Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.
Relational Behavior
Relates well to other dogs: Yes
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Yes
Preferred style of play: He likes to frolic. Gets the zoomies sometimes.
Is affectionate: Yes
Is good with:
. Men: Yes
. Women: Yes
. Children: Yes
. Cats: Unknown
Jumps up on people: Some
Mouths: A little, corrects well.
Walks well on a leash: Yes
Commands:
Comes when called: Yes
Sits on command: Yes
Down / Off: Doing better
Shake / Paw: Not yet
Kennels on command: Yes
Diet
💕 Victor Classic – Professional Dry Dog Food
. 1 cup kibble + 2 oz homemade stew AM
. ½ cup kibble + 2 oz home made stew PM
💕 PMFC Peanut butter cookies
💕 Retriever Beef Basted Sticks
💕 Jones Beef Hooves
💕 Grillerz Pork Femur
Medical
DA2PPv: Nov. 16, 2020 by Newport Animal Control
. Booster: Dec. 5 by NAC
. 2nd Booster:
Bordatella: Nov. 16 by NAC
Wormed: Dates | Product | Dose | By
. Nov 20, 2020 Pyrantel Pamoate 2.5 cc by NAC
Rabies: Dec. 9, 2020 by Cedarwood Veterinary
Microchipped: Yes
fi NANO Not registered
To register contact City of Newport Animal Control
Neuter: Dec 9, Cedarwood Veterinary Hospital
Heartworm Test: Dec 9, NEGATIVE by Cedarwood
Flea/Tick preventative:
.
.
Heartworm preventative:
. Dec 10, Ivermectin solution, 0.4 ml
.
Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom so you can read through this dog’s history in order.
Dec. 11
Rebel has been here a couple of days and he has settled in nicely. He’s a super-sweet boy who loves attention. He is friendly to the other dogs and he and Josie really want to play together. But they’ve both just had surgery so that will have to wait a while. Blade does NOT like Rebel and is giving him a hard time by throwing himself against the metal privacy panel between their kennels. He has done this so much and so hard that he’s broken the panel and jammed the door to Rebel’s kennel. I’ll need to repair that today. When he does this Rebel scampers off into his bedroom and hides out there. It’s a good safe place for him.
Dec 16
Rebel is SUCH a doll: he is so calm and accepting. He’s affectionate too, but not demanding. Check out the Random Thought on Guillotine Doors for an example.
Josie Darkshep will be leaving on the 18th, that will open a House Dog position that Rebel can audition for. I expect he will do well and be accepted by all.
Dec 25
Rebel has been a “house dog” for three nights now. All three nights he has slept soundly in his crate all night long, not needing to go outside until I get up in the morning. That is normally between 4:00 and 4:30 AM. Today, being Christmas, I slept in until 5:20 when Buddy Beagle decided he needed to go outside. Rebel went too.
Normally Rebel will take quite a while to finish all his business: peeing quickly but needing to investigate multiple potential sites for making his deposit. It was 22° this morning. Rebel went out, took care of everything all in one spot then RACED back to the door. Being an hour later than usual probably played into the swiftness of this task.
He has had no accidents in the house: mostly because when he’s in free play I watch him constantly and if he seems to be “seeking” we go right outside. We are having no inter-dog-relationship issues. After recovering from his surgery his energy levels went up and he’s a bit too rowdy for the other dogs to want to play with now. He intimidates Josephine, annoys Buddy (everything annoys Buddy: he a grumpy old Beagle) Blondie is too old to cavort with him, and Callie is undecided about him. He could be fin to play with, but she’s protective of Josephine, and Josie is scared of him. So she’s conflicted.
He;s getting more free-play in the house. Learning the rules. He is intelligent, mischievous, and inquisitive. He is still a puppy, so he still has puppy mannerisms. But he can be shaped into a great companion because is does seek affection and wants to please. I have another week to work with him, then we’ll hand him off to his next caretaker as he goes North to seek a forever home.
Also, he has the most wonderful, plush, soft coat of fur. Petting him is such a pleasure!
Jan 1
Are we there yet?
We put Rebel on his long haul transport (HEARTS LLC) for his ride up north. He rode in the cab of the truck with us for the first time. Because I’ve always been alone when I transported him before he rode in a box in the back (not to worry, it’s under a shell and strapped down, he’s well protected) because of his tendency to need to snuggle. Snuggling is great when in the house, not so much when I’m trying to drive us at highway speeds. He rode really well. Partly because it was 2 hours past his bed time and he was tired. He slept much of the time. But whenever I’d change speed or direction he head would pop up between the seats to ask, “What’s going on? Are we in New Hampshire yet?”
We arrived at the truck stop in Bulls Gap TN with just enough time to take Rebel for a walk. Just as I was loading him back into our truck, the HEARTS transport pulled in next to us and Rebel got really excited about the big truck. He greeted the driver affectionately, and when the door was opened, instead of shying away like most, Rebel saw all those dogs and said, “PARTY TRUCK, let me in there! Let’s PLAY!” He was ready to ride!
Farewell, and happy tails to you, sweet Rebel. You start the new year with a new location and beginning a new life.
If I get updates and photos of Rebel in foster and his adoption I’ll post them here.
Feb 6
Rebel had some issues getting through NH state quarantine, but these were resolved and he went into a foster-to-adopt home. We are happy to report that Rebel has been officially adopted by that home and is happy and well cared for. He gets along famously with is “brother” Dax, too.
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A kill shelter called Boston Terrier Rescue of East Tennessee saying they had a couple of Bostons for them. Diana went to see them. They were NOT Boston Terriers, but she could not leave them there to die, so she pulled them. A local rescue took Charlie Bear’s brother, but not Charlie. Diana reached out to PMFC to see if we could help. And here he is!
Charlie Bear’s Progress Summary:
Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.
Relational Behavior
Relates well to other dogs: Yes
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Can but probably won’t.
Preferred style of play: Undetermined
Is affectionate: Yes, once he gets to know you.
Is good with:
. Men: Yes
. Women: Yes
. Children: Yes
. Cats: Yes. Will chase if they run.
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.
Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
1 cup AM, 1 cup PM.
Gallery
In chronological order, newest at the bottom. Some pictures are linked to a more detailed Doggy Tale about that update, click those to open the related story.
FEATURED VIDEO
PIC
PIC
PIC
Progress Updates
Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom.
Oct. 2nd
Charlie Bear arrived today. He was okay with Diana, got really skittish with me after she left. Settled down some as the afternoon wore on and he got used to me being around. Charlie will be going into a foster home – probably tomorrow – because the kennel he’s in right now has been promised to another dog due to arrive soon: probably tomorrow!
Oct. 10
Charlie Bear wore out his welcome at his foster home quickly. There were various issues but it became apparent that this was not the place for him to relax and learn to be calm. I have no room for him here. So Charlie has been returned to Diana. She said it’s okay … she was missing him anyway.
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This handsome boy was named Kilo, but I mis-heard it as Helo (HEE Low) when we were introduced and liked that so much I decided to keep it.
Last Updated: Sept 19, 2020
Base Info:
Arrival date: Aug 26, 2020
Breed: Siberian Husky
Sex: Male
Age: Youth, Adult, Mature, Senior
Birthdate: Feb 2019
Weight: 47.2 Pounds Aug 31
. 49.7 pounds Sept 8
Neutered: Yes
General Health: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor
Temperament: Typically hard-headed (it’s a Husky thing), but exceptionally calm and non-vocal for a Husky … at least when he’s happy. Working through separation anxiety.
SAFER Test performed: Yes (short form) PASSED
Departure date: Adopted Sept. 19, 2020
History
Helo appears to have been well cared for, but his former owner decided to re-home him. Reasons are unknown. Two ladies offered to help find him a home. One of them contacted Friends Animal Shelter who immediately referred her to Piney Mountain Foster. And here he is. His friends say he shows signs of depression and anxiety. My task is to help him with that so he’s ready to move yet again as he seeks a forever home.
Husky Hindrance
Huskies are a unique breed. Many people adopt them because they are GORGEOUS but don’t stop to investigate the breed-specific traits that come along with these dogs. Many of these dogs end up abandoned or surrendered to shelters because these people are not prepared to care for a Husky. Some of those issues are:
Huskies shed like fiends! Seriously, if you can’t handle dog fur all over, you don’t want a husky. Their fur is long and soft and a pleasure to pet, but it floats around. You NEED to brush them daily or they get matted. If you don’t have a good vacuum cleaner and time to do the brushing, don’t get a Husky.
Huskies are very intelligent. And clever. And devious. You need to be the leader of the pack and set your boundaries and stick to them or the Husky will train you to do things the way SHE wants to. That is NOT good. Dominance leads to aggression.
Huskies are sensitive. Do not use violence to discipline these dogs — it will not end well.
Huskies are adverse to confinement. This breed does especially badly in shelters, spiraling quickly into depression and despondency. They also do not do well confined to a crate for long periods. They are social and enjoy companionship and interaction. If you plan to go off to work and leave your dog alone all day you probably don’t want a Husky.
Huskies tend to be vocal. They will talk to you – and argue with you. They will sing to you. It’s what they do. Helo is unusual in this respect in that he is quiet most of the time. He will talk to me when he gets playful and wants to argue. He talks to me when he needs to go out. He will sing along with the other dogs when they get up a glee club session. But otherwise he’s unusually quiet.
Huskies are athletic dogs with tremendous stamina (think sled dogs). They enjoy running and will need regular exercise. If you are an apartment dweller and plan to leash walk your dog briefly twice a day, you definitely don’t want a Husky!
But, having said all that, because they are smart, and strong, and devoted they make excellent companions — if you are prepared for their eccentricities. Because of all this, we are seeking an adopter who has experience with Huskies or a similar breed.
Helo’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: Not so much. Is possessive about food, treats, and toys that are “his” (see Sept13).
Preferred style of play: Likes running and chasing another dog. He likes to play soccer with a human!
Is affectionate: Yes in an aloof sort of way right now.
Is good with:
. Men: Yes
. Women: Yes
. Children: Yes
. Cats: Yes. Will chase, shows no aggression to calm cats.
Walks well on a leash: Does well with a front-clip harness. Pulls hard in Std harness or collar.
House Dog Training
Willingly enters his crate: With a bribe
Is calm/quiet while in crate: Not if left alone
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, but learning.
Stays off people furniture: No, but learning.
Terms of Adoption:
Terms of Adoption:
Submit a completed Adoption Application (PDF form, print, complete, return 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 HEARTS LLC (fees are paid to the transport service).
Adoption fee is $200.00 This generally does NOT cover what we have invested in medical care and room & board. But it helps.
Commands:
Comes when called: Sometimes
Sits on command: Yes
Down / Off: Yes
Shake / Paw: No
Kennels on command: Yes
Medical
DA2PPv: Aug 27, 2020 (PMFC)
. Booster: Sept 19, (PMFC)
Bordatella: Aug 27, 2020 (PMFC)
Wormed: Dates | Product | Dose | By
. Sept 1st to 3rd, Fendbendazone, 16 ml PMFC
.
Heartworm preventative:
. Sept 8, Ivermectin solution, 0.5 ml
.
NOTES:
.
.
Diet
Victor Classic – Professional Dry Dog Food
1½ cups plus 3oz Stew AM and PM (to gain weight)
PMFC Peanut butter cookies given as rewards for compliance.
Occasional treats include:
Retriever Beef Basted Sticks
Jones Beef Hooves
Grillerz Pork Femur
Oinkies
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.
Enjoying the cool indoors with the family
Bed time snack
Hanging with Doug in the den
Yes, can I help you?
Discussing the “no dogs on sofa” rule with Buddy Beagle.
I’ll navigate, I can sniff out the Sonic.
Progress Updates
Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom.
Aug 26
Helo arrived for an evaluation around 5:30 pm. The eval went well and we decided to accept him into our program. Laurie filled out the surrender form and they donated a crate, his collar and leash, and food, and a case of Eternal Beverage bottled water, and some cash! Their generosity is appreciated.
Enjoying the cool indoors with the family
He had done well with the meet-the-gang session, so I set up our largest wire crate in the living room where he could see us as dinner was prepared and consumed. I fed him when I fed the other dogs, but he wasn’t interested in dinner until much later: 8:30 or after, he got a drink and decided to have a bed time snack.
Then we retired to the den so I could build this web page. Once it’s posted I’ll get ready for bed and go sleep on the sofa next to Helo’s crate. That should keep him calm tonight so everyone can get some sleep.
He’s done exceptionally well at dealing with and relating to the other dogs, even when Buddy decided to go all Beaglesaurous on him, Helo just walked on past him without getting snarky in return. Good Boy!
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Aug 27
We had an excellent night. I slept on the sofa next to his crate so he did not get lonely and anxious. I waited for him to go to sleep and tried sneaking off to the bedroom, but he was on his feet instantly, ready to go with me if I left the room. So I stayed put.
I woke up several times and found him sitting there staring at me, but being really quiet and well behaved. He woke me at 2:30 by whining. I left him long enough to erect a baby gate in the hallway, to make sure we did not get charged by a roaring Beaglesaurous, and slip my shoes on, then I released him from his crate and clipped on his leash. He RACED to the back door, went out onto the gravel walkway beside the house and peed. He did not try to go around the back of the house (which would have set off the Beaglesaurous as well as the outside dogs). He came back inside, got a drink, I got him a snack, and he went back into his crate to eat his snack. He went back to sleep for another hour when I decided to get up. He explored the house for a while as I made coffee, then we settled into the den and I worked on his admission paperwork and some other quiet chores.
Catching a few more winks
Helo went back to sleep. He has been a very good boy!
I will be taking him to Kathy’s Grooming later this morning to board for a few days. We have a doctor’s appointment on the far side of Knoxville today and will be gone most of the day. Leaving him crated indoors while we go away is probably not a good idea, and it will get too hot in his “contingency” kennel to leave him there in the daytime. Once that building is renovated, it will be insulated and air conditioned. Things will be different then.
There is a strong possibility that Hunter will be getting adopted on Saturday. He’s been in Room #4 – which is a light security room sitting on gravel with kennel decking on the ground to keep him out of the mud in rainy weather. Hunter has been very happy there and makes no attempt to escape. But Helo has a history of digging out of a kennel if left alone all day. I can move Bailey into #4 and put Helo in Bailey’s room which is a standard room on the main concrete pad – there is no digging out of there!
I hope to have him in the house with me when I’m inside so I can work on easing his separation anxiety and preserve his housebreaking. That’s my plan right now, anyway.
Aug 31
Hunter was indeed adopted Saturday and I moved Bailey to room #4 to see how he would do in this new enclosure. He has done well. So Room #1 is available for Helo to use when he’s not in the house with me. I’ll be going to retrieve him this morning.
He rode really well in the truck last week, so I plan to take him with me on some of today’s chores.
* * * Helo has arrived * * *
Kathy said he did well while staying with her. He hated being crated (tore up the crate) but was good in a kennel. He rode well again today as we went to the bank drive through (where the ladies were saying what a beautiful dog he is) and to Cedarwood Veterinary Hospital (where the ladies commented on what a calm, well-behaved boy he is). While there I weighed him. I expected to see 70 or 75 pounds on the readout based on his overall size, but it came up 47.2 pounds! “That can’t be right”, we all said, so I did it again, making sure the scale was not up against the wall and nothing was blocking it … 47.2 pounds!
When I feel around his hips, he is pretty bony under all that fur, I’ll do my best to get some pounds on him before he leaves.
Yes, can I help you?
Helo spent all day running loose in the house with us. He got along well with the 4 other house dogs. He rode along with me on a couple of runs. Then he picked out a bed in the bedroom to sleep on. “No, Helo, not THAT one. Any of the others.” He did get down, got huffy about it but he did comply, and chose a dog bed. He alternated between that and sleeping on the floor in the hallway.
Buddy Beagle needed to go out around 3:00 AM. Helo wanted to go along. I leashed Helo and took him out on the walkway but not out where we would disturb the outside dogs. Helo was compliant and both he and Buddy were back inside quickly.
Helo suffers from separation anxiety. I am working on that.
Sept 3 – Helo’s Adventure
Helo has proven to be a fine, companionable fellow while he is with us. He’s been quite calm, except for one night when he got the zoomies, he gets along well with the 7 other dogs who are here. He’s gotten a little snippy at meal times, but otherwise they all get along fine in the house or in the yard.
He gets upset when we leave him alone, though. Crating is not an option unless it’s a plate steel crate. Kenneling works if it’s on concrete and is well secured. He’s a digger, and will tunnel out of a kennel on dirt.
Seeing this happy face in my mirror just makes me smile.
Today we had a number of errands to run, so we took Helo with us. He was an excellent rider, sitting or lying on the back seat of Marie’s car as calm as could be. Sitting up to look out the windows when something interesting was happening, snoozing quietly otherwise.
We went to the county animal shelter to evaluate another Husky that was picked up by Animal Control. There are lots of dogs there, not all of them were pleasant to Helo as we walked around. Helo just kept walking and sniffing. There were several cats roaming the hallways when we went into the main building, Helo was curious about them. When one came sauntering by, Helo sniffed at it, then dropped into a play-bow and woofed at it. The cat puffed up and backed away, “You’re too big. No play.” Helo let it go.
We visited the Wags to Wiggles boutique and Helo was gentle and mannerly. He knocked nothing over, and made new friends among those who were shopping.
We then stopped in at a Subway Sandwich shop to buy lunch which we took up on the Foothills Parkway to sit in the car at an overlook and eat. We brought things for Helo to munch on, but he wasn’t interested in those, just the water we offered him. But he sat on his seat and left us unmolested while we ate our sandwiches. Then I took him for a walk before we headed back home on Interstate 40.
Once home he got a big drink of water, went in the yard to do all of his business, then crashed next to my desk chair as I got caught up on some office work while Marie went back out to do the weekly grocery shopping.
When she returned I crated Helo, Callie and Buddy to keep them from running out the door as I carted in the supplies. Helo howled a little, but did no damage to the crate.
He had a great time on his outting. We had a great time, and everything went as smoothly as it could possibly go. He’s a great traveling buddy. In fact we were joking during lunch that since Helo’s two favorite things are sitting on the couch looking out the window and riding in a car/truck, his ideal adopter might be some retired folks who do a lot of RV traveling. Then he could sit on a sofa looking out the window WHILE riding. What could be better?
Sept 5
Piney Mountain Foster Care’s Board of Directors met today. There was much to discuss, so we knew it could run long. We decided to take Helo with us rather than kenneling him while we were away. We appointed Helo temporary Sergeant At Arms, and he greeted everyone at the door – to make sure they all smelled of dog. Anyone not bearing the scent of a dog would not be welcome, according to Helo. Fortunately even Pam, who has goats and cats, but no dog, had been around a dog that morning so she too was admitted.
Bored at the Board meeting, but being quiet.
Once the meeting was called to order, Helo went into stand-by mode: alert in case anyone acted up and needed to be ejected, but not interfering otherwise.
All the board members were amazed at how well behaved Helo was, not interjecting his own comments, not begging treats, not wandering around being distracting … he changed positions a few times, going to lie next to different people, but being completely unobtrusive. In fact he was SO good we decided to treat him on the way home with a trip to a small park by the river.
When riding, Helo wears a safety harness and strap that snaps into the seat belt buckle
Sometimes things outside fascinate him.
Helo liked the riverside park
He enjoyed walking in the grass.
And playing among the rocks
We weren’t sure if he’d be interested in the water.
Once he dried off we headed for home. I like to ride. I don’t want to get out …
… and you can’t MAKE me. “Actually, yes I CAN.”
Oh, but, DAAaaad!
Once back home we had lunch, and yard play, and headed inside for nap time (some of us take naps, some of us don’t), then on to the usual Saturday chores, and dealing with minutes from this morning’s meeting, and posting this update because we’re out of broccoli and I can’t make doggo stew like I planned. I’ll pick up some greens on our way home tomorrow and make stew then – post this update now.
Sept 13
Helo had visitors yesterday afternoon: Erin and Michael drove in from North Carolina to meet him. They have been discussing Helo with Dennis, our Adoption Coordinator, checking him out on our web site, and decided they really needed to meet him in “person”.
During the meeting Erin asked me if Helo tries to climb over our 5 foot chain link fence. In answering I kind of went down a rabbit hole about what I do to discourage that and never did offer a proper answer to the question. So, if you’re reading this update, Erin, the answer is “no, he has never tried to climb the fence. But he is reported to be a prodigious digger, having tunneled out of a dirt-floor kennel twice before he got to us.” Anyone wanting to kennel him while away for long periods will need to put the kennel on a concrete slab or at the very least put down heavy wire fencing on the ground under the kennel and wire it to the kennel rails so he can’t dig tunnels. Anyone insisting on leaving him for long periods had better put some of that fencing across the top of the kennel too, just because he hasn’t tried scaling a fence doesn’t mean he won’t, Huskies are known to be excellent climbers.
Playing soccer is FUN!
The visit went well, mostly – more about that in a moment, and Michael even got Helo to play soccer with him! Helo enjoyed that immensely. Blondie Bear watched from her position on her Coolaroo up by the house.
When Helo got tired he went back into his room for a drink of water. He snagged his pig ear that I keep in there for him, but he doesn’t chew on because he refuses to chew, or eat, or even drink, if he’s “incarcerated”. It’s the same thing in the house with his crate: if the door is closed he will not eat, only lie on the floor and look dejected. If I open the door, (once the others have finished eating and gone outside to potty) Helo will walk out of his crate, turn around, go back in, and eat. He’s SUCH a Husky!
Helo snagged the almost unused pig ear and took it out to lie in the grass and chew. A red flag popped in my mind, but I squelched it and let him go.
A couple of minutes later, Helo came back over to where all the peoples were and he sought some loving. While he was getting lovies, Blondie sneaked down to check out that pig ear. Helo saw her over there and ambled over to see what she was doing. Apparently he tried to take it back from her, she resisted, so Helo initiated an argument. It was loud and vicious sounding, and Micheal and I jumped in to break it up. Blondie came away with a couple of minor scrapes, Helo was unharmed, and the pig ear went back into his kennel. And stayed there.
Helo is possessive of HIS stuff. The funny thing is that there are yard bones scattered around the play yard. Other dogs can pick up one of those and chew on it and Helo doesn’t care. Community property. Buddy Beagle and Callie Roo swap crates all the time, no one cares, including Helo. But if Buddy goes nosing into Helo’s crate, Helo will come warn him off. So I keep the door closed if Helo isn’t using it somehow. This possessiveness is really Helo’s only down side — other than shedding like a fiend. And we are working with him on that … the possessiveness, not the shedding. We can’t do anything about his shedding: Huskies just do that.
Sept 15
Guess who slept on the people bed last night.
In our house we have like 800 dog beds (slight exaggeration) scattered around the house, so the ONE people bed we have is off-limits because we know full well that if they conquer that we will be sleeping on the floor.
Helo was sacked out on the tile in the hallway, in front of a fan. (his favorite place) when I handed out bed time cookies. He came into the bedroom with the rest of us to get his little treat, and turned to return to the hallway. I asked him if he wouldn’t like to sleep on the empty dog bed in the bedroom. He looked it over and said, “Nah, thanks anyway.” and turned to go out.
Marie said, “Oh, come on Helo, come sleep with us.”
He spun around, “Really? With you? ALL RIGHT!” (I knew what was coming I could see it in his face) and he made an amazing leap up onto the bed and curled up between us.
“That is NOT what she meant.”
“Don’t care, it’s what she said.”
We figured he wouldn’t stay long anyway, he gets too hot on beds of any kind. And he is such a good boy otherwise. He hung in longer than I thought he would but eventually did get down and returned to his cool spot in the hallway.
Now we’ll just have to see if this becomes a new bed time routine.
Sept 19
Yesterday Helo and I went to take Valley to meet the big transport to New Hampshire. Just as I was pulling in to make the hand-off my phone rang. It was a repair company needing access to the church where I am a Deacon. I told them it would take about an hour to get there from where I currently was (and to make the hand-off). They agreed.
The hand-off went smoothly and Helo and I went trucking off to Cosby.
While the repairs were being made, there was nothing at all for me to do except make sure everything stayed secure. So Helo and I conducted a thorough examination of the building, looking for scuffs and scrapes needing paint, cobwebs that needed removal, anything that might need attention. As I went around, stopping to look an area over then moving on, Helo was perfect about staying with me:
Michael, Helo, Erin a happy new family
A Michael and Erin came to adopt Helo this afternoon. Michael is a contractor who hopes to take Helo with him when he goes out on job sites. I think Helo will love riding around with Michael and accompanying him on the job. It seems the perfect match for this big, low key, devoted, boy. I will miss him, but he’s going to have the time of his life.
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Yet another stray Husky picked up in Del Rio. He has been neutered and is wearing a rabies tag, so he had a home. But the tag is registered in another county. Did he run off? Was he dumped? Was he stolen and escaped? We have no idea. The rabies tag offers little info and there is no microchip. In any case the shelter will not hang onto him because adopting Husky’s to locals has never worked out. Every one has been returned. It’s better for the dog to find a Husky rescue to find them a proper home with someone who appreciates this breed’s unique qualities. A Pathway to Hope is one such rescue. PMFC is fostering until transport can be arranged.
Bobby’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: Unknown
Preferred style of play: Unknown
Is affectionate: Yes
Is good with:
. Men: Yes
. Women: Yes
. Children: Unknown, but probably
. Cats: Probably not. Huskies normally aren’t
Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom.
July 25
I have gone by the shelter to evaluate Bobby. He tried hard to push out he door when I opened it, but once I was inside and the door latched he was sweet and calm. He even rolled over on his back to get a belly rub. We have no open kennel for this boy, so I’ve arranged to board him for a week. I’ll go there as often as I can to do a SAFER test and get him accustomed to me. I am to move him from the shelter to boarding Monday morning (the 27th).
July 31
Bobby gave us a scare on Wednesday: while in the play yard he went over their 6 foot high fence. He hadn’t shown any interest in the fence before so this was unexpected. But the emergency ended quickly because Bobby was just hungry for some BBQ from the place down the street. He trotted down there, the fella tossed him some meat pieces to hold his attention while Steve caught up and snagged him. He’s back in his room safe and sound, but he’ll be leash walked from now on!
August 4th
I picked Bobby up from Kathy’s Grooming Parlor, where he is boarding, and took him to Cedarwood Veterinary Hospital for testing and a rabies vaccination. We had some errands to run on the way, but those all went unusually smoothly and we were running 1/2 hour ahead of schedule. I decided we should stop in at the Park-n-Float on River Street to relax together while we wait for the clock to catch up to us.
Aug 19
Bobby went to Cedarwood Veterinary Hospital today for his health certification so he can travel across state lines this weekend. He did well and the staff at Cedarwood commented on what a well behaved dog he is. They thought his conversation with them during the exam was hilarious.
Aug 21
I picked Bobby up from Kathy’s Grooming, where he was boarding, at 2:00 today. We’ll have almost 12 hours together before we hand him off to the long-haul transport for his ride to New Jersey at 1:30 AM.
Bobby enjoying his farewell party
It’s late, are we going to bed soon?
That’s it, I’m going to bed now, good night!
Bobby’s hand-off went well. I managed to stay awake and alert all the way through. I didn’t start getting sleepy until we were through Newport and on our mountain roads toward home.
Bobby was SO well behaved: we made several strolls through the grass and trees that separate the RV parking area from the semi parking area, but mostly he just sat with Marie and me behind the truck, watching the activity and being really good. He got conversational a couple of times, but just because he was curious about what we were doing, and it was kept low volume. No yelling or screaming — that was held back for after Melinda was back on the road. She texted and said he was YELLING at her! I suggested that either he did not share her taste in music or he was upset because he called “shotgun” and he was not riding shotgun. He IS a Husky!
While Melinda was laid-over with us we got to play with some puppies while Melinda cleaned out the little poop-machine’s crate and change the pad. She runs a nice, clean ride. It does not stink, and everything is clean and pleasant for handlers and passengers. Even the ones who yell at her.
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A typical black lab: vigorously friendly, goofy, loves everyone.
Last Updated: Aug. 29, 2020
Base Info:
Arrival date: July 20, 2020
Breed: Black Labrador
Sex: Male
Age: Youth, Adult, Mature, Senior
Birthdate:
Weight: 46.6 Pounds
Neutered: Yes
General Health: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor
Temperament: Outgoing, goofy, lovable, very sweet!
SAFER Test performed: Yes PASSED
Departure date: August 29th, 2020
History
Taken in by Animal Control when the young man who owned him went to jail on charges not related to the dogs. Hunter was quite skinny, but did not appear to have been abused.
Hunters 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 but lets others take his food.
Preferred style of play: Likes to frolic in the yard
Is affectionate: Yes
Is good with:
. Men: Yes
. Women: Yes
. Children: Needs supervision around small children. Can be active.
. Cats: Unknown
Jumps up on people: Doing much better.
Mouths: No
Walks well on a leash: Yes
House Dog Training
Willingly enters his crate: Yes
Is calm/quiet while in crate: Yes
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
Stays off people furniture: No
Commands:
Comes when called: Yes
Sits on command: Yes
Down / Off: Yes
Paw: Yes
Kennels on command: Yes
Hunter’s Medical
DA2PPv: July 17, 2020 (NAC)
. Booster: Aug 7, 2020 PMFC
Bordatella: July 17, 2020 (NAC)
Wormed: Dates | Product | Dose | By
. July 17, 2020 Pyrantell Pamoate 4.5 cc NAC
. Aug 6-8, 2020 Fendbendazole 10 ml PMFC
. Aug 22-24, 2020 Fendbendazole 10 ml PMFC
Flea/Tick preventative:
. Aug 5 Fipronil topical 44-85 lbs
.
Heartworm preventative:
. Aug 6, Ivermectin, .5 ml
.
NOTES:
.
.
Diet
Victor Classic – Professional Dry Dog Food
1½ cups AM, 1¼ cups PM mixed with cheese shred 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.
Sunning on his Kuranda bed
I’m done with potty run – cookie please!
Rain is coming – I’ll stay in here, thank you.
Progress Updates
Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom.
July 24
Hunter has been here for four days now. In that time we’ve found him to be friendly, outgoing, well behaved on a leash, fond of playing in a light rain, but not a downpour (I can’t blame him for that). He does not eat much. I think he’s accustomed to his brother, Bailey, snatching up most of the food. Because of that tendency I move Hunter to another kennel at feeding time. The rest of the time they coexist peacefully in one kennel. In fact, they prefer it that way.
August 5
I’ve been mixing shredded cheese into Hunter’s kibble to encourage him to eat. He’s thin and needs to eat. I separate him from Bailey at meal time because Bailey will push Hunter out of his dish and eat both servings. The cheese has encouraged Hunter, he is eager to get his dish at feeding time and he has been finishing his full portion. This morning I left out the cheese to see if he’d eat without the additive. Hunter stuck his nose in the bowl and sniffed, lifted his head and glared at me, “What are you pulling here? Where’s my CHEESE?” then he went and lay down on his bed in protest. That didn’t last long before he decided he was hungry and would eat what he had even if it is sub-standard. I guess he would eat plain kibble, but since he still needs the calories I’ll continue to add the cheese. It makes him happy.
Hunter also went to Claws and Paws for a Cause mobile vet today for his Rabies vaccination, heart worm test and microchipping. He did really well. He’s a good boy.
Aug 12
Hunter’s favorite “game” to play during his free-play sessions, especially in the cool of the morning, is RUNNING! Sometimes he will take off and run a half-dozen laps around out big play yard at full gallop. You’d think this Labrador was part Greyhound!
Aug 20
Hunter has taken to a new form of greeting me when it is not meal time. At meal times he is eager to get his bowl. At play times he often comes to the gate, stands up and gently puts his paws on my chest then lays his head on my shoulder, “Hello friend. I love you.” He is SUCH a sweet boy!
Aug 29 — ADOPTED
We are pleased to announce that Hunter has found a forever home. Two nice people came to visit him today. They have been talking about him with Dennis for some time. Hunter was a little nervous at first, but once he go to know them he liked them so much he decided to go home with them.
He was excited by the prospect of going for a ride, but he settled right in and promised to be a really good boy for them.
Lets ROLL!
He also promised to write us and send a photo now and then so we’d know he was alright. Happy Tails, Hunter!
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Temperament: A little skittish with strangers, but friendly once acquainted.
SAFER Test: Passed
PetFinder Listing: N/A
Claimed by Animal Rescue Network of New England
Departure date: Sept 11, 2020
History
Taken into custody by Animal Control when the young man who owned him went to jail for charges not related to the dogs, he was underweight and nervous.
Bailey’s Progress Summary:
Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.
Relational Behavior
Relates well to other dogs: Yes
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: No – greedy
Preferred style of play: He and Hunter like to wrestle in their “room”. Has recently started running when it’s cool.
Is affectionate: Yes
Is good with:
. Men: Yes
. Women: Yes
. Children: Unknown but probably
. Cats: Unknown
Jumps up on people: No
Mouths: No
Walks well on a leash: Yes
House Dog Training
Willingly enters his crate: No Yes
Is calm/quiet while in crate: No Yes
Understands going outside to potty: No Yes
Alerts me of need to go outside: No Yes
Is destructive of bedding and/or toys: No Yes
Refrains from kitchen counter cruising: No Yes
Stays off people furniture: No Yes
Commands:
Comes when called: Yes (enthusiastically)
Sits on command: Yes
Down / Off: Yes
Shake / Paw: Yes
Kennels on command: Yes
Bailey’s Medical
DA2PPv: July 17, 2020 (NAC)
. Booster: Aug 7 (PMFC)
Bordatella: July 17, 2020 (NAC)
Wormed: Dates | Product | Dose | By
. Pyrantel Pamoate, July 17, 5.5 cc, NAC
. Fendbendazole, Aug 7-9, 11 ml, PMFC
. Fendbendazole, Aug 22-24, 11 ml, PMFC
Heartworm preventative:
. Aug 26, Ivermectin solution, 0.6 ml
.
NOTES:
.
.
Diet
Victor Classic – Professional Dry Dog Food
1½ cups AM, 1¼ cups PM. PMFC peanut butter treats
Retriever Beef Basted Sticks
Jones Beef Hooves
Canine Carry-out assorted flavors
Gallery
Progress Updates
Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom.
July 26
Bailey has been with us for almost a week and has changed quite a lot in that time. When Animal Control dropped him off here last Monday He was a wild thing on the leash and getting him to his kennel was a struggle. Once he settled down he has been manageable.
Temperamentally, he’s skittish: he flinches at touch and seems fearful if I come up on him unexpectedly, although once he realizes it’s me, he relaxes and enjoys the petting. He’s walking well on a lead and I can let him wander the yard supervised but unattended while I clean his kennel. He does not yet come when I call him, so he’s always dragging a 20 foot lead when out of his kennel.
He rooms with his sorta-sibling, Hunter, and they get along fine except that Bailey is greedy about food and treats and will snatch Hunter’s away from him. Hunter lets him, so I feed Hunter separately. Bailey shows little interest in other dogs when he’s out in the yard with them.
Aug 2
Bailey just mastered the “Paw” command. He has known and responds well to the “Sit “command. And the last few times I’ve called him, he has come running, so we’re making progress with that. He knows he’s not allowed to go up the walkway toward the door of the house. When he starts nosing up that way I call, “Bailey, no, come back out in the yard.” and he immediately returns to the play yard. He is quite bright and willing to obey.
He has also become much more affectionate. He now enjoys a good petting and will seek it out.
Aug 31
Bailey was neutered last week. He did really well and has not been licking at his incision, so I didn’t need to cone him. He is healing well and his skin condition seems to be going away with the antibiotics that were prescribed for him.
Hunter was adopted over the weekend and Bailey got a bit upset when “those strangers” but his brother in a car and drove away. But he has coped with it. The only change I’ve seen long term is that he seems more affectionate toward people.
I moved Bailey into Room #4, where Hunter had been staying because Hunter was an exceptionally well behaved boy and being in a minimum security room was not an issue. Bailey is settled here enough that I was confident we would not try to dig out either. And I need the high security room Bailey has been staying in for Helo who is a confirmed digger. More like a tunneler.
I put Helo in Room #1 this morning and let Bailey out of his room for a yard run. He trotted over to Helo — and chewed him out big time for being in HIS room! I spritzed him with the hose and he decided to let it go and move on. They’ve been okay since.
Bailey has a ticket to ride the rescue bus on Sept 11th.
Sept 8
Bailey was not happy about getting into the truck or about going back to the veterinarian. But this time no one cut anything off of him, in fact no one even poked him with a needle, so he was happy about that.
The rash on his belly is gone and the fur growing back in. His neuter incision is healed. He is in great shape and ready to travel on Friday.
Sept 11
The long haul transport vehicle. Bailey will arrive in NH tomorrow evening.
Bailey will be leaving us this afternoon. We will take him to meet the big long-haul transport that will take him to New Hampshire.
It’s always sad when one of our babies leaves us, but in this case we have a special note of happiness to add. A.R.N.N.E. contacted me to let us know that Bailey has an adopter lined up. A young, retired police officer who has helped the rescue out a lot over the years. So, after his State ordered quarantine, Bailey will be going straight into his forever home! That is wonderful news. Happy Tails, Bailey!
Sept 17
Bailey has settled into his home and, judging by that face, is a happy boy!
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This sweet trusting dog has spent his life being beaten and mistreated.
Yet he retains his loving spirit and trusting heart.
Last Updated: Aug. 8, 2020
Base Info:
Arrival date: July 13, 2020
Breed: Hound
Sex: Male
Age: Youth, Adult, Mature, Senior
Birthdate: 2009 (according to surrendering family)
Weight: @55 Pounds
Neutered: Yes
General Health: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor
Temperament: Mild and gentle, affectionate, a true gentleman.
SAFER test performed? No.
Departure date: July 31 headed for Karen the Amazing via A.R.N.N.E.
History
Surrendered to Greenville Animal Control, this sweet trusting dog has spent his life being beaten and mistreated by a mentally handicapped resident of the group home where Smokie lived. Yet he retains his loving spirit and trusting heart. Because of GAC policy, Animal Control was going to put him down. But Jammie, of Cats In the Cradle in Mosheim TN, came to his rescue and pulled him out just in time. She asked for help and Animal Rescue Network of New England. stepped up. Piney Mountain is fostering him for A.R.N.N.E. We hope he can finally join a family who will appreciate his awesomeness.
Smokie’s (Archie’s) Progress Summary:
Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.
Relational Behavior
Relates well to other dogs: Mostly
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Yes
Preferred style of play: Walking. Does some frolicking with Josephine, our youngest
Is affectionate: Yes
Is good with:
. Men: Yes
. Women: Yes
. Children: Yes
. Cats: Unknown
Jumps up on people: No
Mouths: No
Walks well on a leash: Yes
House Dog Training
Willingly enters his crate: Needs mild encouragement
Heartworm preventative:
. 07/14/2020, Ivermectin orally, 0.6 ml
.
NOTES:
. Teeth are in good shape for his age.
. Has several fatty tumors, 2 large on his belly.
. Has several wart-like growths on his head.
. Has a hard mass on his left shoulder.
. Movement seems a bit stiff, starting on Synovi G4 supplements and 1200 mg Fish Oil caps
. 07/24 Trizultra+Keto ear wash used to break up waxy discharge. Right ear was the worst.
. A cyst came up in Archie’s left eye, lower lid. I’ve been treating it with Boric Acid solution, but that hasn’t helped much. Cedarwood prescribed NeoPolyDex Opth Solution for 7 days. I’ll treat until he leaves.
Diet
Started him on Mature formula kibble: HATED It!
Switched him to what everyone else eats (Victor Professional) and home-made stew: much better.
1¼ cups kibble & 3.5 oz stew per feeding (AM & PM)
He’s picky about treats too. His favorite is Canine Carry-outs Pot Roast Flavor. He’s become fond of our PMFC Peanut Butter treats too.
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.
That’s enough ‘outside’ I want back in.
Progress Updates
Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom.
July 14
Smokie slept well last night, no baying or barking at all.
When I fed him this morning I let him out to free-range wander (figured I’d have no trouble catching him if I needed to and he’s definitely not going to climb over the fencing) while I fed the others. When I was done with that, Smokie was standing watching. I called him and he strolled over to get head scritchies and went right back in to his room to eat his breakfast.
The people who surrendered Smokie claim he’s 11 years old. Both Jammie and I feel he’s not that old — or he’s well preserved.
July 15
It got really hot today: 102° air temperature and when you add in the humidity we got a heat index of about 185° (joking here, but it was hot). Smokie, being an elderly gentleman, was not handling the heat well. So I set up a large crate in the house and risked the ire of The House Dogs by bringing him indoors.
Buddy Beagle and Callie Roo are forever fosters who have decided they are tired of the constant flow of foster dogs through THEIR house and get grumpy with them. Blondie Bear and Josephine (both are adopted rescues) are always ready to welcome new friends.
I use a baby gate to partition off areas to keep house guests and house dogs separate until they work out their issues. Smokie enjoyed being cooler. He was crated (except for the occasional yard run) while i was working during the day ( a lot of in and out as I tend to the dogs) but in the evening he got to come out and lounge around the den while I worked at my desk. He’d come over to me frequently to get scritchies. Nothing demanding, just come stand there and look at me with a “Pleeeease?” expression. It cooled off nicely that evening, but we decided to try letting Smoke stay indoors. He whined a little when we all went to bed, but then settled and slept soundly until I got up at 4:30. He went outside for a long yard break then settled in on a bed in the den while I updated our web site.
July 17
Smokie has become a house dog. For the past couple of days Smokie has been inside with us almost full time day and night. On Thursday Marie and I had to go run errands and it was in the morning: still cool, so we put Smoke in his kennel outside while we were away. But otherwise he’s hanging out in our den. He gets to explore the house when the House Dogs go outside for a potty run or to ward off a delivery truck or wandering cat.
Smokie is a picky eater, and I’m having trouble finding things he likes. But he’s pretty low-energy, so he probably doesn’t need to eat much. Or — maybe we just need to find the right bribe: Marie mixed some shredded cheese into his kibble and he gobbled them right down!
Learning to be a kitchen helper
Mastered Kitchen Helper
Enjoying movie snacks with the gang
On Friday nights Marie makes some home-made stir fry and we eat off tray tables in the living room to watch an old Sci-fi movie. The dogs get special treats too. Smokie (Archie) is fitting right in.
July 22
Archie is such a dear old fellow, and is now a free-range house dog. He sleeps wherever he wants at night and is free to wander the house all day – even when I go outside to work with the dogs there. We do crate him when Marie and i both go away for an extended period just like we do with Buddy and Callie Roo.
Who? Me?!
They’re all good dogs, but when left on their own for too long they tend to get together and cook up mischief. Mostly with Josephine. Josie is our chief mischief maker.
I got word yesterday that Archie has a ticket to ride the transport on July 31st. He’ll arrive at the quarantine center in NH (state requirement) on August 1st. His new Momma is also adopting Hunny, another senior Tennessee hound so they will at least have the same accent and will be able to relate well. They both do the “propeller tail” thing, so it will be interesting to see if the twirl their tails together.
Buddy Beagle was giving Archie a hard time for a while because Archie was trying to lay his head over Buddie’s back – a dominance move that says, “I’m the boss, you are under me” and Buddy took exception to that and I needed to intervene before it got ugly. But they’ve worked through that as Archie learned that in fact *I* am pack leader and Blondie Bear is Boss Dog under me. Although, she is a benevolent leader. In fact, Buddy and Archie often go out to wander the yard together — this is so one can pee on the same spots the other does but it’s done without conflict.
July 27th
Archie passed his health certification today. I have to go back tomorrow, so I’ll pick up the completed paperwork then rather than making us both sit outside in the heat while they fill that out — which can take a while since they’re doing that between phone calls, and running patients in and out, and processing payments, etc. This “New Normal” is hard on most everyone.
July 31
We had a going away party for Archie last night, with extra treats – which caused him to need to go outside at 11:00 and at 3:00 last night. He’s been quiet and reserved this morning, he knows somethings up. After the 3:00 run I settled in on the sofa to rest and Archie came and stood beside the sofa to get scritchies. I gave him scritchies until he couldn’t stand up anymore and went around the end of the sofa to lie on a plush runner rug that is there. We both dozed until the other dogs stared wanting out at their usual time of 4:30.
Archie has been really good about letting me put his eye drops in twice a day — as long as he gets his Pot Roast treat afterward. He does love those!
Archie enjoying his truck ride with us.
Happy Tails, Sir Archie!
Archie laid over at The Spa for a couple of days after his transport.
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Blade has come a long, long, way from when he was picked up by Animal Control as a stray and labeled “super aggressive” by ACO and shelter staff. Don’t judge this dog by his past.
Last Updated: March 2, 2024
Base Info:
Arrival date: July 10, 2020
Breed: Malamute/Std Collie mix
Sex: Male
Age: Youth, Adult, Mature, Senior
Birth date: Guessing June of 2017
Weight: 71 pounds (Sept 9, 2020)
Neutered: Yes
Up to date on shots: Yes
General Health: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor
Temperament: Can be bull-headed (It’s a malamute thing) but now seeks affection.
Departure date: July 27, 2021 – Returned Aug 5th, adoption failed because he bit someone.
History
Brought to the Friends Animal Shelter of Cocke County by Animal Control, he was frightened and defensive. Most could not go into his kennel to clean. A shelter staffer, Autum, broke through his defenses and helped him be more accepting. Autum is my hero! She saved this beautiful boy’s life.
Blade’s Progress Summary:
Detailed notes on this foster dog’s progress are posted below the summary.
Commands:
Comes when called: Usually
Sits on command: Yes
Down / Off: Yes
Shake / Paw: Yes
Kennels on command: Yes, with a bribe.
Relational Behavior
Relates well to other dogs: Most dogs. Has issues with some male dogs.
Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Yes
Preferred style of play: chasing, wrestling
Is affectionate: With people he trusts
Is good with:
. Men: Less than with women.
. Women: Yes, he’s a ladies man.
. Children: Unknown. He’s big and can get rowdy in play. Small children might be at risk.
. Cats & Guinea Pigs: Yes
Jumps up on people: No
Mouths: No
Walks well on a leash: Yes
NOTE:
Because he bit someone and we don’t know why or how it happened, we cannot adopt him out again because it might happen again. Blade will remain here at Piney Mountain as a Forever Foster.
Gallery
I’m a roof-woofer!Are you coming out to play?Are we going to play The Game now?
Progress Updates
Detailed progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom. We put it all in here, good and bad, so you know what you would be getting into if you adopt this dog. It’s YOUR responsibility to read it.
June 27th
Blade is still at the shelter. He is not adoptable right now because of his fear and bad attitude. I’ve been going in a couple days a week to work with him and have made some headway, but Autum has been amazing with him!
A rescue said they would pull him, but then backed out. So he is again in need of a solution. I’ve committed PMFC to taking him so he doesn’t get euthanized.
June 29th
I went to visit Blade again. Autum has made great progress with him, he knows “sit” and “paw”, and will walk on a leash with her. He found that he HATES hats and loves Vienna Sausages. We have another dog in care who also hates hats because his former owner would take off his baseball cap and beat him mercilessly with it. Maybe something similar happened to Blade.
July 10
Friends Animal Shelter is supposed to be bringing Blade out to PMFC in their van with Autum riding with him to keep him calm. His room is ready and we are all excited to have him in residence where I can spend much more time with him.
And I have a supply of Vienna Sausages laid in!
July 29
We’ve been making some great progress in getting Blade to be more comfortable with Doug. He LOVES Marie and lets her do anything she wants with him. What got Blade to loosen up some was when Doug would go out into the yard with Marie and Blade and get Blade to play. Blade likes to play a game we call, Lunge, Snort, Run. He acts fierce, but when Doug repeats the behavior he runs off to do a lap around the yard.
Aug 6
Blade has gotten to where he expects me to play The Game with him every evening. He does seem to enjoy it and it encourages him to run himself to exhaustion. That helps him get in shape and he’s ready to go back to his room and rest when we’re done.
Marie and I took Blade for a truck ride the other day. Marie got in the passenger seat and I led him out to the truck. To his credit, he loaded right up into the extended cab. He rode well, looking around, occasionally poking me in the ear with his nose to say, “Faster, Doug,, faster.” But we were just going on a 4 mile jaunt around the block and our twisty, bumpy mountain roads do not lend themselves to high speed travel, so I took it easy to avoid stressing The Big Guy out by bouncing him around back there.
He was reluctant to get out when we got back home, he wanted to ride some more! This was a practice run. We’ll take him to the park-n-float park for an outing next, then we’ll take him in for neutering. That will have to be done at Friends Animal Shelter so Autum can help move him around to get him to and from his surgical procedure.
Aug 10
Blade is really good about holding his bodily functions until he is let out into the yard, so we let him out first at breakfast time. In the beginning he would rush out into the yard, run a few laps and mark a few trees until his bowels were ready, take care of that, then run to his room to eat breakfast. But lately he has made the morning run into something unique:
And in the evening, there’s nothing better than a belly rub in the grass from his favorite person after a rousing game of Huff-Snort-Run with that other guy who he sorta-likes — sometimes.
Aug 20
Blade s still devoted to Marie and will do anything she asks. He loves playing The Game with me in the evenings and he’s doing better at letting me pet him. Sometimes. Sometimes he just refuses. It’s not aggression at all – more playful refusal. But it is refusal to comply with my instructions.
Aug 25
Blade is becoming more compliant with me. More often than not he will agree to being bribed back into his room after a play session — so he’s getting more play sessions. He likes that.
Sept 9 – The Big Day
Today is the day we’ve been building for, planning out, and praying over for long time. Neuter Day. We have taken Blade for a truck ride before, and he enjoyed that. He trusts Marie and Autum and is compliant with them. Less so with me, although that has improved vastly in the last three days. Blade was NOT happy about getting no breakfast this morning, but he agreed to get into the truck as long as Marie was going along.
When we got to the shelter where the mobile vet clinic was working today, Blade got nervous. He does not like the shelter, he was confined here for far too long. So we stayed as far away from the kennels as we could.
Marie and I held him and distracted him while the vet tech gave him the first shot (in his butt, to relax him). That went unusually well. Then Blade and I sat in the back of the truck cab and I petted him and assured him that everything was okay. He was getting drowsy, bur refused to lie down.
15 minutes later Crystal came again with the IV anesthesia. Again I soothed him and held his head while she found a vein and injected him. Again, it went unusually well. This big bad boy is usually pretty combative about letting anyone touch him. Moments later, “fwoop” he was on the floor, out cold. Crystal scooped him up and carried him into the mobile vet clinic.
While he was having his surgery, Marie and I went to do a SAFER test on Siri, our next intake. Just as we were finishing that up, Crystal poked her head in the building and said, “He’s waking up, you want to come get him?”
I pulled our truck over behind the mobile clinic. Crystal tried to scoop him up, but he was awake enough to be having no part of that. “Uhh … do YOU want to try this?” I sidled in and encircled his chest, sliding him out of the door, Crystal got hold of his hips and we moved him gently over into the truck. He was pretty groggy yet.
We got him home without incident, but he was still too woosy to want to jump down out of the truck, and was not willing to let me “help” him down. So we waited.
When he was ready, he got down and staggered into the play yard. But instead of going to his room, he insisted on going out to lie in the grass. Marie stayed with him while I unloaded the truck and got him some ‘breakfast’, which he snarffed down. Groggy or not, he was HUNGRY!
Since then, Marie and I have been taking shifts sitting with him to console him and keep him from licking his incision. Later I fixed a 6″ pizza for him that we’ve kept in the freezer. I cut it into wedges and hand fed the whole thing to him. He enjoyed that and has been glaring at me less since then. I hope to get back into his good graces soon, because we need to get him out and socialized better so he can transport and go find a forever home.
Sept 10
Blade is letting me work with him again, and is complying with my requests in his own, Bladely way. Bribery helps. Blade likes playing with Blondie Bear. He’s pretty spry for a fella who just had his nads removed!
Sept 17
Blade was mad at me this morning. Breakfast was 2 hours late because Marie was sleeping and if I left the house Buddy Beagle would be screaming at me from the window that is right next to Marie’s side of the bed. Not conducive to rest. So I fed the inside dogs (and me) and the outside dogs had to wait until she got up to check her numbers. My plan was to slip out and do this quick so she could get back to bed. Blade had other ideas.
He ran around for a while, swinging by long enough to yell at me (he’s LOUD when he does that) then run off again. I thought maybe he wanted to play, so I went out and chased him around a bit. But an old dude, who is brain-dead from lack of sleep, running around on a grassy slope, in the rain is a recipe for painful injuries. So that did not last long.
I went back to standing by his door with his cookie and trying to not look at him, just stare off some place else like I don’t even know he’s there (but able to keep tabs on him in my peripheral vision. He’d come charging up, yell ferociously at me, sometimes bouncing his front end up and down for emphasis, than stalk off for a moment. And repeat.
I told him, “You’re the one in the rain getting soaked. Your tantrum isn’t affecting me: I’m nice and dry under this roof. Come get your cookie so you can dry off.”
He kept yelling. I finally understood what he was yelling about. I had disturbed his sleep when I brought Helo out to his kennel at 1:15 AM so we could leave. Helo probably yelled and howled most of the time we were gone, further annoying Blade. We got home about 4:00 I came out and retrieved Helo (who stood up and pounded me on my back in his own anger at me for leaving him) but did NOT bring breakfast, as Blade thought I should because his sense of time was messed up. So when I finally brought him breakfast, he thought it was lunch time and at lunch time he always gets a Vienna sausage as his reward for a successful potty run. I was offering him a mere cookie. A COOKIE! How ARE I?
So I went inside and got a sausage. I showed it to him and Blade went right in his room and I secured his door. I wish he’d explained that earlier!
Sept 25
Yesterday I let Siri out for her lunch time potty break. She was good, did her business (in the rain) and came right back to her room for her treat. She’s really settling down. Then I let Blade out.
Normally he will behave similarly. He takes a little longer, but comes back and goes into his room to get his Vienna Sausage (he loves those). But not THIS time.
Short version: after FOUR HOURS in the rain, a full can of Vienna Sausages and a slice of roast beef (as bait, which he didn’t get most of) he was still running in the rain, sopping wet, thirsty, and filthy — and yelling at me that he wants MARIE to put him up, not me. But Marie was at work.
Worse yet, I took her to work that morning. So she wasn’t coming home until I went and got her.
Eventually I left him running loose in the yard to go fetch Marie. When we got back, he was still in the yard. Marie went out, walked him to his room and he went right in.
Today he’s getting no lunch time potty break, he can just hold it until Marie gets home this evening.
GAH, what a bull-headed dog!
Oct. 13
We’ve made MUCH progress with Blade in his relating to me. He still loves to play the Chase Me game and will play any time I’m willing. Lately that has been on his lunch time play break because it’s getting dark early so the evening run is just a short potty break. When play time is over he consistently goes back into his kennel for me.
For the past couple of days it’s been raining — and he STILL went back in his kennel for me! I haven’t had to ask Marie to come out and help me with him in quite a while.
Also, when I let him out of his kennel I stand close by the door and as he runs past me I reach down and run my hand along his back as he passes. That always gets an “Oh no, you TOUCHED me!” reaction, but that is becoming less pronounced the longer I keep it up. And sometimes, when we’re both especially worn out after play, I can sit down and he will walk over and let me pet him under the chin.
Oct. 22
Blade is doing better at letting me handle him. He will now routinely let me pet him if I sit down and say, “come” … as long as he knows I have treats stashed near by. He has gone for a truck ride a couple of times and loves it. We tried again last night and he wanted to ride but would not let me clip on a leash, so in the end he got put back in his room and Siri went for the ride.
He will now reliably go back into his kennel for me after a play time. For a treat. No treat, he just yells at me. Blade has a LOUD voice.
He still likes Marie better than me, and will do most anything for her. But he and I are getting along much better now.
I’m a roof-woofer!
One of Blades more impressive new stunts as we play The Chase-Me Game is to circle around behind Blondie’s Playhouse Cabin and leap across to the roof. That’s not new he’s done that for a long time, but now instead of sitting down to look us in the eye as we interact with him he uses the cabin roof as a launching pad and goes sailing out over the grass. He gets some impressive hang times! I’d love to catch that on video.
Nov. 10
Blade has picked up a “thing” from his neighbor: Scout.
Nov. 26
Blade is becoming more compliant with me. He responds well to “come” and “in your room” and will let me pet him if I’m sitting down (to be less threatening). He’s getting close to being transportable.
Dec. 25
We have a very white Christmas — and Blade LOVES it:
Jan 17, 2021
There is not much new to report, but I felt I should post SOMETHING (and update the summary info above). Blade is still Blade. He loves Marie and will do anything she asks of him. He tolerates me and is compliant most of the time. But occasionally, and not always for any apparent reason, he will decide to be belligerent and refuse to go back into his room after a play session. He will only comply if Marie comes out to put him up. Sometimes I think it’s just because he misses her and this is how he makes her come out to visit.
Jan 25
For the past week Blade has been exceptionally cooperative with me. He has gotten to where I can let him out for potty runs at 6:00 AM and at 9:00 PM after Timber goes out, and he will go do his business and come right back. This morning he even did so in a heavy rain. In the past rain and/or dark always made him more rebellious. I am pleased and as a result he is getting more frequent yard play time because I don’t have to limit him to only when Marie is here to take over if he refuses to comply.
Feb 25
March 10
April 18
We had some folks over to do a meet-n-greet with Maggie, which we did on the sidewalk in front of the kennels, giving Blade a front row seat. After watching us all fawn over Maggie, Blade decided he wanted some of that action and started doing tricks for us. I let him out to run in the yard for a bit. He showed off with some of his athletic moves, came when called, sat on command, and went back in his “room” when told. One of the trio to came to meet Maggie decided that as soon as he got a house of his own, he WANTED Blade. He was an exceptionally good boy!
April 21
I went out to make the mail run, which includes stopping in at my Mom’s house to drop off her mail – she lives on one corner of our property. I got distracted by our discussion of world events.
When I went back into the fenced play yard I let Blade out for a potty run, forgetting that The Beagles had come out with me when I left the house. I realized the oversight when I saw Blade galloping after Josephine (AKA Delicate Little Flower, AKA Sharkey) who was running like mad to keep ahead of him. She did some dodging and weaving and doubling back. Being a Beagle, Dachshund mix she is quite nimble.
When he caught up to her, Blade reared up to pounce and Josie zipped out of the way at the last second (Blade is accustomed to playing with Blondie Bear, Blondie does not zip any more) and he came down on bare grass, glancing around, “Where’d she go?” while Josie snickered at him as she circled to stay out of sight behind him until she was ready to take off again. They played this way for quite a while.
Buddy Beagle got into it too, but his thing was to run after them, baying at them to calm down. Once he managed to get between them, and he turned sideways to Blade and bayed loudly, “Leave her alone!” Blade stood looking perplexed, “You’re scary for a little guy. I’m not sure what to make of you.” But then he walked around Buddy far enough to take off after Josie leaving Bad Bad Beagle Brown trailing behind again.
After a while everyone concerned got tired and thirsty. Blade went back to his room to get his beef stick and a drink, the Beagles came back in the house. Good play session guys, good play session! And Blade gets a gold star on Playing With Others.
May 31
Last night Marie had Blade were out in the yard. Blade saw something sitting in the yard: could have been a mouse, a rat, a chipmunk, who knows. He sauntered over to investigate. It (apparently) bolted through a gap in or under the skirting of the trailer. This is metal. Blade punched right through the skirting in pursuit! We don’t know if he caught his prey, but he did come back out once I pulled the bent up tin out of the way to make a hole he could get out of. I’ve never seen him do that before. Now he has a new game to play. (sigh)
I’ll use the panels of roofing tin I have laying around (used to be covers on lumber piles) to screw in over the old skirting to try and Blade-proof it. They’re both silver, so it should not look too awful, and is heavier than the skirting tin. For the time being I’ve placed a kennel panel over the damaged area, pinned it at ground level with rebar and propped it up with a fence post at the top. That will keep him (and all the other dogs) from using this gateway to a new playground.
Blade’s Playmates
Over the many months that Blade has been here his play style has evolved. He started out really rough and tumble. Blondie Bear (our biggest do other than Blade) would play with him some times, but just for a while, then tell him off and go sit in her watchtower. But recently has has mellowed and can scale his play to match his playmate. He and Luna play regularly. She a sturdy girl. He tried to play with Buddy Beagle once, but Buddy just said, “Go away boy, yer bothering me.” and Blade wandered off to find someone less curmudgeonly. He even played with our smallest, Josephine, once. He didn’t hurt her but his bounding ways intimidated her and she called it quits quickly.
Everly is small, but high energy. I’ve tried them together twice before, with a line on Everly in case it gets so rough it isn’t play anymore, and it has gone well. I brought the camera with me today. I needed to do some kennel maintenance first so I tried to catch them playing in the kennel. They saw my camera and were reticent.
July 18
Blade likes to wade in Pearls swimming pool, but he barely fit into that. We thought we’d see if he liked wading in some big water.
July 24
We’ve been working at grooming Blade the Sasquatch. He needs brushing every day, but is reluctant to let Doug do that most of the time. On occasion, Blade will submit; mostly not. Unless Marie is there. He will do ANYTHING for Marie! When she has time, we can do a team brushing and Blade is fine with that — as long as we don’t touch his tail. His tail is SCARED! Do Not Touch the Tail, knave!
July 28
Blade has moved out. I’m not sure I’m happy about that. In fact, I’m sure I’m not happy about that. Not yet. In time, but right now I miss him.
Jacqueline drove 4 hours and 25 minutes to get here yesterday evening. And a longer time to get home since she would need to incorporate potty breaks for Blade. She spent a couple of hours letting him get to know her. That didn’t go well at first (as in he yanked her off her feet and dragged her a ways on their first attempt at leash walking together), but he warmed up as they got acquainted. Especially when she broke out the taco dog snacks. Who doesn’t love tacos? Blade always has been a sucker for bribery.
Aug 2
Blade is doing great in his new home. He gets along with other dogs, small children, guinea pigs and CATS! He has decided he no longer likes to be outside (air conditioning has spoiled him). He goes outside to do his business and he’s right back at the door wanting to come back in. He’s a big cuddle bug and very sweet. He doesn’t like to be left alone and whines if his mom go to the bathroom and shuts the door.
I think he’s going to be fine here!
Aug 14
I received a message from Blades adoptive mom Aug 4th: She had been visiting with her daughter, son-in-law, and their two year old son. Toddler and Blade were sitting on the floor near each other while they all watched a movie. Blade bit the boy on the toe. Exactly what happened has not been determined, but Dad said, “Get rid of the dog or I’ll have him euthanized.”
So Doug and Marie drove to Clarksville TN on Thursday to retrieve Blade.
Because he bit someone and we don’t know why or how it happened, we cannot adopt him out again because it might happen again. Blade will remain here at Piney Mountain as a Forever Foster.
He did get spoiled, being a house dog for a week. And he has been especially belligerent with Doug since he got back – still fully compliant with Marie – but he’s settling in again to the routine here. Once a vacancy as a House Dog opens up we will try Blade for that opening. We have four full-time house dogs ranging from 26 pounds to 90 pounds. Five dogs in our small home is a full house indeed, especially if one of them is an enormous floof monster.
Want to help save lives? Everyone involved with PMFC is a volunteer, no donated funds go to salaries or benefits. We are 501(c)(3) – EIN: 84-3593563
Brought to the Friends Animal Shelter of Cocke County by Animal Control, he was underweight and his neck was raw from where some one had used a shock collar on him. He was adopted by a family who loved him and cared for him, but they did not have a fenced yard, and he was fond of going off on his own. Roscoe became too strong for them to leash walk, so they surrendered him back to the shelter.
While living with his family, his sibling was a small, sweet, Chihuahua/Pomeranian mix who couldn’t weigh more than 5 pounds. These two were the best of friends and would chase each other through the house and sleep on the sofa, nose to nose, at night.
Roscoe’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: chasing
Is affectionate: Yes
Is good with:
. Men: Yes
. Women: Yes
. Children: If trained to restrain his rowdiness
. Cats: Probably (see notes above)
Jumps up on people: Yes
Mouths: No Yes
Walks well on a leash: No
House Dog Training
Willingly enters his crate: Yes
Is calm/quiet while in crate: No (separation anxiety)
Flea/Tick preventative:
. Hartz Ultraguard date unknown
.
Heartworm preventative:
. Not given
.
NOTES:
.
.
Diet
Blue Buffalo Chicken & Brown Rice, 1½ cups AM, 1 cup PM
PMFC Peanut Butter Treats
Retriever Basted Beef Sticks
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
Progress Updates
Progress notes are listed below, in chronological order, newest at the bottom.
June 26th
He just arrived. He rode well in the transport box in my truck, he only fussed when I stopped for intersections, as long as we were moving he was quiet and still. He was eager to meet the other Huskies. Cyrus was unwelcoming at first, which confused Roscoe. They all settled down after a bit.
June 30th
Roscoe passed his health certification today. He is also a really good boy.
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4DX Test: 06/30/2020 by Cedarwood
. All 4 tests were NEGATIVE
Flea/Tick preventative:
. July 3 Fipronil topical
.
Heartworm preventative:
. July 3, Ivermectin oral, .4 ml
.
NOTES:
.
.
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
Adam is the more outgoing of this brother-sister team. They were in a large play yard when we came to pick him up. I’d met him a couple days ago to do a SAFER test on him. He was a little tricky to catch then. Today he came right up to me and let me slip a lead on him. He rode well once we got rolling. He settled into his room at PMFC immediately and was welcoming with the rest of our pack came parading by to say “howdy!”
He arrived only minutes ago, I’ll get pictures soon.
June 15th
We’ve had a couple of days to get to know this sweet fellow, and he to know us. He is quite bright, learning his commands quickly, He shows no interest in trying to go over the fence,although he loves running in the yard. When he’s done playing he races first to the back door of the house, wanting in, then he comes back to his room, kennels easily and sits for his treat. Such a good boy!
June 17th
A couple more days and Adam is settling in nicely. I still use a long lead when I let him out into the yard, but I let him run freely now, I’m confident he won’t cry to climb over a fence or pick a fight with any of the other dogs. He’s quite a gentle dog, actually.
June 23rd
I stopped using the safety lead a few days ago, Adam will readily come when I call him now and I’m not worried about him scaling a fence. He knows where the food come from, and get fed regularly.
July 3rd
Adam came through his surgery well and is recovering nicely. So far he has not been licking his incision so I have not re-coned him. Per my request, Cedarwood coned him after surgery, but he quickly kicked the come off – while going ballistic about wearing it. Once it was off, he went to sleep and remained calm.
Adam can be clear across the yard, or up on the back porch but if I call “Adam, COME!” he comes racing to me. What a good boy!
Adam and Cyrus have been sharing a kennel. They actually prefer it that way (they are siblings) and they get along just fine. I have to stay on station when I feed them. They each have a bowl and whoever gets done first will try to go after the others dish but there are no fireworks between them. I distract the first until the second is done.
Adam makes SUCH a fuss when he needs to go out in the yard. As long as I heed his demand, he will keep their room spotlessly clean.
Adam may have been exposed to Parvo while at Cedarwood for neutering. I have a Parvovirus test on hand and will test him on July 5th. So far he’s showing no symptoms.
July 14
No symptoms appeared, so I did not test. Adam goes for his Health Certification today so he can Transport on Thursday the 16th. He passed his Certification.
Sept 13
We got word today that Adam is being reunited with his sister and best friend, Luna (known to us as Cyrus). The family who adopted her has decided to adopt him as well. She looks very happy to have him back!
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Arrival date: Dec. 9, 2020
Rebel had some issues getting through NH state quarantine, but these were resolved and he went into a foster-to-adopt home. We are happy to report that Rebel has been officially adopted by that home and is happy and well cared for. He gets along famously with is “brother” Dax, too.
