Walk through a Shelter

Getting settled in a new state, creating a new business and a new home is stressful like an adventure. You go a little crazy trying to get everything done but eventually you get there and land where you'll be for a while. Settled. Or kind of settled.

When we listed our home in New Jersey for sale it took about 3 months to sell. Not bad since we listed it before the holidays (mistake) when the market naturally slumps anyway. We should have waited until spring when people are ready to buy.  During those three months I lost my little Shih Tzu, Gracie. Now almost 3 years later I still cry for her.

This week my daughters and sons in law took me to a local shelter. There were mostly big dogs and I needed something smaller. Then as I moved through the little halls of the SPCA I saw beautiful dogs that were just too big for me.

Then I turned the corner and found

Love Bug.

She was trembling. Sitting there looking up at us and shaking.

And there goes my heart.

Still, getting a dog is a big move. There was also a Chihuahua mix that was super friendly.  We asked to see both. I love Chihuahuas. They are such people dogs.
They moved us to a little fenced in yard with benches and we waited.
They brought out the little Chi first and she ran right to the men. She eventually got to me and I petted her and talked to her and she ran back to the men. I figured she must have been owned by a man. I sat on the ground and she came over to me then moved away. 
Then they brought out Willow. A Basset Hound mix, a real low rider. Willow walked over to me and crawled into my lap and laid down.
Then we left.

I had to think about this. I texted photos to my husband. I mentioned her to people at work. I thought about her sitting in that cage shaking with fear.

I called my daughters.

This is a photo of Willow's - now named Love Bug - Freedom ride.

Choosing a Dog Rescue

Dog rescue is just like everything else in life. There are places you fit and places maybe not so much.
I came from a rescue up in New Jersey that had the most amazingly giving and sacrificing people I've ever had the good fortune to get to know. They jumped up and ran to each dog in need. They gave up time, money and their hearts to these dogs and always went the extra mile. I loved each and every one of them for the goodness in their hearts and the kindness in their souls.
Then I moved 900 miles away.

So here I am in Florida and getting settled in to new digs. We have boxes of stuff everywhere and really can't find things because they're somewhere... here. 
I'm unpacking and all I can think about is fostering a dog again. Or maybe two.

I think about the shelters that are over crowded. About the dogs who sit in shelters confused and scared. I think about that space on my couch that could give them comfort and security even if its just a bridge to their furever life.

So now I'm on the search for a rescue like my rescue in New Jersey. That mystical group of people who give more then they take and then give some more.

So my rescue friends, where is that special rescue of love and sacrifice?

Not Fostering Now

I've fostered dogs for about 10 years now. Its been a crazy, wild ride and I wouldn't change one minute of it. Not the sad, sick pups I had to nurse back to health, not the wild, untrained dogs who gnawed on my table legs and not those who made me a foster failure.          ---->


Those days were full of fun and laughter and also some heartbreak. There were dogs I was happy to see move to their forever home and those that took a piece of my heart with them when they left.

Now I'm beginning a new life adventure and can't foster where I'm staying because of these two rambunctious beauties.

They are big, they are young, and they would probably squash any little dog that happened by. Not because they're mean, but big dogs play rough. They can push the couch 5 feet when they rock into it.
I'd hate to see them trample a little guy and due to an old shoulder injury I usually only do small dogs.

I miss fostering so much! I miss those sad little eyes looking up at me when they enter my house for the first time and I miss watching them transform into the happy-go-lucky pups they always should have been.

As soon as our house situation is settled I'm back into fostering. There are too many dogs out there who need me, you, us.

To Love a Dog

How to Change a Dog's Name

What's in a name? A rose by any other name is still as sweet.
However...
When you adopt a dog sometimes they come with the name. Either the shelter gave it to them or the rescue or foster mom. And those people have usually named a lot of dogs! Sooner or later the names they give might be too playful, goofy or just down right ridicules.

I had a chihuahua who came into my house as a foster. Somewhere along the line she picked up the name Corona, like the beer. This sweet little girl who came in from a hoarding situation and scared to death of everyone and everything was named after a beer.

Eh.

Somehow it just didn't fit, but I let it go by. After all I was just her foster mom and she would pass onto a permanent home in a few weeks. If they wanted, they could change it.

That's not what happened. This scared little chihuahua wasn't going anywhere. She was a barking, high strung mess at adoption days. She was 9 years old when she was rescued and there weren't many people who would step up for a little dog with a big mouth and who had no idea about affection or cuddling. She set up on one corner of the couch in a little pile of blankets and there she stayed.

Permanently.

When I sat my husband down and give him the news; It's a Chihuahua! He nodded and said, "I figured."

Now it was time to change her name. This much sweetness couldn't be labeled like a beer. Although she was a challenged to everyone from barking at company to running from them, I wanted everyone to know she really was sweet. I named her Cupcake.

To change her name I started calling her Corona-Cupcake. After a week or two of that when I knew she was answering to it I switched it up. Cupcake-Corona. It took only a day for her to answer to it. (Chihuahuas are smart!) Then after another week or so I just called her Cupcake and she answered to it without hesitation.

Success! Name changed.

Remember some dogs pick this up quicker to be patient. Keep using the names together until they get it. Then just drop the old name and go with the new!

Cupcake crossed the rainbow bridge last year but she stays forever in my heart.

5 Reasons to Walk Your Dog

Taking your dog for a walk may seem like a simple task, but for your dog it opens up all kinds of opportunities to explore the world around them. Think about it from your dog’s point of view. They spend all day either in the house with a few excursions into the yard. Not much excitement or stimulation. Imagine if that was the total of your existence. Dogs have a natural instinct to explore and without an opportunity to get out into the world they can get bored pretty quickly. A bored dog sometimes acts out by chewing, jumping, and getting overly excited with visitors. Your dog gets a lot from a walk. All five sense are stimulated and that alone can lead to a calmer, happier dog.

• 1.     Exercise. Like people, dogs need exercise to stay healthy. Exercise aides in weight control, digestion, and better mental attitude.
• De-stressing. The stimulation of a walk can reduce destructive behavior as it lets them release pent up energy which creates calmer dog.
• 3.     Engages all 5 senses. During the walk your dog is seeing, smelling, hearing, touching, and even tasting new places. The sense of smell is strong in dogs. They take in a lot of information through their nose due to something called the Vomeronasal organ. This sensitive organ collects chemical messages that give the dog information of who or what went there before. This stimulation expands their world and helps them remain calm when faced with new situations.
• 4.     Socialization. Getting your dog out for a walk opens the door to excellent training opportunities. When they meet other people or pets along the way have them sit and offer a paw. It teaches them to accept new experiences without getting overly excited.
• 5.     Bond with your dog. Walking together will help you develop a strong bond with your dog. Aside from the stimulation they get, walking helps to build trust between you and your dog. Understanding what is expected of them lets them know you are there for them and in turn they will want to please you by behaving properly.

Make your walk a ritual. Have the dog sit as you put on the leash. Praise how good your dog behaves at all times. Don’t let the dog rush out the door. If he lunges for the door stop and make him sit again. Open the door and give the command, “come.” This will set the mood for the walk and lets the dog know that you’re in charge. 

While walking, don’t let the dog pull on the lead. If he starts to pull just stop and say, “walk.” When he stops and makes eye contact with you, start again. Calmly repeat this until your dog understands what is expected.

On your walk it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and respectful of those you meet on the way.  As hard as it is to understand, not everyone wants to meet your dog. If you pass someone on the street they might be afraid of dogs. If your dog gets too close they could suddenly pull away or do something that your dog might not understand. Be polite. Move to the other side of the street or, if that’s not possible, put your dog on your opposite side so you will be between them and the person.

Watch for kids playing on your walk. Children move fast and some might not know how to treat a dog. Rushing up with outstretched hands might upset the dog. Even the best dogs might respond with fear or aggression if they see the child as a threat. First make sure your dog is good with kids. If the dog is nervous then take it out of the situation. Don't take chances.

If  your dogs is good with kids and the parents are not around, it’s best to just walk on by. If the parents give permission for the child to greet your dog keep the leash short and have your dog sit. Ask the child to be gentle and show them the proper way to greet a dog. Hand out but not over the dog’s head. Let the dog sniff and, if no signs of fear are shown, let the child pet the dog. Keep it brief and move on. Remember even if your dog is good with your own children, doesn’t mean he’ll be the same with an unpredictable stranger.

Be alert for other animals on your walk. From birds to squirrels or even another dog, these distractions can cause your dog to act out or even try to bolt. Watch your dog for signs that he’s spotted something. Did he suddenly stop? Body stiffen? Ears flatten back? All these can be signs he sees something and is sending a warning. Assure your dog verbally, “Be good.” “It’s okay.” Even a low warning, “No,” will let your dog know what you expect of him. If the dog starts to act out turn around and lead your dog in the opposite direction. This takes the dog out of the situation and redirects his attention.

Don’t forget to mix it up every once in a while, take a new route to keep your dog’s interest peeked. Remember this walk is a stimulation for the senses. Like you, your dog will appreciate a change of scenery.

Bonus! Walking is one of the best exercises for people, too. It helps with weight control, controlling blood pressure, and strengthens the heart. So, grab that leash and take your dog out into the neighborhood. Your body & best friend will thank you for it.

Ball under couch! Woof!