stick their nose into her crate while she’s eating. Okay with sharing toys and chewies.
  • Preferred style of play: ROWDY, but not aggressive.  She uses her forepaws a lot and likes to wrestle.
  • Is affectionate: Yes
  • Is good with:
    . Men: Yes
    . Women: Yes
    . Children: Probably.  Too active for toddlers.
    . Cats: Unknown
  • Jumps up on people: Yes..  She likes to hug.  Working on that.
  • Mouths: Yes: nippy.  Working on that.
  • Walks well on a leash: Yes

House Dog Training

  • Willingly enters her crate: Yes
  • Is calm/quiet while in crate: Yes
  • Understands going outside to potty: Yes when crated
  • Alerts me of need to go outside: Yes
  • Is destructive of bedding and/or toys: Not in her crate
  • Refrains from kitchen counter cruising: Undetermined
  • Stays off people furniture: Undetermined

Terms of Adoption:

  • Contact ARNNE for an adoption application.

Commands:

  • Comes when called: Yes
  • Sits on command: Working on it
  • Down / Off: Yes
  • Shake / Paw: No
  • Kennels on command: Yes

Medical

  • DA2PPv: Oct 29 by NAC
    . Booster: Nov 16 by NAC
    . Booster: Dec 8, by PMFC
  • Bordatella: Oct 29 by NAC
  • Wormed: Dates | Product | Dose | By
    . Nov 26-28, Fenbendazole, 7 ml, PMFC
  • Rabies:  Dec. 8th, by Claws and Paws 4 A Cause
  • Microchipped: DATAMARS Not registered
    To register: https://www.freepetchipregistry.com/
  • Spay/Neuter: Dec. 8th, by Claws and Paws 4 A Cause
  • Heartworm Test: Dec. 8th, by Claws and Paws 4 A Cause
    . Result: NEGATIVE
  • Flea/Tick preventative:
    .
    .
  • Heartworm preventative:
    . Dec 10, Ivermectin, 0.4 ml
    .
  • NOTES:
    . Credelio for fleas and ticks.
    . Amoxicillin started Oct 29 for mange
    . Cephalexin 500 mg started 11/12 for 14 days.

Diet

Victor Classic – Professional Dry Dog Food
1½ cup kibble + 2 oz. home-made stew AM
1 cup kibble + 2 oz. home-made stew PM
PMFC Peanut butter cookies
Retriever Beef Basted Sticks
Jones Beef Hooves
Grillerz Pork Femur

Gallery

Feeling bad after surgery

Enjoying some free-play time

Other Videos: Josie: A First Look |  Josie and Buddy Beagle |
PIC PIC PIC

Progress Updates

Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom.

Nov 22

Josie has been here a couple of days.  She is intensely affectionate, quite bright but easily distracted (she’s a puppy), she is eager to please, so should train easily.

My first order of business with Josie was to trim those NAILS!  Slender and very sharp, as bad a s cats claws!

Second was a bath.  Not only did she have the usual shelter stink, but she’d been coated in motor oil as a home remedy for her mange.  Animal Control bathed her and got most of it off, but but she was still greasy and it added to the funk smell.

Josie did well with both the nail trim and the bath.  She has already learned “come”, so I have dispensed with the lead line.  Working on “down” and “no bite”: she likes to nip affectionately.  That has to be stopped early.

She is difficult to get good photos: I’ll add them as I manage it.

Nov 26

I added a new Featured Video (up in the Gallery).  This one tests Josie with Buddy Beagle.  I would not have dared do this a few days ago because Josie was still too insistent and energetic in her affections.  But she has calmed considerably.  She now knows “come”, “in your room”, “down”, and is working on “sit”.  I have also tested her with little Josephine, that went well too.

Nov 29

Josie moved into her new space this evening.  See video above: Josie’s Inner Sanctum.  There is still much work to do, but she has a place to get away from the cold snap and snow due to arrive tomorrow.

Dec 8

Josie is being spayed today.

Yesterday afternoon I brought her inside to get her accustomed to a crate. As we came up to the porch, she acted like she’d never seen steps before and it took a few minutes to convince her she *could* come up them.  Once inside, she’s done really well. She gets excited when Marie comes into the room, but otherwise she’s calm in her crate. I can even leave the room for extended periods (like to go eat my dinner) and she remains calm. She even slept through the night!  What a good girl!

She returned home from the spaying and rested in her crate, mooing at me because she was in pain.  I was not able to secure pain relief for her.  But she’s taking it well.  I gave her the 3rd DA2PP shot while she was still calm from the sedative.

I gave her dinner, but she passed on that until 3:45 AM.  Otherwise she slept through the night and waited until around 5:30 to go outside to pee.  She and Buddy Beagle went together.  She went right back to her crate drank some water and is mooing at me again.

Dec 16

Josie has fully recovered from her surgery and did excellently: she didn’t even need to be coned to prevent licking at the incision because she just didn’t do that.  She has been a house dog since her surgery.  She is crated most of the time because she wants to play too rough with the other house dogs.

While in recovery she did play with Josephine, Buddy Beagle, and Blondie Bear.  Once she was feeling good again she’s too enthusiastic in her play and none of these will play with her any more.  I tried her with Rebel, and Rebel backed out of the play session by going back to his room.  She’d probably be good with Blade, but I’d need help supervising that play session.

Josie is good about resting in her crate.  I can leave the house for extended periods and she does not get anxious – unless she needs to potty.  She likes to be where I am, so I move her crate if I’ll be spending time in the kitchen.  She gets an indoor free play session in the morning after she goes outside to potty, while the other house dogs are still asleep.

She is doing better at showing affection by licking instead of nibbling.  She likes to cuddle.  Sometimes she gets talkative using a moaning-growly sound.  We have conversations.  I often get head-tilts from her after I “speak” to her in the same kind of sounds, “What did you just say?”.  She’s still a big puppy.  She’s bright and wants to please.   With continued structure and consistent guidance she will make an excellent companion for an active family.  Just don’t expect this exuberant girl to be a couch potato.

Dec 19

Josie transported out yesterday.  No, not like in Star Trek – though I wish that were possible.  She rode well: I had her in a transport crate instead of the extended cab because I worried that she’s insist on sitting in my lap while I drove.  Not a good idea if we want to arrive at the transport site alive.  Once again she rode well in her private compartment.  I put a warm blanket in on the floor of the box for her and the only time she got active or vocal was when I stopped at the bank drive-through for a moment.  Other wise she was still and quiet.  She may have done okay inside the cab, but with no one riding shotgun with me to help control her — at least for the first leg of the trip: I picked up Marie from work after stopping at the bank —  it was not a risk I was willing to take.  By our mid-day rendezvous time it was sunny and warm enough that it was comfortable inside the topper-covered bed of our truck.

The hand-off went exceptionally well.  I was three minutes early and they were already there and set up to receive passengers.  Josie was calm and compliant.  Now I am awaiting word that she arrived safely at the quarantine center in New Hampshire (state regulation).

I’m told she has an adopter awaiting her arrival, so after the two day quarantine, she will be going immediately “home”.  I love it when that happens!

Happy Tails, sweet Josie!

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Echo Hugghusky

Posted on: by:

This is a sweet girl who got caught up in circumstances not of her own making.  Yet she came through being sweet, affectionate, and desiring love.

Last Updated: Nov 20, 2020

Base Info:

  • Arrival date: Nov 13, 2020
  • Breed: Husky
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: Youth, Adult, Mature, Senior
  • Birthdate: ??, 2018
  • Weight: 51 Pounds
  • Spayed/Neutered: Yes
  • General Health: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor
  • Temperament: Calm for a husky. Didn’t chase shelter cats and was living with other dogs in her former home.
  • SAFER Test performed: No
  • Being fostered for: A Pathway to Hope
  • Departure date: Nov. 19, 2020

History

Echo was adopted as a pup by a family: Mom, Dad, Daughter and Echo as Daughter’s dog.  But Mom and Dad got divorced and Mom moved away.  Then Daughter went off to college.  Dad had no intention of taking care of Echo, so he surrendered her to the Friends Animal Shelter of Cocke County.  The shelter called on Piney Mountain Foster to come take her.

The shelter has a policy of not adopting out Huskies because they always come back.  It seems our local folks love the looks of a Husky, but have no clue what they’re getting into.  Huskies are a special breed that require an owner familiar with the breed and prepared to handle them properly.

Piney Mountain got in touch with A Pathway to Hope (a Husky rescue) to see if they would be interested in Echo.  They were.  We went and got her.  And here she is.  It will probably be a short stay: she is healthy and well behaved.  We’re just giving her a place to stay while waiting on her bus ticket.

Echo’s Progress Summary:

Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.

Relational Behavior

  • Relates well to other dogs: Yes
  • Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Yes
  • Preferred style of play: Rowdy bouncing and running
  • Is affectionate: Yes
  • Is good with:
    . Men: Yes
    . Women: Yes
    . Children: Probably
    . Cats: Yes
  • Jumps up on people: Likes to give gentle hugs.
  • Mouths: No
  • Walks well on a leash: Sort of.

House Dog Training

  • Willingly enters her crate: Yes with a bribe
  • Is calm/quiet while in crate: Mostly.  Talks when bored.
  • Understands going outside to potty: Yes
  • Alerts me of need to go outside: Yes
  • Is destructive of bedding and/or toys: No
  • Refrains from kitchen counter cruising: No: she peeks up there.
  • Stays off people furniture: So far.

Terms of Adoption:

Commands:

  • Comes when called: Sometimes (a Husky thing)
  • Sits on command: Not yet
  • Down / Off: Not yet
  • Shake / Paw: Not yet
  • Kennels on command: Yes

Medical

  • DA2PPv: Nov 6 (Friends Animal Shelter)
    . Booster: date (by)
  • Bordatella: Nov 6, FAS
  • Wormed: Dates | Product | Dose | By
    .
  • Rabies: Nov. 10 (Claws and Paws 4 A Cause)
  • Microchipped: Nov 19, 2020 PetKey Not registered
    To register: https://www.freepetchipregistry.com/
  • Spay/Neuter: Done prior to surrender, has tattoo.
  • Heartworm Test: Nov 10 (Claws and Paws) NEGATIVE
  • Flea/Tick preventative:
    .
    .
  • Heartworm preventative:
    . Nov 13, Ivermectin solution, 0.5 ml
    .
  • NOTES:
    .
    .

Diet

Picky eater!  So far the only thing she’ll eat reliably has been Pedigree Ground Meat dinner pouches.  Not much nutrition in those, so I’ve worked her into one pouch dinner on top of a cup of Victors Classic Professional kibble per meal, and she’s cleaning her bowl.
PMFC Peanut butter cookies
Retriever Beef Basted Sticks
Jones Beef Hooves
Grillerz Pork Femur

Gallery

In chronological order, newest at the bottom.

Transporting to New Jersey
 PIC

Progress Updates

Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom.

Nov 13

I went into Echo’s kennel at the shelter and she stood up and hugged me, chattering at me, “Please get me out of here.  Please take me home.  I miss my girl.”  We went for a leash walk before loading up into  the truck.  She chatted softly at me as she gazed out the window all the way home.  She rode well.  Very calm and well behaved.

Once we were here, I put her on a long lead and let her out into the play yard to explore.  As most dogs do the first day or three here: she spent her whole time wandering around with her nose to the grass.  She did NOT want to go into her kennel.

At the moment, Echo is an unhappy gal.  The only family she has known has abandoned her and she’s confused.  I will do my best to get her settled, but it would be best if she didn’t stay too long.  If they stay long enough to get attached, it hurts them all over again when I put her in a box and send her away on a big truck.  Huskies are especially sensitive to this.

Nov. 15

When Echo first arrived here she was … ummm … agitated.  She’s clearly distraught over losing her family.  She becomes fascinated and eager to investigate if she hears Marie talking.  We know that she was “Daughters” dog.  And I’m thinking Daughter spoiled her pretty much.  Dad on the other hand clearly (from the shelters account of his surrendering her) held no affection for Echo at all.  I’m guessing he was not good to her after daughter left.  At first Echo was nervous around me, but she’s settling down now in that regard.  She’s starting to return my affection when I give her a good loving session.  She still really REALLY wants to be in the house.  I’ll give her a trial visit tomorrow and see how everyone gets along.

Echo has been trying to play with Blondie Bear in the yard.  She’s a little too rowdy for Blondie’s taste, but when Blondie tells her to back off, she does.  And all the rowdiness is done in bouncing around and going into play bows.  There are no aggressive or dominance moves at all.

But she IS a Husky!  Strong willed and bull-headed as any Husky.  She’s not as vocal as most, and she’s not as active while kenneled as many: she spends a lot of time stretched out and napping.  In the yard she wants to run and zip all over the place.  I’m keeping her on a long lead for now because she spends time looking longingly at the top of the fences and the open spaces beyond.  She hasn’t tried climbing any yet.  When she takes a mind to try to get out she digs.  Close supervision is warranted until she settles down.  Once she gets into the house, I expect she’ll be happier with her lot in life.

Nov 18

Echo’s stay almost became a pass-through!  The transport had a opening for her, but I’d need to get an Interstate Health Certification done on her by TOMORROW when she would be leaving.  Not impossible.  The receiving rescue isn’t sure they can be ready for her that soon either.  That doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.  Next weekend is Thanksgiving, so it will be at least two weeks more.  But Echo is settling in and getting to know our pack.  Here’s a video of Echo playing with our mentor dog: Blondie Bear.

UPDATE:

All of what I just said could not be done has been done!  Echo will get her Health Certificate tomorrow afternoon and leave us for New jersey tomorrow night.  She has a foster home awaiting.

I brought Echo inside this morning.  I set up my largest crate in the living room since I would be in the kitchen baking dog cookies this morning.  I let her explore for a few minutes then took her to her crate and gave the “in your room” command that I’ve been using with her and her kennel outside.  She went right in, accepted the treat, and settled down to watch me work on cookies.

When the cookies were done she got fussy.  I took her outside to let her run in the yard.  She peed, then ran back to the door of the house.  I let her in, she got a drink and I put her back in her crate.

Trial by fire time.  I left the area to go do some work in the den.  She was chattering a little, but did not throw a fit.  I think she was just chatting with the other dogs.

After lunch we all went outside for the afternoon.  We all came back in toward evening.  Echo got really excited when Marie came in the door: Echo really wanted to get out and interact with Marie.  There is a definite preference for women here.  I don’t blame her: the Dad in her former family didn’t like her and probably was not nice to her.  I hope I’ve changed her perception of men a little in her brief stay.

It’s good that she’s moving on before she gets attached to us.  It would be rough for her to be “abandoned” several times before finally reaching a forever home.  Some dogs are more resilient, Echo is the sensitive type.

Nov. 20

We successfully connected with the long-haul transport last night and handed Echo off.  She was not keen on the idea of jumping up into the van full of crated dogs, but she did relent and I slipped her into a crate.  She’s such a good girl.  I liked listening to her talk in her friendly, contralto voice.

.

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Sarah Sue Husklet

Posted on: by: Comments: 14 Comments

Sarah is a sweet, calm, girl who’s had a rough time lately.

Last Updated: Oct. 28, 2020

Base Info:

  • Arrival date: Oct. 3, 2020
  • Breed: Husky Mix
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: Youth, Adult, Mature, Senior
  • Birthdate: Oct 2018
  • Weight: 15 Pounds! (Oct 2)
    .             16.8 Pounds (Oct 7)
    .             17.6 Pounds (Oct 19)
  • Spayed/Neutered: Yes
  • General Health: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor
  • Temperament: Sweet and attentive, but nervous in strange environs.
  • SAFER Test performed: Yes – passed
  • Available Rescue Claimed by: A.R.N.N.E.
  • Departure date: October 23, 2020 (ARNNE via HEARTS LLC)

History

Sarah’s owner moved away and left Sara with the roommate.  The roommate then got sick and was put on Hospice care.  When Sarah could no longer be cared for she was surrendered to City of Newport Animal Control.

Sarah’s Progress Summary:

Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.

Relational Behavior

  • Relates well to other dogs: Yes
  • Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Yes
  • Preferred style of play: Likes to play chase
  • Is affectionate: Yes but not yet a snuggler.  That spooks her.
  • Is good with:
    . Men: Yes
    . Women: Yes
    . Children: Undetermined, but probably.
    . Cats: Undetermined
  • Jumps up on people: Occasionally, but gentle about it.
  • Mouths: No
  • Walks well on a leash: Yes

House Dog Training

  • Willingly enters his crate: Yes
  • Is calm/quiet while in crate: Sometimes
  • Understands going outside to potty: Yes, but is not committed
  • Alerts me of need to go outside: Goes to the door – I need to be watching her.
  • Is destructive of bedding and/or toys: No
  • Refrains from kitchen counter cruising: LOL, she couldn’t reach if she wanted to!
  • Stays off people furniture: No

Terms of Adoption:

  • Contact ARNNE for an adoption application

Commands:

  • Comes when called: Mostly.  Sometimes I have to whistle to get her attention, then she comes when called.
  • Sits on command: No
  • Down / Off: Yes
  • Shake / Paw: No
  • Kennels on command: Yes

Medical

  • DA2PPv: Sept 25, 2020 by NAC
    . Booster: Oct 2, by Cedarwood Veterinary Hosp.
  • Bordetella: Sept 25, 2020 by NAC
  • Wormed: Dates | Product | Dose | By
    . Sept 25, Pyrantel Pamoate 1.5 cc NAC
    .
  • Rabies: Oct 2, 2020 by Cedarwood
  • Microchipped: Yes, PetKey Not registered
    To register: https://www.freepetchipregistry.com/
  • Spay/Neuter: Oct 7, 2020 (Cedarwood)
  • Heartworm Test: Oct 2, 2020 Cedarwood – NEGATIVE
  • Flea/Tick preventative:
    .
    .
  • Heartworm preventative:
    . Oct 3, Ivermectin solution oral, 0.15 ml
    .
  • NOTES:
    . Severely underweight working on that.
    .

Diet

Victor Classic – Professional Dry Dog Food
½ cup kibble + 2 oz Stew, AM and PM
PMFC Peanut butter cookies
Dreamstick twists
Canine Carry-outs (asst. flavors)

Gallery

In chronological order, newest at the bottom. Some pictures are linked to a more detailed Doggy Tale about that update, click those to open the related story.

Hanging with the big dogs

Frolicking in the yard

I’m being REALLY good Dad.

Enjoying a fire with the other girls

Sharing a sunbeam with Buddy

Progress Updates

Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom.

Oct. 2nd

I’ve received word that Sarah has passed her heartworm test and has been accepted by ARNNE.  We will foster Sarah for them through her spay surgery and preparation for travel.  She is severely underweight.  I’ll be picking her up from Newport Animal Control tomorrow.  First I need to sanitize the kennel Charlie Bear was using.  Though he stayed here only a few hours, he messed it up and it needs a thorough cleaning and disinfecting.

Oct. 3rd

Marie and I picked Sarah up from Newport Animal Control late this morning.  Normally I transport new dogs in a transport crate strapped down in the back of my truck (under a topper) because you never know for sure how a new dog will react to riding in a vehicle.  But Marie insisted that she hold Sarah on her lap instead.  She rode very well.  Sarah, I mean — well, Marie did too for that matter.  They were both very well behaved.

When we got home Sarah took a walk in the yard with me then went into her kennel.  She was fine with that as long as one of us was near, but when we both went inside Sarah started crying and fussing and pawing the kennel walls.  We thought she’d settle down.  She didn’t.  We discussed how cold it’s supposed to get tonight and how scrawny little Sarah will do in the cold, even with a dog-house stuffed with blankets.  Marie said “She smells really bad.  She’ll need a bath before she comes into the house.”  So I gave her a bath.  Sarah stood stock still for me and actually seemed to be enjoying it.  Then I set up a small crate and put the biggest, softest blanket I could find in there for her.  She was happy as a clam in silt as long as one of us was in visual range.  When we both left, Sarah got upset and repeated her performance from outside.

I thought maybe she needed to potty and took her out on a leash.  We had a chat while outside.  I told her that that sort of behavior will get her sent back to her kennel.  If she wants to be a house dog, she will need to behave like the other house dogs.  Well, not like Buddy Beagle: he goes all Beaglesaurous on us if he hears a squirrel or a loud car, or a horn honk, most anything will set him off and he races through the house baying and hollering.  That’s Buddy.  He’s old and set in his ways, and thinks he’s Superbeagle and charged with protecting the whole lot of us.  Don’t be like Buddy.

To my TOTAL amazement, Sarah made a huge turn around and was fine with us leaving the room.  Sometimes for extended periods.  I did see Blondie Bear sitting near her crate in a conspiratorial manner.  I think Blondie was explaining the house rules to her in dog-speak, and she listened.  Since then, she’s been an absolute doll!

At dinner time I gave her some kibble with home made stew on top, like everyone else got.  She watched them digging eagerly into their meals and was equally eager when I set her bowl in her crate.  She stuck her head in the bowl, sniffed at it, lifted her head to glare at me, “What is THIS stuff?  Do you expect me to eat that?” and she curled up in the far end of her crate.  I went outside to feed the rest of the pack.  They each get a potty run after they eat, so I was gone a while.  When I came back, Sarah’s bowl was licked clean.  I suspect Josephine came by and said, “Hey, if you’re not going to eat that, can I have it?  I LOVE that stuff.”  and Sarah decided to eat it herself.

She proceeded to have a great evening while I made a scratch-built pizza and salad for people-dinner, which Marie and I ate in the living room while watching an episode of The Waltons.  That’s what we do on Saturday evenings.  After dinner Marie lit up the fireplace and all the girls camped out in front of it.  Including Sarah.

It’s bed time now. I’ll take her out for a final walk, move her crate into the bedroom, and I expect we will all have a peaceful night.

Oct. 4

After a reasonably successful night, we needed to leave Sarah in her crate while we went to church.  She was not thrilled with that, but she settled down after we were out of the house and she was still in her crate — and it was not trashed — when we got home.

This evening she got some free-foot’n time to explore most of the house (closely supervised).  The two carpeted rooms are off limits for free-ranging right now.  As she progresses with housebreaking that limitation will be lifted.

Still loose but out of traffic

Sarah has been intimidated by the bigger dogs, especially Callie Roo and Blondie Bear.  Not that they are rude to her, just that they are much bigger than she is.  She’s been fine with the two Beagles.  They’re only a little bigger than she is.  Blade — now Blade terrifies her.  He’s MUCH bigger than she is.

After wandering around with me for a while Sarah decided to settle on a blanket behind Marie’s desk chair in the dining room.  She felt secure there.  Out of the way but pat of the group.  She slowly accepted that even Blondie Bear, though six times her weight, isn’t going to eat her.  Soon, she was running with the big dogs, “‘Scuse me, ‘scuse me, coming through!”

When she had enough, she asked to go back in her room (safe space) and finish the kibbles she didn’t eat at dinner.  It has been a very pleasant day.

Oct. 7th

Sarah slept through the night last night.  I got up around 5:15 AM and she was ready to go out.  Did all her business and rushed back inside eager for breakfast.  Unfortunately she is being spayed later this morning, so no breakfast for surgery patients.  She’s not happy about that.  She got another bath last night to get rid of the remaining shelter-funk.  She is now Sweet-Smelling Sarah-Sue.

When I went to pick Sarah up from the Vet, she was NOT happy.  She felt awful and cried the whole way home.  I settled her into her crate and she continued to cry.  I crushed a pain pill and mixed it into a tiny bit of wet dog food.  She didn’t want it, so I scooped it up on my finger, opened her mouth and scraped it off on the roof of her mouth and tickled her throat to encourage swallowing  Her mouth worked but she wasn’t spitting it out.  She swallowed it.  After a bit she settled down and went to sleep.

At bed time I tried to get her to let me carry her outside to see if she needed to pee. Not interested.  Completely not interested.  She hasn’t had anything to eat or drink since yesterday so she probably doesn’t need to go.  I’ll let her rest.  She should feel a little better tomorrow.  Hopefully.  Stoic, she is not.

Oct. 8

Little Sarah Sue drank some water last night but refused to eat. She slept all night, with Nurse Blondie attending. This morning she woke @5:30. I took her outside. She peed and pooped and came right back inside. She accepted a small treat then curled up to sleep some more.

Still feeling rough, but not crying. She’ll have breakfast and another pain pill in a while.

Today is Thursday: errand day for us and we have many places to go as we prepare for the upcoming Meat-N-Greet fundraiser.  But we’ll break them up into sessions and come back here between to check on our little patient.

The day is now half over and Sarah is feeling much better.  Up and around and starting to eat again.  YAY!

This day is over now and Sarah has done very well.  Tomorrow should be even easier for her.

Oct. 13

Sarah Sue is gaining a lot of confidence.  Today she wandered off during a potty run.  She can’t go far: we have a fenced play yard, but it’s big.  Until today she has never ventured more than 50 feet from me and even then she’d keep checking to be sure she could see me.  Today she went loping down the yard, tried to get the Beagles to play with her, then trailed after Blondie Bear who had gone down to The Low Corner.  This is way around behind the barn.  Then she scouted out the far fence line, by herself.  When play time was over I called and she came trotting over, quite pleased with herself.

The past few mornings have been wet out, even if we wait for the rain to abate before making our first potty run.  Sarah stands on the porch and looks down at the gravel and step stones like she’s afraid of something.  So I pick her up and carry her around to the play yard.  While she’s laying along my left fore-arm she gets this imperious look: “Look at *me* peasants, *I’m* being carried.”  She makes me laugh.

This independence also shows up in her choice of resting places.  in the past she would be close to wherever I was.  In her crate if I was in the kitchen, on the dog bed in the corner if i am in the Den, and in the evening when I’m sitting in bed reading, she is here, beside the bed.

Lately she has been spending more and more time during the day right here, often all by herself.  One night I decided, since she’s been good with her housebreaking, to let her sleep there that night.  But when I was ready to call it a day and went to brush my teeth, Sarah went over to the corner where her crate always sits at night and was looking distressed.  So I got her crate in place and she happily trotted in, circled around three times and settled in for the night.  She still needs that added security to be able to sleep soundly and know she’ll be unmolested.

Oct. 19

Sarah got her Health certification today, so she is free to travel next Friday for her transport to New Hampshire.

When Sarah arrived here she was a timid little thing and was scared of the other dogs, especially the bigger dogs.  She’d refuse to come in the house if Callie Roo or Blondie Bear were still in the laundry room, and she’d hide in out of the way corners to avoid them while loose in the house.  Her crate became a safe haven for her, a place she could always go to be comfy and protected.

But in her time here she has gained a lot of confidence.  A couple of evenings ago she even got spunky with Callie Roo and the two of them played.

That confidence is spilling over into  misbehavior, though as she’s started challenging some boundaries.

Oct 26

Sarah Sue made the long trip up north, did her two days of quarantine, and is now decompressing at The Sousa Spa.  These are wonderful, kind folks who will take great care of our little sweetheart until she is placed in a forever home.  To follow along with her adventure in New Hampshire, check in with the Sousas on Facebook.  They are good about posting “letters home” and photos.

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Charlie Bear

Posted on: by:

A sweet little boy who has just been through too much.

Last Updated: Oct 10, 2020

Base Info:

  • Arrival date: Oct 2, 2020
  • Breed: Black Lab/Chihuahua Mix
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: Youth, Adult, Mature, Senior
  • Birthdate: Est @ 2015
  • Weight: 30 Pounds
  • Spayed/Neutered: Scheduled
  • General Health: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor
  • Temperament: Skittish until he gets to know you.
  • SAFER Test performed: No – too skittish
  • PetFinder Listing: LINK
  • Available for adoption? YES | Rescue? YES
  • Get the Adoption Application (PDF form, print, complete, return)
  • Departure date: Oct 10, 2020

History

A kill shelter called Boston Terrier Rescue of East Tennessee saying they had a couple of Bostons for them.  Diana went to see them.  They were NOT Boston Terriers, but she could not leave them there to die, so she pulled them.  A local rescue took Charlie Bear’s brother, but not Charlie.  Diana reached out to PMFC to see if we could help.  And here he is!

Charlie Bear’s Progress Summary:

Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.

Relational Behavior

  • Relates well to other dogs: Yes
  • Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Can but probably won’t.
  • Preferred style of play: Undetermined
  • Is affectionate: Yes, once he gets to know you.
  • Is good with:
    . Men: Yes
    . Women: Yes
    . Children: Yes
    . Cats: Yes.  Will chase if they run.
  • Jumps up on people: No Yes
  • Mouths: No
  • Walks well on a leash: Not yet

House Dog Training

  • Willingly enters his crate: No Yes
  • Is calm/quiet while in crate: No Yes
  • Understands going outside to potty: No Yes
  • Alerts me of need to go outside: No Yes
  • Is destructive of bedding and/or toys: No Yes
  • Refrains from kitchen counter cruising: No Yes
  • Stays off people furniture: No Yes

Terms of Adoption:

  • Submit a completed Adoption Application (PDF form, print, complete, return).
  • Contact information for your veterinarian is required and we will do a reference check.  We do not adopt to people who neglect their dogs.
  • An adoption Contract must be signed by PMFC and Adopter.  This is a legal document and an actual signature is required.  If the form must be mailed back and forth, allow time for that to happen.  Electronic PDF is allowed if you can print/scan.
  • Adopter arranges transport.  We have worked with PETS LLC and HEARTS LLC (fees are paid to the transport service).
  • Adoption fee is $200.00  This generally does NOT cover what we have invested in medical care and room & board.  But it helps.

Commands:

  • Comes when called: No
  • Sits on command: No
  • Down / Off: No
  • Shake / Paw: No
  • Kennels on command: No

Medical

  • DA2PPv: Oct 2, 2020 by PMFC
    . Booster: date (by)
  • Bordatella: Oct 2, 2020 by PMFC
  • Wormed: Dates | Product | Dose | By
    .
  • Rabies: Oct 16, 2020 Claws & Paws 4 A Cause
  • Microchipped:Oct 16, 2020 PetKey Not registered
    To register: https://www.freepetchipregistry.com/
  • Spay/Neuter: Oct 16, 2020 Claws & Paws 4 A Cause
  • Heartworm Test: Oct 16, 2020 Claws & Paws 4 A Cause
  • Flea/Tick preventative:
    .
    .
  • Heartworm preventative:
    . date, Ivermectin, dose
    .
  • NOTES:
    .
    .

Diet

Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
1 cup AM, 1 cup PM.

Gallery

In chronological order, newest at the bottom. Some pictures are linked to a more detailed Doggy Tale about that update, click those to open the related story.

FEATURED VIDEO
PIC PIC PIC

Progress Updates

Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom.

Oct. 2nd

Charlie Bear arrived today.  He was okay with Diana, got really skittish with me after she left.  Settled down some as the afternoon wore on and he got used to me being around.  Charlie will be going into a foster home – probably tomorrow – because the kennel he’s in right now has been promised to another dog due to arrive soon: probably tomorrow!

Oct. 10

Charlie Bear wore out his welcome at his foster home quickly.  There were various issues but it became apparent that this was not the place for him to relax and learn to be calm.  I have no room for him here.  So Charlie has been returned to Diana.  She said it’s okay … she was missing him anyway.

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Valley Velclab

Posted on: by:

Valley is on her way to New Hampshire, Piney Mountain is just a lay-over
for a few days while she awaits her long-haul transport.

Last Updated: Sept, 18 2020

Base Info:

  • Arrival date: Sept 14, 2020
  • Breed: Black Labrador
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: Youth, Adult, Mature, Senior
  • Birthdate: Dec. 2019
  • Weight: 36.2 Pounds
  • Spayed/Neutered: Yes
  • General Health: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor
  • Temperament: Exuberant, loving, happy
  • SAFER Test performed: No
  • PetFinder Listing: N/A
  • Claimed by: Animal Rescue Network of New England
  • Departure date: Sept 18, 2020

History

Unknown

Valley’s Progress Summary:

Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.

Relational Behavior

  • Relates well to other dogs: Yes
  • Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Yes No
  • Preferred style of play:
  • Is affectionate: Yes
  • Is good with:
    . Men: Yes
    . Women: Yes
    . Children: Too exuberant for young kids
    . Cats: Unknown
  • Jumps up on people: Yes
  • Mouths: A little – working on that.
  • Walks well on a leash: No

House Dog Training

  • Willingly enters his crate: No Yes
  • Is calm/quiet while in crate: No Yes
  • Understands going outside to potty: No Yes
  • Alerts me of need to go outside: No Yes
  • Is destructive of bedding and/or toys: No Yes
  • Refrains from kitchen counter cruising: No Yes
  • Stays off people furniture: No Yes

Terms of Adoption:

Commands:

  • Comes when called: No Yes
  • Sits on command: No Yes
  • Down / Off: No Yes
  • Shake / Paw: No Yes
  • Kennels on command: No Yes

Medical

  • DA2PPv: Aug 12, 2020 (NAC)
    . Booster: Aug 25 (Cedarwood Veterinary)
  • Bordatella: Aug 12 (NAC)
  • Wormed: Dates | Product | Dose | By
    . Aug 12 Pyrantel Pamoate 3 cc (NAC)
    . Aug 25 – 27 Panacur 8.2 cc (NAC)
  • Rabies: Aug 25 (Cedarwood)
  • Microchipped: Yes, MChip Not registered
    To register: https://www.freepetchipregistry.com/
  • Spay/Neuter: Aug 25, 2020 (Cedarwood Veterinary)
  • Heartworm Test: Aug 25, 2020, NEG, Cedarwood
  • Flea/Tick preventative:
    .
    .
  • Heartworm preventative:
    . date, Ivermectin, dose
    .
  • NOTES:
    .
    .

Diet

Victor Classic – Professional Dry Dog Food
1¼ cups AM, 3/4 cups PM.
PMFC Peanut butter cookies
Retriever Beef Basted Sticks
Jones Beef Hooves
Grillerz Pork Femur

Gallery

In chronological order, newest at the bottom. Some pictures are linked to a more detailed Doggy Tale about that update, click those to open the related story.

PIC PIC PIC
PIC PIC PIC

Progress Updates

Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom.

Sept 14

Valley has arrived.  She seems to be a friendly playful girl in great need of a bath.  She smells, many shelter dogs do.  I’ll take care of that.  She resists walking on a leash and needed to be carried from NAC to my ruck and from the truck to her kennel here at PMFC.  She’s been fitted with a collar, and fed, and I’ll start working with her this afternoon.  First impression: the term “Velcro” comes to mind!

Sept 18

.

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