A.K.A. Big Mick, Mickaroni, The Mickster, Mickey Moose, Mickaroon, and Whatagoodboy!
Last updated Feb 7, 2024
History
Mickey was on the loose and wandered into a campground. He found a child by a camper trailer and they played together. Mom of child let their pet Great Dane out of the camper and it attacked Mickey. Mickey defended himself. Injuries occurred. Animal Control was called. The family demanded that Mickey be destroyed because he’s a “vicious pit bull”.
A veterinarian examined and evaluated Mickey and found no aggression at all. P.M.F.C. took him in and kept him quiet until The Family left the area.
Base Info
Arrival date: March 20th, 2023
Breed: Staffordhire Terrier/Black Labrador
Sex: Neutered Male
Age: Adult
Birthdate: March 2018
Weight: 61 pounds on Mar. 20 ………… 57 lbs May 1, 2023 ………… 64 lbs Aug 1, 2023 ………… 62 lbs December 2023
Preferred style of play: Likes gentle wrestling. Will do some running.
Is affectionate: Yes
Is good with: . Men: Yes . Women: Yes . Children: Yes . Cats: Probably not, gets excited about vagrant cat in our area.
Jumps up on people: Occasionally
Mouths: Yes – its more an enthusiastic licking. Working on that.
Walks well on a leash: Yes
Commands
Comes when called: Yes
Sits on command: Yes
Down / Off: Yes
Shake / Paw: Working on it … almost there.
Kennels on command: Yes
Adoption Information:
Start by submitting a completed Adoption Application (Now an on-line, mobile friendly form).
Contact information for your veterinarian is required and we will do a reference check.
If local (within @50 miles), schedule a meet-n-greet after your application has been processed. If you have another dog, bring it. A home inspection and interview will be done after a successful meet-n-greet.
If not local, adopter needs to contact a reputable rescue in THEIR area and request that rescue pull the dog from us after performing a home inspection and investigation of their own. You will then adopt the dog from them.
Local adoption fee is $200.00 This includes neuter surgery, vaccination against Parvovirus, Distemper, Adednovirus, Rabies, and Bordatella and a thorough de-worming. This dog has been microchipped and will be registered in the adopters name. Any health issues we found were addressed and are described below.
Observations:
Big Mick has clearly enjoyed life as a house dog before. He is tidy in his habits and enjoys being able to come inside when he wants to.
One notable thing: when I’m dishing up their meals, most cottage dogs are singing their songs of encouragement. Mickey on the other hand settles on his bed and quietly chews a bone as an appetizer. He is such a good boy.
Recently Mickey has needed to share his apartment with another dog. Twice, different dogs. Both spayed females, but I don’t think it would matter. He did SO well at sharing, they even ate meals together without any antagonism. Mickey is so easygoing!
More will be added as care and training progress. To receive notices of updates subscribe below. It’s painless and you can unsubscribe any time you want. Your e-mail address is used ONLY to deliver post notices. That’s a promise!
This female, 30 pound Blue Heeler is one of the sweetest dogs you will ever meet. Yet someone beat her to the brink of death. Multiple skull fractures, cracked ribs, one eye ball punctured, the other suffered nerve damage as did both ears. One was filled with blood. Then this piece of filth tossed her in a dumpster to finish dying, alone and terrified.
Someone found her. Newport Animal Control named her after a character in a book and took her to Cedarwood Veterinary Hospital. Dr Sandra and her amazing staff had to force feed this girl with a syringe because she wanted to die so badly she would not eat or drink.
As she gained strength, J Lo changed her mind and began eating on her own. Examination revealed that she was now deaf and blind. As she progressed beyond the critical stage, PMFC was asked to foster her though the rest of her medical rehabilitation. How could we say no?
We were asked by the police officers who are Newport Animal Control not to post anything on social media as they were investigating the case, had a lead, and intended to press charges. Unfortunately they were not able to make a strong enough case to bring charges. So we may now talk about J Lo.
At her last exam Dr Sandra proclaimed, “You have done a phenomenal job with this dog!” I give credit to Fido Fixer Elixir for some of that.
Despite all that has been done to her, she is a sweet, affectionate girl. And, uncharacteristically for her breed, she LOVES being indoors. She is crate trained and house broken. She has made friends with the other Cottage dogs although I have not been allowing them to play together yet.
Because of the gag order, I did not build a web page for her right away. She is now available for rescue pull or adoption through City of Newport Animal Control. She is a special needs girl, you may contact me at Doug@PineyMountainFoster.org if you want to ask about that.
More info is in the progress notes below all the Info stuff.
Base Info
Arrival date: November 18, 2022
Breed: Blue Heeler
Sex: Female
Age: Adult
Birthdate: Unknown
Weight: 29.6 pounds on 11/18/2022 ……….. 31.2 pounds on Dec 1 ……….. 35.0 pounds on Jan 1, 2023
Spayed/Neutered: No. Due to brain damage, anesthesia might kill her.
General Health: Excellent
Temperament: Energetic, affectionate, clingy.
SAFER Testperformed: No
Departure date: Undetermined
Relational Behavior
Relates well to other dogs: Yes.
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Yes
Preferred style of play: Likes rowdy play with Blade. Noshing plush toys when solo.
Is affectionate: Yes
Is good with: . Men: Yes . Women: Yes . Children: Probably . Cats: Reacted with mild curiosity to a crated cat at the vet.
Jumps up on people: Occasional, gentle
Mouths: A little, when playful. Gentle. It’s a Heeler thing. I discourage it.
Walks well on a leash: Yes
Commands
Comes when called: Yes. Vision impaired, but she tries.
Sits on command: Yes
Down / Off: Not yet
Shake / Paw: Not yet
Kennels on command: Yes
House Dog Training
Willingly enters his/her crate: Yes
Is calm/quiet while in crate: Yes
Understands going outside to potty: Yes
Alerts me of need to go outside: If crated, will paw at the door and whine.
I was a little worried that Blade would beat up on her. He can be kind of a bully. But he’s been good to her. Callie too.
This evening I was in the den. J Lo was pacing, pacing, pacing all through the house. Newbies do that until they feel comfortable in the new environment.
Blade bounded into the room, barked twice, and bounded out again. That’s Malacollie for “COME SEE!” She must have done something and he’s snitching on her. I went to see.
She was circling the kitchen. I saw no mess, nothing chewed up, nothing out of place. “So … what’s the deal, Blade?” He sniffed her butt.
When she heard my voice she broke out of her loop and trotted to the back door and stood there. “Oh, you need to go out?”
Blade, J Lo, and I went out.
When she got to the yard she circled a few times to find the right spot and made a pile. Blade looked proud of himself.
“So you were telling me she needed to go and doesn’t know how to ask? GOOD BOY!”
They both got a nice treat when we got back inside.
Jan 13
J Lo is getting more active. Her eyesight is improving so she is more confident in interacting with others and her surroundings. She likes rowdy play with Blade. I think she scares him a little!! She is doing GREAT at being a house dog: gets along with everyone (even shares her toys), is not chewing up anything, has not had an accident in the house, and as soon as she finishes her heat cycle I will let her sleep outside of her crate at night. I’m sure she will be fine.
Jan 16
Her right eye is gone, just an empty socket now. It would take surgery to stitch it closed and due to her brain trauma anesthesia would be quite dangerous.
Although the pupil in J Lo’s left eye has remained dilated and fixed, she can see. Not perfectly I’m sure, but she has slowly regained enough sight to be able to navigate the Cottage, and the play yard, and now our house. At first she smacked into things and I thought about getting her a Halo. But before that could happen, she started regaining sight. In between, I kept her on a leash to help direct her.
She also got her hearing back.
I took J Lo in for a medical progress exam today. During the exam Dr Sandra went, “Oh my!” then called, “Rebecca, Chad, come in here.” Chris and Angela were already attending. Dr Sandra shined a light in J Lo’s eye and everyone took in a collective gasp. Her pupil constricted a little. Joyosity ensued.
On the ride home, J Lo was clearly pleased with herself. She’s getting better, and she’s doing really well. We’re all happy for this sweet little gal.
J Lo was transported to A Pathway To Hope in New Jersey on March 3rd. There she went into a foster home while veterinarians examined her and developed a care plan.
She was cleared for surgery. She was spayed, the punctured eyeball removed and the opening closed off and a broken tooth was extracted.
While the was in the veterinarian’s care, her Vet Tech fell in love with J Lo and entered into a trial foster for J Lo’s recovery.
I was notified on April 17 that Noelle has formally adopted J Lo, now Leela, and everyone is very happy about that.
Tonka has clearly been a family dog, he is trained and well behaved. But he’s been on his own for a long time and is in rough shape. But he’s at PMFC now and we’ll take good care of him.
Last updated: Nov 3, 2022
History
Tonka was picked up for vagrancy by City of Newport Animal Control on Sept 24th. He is emaciated, fur is badly matted, has ear infections, skin issues, and heart worms. He’s a gentle, sweet boy and has been trained. But he’s been roughing it for a while. No tags, no microchip, no response to Found Dog notices. His future didn’t look good. But A Pathway to Hope stepped in and PMFC will foster him for them while they arrange a local (to them) foster. He needs specialty care that would be better done close to Pathway.
Base Info:
Arrival date: Sept 28, 2022
Breed: Golden Retriever/Husky mix
Sex: Male
Age: Mature
Birth date: 09/24/2015
Weight: 46.8 pounds on Sept 24 (should be 70 pounds) ………….. 48.6 pounds on Sept 29 (different scale) ………….. 46.8 pounds on Oct 14 ………….. 52.8 pounds on Oct 19 (YAY!) ………….. 53.6 Pounds on Nov.1
Spayed/Neutered: Not Yet
General Health: Poor
Temperament: Calm and gentle – but the sick ones often are. Likes to sing and dance, has a great voice.
Relates well to other dogs: Mostly. Responds in kind when approached with aggression. Being an intact male he can get “forward” with the ladies.
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: No. Having been starved he resource-guards.
Preferred style of play: Indoors he likes squeaky plush toys. Treats them gently. Outdoors he doesn’t play yet. He explores.
Is affectionate: Yes. Loves being petted, especially belly rubs.
Is good with: . Men: Yes . Women: Yes . Children: Probably . Cats: NO.
Jumps up on people: No
Mouths: If he thinks you have food in your hand. Give treats in an open hand, not held in your fingers.
Walks well on a leash: Yes
OTHER: Loves to go for car rides. Loads up easily and is calm and attentive while riding. He’s always up for another adventure!
Commands
Comes when called: Yes.
Sits on command: Yes
Speak: Yes
Down / Off: Not Applicable
Shake / Paw: Not yet
Kennels on command: Yes
Matted Fur
This poor boy has fur that is one solid mat all over his body. The fur on his belly is urine soaked and is burning his skin. Mats around his hind legs prevent them from moving normally. Our veterinarian ordered him shaven so we can start again on a decent coat of fur and so she can better examine his skin and treat any issues.
I took him to Kathy’s Grooming Parlor for the shave. She said he was a really good boy, no trouble at all.
Without all that fur, he reminds everyone of an Alpaca!
Ear Crud
Tonka’s ears are cruddy an inflamed. They are painful to him as well, he does a lot of head-tilting because of this. Dr. Sandra started him on DermVet ointment while he was still at Newport Animal Control, and I and continuing that here. Dr Sandra advised that I should NOT attempt to clean his ears until the inflammation is gone, that might irritate it further, just administer the ointment and work it down into the canals. His right ear clicks.
Intestinal Sloughing
Just as Tonka was finally starting to gain weight, the Doxycycline he started taking caused the lining of his intestine to slough off and be ejected along with water-like diarrhea. We made an emergency trip to the vet to find this out. We stopped the Doxy, put him on Pro-Pectaline, Sucralifate, Metronidazole, and FortiFlora. To reduce strain on his gut and encourage healing we also changed his diet to Purina Pro Veterinary EN canned food.
In the past three days we have seen significant improvement in his BM’s, control of his bowels, and heightened appetite.
Travel Plans
Today, November 3rd, Tonka went back to Cedarwood for a follow-up exam. He has made enough progress that Dr Sandra can sign off on him as being “healthy” and issue the Health Certificate he needs to travel across state lines. Tonka will be heading for New Jersey tomorrow evening. A Pathway to Hope has a cardiologist lined up for him as soon as he gets settled in up there.
More will be added as care and training progress. To receive notices of updates subscribe below. It’s painless and you can unsubscribe any time you want. Your e-mail address is used ONLY to deliver post notices. That’s a promise!
Stella is a sweet Georgia Peach who is here for heartworm treatment and a penchant for chasing cats.
Last Updated: January 28, 2023
History
Stella was adopted from a large rescue in Atlanta Georgia, in poor physical condition and heartworm positive. Stella’s Mom began the heartworm treatment process and helped her gain weight and get into shape. Stella proved to be cat aggressive, and there were 5 cats in the family. Stella’s Mom tried hard to get Stella over her fascination with chasing cats, but Stella wasn’t responding. Mom sequestered Stella in part of the house, but that’s no way for a dog to live. She began searching for a rescue that would take Stella and would be a good place for her to complete her heartworm treatment. She found Piney Mountain Foster Care and reached out to us.
Base Info
Arrival date: August 27, 2022
Breed: Staffordshire Terrier
Sex: Female
Age: Adult
Birthdate: @ July 13, 2020
Weight: @53 pounds on Aug 27 ……….. 54.0 pounds Oct 1 ………… 49.0 pounds Nov 1 ………… 49.4 pounds Dec. 1 ………… 54.4 pounds Jan. 1
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
General Health: Excellent
Temperament: Exceptionally sweet and loving.
SAFER Testperformed: Yes – Failed: reactive to all female dogs. Okay with males. ** see 8/31 notes below.
Departure date: Undetermined
Relational Behavior
NOTE: Stella has only just arrived. Info below will be updated as we get to know this sweet girl.
Relates well to other dogs: Sort of (see 8/31 notes below).
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Undetermined
Preferred style of play: Likes to run, likes rough-n-tumble play with other dogs.
Is affectionate: Yes
Is good with: . Men: Yes . Women: Yes . Children: Untested but probably . Cats: NO, high prey drive.
You are here WAY too early!Good morning. Belly rub please.
Observations
August 31, 2022
Stella arrived around 10:30 Friday night. Her first night was confusing and anxious. S.A.F.E.R. testing is supposed to be done as soon after admit as possible so the dog does not become acclimated to the handler. I tested Stella Saturday, mid morning. She did quite well except for interactions with other dogs. She was hostile toward all the females, including my mentor dog, Blondie Bear, who is 13 years old and as sweet and gentle as can be. Stella acted playfully toward the male dogs. Even Blade, who came out after Stella was in her outside run and tried to intimidate her by snorting and lunging at her. Stella found that entertaining and her tail was wagging madly the whole time, “Do that again, that’s funny!” Blade was miffed at his failure to intimidate.
By Saturday afternoon, Stella had changed her mind about the girls and was using her play time to go around and invite each of them to play. None accepted, they were still remembering her behavior that morning.
By Monday the other girls are fascinated by Stella’s squeaky bunny toy, and Stella was delighted to show them how it worked. All were getting along fine. I’d been keeping Blondie Bear inside during play times (much to her consternation) so there was no risk Stella would hurt her while my attention was elsewhere.
Wednesday morning I brought Blondie out with me for cleaning and play time. I put Stella on a long lead and let her approach Blondie Bear.
Stella tried to get rowdy.Blondie tells her off with several loud, sharp barksStella backs off and they get along fine.
So that ended well, and I expect she will learn to relate to the others as well.
January 6th, 2023
Stella is within days of completing her recovery period. Treatment went exceptionally well. Recovery has gone well except she has become frustrated with being on activity restriction (no zoomies in the yard) and has recently been taking her frustrations out on bedding and plush toys. Prior to this she has been extremely gentle on toys. Okay, she’d flap them hard sometimes, but never ripped them open like some dogs do. The bed she came in with remained in pristine condition, until she got frustrated. Minor damage, I took it out of her room and will give it back (after repairs) when she calms down after restriction is over.
More will be added here as major steps in care and training progress. To receive notices of updates subscribe below. It’s painless and you can unsubscribe any time you want. Your e-mail address is used ONLY to deliver post notices. That’s a promise!
Sonny was one of three dogs taken in by Piney Mountain Foster in an emergency situation to keep them from being shot by a “neighbor” whose rabbits were killed and he accused these three. Sonny and his litter mate, Cher, behaved in a bonded manner with Cher taking the dominant roll and Sonny the recessive. He was very shy and reclusive until Cher moved on. He has since blossomed with a personality of his own.
Base Info
Arrival date: Feb 18, 2022
Breed: Hound/Labrador
Sex: Male
Age: Young adult
Birthdate: @ April 2021
Weight: 54.4 pounds
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
General Health: Excellent
Temperament: Shy but sweet. Food-centric.
SAFER Testperformed: No
Departure date: July 12,2022
Adoption Information
Sonny has been adopted (July 21, 2022)
Progress Summary
Detailed notes may be available below photo gallery.
Relational Behavior
Relates well to other dogs: Yes, plays well with male and female dogs.
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: No – will steal food from other dog.
Preferred style of play: Loves to run/chase/bump, but will also engage in gentle mouth wrestling with a friend.
Is affectionate: Yes in a shy way.
Is good with: . Men: Yes . Women: Yes . Children: Yes . Cats: Unknown
Jumps up on people: Not so far
Mouths: No, unless you have food/treat in your hand.
Walks well on a leash: Yes, most of the time. Gets balky if scared.
Commands
Comes when called: Yes
Sits on command: Yes
Down / Off: Yes
Shake / Paw: Not yet
Kennels on command: Yes, with a bribe/treat
House Dog Training
Willingly enters his crate: Yes. He LOVES his crate and blanket.
Is calm/quiet while in crate: Yes unless you’re fixing food.
Understands going outside to potty: Keeps his crate clean, not yet reliable while loose indoors.
Alerts me of need to go outside: Yes
Is destructive of bedding and/or toys: Not initially, has begun chewing his blanket at night.
Engages in kitchen counter cruising: Yes. He’ll be on top of your fridge if there’s food up there!
Stays off people furniture: Undetermined, don’t have furniture in The Guest Cottage yet.
Zane was one of three dogs dumped on Piney Mountain Rd and accused of killing a residents rabbits. Reaction included gunfire. To keep them safe, PMFC built an emergency shelter and took them in. Zane’s companions were a pair of 9 month hound pups: friends but clearly not relatives.
Base Info
Arrival date: Feb 18, 2022
Breed: Siberian Husky
Sex: Male
Age: Adult (currently 6 years)
Birthdate: 2017
Weight: 48 pounds on Feb 14 (should be 70) ……….. 52 pounds March 1 ………… 57 pounds March 11 ………… 66 pounds May 25 ………… 70 pounds Aug 1 ………… 73 pounds Dec 2 (ideal weight, will hold him here)
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
General Health: Excellent
Temperament: Mild for a Husky
SAFER Testperformed: No
Departure date: Undetermined
Relational Behavior
Relates well to other dogs: Mostly. Since he recovered and has been feeling well, he is reactive with Blade (male Malamute) but does fine with all the others except Callie Roo. Callie is a trouble maker.
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Has become guarded, but not excessively. He used to give the pups first shot at all the food they encountered. That was why he was starving.
Preferred style of play: Mixed. Can play gently or rowdy. Likes to RUN.
Is affectionate: Yes, mostly aloof (its a Husky thing) but does enjoy petting and treats.
Is good with: . Men: Yes . Women: Yes . Children: Unknown, but probably. . Cats: Unknown, but probably not. He IS a Husky
Jumps up on people: No
Mouths: No
Walks well on a leash: Yes
Commands
Comes when called: Generally – depends on if he’s busy. He IS a Husky.
Sits on command: Yes.
Down / Off: N/A
Shake / Paw: Yes. Does it with flair.
Kennels on command: Yes
Observations
Zane tolerates The Children’s (his hound companions) rambunctious behavior but does not enjoy it. Sometimes they gently mouth-wrestle, he likes that. He does not like being dirty, and seems to want to be indoors. He may have been a house dog.
Zane says hello to ZoeyBeing exceptionally calm in his crateYUM, lunch time!Enjoying the cushyMan can he SHED!Chilling while it’s hot outHelping Blondie superviseHe does like his Kong toy
Separator
Heartworm Treatment
Zane tested positive for heartworms on March 11, 2022. It was a STRONG positive, so a microscopic exam of his blood was done confirming that his count is exceptionally high. The Vet Nurse warned that he may not be savable.
On March 15th we went in again and had chest x-rays done. His heart was NOT enlarged and no serious lung damage was seen. That was encouraging. We started him on Doxycycline and Prednisone, the first step in treating the heartworms.
Zane received his first Immiticide injection on April 25th, and he tolerated it quite well. Another 3 weeks of Prednisone to reduce inflammation in the lungs.
Not feeling so good.
His 2nd and 3rd injections were done on May 24th and 25th. This left him feeling sick and sore for a few days. I tried bringing him into our house, but he just whined and fidgeted. When the other House Dogs came to say “hello” he warned them off – not being mean, just a low growl to let them know he’d prefer to be left alone. He was in pain and in an unfamiliar place. When I took him outside to potty he went straight to the gate that leads to The Guest Cottage and said, “I want to go back to MY house.” I moved his crate back in there so he’d be more comfortable.
Zane will be going back to Cedarwood Veterinary Hospital on June 22 for a blood test to check for HW microfilaria. Until then I must keep him from getting overactive. He is on crate rest and leash walking while in recovery to prevent dead worm tissue causing an embolism in his lung. A bad embolism would cause him to drown in his own blood.
That blood test revealed a very low cunt of microfilaria, but they ARE still there. He gets another dose of Heartgard in a couple of days, that will take care of those. Another blood test is scheduled for next month.
Zane passed a blood test in August and was neutered. He is now available for placement.
Zane is quite gentle on his bedding and toys. He is especially fond of plush toys, which he treats like his “baby”: carrying it around with him and licking it. He also likes getting spiffed up for a photo shoot. We have many more photos and videos of Zane on our Facebook page.
July 26
On July 13th Zane went into a foster home, living indoors with his foster Mom, Rhonda, and his foster sister, Storm (another Husky). Reports from Rhonda have been good. Most recently he has been left uncrated in their home while Rhonda goes off to work. She works 10 hour days, so it’s a stretch but he has been good at holding everything until she gets home and lets them out to potty. He likes hanging out with Storm in her room. They play together in the yard but behave indoors.
Zane’s treatment and recovery is complete and he is available for adoption or rescue pull. This page probably won’t get major updates until he is adopted. But if you want to receive updates, subscribe.
Born through a disreputable breeding practice, this Double Merle Aussie girl has had a rough time in her short life so far.
Last Updated: March, 27, 2022
History
One of three puppies born from the breeding of two Merle Australian Shepherds, all three had issues with hearing and eyesight. The breeder surrendered the pups to a local rescue. Sevier County Humane Society pulled the pups from the rescue and reached out to Piney Mountain Foster for help with the two who were deaf. We contacted A Pathway to Hope in New Jersey, and they agreed to take them. The third pup, Ariel, was adopted out. She was returned several months later with a lame excuse as the reason. It is clear the adopter did not train the dog and when the cute, bouncy, nibbling ball of fluff got to be 35 pounds she was no longer “adorable”. We see this all the time. She was abandoned because she did not train herself.
Base Info
Arrival date: March 3, 2022
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Sex: F
Age: Youth
Birth date: July 19, 2021
Weight: 37.4 pounds on March 3, 2022 ………..
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
General Health: Good
Temperament: Rowdy, playful, affectionate.
SAFER Testperformed: No
Departure date: Undetermined
Relational Behavior
Relates well to other dogs: Yes. Tries to make friends with everyone
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Tends to invade other dogs bowl.
Preferred style of play: Running and rowdy play.
Is affectionate: Yes
Is good with: . Men: Yes . Women: Yes . Children: Yes, though too rowdy right now for young children. . Cats: Unknown
Jumps up on people: Yes
Mouths: Doing better
Walks well on a leash: Doing better
Commands
Comes when called: She’s hard of hearing, don’t think she can hear me.
Sits on command: Yes (use hand signal)
Down / Off: Not yet
Shake / Paw: Not yet
Kennels on command: Yes, use hand signal, expects a treat.
Diet
4Health Puppy kibble mixed with one Pedigree Pouch, fed morning and evening. She gets a variety of treats through the day as rewards for obedience.
Observations
Hearing
Ariel is not completely deaf, she responds to barking dogs and closing the front door hard it will wake her from a sleep. The floor is concrete, I don’t think she’s feeling vibrations. But she does not seem to be able to hear me speaking or calling her. Maybe she chooses not to hear, it’s hard to say.
Vision
Ariel navigates the Cottage and the play yard just fine. The way she throws her forelegs out in front of her when she runs makes me think she is visually impaired – especially in the left eye. She may lack depth perception, but can see well enough to get along. Both pupils are irregular. Vision may be distorted.
General
Ariel is smart and she does train. But one must find a way to communicate to her what you want her to do — and to get past the flighty, rowdiness that she still engages in since she still thinks she’s a little puppy.
She approaches all of my dogs with a submissive, almost pleading attitude, “Please be my friend”, even the dogs, sometimes especially the dogs, who are yelling at her that she doesn’t belong here. I have not seen her respond in aggression to any other dog. She has found a good friend in Zoey (female Husky) and they play well together.
When I get a second handler out here I will test her with other dogs in open play. Many times a dog in a kennel will harass a roaming dog when they will not behave that way if both are free or the roles are reversed.
More will be added as care and training progress. To receive notices of updates subscribe below. It’s painless and you can unsubscribe any time you want. Your e-mail address is used ONLY to deliver post notices. That’s a promise!
Found running loose and picked up by a good Samaritan, Zoey is starting life over.
Last Updated: Sept 10, 2022
Zoey the Magnificent!
History
Zoey was found running loose along with a 13 week puppy. Maybe her puppy, we don’t know. Both are Husky. A kind lady picked them up and took them to City of Newport Animal Control to check for microchip and publish Found Dog notices. No chip. No one claimed them. So they both came to Piney Mountain Foster Care for fostering while awaiting transport to A Pathway to Hope rescue in New Jersey.
Base Info
Arrival date: Feb 7, 2022
Breed: Husky
Sex: Female
Age: Adult
Birthdate: Approx Feb. 2020
Weight: 54.5 pounds on Feb 7 ……….. 51.2 Lbs on Mar 1 (Not eating kibble well, adding canned food) ………… 55.6 lbs on Apr 27 ………… 55.0 lbs on July 1
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
General Health: Excellent
Temperament: On the calm, quiet side for a Husky.
SAFER Testperformed: No
Departure date: Undetermined
Relational Behavior
Relates well to other dogs: Yes, most dogs.
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Yes.
Preferred style of play: Running. She LOVES to run/race/bump with another dog.
Is affectionate: Yes, aloof but likes petting
Is good with: . Men: Yes . Women: Yes . Children: Yes . Cats: Unknown, but probably. Sits quietly and watches feral cats while others go bonkers.
Jumps up on people: No
Mouths: No
Walks well on a leash: Yes
Commands
Comes when called: Yes
Sits on command: Yes
Down / Off: N/A
Shake / Paw: Not yet
Kennels on command: Yes
Adoption Information
Zoey is promised to A Pathway to Hope in Hawthorne NJ. Please contact them regarding adoption. We are happy to answer questions about Zoey’s health and history, since we know her best.
We also post photos and short stories to Facebook daily.
Zoey has decided to turn the tables. Instead of thinking of her cone as cruel punishment, it’s a fashion accessory: an exclusive item, since only she has one.
Sept 10, 2022
Zoey has been successfully transported to New York state where her foster-to-adopt family welcomed her into their home. They have kindly sent several pictures and descriptions of her settling process. I think this one says the most. This is Zoey’s new sister, Luna, showing Zoey around the place. Zoey is both enthralled with and intimidated by the pool. So much more exciting than the big box of water she enjoyed here!
BFFs Zoey and Luna resting together after a busy day.
Want to help save lives? Everyone involved with PMFC is a volunteer, no donated funds go to salaries or benefits. We are 501(c)(3) – EIN: 84-3593563
This fine, well-behaved regent is seeking a new court.
Last updated March 17, 2022
History
City of Newport Animal Control got a call about a dog hit by a car and went and picked him up. Arthur’s leg was a little sore at first but no serious injury. He resided there for a few months before being adopted. But his new mom brought him back a few days later. She said he was too big for her — meaning he pulled too hard and she didn’t know how to correct that.
Base Info:
Arrival date: Dec. 14, 2021
Breed: Black & Tan Hound
Sex: Male
Age: Adult: approx 3 years
Birthdate: Unknown
Weight: 51.6 pounds on Dec 14 ……….. 47.6 pounds Jan 19 (different scale) ………… 44.6 pounds Feb 21 (increasing food) ………… 47.0 pounds Mar 11
Neutered: Yes, Jan. 19, 2022
General Health: Excellent
Temperament: Affectionate and gentle. Some separation anxiety.
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Seems okay with it.
Preferred style of play: Likes racing and gentle wrestling with another dog. No interest in toys yet.
Is affectionate: Yes
Is good with: . Men: Yes . Women: Yes . Children: Yes . Cats: Yes
Jumps up on people: No
Mouths: No
Walks well on a leash? Vastly improved! Just needs to be kept in practice.
Commands
Comes when called: Yes
Sits on command: Yes
Down / Off: N/A
Shake / Paw: Almost there
Kennels on command: Yes
House Dog Training
Willingly enters his crate: Not yet
Is calm/quiet while in crate: No, gets vocal but not destructive
Understands going outside to potty: Yes. he is well housebroken.
Alerts me of need to go outside: Gets really loud if crated and needs to potty.
Is destructive of bedding and/or toys: If he gets bored while kenneled.
Engages in kitchen counter cruising: Yes, he is shameless!
Stays off people furniture: His foster allows this.
Gallery
Definitely cat friendlyStill the goodest boyHe has the best smile!Rode well on the way home.
Arthur decided to get up a Glee Club or Choir to keep everyone entertained.
Dec 14, 2021
Arthur spent the day here at Piney Mountain while waiting for his foster mom to get off work. He was kept crated inside and given potty and play time in our big yard every two hours. He is not fond of being crated but did not tear up his crate nor the blanket. He would get vocal (howling) if he thought I was near enough to hear. Other times he sat calmly and quietly in his crate and waited. (I have ways of knowing these things).
Dec 15. 2021
Foster mom, Stacey reported that Arthur’s meet-n-greet with her other dogs went well, he ignored her cats completely, is not sure how it’s going to go with her chickens, and he is absolutely dismayed by the Guineas dive bombing him from the roof top. He did well that night.
Dec 17, 2021
We have separation anxiety with destructive behavior. Hopefully it’s a temporary behavior. He digs under fences too and can escape. Foster dad is installing deterrents. He finally started eating today.
Dec 19, 2021
Foster mom reports that at 3:00 AM the house dogs went nuts: something was in the yard attacking their chickens. They let the pack out to drive it away. Arthur returned with a mostly dead chicken in his mouth, dropped it at her feet and trotted away. Foster dad dispatched the chicken. Arthur, the ever helpful!
Dec 25, 2021
King Arthur went on a quest.
Arthur has been problematic in that he finds and exploits the weaknesses in his foster family’s fencing. He is quite inventive and can squeeze through a hole smaller than one would imagine. Dennis has been working at plugging each newly discovered weakness and Arthur had not run off, just explored a little beyond the fence until he was noticed and retrieved. Until last Wednesday.
Arthur dug under a fence and ran off. Dennis called me. Arthur was wearing his collar with our phone number embroidered into it. There are vicious dogs in the area. And coyotes. And the occasional bear. We were both deeply concerned. Searching for him was really not an option because the terrain is rugged, mountain forest.
Shortly afterward, a fellow called me asking if I’d lost a dog. I got his info: he had not gone far. Dennis went and got him. Dennis was working from home that day, so he kept him in the house (except for leash walking potty runs) the rest of that day, then brought him back here Thursday morning.
Blade has become pretty much a house dog, so his apartment in the Guest Cottage could be made available, we put Arthur in there. He was okay with that until after dinner and the associated potty run in the yard. Then I was walking him back to his apartment and he became agitated, wanting to head up the chute to the back door of our house, “No, no, you don’t understand: I NEED to go in the house. I need to lay on the sofa. I need to snuggle a cat! It’s bedtime!”
“I’m sorry bud. You HAD that cush gig, but you insisted on running off. That is really dangerous. So now you’re back here. But I’ll do what I can to make you comfy.”
I put a big cushy blanket on his bed and gave him a cat sized stuffed toy to cuddle with. Then I closed up his bedroom door to keep the cold out and bid him good night. It’s not what he wants, but it will do. To date he has not torn up the blankets or the stuffed toy.
Arthur is an exceptionally sweet, attentive boy and will make someone a great companion. He just needs to be supervised in a fenced yard. Someone who is home most of the time would be ideal.
NOTE added March 11
Arthur has been in residence here at Piney Mountain for a month and a half and has not once tried to dig out or climb over our fencing. He is now routinely allowed to run unsupervised in the play yard while I am cleaning the Guest Cottage. Sometimes he plays with another dog, sometimes he’s solo, but he’s fine either way. When it’s chilly I put a blanket on his bed at night, he likes that. But I pick it up in the morning or it becomes a plaything and gets torn up.
Jan 21, 2022
Arthur went in for neutering on the 19th and has been recuperating.
He came home about dinner time, so I fed him and let him eat what he would. Most dogs don’t eat much right after surgery despite being starved that day. Arthur ate about half his portion, then finished it off overnight.
He wasn’t trying to lick his incision, so I delayed coning him until bedtime, checking on him often. It’s possible he would have left it alone and I’m torturing him unnecessarily. But it’s also possible he’d get bored, start licking and open the thing up. That would be bad. He didn’t go crazy or anything, but the look he gives me is heartbreaking, “What did I do? I try to be a good boy. Why do this to me?” I must be strong. For his sake, I must be strong. Even if it feels like I’m being heartless.
By the following day, Arthur had learned to take the cone in stride. He even seemed to appreciate the fact that it kept his head dry in the rain. He doesn’t hold it against me anymore and is eating well and behaving like the champ he is.
Going to and from the vet, Arthur rode in the cab of the truck with me. He loaded up well. He rode well and was watching everything whizzing past. No car sickness. He stood between the seats, draped over the console, would have been on the front seat except I had him restrained with a safety strap. He sometimes rested his chin in the crook of my elbow. So Sweet! Next time he can ride up front.
January 28
Arthur has healed up nicely from his neuter surgery and is playing with the other dogs again. He shows very little interest in escaping the play yard now and does not generally get vocal when kenneled (separation anxiety). He will let me know if he needs out to potty. But as long as I keep to the usual schedule, he can and will wait for the next potty run.
March 14
Arthur has become really good with the recall command. and is a super good boy in his kennel. He always keeps it neat and tidy — unless I’m away from here too long, and he just can’t hold his urine any longer. That my fault not his. Arthur does not like Zane, but gets along well with all the other dogs. He is annoyed by Ariel (energetic puppy) an her insistence that he play with her. Sometimes he does, other times he just wants to be left alone to do what he’s doing. Other times he comes back to me and says, “PLEASE put me back in my room so I can get away from this WILD CHILD.”
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Surrendered to a shelter by a breeder because he did not meet their standards.
Base Info
Arrival date: Oct 18, 2021
Breed: Double Merle Australian Shepherd
Sex: Male
Age: Puppy
Birthdate: @ July 22, 2021
Weight: 13 pounds on Oct 18 ……….. 13.2 Lbs Nov. 2
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
General Health: Excellent
Temperament: Playful, inquisitive. Learning to be affectionate.
SAFER Testperformed: No
Departure date: Nov. 4, 2021 heading for A Pathway to Hope. They will handle his adoption.
Gallery
Gabriel in his play pen out front of the kennel building while I clean inside. I can see him, he can see me. Please excuse the background: that’s behind my workshop where I store kennel parts and all manner of building supplies.
Progress Updates
Oct. 19, 2021
Gabriel has settled into his room and is a playful, inquisitive boy. Clearly he is not blind, as was suspected. I don’t think he’s deaf either, for he responds to sounds when I’m behind him. His left eye appears to be “lazy” (doesn’t track with his right eye). He has an occasional cough. We’ll see what the vet has to say about that tomorrow.
Oct. 20
Gabriel spent the day at the vet today for evaluation. Totally deaf. He has good vision in at least one eye. No issues with his lungs, Dr. thinks the occasional “cough” is more of a reflux/regurgitation. He only did it once during the day he spent there, so it’s hard to say for sure. Dr. Sandra did a chest x-ray just to make sure there were no issues with his lungs. They were clear. He does have Coccidia, I start him on a 6 day course of Albon tomorrow. We’ll re-test afterward. Gabriel was declared a “Total Snuggle-bug” and the staff had to take turns cuddling with him.
Oct. 30
Gabriel is doing well. he has completed his course of Albon and his poops have become normal. He will be retested next Tuesday to be sure he’s clear of the Coccidia and to get his Health Certification so he may travel interstate on November 4th.
Gabriel’s intake was an emergency situation. He needed a place to go. A Pathway to Hope would take him, but needed a local foster to care for him until transport. He’s just a little feller, so we agreed to keep him in our mega-crate in the kennel building. He has a play pen in the yard where I can take him for fresh air, sunshine, and safe interaction with other dogs. That has been a good solution for him. But now that the weather is getting chilly – and it’s been raining – spending the night in the kennel building is not the best solution for him So we brought him in the house last night, now that there should be no chance he’d infect the house dogs with Coccidia.
Gabriel slept through the night despite the fact that I was up several times during the night walking past his crate each time. He would lift his head to watch me, but as I slid back into bed he went back to sleep too.
In the morning I took him outside to pee. He did. Wasn’t ready to do anything else yet, so we went back inside and I moved his crate to the den where I would be trying to study. After a little fussing, Gabe settled in to play with the toys in his crate, then took a nap.
He did poop in his crate. I smelled it and took it out before he stomped in it. All in all, he did really well for his first night.
Nov 3
Gabriel is doing well at learning to be a house dog. He is pretty well crate trained already. He sleeps through the night every night, waiting until I get up around 4:30 to go outside to relieve himself. He gets several free-play sessions a day where he can run at large. That’s in the house or outside if he chooses. Whatever he wants to do. He loves to explore, but always keeps an eye on me. As long as he can see me he will wander around, greet all the other dogs, sniff out treasures, and just get to know the area. If I move, — ZIP — he’s right beside me!
When he goes back to his crate, he is good most of the time. He gets boisterous when I’m dishing up the dog food and if I’m in the room and he wants to play. If I leave the room, he quiets down and plays or sleeps.
Nov 5
Gabriel has arrived safely in New Jersey and has THREE handsome young fellows to accompany him to his new foster home.
