Together at last!
February 27th, 2010
Happy at last!
I got mail
February 21st, 2010I got this wonderful email from the lady that is adopting me. I am in love.
Patience, The Lick and “The Lean”
One of the most important things I’ve learned – and am still learning – from working with shelter dogs is patience. Patience and observation. Although my first instinct after my golden retriever died was to wait … there were a lot of life adjustments that had hit me hard … I knew at some point, I hoped at some point, another dog would come into my life.
Each week at the shelter I would silently scan the kennels to see – just see – if the right pup was there for me. The shelter staff (bless their hearts) were always on the lookout for my match. It made me feel really good that in my short time there, all of them liked me and trusted me enough to prod me along. I would watch as potential adopters came in, met with the dogs, and either found a match – or not. I remember one stocky little pit bull in particular though – the first pit I ever walked. Rather than deteriorate as many pitties do in a shelter environment, this little guy just savored his good luck at having a safe place to sleep, kind folks to walk him, and belly scratches to enjoy. He was there, however, for what seemed like forever. Oh, there was interest in him here and there, but pits need a special kind of adopter, so he just waited. Then one day, his luck turned and he went “home.” When I asked the staff how his fortune played out, I remember one of the gals telling me a man came in and when the two of them met, the dog leaned heavily into the man’s leg and looked up and over his shoulder adoringly at him. It was love at first sight for them both and every one of us that heard his story could barely choke back our tears. This is what it is all about. And this is the exact connection I’ve been seeking. Folks told me I would know it when it happened.
Rebecca is a wonderful rescuer. And she’s a wonderful writer. I can only imagine how many people have read your story or met you face-to-face that have been instantly smitten. Simply put, you’re one great hounddog there, Blu. When I came across your picture online and read your story, I was right there with them. I knew, however, that I needed to be patient. There’s no doubt you’re the kind of dog that would make just about anyone happy and I’m pretty sure Rebecca could have adopted you many times over. Fortunately, Rebecca is patient too. When I came to meet you the other day, it didn’t take long for that first sign of infatuation to appear. But I had to keep my head calm. I needed to know that the subtle nuances of budding love had to develop into a connection that was real and right not just for me, but for you, too.
Then, you and I went for our walk. You were behaving so nicely, I let you take the lead (I also had to watch where we were going so we both didn’t get lost!). A couple of times, I asked you to stop … sit … look at me … then back to walking. The last time we stopped, as you did as I asked, I offered you another of those yummy liver treats. In a split instant – perhaps one I could have missed entirely – you licked my hand. Then took the treat. My heart lept just a little right then and there.
Once we got back and I was spending time talking with Cathy and Rebecca, you came over to me. As I scratched your back and massaged your great hound ears, again, in an instant, our eyes met and, this time – this time - you gave me “The Lean.”
Now I know a lot of people are going to say, “Silly lady. Of course, Blu leaned. You were scratching him!” But I know better. I know that all the great dogs I’ve come across in the past two years were just bringing me a few steps closer to finding the friend I am looking for … as long as I had…patience.
Even now, big guy, my patience is being put to the test. I am SO ready to have you get to know me even better, to see your great new backyard, to have you meet your pesky little cat brother, and to continue nurturing your natural gift of friendliness toward others. And you, dear Blu, have been patient too. This is a reward that almost seems to good to be true, doesn’t it? I find myself catching my breath, wondering if this is really happening … that I, too, am actually – finally - finding myself as lucky as you.
I’ll see you tomorrow, big guy! :)
Eureka! I found it.
February 19th, 2010I think I have mentioned before that I love people… all kinds: shapes, sizes, ages… doesn’t matter I love to walk up to people and have them hug and pet me. So many people have show an interest in adopting me, and I feel very lucky for that. All the people at Narnia agree that I would do fine in many different homes. As a matter of fact, they have socialized me as much as they could. I have stayed in homes with little kids, bigger kids, adults, cats, and dogs of all breeds and ages. I have enjoyed every minute of this rescuing business, but I am writing to tell you today that I found where I belong Wednesday afternoon. We spent three hours together, and we hardly left each other. We played, we cuddled, we bonded… I tried to let Rebecca and Cathy know as best as I could, and I think it worked. For the first time ever, I chose to go and stay with someone else OVER Cathy and Rebecca. The two of them, as well as everyone else at Narnia, they have been my rock. I have needed their love and healing while looking for my home, but Wednesday afternoon it was obvious that this nice lady belongs with me and I belong with her.
My forever home?
February 16th, 2010I have been thinking a lot about this place. Rebecca and Cathy keeping telling me that I am just visiting, and that soon I will go to this forever home place. Rebecca and I had a long talk the other day… well, she talked; I wagged my tail. She told me that she really needed a sign as to whether or not I wanted to live with any of these nice people that I have met recently. I am not sure what “a sign” means, but I will try.
I got class!
February 12th, 2010Last week, I got to go to class with Rebecca. She was helping with a introduction to clicker training class. Her friend Liz actually worked with me. It was very fun. I heard that funny clicking noise … the same one that I hear when I walk with Rebecca… and Liz would give me treats. Very cool. She also helped me press a button that said “That was Easy” when I stepped on it. I thought that was pretty funny. I also got to “free shape” with a big cardboard box. I looked at it, and I touched it with my nose. Then I decided to paw it. All these things resulted in Liz clicking and treating me. I thought… really? I can just think of stuff to do and she will feed me? That is AWESOME! She also was helping me with more tricks I am working on: take a bow and spin.
After class was over, I went to a really big crate that belongs to one of Liz’s dogs. I think it was Rosie that nice German Shepherd that showed me the ropes at the senior home. Rebecca then started helping with another class. I just sat in the crate and watched all the dogs and owners. It was better than that TV thing that people watch. I didn’t bark or anything. I just sat there smiled at everyone. It was so fun just to hang out with people and dogs. This is the life!
Visiting people is what I do best!
February 8th, 2010Sunday afternoon Rebecca took me to a senior care facility in Wheaton. The place was called Brighton Gardens of Wheaton. It was a pretty cool visit. When we first came in, I meet one of the workers dog’s named Sadie. She is a 8 year old female golden retriever that comes to work everyday with her owner. How cool is that? They hang out in the front part of the living area. Rebecca and I, along with our friends Liz (human) and Rosie ( 7 year old German Shepherd… certified therpy dog through Therapy Dogs International) went through some doors and ended up in a different living area. This was an area for people with severe Alzheimer’s ( not really sure what that is, but I heard the humans talking about it, so maybe you know too). Most people were in wheel chairs or walkers which I totally did not care about. I just wandered up to people, and they would lean over and pet my head. I got to go down to their rooms and visit some of them that did not feel up to getting out of bed. It was fun. They were all having an ice cream snack when I got there, and Rebecca was so proud of me because even though the ice cream was at my nose level… I DID NOT TRY TO EAT IT. I know… I’m cool. We stayed about 2 hours. I visited almost everyone that I could find. It was really fun, and Rebecca said we can go back next Sunday if I want. I love visiting people and I love car rides, so all in all, this seems like a pretty good deal. Don’t you think?
Rebecca says I am not a certified therapy dog, but she and the other trainers of Narnia have hypothesized that I would be good at it and enjoy it. If someone is interested in doing that kind of work, the trainers at Narnia said that they would help get me ready for the tests. Until then, I am going to keep going to Brighton Gardens to share some happiness and get lots of practice.
Just Chillin’
February 4th, 2010Howdy everyone! Blu here. I am so ready for winter to be over. Rebecca and I walked the other day. I must admit, she is not quite as much fun as when I walk with Cathy and Molly. She hardly lets me sniff, but she does bring treats and I get them if I walk nicely at her right side. I can do that. Plus we really get moving. Cardo work out for me! She is use to walking those crazy border collies she lives with. Seriously… chill out, I say. Too busy for me.
Saturday I am going to Narnia for a one day trainers class. That is when all their trainers get together and train their dogs. Angela is going to work with me. I can not wait. We are learning Crate Games. I like my crate well enough, but anything that is described as games must be fun. We are going to learn to like our crates and stay in our crates with the door open no matter what the distraction is… until our human says we can come out. I like the idea of also being able to visit with people and their dogs.
By the way, did I tell you that whomever adopts me gets a free 6 week beginner class at Narnia? Even though I have been through the class, the Narnia Staff thought it would be good if the family that adopts me gets the training too. I love class, so it sounds cool to me.
Gotta go. I am going to go and try to sneak up on the couch or tailgate the human around the house. Those are fun games…
BLU
Exciting News
February 1st, 2010Today I was just hanging around when I heard a car pull in the driveway. Molly and I barked, but when I saw the visitors… I got SUPER excited. It was Rebecca and Meredith. I showed off some of my new jumping up on people abilities when Rebecca came in. I wasn’t able to do that before, but now that I have been on my medication, I am feeling much better. Meredith said hi and headed downstairs to play with the toys. My foster mom, Cathy, and Rebecca stood around talking for a couple of minutes until I heard Rebecca announce, “They are here”.
In walked two really nice ladies from Naperville Humane Society named Angie and Michelle. They talked a little with Rebecca, then they put a leash on me. They hugged me, touched me, and pet me. I was happy. Then I noticed they had a can of dog food. Cathy added some of my kibble. This was so exciting that I didn’t care about the toys they were showing me. I just wanted the food. It was like Christmas getting to eat an extra meal today. They gave me the bowl of food and touched me while I was eating. They moved me away from the bowl. I was fine with it. I figured if I was good, I would get it back… which I DID! Yippee!
They played a little more with me and talked more with Rebecca. They are going to help me find my forever home. Wow. I keep hearing about this forever home place. It sounds really cool. A place where they will want me and love me and train me. A place with a backyard for me to explore, and comfortable dog beds and toys. I have heard about these places. Where I am staying now is really nice, but it is Molly’s forever home. I understand that, but I must admit I hope I find my soon. Have you seen it? Can you tell me how to get there?
Blu
Blu’s New love: Squeaky toys
January 15th, 2010My neighbor just gave us a bunch of toys, since she just lost her old dog. Blu seems to love the squeaky plastic toys. He was bringing them back to me so I could throw them again, but then decided to bring them into his room, so I would throw him another one. He must have close to a dozen in there now. I know that he has more energy, but it looks like he wants to play more as well, thanks to the thyroid medicine. At least now I have more things for him to play with. And when I took him for a 1 mile walk today, he still had plenty of energy when we were finished, so I am going to start taking him on longer walks (He used to start dragging at the end of 1 mile, while Molly could go at least another mile). Since both dogs need to be getting more exercise, having Blu able to go further should be better for all 3 of us.
Blu’s Thyroid
January 14th, 2010Here is what the vet said about Blu’s thyroid. He is doing wonderful on the medicine and is ready to go to his forever home.
Hypothyroidism is the natural deficiency of thyroid hormone. It is the most common hormone imbalance in dogs. Active thyroid hormone serves as a sort of “volume dial” for metabolism and affects multiple body systems.
The classic symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- skin abnormalities/infections
- hair loss; loss of under coat; dry, brittle hair coat
- obesity
- lethargy
- very rarely neurological problems
Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by blood tests. Treatment is relatively straight forward with twice daily oral thyroid supplementation. Treatment is for the life of the dog and the medication is very safe and not very expensive. Often improvement in attitude and energy level is seen within the first couple weeks. Skin and hair coat improvements take longer (2 – 4 months), but are often quite dramatic.
Blood tests are run to check the thyroid level 4 – 6 weeks after the supplementation is begun to make sure the dose is correct. After the correct dose is found, rechecking the level every 6 – 12 months is recommended.