New fosters!

I got a call from the family we adopted Micah from a few months back. They still have 3 pups left, all males, 12 weeks old that they have asked me to take before they take them to the pound. 

Dad is a 18 month old pure bred Newfoundland... 
Mom is a 15 month old Chocolate Lab x Basset (?) or Standard Dachshund (?) - something with little short legs.

We picked the pups up last night and they are all happily playing in the yard this morning. They were all given flea baths, had their nails trimmed and ears cleaned - they all did so beautifully - not a fussy one amongst them - they even allowed the force drier with no problem. 

They do all have worms but we are taking care of that and they will be getting their health check and vaccinations on Mon/Tues. 

They have done fantastically with all the other dogs - they play really well. 

They have not been on a leash before and are at the bucking bronco stage. 

All of them are very sweet natured, real people friendly pups. What we have seen so far is this: 

BULL - Large w/ Most White - 29.8lbs - medium energy - reserved, somewhat more independent, is happy to entertain himself but enjoys attention. 

KNIGHT- Short Legs - 21.2lbs - medium energy - goofy, very people oriented, wants to follow you around but can play by himself as well. 

SHADOW - Mostly Black - 30.0lbs - medium energy - sensitive but not overly shy, listens very well, appears to pick things up quickly, would probably be overlooked as he is not as forward as the other two but he is going to be one to watch. 

They should be ready to go on Friday pending a clean health check.

Micah joins the pack!

Tracy, my cousin and roommate, just added another 4 legs to our group.  Micah is actually my dog Ayla's grandson - he is part Newfoundland, part Basset Hound x Chocolate Lab.  He is a BIG boy - weighing in at 16.6lbs at just 9 weeks.

He is a sweet wee thing but we have already noticed two major issues if left unresolved...he has some food aggression and is highly separation anxious...Tracy has her work cut out for her with this one...sorry for the quality - it was late at night...

Phoenix is coming along in leaps and bounds!

So Phoenix is definitely one smart cookie.  Just this week she passed her Novice Trick Dog Title and became on of the youngest to have ever done this - at 7 weeks!  To do this she needed to demonstrate she could do 15 tricks from the Easy list in front of a witness with no more than half needing to be lured still.

She did:

Sit
Down
Come
Stand
Touch (Hand)
Chase Lure
Puppy Push Ups
Follow Finger
Ramp
Thank You (Drop It)
Fetch
Head Tilt
Jump Over Bar
Kisses
Paws Up
Table (Pedestal)
Wobble Board


But she is also showing a more independent side now as well as a bit more of the Hound type personality comes through.

She is proving to be good with all sorts of dogs and people and training with her is a joy!  Plus she LOVES to play!

Better Lives & BFFs

At any given time, we will have 7-8 permanent residents, 2-3 boarders and 1-2 foster dogs.  We do this because we can, we have the space and the time and because I have wanted to help dogs since I can remember.

I know I can't save them all...and I know I am making but a small difference in the overall scheme of things - but you know, that drop in the bucket most definitely ripples out to other things.

We help these dogs have a better life, learn new skills that keep them out of shelters and in homes and they in turn they help their owners have a better life...and sometimes they go on to help other people have a better life by doing therapy or assistance work. 

Anytime I think - why am I doing this again - I remember dogs that just need a second chance like Luka and those that are tossed aside like Paige.  Not all rescues are horror stories but all the dogs rescued need a better life...and I love being a part of that.

Paige is doing beautifully.  She and Phoenix have paired up like long lost siblings even though at Paige is at least a month older.  They are most often seen by each others sides - very cute.  

Paige is taking a note from Phe and is becoming more confident and steady every day.  We just took all the guys out to the lake - even though the water was freezing cold and Paige had a blast!

New foster pup - Paige

Tonight a family came in asking if they could leave their new pup at the store - they didn't want it anymore?!?!?

SERIOUSLY PEOPLE?!?!?

So apparently they were given the dog 4 days earlier and just decided they didn't want her.  She is the sweetest, calmest little thing ever...I believe she is about 10-12 weeks old and probably a Lemon Beagle x Dachshund.  She was filthy, scared and badly in need of some worming, flea meds and a hot meal...all of which she has now gotten.

The first thing she did when we got her home was collapse with relief and go to sleep on Tracy's lap...



Night night sweet girl - we've gotcha all taken care of now!

Early Puppy Development - Phoenix

Phoenix has been doing so well...she has met tons of people to ensure her socialization is where it should be, has played with several of the dogs in my classes - both large and small and is really developing into a confident and bright pup...

Sophia Yin recently released an article that I think sums up my feelings on how important it is to get your pup out and about in a safe way.  Sequestering them until they are 4-6 months old will not only make it harder for them to relate to people and other dogs but greatly increases the chances of them having fear based issues in the future...


Here are a few highlights of the past few weeks!

Our Newest Addition - PHOENIX

Welcome back!!  I hope your holiday season was all you wanted and more.  Sorry for the delay in updating...after everyone returned from their holidays and all of our Board & Trains went home - Jinx, Blizzard, Sophie and Ellie - I took a break and headed up to see some friends for the new year and visit my Step-mom in VA.  

It can be hard to get away at times and this was just the trip I needed.  I was looking forward to some well earned R&R.

But then, just as I was heading out - I got confirmation about some pups that I had been checking on for a while.  A momma dog had wandered onto a ladies property pregnant and had delivered a litter of 8 pups.  The lady took her and the pups inside, made her comfortable and began looking for a placement for them all.  

Mom looks like a Pointer mix to me and Dad is unknown, but there are 2 red merle, 2 blue merle and 2 with bobbed tails which means that Dad must have had some Aussie in there somewhere.

And you know how I am about Aussie mixes, so when she said she needed some help with the litter, I was delighted to help!

Like the J's - this little one has come to me to finish weaning at only 3 weeks old.  I picked up our newest member on my way through to VA and from Day 1 she has made an impact. The timing worked well as I had all this time off to dedicate to her and make sure she was off to a great start.

 She is a darling little thing and I really look forward to watching her grow!

Akea Comes to Visit

Meet Akea!  This gorgeous girl has come to stay for a week while her family are away - she is a rocket on puppy legs - always up for a game, to rough house with the older pups and run, run, run...no rest for this little one - or us!  LOL

PAWTENTIAL PROFILE: BLIZZARD

Name:  Blizzard
Breed:  American Pit Bull Terrier
Sex:  Male
Age: 8 months

Duration: 4 week Board & Train

Reason for B&T:  General obedience work / social skills

Background:  Blizzard and his littermates were being sold on the side of the road at 4 weeks old when his family took him in.  I met him that day and shared some concerns not only for his premature age, but also for his health.  He appeared to have limited to no hearing and his ear canals were swollen shut still.  I advised his family to seek a vet opinion ASAP.

As it turns out he is deaf - but that hasn't stopped him, or them.  It has made working with him much harder for them however, so as he is bigger, stronger and very clever at avoiding situations he doesn't want to participate in...they have asked for my help.

What we are working on during his stay:

OWNERS REQUESTS:
* Basic Obedience - Sit, Down, Stay, Leave It - hand signal
* Jumping - jumps on people and furniture
* LLW- does not walk well on leash AT ALL
* Door Manners - stop bolting through open doors
* Anxiety - mild separation anxiety

I have worked with deaf and blind dogs before and love the challenge!  Let's see what we can teach this big boy!

Kai goes to Jordan Lake

We loaded up the van today and took the furkids to the lake.  With Charlie & Coco having both gone home - it is sort of quiet around here.  I don't know if Kai has even seen moving water before but he took to it really well after some initial skepticism.

Kai found a mussel the size of his head and that kept him entertained for a while...

And just as the sun was setting he decided that he would try taking a toe dip.  He may never be a big swimmer, but he had fun!

 

New Foster Rescue - KAI

A lady came into the store last night very distraught with a pup and child in tow.  She explained that her ex had purchased three pups, then something happened and he had given away or sold the two girls and the male she had with her had been chained to a parked car for the last few months.

Animal control cited him and he gave her the dog but she was unable to keep him.  So here was this gorgeous little (well not so little) 5 month old pit bull pup in need.  She said the shelters were full and so were the breed rescues which is unfortunatly true.  She was worried if she left him in a drop box he would be put to sleep since he is a pittie.

So she brought him out to the farm and I said if he got along with all of my guys then he could stay.  He did very well and has joined the group - at least for a little while.  He is super sweet - like most pitties are and just a real cuddle bug.  A cuddle bug in need of a bath though...

Group Trip to Jordan Lake

Today we took part of our crew as well as Coco and Charlie out to the lake for a little R&R.  Everyone practices their WAIT with the van door open.

Good dogs!

Then we hit the beach and most of the dogs even swam - Bbbrrrrrrrrrr!

Did a hurricane hit here?

No - this would just be what happens when you don't latch the bottom of a curious terrier's crate properly and go to work.  DESTRUCTION!  Go Kenna!

The Plot Thickens...

Last week I am showing a friend McKenna's teeth and I notice something - THEY ARE FALLING OUT AND HER ADULT TEETH ARE COMING IN!

This means she has to be at least 4.5 - 5 months old??

She even has her premolar 1....oh boy....

I couldn't believe it - but have been watching for the last week and yep - she is that old.

She has been with me for almost 3 weeks and has put on 4 lbs so I am guessing she will be 25lbs or so as an adult...

Jinx's New Favorite Toy

It was Jinx's day at work today and while I was working up front she entertained herself with a tasty rawhide treat!  Gosh they are growing like weeds!

McKenna Update - Meet Minnie?

So Ariel just said she found a pup on Craigslist that looks alot like McKenna - and that would be because it is her sister!!  I immediately called her owner and had a very interesting conversation.  

She says she saw an ad for Irish Wolfhound pups recently and was told by a lady, using the same name as was given to Peter, that she rescued 4 Wolfhound pups when the mom and 4 other pups were killed...that she made a midnight run to save them - real heartstring puller. The new owner takes one for $150 as a rescue.  She says based on what the lady said her pup should be 12 weeks old.

So we have McKenna sold for $1000 as purebred whose Mom was sold - Minnie [her sister] sold for $150 as a rescued/abandoned pup whose Mom was dead and no match up in age??

The story just keeps getting stranger and more convoluted.  This is Minnie:

McKenna Goes to Work

McKenna came to work with me today so I could gauge her social ability and give her a chance to meet some people in a positive manner.  She rides beautifully in the car - we live about 45 minutes from work so she caught some beauty rest before her big debut.

A few hours and several exciting people meetings later - she is tuckered out and curls up with Ayla to take a well deserved nap.  She was a little angel for the most part - we did have one growl at a dog who came behind the counter but a quick interruption and she was over it.

Later in the day I had her sit in on one of my Puppy Preschool classes.  She thought this was great - and even showed her potential therapy dog skills by imitating Ayla!

Very cute indeed!

She is neither aggressive or unmanageable   She is just being a pup - she jumps up, she gets the zoomies, she had NO manners at all, she isn't housebroken and she plays hard...but I can see how an inexperienced dog owner could have freaked out. She crates beautifully now but I think she was ripping his house to shreds...LOL

And boy does she love Ayla - they are BFF's!

Meet Mckenna - Our Newest Foster!

A few weeks ago, I got a call from a friend of mine (Peter) in Maryland that his friend [who I have never met] had just purchased an Irish Wolfhound pup for $1000 from a lady in NC but he had concerns.

(His friend knows nothing about dogs and when I heard he had bought a Wolfhound, I was really worried)

Below is my understanding of what happened:

Friend finds puppy on eBay. (I know, I know)

Lady says pups are 8 weeks old.

Wires $500 deposit via Western Union.

Makes arrangements to meet her a week and half later.

The lady met them in a parking lot of Petsmart.

She said he couldn't see the mother as she had already sold her.

Said this was the last pup and she was the runt.

She was accompanied by a large, intimidating man with tattoos that made Peter and friend uncomfortable to walk away from the sale and she said deposit was non refundable.

They take puppy and return to Maryland.

Peter comments puppy is very small and has a very small bark. They send me some really bad pictures and I said I couldn't really tell anything but that she looked like a  very small Wolfhound pup...maybe the lady got the age wrong.

Contacts lady - she tells them pups are now 8 weeks old - friend says but you said that 2 weeks ago?

Back and forth with me via texts - not happy, not convinced is Wolfhound.

Tries contacting "breeder" again - this time number is disconnected and email bounces.

After 2 1/2 weeks - Peter's friend says puppy is aggressive and unmanageable and he is going to have it put down!

Peter takes puppy and contacts me very unhappy and unsure what to do with her.

So yesterday we drive to meet them almost in Maryland and I pick her up. She should by this first account between 8-10 weeks old depending on which date you believe. She does look like a mini Wolfhound.

We stopped at Petsmart on the way home and weighed her - 13lbs.  I also noticed that her teeth are TINY...they are there but teeny squeeny incisors - I am thinking she is really young maybe? 

So now I have no idea what she is - obviously some type of schnauzer / terrier mix - Parsons Jack Russel maybe? 

Hmmmmmmm - strange but true....LOL...some Wolfhound!

Either way she is a sweetie and if you know of anyone wanting to adopt a truly adorable little girl - let me know!

Field Trip - Archie & Bella at Tractor Supply

The dogs and I LOVE Tractor Supply.  It is one of the few places outside of a pet store that you can take the dogs to roadwork some of their training.

Our local TS is in Siler City.  Archie & Bella got dropped off last night around 6:30 and we jumped in the van to get some work in before they closed.

First they did a beautiful wait in the parking lot before getting out in the rain.

Then we headed inside for some Loose Leash, Wait, Stay, Recall & Polite People Greeting work.  We definitely have to work more on the people greeting as they LOVE people and are all over them.  Here is some shaky footage of them showing off!

They are with us for another week to polish up their skills.  Stay tuned for more progress...

Archie & Bella Field Trip

Today we headed out to Raven Rock State Park with 7 of the dogs for a hike.  Raven Rock is about an hour from the farm and looking at it online it looked like a nice hike along the Cape Fear River.  We got a map and planned to do the Campbell Creek Loop Trail and head out to the falls.

We got there around 1:30pm after a very good van ride from the dogs.  Archie & Bella rode very well and waited beautifully when I opened the back of the van.

We hit the trail heading out to the falls in much warmer, humid weather than we anticipated.  Needless to say we were sweating bullets!

The dogs were all very well behaved.  Archie and Bella started the trail in typical Lab pup excitement.  I put Bella in a waist loop and Archie was on umbilical.  Once we got going they really settled into stride and by a few miles in were walking beautifully.

Overall they did a fantastic job!