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Luna NAC: Notes on a foster dog

This is a foster dog diary post about Luna. New information will be added to the end of this post so all info on this dog (well, most of it) is kept in one place and in chronological order. If you subscribe for updates, a short note will be sent when updates are posted. If you don’t subscribe, check back periodically to see what’s been added.

Last Updated: Aug 8, 2019

Luna was a stray picked up by Newport Animal Control and taken to their facility. She is a Great Dane / Black Lab mix. Not terribly large as, Danes go, but larger than the average dog and quite strong despite being scrawny from hunger.  Luna could easily climb out of the regular kennels at N.A.C.  The only kennel they have that could contain her is their “vicious dog cell” and that is in a part of the building that is not air conditioned. In the late-June mid-day heat, it becomes far too hot for anything to stay in there long. They needed another solution. So the manager, Lisa, reached out to me: would I foster her for them? We found a way to make that happen and I picked her up this morning.

Ugg Steele:Notes on a foster dog

Ugg was pulled from Newport Animal Control because they deemed him most unlikely to be adopted, therefore most likely to be put down. He’s an affectionate boy, he just needs to learn some manners.

Last updated: Nov 9, 2018

Base Info:

  • Arrival date: Aug. 27, 2018
  • Breed: Great Dane mix
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: Young, Adult, Mature, Senior
  • Weight: @80 pounds
  • Spay/Neutered: Yes
  • General Health: Excellent
  • Temperament: Generally submissive. Calm when in kennel or crate. Gets playful when released, but is doing much better at controlling his exuberance.
  • Gets Along with Dogs: Yes: as long as the other dog does not get scared of his size and become defensive. Ugg is not at all aggressive, but his play can intimidate smaller dogs who can get defensively aggressive toward him.
  • Gets Along with People: Yes, he loves being with people, especially getting a belly rub. Likes to play fetch and tug.
  • Housebroken/Crate Trained: Partially (see Progress Notes: Oct 1)
  • Departure date: Nov. 9th, 2018

History

Picked up as a stray by Newport Animal Control. Adopted out, brought right back because he ate their house. He needs to learn self control. Basically he’s a BIG puppy.

Known Issues & Progress

I was told he was unwalkable because he pulls like a John Deere. A front-clip harness brought that to an end and I had him walking laps in the yard with me the evening of his first day. Since then he just gets better at it.

He likes to “mouth”: We have that under control now. When excited he may forget and start to mouth, but a simple, stern “no!” stops it.

He liked to jump up and paw me: That is now under control. Instead he rolls over on my feet for a belly rub or sits at me feet and leans back against my legs so I can scratch his chest while he licks my arm (see video below).

He likes to chew things, like his brand new Kuranda bed. He’s a puppy. Puppies do that. I’m trying to teach him to chew appropriate things like toys and pigs feet (preferably those that are no longer attached to a pig).

With funds donated by a kind supporter, we bought Ugg an aluminum Kuranda. That has stood up well and he likes laying on that. He never did actually lay on the PVC framed bed. (See Progress Notes 9/19)

Medical

  • DA2PP: August 20, 2018 (N.A.C.)
  • Bordatella: August 20, 2018 (N.A.C)
  • Wormed: Aug. 28, 29, 30 2018 – Fendbendazole, 12 ml (P.M.F.C.)
  • Rabies: Aug 13, 2018 Wt: 56# (Cedarwood), Sept 12 (Claws & Paws)
  • Spay/Neuter: October 5, 2018
  • Flea/Tick preventative: Sept 13, Oct 5,
  • Heartworm preventative: Sept 13,
  • Heartworm Test: Sept 12 (negative)

Gallery

In roughly chronological order, newest at the bottom. Click the thumbnails to enlarge. Some pictures are linked to Doggy Tales or videos about Ugg, click those to open the related story or video.

Ugg
Ugg REALLY wants to play!

Ugg
Looking dapper in his red harness

Ugg
Insurance until I can get a second kennel latch. He’s a strong boy!

Ugg
Ugg and Blue are friends already.

Being bossed around by Blue (STORY)

Blue and Ugg making great strides! (story)

Progress notes 09/19

Uggs Big Ball (video)

Ugg learns a new trick (story)

Ugg is SO lonely with Blue gone. (video)

Progress Notes Oct 1

I can be chill, see?

Uggs new mode of affection (video)

Ugg says, “I want to eat, but I feel too yucky (video)

Playing fetch

Ugg CAN just spend time in the yard with another dog. (video)

Ugg and Lady playing (video)

“I’m ready for my treat!” (video)
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Ugg is a 5 Star leash walker! (video)
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