a year of foster dogs, in a nutshell

After Ruffy was adopted, Pet Rescue needed a place for Lola the Jack Russel Terrier. She wanted to kill my parrot, and could jump 5 feet high in place, no problem. Needless to say, this match was not made in heaven, and Lola spent only a few days here before she moved to another foster home. It turned out all right in the end because my bird survived, and Lola's new foster family fell completely in love with her and adopted her.

My friend at Pet Rescue, and foster care coordinator, Lee Ann, was right. There's a dog for everyone.

Then came Bruno. Ah, what shall we say about dear Bruno? Perhaps my cousin Mary would like to chime in here. I went to Pennsylvania to pick up Bruno from STAR because I fell in love with his cute little picture and could not stand to imagine this little guy in the kennel. I had him less than 12 hours and I knew it was not a good match, but I sucked it up and took him home to take care of him. In retrospect, this is one of those situations where I really should have listened to my instincts from the get-go. Anyway, taking care of Bruno was very stressful because he was not even kinda sorta crate or house trained and he would pee and poo anywhere all day and night. It was also winter, so working on potty skills was difficult when the snow drifts outside the door several feet taller than little Bruno. I took nice pictures of him and posted him constantly and fortunately he was adopted, and is now on STAR's 'happy tails' page, so I guess Lee Ann was right again.


Another Lola came after that and I have to post two pictures of her so you can see how a nice grooming can alter a dog's appearance so dramatically. This poor girl was so matted. Also from STAR in PA, my cousin Mary and I worked on brushing and cutting out mats on Lola for almost two hours but the mats on her legs and feet were so severe, I had to take her to get professionally groomed. Bruno, my friend who runs the rescue, agreed to pay the cost, which was a big relief - for my wallet ... and especially for little Lola. Look how pretty she is with her new haircut and pink bows!



I drove Lola back to PA to be adopted, and came home with this apricot poodle named Lucky. He was so sweet, I just had to take him home from the kennel. You know how it is ... heartstrings. I can't recall any noteworthy stories about him. He was a nice doggie. oh. I do remember that Kiyoshi was perplexed by Lucky's inability to play. He just didn't get it.






Sweet Pea. She was a Sweet Pea. Lee Ann, from Pet Rescue NY, brought her to me. She just couldn't leave her at the kennel, and thought she might be a good match for us. Turned out she was the perfect foster dog. She was so great, and was here for quite awhile, so she's going to get her very own post, filled with lots photographs!





Pookie was a short term foster, as he was adopted from STAR - Second Time Around Rescue in PA, by my teacher friend, Odalys, and her wonderful family. Bruno, (the person not the dog) drove this little yorkie to NY on Easter weekend and I had this little guy waiting for the family when they came home from church. They were all thrilled, and loved him immediately. His name is now Titus, and he's a blessed part of the family.


This is Max, a gorgeous and sweet cocker spaniel who was surrendered to STAR when his owner died. I knew that I had a lot on my plate at the time but went ahead and made the trip to PA to foster this dog. He is a beautiful boy. He's also sweet, and sidles up to you for rubs. Unfortunately, I felt I needed to return him to rescue before his adoption because he was not a good match here. He was not good with children. He nipped and snapped at Nicholas and barked at children in the neighborhood. Max is a nice dog. Young children made him nervous I think. Anyway, I did not feel comfortable taking care of him any longer, so he is still available for adoption and would make a wonderful pet dog for a family without young children.


And now, from Luv a Chin Rescue, we have the cute, playful, loving Leo! Wednesday, I met Judy in Roscoe NY for the chin transfer, so Leo has been here five days. So far, so good. As you can see from this picture, Nicholas and Leo were fast friends. Leo is quiet (which I like a lot, I'll admit). He is good with Nicholas and Kiyoshi. He likes to run in the yard, wrestle with Kiyoshi in the office, and he really loves to play with toys! It is nice to be off for the summer to have plenty of time to tend to a foster dog. Leo is young and adorable, so he may be adopted quickly. Whether he is or not, I am enjoying this time with him, and when his time comes to be adopted into his loving and forever home, I will sad to see him go, but also so very happy for him too!

Meet Leo

Here is Leo just after his bath. He sure is cute!

Leo is a 9 month old, 8 pound Japanese Chin from Luv A Chin Rescue. I picked him up to foster on Wednesday.

Last summer I began fostering dogs, and started my first ever blog to document my new endeavor. Shortly after returning to work in the fall, I abandoned my foster dog blog, and here in cyberspace it sat with no updates the entire school year.

Now that it's summer once again, I have returned. I am pleased to introduce my current foster, Leo. He is little and sweet. He loves to wrestle with Kiyoshi and play with toys.

I adopted Kiyoshi, and he is absolutely the best dog ever in the whole world, and Nicholas and I love him so much!

My first ever foster dog was from Second Time Around Rescue and his name was Johnny. It was a great experience to take care of him, and he was happily adopted by a girl named Molly who named him Frankie and loves him lots. All together I have had 12 dogs in foster care, and my next post will chronicle the adventure of those dogs who missed out on getting into my blog because ... a single working mother just can't find time for everything, I guess.

Boys in the backyard

It is fun to watch Ruffy, Kiyoshi, and Nicholas run and play together in the backyard. Ruffy has become more playful the past two days, but he needs to sharpen his play skills. He's like the annoying kid on the playground; Whatever toy you have, I want it, and I'm taking it, and I'm not sharing it with you.

He has no idea how to play fetch, which neither Nicholas nor Kiyoshi understand.


Ruffy and Kiyoshi play together sometimes, but other times I think they just harass each other. At least it's not all one sided. They seem to take turns bothering one another. However, Ruffy is most definitely the one more likely to bully my little Kiyoshi, and that behavior gets nipped in the bud right quick. Kiyoshi usually just tries to entice Ruffy to play with him, and doesn't really understand that Ruffy doesn't yet know how to play well. It is so funny when Kiyoshi prompts Ruffy to play and whether he gets a response or not, he starts running around the yard in big super fast circles! It is quite as sight! And it's good exercise, as he's out of breath from all the sprinting. Today Ruffy joined in the chase, and Nicholas and I cheered them both on, clapping and calling, "Go, Kiyoshi, Go! ~ Run, Ruffy, Run!" It was so exhilarating, Nicholas just had to join in! " Go, Nicholas! Run! Run! Run!"

Beginnings ... With Ruffy

Ruffy came up from the south on a pet rescue transport. Apparently, he was filthy and matted. Since two prominent rescue volunteers described him to me as 'disgusting', I imagine he was quite a site. Thankfully though, he got into the groomer before I took him home, and now look how nice he looks.

Ruffy is some kind of poodle spaniel mix, I guess. He's about one or two years old, and even though he has only been here for two days, I can vouch for him being a good dog. He's housebroken, good with other dogs, and good with kids. He hardly ever barks. These things, and more, make him highly adoptable, and I bet soon he will be loved by his furever family.

For the first night and morning he was here, I was doubtful that it would work out. When I introduced Ruffy to Kiyoshi, I did it outside, and then went for a walk. I quickly learned that taking care of two dogs is harder than taking care of one. And Kiyoshi was very uneasy about this new guy busting in on things. When I could not be right there to supervise closely, I had to separate the two. By day two things had improved significantly, and Kiyoshi and Ruffy were fine together.

Ruffy is good with Nicholas, and Nicholas instantly loved Ruffy. So much so, in fact, that he asked me, "Could we keep him instead?" I think Nicholas really enjoys dogs, but to tell you the truth, when he said that, my heart hurt... for me ... for Kiyoshi.
Silly. I know. But that's what I felt.

Peas and Carrots

Nicholas and Kiyoshi ~ like peas and carrots.

Nicholas and Kiyoshi became fast friends, and 'brothers'. Nicholas brings out the playful side of Kiyoshi. They are both fun loving but gentle together. Nicholas coos over this dog unlike any other; calls him 'so sweet and nice' and "I love you, Kiyoshi, and so does Mommy."

Nicholas helps take him for walks, feeds him, and brushes him. He gives him lots of hugs and cuddles too. He laughs when he acts silly and does 'chin spins'.

Kiyoshi is the perfect dog for Nicholas because he is there when he needs him, but also gives him plenty of space, and does not steal the show. He is a content and undemanding dog, and I am quite sure Nicholas unknowingly appreciates that this dog does not cramp his style at all by acting needy, and competing for my attention.

Last night, he slept part of the night beside my bed, part beside Nicholas' bed, and part of the night he slept between our two rooms.

In the morning, if the dog and I are up before Nicholas, I always shut his door so he is not disturbed. Kiyoshi often sits quietly outside his door, and patiently waits for him to come out and play.

I love him!

I love him!

He's the best dog ever and I feel so lucky to have him here, and even though it's not even been a week, I already can't imagine not having him here!

I've been changing my mind a hundred times a day about whether to foster or adopt Kiyoshi. I know I've done this back and forth thing before, especially with Johnny, so I'm trying to sort myself out here before I get word that an application has come in for him. I guess I'm kinda hoping no one asks for him for at least a couple weeks. That could give me the time I need to know.

I've been sharing my thoughts with others, mostly to just get my thoughts in order and 'out there', but also to get valuable feedback from friends and family who know me well.

If I adopt him, he will be very loved and well cared for, happily ever after. If I foster and he is adopted out, there will be tears saying good-bye to this one; big, fat, sad, love tears.

Beginnings ... with Kiyoshi

I drove to PA yesterday to pick up my new foster dog from Second Time Around Rescue. I'm so glad this Japanese Chin was vetted and ready to go because I like him. I like him a lot.
When I first got into the car to take Gizzy home, I had this sudden feeling of ~ this is the dog I'm keeping!
Caught me off guard a little, but ... the feeling passed.

Anyway, so far so good with this little guy. When I saw this picture on petfinder I described him as so-ugly-he's-cute, but now I don't think he's so ugly at all. His fur is so soft, long, and lovely. (I went out and bought a brush and comb for him.) Sure, he still has that 'mashed' face that I always find to be ugly/cute, but he really is a nice doggie.
He's very quiet, which I really like. And he doesn't seem so needy like the previous two I fostered, which is also a nice sort of break from that constant 'giving' of affection. I read that Japanese Chins are the most cat-like dogs, so I guess maybe that's where some of his independence comes from.
Last night he had dinner and we went for a nice walk. He walks on a leash like a dream.
I decided the name Gizzy was too ghetto for this fluffy beaut, so I've renamed him Kiyoshi, which means 'the quiet one'.

Bye Cody

Cody was adopted yesterday. It was exciting and sad for me, and I think for Cody too.

I loved taking care of Cody. What an excellent dog he is. He's cute and playful and loving.

You're a good boy, Cody. I will miss you but I'm very happy that you have been adopted into your forever family.

XXX-OOO

Adventures

Since I last posted , Cody has had some adventures. He was on The Today Show last weekend, and this weekend he went to a Pet Rescue meet & greet.
In between, he has been taking medicine for some tummy trouble, and had to wear a cone for a couple days so he'd stop licking his neuter incision.
He's been on lots of walks, around the block, along the boardwalk, and through the dog park, where he gracefully accepted having his butt sniffed by more than a dozen dogs.
One afternoon, as I walked him a different way than usual, I noticed he had just gone into a thick patch of poison ivy. Oh Bother! So, he had a bath and I washed and rubbed my arms and hands down with alcohol. Fortunately, his romp in poison ivy only resulted in one small itchy blister on the inside of my right arm. Not bad, considering this little low-to-the-ground pup was nosing around in the stuff for at least a minute before I looked down and thought, hmmm ... all those weeds have three leaves.
Cody plays outside in the backyard every morning while I have my coffee. I throw his toys and he fetches until he gets tired and lays on the grass. He's off his leash in the back, and it was not a problem until yesterday morning when he saw a chipmunk scurry across the rocks and rush under the fence. Cody sprinted to catch him and squeezed himself under the fence, where there is a big enough gap for his slight body. The only thing is, he did not come back when I called him, and my body happens not to be so slight as to get myself through the back fence. So, I had to get in my car and drive around the block to get him. When I got out of the car and called him, he raced over to me like I was his long lost love and he couldn't wait to leap into my arms with joy! Silly pup.
One of my favorite things about my time with Cody, aside from taking lovely walks by the shore, is cuddling up for a nap. He is such the snuggle bug, and I love his lovey-ness.

Fireworks

The Playland fireworks are cracking and booming. Cody does not like when the fireworks go off, but he is not here tonight.

A pet rescue volunteer came to pick up Cody earlier this evening, to care for him this weekend, while Nicholas and I go to PA for the Magic Catfish party. (Thanks, Keri!)

An hour or two before he got picked up, I found out that he may get adopted tomorrow. I had to stop and take a breath. I felt immediately happy, and simultaneously sad.

Nicholas and I said good-bye to Cody, just in case he is in fact adopted tomorrow. Nicholas seemed at first disappointed and sad when I told him, but then I changed my voice to happy and praised him for doing such a great job taking care of Cody, and that we can help by fostering another dog again. This gave him a sense of purpose and excitement, and he gave Cody a nice hug good-bye. We also sent him off with a quick care package, including his towel that we slept with last night so it will have our scent for a few days to comfort him, as well as his favorite french fries squeaky toy.

For awhile before he left, I just held him in my arms like a baby. He is just so sweet. I almost cried.

Balls

Cody loves the backyard. He runs and plays and then relaxes on the grass.

He's an expert fetcher, if it's a preferred toy. He has an assortment of things I throw that he enjoys running after and 'attacking', especially the squeaky fries and the rope-through-a-ball. He romps around with those soft water toys too, especially the yellow frisbee. He definitely does not like the regular dog frisbee, though. He'll run after it but won't pick it up, play with it, or return it.

Cody was neutered yesterday. When I picked him up he cried the whole way home, but I think that had more to do with being put in a small travel crate than anything else. When I took him for a short walk, he was a touch wobbly, but managed to poo and pee with no issues. He came home and ate a nice dinner. I noticed his eyes looked glossy and odd. I gave him his pain pill and he had an evening nap.

Snuggle Pup

This little dog loves to snuggle!

He is such a love.

Today we went for a walk in the rain, and Cody didn't mind at all. He seemed to like being out walking in the summer rain.

Tonight Cody had a bath, so he doesn't smell so 'doggy'. Nicholas had a bath tonight also, and the sheets are freshly washed, so we're all good. :)

Yesterday, Nicholas and I picked out some new toys for Cody. Mostly squeaky toys, since he likes those, but also a few small tennis type balls and a chew rope that he likes to fetch.

Nicholas and Cody

Nicholas and Cody adore each other.

They enjoy playing and resting together.

When we go for a walk, Nicholas is always sure to praise Cody when he pees or poops outside. "Good Boy!" he says.

They chase each other in the yard, and play with the squeaky toy that looks like an order of McDonald's fries.

A friend of mine got that toy for Johnny, but he didn't care for squeaky toys. I almost gave it away, but now I'm glad I didn't because it quickly became Cody's favorite. This morning I threw those fries across the yard more than a dozen times, and Cody fetched them and brought them back to me for another go.

Nicholas does not refer to Cody as his brother as often as he did with Johnny, but he does often come to Cody for play time or cuddle time, and he tells people, "He likes me. He likes me a lot."
Cody loves to give Nicholas kisses. Lots of kisses.

Me and Cody

Me and Cody.

I liked Cody right from the get-go, but I have to say, the more time I know him, the more I like him.

His dark black coat is shiny and soft, and he loves to be pet and cuddled. Cody enjoys the company of people. He wants to be close, and chooses sometimes to curl up on my lap, and other times to lay quietly beside me.

He is friendly and well behaved. He does not bother Sarafina, and in fact seems entirely disinterested in her, which is a great relief to me. (an her , no doubt)

He is learning to walk on a leash, and respond to basic commands. It's funny how tickled I get when he sits for a treat!

The family who adopts him will be lucky to have such a wonderful lovable little dog!

Pictures of Cody

Beginnings ... with Cody

Cody is a little black chihuahua mix. I picked him up from the pet rescue transport that arrived Sunday. When I went to Northwind Kennel, it was so nice to see volunteers all helping out with the dogs that arrived from West Virginia early that morning.

Cody is one of more than twenty dogs saved this past weekend. He is about 10 pounds and about one year old. He's a sweetheart.

www.ny-petrescue.org

www.petfinder.com/petdetail/16959456

Bye Johnny

Johnny was adopted today.

For my first experience fostering a rescue, I could not have asked for a more wonderful dog.

You're a good dog, Johnny Boy. I loved taking care of you, and I will miss you. I'm so glad that you have been adopted into a forever family.

Bye, Johnny.

Look At That Face

Look at that face. What a sweetheart.

We've had a short morning walk, and it's still very new to me to be outside at 6am. It's where the volunteer sacrifice comes in to play for me; tending to the needs of a dog instead of my desire to be curled up in my cozy bed, sleeping in.

As per usual, I had my coffee out back and watched Johnny play in the yard.

Cat

There is a big cat who frequents our yard. She passes back and forth along the fence several times a day. Sometimes Nicholas chases her. I think she lives down the street.

This morning, the cat slinked into the yard and spotted Johnny right away. Johnny was too busy playing to notice her. The cat just sat there, by the ladders, watching.

In this picture, Johnny is burying a biscuit, totally oblivious to that big cat a few feet away. When he ran toward the garage, with a biscuit and a mission, the cat put her back up. Then, noticing he was too busy to notice her, she eventually just turned and strolled away.

Chasing Rabbits and Frisbees

Johnny got a new frisbee. He loves to chase after it. He runs around with it in his mouth. Then he chews on it a bit before I throw it across the yard again.

On our morning walk around the block, he spotted two little bunny rabbits and tried to dart after them. There were two quite temping little ones; their big white tails teasing Johnny as they hopped away.

Johnny is learning to sit for a treat! At first he is just beside himself with excitement, but he has already learned that he's not getting a treat acting crazy. I still hold his collar and coax his butt down when I say 'sit'. But he's definitely getting it.

This morning I got word from the rescue that there are two applications in for Johnny's adoption. I gave the go-ahead. Told Bruno to pick the best one for Johnny Boy! So, my first little foster pup should be going to his forever home early next week.