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.

A Christmas Miracle, Otis Goes To His New Home

Otis has found his forever home, and what a lucky boy he is.

Yesterday at 1:30 I received a phone call, "Hi, I'm interested in Otis." At first, I felt elated, then I worried it wouldn't be the right fit, but as I talk with Derek, it feels right. I could hear his fiance in the background, "oooohhhh, I want Otis." They were serious -- they asked if they could come down from Massachusetts in a few hours. Just before hanging up, knowing they'd be coming to meet Otis, I could hear Kellie in the background squeal with delight.

How awesome is that??

They showed up at 6pm. Otis greeted them heartily, he was so happy to see them. They sat down, he was right up on their laps. He would come over to me now and again if I moved or went into the other room, he's very bonded with me, but I knew it was right. He knew it was right. This couple is so sweet. Derek is this big hulking guy with the sweetest disposition, a very soft heart. He fell in love immediately and knew he wanted to take Otis home. Kelly was quieter, but so sure, too, that he was the one.

I thought he might end up with me forever, but in my heart, I knew I just had to be patient. I was just worried because the longer he was with me, the more attached he would become and might have had difficulty transitioning to a new life. He was surrendered to rescue when he was one and half years old, then adopted, then surrendered to us again at 3 1/2 years old, then he was with me for 10 months...He's bounced around. You know what, though? It didn't effect his spirit. He is such an awesome boy. I will miss his happy growly sounds, when his face is in my hands or in a blanket or towel. I will miss him jumping up on the bed in the morning after R. has gotten up and I continue to lay there. I will miss him cuddling up to me when hanging out on the sofa or in R.'s 'man chair.' I will especially miss how he looked at me with such love and trust. We had our own mental connection.

But, I am sooooo happy for him.

Per the usual when an adopter goes home with a dog, I told Derek and Kellie that I would be in touch in about a week to see how things are going.

Derek called me this morning. He wanted me to know how perfect it was, that Otis fit right in, slept with them last night and that he just loves him. He knew I had him for a long time and that the attachment was there, he wanted me to know that all was good for each one of them. How sweet and considerate was that? The couple is going to be married in October, Derek asked if I would dog sit since Otis knows me and they don't really have anyone else to take him and they don't want to put him in a kennel. So, this is not the end of my relationship with Otis.

Now Little Bug is alone, and that concerns me a little. Hanzie and Otis gave her a sense of safety -- now she will have to learn to rely on her own strengths and self-soothing ways. I bet she'll end up relishing the single dog life.  

Otis is a Funny Guy

The other day Otis had a visitor. Over the phone, it sounded like it could be a good match. I spoke with the daughter and she is a HUGE dog advocate/lover and she was helping her parents find another Schnauzer. I found out they were older but still active and their dog that passed was similar to Otis in nature. That is a very important piece of information -- experience. The Daughter lived only 3 miles away and was around often. I asked all the appropriate questions, all the answers were the right ones. BUT the picture in my head is not who I met. Don't get me wrong, very nice people that dote on their dogs. But, you can kind of tell Mom might not be ready when she comes in with a thick photo album of the dog she lost in May. She talked about her dog and asked all kinds of questions about .... BUG!! She wanted Little Bug I could tell. She didn't make much effort toward Otis and either Otis picked up on it or he really wasn't interested either.

Although the dog would be walked regularly, it sounds like it's Dad that keeps it on a regular 2 hours schedule, and she was not 'active' as I think of active. I have friends in their 70's and 80's that are out and about, etc., are full of energy, going to the gym and living life. So my view of the description is different than theirs. A higher energy than I realized this woman had. Yes, he is dedicated to walks every two hours -- but he didn't make it to the interview because he was still sleeping when they left (around 8:45am.)

I think the daughter is more interested in finding them a dog than it seems they really are. Otis loved her. From what I understand, she's one of those people that dogs go to that would never go to anyone. She's got the dog Kvorka. (Seinfeld, a concept introduced to me by Angela because I seem to have the 'older-men-are-attracted-to-me Kvorka) It's always been that way since I was very small. Anyway, I digress.

OTIS! he is too funny. If you watch your dog and learn to read him/her, they can be quite interesting. Otis went outside when they were here. It was a beautiful day and the back door was open. They had showered Otis and Bug with treats and then Otis was off. Now, you have to understand, Otis goes outside to pee, he doesn't hang out there roaming around. It's not his thing. He likes to be around me. I noticed he hadn't come in yet after a few minutes and I looked outside. He was just wandering around but the look on his face was different. Nonplussed, disinterested. He came back in after a few minutes and looked up at me with a very simple face, almost blank but his eyes told me, "Mom, we're not a match. I'm really not interested in going home with her." The Mom might have unknowingly felt the energy because she said, "I'm not sure if I'll take him."

Her daughter encouraged her to sit down and engage Otis, get to know him a little. She did sit, Otis went over to her, engaged her a little, and jumped off. Mom asked me if I would keep him if he didn't get adopted. I said, "I would not put him down, he will stay with me if no one wants him." and then I added, "but he's not going home with you. You are not connecting with him and are much more interested in Bug." I added that I wouldn't send a dog home with someone just for the sake of finding said dog a new home. She seemed a bit relieved. She agreed she was more interested in Bug. The daughter, on the other hand, Otis jumped on her while she sat on the floor and smothered her with kisses and happiness. Otis doesn't give kisses. The funny thing is...after that day, he started giving them to me once in awhile.

He's a funny guy. A smart guy and a great dog that on paper or with words his 2 faults might turn you away, but when you meet him, you generally want to take him home.

He thinks he is home.

ps: Cindi? don't even say it!! LOL

Yes, Otis Is Still Here

I've not written a lot about Otis. He just became part of the scenery around here. Good natured, well behaved, a bit silly, happy and oh yeah, he still likes to try to eat other dogs upon initial meet-ups. Hmmmm, can't have everything, right?

Otis has been with me since March. I was thinking he might never get adopted. Although I had some inquiries and conversations with those interested...they just weren't the right fit for him. Three of the applications I received were from young couples, all were very interested. Sounds great, right? Well, Otis can't be placed with young children. I was told by each couple that they don't have children. I surmised that they probably would one day before Otis died and then he'd end up back here with me. I don't get it that they didn't get it. But after talking with them, it made sense, although they were disappointed.

I had some good news that Otis would be meeting his possible new owners on Thursday. I was so excited for him. But, I received a phone call this morning that said differently. The couple that was coming, have decided that it might not be the right fit. There's reasons I won't go into, but I was disappointed, and the husband of the couple, was as well. I've always said, 'when it's right it will happen.' and the same goes here, but it is disappointing. Better to find out now.

I've been waiting for the day that Otis would be adopted so that Hanzie could get a break for awhile from having foster dogs here. Otis especially, has been his nemesis. I found it hard to wrap my head around the fact that Hanz should die right before Otis was adopted. It made no sense to me. But apparently the picture is bigger than I can predict. So, Otis will be here until another day when it is right for him to go to a new home. 

Bye Bye Louie

Sweety boy Louie left tonight to go to his new home in New Hampshire. He'll be hanging out with about 150 goats...oh, and his human companions, too.

Louie learned to walk on wood floors while here, learned to walk on tile floors at a friend's house, and was getting a tiny bit more comfortable on car rides. He wasn't interested in wandering too far from my sight, and returned with a call. He's one of those dogs that is just JOY.

He greeted women like they were his long lost loves. He will love being with his new main companion, a gentle and kind woman that will take such good care of him and when she's not available, her sweet daughter will fill in.

Bye bye Louie, you are an awesome boy that it was a pleasure taking care of. 

Why Hello Louie!

Louie is a 4 year old Schnauzer (I can't say 'Miniature' Schnauzer because he's 34 pounds, which, technically puts him over the weight of the standard weight measurements for a Miniature.)

Best of all is that he is a sweety. A gentle boy with eyes that melt you.

He is Parti Color in grey and white.

Louie came to me because his parents are moving to Florida and the place they are moving into does not accept dogs.

I was told that he knows many commands and does them without repeatedly asking him to do it. I have not tested him on this, yet, as he is still in a traumatic/perplexed state of mind. Plus, he won't walk on my wood floors. The idea of it scares him silly, so he stays on his large dog bed. I did put it close to the door where there is also a runner for him to step on but there is one corner of wood floor that he 'might' step on so, therefore, he backs off from going outside. Boy he can hold his pee for a very long time. So yesterday I pulled out a couple of bath mats and covered more of the floor with them and this has helped him make his way to the door to go out. This strikes me as odd because he came from a home where he would walk on tile. But he just looks at the floor and gets nervous.

I'm hoping that some gentle coaxing/training will eventually help. In the meantime, he'll get food rewards when he puts all four paws on the floor. I've started to pick him up, which makes him nervous, and place him in the middle of the floor and feed him some very tasty treats. Then I make a path of treats toward his bed. He very carefully makes his way until the last few steps where he scrambles to safety. I'm hoping that by watching the freedom of the other dogs he will learn that all will be OK. Sometimes other dogs are the best teachers.

Now that I've added Louie to the mix, I have to keep an eye on Otis causing a fight and it also changes Hanz's and Bug's personalities. Add to it that now Bug is feeling like she needs to remind Hanz that she is dominant by mounting him. He never questions her dominancy but she's feeling insecure apparently. But, they're also playing tug-toy more...well, it starts out with play and gets a little more aggressive as it goes along so I have to keep them in check.

Add to it, this heat, and it is definitely the Dog Days of Summer!!

Hope you're able to keep cool!!

Masey (aka Mercy) Got a Haircut

Masey's new owner has emailed me to keep me updated on her progress. She already has learned to ring the bell hanging on the door, to go outside. She's a smartie. She also got her hair cut and is sportin' the Schnauzer look -- quite cutely, I might add.

I wish they lived closer, I just want to hug that little munchkin! and be around her infectious puppy happiness. 

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!!