He Didn't Want To Go

Andy had visitors on Saturday. They took him home, but, initially he didn't like the idea.

Here he is a few days before, totally relaxed and feeling at home.

A very nice couple, Melissa and Rob, fell in love with him when they saw him on Petfinder. They wanted to adopt him but it depended on whether or not their female Schnorkie, Abby, would tolerate him, as she is a bit particular about the dogs she likes to hang with. She is a cuuuuuuteeeee, and she pretty much knows it.

Look at that face. I just wanted to eat her up but she wanted nothing to do with me.

Andy was friendly toward them, and enjoyed the attention now and again. Little princess girl didn't really give two bits about him. We hung out for awhile and they tested her by giving Andy love and HER TOY! and she didn't care. So, everything's looking good, right? Well, she was barking at all the sounds outside and Andy's face and body language showed signs of stress, possibly from this little barker, but also, because Bug was barking and whining and he couldn't get to her. (Little Bug got locked up in my office because her manners were not stellar when Abby came inside.) I was a bit worried, I wasn't sure if this would be the right fit for Andy. I could tell that over the past couple of weeks Andy thought he was home.

After visiting for a couple hours, the dogs were finally able to go out to the backyard. The gate was open because R. was working out there, so I couldn't let them out at their arrival. Normally, that would be the first thing I would do is let them go figure things out in the yard.

Once the dogs were outside Andy did some fast running around and tried to engage Abby in play. Whew. I think we all breathed a sign of relief. I actually said out loud, "well, I think we all feel better now," and Melissa agreed. So, she was very aware and concerned, too. After we all agreed this would be ok, Andy got a new collar put on him. He went over to his spot on the sofa and in a very relaxed lounging position, laid there. We continued talking, signed paperwork, etc. and the leash was put on Andy by Rob. Andy was not budging. He was not going anywhere. He stayed right there in that lounge position. After a couple more light tugs and me saying, "OK, let's go" he got up, but he was not thrilled with the idea. After outside, halfway down the walk, he turned around and was pulling on the leash back toward the front door. You ever want your heart to break? foster a dog and have him do that. First time ever has a dog physically tried to come back to the house. I usually go out with the new owners and say goodbye, but it was better this time around that I didn't so that Andy was not distracted by me.

He did jump in the car on his own accord once they got him to it. That made me feel better.

I knew he would be fine. When he first came here it was difficult for him to adjust to the change and I knew it might be again.

Yesterday Melissa sent me an email and some photos, here's one of them...

In short, she said, ".....he's doing fine, he's eating well, he's getting along with Abby and the second night she even let him sleep on the bed with them." That is particularly funny to me because when I was interviewing Melissa, she specifically wondered how he would do NOT sleeping on the bed with them, because that was Abby's domain. Now, she's talking about getting a bigger bed so they all fit more comfortably.

Andy was a VERY good boy while here. He had this sweetness about him, a happiness that I loved, and he was easy going. I loved being greeted each morning when he saw that I had gotten out bed. He chatted with happiness about it. What's better than that, right?

I know he is in an excellent home. Melissa and Rob live for their dogs. This is the type of couple you would want as your owner if you were a dog, but, I miss him. 

Hats On To Otis!

Derek texted me this photo of the cutie boy the other day.

Hey, a guy's gotta keep warm if he wants to hang out with daddy, right?

Otis Update

Look at this happy boy...

I spoke with Otis's new dad recently to see how it was going with the new boy. They, of course, LOVE him, and Otis is acclimating well. Derek takes Otis to work with him, which is essentially his truck, as he does a lot of driving for his job. How great is that?

Derek told me Otis does loves to run around in the backyard -- which is a lot of yard we're talkin' here. They live with 14 acres behind them. Otis is kept within a certain range but I can just see him running around with that smile on his face.

I miss that guy. 

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.

:)

And Off She Goes!!

When the stars are aligned, things happen. 

Mercy came into my care on Wednesday, I received an email from a couple on Thursday, she went home on Friday. It just all fit. The couple was actually writing to ask me to keep them in mind for a Schnauzer between the ages of 1 and 2 for next summer. They had recently lost their two Schnauzers within four months of each other and their hearts were hurting and felt they weren't ready, yet, to bring another one into their home. 

I wrote back saying, "OK, but please keep an eye on our site....blah blah blah....and OH YEAH I have this great four month old that just came in" and ran off a list of her qualities. I, of course, added, "no pressure, just letting you know" because after emailing with her a couple times, I knew this was a perfect fit. She's home most of the day (good for training) she completely spoils her dogs, (but in a good way) her husband adores them just as much, they want to be able to travel with her (I had taken her out for the afternoon and she travels beautifully.) The two dogs they had that passed, and a third one before them, all had names that began with an 'M'. I think that was the big clencher for her, it was just meant to be to have another dog with an 'M' name. 

But, Diana was cautious. She didn't want to make a rash decision. She needed to discuss it with her husband who wouldn't be home from his business trip until around 8 pm. By this time we had exchanged 4 or 5 emails and she said she couldn't wait...she texted him her picture hoping he'd get it before he boarded the plane. I told her to take her time in thinking about it, if it was meant to be it would happen and if not, then another will come along in the future. She said she would think on it. I could tell though, she was hooked. She was nervous because they weren't looking for a puppy, weren't sure if they wanted a puppy, but how it all happened bing bang boom! it was just right. I said I'd give her the weekend. Friday morning I open my mail "can we meet her today?" The excitement jumped off the page. 

So, Friday at 3 they came by. Mercy ran to them, catapulted to them, hopped on them, wriggled around for them, she was so excited. Previous to that she was following me around like a little shadow, wanting attention or just laying by where I was, if I got up she was nipping at my heels for play....After Diana and Alan came in...I was nothing. Nada. Did not exist. 

We talked about how the name Mercy just didn't feel right. Diana had said she was playing around with some names that sounded similar but those weren't quite right either. She said she'd know it when it came to her. I said, "Mercy is a difficult name, it doesn't flow for me either, I keep wanting to call her Masey" She said, "that's it! that's the name! I knew I'd know it when I heard it." So, this little girl's name is now Masey. 

It was a match made in heaven. I only had her 2 1/2 days and she made quite a bit of noise, but I kind of miss the little bugger. Friday morning she had even made her way into Little Bug's heart and they ran around chasing each other and wrestling. That I was happy about because before that Bug was certainly giving her the 'what for' since she came.

Masey is going to have a great life. 

 

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. 

Hello Otis

Otis has been with me for a couple weeks now. He's doing great. A mellow fellow....unless another dog enters the front door...then he becomes a very-intense-go-for-the-jugular protector. Fortunately, I had a grip on him. I was told by his former owner that he didn't like other dogs when leashed. He was fine from the get-go when he came into my house with my dogs. But, apparently, he doesn't like dogs he doesn't know, entering 'his' house. Immediately everyone went outside and he was fine. He still postured, but there wasn't the aggression. So, he needs some work in that area.

Otherwise, he's a sweety. When he's happy or when you rub his muzzle he makes this deep happy sound. I love it! He's been great here. Lounging about like he owns the place. Looks at me with those soft eyes. He's getting the 'Denise treatment' as difficult as that is for me 'cuz I just want to hug him. When it looks like he's trying to get something from me, he's ignored. If he's pawing at me, he's ignored. Not too much random love is bestowed upon him right now -- ignore. It sounds, sad, bad, like too much. It's incredible how much it actually GIVES to a dog with low confidence. Under that act of aggression is really a bit of insecurity. Hmmm, I know people like that. He's also getting some training with a lot of positive reward. He's a fast learner and gives me that sweet face looking for approval, each time.

Otis has been taking morning walks with R. and doing very well. R. told me that Otis goes to the kitchen where R. is and sits. He gets his harness put on and then he goes baserka with happiness that he's going on his morning walk. He just needs some love, understanding and exercise.

He's a Schnauzer Mix. I'm not sure with what but he looks like a very mini Wolf Hound. He's not good with children, too much of a little mate mentality. So, he might be here awhile. Needs work, no kids. Hmmmmmm, not too many people are looking for that kind of dog. Roger was similar in needs and it took four months to find the right home for him. But, it does happen when it's supposed to and it will happen and it will be perfect.

Roger Went Home

Saturday.

TWO Saturdays ago. I couldn't write about it. I've been a little 'off' all week. My heart is still a bit heavy, but it's better. I didn't think I would feel this way. His energy mixed with Bug's felt pretty chaotic around here. They played, Bug picked fights, they rumbled and tumbled, they laid together, they acted like true siblings. I wanted that peace again in the house. But I miss him. I miss his joy of life, his hopping and bounding in the yard, his excitement to be awake at 6 a.m., I miss they way he looked at you and cocked his head to listen better. He is just a smart and awesome boy. 

Bug is back to being more her relaxed self. It is quieter, which really is nice. R. made a comment this morning that Bug was her happy self again. That's what's important. Although they were so happy when they were playing, Bug was not the best that Bug is. Without that extra whirlwind of energy, Hanz is more comfortable, too. 

I'm concerned for Roger's happiness, which is soooo silly. He had a rough first day, too much activity and meeting and greeting, he vomited 4 times. He's following his new mom around everywhere and laying at her feet. People see this as a good thing, knowing Roger, I see it as him feeling a little lost and overwhelmed and that breaks my heart. I know he'll be fine. I've witnessed it so many times. He's getting attention and love, being spoiled and doted on. This is what happens when a really good dog is with you for a few months, you get attached, you worry. This is the part that sucks about fostering. But the good is that he now has a home that will be a good fit for him, it will just take a little time for him to get comfortable with it...

...and a little time for me to get comfortable with it, too. 

Hello Tammy

I don't see you I don't see you I don't see you I don't see you I'm not looking I'm not looking I'm not looking I'm not looking You can't see me I'm not here You can't see me I'm not here You can't I'm not

She's shy. 

The other's are hovering. They know she's not feeling strong right now, she's put herself in a corner for protection. 

Tammy's owner died at the age of 85 in August. She fell and hit her head. I say it all the time...the Universe works in mysterious ways. The woman was a strong German with lots of life left. She 'willed' Tammy to her lifetime neighbor, Roxanne, who told me that she certainly expected the owner to outlive Tammy. 

Tammy isn't always quiet and held back, she constantly barked at Roxanne's male American Staffordshire (aka Pit Bull) he put up with it over and over again until he had enough and let her know it...and that's when Roxanne called me. Tammy was stressed out, followed Roxanne around, hid in the closet if Roxanne wasn't home. She was used to a quiet gentle home. Roxanne has 6 small dogs and a female American Staffordshire as well as the male. Too much for this sweet girl to handle. Roxanne did the best she could for her, but it wasn't enough to make Tammy feel comfortable and safe. 

So, she is here. She will get used to it. I introduced the other dogs to her one at a time because I knew it would be too much if they all started sniffing her at once. Some dogs have the personality to handle it and sniff back or run off. She just curled into herself and turned her eyes. She was making it clear she was not looking for trouble. Roger, being the BMOC (or he thinks he is) really was not sure about inviting her into the fold. Eventually he backed off. Then it was Bug's turn. She didn't act too bossy around her and did a quick smell test and went off to run outside. Hanz? well, Hanz is a delicate boy, unless pushed to the limit, and he did a quick sniff after everyone was done and he just wanted to be back on the sofa. 

When I met Tammy with Roxanne in front of PetSmart, Tammy was talking up a storm. She seemed confidant and strong but I think it was nervous behavior. After we said goodbye to Roxanne, we went shopping. She was such a good girl. She didn't bark at a human or a dog that crossed her path. She stood gently for a little girl to pet her, although she wasn't feeling so sure about it. 

The little girl was probably around 6 years old. Her mom was teaching her to ask if the dog could be pet before going right to the dog. I always take this opportunity to teach children how to approach a dog. She seemed uncomfortable that her mom was telling her to ask, so I quickly added to it and explained why her mom was saying that. I come across kids all the time that run right up to a dog because it's so cute and they want to say hi. Often times they own a dog themselves...usually a very gentle dog...so they don't realize that other dogs aren't necessarily as friendly when approached in such a manner. It causes a lot of anxiety for my Bug but Hanz eats it up. So I explained to the little cutie that if the owner says it's OK then she should offer her hand low so the dog can sniff it. Then gently pet the underside of the jaw. I explained to her that going to pet from the top of the head is threatening to dogs and is a trust thing. She was so cute...listening to me, gently touching Tammy, and then walking away saying, "bye doggy, I love you."

Cute or what????

Roger Got A Haircut

Oh, he's more handsome now than ever!

Lucy Goes Home

Little Lucy had visitors today and they took her with them when they left. She will now reside in Maine and have a 4.5 lb. Yorkie sibling named Muffy.

I know she will be fine. She will acclimate and see her new owners as her safe keepers. She was just starting to show her personality and spunk. She looked at me as her safety zone. She didn't even go near the visitors until I handed her over and she looked at me like, "what the f? what are you doing? I'm not going with this guy!" It broke my heart seeing that scared look on her face. 99% of the time, the foster dogs are out the door and they don't look back. Then there's that one percent that looks at you with pleading eyes. I know she will be fine, it's a very very nice family, so I keep telling myself this. She didn't want to be left here when she was dropped off and she wouldn't come near me for a week. She will be fine. Really, she will, they always are. But that little face looking at me like that...it's embedded in my mind. I must focus on these pictures...

because it pains me and brings tears to my eyes if I don't. Actually, I get teary looking at the pictures, too. I think I got a little attached to her. Protective.


When I told R. this story, of course I teared up, and, of course he said, "you are not doing this anymore if it effects you like this." yeah, OK, whatever you say Mr. Man. He knew he was talking out loud for nothing. :)

I will go through this again when Roger goes. He's become a part of us. Well, that's if he ever gets adopted. Not quite sure why it's not happened yet, he's a great dog. 

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. 

Bella Came Back...

...and went away again.

Bella came back to me on Wednesday. The adopter realized the care of her eyes was more than she could handle. On Saturday Angela came down to pick up Bella, to giver here her permanent home.

Bella had initially been with Angela for two weeks and was very comfortable there. Angela dow shte business side of SPR, she is not a foster home, more of a 'holding home' when needed. So, Bella came to me, for me to foster and adopt out. I had her for about 6 weeks. She was an easy foster and the 3x ad ay eye care just became routine. She is a sweet gentle. girl.

On Saturday when Angela and Dave walked into the house, Bella went bonkers!! We thought she'd be nonplussed since it had been that long, but she was ecstatic to see them both. She knew that she was with temporarily it seems because they would be back, wish she had clued us in! LOL. So now she is happily home, immediately fitting back in, knowing the yard was herw again, knowing the humans were heres again and knowing the dogs and cats were OK with her being back.

Angela and Dave are two of the best dog owners one could find. They are very focussed on their responsibility as pet owners, working with the oga and cats, guiding them, training them and loving them. Most of all, they are able to accept their animals as they are without trying to change them, quirks and all. Bella now has a very special place to call home.

Bella came back to me on Wednesday, the adopter realized the care of her eyes was more than she could handle. On Saturday Angela came down to pick up Bella, to give her her permanent home. 

Bella had initially been with Angela for two weeks and was very comfortable there. Angela does the business of the rescue, she is not a foster home, more of a 'holding home' when needed. So, Bella came to me. I had her for about 6 weeks. She was an easy foster and the 3x a day eye care just became routine. She is a sweet gentle girl. 

On Saturday when Angela and Dave walked into the house Bella went bonkers! We thought she'd be nonplussed since it had been that long, but she was ecstatic to see them. She knew that she was with me temporarily it seems, wish she would have clued un in! LOL So now she is happily home, immediately fitting in, knowing the yard was hers again, knowing the humans were hers again and knowing the dogs and cats were OK with her being back. 

Angela and Dave are two of the best dog owners one could find. They are very focussed on their responsibility as pet owners, working with the dogs and cats, guiding them, training them and loving them. Most of all, they are able to accept their animals as they are without trying to change them, quirks and all. Bella now has a very special place to call home.

Bella and Junior Go Home

Yesterday, both Bella and Junior went to their new homes. Bella's new mom saw the sweetness that Bella had to offer and took on the commitment of Bella's lifetime of daily eye care.

She brought her dog Willow with her to meet Bella, pretty girl, Golden Retriever. Willow wasn't much interested in Bella, but she was VERY interested in each and every toy she could find. Willow was very good at obeying her Master's commands, so I saw a bright future for Bella. I do have to admit that Bella seems to be a bit aloof and training her might not come easily but Pamela assured me she will learn.

Junior went home to a family member's house of the original owner. He was missed so much that they took him into their home to live out the rest of his years and he will still be able to hang out with and get love from his mom.

He was a good boy and began showing his silly side the last few days here. He also showed me his BMOC attitude, too, when Bella the Black Lab came in to stay for a week. He let her know who he thought was boss, she showed him how big her teeth were. He got the message -- leave the big black dog alone, well, with an occasional testing now and again.

Welcome to Cutie-Boy Junior

Junior is a 9 1/2 year old that was surrendered due to his owner's terminal illness.

He is getting used to being here and becoming a little attached to me, the sadness from his eyes is starting to leave, but the first couple days you could see how he just did not understand why he was here. He was with his owner all the time. It will take him a little adjusting to become himself again. He is a sweet boy so far and is easy to have here. 

The first night he was here, at around 4am he started to moo-howl. I always find howling humorous whenever I am in earshot, but this sounded so sad. He has since done it during the day and it's just how he howls. It's so funny. I was mimicking him to a friend, with him right there, and he started to sing along with me. So cute. Then, before I knew it, there was a cacophony of singing from all 4 dogs. This also happens when I leave, by the time I get to my car the howling has begun, and I love that I can tell by their voices, which one is doing which pitch. 

Junior is an excellent car rider, and is a good boy going into the vet's office. Yesterday he had some dental work done, the poor thing, he had an incisor removed and two molars. His teeth were worse than nasty, I wasn't surprised that a few were removed. Late yesterday afternoon and into evening, he was a bit groggy still, the anesthesia was still in his body, but today he's got some spring in his step and is getting back to normal. 

Bella Was Quite Comfy

She was such a good girl at camp. I had to leave her alone in the camper a few times and she just snuggled into my 'new to me' afghan that I picked up at the thrift store.

Bella's First Trip to Camp

She's an excellent car passenger.

Why Hello Bella!

Bella came into our rescue a few weeks ago.

Angela had been hanging onto her until I got back from vacation. She made herself at home here pretty quickly. She and Bug played the second day, running around the yard and having a great time. I haven't seen the same activity since. Bug mostly yells at her, even if she's just standing there. If they do start to play a little and Hanzie tries to get involved there ends up being arguments. Hanzie just doesn't know how to play with two dogs at the same time. Barking ensues, he gets protective of Bug and then I'm breaking them up after they've all sworn at each other a few times. I have to keep telling them that I'm the only one that is allowed bad language.

She is a sweet girl, easy to have here, happy, and independent. When she was at Angela's she took a liking to her husband and would jump up on his lap often and have some cuddle time. She likes to play with her toys and to fetch balls. She's great with kids and cats. What more could you ask for in a dog? 

Bella's story: An ad was placed on Craigslist giving her away free. Whenever people see these ads, they send an alert to us. Angela called the woman that owned Bella and had a few different conversations with her. Bella's tear glands do not function properly, therefore, she makes little if any natural tears, depending on which eye we are talking about. Due to the severe dry eye, she has lost some sight. The owner said that they get all gooped up and although she has medication for her, "what's the sense in applying it if they are goopy all the time anyway?" Apparently this woman was also overwhelmed with many other things in her life and it seemed Bella was the last in line for proper care. She was often kept outside on a lead attached to a tree. Bella likes to walk in circles for comfort and we are thinking it's because she is used to tree circling. 

Angela said that it was like Bella's eyes were glued shut from the secretions. She brought her to the ophthalmologist for the right medications and instructions for application. Within a few days her eyes were clearer and then brighter. She is to revisit the ophthalmologist again in two months. Right now she is on a 3x a day eye medication protocol that we are hoping will go down to 2x a day. They still get a bit goo, mostly in the left eye, but it's so minor in comparison. Bella is not thrilled to have her eyes dabbed at 3 times a day, but it is something that must be done and I've gotten it down to a rhythm with her. 

Angela has been in touch with and having conversations with 3 different foster moms that volunteer for the Blind Dog Alliance. We are hoping they will take her because we feel that she will have a better chance for a quicker adoption because they hit a specific market. When people come to us they are looking for a 'no medical issue' dog. If she is taken by them, it opens up a spot for us to take in an adoptable dog that might otherwise be cast aside. We are the only Miniature Schnauzer rescue in New England and currently have only two foster homes, each having limited space. Barbara, our MA foster mom has Harley in her care and he is diabetic. Normally that is not a big issue, but it's been hard in the rescue community to adopt out healthy dogs with the way the economy has been, adopting a special needs dog is even more difficult. Harley has been with us for quite some time and I imagine will continue to be. 

In the meantime, as we wait to hear if the Blind Dog Alliance has space available, Bella will be here with my crew getting spoiled like the rest of them and experiencing camp this coming weekend.