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Tag Archives: dog rescue

3.20.12 “Sit” “Come” “Break”

20 Mar

Notice that the dogs are off leash while I am taking this picture,  It is the first time that we took a walk together into the deep woods.  And now, with the daily training that I have been doing with both the dogs (Sofie on the e-collar and Lulu on the Clicker & treats), they are actually at a point where I can drop the leash and even Sofie stays where she is placed.  OMG!!!!  What a pleasure.  In only 2 weeks I have really seen an incredible difference.  Sofie is coming in from the yard when called, she is much more attentive, and seems to be calmer over all.  Last week we worked on “Sit,” “CalmCome,” and “Break.”  (I just made a Fruedian slip and wrote “Calm” instead of  “Come,” until I just edited it. LOL )  This week we added the “Place” command. I like “Place,”  it is going to really help me to have them sit on towels at the door instead of go charging into the house with muddy paws.  Now don’t think that I am kidding myself that these two angels won’t go charging off after a ‘SQUIRREL!!!!!’ or a fox, but at least I have a chance for Sofie to return. And I want to give a shout out to Sofie’s trainer John Poole, who is starting his own company and actually has created his own WordPress site, LizzasK9Training.  So far, so good with my little SoSo (Sofie Bear).

What was that noise? Can we chase it?

Just another DogDaz morning at our house ❤

 
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Posted by on March 20, 2012 in Dogs

 

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3.18.12 Louise, The Shy

18 Mar

Louise's Adoption Photo
March 2010

We adopted Louise in April 2010, when she was about 6 months old.  I decided that her birthday would be Oct 31, 2009 so she could be my Halloween Dog.  Squash E Bear was starting to really slow down by then and he was totally blind. I thought that getting a companion might help him on our walks and keep him company. I went on http://www.PetFinder.com and other dog sites and started to look for my next love.  After several false starts (one being a shelter adoptee that bit me and Squash the first night she was here), I was ready to give up.  Late in March we stopped in PetCo to buy guinea pig food on a Saturday and happened upon an unexpected adoption fair.  I was immediately attracted to this medium size male dog with long hair (like Squash’s), but the rescue leader tried to talk us into this very fearful little black labby thing.  I never thought about a black dog before, or a lab, and I was not interested in a short haired dog (I like the furry kind).  We took Louise for a little walk and she was timid and fearful. I really was not interested. After a while her foster family came to pick her up and I saw a different dog emerge.  She jumped on the kids and was really happy to see them.  We talked to the foster and went home to think about it.

As you can see from the adoption picture above, Louise was not in the best of shape when rescued.  They were having trouble placing her because people were scared off by the condition of her skin and her shyness, When you rescue an animal, you don’t know a lot about their beginnings. I was told that she was rescued with her sister, Thelma, at about 4 months old. The rescuers (MJ’s Sanctuary) went down to pick up a bunch of dogs from a kill shelter in North or South Carolina (that is where Maryland gets a lot of dogs) when 2 men drove up with 2 puppies in the trunk.  The rescue team tried to talk the men into releasing the dogs to them but these guys did not want to, so the team kind of liberated the dogs somehow before they could be taken into the shelter.  Hence her name, “LOUISE” (from the great liberation movie, “Thelma & Louise“).   I figure Lulu’s Mom was maybe a hunting dog who got pregnant and gave birth in a barn. Somebody put flea collars on the pups and threw some food at them but I don’t think they interacted much with them because she appeared to not be socialized to people, and definitely not to males. The flea collar was embedded in her neck and her skin was covered with terrible dry mange when they rescued her and she shied away from everyone.

Lulu trying to cuddle with Squash
April 2010

I decided that I would spend some time with Louise and see how it work with Squash.  As you probably figured, it did not take long for me to fall in love.  Though it has taken 2 years of work (which continues) to help her over the anxiety of life, I could not have been chosen by a better dog.  Today she is a loving and special girl, with a shiny coat and adoring eyes.

image

Louise Today
March 2012

Just another DogDaz morning at our house ❤

 
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Posted by on March 18, 2012 in Dogs

 

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3.14.12 A New Way For Sofie

14 Mar

No! I will not do what you say ! No No No No No!

Last Saturday, I started a new type of dog training with Sofie.  Two weeks ago she ran all over the neighborhood in the pouring rain (I dropped her lease while coming in from the car) and I realized that I need a better way to get her attention. Nothing I have tried for a year has worked,  Treats don’t work –  she is not terribly food motivated (and she actually gives her cookies to Louise).  The Clicker didn’t work – maybe for the same reason, even with high value treats like real chicken.  We have started the training they use for military and sporting dogs, called SportDog e-collar technique.  My trainer, John, was really happy to have a ‘normal’ everyday dog like Sofie, instead of the larger Rottweiler, Pitt, Shepard, or Mastiff clients he usually has.  Though Sofie was her usual stubborn, hard-headed self, she showed considerable progress her first day. I tried the collar on me and it was a vibration type feeling (actually, I do not feel it at all until level 3 and for Sofie I am mostly using level 1).  I hope that you will not judge me, I really tried everything else for the last year.

I know that it is really up to me to train my dogs.  I never blame the animals for not obeying commands.  If they do not follow commands that really has more to do with my lack of leadership than their lack of anything.  They are dogs, I am the human.  I have been told you have to repeat a command as many as 1,000 times before the dog reliably gets it.  I am the one that tires out before completing the training.  Dogs do not have gray areas; they are black or white.  They respond or they don’t.  I am gray.  I am not consistent.  I let both the dogs push me around and because of that, I think that I have allowed them to become unsafe.  Having a dog that runs into the street and does not respond is a safety hazard for them and a fear factor for me.  Allowing Sofie to bark at everything or totally destroy my yard is also not acceptable.  I was able to get Louise to stop barking using a lot of positive reinforcement but that method has failed with Sofie.

My wonderful little Sofie is with me 1 year this week (Yah!).  I know she can be a well behaved and respectful member of the pack, but right now she is the most strong willed 40 lbs of dog that I have ever encountered.  I will keep you updated on how the progress goes.  Wish us luck.  Now I am on my way outside to work on Come, Sit, and Break.  Just another dogdaz morning at the zoo. ❤ 

 
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Posted by on March 14, 2012 in Dogs

 

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3.10.12 I Miss You Big Guy

10 Mar

Squash E Bear

Today is a day that I tend to reflect on things that I have lost.  When I was 10 years old, my house burnt down on March 10.  When I was 40 years old, my Dad went to the Great Meadow in the Sky on March 10.  So, today, I am thinking about one of the great loves of my life who is gone, Squash E. Bear. It was a year last month that he left us.  He was one of the most incredible dogs in the universe.  I miss you big guy!

Sometimes you have an animal in your life that is just, well, different then the other animals.  Some bond that is deeper, or wider, or some how more intense.  That was me and my big guy.  A twice a day insulin diabetic (yes, I gave him his shots for years), I became his eyes when he no longer could see, and he was my heart and soul.  Just another dogdaz morning at my house. ❤ 
 
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Posted by on March 10, 2012 in Dogs

 

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2.1.12 5:41: Wiiiiiiiii

01 Feb

Since I am on the road and can’t see what is going on at the zoo, I thought I would take a trip down memory lane, hope you don’t mind.  So I went through my pictures and I came upon this one of Squash helping me exercise.  You see, I bought the kids a Nintendo Wii video game machine for Xmas a few years back.  Figuring they should not be the only ones to have fun, I asked for a Wii Fit for my birthday.  The Wii Fit is an exercise game that uses a balance board.

Squash helping with Wii Fit

So I get on this little white board and hold the game controller in my hand and try to do the exercises it tells me to.  As you can see in the picture, Squash figured he would help.  The only problem is that the devices weighs you as it goes.  Maybe that is why I carried an extra 50 lbs. for years?

I don’t know what happens in your zoo, but every time I try to get on the floor to do exercise, I end up with multiple animals thinking that it is just a lot of fun to jump on the human.  Truthfully, I am not someone who likes to exercise, so my zoo makes it really easy for me to find an excuse to do something else (not that I need much of an excuse),  LOL – Just another DogDaz morning from the road ❤

P.S.  All my business colleges are down at the hotel gym working out and I am here typing to you.  At least my fingers get a good workout,

 
3 Comments

Posted by on February 1, 2012 in Dogs

 

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1.24.12 6:18: 2 dogs + Petstore = Stupid Humans

24 Jan

So I took the dogs with me to PetSmart because it is really cold out and I figured it would be a good outing for all of us, also, I am trying to get them more used to people.  We live in a very very very, did I say very, quiet area.  If we pass more than one person or dog when taking our walks, it would be unusual.  So, what I realize is that the dogs are not very socialized.  I have taken Lulu to the pet store with me since she ‘rescued’ me (she was about 6 months old), but that is maybe only once every 6 weeks or so.

Lulu Graduation 2010

Louise is actually a graduate of the PetSmart academy, and though she remembers the nice man. ‘Larry the Trainer,’ with the pepperoni treats in his pocket, it is not a very comfortable place for her when we first enter.  I put Sofie in the shopping cart, so that she is not underfoot, and the three of us walk around the store.  Today we had to get dry cat food and exchange this 40% off ‘Martha Stewart’ sweater that I bought Louise last week that was ripped.  Now can someone explain to me why people, adult people, think it is OK to just walk up to any animal, without asking, and try to pet it.  People always seem to want to do that to Louise, even though she is standing behind me.  I work really hard at making Lulu feel safe though the world is full of non-thinking humans that come right out of nowhere and try to pat her on the head.  Not even open handed from underneath!  Really people!

She did good with the store people today so I really have  to do this more often.  I hand people dog treats so that they can have something to reward her with if she comes close, which she did a lot today.  I would never put her in danger, or other humans, so I hope you don’t think that this is an overly anxious situation for her.  We have been doing this now for a year and a half and I am very proud of her.  And she looked really good in her now sweater!  Just another DogDaz morning at our house ❤

 
4 Comments

Posted by on January 24, 2012 in Dogs

 

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1.21.12 7:17: Finding Sofie

21 Jan

After Squash E Bear went to the Big Meadow in the Sky last February, my heart was broken.  So, knowing one thing that makes me happy (fuzzy animals), V suggested I maybe bring a new dog into our lives.  Now you know that I jumped on that in a second.

Louise was about 1-1/2 years old at the time.  Since Lulu was a smart but timid beta female, her trainer recommended that a dumb male would probably be the best match.  Immediately I started searching the internet for my next rescue.  I wanted a dog about 80 lbs and furry, like Squash was. I spotted this little male fuzzy puppy on PetFinders and contacted the LUCKY DOG Rescue.  The Lucky Dog volunteers were all wonderful on the phone, so we were sure we were going to find our next love.

I filled out the application, had the phone interview, and then headed out on Saturday for the hour or so drive to the adoption event which was running from 12 to 2.  We got to the town where the event was being held by noon but could not find the location of the store until 1:30.  As we finally parked (oh did I tell you it was pouring rain and we had Louise in the car with us), we see a person carrying the little puppy we came to see to their car.  Glad he got a nice home, but now we were back to square one.

I never saw as many dogs as there were at this adoption event.  There must have been over 200 beauties at this event.  Leaving Louise in the car, we went in and started to meet all the doggies.  Well, way in the back of the store, in a portable pen, were the puppies.  And, of course, pleading to get picked up and played with….. you got it….  Penny (who is now Sofie Bear).

The pictures above are of Sofie in her PetFinder ad.  She was soooo cute.  They thought she was a 12 week old Shepard/Collie mix and would probably grow to be about 70 lbs.  I know, they told me to get a boy, but could you not fall in love with that face.  I brought Louise in to meet some of the older dogs, but she really gets stressed in this type of environment, so it really did not work for her, or me.  Sofie was to young (pre-shots) for them to meet.  The next week a Lucky Dog volunteer  came and did the home visit, I talked to the foster, and on March 9 met him at his work place to pick up SOFIE BEAR.

Little did I know then that I would end up with a Corgi/Sheltie (maybe) who weighs in at about 36 lbs with the attitude of a Mastiff.

I brought her home in a plastic tub because hadn’t bought a crate for her yet because it happened so fast.

Sofie's car tub. Coming home

 

First day home 3.9.11

Welcome Home

Just another dogdaz morning at our house. ❤

 
8 Comments

Posted by on January 21, 2012 in Dogs

 

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The Shelter Pet Project

20 Jan

The Shelter Pet Project is a public service ad campaign focused on spreading the word that pets in shelters are wonderful and lovable, and encouraging potential adopters to consider the shelter as the first place to find a new best friend.

 
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Posted by on January 20, 2012 in Animals, Cats, Dogs

 

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People Products That Support Pet Rescue

14 Jan

I am reblogging a post from our blog friend For the Love of My Dogs.  If you are going to buy this stuff anyway, why not help save a life?

There are a few online stores where a portion of your purchase will go directly to support rescue and shelter dogs. Both the ASPCA Store and the Animal Rescue Site Store have products for both pets and people. Check out a recent review of pet products that support animal rescue by clicking here.

The following products for people cost the same amount as at any other store and products range from gifts for pet lovers and awareness products to clothing, jewelry and more. Browse the following suggestions or visit their websites to browse for yourself.

The ASPCA Store– A portion of every donation goes to help rescue pets and organizations around the country. Up to 40% of each purchase goes to rescue and adoption efforts!

ASPCA wristband $5.99- This orange wristband promotes animal awareness and is a great conversation starter. “Go Orange For Animals” with this Armstrong-like silicone bracelet.

Always in My Heart Pewter Memorial Necklace $19.99- This pewter colored memorial necklace comes with the inscription “Always in my heart” and features a black paw. A wonderful way to remember and honor your departed pet, as a portion of the proceeds go to save other pups who need help.

Dog Awareness Water Bottle $8.99- Fight animal cruelty with this dog awareness water bottle, great for hiking, the gym, office or everyday. The water bottle is white with a dog shadow and the words “Animals can’t dial 911 but you can” inscribed. A must-have for any animal activist—and it’s dishwasher safe!

Anti Puppy Mills T-Shirt $24.99-$26.99- This black shirt with white screen-printing has a cartoon image of a dog peeing on a puppy mill in the distance. It’s a cute shirt and a great way to be bold and start a meaningful conversation!
Men
Women

Animals Asleep Book for Kids $12.99- A cool book for kids ages 4-8, this book features a friendly, fact-filled story about how different animals sleep. An award-winning children’s book, this is a must-have for any young animal enthusiast!

The Animal Rescue Site Store– Every purchase directly supports rescue animals and pets in shelters. Each purchase directly purchases food and care for these pets in need.

All Over Paws Socks $4.95- These cute socks some in a variety of colors and have small paw prints all over. Each pair purchased funds 14 bowls of dog food!

Paws Galore Magnetic Notepad $6..95- Use this cute paw-print notepad on any magnetic surface, especially the refrigerator! The cute design features multi-colored paw prints and lots of room for writing notes and reminders.

Pillow Pals $19.95- A wonderful toy for kids, these Pillow Pals are soft, colorful and comfy. Choose from a butterfly, monkey, panda, puppy or shark. These cute animals are half pillow, half stuffed animal and are 100% fun for all kids!

Pup Upcycled Plastic Shopping Bag $19.95- These oversized bags are great for shopping. Completely washable and reusable, these Shopping Bags come from materials that would have otherwise gone in a landfill. Be green by using this bag for various shopping needs while displaying your love for dogs!

Wipe Your Paws Indoor Mat $16.95- A fun, colorful rug, this doggy rug is great to place inside your dog’s favorite door. Features words “Wipe Your Paws” in a funky font and is 20’’ x 30’’ in size.

 

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Posted by on January 14, 2012 in Uncategorized

 

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