I met this sweetheart Monday March 15th. We’ve been watching her for a while but didn’t have an available apartment for her. Now we do. She is skittish, but willing to be friends – once she got used to me and as long as Lee was there. She gets along great with the NAC staff now. She’s four years old and until Newport Animal Control rescued her she had spent her entire life in a dog box. Not a kennel, a hunter’s dog box! She was terrified of everything and everyone at first, but she’s learning to like this vast new world.
Last updated: Sept 27, 2023
Base Info
Arrival date: March 22, 2021
Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Sex: Female
Age: Adult
Birthdate: Jan 2017
Weight: 70.4 Pounds on Jan 15, 2021. ……………. 57.8 healthy pounds Aug 1 2023
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
General Health: Good Temperament: Shy, skittish, easily frightened, but affectionate
SAFER Testperformed: No
Available for adoption? YES | Rescue? YES
Departure date: Undetermined
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 background investigation. You will then adopt the dog from them according to their policies.
Local adoption fee is $200.00 This includes spay 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.
Progress Summary
Detailed notes are below
Relational Behavior
Relates well to other dogs: Yes. She avoids aggressive dogs, but will play rough with a dog who is not out to hurt her. She is also happy to just “hang out” with another dog.
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Yes, she and Blade often enjoy a meal near one another. She also shared a kennel with Pearl for a while and they both ate in the kennel together.
Preferred style of play: She likes to run and bump and mouth-wrestle. She does this cute ninja spin to bash her opponent with her butt.
Is affectionate: Yes
Is good with: . Men: Yes . Women: Yes . Children: Undetermined. Too rowdy for small kids. . Cats: No. Cat aggressive.
Jumps up on people: No
Mouths: No
Walks well on a leash: Yes
Commands
Comes when called: Yes
Sits on command: Yes
Down / Off: Most of the time
Shake / Paw: Yes
Kennels on command: Yes
House Dog Training
Not yet applicable
Diet
Victor Classic – Professional dry and Purina Pro Classic Ground canned. PMFC Peanut butter cookies given as rewards for compliance. Occasional snacks include: * Milkbones * Bil-Jac liver treats * peanut butter stuffed bones
Getting to know DougLoaded and ready to rideNot sure she wants to get outI’ll just watch from here, thanksBut I don’t WANT my room cleanedShe loves having a blanket
Progress Updates
March 23, 2021
Luna’s first full day here has completed successfully. She stays in her bedroom on her Kuranda dog bed. Partly because her next door neighbor, Blade, likes to cow her by throwing himself against the tin privacy panel between them. NOISY! I’m going to replace that with plywood. That will take the fun out of it for him.
She has been out in the yard with me for walks several times. Trees creaking in the breeze and loud trucks rolling by on the hard road spook her at first, but she learns to ignore them. She walks well on the leash when using a Martingale collar so she can’t pull out of it – which is her first inclination when she gets spooked: pull out and run away. But some petting and soothing words calm her down quickly and we resume the walk.
March 26
Two big steps taken today. First, while we were on a walk I dropped the lead and let Luna wander freely. In the past she was circling around my legs all the time, today she was going off a little ways to check out interesting smells in the grass. She stayed within 6 feet of me as I canvased the yard doing a poop pick-up. Then I got the pruners and did some tree trimming. While I was focused on that, Luna wandered off. She was way over by the fence, looking out toward the road out front. But she glanced back to be sure I was still where she left me.
When finished I called her. At first I got the tilt-head of confusion. But I started slapping my knees and calling her in a high pitched voice and she came trotting back to me. We walked back to her kennel. I bribed Blade to not scare her, and she went right inside and on through to her bedroom.
Later, while cleaning kennels, I gave Luna a bath. I used a bucket of soapy water and a wash cloth, not a hose, then towel dried her. She did really well with this, even licked my face to let me know she wasn’t mad. She smells better too.
April 12
Luna has made a good deal of progress. She is no longer afraid to come out of her bedroom and is not afraid of other dogs coming up to her kennel to chat. She reacts well to friendly dogs. If one goes aggressive on her she will return the same.
She now responds enthusiastically to the “Come” command, (see video above) galloping all the way across the yard if need be. Just in the past two days Luna has mastered the “sit” command.
Her appetite is also much improved. She generally finishes her bowl of food within 20 minutes of receiving it instead of taking many hours.
April 21
I moved Luna from Apt 3 to Apt 1 yesterday. She took to the move well, no pouting or cursing like Blade did when I tried to move him once. Being in Apt 1 will help to socialize her because it brings her out of the back corner and into the Lime Light kennel. She needed the seclusion at first. But she’s doing much better now. If things get overwhelming, she can always retire to the privacy of her bedroom. And she truly likes having a patch of sunshine to lie in in the afternoons. She never got that in Apt 3.
May 5
Luna has done well in learning her commands and is becoming more social. Not really friendly with anyone but me yet, but at least she is curious – wanting to come out and visit when we have guests who are playing with other dogs.
July 17
We have had a number of guests come through here lately – human and canine – and Luna has reacted to them in mixed fashion. Some she accepts readily, others she is quite fearful of. I’m not sure what determines her reaction as there is no common denominator that I can see.
Oct 5
Luna is still insecure around strangers, but she warms up quickly to those who will persist and allow her to get to know them on her terms. Once she’s comfortable, she is quite affectionate and obedient. She is good at amusing herself with a chew toy, but has not chewed up her bed. She plays well with the other kennel dogs and Blondie Bear but HATES Callie Roo (one of our house dogs. I do not know why, but I suspect Callie stirs the pot with Luna. Callie is known to do that.
Dec 18
One of our Board members, Jennifer, has been coming in weekly to work with Luna. At first, she was skittish but once Jen sat down (to reduce the apparent threat she represented) Luna warmed up to her and quickly became affectionate. Luna’s last name (Luvpitt) is appropriate because she is quite affectionate once she gets comfortable with someone.
I’m going to try various calming agents to see if we can’t get her settled enough to the veterinarian for spaying.
January 2022
In January our resident manager was down with COVID and PMFC Board of Director members (and spouses and friends) came to pitch in and care for the dogs so Doug could heal. This experience proved quite beneficial to Luna as she was exposed to a variety of people repeatedly.
March 2022
A while back we moved Luna to Apartment 4, which is a split unit consisting of a mega-crate indoors and a good outside kennel (tile floor, not dirt). I did this because Luna is best suited to sleeping in a crate. And in fact she loved her new bedroom with a thick blanket folded up to snuggle into. But she did get jealous of Zoey being in her old home and would go over to harass her through the fencing, “Why are you in my house? Get out of MY house! That’s MY house!” then she’d wander off. She’d had her say and was done.
As things evolved, Luna got her old apartment back and seems happy to be “home” again.
April 7, 2022
Luna was spayed today. She did really well. As she recovered, and was still a little drunk on anesthesia, she noticed a tiny newborn goat in the kennel across the hall from her. She kept the staff in stitches watching her try to figure out what kind of puppy that was.
Luna also passed her heart worm test. All results on the 4Dx text were negative. vaccinations are up to date and she’s been microchipped as well.
August 15, 2023
Luna is a lovey, affectionate girl with those she has gotten to know. For most people earning her trust takes only a few minutes if done properly. She plays well with most other dogs but gets skittish with those who get too rough or demanding.
Luna should NOT be given plush toys. She ate one recently. I don’t mean she tears them up I mean she CONSUMED it. That caused a bowel blockage and we almost lost her. But with IV fluids and prayer she moved it through and was fine once again.
She does enjoy having a blanket to sleep on at night, I just pick it up in the morning so it does not become a toy and get torn up (and the scraps eaten).
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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 Testperformed: 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.
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 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
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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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 Testperformed: 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
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
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!
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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.
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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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!
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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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!
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Her story, as it was told to me, is that she was born to a nice family who gifted her as a puppy to their son, daughter-in-law and grandchild. Son and daughter-in-law divorced, daughter-in-law kept the dog. Then she started acquiring more dogs, mostly chihuahuas and terriers. This turned into a hoarding situation. Siri was retrieved from that situation by her original owners, but escaped from them and was picked up as a stray. They saw her posted as a found dog and called to get her back. But they didn’t come in. The shelter hounded them (pardon the pun) and eventually the fella came and surrendered her. So Siri became “available” and the shelter asked Piney Mountain Foster to take her.
Siri’s Progress Summary:
Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.
Relational Behavior
Relates well to other dogs: Benign dogs, yes. Better with males than females. That may abate now she’s spayed.
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Seems okay with food, protective of her squeaky toys.
Preferred style of play: Loves squeaky toys!
Is affectionate: Yes
Is good with:
. Men: Yes
. Women: Yes
. Children: Not small children: too active
. Cats: Yes (See Oct 22 entry below)
Jumps up on people: Sometimes
Mouths: No
Walks well on a leash: Doing better
House Dog Training
Willingly enters her 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). IMPORTANT: Dennis, our Adoption Coordinator, is on vacation. E-mail your application to Doug@PineyMountainFoster.org NOT to Dennis.
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.
Heartworm Oct 16, 2020 Negative Claws & Paws 4 a Cause
Flea/Tick preventative:
.
.
Heartworm preventative:
. Oct 20, 2020, Ivermectin solution oral, 0.4 ml
. Nov 12, 2020, Ivermectin solution oral, 0.6 ml
NOTES:
.
.
Diet
Victor Classic – Professional Dry Dog Food
1½ cups AM, 1¼ 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.
Checking the fencing
Wandering the play yard.
She LOVES squeaker toys!
PIC
Progress Updates
Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom.
Sept 9
PMFC’s kennels are chock full so we’re boarding Siri until we get a vacancy. Once she’s here I can work with her and get to know her much better. During her SAFER test I found that she reacts in a friendly, playful manner to friendly dogs, with indifference to dogs who are barking and being rowdy, as long as it’s benign. But a dog who gets nasty toward her through the gates gets that attitude dished right back at them.
There were cats wandering the halls of the shelter. Siri was curious about them and approached several with caution. If they’d run, I’m sure she would have given chase. One puffed up and hissed at her and she backed away. A wise move, those critters have wicked claws!
She pulls hard while on a leash. That needs work. But she loaded up fine and rode well. She greeted our groomer sweetly, sat when offered a treat, and crated up without incident. So far, so good.
Sept 14
I was in town this morning to run some errands. I dropped off a squeaky ball toy i bought for Siri’s at Kathy’s, where Siri is staying for now. Kathy says she’s really a very sweet dog, well behaved and lovable. They had her in a crate upstairs at the time, instead of the big kennel downstairs. Steve gave her the ball and immediately SqueakSqueak-SqueakSqueakSqueakSqueak-SqueakSqueakSqueak. She loved it! She may drive them nuts with it, but she loves squeaky toys.
Sept 23
Siri joined us here at PMFC two days ago. So far all has gone well except that she REALLY want to be in the house. Until I determine how she will do with all of the four dogs already living in the house, that isn’t happening. House dog is an earned privilege. But she is doing well, keeping her room immaculate, waiting for yard runs to potty. She’s been a little testy with Blondie Bear. That needs to settle out before we could consider coming inside.
She is not a howler or screamer. She sleeps well at night. She is doing better about not standing up and flailing me with her forepaws (and claws) when in the yard.
Sept 28
Siri has settled down a LOT! She no longer “boxes” me (standing up on her hind legs and flailing me with her forepaws), she no longer plays “demolition derby” with me by ramming my legs when she is allowed to run in the yard, and she is much more affectionate, desiring being petted. She’s turning into a sweet girl!
When left in her kennel, she likes to play hoofie hockey, and will squeak a squeaker ball for HOURS … if it lasts that long. Otherwise she lounges on her Kuranda and watches the goings on.
Oct. 10
Siri is calming down in her interaction with me: less insistent, much less injurious. She can be bull-headed, but that comes with being a Husky. She sees Blade playing the Chase Me game in the yard and she tries it too, but she slips back into bashing into me, so that game ends as soon as she tried that once.
She has been pulling some dominance moves on Blondie Bear, so I’m keeping Blondie inside during play time.
Siri really, REALLY wants to be a house dog. I think that’s part of the dominance thing: jealousy. But even mild aggression against any of the house dogs keeps a dog from being invited inside.
She has does a great job of keeping her room clean, always waiting to potty until a play break.
Oct. 12
I heard back from Vanfine in regards to my complaint about Siri’s “indestructible” squeaker toy lasting only a couple of hours. They apologized for their product being a disappointment (see video above). They are working on an improved version that is not on the market yet, but since Siri is such a serious chewer they would like to send her one and ask her to do ‘product testing” for them.
Siri said she’d be happy to test their new squeaker toy.
Oct 21
Siri’s new squeaker toy has arrived. She loves it. I’m limiting the time she gets to play with it though: partially to help it last longer and partially because CONSTANTLY chewing on it for hours upsets her GI tract. Too much saliva maybe. She knows where I keep it, though (a large metal mailbox retired from service as a mailbox, now used to hold treats, toys, tools, and small equipment near the kennels) and goes straight over there when I let her out of her room and beats on the box with her fore paws, “I WANT MY SQUEAKER!”. When I don’t comply, she wanders off to take care of business.
She is recovering nicely from her surgery. We’ve had little trouble with her licking the incision so I did not need to cone her. Coning a Husky is an exercise in frustration anyway.
She also seems calmer — less hyper — now that she’s been spayed.
Siri has been watching me play with Blade in the yard and is trying to emulate him, except where Blade evades me, Siri likes to collide with me. I’m working with her on that, but it’s good to see her wanting to play. She’s also becoming more affectionate: seeking petting not just treats. She has become very good at keeping her room clean, holding everything until she gets out in the yard — as long as I am at all reasonable on the amount of time I make her wait.
Oct. 22 — Cats
While we were evaluating Siri in the shelter, we encountered several free-ranging hallway cats. Most of them gave Siri a wide berth. One sat in her way and dared her to start something. Siri was on a leash, so I was able to control her. She was fascinated by the cats and wanted to sniff them, but was not aggressive at all. She talked a little at the tough-guy cat, but didn’t bark at them. Tough-guy growled at her and she backed away, big-eyed.
I am quite sure that had any of them run, she’d have given chase. She’s a dog. That’s what dogs do. But she gave me no indication that she would intentionally hurt any of them. The only issue might come from the fact that she thinks she’s a small dog. I’ve been working with her on that, and she’s doing well. But she sometimes forgets how big she is. If properly acclimated to a house cat and taught to co-exist I think she’d be fine. She dos not seem to have that high prey drive that some Huskies do.
Nov. 11
As we are preparing Siri to board the Husky Bus tomorrow and journey to New Jersey, I have noticed that in the past week or so Siri has become much more affectionate. She now comes to me when we are in the yard and seeks petting. If i sit down she practically crawls into my lap. She still gets rowdy sometimes, but it’s less often and less determined. She has developed a nice temperament.
She REALLY wants to be a house dog – and would be if she could get along with Callie. But she gets highly excited whenever Callie walks by her kennel, so we’re not taking that in the house. She seems fine with everyone else.
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Part of a free-ranging pack of three sibling Husky mixes, this little girl was the shrinking violet of the group. They were caught and brought in by a good Samaritan who didn’t want them to get hurt by wandering free.
Cyrus’ Progress Summary:
Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.
Relational Behavior
Relates well to other dogs: Yes. All except Smokie: she strongly dislikes him, but gets along with everyone else.
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Yes
Preferred style of play: Running, gentle wrestling, circling Beagles
Is affectionate: Nervous of strangers but seeks attention. Warms quickly.
Is good with:
. Men: Yes
. Women: Yes
. Children: Probably
. Cats: Unknown
4DX Test: 06/30/2020 (Cedarwood)
RESULTS: all tests were negative
Flea/Tick preventative:
. July 3: Fipronil topical
.
Heartworm preventative:
. July 3, Ivermectin oral, .4 ml
.
NOTES:
. May have been exposed to Parvo June 30. Will perform test on July 5
. Test performed, result negative. Has shown no symptoms.
Diet
4health puppy kibble, 1 cup AM, 1 cup PM
PMFC Peanut Butter Treats
Retriever Basted Beef Sticks
Jones brand Beef Hooves
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.
June 13th
While she was running freely in a large play yard at the shelter I could not catch her. She would approach if I was empty handed and let me chuck her under the chin or scratch an ear. If I carried a slip lead, she wanted nothing to do with me. With the shelter staff’s help we got her crated for transport. In her kennel, I was able to do the SAFER test and gain some acceptance from her.
She desperately needs brushing and a bath.
That afternoon I took her out on a long lead for walks in the yard. It is rumored she can go right over a chain-link fence so I’m taking no chances. With each outing she became more comfortable with and more adept at walking on a lead. In all cases, she was ready to go back into her room at the end. It is already her “safe space”.
Yay I can see you again!
I did take out the privacy barrier between her room and Adam’s. That reduced stress levels quite a bit.
Buddy says, “I like these two, they may be honorary Beagles.”
June 15
Cyrus has lost most of her skittishness already.
I brushed her and got a grapefruit sized ball of fur off her. There is more to go still.
She will now come to me when I call her in her kennel and roll over on her back for a belly rub while I clip on her lead. She is also doing much better at walking in the yard on a long lead. Far more calm and manageable.
Her thinking is more scattered than her brother Adam, so she’s not learning her commands as quickly, but she tries to please by doing something cute. If nothing else, she defaults to rolling over for a belly rub. She is also into using her paws to touch me, and likes to lick faces. She’s such a love!
June 23
Cyrus no longer needs a lead in the yard. She comes when I call her and has stopped eye-balling the top of the fences as though deciding if she could climb over. She is learning her commands, but doing it in an unusual way.
Cyrus is hysterical. She watches me put Adam through “sit” several times (he’s very good at that one). Then when it’s her turn she will stand up on her hind legs and wave a paw at me. “No, that’s not ‘sit’, no treat.” So she flops down on her back and wiggles. “No, still wrong”. So I show her “sit” again. She fights it, but eventually she does sort of sit on her left leg, for a moment, “Close enough, GOOD GIRL, SIt!” and I give her a treat. I think we’ve gotten to where she knows what I want from her, but she has to make a game of getting us there. The treats are less important to her than they are to Adam. She likes to play.
July 3
Cyrus is SUCH a sweetie! Quite affectionate and gentle. She is recovering well from her spay surgery. Her incision looks great and she has not been licking at it. She HATED the cone that was installed after surgery and quickly kicked it off, then went back to sleep.
She is sharing a kennel with her brother, Adam, they prefer it that way and that freed up space that I could take in Roscoe Redusky when that need came up. He left on transport last night, but I’ll leave Adam and Cyrus together. They’re both “fixed” now and are happier together.
I feed them with separate bowls but in the same kennel. I just have to remain on-station to distract whoever gets done first so he or she does not go after the other’s bowl. There are no hostilities when that happens, I just want to be sure both get their full portion of food.
July 11
About a week ago I found that Cyrus was making a habit of standing in her water bowl to cool her tootsies. So I laid out the dog’s kiddie pool and put an inch of water in the bottom. She had had spay surgery a few days before and should not be getting wet, but just standing in the pool should be okay. She did indeed enjoy cooling all four feet at once, but as soon as I looked away for a moment, SPLOSH, and she was lying in the water.
“No, no, Cy, you mustn’t do that!”
I ran her out, dried her off and put up the pool. She cried and fussed about it for quite a while.
Now she is recovered and can play in the pool again. Will she still want to? Will anyone else?
July 14
Cyrus has shown no symptoms of Parvo, and she is going in to the veterinarian today for her Health Certification so she can transport on Thursday the 16th (Passed and has been Certified).
Cyrus has learned well the “sit” command, and sometimes tosses in the cutest head toss as if to say, “I can obey AND be cute!”
Cyrus has a distinct dislike of our new arrival, Smokie. This comes as quite a surprise since she gets along fine with everyone else. Perhaps because he’s new she see’s him as an interloper. I’ll see if she settles down over the next couple of days before transport.
I set up the pool again on the sidewalk in front of Cy & Adam’s room so I could leave it there. Cy makes use of it each time she’s out and Blondie Bear AND Blade have both dunked their feet as well. I was surprised when Blondie did it, normally she hates getting her feet wet.
Aug 13
We just got word that Cyrus, now known as Eve, is living an amazing life with her new family. A family that has an amazing pool for her to play in! Happy tails sweet girl!
Sept 13
We got word today that Cyrus, now known as Luna, is being reunited with her brother and best friend, Adam. The family who adopted her has decided to adopt him as well. She looks very happy to have him back!
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Phoenix is so named because everyone who knows her believes that although she may have been found
in the ashes of her life, she WILL rise again.
Last Updated: April 28, 2020
Base Info:
Arrival date: Jan. 15, 2020
Breed: Grey Hound/Shepherd mix
Sex: Female
Age: Puppy, Young Adult, Mature, Senior
Weight: Records show 29.1 pounds at NAC intake!
. 34 Pounds at PMFC arrival
. 37.1 lbs Feb 3rd
. 39.1 lbs Feb 27
. 39.8 lbs Mar 5
. 40.1 lbs Mar 10
. 39.8 lbs Mar 19
. 40.5 lbs Apr 23
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
General Health: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor
Temperament: Sweet, calm, affectionate, goofy
Departure date: April 24, 2020 Headed for a foster-to-adopt home through A.R.N.N.E.
History
Phoenix was spotted running loose behind Food City West in Newport and Animal Control was called in to catch her. She was scrawny, wormy, and extremely frightened, but not at all aggressive. She spent 25 days at Animal Control before PMFC pulled her on behalf of ARNNE. During that time she ate very little and was scared and depressed despite the NAC staff’s attempts to comfort her and provide an enticing diet.
Phoenix’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 run with Josie
Is affectionate: Yes
Is good with:
. Men: Yes
. Women: Yes
. Children: No Yes
. Cats: Yes (no reaction to cats at NAC)
Wormed: Dates | Product | Dose | By
. 12/20/2019 Pyrantel 3 cc NAC
. 01/14/2020 Proziquantel ?? NAC
. 01/14-16/2020 Panacur 8 ml NAC/PMFC
Rabies: 02/03/2020 (Cedarwood) #000090
Spay/Neuter: Was done long ago
Heartworm Test: 01/14/2020, Neg (Cedarwood)
Flea/Tick preventative:
. date, product, dose
Heartworm preventative:
. 01/16/2020, Ivermectin solution, 0.4 ml
. 02/17/2020, Ivermectin solution, 0.4 ml
. 03/17/2020, Ivermectin solution, 0.4 ml
. 04/16/2020, Ivermectin solution, 0.4 ml
NOTES:
.Microchip #982000409195236
Diet
We’ve switched her to home-made stew using recipes from my upcoming book. 03/03 Started feeding her Satin Balls for lunch (1/2 lb each) for this week to see if they help her gain weight faster. They did! 3/10 eliminated lunch, just two meals from now on. Cutting back on the fats. Sticking with the home made stew for now: 12 oz. stew twice each day. April 6, changed to 1/2 cup 4health Salmon and Potato kibble topped with 5 oz. home made stew in the AM and 3/4 cup kibble topped with 8 oz stew in the PM. This seems to suit her eating habits well.
Gallery
A heavy shirt to help keep her warm
A custom made hoodie does even better.
Happily resting in her “room” indoors.
Wandering the yard now.
Ready to go for a jog.
She’s a house dog now.
Progress Updates
Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom.
Jan 18
I’ve let Phoenix settle in for the past few days. She is well behaved. Rarely barks at all. She acts like she’s been a house dog before. She’s scrawny, so it’s hard to keep her warm in the January days, so we’ve gone through a couple of iterations of outer wear for her. She loves her hoodie!
She sleeps inside in a crate at night and on the colder days. When it’s warmer she has a futon with a thick felt blanket atop it to lounge on. She needs to put on weight, but she eats so little that’s going to be hard.
Jan 24
Phoenix very much prefers to be indoors in her cushy crate where it is warm and dry and there is no wind. Because she is SO thin, she does not tolerate cold at all.
When she does come outside, on nice afternoons: some have been up in the 50 degree range, she gets a futon as a bed and a warm wool blanket to lay on. I hang a brood lamp above to provide warmth as well.
On those nice afternoons, Phoenix does like to wander the yard. Now that her depression is dissipating she is eating better. That gives her strength to go out walking around.
YUM, warm beef stew!
She is a picky eater. She won’t touch kibble yet, and the canned food has to be stew. In order to get her to eat the pate’ style dog food I have to chunk it up and add beef or chicken broth — effectively making it stew. And it has to be warm, she won’t eat cold stew. But then neither would I. So I warm it before I take it out to her.
She’s up to 21 cans of stew per week.
When she first arrived, I was doing well to get her to eat one can a day. She’s up to finishing three cans per day now. It’s hard to tell if she’s gained any weight just by looking at her, I need to take her to Cedarwood and put her on a scale. But her energy level is up and she’s developing a delightful, quirky personality. She has quite the sense of humor.
I have yet to hear her bark, but she is communicative through head tosses and mouth movements. She lets me know when she needs to go out, and when she’s ready to go back in. Her eye’s are brighter and she desires affection more now that she feeling better. Starvation does tend to take the fun out of life.
Jan 27
Normally Phoenix makes a quick trip outside to potty then wants back inside where it’s warm. But since I put a heated pad in her bed she is enjoying being outside much more.
I think maybe she is Shepherd mixed with some Grey Hound. Now that she’s developing a personality again, some of her mannerisms are decidedly Gra-Hooond.
Jan 29
Phoenix is a skinny gal who has been gradually increasing her food intake. She does not like kibble, so I feed her wet food. She prefers stew. Especially beef stew.
She is to where she will polish off a can at each of her three daily meals. Time to increase her portion to help her gain weight. I thought I’d try mixing 1/2 cup of kibble into her stew before I warm it up for her. It must be warm when I take it to her or she’ll leave it and go back to her heated bed.
She took a couple of bites then reared her head up and stared at the contents of her bowl for several moments. Turning her head she looked over her shoulder at me with a definite “What do you think you’re trying to pull here, bub?” look.
After a while she began to eat again, slowly. It took her quite a while to finish. When I collected her bowl, there in the bottom was almost 1/2 cup of kibbles that had been sucked clean and spit back out!
Okay, you win: no more kibbles!
Jan 30
We had a nice, warm, sunny afternoon today. The perfect chance to strip that hoodie off of Phoenix and launder it. She said, “I don’t LIKE being naked!” and was relieved when I brought her red hoodie back out to her.
Jan 31
Today I let her out of her kennel to use the yard while I went in the house to warm up her lunch. Previously she never moved faster than a leisurely walk, but when she saw me coming down the path with her bowl of warm salmon mush she trotted over and did a little happy dance. It made my heart SO happy to see her acting like a dog again.
Feb 2
Her level of activity and animation are WAY up the last few days (see video in Gallery above). This is great to see.
Feb 3
Phoenix went to Cedarwood for her physical and an estimate on the cost for getting her in good shape again. She did well, and everyone commented on how much better she looks now and how much more animated she is. Phoenix was friendly with the other people in the waiting room and the Shepherd pup who was waiting with us.
She rode well with me in the truck, and was highly conversant the whole way. She’s so funny!
Feb 16
I love this dog! She is so funny. I have yet to hear her bark, but she talks to me all the time with mouth movements, head shakes, and bouncing on her front legs.
She is gaining weight and I’d like to have the blood panel done on her as soon as we can afford it to see if she is a candidate for surgery. If she’s got weak kidneys or heart anesthesia could kill her, so we need to know that first.
Phoenix loves attention and walks well on a leash. She sleeps in a crate inside the heated bunkhouse, and is eager to go inside at 9:00 PM.
She can’t hold her bladder longer than from 9:00 PM to 4:30 AM, so I go out to walk her and put her back in her box until breakfast time at 5:30. If it’s warm enough, she comes out to her kennel to eat, if not she eats inside and I’ll bring her out when it warms up.
She needs walking every 2 hours during the day or she will be needing a blanket change and crate scrubbing.
Feb 18
I tried making some home-made stew as an alternative to canned food for Phoenix. Will she like it?
Feb 20
Phoenix was getting lonely sleeping in the bunkhouse alone at night, so I brought her (and her crate) into the house. She’s doing REALLY well. When she came in Phoenix immediately claimed this bed as “hers”. That will be contested, but for now that claim holds.
The whole PMFC gang came to say “Hi”, but Blondie Bear settled in to keep Phoenix company. Blonde Dogs must stick together.
She is SO sweet, gentle, and unassuming. In the evening I put her hoodie back on her and took her outside. She wandered off into the yard, I went back inside. She was gone for the longest time, so I went out to call her in because it was cold. When I called her she came BOUNDING back through the snow like a gazelle, “Oh! You’re letting me come back in!?” It’s hard to say what this girl has been through, but she doesn’t expect much from people.
Feb 25
That was GOOD! May I have more?
I’ve switched Phoenix to new stew recipe that uses potatoes, cheese, and chicken fat to help her gain weight. She LOVES it!
We’ve also launched a new fund-raising campaign to get the funds we need to pay for the vet care she needs. I’m having no luck at all with grants. Gonna have to do it the old fashioned way.
Skinny Dog Stew: chicken, potato, cheese, spinach, oats.
Phoenix is doing fabulously as a house dog. She has mostly stayed in the den, but has recently started coming out to wander a little. She does like to dine in the kitchen with the others, I have to stand guard to keep Josephine from trying to horn in on Phoenix’s meal. They all want some of THAT!
March 1
I have been discussing Phoenix’s “talking” with Christine from ARNNE. This motivated me to go out and check up on the characteristics of Greyhounds. Here are some of my favorite entries from that list:
Greyhounds are not barkers. If you have a barker, then you probably have a more insecure dog and he is barking because something has frightened him. … Greyhounds communicate with you by whining. Whining to be let in, to eat, to play, to get up on the bed — you name it and they’ll talk (whine) to you about it.
Grunt, growl, mmmmmmmph. These are the sounds greyhounds make when sleeping and dreaming. Don’t share a bed or couch with a dreaming greyhound. You could end up with a big harpoon of a leg in your side.
Contrary to popular belief, greyhounds do not need long walks or vast amounts of exercise. If your hobby is walking then your greyhound’s stamina can be built up over a couple of months. … For a normal greyhound, two, yes, two 20 minute walks per day are sufficient.
The greyhound is intelligent, gentle with a quiet disposition, and in spite of its great athletic ability, is content to spend most of the day sleeping.
Greyhounds are one of the oldest breeds of dogs, tracing back over 8,000 years to early cave drawings.
Phoenix’s safe place
As for my own observations, when she first arrived she did not like being touched and would flinch away if I did. Now she likes being petted gently and often comes to me to seek being stroked on the head.
Helping fix dinner
Phoenix is really smart and trains easily. She is doing better about holding her bladder at night and I’ve been letting her sleep on her bed in the den at night. I crate her only when we’re leaving the property for an extended period. Until recently she spent nearly all of her indoor time right here. She is happy to sleep away most of the day. Over the past few days she has started wandering out as she gains confidence that the other house dog’s aren’t trying to kill her with their rowdy play. She even comes out to the kitchen at meal times to watch preparation and enjoys eating her meals with the other dogs.
March 3
I started feeding Phoenix Satin Balls for lunch. Will carry this through the week and see if it helps her put on weight faster.
Phoenix has been “free-range sleeping” on her bed in the den. Not because we’re sequestering her but because she’s more comfortable there in her own space than in with the whole pack.
Last night just after 3:00 am I heard the soft huffing that is how Phoenix speaks to me and I woke up. She was standing next to the bed telling me she needs to go out to pee. Not something she normally does in the middle of the night, but … if she needs to go, she needs to go.
I let her out, she came back, got her treat and went back to bed.
I’m so proud of how far this girl has come. This was, as Marie put it, “A bold and courageous move” for her.
March 17
She’s wagging her tail occasionally. Normally it just hangs straight down, but today it has been up about half way and swinging side to side. So good to see!
March 20
Her tail is not wagging today. Yesterday she had her surgeries – or, as it turned out: surgery. As they were shaving her belly for the spay surgery they found an old, faint spay scar. Spay surgery unnecessary! As they were cleaning her teeth, they decided the molar they thought was bad was just really grungy and extraction was not needed. So all they ended up having to do, surgically, was the removal of the two lumps on her leg.
She started licking the incisions just before bed time, so I put her in a donut. As it turned out, I was up frequently through the night and was able to check on her often. She slept through the night. About 4:30 this morning she wanted to go out and pee.
She refused dinner last night, but ate some breakfast this morning. I made an appetizer for her with small pieces of Satin Balls (with her medications hidden inside). She’s been sleeping most of the time since. That’s the best thing for her. She will be feeling better soon.
March 27
Phoenix had her stitches removed yesterday. I took the cone off and she immediately started picking off scabs, so the cone went back on and I’m treating the bleeding spots with Chlorhexadine and Bacitracin.
Dr. Courtney informed me this morning that the histopathology on Phoenix’s lumps came back: both benign and both completely removed. Good News!
A.R.N.N.E. has made reservations on P.E.T.S. LLC for her to be picked up April 17th.
April 4
I removed Phoenix’s cone again. All her wounds are healed up to where she can’t do any more damage.
Kibbles topped with fish stew
Phoenix has decided that she’s being discriminated against since she gets a bowl of straight stew and everyone else gets kibble topped with stew. Keep in mind that previously Pheenie would not eat kibble if I gave it to her. But this morning she ate about 2/3 of her stew, then went and shouldered Blondie out of her bowl to eat her kibbles. Blondie said, “Okay then I’ll go eat your stew. Fair trade!” And they did. They’re both really good girls.
I’m hoping that now that Phoenix is not encumbered with that cone she and Josie will do some racing in the yard again. Phoenix is in good health now, but she needs exercise to tone up her muscles. She’s been convalescing for too long. I’ve got just under two weeks to get her shaped up and ready to go to her new family.
Phoenix’s roosting spot
As an update: Phoenix is not crated anymore. Even when we leave the property for an extended time I leave her loose in the house, just make sure she goes out right before we leave.
Until recently Phoenix pretty much stayed on her special bed in the den. But lately she will come wandering out when Marie and I are having dinner and stand staring at Marie, hoping for a hand-out. We don’t do that, but she hopes. At night when the rest of us are settling in the bedroom, she comes in and looks around the room like she would like to join us. She is welcome, and we encourage her to stay, but she goes back to her own place. Maybe now that she’s not dealing with the added burden of the cone she will choose to curl up in one of the empty beds and stay the night with us.
Phoenix is hard of hearing. Not surprising in an older dog. She is not deaf, but one has to speak loudly for her to hear us, and it’s easy to sneak up behind her and startle her (especially when she was in a cone). We have had to be mindful if this: she’s still unsure of her position in our home and spooks easily, sending her scampering back to her bed where she feels safe because I make the other dogs stay off of that one bed, leaving it always for her.
April 15
Every animal lover knows that a dogs tail tells volumes about what the dog is thinking or feeling. (If you don’t know, check this out: https://pineymountainfoster.org/dogs-tail-tells-a-tale/ ) so you will understand the happiness I feel over the recent changes in Phoenix.
Phoenix is … uncertain, about her surroundings and the other dogs, and at first about us. She has obviously had a hard life, including neglect (starved almost to death) and probably abuse. Her tail has hung straight down most of the time we’ve known her. And she spends most of her time camped out on the special bed I set up for her in our Den. Normally, all dog beds are shared property and all the dogs rotate through the 10 available beds (not counting blankets and crates). But I have judiciously maintained that THIS bed if for Phoenix. It is her one safe place since she no longer needs a crate. At all. She’s a wonderful house dog and I trust her to be loose even when we leave the property for a long while.
In the past week or so, Phoenix has been venturing out of the Den more often. First to take her meals with the other dogs. Then to hang around while Marie and I eat. To check on us if we’re in the living room watching a DVD. And most recently, to greet Marie when she gets home from work.
This is always a joyous occasion that sometimes turns into a rowdy party. Phoenix has been coming out to watch, standing in the end of the hallway where she is out of the fray. The past two days, she has joined in with the bouncing around – and TAIL WAGGING – as the whole pack greets (accosts) Marie. It does my heart good to see her tail up where a dog’s tail belongs and swinging side to side as she bounces on her front legs and sings, her soft, “har, har, harrrr” which is as close to barking as she ever gets.
Pheenie will be leaving us the end of this week. The long trip, quarantine for 2 days, then introduction to a new family and location may set her back a bit. But I know she’s going into a foster-to-adopt situation with a family who is experienced and has two other senior dogs. Phoenix will do well there, and I look forward to getting updates from them.
April 16
Transport run cancelled by the carrier. Her departure has been rescheduled to April 24. I’ll need to have her health certification done again since the current cert will be expired by the time she arrives on the 25th.
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Friday the 13th may be unlucky to some, but for Cheyan this was one wonderfully lucky day:
she got sprung from Animal Control, passed her blood tests, and got to meet a couple more Beagles!
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2020
Base Info:
Arrival date: Dec. 13, 2019
Breed: Beagle
Sex: Female
Age: Puppy, Young Adult, Mature, Senior
Weight: 31.2 Pounds currently
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
General Health: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor
Temperament: A bit timid, but very sweet and friendly.
Departure date: January 17, headed for New Hampshire.
History
Cheyan was an owner surrender. Her Mom lived in an apartment with no yard, and just let Cheyan run loose. Neighbors were complaining and calling Animal Control. When they picked up Cheyan, Mom said, “Just keep her.” When she came to Animal Control she was terrified: all eyeballs and tremble. The staff there worked with her and she has calmed down, but was still skittish with strangers.
Cheyan’s Progress Summary:
Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.
Dog to Dog Behavior
Relates well to other dogs: Yes
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Yes
Preferred style of play: She likes to run/chase and wrestling.
Dog to People Behavior
Is affectionate: Yes
Is good with:
. Men: Is scared of large men, does fine with me.
. Women: Yes
. Children: Yes
. Cats: Yes
Jumps up on people: Yes, but is very gentle, seeking petting. Still, I’m working on that.
Mouths: No
Walks well on a leash: Yes
House Dog Training
Willingly enters her crate: Yes, with a bribe.
Is calm/quiet while in crate: Yes. If left alone she will bark for a bit, but settles down.
Understands going outside to potty: Yes
Alerts me of need to go outside: Yes: goes to the door.
Is destructive of bedding and/or toys: No
Refrains from kitchen counter cruising: No. She knows it’s bad, but … she’s a beagle.
NOTES:
. She has been underweight because she’s a picky eater. It is suspected she existed on table scraps before. 21.4 lbs at NAC intake.
.
Diet
4Health Salmon & Potato recipe, 1¼ cups AM, 1 cup PM. She is eating this well now.
Loves our peanut butter treats as rewards.
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
Progress Updates
Notes on Cheyan’s progress will be entered below: newest on the bottom.
Dec 13
When I first met Cheyan, she was still quite scared: choosing to stay at the back of her kennel and tremble. Today she did better. It did not take nearly as long as I thought it might to win her trust enough to fit her into a harness. I was warned that she’s a runner. If she gets loose, she will turn into a cinnamon colored streak that is exceptionally hard to catch again. A harness is more secure, and easier on her neck if she decides to start jerking the leash. She did not. In fact she walked well in the harness.
I took her to Cedarwood Veterinary Hospital for her Heartworm test. While she was with me in the waiting room, she sat calmly between my knees. When folks came to say “Hi” she responded well to most. There was one fellow — large side of average for a man — who came in with a cat, stopped to pet Cheyan but she dived under the chairs. As we were leaving, another large fellow met us outside and, although he was friendly and gentle, Cheyan was terrified of him. She did not react this way to the women, and she was wary of me at first, but got past that quickly. I suspect this is because I’m small, for a man, and I got down on the floor with her quickly to ease her tensions.
Cheyan has had a potty run with Buddy Beagle. They got along famously! When I went into her kennel to put on her walking harness, she stood up and slipped her head through the neck hole — she really wanted to go for a walk. Smart girl!
Dec. 23
Cheyan has given me no trouble at all. She’s a sweet, loving little gal who adores being petted, enjoys playing with other dogs, and runs like the wind. She’s good at keep-away, too. Until she will reliably come when called, I keep a “handle” on her during yard play time. This is a 12 to15 foot length of rope with a piston clip fastened to one end. I attach this to the collar or harness of dogs in training so I can get hold of them by grabbing or stepping on the rope as they tease me by flashing by, just out of reach.
She walks well on a leash, and looks forward to going inside at night. She sleeps in a crate, has not torn up her blankets and is quiet once she gets past the initial, “don’t go away” phase right after I leave the room.
Dec 26
I took Cheyan to Cedarwood Veterinary Hospital this morning for her spay surgery. She rode inside the extended-cab with me and did well. I’ve set up a crate for her in the house where she will be sleeping until she transports north in January.
After her surgery, Cheyan was in a good deal of pain, but refused to take her Tramadol (for said pain). Eventually I had to poke it down her throat, which she made more traumatic than it needed to be.
The only thing she has eaten in the last 24 hours got vomited up in the truck on the way home from the veterinarian, so the pain meds hit hard and fast on an empty stomach. Hopefully she will feel like eating in the morning after a good night’s rest.
Dec 28
Cheyan went over 30 hours without eating or drinking anything. Everything she consumed, even water, came right back up. I took her to Cedarwood and Dr. Courtney gave her an IV injection of something to fight the nausea. That worked. She finally settled in to sleep and when she awoke was able to keep down a little water. She wasn’t interested in the food I offered her. So we tried some shredded mozzarella cheese and bacon bits. That interested her! So I rolled out my secret weapon. Something I keep on hand to use in giving medications to dogs who won’t take pills hidden in cheese, peanut butter, or hot dog: Cat food! The tins of cat food with small chunks of meat in gravy. Dogs go nuts for that stuff and its got less salt and fat than cheese and bacon – which is okay as a kick-starter but not a meal. I gave her half of a can of the canned cat food and she licked the bowl clean! I left her a small bowl of kibble to nibble on over night, and she has, but don’t want to over-do on her first meal after being empty for so long.
Oh, and she is not as housebroken as I had thought. So I set up a BIG crate for her to rest in.
Jan 5
Cheyan has recovered well from her surgery. She is eating regularly and eagerly. She’s still a bit thin, but not so bony now that she’s been eating. She does run a lot so she burns up a lot of the calories she takes in.
Cheyan still gets along with everyone. She is better at the house breaking thing but I have to keep an eye on her. When she needs to go out she goes to the door. If I miss that, she will pee on the floor. She has never left a BM in the house. As long as I let her out often she’s fine.
She can eat free-range with the other dogs. And she plays well with everyone. She is not intimidating to anyone (other than having weaponized her cone (LOL)) but is the only one who can keep up with Bandit.
Jan 14
Cheyan hanging with her friends.
Cheyan & Blondie
Hey, what gives?
Mischief with Buddy
Resting with Callie Roo
Snoozing with Josie
Jan 15
Cheyan has been doing really well in her house-breaking: no accidents in quite a while now, and she has started coming to get me if I don’t see her standing at the door. She’s also ready to dispense with the crate for sleeping at night.
She pays attention when she gets rowdy in the house and I teller to settle down. And she is doing much better at going outside and coming back. Where she would go out and stay out for an hour or more, she now comes back more quickly. This is good when we’re doing potty runs and another shift needs to go out.
I don’t like letting all 6 dogs go out unsupervised at once — too much chance of one aggravating another, who grumps, which could start an argument, which will turn into a full-on dog fight as everyone piles in. Not good! I avoid setting that up.
Jan 18
We sent Cheyan off to A.R.N.N.E. yesterday. In her last week here she has become quite civilized.
Cheyan developed this as her “nest”. Her favorite bed adorned with her favorite toys arranged so each is in easy reach. Any time I didn’t see her, this is where she would be.
But when the need arose, Cheyan could share her special space with others.
Cheyan rode well on our little road trip to meet her ride North.
We met the transport at a truck stop.
Cheyan’s paperwork was found to be in order and a stateroom assigned for the journey.
Our part in Cheyan’s rescue story has come to an end. But the rest of her life, a happier life, is about to begin. Happy tails, Little Miss!
Feb 13
Her adoption is complete and her NH foster mom writes, “Cheyan takes the last step to her forever home tomorrow. Cheyan we’ll miss you and we’ll never forget you. Stay goofy and adorable. Have a wonderful life.”
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