~ Murphy ~

Ready for Adoption!

2011-09-19T15:08:00.001-07:00

Murphy is most likely a King Charles Spaniel Pekingese cross, and he's ready for adoption!

He will do best with a female owner who has a free day or two at the beginning to earn his love and trust. Once he's accepted you as his human, he will attach himself to you hook, line and sinker, and will look to you for protection and companionship. As long as you are nearby, he is a very happy little boy.

Murphy is a good worker. He will even take out the garbage for you. But only when you aren't around and only the good bits and only out of the garbage container. If he happens to find a delicious thing to eat while he's working (Kleenex is his favorite) he can run very fast from one side of the house to the other.

Murphy also still needs pee and poop supervision, and is best crated when left alone. For both these reasons, it's good that Murphy likes his crate and feels safe there, so there is no need to leave him unsupervised. He doesn't engage in either of these behaviors when with his humans.

He's leery of strangers and will bark madly and try to hide when they approach. But if his human is holding him, he's relaxed and happy no matter how many people are around. This could be because he was on bed-rest for a few weeks in early summer (more about that later) and he seemed to love being carried around - I think it's his 'happy place'.

In June, Murphy tried to hide under a moving car, and some of his parts were damaged. He walks on four legs and runs on three, and he can't wag his tail anymore. But he will never run away from his chosen human. The only time he doesn't come immediately when called is if he thinks you're going somewhere... and then he will sit like a stone beside the vehicle.

Conversation stopper

2011-06-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

You know when you're out walking your dogs and other dog walkers stop to talk about dogs and exchange pleasantries? If you ever get tired of that, put your dog in a stroller and take him to the off-leash area. No one will say a word. Sometimes the women initially get an 'oh, that's so cute!' look as they approach and then it suddenly changes into an 'oh god. She thinks its a baby' look and they speed up a little.

But it's either that or carry Murphy, because he really does want to go on the walks even if he can't join Iggy and Ginny on the ground just yet. I might end up carrying him - it's not so bad if I shuffle him from arm to arm periodically. And then people just think I'm one of those people who babies small dogs... but not literally.

Murphy

2011-06-12T05:38:00.000-07:00

I looked after Murphy for five days while he was between fosters. It was supposed to be only one day, but I kept him until the night before my regular foster was set to arrive. By the time I dropped him off, I was already wavering. But this is typical of me. I fall in love with most of them.

At first opportunity, Master Escape Artist Murphy found a space in his foster fence and squeezed through it and under the wheels of a moving car. His pelvis was broken and his tail was structurally separated from his body. He couldn't pee or poo, and expectations were that he would have to be put to sleep.

I went to see him almost every day, quite expecting each one to be the going to sleep day. At first he couldn't even lift his head, but he was always glad to see me. Some days I was a bigger mess than Murphy. I remembered Cesar Milan talking about making his last day with Daddy a happy one, so I tried to keep the messy ones to a minimum.

My friend Debra has a cat (whose name is also Murphy) whose elderly parts are faltering. When Murphy the Cat was constipated, Debra gave him a Reiki treatment and 20 minutes later he made a week's worth of poop all in one go. I thought, maybe that's what Murphy the Dog needs! So on Day 7, Debra came with me to the vet hospital. That was one of his bad days. I stood back and watched him instead of snuggling him as usual, and then I really wanted him put put to sleep.

The next night, though, Murphy was as good as I'd ever seen him. He still had a catheter and he still couldn't poo voluntarily, but he was his happy little self. The night after that, he climbed into my lap when I got there - I'm sure he would have wagged his tail madly if it were still connected to him. And the day after that, when I got home from work, I had e-mail that Murphy had gone pee and poo by himself, and he was ready to come home.

So Debra is The Poop Doctor, and Murphy is home. One of his back legs doesn't work very well and his tail just drags along behind him. But he poops and pees at will, and he's very happy.

He seems to have graduated from the crate at night to on the bed at night, because he makes it clear that he wants to sleep on the bed. He can't jump up by himself, but he circles the bed looking for an easy way up. And since he's such a good and quiet little fellow, I lift him up. What could be easier than that?

Murphy has an appointment on June 20 to find out if and when surgery will help him. Til then, we're just taking it one snuggle at a time.

The recovery room

2011-06-12T05:04:00.000-07:00

Here is where Murphy spent his first days at home. He wasn't allowed to walk, so we made sure the whole pen was full of bed. He was happy to lounge about - close to the kitchen so he could keep an eye on things, and close to the couch for frequent snuggling.

We thought Murphy was pretty secure in there, what with his gimpy back legs and all. But twice we came home to find him greeting us at the door. So now Murphy has to go into a crate when we leave.

Who says dogs can't look guilty?

2011-06-12T04:55:00.000-07:00

When he wasn't allowed to walk, we had little beds for Murphy throughout the house so he could always be with someone. Ginny is famous for curling herself up in the tiniest dogs' beds and crates, but this was extra cute.

Little Gardner

2011-05-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

Meet Chester!

2011-05-28T11:16:00.001-07:00

Chester arrived last Sunday evening. He weighs about three pounds, and when he runs in circles, his feet make a chka-chka-chka! sound, which we imitate verbally and that makes him run even faster.

He's a little cuddle bun, if you can imagine cuddling sticks. I'm going to buy him some canned food to see if we can put some weight on his bony little bottom.

Chester sleeps in a cat crate on my bedside table. He crawls in on his own and sleeps quietly all night. But he would not be happy if the crate were in a separate room. Like many small dogs, he chooses his favorite human (the one that is the biggest suck) but he also loves everyone else with great enthusiasm - humans, dogs and cats.

He knows that going out to the yard means 'time to pee and poo' and won't have an accident in the house as long as he's taken out regularly. However, he isn't at the stage yet where he asks to be let out.

We take him to the off-leash park with a very long leash and let him down to run free. But he only runs a few feet and then he runs back to see if anyone wants to carry him. He's going to be an awesome little friend for someone - very loving, happy and funny-looking. And he'll fit under your sweater or in your purse if you want to take him to the mall.

Who could ask for anything more?

2011-05-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

'I look better on blue. And on your lap.'

2011-05-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

'Pineapples are not my friend.'

2011-05-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

'No, I don't want down. No no no no no.'

2011-05-25T18:02:00.000-07:00

Bruno as a snow dog.

2011-04-14T18:04:00.001-07:00

... and as part of a snow ball.

2011-04-14T18:03:00.001-07:00

BATHTIME ... #1

2011-04-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

"Hold on - did you say bath?'

#2

2011-04-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

'Oh, I don't think so.'

#3

2011-04-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

'I am allergic to water! I will break out in spots!'

#4

2011-04-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

'Help! Help!'

And I think Charlie (in the background) was saying, 'Oh come on... ya big sissy!'

I had to lift Bruno into the tub, but he did seem less worried by the end of the bath. So maybe next time he'll be better.

Bruno says...

2011-03-16T19:51:00.000-07:00

'But I don't want to stay here. I want to stay over there with you.'

Ah, yes. Poor Bruno. He is learning to stay - by himself, as opposed to right beside someone. For some reason, he doesn't like to be left alone. And by alone, I mean more than a few inches away from his human. He can be fast asleep (or appear to be so) but as soon as I move he's on his feet, trotting along behind me.

Every night, he has slept in a crate in the living room. But on Monday when I started turning lights off he behaved for all the world like Lassie reporting that Bobby was trapped under a log by the river. He went into his crate as usual, but cried for most of the night. Yesterday I moved his crate up to the bedroom, and he slept like a baby once again.

This may be the wrong thing to do - one school of thought is that he should face his anxiety dead on. But this way, I get to sleep on it for a few nights while I make a decision.

Ready for Adoption

2011-02-27T06:26:00.001-08:00

Bruno has been here for just over a week, and you may be wondering if he's as sweet as he looks. He definitely is. He is very much a puppy, in spite of his size, and he does everything with great enthusiasm, including love-love-love his human!

He's very busy - if he's not out walking or playing with Ginny in the yard, he's chewing toys. One by one I took away Ginny's stuffed animals, because Bruno likes to eat the little eyes right off their faces. Yes, he swallows them - very quickly. And then he looks at me innocently as though there never was a button eye, but just a hole for un-stuffing. He's brought me many shoes, but so far he hasn't chewed one. I think he is confused by the lack of eyes.

We've been taking Bruno to the off-leash park with Ginny and Iggy. He's good on the leash even with other dogs around, but except for the first day I've just let him run free. He comes back every time I call or whistle. He has that small-dog affection for his primary human, and he's careful not to let me out of sight.

He travels well, but you need to be firm with him or he will crawl into your lap. He's figured out that the best spot is the back seat so that he can lodge his front half between the two front seats and travel with his head on my shoulder.

He also stays close in the house - wherever I am, he's close behind. He loves to snuggle, as though he's just a little guy instead of a 45-pounder taking up half the couch. I haven't let him snuggle on the bed because he's so good in the crate and I don't want to ruin that. I'm sure he'd be in heaven sleeping on his human's bed!

He must have some kind of herding animal in his heritage because he does that border-collie nipping. But I'n sure he doesn't have a mean bone in his body, and he is nipping less and less as we correct him.

If you want a sedate, quiet companion who will watch you from the far side of the room, Bruno isn't the dog for you! He interacts with me constantly - lying beside me while I work, following me from room to room, bringing me toys, giving me puppy-kisses or (if I sit down to watch TV) snuggling in beside me.

He is just the lovin'est, happiest dog you could imagine, and so much fun to have around.

Ginny says...

2011-02-23T16:37:00.000-08:00

'Hey! Did you not tell Bruno that these are my toys???'

Bruno and Oscar

2011-02-23T16:36:00.001-08:00

Until Oscar went home yesterday, he and Bruno were inseparable. The looked as though they were chewing each other to pieces, but they were happy as clams.

In fact...

2011-02-23T16:33:00.001-08:00

... don't they remind you of those two old men in the bank commercial?

2011-02-20T10:36:00.001-08:00

Please contact Pawsitive Match if you would like to meet Bruno.

Adorable Bruno

2011-02-20T10:03:00.000-08:00

Bruno came to stay with us on Friday night He's one of those dogs that may not be quite ready for adoption unless you have time for training, but he's as adorable as he looks.

I'm not sure how old he is - probably not more than a year, but for purposes of training he's about ten weeks old. A giant baby with no concept of rules.

To be fair, I must tell you that he has bitten someone, which is why he hasn't been adopted yet. But I can also tell you he's nothing but lovable. Puppies learn what hurts when other puppies bite down on them, and that teaches them to 'chew' without actually biting. Humans go on to teach them to only use their mouths very gently, or not to use their mouths at all. Whatever Bruno's background is, he seems not to have gotten any of these lessons.

Okay, so he didn't get any of the other lessons either.

He leaps into my arms when I sit down - he just comes sailing through the air from any direction. But when he should leap (into the truck, for example) he declines. On the first trip, I put him in the passenger seat, and by the time we were out of the culdesac he was in my lap like a 45 pound bichon-shitzu. I had to pull over and re-position him, and then just keep my arm in the way so he couldn't crawl back.

House training: Oh yes! says Bruno, I have that down. I can pee on anything! But he'll figure it out soon - we just have to catch him in the act a few more times.

Crate training: He gets an A. The + is missing because only because he needs encouragement to go in at bed-time, but once there he sleeps quietly all night. I put him in during the day just for practice while Don was home, and he howled a few times. I guess it's not so acceptable in the daytime when everyone else is awake. But today he went into the crate by himself to sleep, so he'll be fine.

Cats and dogs: Bruno is curious and bouncy, but so far that's all. Oscar (my favorite dog in the world, almost) is teaching him to play with wild abandon. And he respects the cat enough to know that something terrible might happen if he gets too close. (And it might!)

Sitting: I think Bruno knows what Sit means. But he takes a very long time to get around to it. The rules say you should not repeat your command. They hear you the first time and if you wait long enough they will obey. I find this is true in most cases, as difficult as it is not to repeat yourself. With Bruno, it can take as long as minute, with me waiting for him to sit before I put his food dish down. We stand and look at each other without blinking, and then finally he will sit down. Or - and this happens about 50% of the time - he will just wander away. It's as though he's having a little conversation with himself: How hungry am I? What is in that dish? Do I really care if I get some of it? Nah... maybe later. And off he goes.

And that's it for now.

The Big Picture

2011-02-20T10:01:00.000-08:00

What are you guys doing? Huh? Huh?

2011-02-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

Ginny knows from experience that the camera means attention, and she doesn't like to be left out of that! I was holding Bruno back with my feet (the only way to keep him far enough away to take a picture) and Ginny decided to squeeze in between the subject and the chair.

Bruno the Snuggler

2011-02-20T09:55:00.000-08:00

Oscar's Secret

2011-02-20T09:52:00.000-08:00

'Don't worry, Bruno. I know she says you have to follow the rules but if you play your cards right you'll have her twisted around your little paw in no time.'

Oscar's Secret +2

2011-02-20T09:50:00.000-08:00

'When I first got here she told me I had to sleep on the floor. But now I get to sleep UNDER THE COVERS!'

All about the little white tail deer

2011-02-05T06:13:00.001-08:00

Sis has come a long way from the skinny little frightened thing who thought no one would see her as long as she didn't move. Here is the scoop on this little dog, who is about 9 months old.

Leash training: when I first took Sis out on the leash she didn't want to be in the open and wouldn't willingly leave the house. But now she runs to the door with the big dogs at walk-time. She's responsive to the leash and heels naturally.

Crate training: completely crate trained, whether the door is open or closed. This little girl just loves to curl up and sleep, or watch the world go by from the warmth of her puppy blanket. She shows no anxiety or excitement upon being let out in the morning or when I come home after work - just stretches and yawns before wandering out to say hello.

House training: Sis goes to the door when she has to go. She hasn't pooped in the house since day 2, but her effort to notify us that she has to pee goes down with the temperature. The colder it is, the less time she will spend at the door, so it's important to keep an eye on her for the first while. It's pretty easy though - she lounges around almost all the time, so if she gets up it's either time to eat or pee!

Socialization: Sis is completely at home with dogs and cats - no fear or aggression with either. She is tentative with humans, though, and needs a gentle approach or she'll run away and hide. She'll let you know when she wants to snuggle, although it's a bit like snuggling a deer - all legs and elbows. She won't jump up on the couch or bed, but will put her front paws up and wait for you to notice that she's in snuggle mode.

Barking: no barking for Sis. She tries to bark, but it turns into a howl. Her crate is close to the front door and if someone comes in unexpectedly, she will howl (from inside her crate). But only once, so I think it's just a startle response.

Sis will be a great companion for someone who doesn't want a clingy or demanding dog. She is content to entertain herself with naps or a bone to chew on, goes into the crate with no hesitation and is happy with leash walks around the neighborhood for those who aren't dog-park people. She does likes car rides (cars are good for sleeping in, you know!)

To meet Sis, contact Pawsitive Match.

Can you see me?

2011-01-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

Sis has come a long way this week and has filled out a lot. But still a bit timid - this morning she went for her first walk with the big dogs. She had to be lifted into the truck and out of the truck because the world is Such a Dangerous Place you know!

I got one of those Easy Walk harnesses, which keeps her front legs moving forward even when her brain is on full stop. After a few minutes her nose got the better of her, though, and then she was either beside me or in front of me, helping Iggy investigate all the new smells.

She's quite the nap dog. She spends most of her time watching the world from one of her many beds - the couch, the chair, the dog cushions, Ginny's crate or (Sis' favorite) the human bed. She sleeps on a dog bed at night.

I think we're safe to say she's now house-trained. She goes to the door when she wants out, and hasn't had an accident for five days in a row.

We were leaving her in the x-pen when we went out, but last time we did that she was asleep on the couch when we got back. So now we crate her - it's often just a matter of closing the door because she's already in it.

I think she needs a puppy to play with - she's almost too laid back. I mentioned that to Don and he got his worried look.

Day 2 for Sis

2011-01-16T20:04:00.001-08:00

She's coming around slowly. Her favorite dog in the house is Iggy, so no one has played with her yet. When Sis comes up to him, her little stump of a tail wags like mad and she turns her head away. As soon as Iggy barks, she skitters back to her bed. Iggy thinks he's very powerful.

Sis isn't house-trained yet. When her feet hit the snow, her brain switches from 'I have to pee!' to 'I have to find a warm place to curl up!' She is happy to pee and poo inside where there is no snow. So we'll start from the beginning as though she were a new puppy.

She comes out to her food dish to retrieve one piece of food at a time, takes it back to her bed to eat, and then sneaks back for one more. At first I thought she would gain confidence by having to come out for food. But it didn't seem right - only an outcast would have to steal it one bite at a time. So I put the dish right beside her bed and sat down with her while she ate. She seemed to like that idea, and turned over to let me pet her tummy when she was finished eating.

I've been sitting with her on the couch, and when I stop petting her she reaches out and licks my hand. But that's the extent of her coming forward for affection.

Leash training will come as soon as it warms up. So far, she's good as long as you're going in the direction she was hoping to go anyway. But a few walks with the other dogs and she'll have the hang of it.

Sispup

2011-01-16T20:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, Demitri has been adopted! And here is Sispup.

Okay, her name is actually Sis, but I won't call her that in case someone who adopts her wants to change it. 'Sis, sit' just doesn't sound right.

Pup is about 9 months old, and she may have had a bit of a rough life before she was rescued. Her little tail (and I really mean 'little', because half of it is missing) is still tucked up against her bum. And she doesn't look like a puppy - but that wil come.

Once the weather warms up (tomorrow!) and Pup comes out of her shell (also tomorrow!) she'll have to give up her 'I can't pee when I'm cold and scared.' excuse.

Awww...

2011-01-02T14:55:00.000-08:00

No, Demitri is not adopted! It was close, but he would have been alone a little too long during the days. In every other way, it was a perfect match.

Demitri is:
house trained
leash trained
joyful about walks
quiet
happy
gentle
snuggly
young (but not so young that he will eat your shoes!)

Contact Pawsitive Match to set up a meeting - you won't be sorry. He really is as sweet as he looks.

Iggy: Another Near-Death Experience

2011-01-02T10:49:00.000-08:00

Iggy: 'Open the door.Open the door now. I'm serious. I need to have the door open.'

Demitri: 'Wow! I've never slept this close to Iggy before. He must be starting to like me!'

'No, I did not eat the cat.'

2010-12-29T12:52:00.001-08:00

'I was just getting ready for my Mona Lisa pose.'

2010-12-29T12:50:00.000-08:00

The Danger Zone

2010-12-27T12:50:00.000-08:00

This picture explains the terrible predicament I'm in.

I am fostering Demitri only temporarily while his regular fosters are away for Christmas. And since I'm home now until January 3 and Demitri is only here until January 2, I decided it would be fine to take a second foster. By the time I go back to work we'll be back to one (the Maximim Allowable Limit when I'm not here to look after them during the day).

So I added Sal to the mix (more about Sal here )

But now I just know I won't be ready to part with Demitri by January 2, and Sal is pretty adorable too. So in the in the back of my brain a solution is swishing around like a stew of dangerous chemicals: If you adopt Demitri, you will only have one foster.

The sense of this is apparent only to me, and it would be especially nonsensical to husband Don. I've been here before and I've made it through two years without adopting. But if someone doesn't come forward pretty quick for this little brown and black bunny, he will need to be pried out of my arms.

Demitri and Little Sal

2010-12-27T12:40:00.000-08:00

These two are quite the buddies. Neither of them really knew how to play when they first arrived, but gradually they're learning just because it's so much fun to chew on each others ears and legs and toys. Although Demitri isn't a puppy anymore, he has at least as much energy as Sal, so they keep each other busy.

Demitri the snuggle-bunny

2010-12-22T09:37:00.000-08:00

Ah yes. Sooner or later it all comes down to doggies on the bed. Especially those little ones.

Demitri has been sleeping in his bed every night. Mind you, it's within arm's reach of my bed, so he's not lonely or anything. But last night while I was reading, he got up, skittered away to take a run and then jumped up beside me. I would have pushed him off. I should have pushed him off. But he snuggled up and heaved a big sigh, and I was powerless.

Don: 'What are you doing on the bed?'
Demitri: blink. blink.

And that was the end of the conversation. That's why so many little dogs sleep on their owner's beds. They're just so nice to snuggle with, and whenever you wake up there they are, like a living, breathing teddy bear.

Just in case you want to pet my tummy...

2010-12-19T20:29:00.000-08:00

Demitri does everything upside down. This frustrates Ginny endlessly because she wants to play, and Demitri only knows three games:

1. Turn upside down.
2. Jump on Ginny to get her attention. Turn upside down.
3. Jump on a human to get its attention. Turn upside down.

This isn't a submissive thing - Demitri just likes to have his tummy scratched!

I forgot to mention that Demitri slept outside the crate last night - on his little bed beside our bed. He was quiet all night long, and wasn't ready to get up in the morning. So he won't be one to make you get up early - he'll sleep as long as you can (probably upside down!)

Even on the walk today he turned upside down - his feet were cold. I had to turn him right-side-up and then run so he would follow me. Once he got going, though, he forgot about being a sissy.

Demitri (Prince Charming)

2010-12-18T20:48:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I do love them all. But don't let my bias get in the way of meeting this little guy if you're looking for a small dog companion. He is SO sweet.

24 hours later, and I think he has stopped peeing on things. No, not because I taught him anything - he's just settled in and doesn't feel the need to claim territory any more. I don't think he'll have any problems in the long run - whoever adopts him will just need to watch him closely for the first day or so, and then he'll be fine.

Demetri is so much fun to look after. He goes into his crate to sleep (all by his little self!) and otherwise just putters around during the day. He does like to be close to his human, but there's no crying if he has to be left alone. I let him have the run of the house today even when I was cleaning on a different floor. He came to find me once in a while, but didn't seem anxious at all. And I didn't find any wet spots this afternoon!

Jack (the cat who likes fabric) has been his usual good self, coming close to sniff Demitri and rub up against him. It's very difficult to chase a cat who just wants to say hello!

Last night Demitri slept on the main floor in his crate, but tonight I'll put his bed up in our room and see if he sleeps just as quietly. I think he will, because look at this:

I took the bed out of the crate and he's fast asleep beside me.

I have this theory that sleeping in the human den helps a timid dog bond with its pack, which begets security and confidence. Don (patient husband) has this theory that I would have ten foster dogs if he would allow it and they would all be sleeping on the bed.

Demitri is a Pawsitive Match dog.

Psssst... Ginny....

2010-12-18T07:49:00.000-08:00

Don't tell your mom, but I just peed on the chair leg. Does that mean it's mine?

The newest arrival

2010-12-18T07:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, Zarita has been adopted!

And here is Demitri - a little long-haired dachshund whose foster family is going away for Christmas. Not that he minds! As with all fosters, Ginny welcomed him in and took over as Big Mama Play Pal. Right now they're sleeping side by side. Iggy is sleeping too, but plastered against the front door so he can break out if the alien comes near.

So far what I can tell you about Demitri is this:

1) he's a little bit shy and if I move too fast he shrinks away. So I've been moving fast quite frequently and then petting him and fluffing up his ears.

2) this one should have come first but I'm breaking you in gently. He likes to pee on things. What sorts of things? you ask... well, I asked him that and he said, 'What have you got?' So I'll be giving him lots of opportunities to pee on things while I'm with him, and no opportunities when I'm not.

3) he's quiet, crate trained, and slept quietly all night.

4) he loves walks (don't they all!) I let the leash drag in case I had to catch him, but he's all ears and comes back as soon as he hears his name. He was good with all the other dogs we met. When a puppy jumped on him, he said, Woof! Get OFF me! but he wasn't aggressive and the puppy just jumped on him again.

Demitri's habit of peeing on things probably also accounts for his shrinking back with fast movements - he may have been swatted a few times in a past life. But he doesn't need swats. His Stop Peeing Instantly button is activated whenever he hears 'hey!' I will keep you posted on this one, as it's the only behavior that keeps him from being completely adorable.

Wanna play?

2010-11-28T18:28:00.001-08:00

Here is Zarita trying to talk Iggy into playing. And Iggy pretending to be deaf, dumb and blind.

Zarita had a good day, although I had to swat her with my mitten a couple of times (no, it didn't hurt) because she got a little bossy at the dog park. Over-confident, you might say, but it only lasted for a short time. She learns very quickly.

She's a complete snuggler - I had a headache this afternoon and layed down for a nap with her nestled into my shoulder. She was pretty happy with that. And last night - no crate. I put her bed beside ours on the floor, and she curled up in it and slept all night. What a little sweetheart.

Jack. God of All Dogs.

2010-11-28T18:22:00.000-08:00

Note the evil 'make my day' look in his eyes.

And here is Zita. Post-Swat.

2010-11-28T18:21:00.000-08:00

Things Zarita is Learning

2010-11-27T16:20:00.000-08:00

1. I am not allowed to roughhouse indoors.
2. Iggy does not want to play with me. Not in the house or in the yard or on a train.
3. You don't get to change packs during the walk.

I have Zarita because her foster parents are going on vacation.

She's only 8 months old, so she has lots of energy to burn off with daily walks and playtimes. Last night (without a walk) I tried to keep her close by putting a leash on her while I watched a movie. When the leash went slack, I reached down to pet her for finally relaxing. But all I had was part of a leash. Zarita was happily trotting off to find Iggy. So much for that lazy human idea.

No matter how many puppy bounces she made, Iggy refused to look at her. So she kept Ginny busy, and then made a whole bunch of friends at the dog park this morning. It took us a long time to get around the loop. Zarita wanted to go home with everyone she met. Toward the end, I think she began to realize that all dogs stay with the packs they come with.

Because it's the weekend, I don't know what Zarita will be like without one-on-one attention, but this is what I know so far:

Housetraining: she had one accident shortly after arriving. It wasn't an accident, really - she had a drink and then squatted on the mat by the door. I yelled, hey! and she immediately stopped. If she could talk, she would have said, 'My keen doggy nose tells me this mat has been peed on at least 7 times by 7 different doggies. How was I to know?'

Hardiness: In spite of being tiny and delicate (20 pounds) she's tough. She loves to romp in the snow and stays outside with Ginny for long stretches.

Independence: She's confident with other dogs and people, just loves everyone. She isn't clingy - right now she's about ten feet away, stretched out on the floor. If I leave the room, she will get up and follow me, but with no sense of hurry. This is very good for only having been here for 24 hours.

Crating: She slept on the main floor in a crate last night, and fussed for a short time when I first put her in. She woke up at some point during the night, but I think she was just nervous because she was sleeping through the night at her previous foster home. I expect she won't need to be crated at night in her forever home. She likes to lay on Ginny's bed (in our bedroom) and I think she would be fine there.

Leash Walking: She treats the leash as a minor irritation ('I'm going really fast but nothing is happening!) She is easy to train though--very responsive, and always trying to figure out what you want.

Cats: Jack the Cat isn't a good indicator because he likes dogs and won't run away from them. But Zarita seems normal around him--curious and 'sniffy' but no aggression.

I hope Zarita is chosen by a family with children and/or companion dog(s), because she loves everyone and it would be a shame to waste all that love on one person. Although tiny, she's smart like a big dog, and I can't imagine that she would ever bite anyone. A very sweet, gentle little girl with soft-like-a-bunny fur.

If you have any questions about her or would like to meet her in person, please feel free to leave me a message here or contact me through Pawsitive Match.

September pUpdate

2010-09-01T20:02:00.001-07:00

Current foster news is at http://123dogspot.blogspot.com

Conversations with China

2010-07-31T12:06:00.001-07:00

I only have him for the weekend until his full-time foster is back, so we've had lots of conversations in a short time. Here are some of them:

Upon meeting:
Me: China! You're so cute!
China: Shhhhh! China is a name for girl dogs! Call me Leo.

When I snuggled him and petted his neck.
Leo: Grrrrrrrr.
Me: Are you growling at me???
Leo: No. I do that when I'm happy. You know - like a cat purring.

When he peed on Iggy's food bench:
Me: No!
Leo: Grrrrrrrr.
Me: Are you purring?
Leo: No. This time I'm growling. I don't like being told no.
Me: Get used to it, buddy.

As we drove to the dog park, Leo on my lap with his head mashed into my armpit.
Me: Leo ... what's wrong?
Leo: I can't talk right now.
Me: While you're down there, can you find out why my shirt is all wet?
Leo: Um... there is a little dog in here who doesn't like car rides. They make him slobber.
Me: Ah. What's his name?
Leo: China.

When we went for a walk, and Leo ran and ran and ran.
Me: Leo!
Me: Leo!
Me: Leo!
Me: You little shithead. Are you deaf?
Leo: Oh, were you talking to me? My name is China, silly!

If you are thinking about adopting a little guy like this, China/Leo is worth checking out. He's calm and friendly with humans and other dogs, and he doesn't have that small-dog clingy feature. I went for groceries this morning and left him sleeping on the couch. When I got back, he was sleeping on the couch - I don't think he even knew I left.

He seems to be crate-trained. I made him sleep in a crate last night (by my bed) because he was stinky from the flight. He whined for about 30 seconds, and then slept the whole night through. Tonight he can sleep on the bed if he wants to, because he's had a bath.

He did well on the walk this morning. I left the leash on him and just let him run with it dragging behind. It isn't that he runs away - he just likes to trot along as fast as his legs can carry him, and he isn't shy about getting far ahead. I'm sure that as he feels more connected to his pack he will stay closer. (And when he learns his name - he doesn't answer to Leo or China).

I don't think he's had a chance to be house-trained yet, but very close - he's only had one accident, and even that wasn't an accident. He did it completely on purpose.

"Crochet? Is that French for 'toy'?"

2010-06-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

Bebe arrived last night, and she is in the 'good doggie' category. She's very calm and quiet, crate-trained, leash-trained and house-trained.

Okay, that last one is a lie. But all the others are true. And once she is house-trained, she'll be close to perfection. She's about 3 months old, part German Shepherd and part Rhodesian Ridgeback.

This morning Bebe went for a walk with the big dogs and stayed at my heels the whole time - just making sure she wouldn't be left behind. Now she's asleep... in her crate of course!

For more information about adopting Bebe (or other dogs who need forever families) visit the Pawsitive Match website.

PAZZO - ADOPTED

2010-06-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

This little guy arrived last night, so we're still learning about him. So far, we know he's really cute and cuddly, and he likes to sleep in dark little corners. This means he will be easy to crate train - he slept in a crate last night, and as long as he was close to a human he didn't cry. Just a whimper now and again. But when I put him in another room, you would have thought the sky was falling! That only lasted for a minute because I don't think puppies should be left alone until they're ready. Or is that until I'm ready? Oh well, one or the other.

Right now Pazzo is asleep on the couch under two cushions I pushed together to make a tee-pee. He passed out in 3 seconds flat - this is the life!

Pazzo has tentatively been adopted, and if everything goes according to plan, he will go home with his new forever family on Friday evening.

Puppy Room Makeover

2010-05-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

Scroll down for pictures of Maggie and her puppies.

For puppies we are now fostering, see http://www.123dogspot.blogspot.com

Maggie, the 2nd Best Dog in the World

2010-04-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, so she is the Best Dog in the World, if I add up all her traits and stack them against Ginny's. Here are all the things you can do to Maggie, and she lies quietly like a little lamb for each one of them.

1. give her a bath
2. blow her dry
3. cut her nails
4. brush her
5. brush her teeth
6. carry her like a baby
7. tell her to get off the bed

She, too, is available for adoption, although most of the human pack isn't very happy with me about that.

Banjo and Poombah

2010-04-25T07:28:00.001-07:00

Banjo

2010-04-25T07:27:00.002-07:00

Zulo

2010-04-25T07:27:00.001-07:00

Beanie Baby

2010-04-25T07:26:00.002-07:00

Sweet little Squidgy

2010-04-25T07:26:00.001-07:00

Poombah

2010-04-25T07:25:00.003-07:00

Hubble

2010-04-25T07:25:00.001-07:00

Iggy says ...

2010-04-25T07:23:00.001-07:00

"That's right, Maggie. Eat that puppy. It's bad. It's in my yard. It's small and it wiggles. I don't like it."

Ginny and her foster babies

2010-04-25T07:22:00.002-07:00

IGGY THE BRAVE

2010-04-25T07:22:00.001-07:00

1. Why is there a puppy in my yard? How can I pee now? Where will I poop?

2010-04-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

2. Be warned, evil puppy. I am dangerous!

2010-04-25T07:19:00.002-07:00

3. If you don't go away I will eat you.

2010-04-25T07:19:00.001-07:00

4. Mo-om!

2010-04-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Frizzle learning about grass

2010-04-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

Where the term "pup tent" came from

2010-04-25T07:10:00.002-07:00

Hubble and his Mamma

2010-04-25T07:10:00.001-07:00

Squidgy and the Shoe

2010-04-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

Ginny teaching MaggieDog to play

2010-04-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

Iggy the Brave

2010-04-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

Hubble

2010-04-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

Hubble rhymes with trouble for a reason. He is, I think, the dominant member of the pack. Always clamoring the loudest for attention, loves to go on explorations, the biggest, fluffliest, noisiest, cutest big fat bunny. He will need a good pack leader!

Hubble #2

2010-04-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

This pose says it all!

Banjo

2010-04-23T18:28:00.000-07:00

Banjo is the gentle one, always coming forward in a calm, friendly way. He seems like a perfect puppy to me.

Banjo #2

2010-04-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

Little Beanie Baby

2010-04-23T18:22:00.002-07:00

The smallest girl, Beanie is one of my favorite favorites. She does a smack'em game with her front paws when she's excited, as though she's flattening mice one after the other. Absolutely a sweetheart.

Beanie #2

2010-04-23T18:22:00.001-07:00

Frizzle

2010-04-23T18:20:00.002-07:00

Frizzle looks almost exactly like Banjo, except whiter. He's also one of the gentler males.

Frizzle #2

2010-04-23T18:19:00.002-07:00

Kao

2010-04-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

Kao is the only black male. He's bigger and fluffier than his sisters, and not pushy. Just a quiet, snuggly little man - one of my favorites.

Never mind that I have eight favorites.

Kao #2

2010-04-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

Poombah

2010-04-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

Poombah is fluffy and cream colored, absolutely beautiful. He seems gentle and quiet and is easy to snuggle.

Poombah #2

2010-04-23T18:10:00.000-07:00

Squidgy

2010-04-23T18:06:00.000-07:00

Squidgy was originally green, and now he's almost white. The smallest of the boys, and always wanting to be the center of attention. Wherever you look, Squidgy is there! A very sociable, happy little cutie.

Squidgy #2

2010-04-23T16:21:00.001-07:00

Zulo

2010-04-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

Zulo is a female, and we tell her apart by the little white spot on her chest. (Kao has one too, but he's bigger and a boy). Zulo is quiet and doesn't push for attention - she hardly gets noticed among all the others.

Zulo #2

2010-04-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

Publish Post

Morning report

2010-04-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

This is really working. So far, all the poops and pees have been made in the end of the pen where they belong. It's a bit noisier having them here, because they keep crashing into the x-pen walls when they play. But right now. they're all asleep and blissful.

Someone is coming this morning to help me take their pictures for Sunday's adoptathon, and I'll post them here also.

pUpdate

2010-04-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

The puppies are now in a newer, more improved puppy house. I removed half the carpet in my office, got a second x-pen and some cheap linoleum. I put the linoleum down on the bare wood, hooked the x-pens together, put in three crates and some toys at one end, and a pee-pad at the other end. There is room to play in the middle and if they poop in the middle I will not be pleased.

Then one by one I gave them a bath, dried them off and put them in the new house. Somehow I imagined they wouldn't poop in their new clean house, but someone proved me wrong right away. However, I can now just move the x-pen so that the poop is outside the fence! What a difference! I used to have all eight of them trying to climb up my legs while I scooped, and someone would always fall in.

Once they were all moved, I rolled up the tarp. I didn't even clean up the poop first, or the toys that had poop on them. I just rolled the whole thing up together, put it in a garbage bag and took it outside. Then I held my breath (not really, I can't smell anything anymore) and removed the carpet. I can just imagine how good the house smells now! Or at least how not bad. I'm pretty excited about the whole thing, because I'm going to paint the walls before I put the new floor down, and I do love color.

So I feel a lot better now that this task is complete. And I think the puppies like their new house.

Mo-om... look what Kao did!

2010-04-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

And he really did! And I was pleased. That's because I could just pick up the food dish and wash everything down the toilet instead of trying to clean it up with half a roll of paper towel.

I am happy to report that most of the poops aren't quite this soup-like anymore.

Squidgy again

2010-04-22T20:35:00.001-07:00

There seem to be a lot of Squidgy pictures, but he's just so cute! Check out that cute little sit posture!

Squidgy having breakfast in bed

2010-04-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

You can't tell from the picture, but he has the dish tipped on its side so he can lay down and eat to his heart's content. That white stuff is rice, not worms.

A pile of puffies

2010-04-22T20:32:00.002-07:00

Squidgy

2010-04-22T20:32:00.001-07:00

Hubble crate training himself

2010-04-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

2010-04-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

From left to right: Banjo, Hubble, Zulo, Beanie (the noisy one) and Squidgy. 5:30 a.m. Flock of hungry seagulls.

If anyone was mortified ...

2010-04-20T06:04:00.001-07:00

... by the POOP, T.A.R.P and DON trilogy, don't be. Imagine owning a car about which you say, 'if this thing breaks down one more time I'll just haul it to the dump.' That's the carpet. Including our own two dogs, it has seen 31 puppies and 2 dogs, and only one of them (Bender, bless his dear little fluffy heart) did not deposit something somewhere at least once. Cleaning it has become like sweeping a gravel road.

I'm looking forward to getting rid of the carpet, but I'm also already trying to figure out where I will put the next batch of puppies afterward. I'm sure logic (Don) will prevail on that issue!