Her Summer Haircut

Finally got around to giving the Little Bug her summer 'do. She was a shaggy ratty mess. It's not a good sign when you go to your campsite and the campers you hang out with each year say to you, "which dog is this? a new foster?" And then they look at me in disbelief when I tell them it's Little Bug.

I decided to try something new. I didn't think I'd like it. I didn't think she'd like it. But, we both do. The mohawk suits her.

I love her when she's shorn, that face just gets me.

We'll be off to camp soon. A beautiful weekend is predicted with no rain expected. It's about 10-15 degrees colder up at camp then down here, and it's only an hour and 20 minutes away. When it rains, like it has the last 3 weekends up there, it's downright cold and raw and it makes me pretty cranky. My normal sunshine and smiles (I'm laughing hysterically right now, if you knew me you would be, too) goes down the drain. OK, cold and rain without a real house to go in... makes me crankier than normal ... but tequila does help lighten the mood. ;)

Enjoy your weekend, I hope it's sunny and relaxing where you are!!

Finding Shade

Well, summer hit full swing. Two days into it and by mid-morning it was HOT. While I sat out on the patio having coffee with a friend, this little nugget found some nearby garden shade and cool dirt to lay in.

Is it me, or is she just so darn adorable you want to squish her?

HAPPY HOWL-O-WEEN!!

Her expression says it all.

She isn't moving.

She is a ladybug statue.

If she could, she'd be giving Angela the middle finger. We received this in the mail a couple days ago from Angela. Of course, as soon as I opened the package I had to put the costume on and send a photo to Angela. But, since Halloween was still a couple days away, she didn't know there would be a photo shoot again today. Although we had some good laughs, Bug was not pleased then and she's not pleased now. 

Meet Andy

Andy came into the rescue about a week ago. His 80 year old owner was tripped up by one of his canine sibling's leashes and he fell and broke his pelvis. His Doc told him "no more dogs." I'm sure he must be very sad, this would be the ideal time for him to have companionship and dog love. He is being cared for by his daughter, and upon meeting her for the doggy exchange, I could tell she was a bit stressed taking care of her farm and her dad, plus his dogs. She handed over Andy and two Cocker Spaniels.

Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England contacted us to see if we could take Andy, as they are not Schnauzer experienced. I agreed to foster him and to take the other two for the afternoon until a foster mom from their rescue was available to meet with me and grab them.

I haven't had a foster dog since Otis left in January. Angela and I were in the process of dissolving the rescue for a few different reasons but have figured out that we are able to keep it going on a case by case basis. The break was nice, having multiple dogs and the things that were going on in my life was creating a lot of stress. Otis was with me for 10 months with other dogs coming and going and although he was a good dog, he was dog aggressive and an alert barker, and he alerted me a lot. All of this added to other life stresses made me cranky. So, the break was appreciated, but....

....a couple months ago I started to get the itch. It's been lovely having only Little Bug, much easier, and she's so portable. But, camp and vacations came to an end and I started to peruse Craigslist to see if there were any dogs that needed me. It's very frustrating seeing dogs for free on Craigslist, I don't want them getting into the wrong hands so those are the ones I was looking for, or the ones that a fee was asked for but had been posted for quite some time.

Oftentimes, in regard to the 'free' ads, we in rescue will contact the owner of the ad and suggest that they ask for a fee of at least $50, preferably $100. This helps to deter those who do not have the best interest of the dog at heart. Typically it is theorized that if a 'bad' person, (i.e. someone that is going to mistreat, sell to a testing facility, or use as dog bait, etc.) has to pay for a dog, they won't get it and will seek out the free ones.

On top of it, I've been looking for a dog for R.'s mom. It's been a few months since she lost her Toy Poodle, Peaches, and she wants another dog. A female. Small. Non-shedding. A Miniature Schnauzer.  She loves Little Bug. We did get her to agree to a small female, no matter the breed, as female Schnauzers don't drop by too often. So, I've been perusing CL off and on.

When I got the call about Andy, R. and I thought that maybe his mom would accept a male. He sounded great. Even-keeled, relaxed, 'an old soul.' Well, he's nervous, whiney, overly cautious and has separation anxiety. LOL He is vocal with his emotions and actually screams when excited, especially when R. gets home. I've been redirecting to help him stay calm and now that he is getting more comfortable being here, he is showing signs of less anxiety, but the high pitch voice is just part of who he is.

When I first brought the three dogs home, I took Lily out of the car first. Each were in their separate crates and when Lily exited the car...Andy SCREAMED...for a couple minutes. He was so distraught. Then a couple hours later when I took her out of the house, he SCREAMED again. I think it's safe to say he was a bit attached to her. Broke my heart, but I knew he'd get used to the new surroundings in due time. He would do well with someone that can dote on him, give him some training because he has had none, and be home a lot.

In the meantime, he gets love and affection and plenty of sofa time here. He's a sweet boy that loves to be loved and cuddled. He falls right into it and becomes part of it. He plays with his toys and he and Bug have been seen figuring out to play with each other. That's nice for Bug, she hasn't had a playmate since Hanzie died a year ago. He was a whiney boy, too, it drove me nuts, but he was a lover and I miss him a lot.

HEYYYYYY!

I figured I'd come back on the scene by giving you a laugh....

this is what happens when you don't hang onto the cover of the blender when you're taking it off. It even reached behind the juicer into the back corner. Ugh. But, I can say in the spirit of the season, the color works. Unfortunately, this mix includes canned salmon (P.U.) and carrots, which makes extra work getting up the fibrous bits. I think inventing a mini wet/dry vac for the kitchen is in order. 

If you're wondering what the heck I could be making into puree with salmon and carrots that would taste good....wonder no more. It's not for the humans that live here, it's for this cute little canine. 

Nick the Miniature Schnauzer and His ESP

Mr. Nick was with me for a few days while his mom was off having fun in NH with family. Sue texted me yesterday at 3:30 pm saying she'd be here between 4 and 5:00. As dog owners, one will often hear a story of "my (insert dog/cat name here) knew she/he was going to the (insert place here, i.e., the vet.) and as animal owners, we are always baffled. 

Well, Nick's ESP was right on yesterday. Shortly after Sue texted me, Nick laid in this position at the door. The only thing that would take him away from it was dinner, because he loves to eat. He then went back to this position until Sue arrived around 5pm. He would not budge from this spot. It was the darndest thing. 

When momma entered the house, he then stood pointing his nose at the door as we chatted. What a pip. 

Little Bug finally figured he was an OK kinda guy yesterday -- she ran up to him, barked, then ran fast in a big circle, trying to get him to play. He just looked at her nonplussed as she did this about 5 times before giving up on him and coming to the back door. 

I'm thinking I might need to get her a playmate. I keep reminding myself that if it's meant to be, one will come knocking on my door...you know...figuritively. :)

Little Bug

Pillow. Bone. Hind legs folded to chest. Afghan at the ready. Good to go.

The Silhouette of Crazy Barking Dogs

Whenever I go outside whether it be day or night, Mr. Otis and Little Bug make their way to the window barking their heads off. In the daylight, it's cute (and annoying at the same time) because Otis's little head is peering over the top of the frame, as you've seen from this side.

Well, my neighbor gets such a kick out of it especially when it happens at night. Ed (he lives across the street) was going into his house when I was coming out of mine and he looked back to see these two crazy dogs because they were barking their heads off. He loves this silhouette, so he ran into his house for his camera, came out and took these shots.

It does make me laugh because it is innocent and cute but the barking drives me crazy and the fact that they scratch the heck out of my sofa and window sill -- but that's what paint is for, right?? Oh, and Bug can't really see anything but shadows but that's enough for her.

Crazy kids!

Hey Mom! I Can See Outside!

A few weeks ago Otis discovered that if he stands tippy-toe on the top of the sofa and puts his front paws in a death grip on the top rail of the window pane, he can see the outside world.

And proceed to bark at it.

Meanwhile the top wood edge of the sofa gets scratched to bits. He also discovered that if he just sits on the sofa and looks out the frosted part of the window, he can see movement, so he sits there in wait.

Damn Dogs.

:)

Thank You

I received many kind words and warm thoughts about the passing of Hanzie, through my blog, my facebook page, personal phone calls, and text messages. 

I hadn't realized how many people knew Hanzie, and those that knew him best, had a story to tell and it usually included some laughter. He could be a little character. 

It is quieter around here without him -- and I mean that literally. But also, quieter in that his presence is not there when I look on the sofa, or the dog bed, or outside where he'd like to lay in the warmth of the sun. 

I don't fully understand why it happened, but do we ever? One minute he was barking and running around and then not too long after, he was gone. 

I think I've stopped questioning myself and what I could have done differently. I think we all do that when a loved one passes, whether it be a human or an animal friend. The task is to get through it. 

A friend wrote these words to me that she remembered a saying she saw...."Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened." I feel my smile beginning to return. 

A Very Sad Day...Saying Goodbye to Hanzie

A very sad day today. My silly Hanzie boy had his last morning with me. At around 10 a.m. I had to let him go.

April 12, 2004 - September 24, 2013

For the nine years that I have had him, he was notorious for eating things other than just food. I called him 'my little man with an iron stomach.' He'd dine on paper, cardboard, plastic, mushrooms in the backyard and apparently something like string, yarn or dental floss. And this was his demise. It perforated his bowel. An emergency vet visit this morning, he went into septic shock, and there was no hope for him. I had to say good-bye. Not easy. My happy-but-whiney little boy that never had to go to the vet for anything other than a teeth cleaning, made his last visit.

He would be so happy to see people, giving them his smile and teeth chatter that those who didn't know him thought he wanted to bite them. It was his happy face. He loved to be hugged and touched, that was heaven to him.

I rescued Hanzie when he was 5 months old. He spent over 9 years with me, graciously accepting each and every foster dog that came in, (around 85+) even if he wasn't keen on all of them. He would protect Little Bug if he needed to, but I always referred to him as a lover, not a fighter. He talked to me regularly, usually to tell me he was hungry, or to give him attention instead of whichever other dog I was petting at the time, and sometimes just because he was so excited. He was so polite when it came to feeding or treat time. He would patiently sit at a sit/stay until I gave him the word 'eat.' Sometimes his little tongue would stick out a bit and he'd drool from desire. He loved to eat, any amount was never enough, he was always hungry.

This photo of him is one of the last that I've taken, a few weeks ago. He was the only dog with me while on vacation at our campsite. He was such a good boy and often went to his favorite spot...his crate in the back of the car. He would just sit and watch the world go by and when the sun would hit, he lay in it in all it's glory. He loved being at camp, meeting and greeting, taking walks and wandering around in the wooded areas near our site. But his favorite place of all time was in a vehicle, it didn't matter who's or where it was.

He spent most of yesterday in the truck while I was going in and out of the house all day. When left in the house, he would get anxious and barky when I'd go outside, so in the truck he went. He was thrilled. He got to bark at passers by and just lay and take naps, then when I took him inside, he had a big dinner. It is hard to believe that today, he is gone.

I will miss my silly little boy. Rest in peace my sweet Hanzie.  

Hanzie's Favorite Spot At Camp

He stands at the back of my car barking at me to open the door so he can jump into his crate.

Most times the crate door can be left open but when there's other dogs around it's best to close it. He doesn't care either way. It's his safe haven. 

Little Bug and Lyme

Tuesday afternoon Bug had been holding up her left leg while walking around. Wednesday morning, more of the same, and very little activity. Wednesday afternoon, I carried her outside to do her duties, she did try to walk a little, but it was using her front legs, both legs were now not working. She'd end up just plopping down as her legs gave out. She'd look at me with that cute little face as if to say, "Mommy, I can't do it." I carried her inside and made her comfortable. Yesterday morning, she wouldn't even pee, even with my help of holding her up. I called the vet for an appointment. 

This was her in the morning until about noon...

then I took her out again and she did her duties and walked a few steps, wobbling and using mostly her front legs -- and she plopped down again. 

Around here I give a two day 'let's wait and see' before calling the vet, but she was getting worse not better. Since it started in the legs, I thought "maybe it's Lyme." I called, Angela, she said, "maybe it's Lyme" (after we decided it wasn't a luxating patella, a pulled muscle, or an upset belly.) I texted Shelly, "sounds like Lyme." The vet appointment was for 3:15. 

Lyme and Anaplasmosis, two tick borne diseases. 

I learned a few things, too, in talking to the vet, which I'll put in a 'Did You Know' post, because I didn't know. 

She's on meds for 4 weeks...and very little activity. 

This is her today...immobile but alert.

She walked a little last night, but this morning, it wasn't happening. Her spirit is better and her face is brighter. My Little Bug will be OK...and, now, so will my heart. 

Oh Mercy Mercy me

There's a new girl in town and she's wreaking havoc.

Meet Mercy....

A cute bundle that is about the size of Little Bug and she's only 4 months old. She's also full of energy and play -- and fearless. Unfortunately for her, the other 3 here have no interest in her antics. I thought for sure Bug would be right in there playing with her, but no, she stays away and when Mercy comes near, Bug yells at her. Hanz? well, he just doesn't have time for this crap and is really out of joint. I think he wishes I had rehomed him a long time ago because he's about done with this fostering thing. And then there's Otis. If Otis didn't have his basket muzzle on, he'd have eaten her by now. Of course, he's the one that she wants to play with most and she's just not paying attention to his signals. 

The dog world is interesting to watch in general, then bring a feisty, energetic, barky, happy, bouncy puppy into the pack and there's chaos and stress. But today is better than yesterday and it's actually quiet right now....hmmmm...I bet that means she's into something that she's not supposed to be....she's already had some sock fun....gotta go! 

Have a great day!!

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

These two can often be found snuggled together whether it be on the dog bed, the sofa or the Man chair...

Why Hello Ollie...again

Ollie wasn't here very long back in October of 2011. I just went back and read his story. I didn't remember at all why he had come to us. When so many are in and out, I can't remember their stories.

Ollie was adopted to one of my best friend's parents, and I'm dog sitting for a few days. THEY LOVE HIM! Too much. He is soooo spoiled and rules the roost. Fortunately, he's a good boy and doesn't have the "I need to be alpha over everyone" attitude. Some training would do him well, but I say that about every dog. You'd think mine would be perfectly trained with those comments...um...they're not. But they do listen pretty well, it's the trying to train the 'freak' out of them when on leash and they come across other dogs that I am not consistent with because I get frustrated. 

Ollie made himself right at home and he and Otis had at it right off. Otis pinned him, I intervened, and off they went outside, Ollie following Otis around like he was the Doggy God. It's weird, bully attacks, makes him squeal and then he wants him to be his best friend. They played for hours. Otis hasn't played with anyone here. Of course, part of 'play' is posturing and trying to get control over the other but also chasing around and fun wrestling occurs, too. 

Next weekend Bella comes for a week, then Maddie comes for a week...and then Nick (thanks Sue for the reminder) for a few days in June. Always seems to be a full house around here. 

Bye Bye Tammy

You funny and quirky girl.

Tammy was adopted yesterday. The couple was originally looking for a young female. When I got the email that they were interested in Tammy, I called Beverly (her new owner) and said, "you know she's 10, right?" She said, "yes, for some reason we kept going back to her picture, I love her already" she was so excited that I called her, and so cute with her soft emotions and kind heart. 

While they were here to meet Tammy, I was told stories of their past Schnauzers and the last one that passed 2 years ago, Roxie. Apparently a tough little broad, conniving and sweet at the same time. 

Tammy will be spoiled rotten, taken to the beach and long walks. Lots of hugs and special doggy treatment. When I told Beverly on the phone that she bites her groomer and needs to be muzzled, she was not daunted and asked when they could come meet her. Ron, the husband, has already made a plan on how to work with her and desensitize her to having her touched. Beverly calls him the animal whisperer. Apparently he has that special way with animals, birds outside will talk to him when he talks to them, a Parrot in a store didn't like anyone but him and would scream when he'd leave. He taught it to say good-bye. His technique is a soft approach, soft words, and different sounds made. 

Tammy is in good hands and will have a beautiful 'rest of life.' She will be happier, too, because she will not have the stress of bossing Otis around. For some reason, if Otis was around her, or passed by her, or a bit excited, she barked at him long and hard. He was not fazed, which was pretty funny, Tammy putting all that energy into it and he just walked by like absolutely nothing was going on. 

Bye Bye Tammy, it was a pleasure, but I'm looking forward to the quiet again. :)

Tammy Tammy Tammy

Well, the girl is getting used to being here and acting like she enjoys it. She's being a little spunky and quirky and happy. She's a bit bossy to the other dogs if they jump up on the sofa and she barks at R. anytime he moves or kisses me. She's bonded with me and has been hanging out near my feet when I'm in the office. Earlier tonight we were laying on the sofa (she, Bug and I) while watching a movie. She to my right with her head on my belly, Bug to my left, tucked into my arm. All of us happily cuddling. 

Dogs, Dogs and More Dogs

I don't know what came over me. I recently made a rule that I would only have one foster dog at a time in my house, R. appreciated that. Fortunately, there haven't been a bunch knocking on my door to come in. It was a close call with 3 that needed some help but they've since found homes with their owner's diligence. But, yesterday I got an email that for some reason, I didn't hesitate, I knew I would take these two in. Not that I want to add to the dynamics here which can get spurts of crazy with Bug and Roger's personalities, but...apparently it's been overall too calm and I need to add some chaos. Merry Christmas to me! R. was a bit surprised when he walked in the door to have 5 dogs clambering around him, he was definitely caught off guard. He shook his head and headed back outside to stack wood. I know he thinks I have a little crazy in me.

These two are sweet cuddle-bugs, happy, easy going dogs. Which means they should be pretty easy to place. People like dogs that are not a lot of work. I'm told the female 'Lucy' is a Schnauzer/Yorkie mix (a Schnorkie? LOL) but having had a Yorkie myself for 14 years, I'd say she's Yorkie with the Salt and Pepper of a Schnauzer, she's a peanut and weighs in at 6.10 lbs. Her brother is a Schnauzer with his beard cut off (it's only hair, it will grow, right?) that is a huge fan of cuddling and running around in the yard. Hopefully everyone will get along just fine. I don't usually have a problem with that. If left alone, they figure out the hierarchy and act accordingly. It took Roger awhile to find where he fit as he wanted to be top dog, and I wasn't sure what direction it was going to go in, but he's been here a couple months and he's realized for sure that Bug is the Queen. He'll test her, but in the end, he knows who rules. It took two seconds for the new kids to know she was Queen, and they're fine with that. 

New Haircuts

They were fuzz balls, I couldn't take it anymore. Out came the clippers. I love when they have their Schnauzer cuts. They are smooth and silky. Bug looks so tiny in comparison to when it's longer and curly. Hanz will definitely be living by the wood stove for warmth...time for the sweater to come out for him.