They both find a place to crash and regenerate... LOL...
So while this is a serene photo of Bella, she and Ruby are very active and non-stop dogs that is very enjoyable and refreshing to watch as well!
Showing posts with label Bella. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bella. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Bella... a couch potato - NOT...
Bella and Ruby play non-stop throughout the day... So much so, it is almost like 'bowling for Chihuahuas' and everyone else clears out the pathways once those two start, for it is fast and furious play... But afterwards?
They both find a place to crash and regenerate... LOL...
So while this is a serene photo of Bella, she and Ruby are very active and non-stop dogs that is very enjoyable and refreshing to watch as well!
They both find a place to crash and regenerate... LOL...
So while this is a serene photo of Bella, she and Ruby are very active and non-stop dogs that is very enjoyable and refreshing to watch as well!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Update on Bella...
Bella's doing quite well... She's been re-trained to use the crate when needed and now sleeps with Desiree, Riley and Ruby at night... Her days are spent running around the house, playing 'catch me if you can' with the other dogs, and in the evenings, her favorite place to hang out and watch TV is on the back of the couch on top...
Bella's not a fan of sunbathing out back in the mornings (probably because she's so black), but she manages to find the shady spot on the chaise lounge while the Chihuahuas are sunbathing on the futon...
She's finally realized that she is NEVER going to catch one of those lizards that run across the brick wall in the back, but it doesn't stop her from alerting every time she sees one! :) What a goober!
She's doing quite well with meeting new strangers as well... Between coming to adoptions and visitors to the house, she's somewhat baffled at times by the other dogs' reactions to new people, but she's slowly learning it is OK... Previously she'd retreat and bark loudly - now she just retreats...
I suspect part of this is from her extreme blackness - both in coat and eyes, for humans relate to dogs through their eyes... When you can't clearly see a dog's eyes (because they're so dark), we humans tend to stare at them until we 'connect'... In dog language, an intense stare like this is a sign of aggression... And if you believe in Cesar's processes (no touch, no talk, no eye contact), it makes quite a bit of sense...
I myself feel 110% confident in Bella... Last week she was chewing on a Nylabone (her favorite!) and got a piece caught in her throat... I went into her mouth with my hand (clear down to where the airway separates) and pulled it out as she was choking on it... I never worried once was she going to bite me and she had complete confidence in me that I was helping her at the same time... If Bella was my favorite size and breed of dog, she'd have a home with me forever... She's EXTREMELY loving, playful and kind towards all she knows and loves - it's the initial meeting times with new people that are her downfall and preclude her from finding her furever home...
I have found none of the reasons she was returned to us going on, and now that she's been re-trained for the crate again, I never worry about leaving the house... I know she's safe and if she gets bored, she's got her Kong filled with goodies to keep her entertained in the crate while I'm gone... Bella's ideal home would be with another dog she can romp and play with - 20 pounds or larger - and/or with children (older than 6 or 7)... Bella is so young and so playful, she needs that kind of activity and interaction going on around her and engaging her...
She is especially devoted and loyal to those she loves and can't please you enough... As much self assurance and confidence as she has, I only need to look at her hard and she rolls over onto her back in submission... Yesterday I watched her lovingly lick her son's ears, then turned to one of the other fosters and do that to them (guess that mother's instinct never leaves you), so having a canine buddy to interact with is a must...
She's a sweetie alright and I will always have a special place in my heart for Bella!
Bella's not a fan of sunbathing out back in the mornings (probably because she's so black), but she manages to find the shady spot on the chaise lounge while the Chihuahuas are sunbathing on the futon...
She's finally realized that she is NEVER going to catch one of those lizards that run across the brick wall in the back, but it doesn't stop her from alerting every time she sees one! :) What a goober!
She's doing quite well with meeting new strangers as well... Between coming to adoptions and visitors to the house, she's somewhat baffled at times by the other dogs' reactions to new people, but she's slowly learning it is OK... Previously she'd retreat and bark loudly - now she just retreats...
I suspect part of this is from her extreme blackness - both in coat and eyes, for humans relate to dogs through their eyes... When you can't clearly see a dog's eyes (because they're so dark), we humans tend to stare at them until we 'connect'... In dog language, an intense stare like this is a sign of aggression... And if you believe in Cesar's processes (no touch, no talk, no eye contact), it makes quite a bit of sense...
I myself feel 110% confident in Bella... Last week she was chewing on a Nylabone (her favorite!) and got a piece caught in her throat... I went into her mouth with my hand (clear down to where the airway separates) and pulled it out as she was choking on it... I never worried once was she going to bite me and she had complete confidence in me that I was helping her at the same time... If Bella was my favorite size and breed of dog, she'd have a home with me forever... She's EXTREMELY loving, playful and kind towards all she knows and loves - it's the initial meeting times with new people that are her downfall and preclude her from finding her furever home...
I have found none of the reasons she was returned to us going on, and now that she's been re-trained for the crate again, I never worry about leaving the house... I know she's safe and if she gets bored, she's got her Kong filled with goodies to keep her entertained in the crate while I'm gone... Bella's ideal home would be with another dog she can romp and play with - 20 pounds or larger - and/or with children (older than 6 or 7)... Bella is so young and so playful, she needs that kind of activity and interaction going on around her and engaging her...
She is especially devoted and loyal to those she loves and can't please you enough... As much self assurance and confidence as she has, I only need to look at her hard and she rolls over onto her back in submission... Yesterday I watched her lovingly lick her son's ears, then turned to one of the other fosters and do that to them (guess that mother's instinct never leaves you), so having a canine buddy to interact with is a must...
She's a sweetie alright and I will always have a special place in my heart for Bella!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Bella's days...
So far, I've seen no chewing going on... Could it be because she's got the company of other dogs and this keeps her busy?... Dunno...
She's been exceptionally sweet with the puppies, and has spent her days playing with the other dogs, sunbathing on the futon platform out back, napping in the Chihuahua penthouse and relaxing at night on the couch when we watch TV... I caught her digging once in one of my flower pots, reprimanded her, she came to me, rolled over on her back in submission and hasn't done it again... But she's more of a Terrier than anything else, so digging is 2nd nature to Terriers...
Bella is readily coming when called, cuddles up and loves on you without abandon and despite being alert and active, is not engaging in barking or anything more extreme than numerous games of 'catch me if you can' with the other dogs...
She's been exceptionally sweet with the puppies, and has spent her days playing with the other dogs, sunbathing on the futon platform out back, napping in the Chihuahua penthouse and relaxing at night on the couch when we watch TV... I caught her digging once in one of my flower pots, reprimanded her, she came to me, rolled over on her back in submission and hasn't done it again... But she's more of a Terrier than anything else, so digging is 2nd nature to Terriers...
Bella is readily coming when called, cuddles up and loves on you without abandon and despite being alert and active, is not engaging in barking or anything more extreme than numerous games of 'catch me if you can' with the other dogs...
Monday, June 15, 2009
Bella returns... sigh...
Bella was returned to us yesterday... I spent yesterday trying to find the same behaviors that caused her adoption family to give her up (but to no avail so far)... A few weeks ago after a stay in a boarding kennel, she came back and began to wet in the house... I'm still not clear if she had a urinary tract infection or not, but this behavior stopped... Last week she got into a cat box and three days later, she had a seizure and fell over... I suspect it might be from the clumping litter she ingested, but their vet didn't have any definitive reason for the seizure...
However, I guess the primary reason for her return was chewing... Locked in a bathroom for three hours or more, she chewed a spot in the wall and with small children around, the adoptive mom had to be on her toes all the time to make sure Bella didn't get ahold of any small toys...
Bella wasn't necessarily a 'chewer' while she was my foster, but I kept her supplied with those flavored NylaBones... Soft dog toys (the tiny stuffed ones) she'd shred up and I got into the habit of making sure they were not left around for her to find, but because she did love to play with toys, play fetch, etc. I changed the kinds of toys I put in the toy box for her to have... So I really didn't have a 'chewing problem' with Bella here...
However, there is one big difference... Bella was adopted into a home without other dogs and this is a multi-dog household here... There is always a dog interested in playing a game of 'catch me if you can' or just to interact and hang out with...
Although we are really sorry to see Bella returned, there is a positive side of this particular chapter in her life... Bella's adoptive home had two young girls (so we know she loves children) and they also had a cat (which I do not) - two areas I could not verify if she'd be OK with in her life... And Bella also gained a little bit of weight which she needed...
Bella was overly excited when she saw me yesterday and in my mind, I'd never changed her name to 'Lucy' so when I called her with my usual "Bella, Bella, BELLLLL-LA" she immediately responded and must have remembered me... She and I spent a lot of time together, worrying about her ability to nurse those pups, then the transition between my bottle feeding them as a supplemental resource and finally, Bella teaching them canine manners but not being required to nurse them... She and I developed some level of understanding throughout it all and was the only foster I've ever had that I'd gotten too emotionally involved in... I love them all to a certain level and treat every foster like I do my own dogs, but there's a short garden wall I don't allow myself to step over inside my heart... In Bella's case, I'd peered enough over that wall that it did bother me when she was placed...
People always ask me, "Doesn't it hurt too much when you have to let them go?"... And normally it does not... I know they are fosters when they arrive here, it is not their day to die and I know they will eventually be moving on... Bella has always been a bigger dog than one I personally favor, and she's a lot more Terrier than she is Chihuahua (despite the classification the shelter gave her originally)... So I didn't feel like I would get too attached to her from the start - she was just too different from the kind of dogs I fall in love with and get attached to... I myself was surprised at the depth of emotion I felt when we placed her and made a quick departure to forgo any long, lingering goodbyes...
Yesterday it was almost as if she'd never left... She reacquainted herself with the dogs she already knew - her tail went into overdrive when she smelled Nacho and I believe she recognized him as her son, but Nacho didn't respond in kind... I suspect Nacho doesn't have a clue Bella is his mother... There are two fosters here now that she didn't know - one she started playing with immediately - the other has been a snarfing partner, but I stepped down on that right away...
Bella found her favorite spot on the futon mattress outside where the dogs lay on and sunbath... Then spent most of the afternoon running around and playing with her canine buds... I'm truly at a loss as how to explain the chewing that went on once she was adopted, but because of this, we are making the restriction that if she is readopted into another home, she cannot be the only dog...
Maybe the lack of interaction with other dogs allowed her to become bored and then to deal with the boredom, she found something she could chew on and/or caper... My husband's a great example of this - his entire life has been one that once he got bored, he'd caper and get into trouble... Dunno, but we spent the afternoon trying to discover the reason for her radical difference in behaviors between our home and her newly adoptive home - that's the only thing we could come up with... That and I don't have any children running around here...
So for now, I'm keeping a close eye on her... And trying to observe or discover why her adoption failed... Bella is an active dog and not a couch potato (although she always loved sitting down with us in the evenings and relaxing), and she's still so young and puppy-like, she is just not a suitable dog for someone that has a sedate home, doesn't like to do walks or doesn't have things and activities to engage in - or doesn't have another dog for her to play with...
It's hard on the dogs when they go back to the shelters after a failed adoption... Shelters do the best they can but it is such a fluid environment so unless the dog is returned back to the shelter the very next day, the dogs have difficulty dealing with the numerous transitions... In our case, although Bella was gone for a month and was exposed to new environment components, she adapted immediately to what she knew here --- old smells, old canine buds, etc.
Some dogs are chronic rehomers and IMHO, it is more inhumane to keep trying to rehome them... The more the dogs pop back and forth, in and out of shelters, the worst their behaviors become (almost as in protest)... This is not Bella's case... She just needs the right home for her and her personality, the right amount of activities and surroundings to keep her engaged, along with a new adoptive parent that understands chewing will become an issue if she's left alone, and/or becomes bored, etc.
I started crate training immediately again yesterday and she took to it... For her safety and my own peace of mind, it's a better plan of action until I am 100% certain she doesn't start chewing here as well... Right now, Bella's plan was to step right back into the hierachy of the pack, but some have moved on while others have joined... So last night she slept with my daughter and Riley (who doesn't "play" when it is time to sleep and cuddle)... Riley will quickly step down on Bella if she steps out of line or tries to take over his territory... So we shall see how things go and I'll update this blog with the new journey as we embark upon it...
However, I guess the primary reason for her return was chewing... Locked in a bathroom for three hours or more, she chewed a spot in the wall and with small children around, the adoptive mom had to be on her toes all the time to make sure Bella didn't get ahold of any small toys...
Bella wasn't necessarily a 'chewer' while she was my foster, but I kept her supplied with those flavored NylaBones... Soft dog toys (the tiny stuffed ones) she'd shred up and I got into the habit of making sure they were not left around for her to find, but because she did love to play with toys, play fetch, etc. I changed the kinds of toys I put in the toy box for her to have... So I really didn't have a 'chewing problem' with Bella here...
However, there is one big difference... Bella was adopted into a home without other dogs and this is a multi-dog household here... There is always a dog interested in playing a game of 'catch me if you can' or just to interact and hang out with...
Although we are really sorry to see Bella returned, there is a positive side of this particular chapter in her life... Bella's adoptive home had two young girls (so we know she loves children) and they also had a cat (which I do not) - two areas I could not verify if she'd be OK with in her life... And Bella also gained a little bit of weight which she needed...
Bella was overly excited when she saw me yesterday and in my mind, I'd never changed her name to 'Lucy' so when I called her with my usual "Bella, Bella, BELLLLL-LA" she immediately responded and must have remembered me... She and I spent a lot of time together, worrying about her ability to nurse those pups, then the transition between my bottle feeding them as a supplemental resource and finally, Bella teaching them canine manners but not being required to nurse them... She and I developed some level of understanding throughout it all and was the only foster I've ever had that I'd gotten too emotionally involved in... I love them all to a certain level and treat every foster like I do my own dogs, but there's a short garden wall I don't allow myself to step over inside my heart... In Bella's case, I'd peered enough over that wall that it did bother me when she was placed...
People always ask me, "Doesn't it hurt too much when you have to let them go?"... And normally it does not... I know they are fosters when they arrive here, it is not their day to die and I know they will eventually be moving on... Bella has always been a bigger dog than one I personally favor, and she's a lot more Terrier than she is Chihuahua (despite the classification the shelter gave her originally)... So I didn't feel like I would get too attached to her from the start - she was just too different from the kind of dogs I fall in love with and get attached to... I myself was surprised at the depth of emotion I felt when we placed her and made a quick departure to forgo any long, lingering goodbyes...
Yesterday it was almost as if she'd never left... She reacquainted herself with the dogs she already knew - her tail went into overdrive when she smelled Nacho and I believe she recognized him as her son, but Nacho didn't respond in kind... I suspect Nacho doesn't have a clue Bella is his mother... There are two fosters here now that she didn't know - one she started playing with immediately - the other has been a snarfing partner, but I stepped down on that right away...
Bella found her favorite spot on the futon mattress outside where the dogs lay on and sunbath... Then spent most of the afternoon running around and playing with her canine buds... I'm truly at a loss as how to explain the chewing that went on once she was adopted, but because of this, we are making the restriction that if she is readopted into another home, she cannot be the only dog...
Maybe the lack of interaction with other dogs allowed her to become bored and then to deal with the boredom, she found something she could chew on and/or caper... My husband's a great example of this - his entire life has been one that once he got bored, he'd caper and get into trouble... Dunno, but we spent the afternoon trying to discover the reason for her radical difference in behaviors between our home and her newly adoptive home - that's the only thing we could come up with... That and I don't have any children running around here...
So for now, I'm keeping a close eye on her... And trying to observe or discover why her adoption failed... Bella is an active dog and not a couch potato (although she always loved sitting down with us in the evenings and relaxing), and she's still so young and puppy-like, she is just not a suitable dog for someone that has a sedate home, doesn't like to do walks or doesn't have things and activities to engage in - or doesn't have another dog for her to play with...
It's hard on the dogs when they go back to the shelters after a failed adoption... Shelters do the best they can but it is such a fluid environment so unless the dog is returned back to the shelter the very next day, the dogs have difficulty dealing with the numerous transitions... In our case, although Bella was gone for a month and was exposed to new environment components, she adapted immediately to what she knew here --- old smells, old canine buds, etc.
Some dogs are chronic rehomers and IMHO, it is more inhumane to keep trying to rehome them... The more the dogs pop back and forth, in and out of shelters, the worst their behaviors become (almost as in protest)... This is not Bella's case... She just needs the right home for her and her personality, the right amount of activities and surroundings to keep her engaged, along with a new adoptive parent that understands chewing will become an issue if she's left alone, and/or becomes bored, etc.
I started crate training immediately again yesterday and she took to it... For her safety and my own peace of mind, it's a better plan of action until I am 100% certain she doesn't start chewing here as well... Right now, Bella's plan was to step right back into the hierachy of the pack, but some have moved on while others have joined... So last night she slept with my daughter and Riley (who doesn't "play" when it is time to sleep and cuddle)... Riley will quickly step down on Bella if she steps out of line or tries to take over his territory... So we shall see how things go and I'll update this blog with the new journey as we embark upon it...
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Bella has a new home - in time for Mother's Day!
I cannot imagine a more suiting occasion for Bella - to receive a new furever home just in time for Mother's Day!... (and as someone's birthday present to boot - what a double header as they say!)...
Bella was/is a GREAT mom and despite all the hardship and trauma she went through, having her litter of puppies and almost dying as she tried to nurse all five, she certainly has my vote for "Canine Mommie of the Year"... I could NOT have wished for a better home for her...
She has a beautiful back yard of her very own to play in and two lovely young girls to grow up with... I am positive they will keep her as busy as she will keep them~~!!!... Bella deserved this family and this is one of those bittersweet moments in rescue for me...
I'd taken Bella to the dog park in the morning as another foster mom was doing a 'meet & greet' with her foster... I 'child-tested' Bella with some of the children there yet again... And midway through, turned Bella off lead and worked her through some of the 'heel', 'watch me' turns, 'come,' etc... Each and EVERY time she responded on command and I couldn't have been more proud of her if I'd have birthed her myself!.. For a pupper that didn't know what a collar, halter or leash was when she arrived here, she did outstanding!
Bella also disliked moving vehicles when she arrived here (who could blame her, having birthed most of that litter in a moving shelter truck?) and she fell asleep in the back seat coming home from the dog park... We had a fairly long drive to her new furever home, and although I gave her the favorite bone she's been working on this week, Bella slept all the way there too!
I had prepared her new furever parents for Bella's hesitation with new people...
Ya know?... You can tell people that "this is a GREAT dog" but when the dog doesn't warm up instantly, I'm sure everyone thinks you're not telling them the truth... But Bella IS a great dog and I will ALWAYS cherish the months she allowed us to share her life as we watched her puppies grow and Bella reverted back to being a puppy again... She was too early of a mother and had too big of a litter, but it has been a sweet, sweet reward watching her run around the backyard with my crew, attempting to catch lizards or geekos (whatever those critters are called!)...
Bella's new mom has that quiet heart that is as big as Montana, and despite that I suspect Bella will form a quick bond with her new dad - he is the one she was most interested in (just as Bella so has loved my husband)... Bella has always been an 'in your lap' kind of dog and after the transition period passes, she'll be loving life with this great family too... I couldn't ask for a better furever home for this precious treasure...
I have to admit (you all know me by now... real to the very last period or exclamation point here)... I started to choke up a bit as I finished up the last of the paperwork... I didn't anticipate that I started to feel as I thought back about the weekend we almost lost her and I wasn't sure I could save her AND all five puppies if we took over hand feeding them...
I thought about those anxious hours as she was in ICU and I worried so many times afterwards in the weeks to follow as we lowered her nursing times with them, the every 4-hour meds, dramatically changed her diet to counteract the calcium depletion and increased the puppies' intake of formula at the same time... Then dropping the calcium intake levels so she wouldn't get too fat, but get healthy again... I really pride myself on turning shelter dogs around, but I don't think I'd ever questioned my abilities like this before... One dog, yes... But a mom and five VERY tiny and young puppies at the same time?... All six needing me so very much - and all at once?... I wasn't so sure I could do this at times...
And as I thought about all of this, all of the feelings just washed over me like a flood from a levee break... I'm usually very good about containing my feelings (at least I hope I do), but although I was extremely happy for Bella, it saddened me that she was moving on...
I'll miss that lump that lays on the top of my pillow and occasionally rolls over and lays her paw on my shoulder in the middle of the night... I will ALWAYS have the memory of the day she took on all five Chihuahuas and beat them each time in a game of 'catch me if you can' in the backyard... I will always be impressed how she could run like that and jump with puppy abandon, no longer having the responsibilities of being a mom too early in life... And I will add to my memories the ones Bella will now have as she has two children of her very own to run, jump and grow up with...
She deserved it for Bella is one very special dog...
And she has a new name too - "LUCY" - for one of the girls in the family has the same name (Isabella - Bella for short)... Guess Lucy will still come when called for awhile when she hears that name... What a great gift this has been for me personally on Mother's Day too... These are the times I am grateful for doing what I do in rescue...
I'll keep you posted if the new family keeps on blogging about Lucy and her great new adventures in life!
Hugs... and Happy Mother's Day to all you moms and dads out there!
Bella was/is a GREAT mom and despite all the hardship and trauma she went through, having her litter of puppies and almost dying as she tried to nurse all five, she certainly has my vote for "Canine Mommie of the Year"... I could NOT have wished for a better home for her...
She has a beautiful back yard of her very own to play in and two lovely young girls to grow up with... I am positive they will keep her as busy as she will keep them~~!!!... Bella deserved this family and this is one of those bittersweet moments in rescue for me...
I'd taken Bella to the dog park in the morning as another foster mom was doing a 'meet & greet' with her foster... I 'child-tested' Bella with some of the children there yet again... And midway through, turned Bella off lead and worked her through some of the 'heel', 'watch me' turns, 'come,' etc... Each and EVERY time she responded on command and I couldn't have been more proud of her if I'd have birthed her myself!.. For a pupper that didn't know what a collar, halter or leash was when she arrived here, she did outstanding!
Bella also disliked moving vehicles when she arrived here (who could blame her, having birthed most of that litter in a moving shelter truck?) and she fell asleep in the back seat coming home from the dog park... We had a fairly long drive to her new furever home, and although I gave her the favorite bone she's been working on this week, Bella slept all the way there too!
I had prepared her new furever parents for Bella's hesitation with new people...
Ya know?... You can tell people that "this is a GREAT dog" but when the dog doesn't warm up instantly, I'm sure everyone thinks you're not telling them the truth... But Bella IS a great dog and I will ALWAYS cherish the months she allowed us to share her life as we watched her puppies grow and Bella reverted back to being a puppy again... She was too early of a mother and had too big of a litter, but it has been a sweet, sweet reward watching her run around the backyard with my crew, attempting to catch lizards or geekos (whatever those critters are called!)...
Bella's new mom has that quiet heart that is as big as Montana, and despite that I suspect Bella will form a quick bond with her new dad - he is the one she was most interested in (just as Bella so has loved my husband)... Bella has always been an 'in your lap' kind of dog and after the transition period passes, she'll be loving life with this great family too... I couldn't ask for a better furever home for this precious treasure...
I have to admit (you all know me by now... real to the very last period or exclamation point here)... I started to choke up a bit as I finished up the last of the paperwork... I didn't anticipate that I started to feel as I thought back about the weekend we almost lost her and I wasn't sure I could save her AND all five puppies if we took over hand feeding them...
I thought about those anxious hours as she was in ICU and I worried so many times afterwards in the weeks to follow as we lowered her nursing times with them, the every 4-hour meds, dramatically changed her diet to counteract the calcium depletion and increased the puppies' intake of formula at the same time... Then dropping the calcium intake levels so she wouldn't get too fat, but get healthy again... I really pride myself on turning shelter dogs around, but I don't think I'd ever questioned my abilities like this before... One dog, yes... But a mom and five VERY tiny and young puppies at the same time?... All six needing me so very much - and all at once?... I wasn't so sure I could do this at times...
And as I thought about all of this, all of the feelings just washed over me like a flood from a levee break... I'm usually very good about containing my feelings (at least I hope I do), but although I was extremely happy for Bella, it saddened me that she was moving on...
I'll miss that lump that lays on the top of my pillow and occasionally rolls over and lays her paw on my shoulder in the middle of the night... I will ALWAYS have the memory of the day she took on all five Chihuahuas and beat them each time in a game of 'catch me if you can' in the backyard... I will always be impressed how she could run like that and jump with puppy abandon, no longer having the responsibilities of being a mom too early in life... And I will add to my memories the ones Bella will now have as she has two children of her very own to run, jump and grow up with...
She deserved it for Bella is one very special dog...
And she has a new name too - "LUCY" - for one of the girls in the family has the same name (Isabella - Bella for short)... Guess Lucy will still come when called for awhile when she hears that name... What a great gift this has been for me personally on Mother's Day too... These are the times I am grateful for doing what I do in rescue...
I'll keep you posted if the new family keeps on blogging about Lucy and her great new adventures in life!
Hugs... and Happy Mother's Day to all you moms and dads out there!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Afternoon delights.... (Bella)
Today was such a beautiful day, I took 2 Xpens and joined them, then brought the puppies out onto the patio to enjoy the fresh air, sun and shade... I handed out cookies to all (a first for the puppies) and Bella thoroughly enjoyed hers!
She quickly found a shady space underneath the tree and got busy on that cookie (dehydrated chicken strips we get from Costco)... We could have done one of those potato chip commercials, because she 'couldn't eat just one' and came back for seconds... and thirds... LOL...
Monday, May 4, 2009
Bella - I'm a puppy again!
Bella's spay is completely healed up now and her stitches removed... As she's gone through this process, we've noticed that she's reverting back to being a puppy again now that she no longer has the motherly hormones flowing through her veins and duties nonstop with the litter...
Chihuahuas are notorious sunbathers and last year we purchased a futon mattress and using a constructed wooden pallet for a base, created a sunbathing spot off the patio in the backyard... Almost every morning, they all love to go lay out, watch the things going on around them, listen to the sounds of the morning traffic and take in all the smells... This has become part of Bella's routine as well and she thoroughly enjoys the comfy pillows as she plays with the others...
This morning, there were a few 'critters' running up and down the trunk of the tree close by... I call them geekos, my hubby calls them lizards and my neighbor says they are alligator lizards... Whatever they are, they tend to run up the tree or the side of the house... Or across the block wall at the back of the yard... Once finding a warm spot, they do this 'push up' thingy and this fascinates the dogs as the dogs watch them...
Bella in particular believes she can catch them, but Max has already decided they are too fast for him!...
I'm not so sure she'd know what to do with one once she'd caught it, but it sure does fascinate her and she'll watch them INTENTLY for long stretches of time!
Bella is also our resident 'toy carrier'... Seldom failing to go by the toy box and pick up one before she heads out onto the patio or backyard, I must bring back 15 a day that I find out there!... Although she has now learned 'Drop it' for I don't want to chase her to collect them, she still enjoys going back into the house for another one while I'm collecting her morning's 'finds'...
Yep, once again she's the puppy she was before she accidentally got pregnant... It's nice to see her enjoying life again as only they can when not faced with the responsibilities of raising a litter...
Chihuahuas are notorious sunbathers and last year we purchased a futon mattress and using a constructed wooden pallet for a base, created a sunbathing spot off the patio in the backyard... Almost every morning, they all love to go lay out, watch the things going on around them, listen to the sounds of the morning traffic and take in all the smells... This has become part of Bella's routine as well and she thoroughly enjoys the comfy pillows as she plays with the others...
This morning, there were a few 'critters' running up and down the trunk of the tree close by... I call them geekos, my hubby calls them lizards and my neighbor says they are alligator lizards... Whatever they are, they tend to run up the tree or the side of the house... Or across the block wall at the back of the yard... Once finding a warm spot, they do this 'push up' thingy and this fascinates the dogs as the dogs watch them...
Bella in particular believes she can catch them, but Max has already decided they are too fast for him!...
I'm not so sure she'd know what to do with one once she'd caught it, but it sure does fascinate her and she'll watch them INTENTLY for long stretches of time!
Bella is also our resident 'toy carrier'... Seldom failing to go by the toy box and pick up one before she heads out onto the patio or backyard, I must bring back 15 a day that I find out there!... Although she has now learned 'Drop it' for I don't want to chase her to collect them, she still enjoys going back into the house for another one while I'm collecting her morning's 'finds'...
Yep, once again she's the puppy she was before she accidentally got pregnant... It's nice to see her enjoying life again as only they can when not faced with the responsibilities of raising a litter...
Monday, April 27, 2009
Alas, a failed meet & greet...
Well, it may be "failed" is too harsh of a word, but Bella did not get placed on her meet & greet yesterday... And even though I did caution the new potential adopters about her issues with dark shirts, baseball caps, etc., Bella did not warm up to them from the very beginning... Although I can tell someone how warm and loving she is once she gets to know you, first impressions are really what people base their eventual decisions on...
But, I don't really consider this a failure in the negative sense of the word...
My husband seems to feel that Bella bonded to us immediately out of pure necessity... He feels she was traumatized by being pregnant, delivering one pup, picked up by a shelter person, transported in a closed but vented shelter truck, deposited into a shelter kennel with all those strange sounds and smells, to deliver the other four puppies she carried...
From the very first moment I approached Bella, I did my usual 'dog voice' and I allowed her to move out of the kennel into the Xpen area at her own speed... She's never had any reason to mistrust me, but I expected her to be aggressive towards me as I removed her puppies from that kennel...
So maybe he is right - she bonded with us out of pure necessity... We provided a serene environment for her to nurse and raise her puppies, we were the source of her food and water while our dogs are exceptionally affectionate towards us...
Bella did NOT care for riding in a moving vehicle since day one (and that can be from that ride in the shelter truck as she was delivering her litter)... Every trip in one of those contraptions meant going to the vets and being prodded and pricked with needles, especially after the trip to ER and then ICU for most of the day!... While nursing, I could not allow her to get out into the general public for fear of what she'd bring back to the puppies... So she's had 2 months of not being forced to socialize with strangers...
Even visitors to our house have been looked at apprehensively by her, although most that cared to render treats were able to scratch her underneath the chin eventually... We don't have people coming and going around here like a revolving hotel door, so although this was a great environment for her to raise those tiny puppies in, now it has proven to be somewhat of a detriment...
My husband disagrees that Bella was a homeless person's dog... He thinks she did indeed have a deep and loving bond with her previous owner, but when she showed up pregnant, they didn't want to deal with a litter of puppies, so they dumped her at Hanson Dam... He tells me that's a dumping ground for stolen cars, dead bodies and just about everything else someone wants to get rid of fast...
However, we both agree that Bella's previous owner must have loved her and spent a lot of time with her because once she gets to know you, she is so deeply attached to you... If she were mean or aggressive, she'd never sleep every night on my pillow for sure!...
So for now?... I've been working with her on the halter and lead, but I couldn't start doing that in public until the stitches from the spay were removed... We're going to start taking her to one of local malls on lead so she gets more used to strangers moving about (and they don't hurt her) to rejuvenate that acceptance again...
She's no trouble at all here at the house (smile.. more than I can say about her pooky puppies!) and I am SURE the right person with the right home will come along... Bella's a quick learner and is 100% potty trained, gets along well with my guys and we'll get her over this hump about strangers in time!
But, I don't really consider this a failure in the negative sense of the word...
My husband seems to feel that Bella bonded to us immediately out of pure necessity... He feels she was traumatized by being pregnant, delivering one pup, picked up by a shelter person, transported in a closed but vented shelter truck, deposited into a shelter kennel with all those strange sounds and smells, to deliver the other four puppies she carried...
From the very first moment I approached Bella, I did my usual 'dog voice' and I allowed her to move out of the kennel into the Xpen area at her own speed... She's never had any reason to mistrust me, but I expected her to be aggressive towards me as I removed her puppies from that kennel...
So maybe he is right - she bonded with us out of pure necessity... We provided a serene environment for her to nurse and raise her puppies, we were the source of her food and water while our dogs are exceptionally affectionate towards us...
Bella did NOT care for riding in a moving vehicle since day one (and that can be from that ride in the shelter truck as she was delivering her litter)... Every trip in one of those contraptions meant going to the vets and being prodded and pricked with needles, especially after the trip to ER and then ICU for most of the day!... While nursing, I could not allow her to get out into the general public for fear of what she'd bring back to the puppies... So she's had 2 months of not being forced to socialize with strangers...
Even visitors to our house have been looked at apprehensively by her, although most that cared to render treats were able to scratch her underneath the chin eventually... We don't have people coming and going around here like a revolving hotel door, so although this was a great environment for her to raise those tiny puppies in, now it has proven to be somewhat of a detriment...
My husband disagrees that Bella was a homeless person's dog... He thinks she did indeed have a deep and loving bond with her previous owner, but when she showed up pregnant, they didn't want to deal with a litter of puppies, so they dumped her at Hanson Dam... He tells me that's a dumping ground for stolen cars, dead bodies and just about everything else someone wants to get rid of fast...
However, we both agree that Bella's previous owner must have loved her and spent a lot of time with her because once she gets to know you, she is so deeply attached to you... If she were mean or aggressive, she'd never sleep every night on my pillow for sure!...
So for now?... I've been working with her on the halter and lead, but I couldn't start doing that in public until the stitches from the spay were removed... We're going to start taking her to one of local malls on lead so she gets more used to strangers moving about (and they don't hurt her) to rejuvenate that acceptance again...
She's no trouble at all here at the house (smile.. more than I can say about her pooky puppies!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Bella, Bell-ll-lla
Around here we tend to make almost 'sing-songy' ditties with the pups and usually it is my husband who starts one... In Bella's case, it is her name and then said again with the middle stretched out and raised in pitch - "Bella, Bellll-lllll-a"... It always produces at least multiple wags of her tail and if she's close enough, a few nice (but dry) kisses to your face...
Bella was spayed on Tuesday, and on the way home from the animal hospital, she crawled into my lap as I was driving... Trying not to move too much, she rested her head gently upon my forearm... I suspect she was hurting, and I was hurting inside for her too... I couldn't help but think that if her previous owner had just thought or taken the time to get her spayed before her first heat, she'd still be with him/her/them...
I understand how inconvenient it is to have a litter of puppies and sometimes you love your puppers enough to give them up for the chance at a better home, but it still saddens me... Her previous owner must have loved her dearly because it shows in how much she gives to us as her temporary foster family... When we arrived home, the first tail wagging I saw since I picked her up occurred as she saw my crew through the patio door... They were excited to see her and she in turn, was REALLY excited to see them too!
Yesterday she was sore, but had already started feeling better... In the afternoon she crawled into her usual spot on the top of my pillow for our nap, and licked my forehead as if to say, "Yeah, I know your sad they had to do that to me, but it was for my own best interests... No more puppies for me... I forgive you because I know you care about me..."... I have a degree in anthropomorphism, I know (smile)... But even if these puppers are fosters in our home, I care about them almost as much as I love my own guys...
This morning Bella was hungry and made up for not eating much yesterday... The hair on the belly they had to shave to do the spay is already starting to grow back in, so I suspect it is a bit itchy... She was doing 'stretchy' exercises on the indoor/outdoor carpet on the patio today and I suspect it relieves a bit of the itch for her...
She still doesn't care to have a harness put on her as we practice walking on lead around the backyard... While she knows we don't go out of the house without this, I think right now she'd prefer we didn't practice this much needed skill... Now that she is spayed, no longer feeding her puppies and the litter has had their first series of shots, the risks of her bringing back something to the puppies has dramatically decreased... Previously the best I could do was rides in the truck with me (and she loves looking out the window as the sights pass by), but now I can actually stop and walk her in one of the many parks we have here in Simi... She's still a bit shy around strangers, but this too shall pass as she no longer has all those 'mommie hormones' flooding her inside emotions and protective mindset all mothers have regarding their litters...
My crew spotted a lizard on the tree in the backyard this afternoon... I think he lives in that tree for he seems to know just how high up my crew can jump... He tends to get beyond that point and then do his 'lizardy push-ups' they like to do... Almost taunting them in fact...
Peanut alerted to the lizard first and then the others circled around... The lizard was pretty confident he was safe until Bella rushed out to see what was going on... Bella's bigger than any of my Chihuahuas, so she was able to surprise the lizard in so much that she is able to get much closer to him...
It didn't take much imagination on my part to visual an expression on his lizardy face of "UT OH" as he threw it into reverse and backed up the tree another few feet in overdrive!... LOL... Yeppers, Bella is back and a happy camper once again!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Slideshow - Bella and her pups' journey...
Bella and her puppies arrived here a month ago today and it is hard to remember just how small they were and how confused (?), fearful (?), anxiety-driven (?) Bella was at the time... She has now settled into the routine around here as the puppies are as well... Bella's 'spot' for sleeping is now at the top of my pillow at night... If I'm sitting on the couch watching "Idol," she's sitting on the top of the back of the couch or on my left side, napping on the comfy pillow there I rest my elbow on... If I'm at the computer, she's laying in one of the doggie beds scattered about...
While ever alert (and she knows which cries from the pups are serious and those that are not), Bella's probably one of the most active, but SO laid back dogs I have ever fostered... It has been the EASIEST foster (despite the health crisis we averted with the calcium drops) I have ever had... And considering she brought a litter of 5 puppies with her, I think I'm the one that has been spoiled here...
I created a slideshow of Bella's journey here with her pups this past month - hope you enjoy it... Hard to remember just how small and helpless they were until I view the slideshow myself! http://www.tinylovingcanines.org/slideshow/bellasslideshow.html
While ever alert (and she knows which cries from the pups are serious and those that are not), Bella's probably one of the most active, but SO laid back dogs I have ever fostered... It has been the EASIEST foster (despite the health crisis we averted with the calcium drops) I have ever had... And considering she brought a litter of 5 puppies with her, I think I'm the one that has been spoiled here...
I created a slideshow of Bella's journey here with her pups this past month - hope you enjoy it... Hard to remember just how small and helpless they were until I view the slideshow myself! http://www.tinylovingcanines.org/slideshow/bellasslideshow.html
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Update on the pups and Bella...
The puppies are now up and about in their Xpen 'playpen'... They roll around, tumble with each other, do running (stagger) play dives at their littermates and it is SO comical to watch!
They've started using the pitty pad and have become very good about it... I suspect they will be very easy to potty train down the road...
The hardest part right now is trying to anticipate when they will be hungry and then keep myself from wearing a majority of their dinner!... They have now learned the sound of the food processor that is grinding up the Royal Canin puppy kibble... As soon as I arrive with their prepared food dish, they rush to the front of the open door of the Xpen enclosure and I am covered with kisses and nuzzles from all of them...
As I put down the dish with their food at least one or two will step in it, then turn back to give me (and my hands, forearms, face, shirt...) more kisses... So by the time we've achieved the goal of putting down that food dish, I am usually covered in sweet puppy kisses interlaced with puppy formula, baby food chicken and ground up kibble!
Eating time is when I change their pitty pad, bedding and take out the toys, replacing them with new (clean) ones... They stay interested in the food dish for about five minutes and it gives me just enough time to get this done!... I am amazed at the interest in each new toy and only Ebony hangs back with their arrival... We keep rotating out brightly-covered toys in different sizes because the puppies have now entered the 'fear zone' as they call it... The period of time between 5 and 8 weeks that puppies normally develop natural fears towards things... The more exposure you can give them different things within their environment, the less likely they will be to grow into fearful adults down the road...
We also have been exposing them to sudden louder noises, along with my husband's voice, smell and touch, etc... This week I also had to trim back their nails (daggers) and I can almost see a look of appreciation in Bella's face now!... The puppies' tiny teeth have started to come in, so between those nails and their teeth, I myself cringe when she goes in to nurse them!
Each and every one of the pups sat patiently while I trimmed their nails - not one squirmed or wiggled on me... We've made a practice of stroking their feet when we hold them and this has already helped...
Dulce is no longer the largest one as the rest of the pack have now caught up with her... She is still strikingly a brindle with a beautiful coloring... Dulce practiced her puppy howl this week as she sat in a corner and cried, which turned into a howl for her mom... Bella kept circling, looking in but not jumping into their enclosure... Once Bella made sure Dulce was OK, I got the impression this was part of the unique things only a momma dog can give to their litter, and the care that puppymill puppies lose because they're taken from their mom about this time and shipped to petstores across the country...
Nacho is nothing but a ball of black fluff and he, along with Sofia, are DEFINITELY much more longer haired than the rest of the litter... His coat is like air and mink combined... It is very hard to describe how soft and tactile it is... It is like one of those pompom balls you can buy at a craft store without being wirey or bushy... He is definitely a looker and will make some furever owner very happy in the future!
Sofia will be the first one to climb out of the enclosure - or at least, that is who we are betting on... She's a sitter and observer - almost like she's watching to see how something works or what you are going to do... She's my daughter's favorite and I can see why... You can't pick her up that she is not going to shower you with puppy licks and kisses!
Ebony is a bit more shy than the rest of the litter... She is the one who likes to snuggle and cuddle the most in the litter... Although a bit shy, Ebony warms up rapidly, but she seems to prefer that others in her litter investigate things first, then she approaches... Once she has arrived however, she is clearly excited, happy, hungry, whatever... (smile)... She tends to rough-house more with her brother than her sisters right now... It is hard to tell who is who when they do their tumbles together!... Once they've arrived at the end of the tumble, they stand up, shake a bit and then hand out licks and kisses to each other... It's beyond precious to see!
They've started using the pitty pad and have become very good about it... I suspect they will be very easy to potty train down the road...
The hardest part right now is trying to anticipate when they will be hungry and then keep myself from wearing a majority of their dinner!... They have now learned the sound of the food processor that is grinding up the Royal Canin puppy kibble... As soon as I arrive with their prepared food dish, they rush to the front of the open door of the Xpen enclosure and I am covered with kisses and nuzzles from all of them...
As I put down the dish with their food at least one or two will step in it, then turn back to give me (and my hands, forearms, face, shirt...) more kisses... So by the time we've achieved the goal of putting down that food dish, I am usually covered in sweet puppy kisses interlaced with puppy formula, baby food chicken and ground up kibble!
Eating time is when I change their pitty pad, bedding and take out the toys, replacing them with new (clean) ones... They stay interested in the food dish for about five minutes and it gives me just enough time to get this done!... I am amazed at the interest in each new toy and only Ebony hangs back with their arrival... We keep rotating out brightly-covered toys in different sizes because the puppies have now entered the 'fear zone' as they call it... The period of time between 5 and 8 weeks that puppies normally develop natural fears towards things... The more exposure you can give them different things within their environment, the less likely they will be to grow into fearful adults down the road...
We also have been exposing them to sudden louder noises, along with my husband's voice, smell and touch, etc... This week I also had to trim back their nails (daggers) and I can almost see a look of appreciation in Bella's face now!... The puppies' tiny teeth have started to come in, so between those nails and their teeth, I myself cringe when she goes in to nurse them!
Each and every one of the pups sat patiently while I trimmed their nails - not one squirmed or wiggled on me... We've made a practice of stroking their feet when we hold them and this has already helped...
Dulce is no longer the largest one as the rest of the pack have now caught up with her... She is still strikingly a brindle with a beautiful coloring... Dulce practiced her puppy howl this week as she sat in a corner and cried, which turned into a howl for her mom... Bella kept circling, looking in but not jumping into their enclosure... Once Bella made sure Dulce was OK, I got the impression this was part of the unique things only a momma dog can give to their litter, and the care that puppymill puppies lose because they're taken from their mom about this time and shipped to petstores across the country... 
Nacho is nothing but a ball of black fluff and he, along with Sofia, are DEFINITELY much more longer haired than the rest of the litter... His coat is like air and mink combined... It is very hard to describe how soft and tactile it is... It is like one of those pompom balls you can buy at a craft store without being wirey or bushy... He is definitely a looker and will make some furever owner very happy in the future!
Sofia will be the first one to climb out of the enclosure - or at least, that is who we are betting on... She's a sitter and observer - almost like she's watching to see how something works or what you are going to do... She's my daughter's favorite and I can see why... You can't pick her up that she is not going to shower you with puppy licks and kisses!
Ebony is a bit more shy than the rest of the litter... She is the one who likes to snuggle and cuddle the most in the litter... Although a bit shy, Ebony warms up rapidly, but she seems to prefer that others in her litter investigate things first, then she approaches... Once she has arrived however, she is clearly excited, happy, hungry, whatever... (smile)... She tends to rough-house more with her brother than her sisters right now... It is hard to tell who is who when they do their tumbles together!... Once they've arrived at the end of the tumble, they stand up, shake a bit and then hand out licks and kisses to each other... It's beyond precious to see!Wednesday, April 1, 2009
... and now the 'fine print'... plus the current weigh-in
Tiny Loving Canines is a non-profit rescue organization bound by California Law which states that dogs adopted from a rescue by the public must be spayed/neutered before their adoption. Please be advised that the puppies will be spayed/neutered as well as micro chipped during the last week of April and will not be available for adoption before then.
In addition, the puppies will be receiving their first set of vaccinations on April 16th, at 6 weeks of age. For their health and safety, any meetings with the puppies will have to wait until then.
If you are interested in adopting one of these pups, they can be seen after April 16th and adopted as of May 1st. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to these dates. There has already been a lot of interest in the puppies, so we suggest that you fill out an adoption application and FAX it to (805) 578-2604 if you are interested in one.
Please understand that these are Chihuahua Mix puppies, not Purebred Chihuahuas. Tiny Loving Canines cannot guarantee their size when full grown, physical/behavioral traits, and/or coloring as the father of these puppies is unknown.
On a personal note and these are just guesses, but Nacho and Sofia are clearly both going to have longer hair than the others... Chihuahuas come in two varieties - Shorthaired and Longhaired. While is not usual to see such long hair on a puppy in a Chi litter, we can't guarantee that Nacho and Sofia are Longhaired Chihuahuas either. Sofia's ears are long so I expect them to be more of the "Puggle" version or ‘flop-eared’ version and not erect because Bella's ears are not totally erect...
Bella clearly alerts only on only black dogs, so I suspect that she had a male pack-mate that was also black who she mated with - black is a recessive gene, so to have 4 out of 5 puppies in a litter black, both parents should have been black.
Bella is a Chi/Terrier mix, so she does not have the highly curled-over (typical) Chi tail... We can't guarantee that any of the puppies will have the typical Chi tail in fact... Most likely Mercedes will have Bella's tail because it is so long and probably will not curl over like a Chihuahua's tail normally does... Nacho has the shortest tail of all, so he's most likely to have the greatest ‘curled-over’ tail in the litter... Again, there is no guarantee because these are Chihuahua mixes...
Finally, it is a myth that all males mark - dominance directs marking – females mark also, especially if they are the alpha in the house or the current dog in residence when a new one arrives. It is not unusual to find your current dog will start marking when a newcomer arrives.
And now the puppy weigh-in for those that are following these blogs:
Dulce - 40 ounces
Ebony - 32 ounces
Mercedes - 22 ounces
Nacho - 26 ounces
Sofia - 31 ounces
In addition, the puppies will be receiving their first set of vaccinations on April 16th, at 6 weeks of age. For their health and safety, any meetings with the puppies will have to wait until then.
If you are interested in adopting one of these pups, they can be seen after April 16th and adopted as of May 1st. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to these dates. There has already been a lot of interest in the puppies, so we suggest that you fill out an adoption application and FAX it to (805) 578-2604 if you are interested in one.
Please understand that these are Chihuahua Mix puppies, not Purebred Chihuahuas. Tiny Loving Canines cannot guarantee their size when full grown, physical/behavioral traits, and/or coloring as the father of these puppies is unknown.
On a personal note and these are just guesses, but Nacho and Sofia are clearly both going to have longer hair than the others... Chihuahuas come in two varieties - Shorthaired and Longhaired. While is not usual to see such long hair on a puppy in a Chi litter, we can't guarantee that Nacho and Sofia are Longhaired Chihuahuas either. Sofia's ears are long so I expect them to be more of the "Puggle" version or ‘flop-eared’ version and not erect because Bella's ears are not totally erect...
Bella clearly alerts only on only black dogs, so I suspect that she had a male pack-mate that was also black who she mated with - black is a recessive gene, so to have 4 out of 5 puppies in a litter black, both parents should have been black.
Bella is a Chi/Terrier mix, so she does not have the highly curled-over (typical) Chi tail... We can't guarantee that any of the puppies will have the typical Chi tail in fact... Most likely Mercedes will have Bella's tail because it is so long and probably will not curl over like a Chihuahua's tail normally does... Nacho has the shortest tail of all, so he's most likely to have the greatest ‘curled-over’ tail in the litter... Again, there is no guarantee because these are Chihuahua mixes...
Finally, it is a myth that all males mark - dominance directs marking – females mark also, especially if they are the alpha in the house or the current dog in residence when a new one arrives. It is not unusual to find your current dog will start marking when a newcomer arrives.
And now the puppy weigh-in for those that are following these blogs:
Dulce - 40 ounces
Ebony - 32 ounces
Mercedes - 22 ounces
Nacho - 26 ounces
Sofia - 31 ounces
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Today's discoveries...
I have finally found two things Bella doesn't like - balloons and taking a bath! (smile)... I got as much of a bath as she did yesterday!... Whew~!!!... Afterwards, she ran outside and jumped up onto the futon platform where two HUGE fluffy cushy doggie beds are and rolled, rolled, rolled!... Despite getting so wet giving her the bath, it was SO enjoyable watching her lovin' life like that!
It was my hubby's birthday today and the office surprised him with some balloons... Bella took one look at them and headed for the hills!... I think she was truly afraid of them floating around like that... After we noticed it, we quickly took them into another room!
For all the things she could be afraid of, not like or be a difficult foster over, I can take these two things with ease! Here's a quick photo of her snoozin' away tonight... Raising those pups is HARD WORK!
P.S. Like her new, shiny collar? It matches her well, doncha think?
It was my hubby's birthday today and the office surprised him with some balloons... Bella took one look at them and headed for the hills!... I think she was truly afraid of them floating around like that... After we noticed it, we quickly took them into another room!
For all the things she could be afraid of, not like or be a difficult foster over, I can take these two things with ease! Here's a quick photo of her snoozin' away tonight... Raising those pups is HARD WORK!
P.S. Like her new, shiny collar? It matches her well, doncha think?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Just a chillin...
I couldn't resist snapping this photo of Bella as she stretched out on a pillow on the futon, snoozing away the afternoon! But when she heard the sounds of me grabbing the camera, she opened up her eyes!
This might not seem like a 'biggie' for some people, but with all the sick dogs I've tended in my lifetime... and the fosters... Bella possesses a sweet attribute that I wanted to mention... Every four hours (as long as she is feeding her puppies), I need to give her the calcium glucose (orally)... It's done with a syringe (no needle), but you still need to give it to her...
Bella never gives me a hard time about this... I call her, she comes wagging her tail... Sits down and I give her the meds... Not a problem - not an issue... No trying to sneak it into her food or a 'Pill Pocket'... I'm telling you - as many Chihuahuas and other breeds I have rescued and/or fostered, I have never seen such a sweet, loving, obliging dog so in tune with humans... If you've ever had a sick dog that doesn't want to take their meds, you can appreciate what I'm saying here...
What a sweetie!
This might not seem like a 'biggie' for some people, but with all the sick dogs I've tended in my lifetime... and the fosters... Bella possesses a sweet attribute that I wanted to mention... Every four hours (as long as she is feeding her puppies), I need to give her the calcium glucose (orally)... It's done with a syringe (no needle), but you still need to give it to her...
Bella never gives me a hard time about this... I call her, she comes wagging her tail... Sits down and I give her the meds... Not a problem - not an issue... No trying to sneak it into her food or a 'Pill Pocket'... I'm telling you - as many Chihuahuas and other breeds I have rescued and/or fostered, I have never seen such a sweet, loving, obliging dog so in tune with humans... If you've ever had a sick dog that doesn't want to take their meds, you can appreciate what I'm saying here...
What a sweetie!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho... It's off to the vets we go!
Bella and I had an appointment at the vet's office today and on the way, I noticed something new about her... One of the positive aspects of adopting from a rescue organization (as opposed to the shelters) is these tiny observations while being fostered with us that give you clues about a dog's previous background...
Bella has always looked at other dogs with interest (not aggression), but not to the point I would say she's 'alerted'... Driving, we passed a lady walking two very large, very black Retrievers (Flat-coated?)... Bella spotted the dogs and outright alerted big time!... She followed them from afar, to when we pulled up along side of them and then passed by...
With a litter of primarily black puppies (genetic experts step in here, but isn't black a recessive gene?) and this major alert towards all black dogs, I'd make a calculated wager that the litter's father was either also all black in color like Bella... OR that her previous owner also had a black dog that was Bella's packmate... She didn't cry, wine, growl or bark... She just SO interested in those two dogs - unlike any general interest I've ever seen her show any other dogs with the exception of one - we have a VERY senior Chi who just turned 15, is tiny (about 4 pounds), suffering from dementia and is what is referred to by Chi lovers as a 'Black Bandit'... Sorta/kinda reminds you of the Dobie coloring with the beige eyebrow buds and the black mask...
Every morning, Bella waits for Mr. Sweetie to stretch and then hobble on his fragile legs and hips out to the backyard to go potty... She's gentle as she waits for him, and because of his anxiety issues from his past, Mr. Sweetie seldom allows other dogs within a foot or so of him (probable dog-attack in his past)... I watch the two of them - Mr. Sweetie and Bella - do this routine almost every morning, and with Mr. Sweetie's arthritis, Bella has to be patient for him to get up and get moving...
While initially I thought she was just being maternal and sweet, now after watching her alert on those two black dogs and her gentleness with a resident black dog here, there just HAS to be some endearing feelings or memories inside Bella that are connected to that kind of coloring in another dog... Interesting stuff...
Bella also LOVES junk food of any kind!... LOL... She consistently picks out her veggies from her meals and as I cook for my crew, I don't feed them junk food... Give her high premium 'good stuff' versus a greasy burger from a fast food place, and she'll pick the greasy burger every time!
When you combine this preference to her walking right aside of you all the time and her unfamiliarity with a collar and leash, it has crossed my mind that maybe she previously was owned by a homeless person... There is a natural 'walking with me' flow that she does all the time which is SO common between the homeless folks and their dogs... Plus she is super human-friendly - another common (positive) aspect of homeless folks and their dogs... Quiet and not intrusive upon you, but clearly favoring your company, I wouldn't bet the house payment on this, but were I to make a guess, I'd feel pretty confident that this is her background... Hansen Dam is also the home to a lot of homeless folks, so putting this puzzle together, so many pieces fit...
Anyway, we got her test results back already from the vet and her calcium levels are back to where they should be now... HURRAH~!!!... Between switching her diet around, adding in supplemental hand bottle feeding to relieve some of the pressure off of her and calcium meds 5 times a day, we've achieved a great compromise of still having mother nature give the pups the absolute best, but improving Bella's health back to the normal standards... The pups will need to be weaned early at four weeks, but she's given them all such a great start in life already (at the risk to herself), I'm sure she'll be glad to see the weaning starting!
On the way to the vets, we stopped at a local petshop and bought a new collar for her too... I have this odd ritual - I somehow believe a new collar, leash and/or harness replacing the old removes the past and its smells, opening up a new positive journey for a shelter dog... It seems to me they just have an increased energized step to their walk... A "look at me in my new duds" attitude... And for some that have abused pasts, I almost think the smell of that collar keeps those bad memories with them...
In Bella's case, she didn't have a collar in the shelter -- and clearly she was not abused but must have been loved greatly -- so getting a new collar was more of a celebration of a new, upbeat life... She's such a deep, rich black and her coat is so shiny, I picked out a red and silver braided collar to show off her richness in appearance... At the petshop, I sat my purse down on one of those doggie steps and Bella climbed up on the one aside of it, patiently sitting there while I tried on this one and that one until I found one that fit her well and I loved the appearance... I need to take a new photo of her to post in here that shows off her new collar now... And while there, we had our nails trimmed too, so she's all ready for the party now! ::smile::
What a sweetie she is!
Bella has always looked at other dogs with interest (not aggression), but not to the point I would say she's 'alerted'... Driving, we passed a lady walking two very large, very black Retrievers (Flat-coated?)... Bella spotted the dogs and outright alerted big time!... She followed them from afar, to when we pulled up along side of them and then passed by...
With a litter of primarily black puppies (genetic experts step in here, but isn't black a recessive gene?) and this major alert towards all black dogs, I'd make a calculated wager that the litter's father was either also all black in color like Bella... OR that her previous owner also had a black dog that was Bella's packmate... She didn't cry, wine, growl or bark... She just SO interested in those two dogs - unlike any general interest I've ever seen her show any other dogs with the exception of one - we have a VERY senior Chi who just turned 15, is tiny (about 4 pounds), suffering from dementia and is what is referred to by Chi lovers as a 'Black Bandit'... Sorta/kinda reminds you of the Dobie coloring with the beige eyebrow buds and the black mask...
Every morning, Bella waits for Mr. Sweetie to stretch and then hobble on his fragile legs and hips out to the backyard to go potty... She's gentle as she waits for him, and because of his anxiety issues from his past, Mr. Sweetie seldom allows other dogs within a foot or so of him (probable dog-attack in his past)... I watch the two of them - Mr. Sweetie and Bella - do this routine almost every morning, and with Mr. Sweetie's arthritis, Bella has to be patient for him to get up and get moving...
While initially I thought she was just being maternal and sweet, now after watching her alert on those two black dogs and her gentleness with a resident black dog here, there just HAS to be some endearing feelings or memories inside Bella that are connected to that kind of coloring in another dog... Interesting stuff...
Bella also LOVES junk food of any kind!... LOL... She consistently picks out her veggies from her meals and as I cook for my crew, I don't feed them junk food... Give her high premium 'good stuff' versus a greasy burger from a fast food place, and she'll pick the greasy burger every time!
When you combine this preference to her walking right aside of you all the time and her unfamiliarity with a collar and leash, it has crossed my mind that maybe she previously was owned by a homeless person... There is a natural 'walking with me' flow that she does all the time which is SO common between the homeless folks and their dogs... Plus she is super human-friendly - another common (positive) aspect of homeless folks and their dogs... Quiet and not intrusive upon you, but clearly favoring your company, I wouldn't bet the house payment on this, but were I to make a guess, I'd feel pretty confident that this is her background... Hansen Dam is also the home to a lot of homeless folks, so putting this puzzle together, so many pieces fit...
Anyway, we got her test results back already from the vet and her calcium levels are back to where they should be now... HURRAH~!!!... Between switching her diet around, adding in supplemental hand bottle feeding to relieve some of the pressure off of her and calcium meds 5 times a day, we've achieved a great compromise of still having mother nature give the pups the absolute best, but improving Bella's health back to the normal standards... The pups will need to be weaned early at four weeks, but she's given them all such a great start in life already (at the risk to herself), I'm sure she'll be glad to see the weaning starting!
On the way to the vets, we stopped at a local petshop and bought a new collar for her too... I have this odd ritual - I somehow believe a new collar, leash and/or harness replacing the old removes the past and its smells, opening up a new positive journey for a shelter dog... It seems to me they just have an increased energized step to their walk... A "look at me in my new duds" attitude... And for some that have abused pasts, I almost think the smell of that collar keeps those bad memories with them...
In Bella's case, she didn't have a collar in the shelter -- and clearly she was not abused but must have been loved greatly -- so getting a new collar was more of a celebration of a new, upbeat life... She's such a deep, rich black and her coat is so shiny, I picked out a red and silver braided collar to show off her richness in appearance... At the petshop, I sat my purse down on one of those doggie steps and Bella climbed up on the one aside of it, patiently sitting there while I tried on this one and that one until I found one that fit her well and I loved the appearance... I need to take a new photo of her to post in here that shows off her new collar now... And while there, we had our nails trimmed too, so she's all ready for the party now! ::smile::
What a sweetie she is!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Last weekend was rough!
Bella is such a little thing in retrospect to the number of puppies she's feeding... She's probably carrying a pound of milk in the nine pounds she weighs... And the puppies are growing steadily...
But last weekend, her calcium levels depleted themselves and we rushed her to the vets on an emergency basis...
So we now are doing supplemental hand feedings to the puppies in an effort to relieve some of the pressure off of her... Bella is such an easy going and sweet little girl - it's hard to believe she's gone through all that she has and still stays as sweet as she does...
She sneaks out in the middle of the night now and climbs into bed with us... She's found her very own spot on the headboard in the cushy pillows... She's also content to curl up in your lap and lay her head across your arm (and she doesn't snore like some others I know!)... smile...
Tomorrow she'll have been here two weeks and when she arrived, her tail seldom came up... Now, she runs around the backyard with some of the others and that tail is flying high and proud (even if she's weighed down with milk!)... I have heard her bark only once in two weeks and is just the gentlest dog I've run across in a very long time... They say the puppies take a lot of clues from their mothers (versus their fathers) and if that is the case, this should be the sweetest, gentlest litter ever!
But last weekend, her calcium levels depleted themselves and we rushed her to the vets on an emergency basis...
So we now are doing supplemental hand feedings to the puppies in an effort to relieve some of the pressure off of her... Bella is such an easy going and sweet little girl - it's hard to believe she's gone through all that she has and still stays as sweet as she does...
She sneaks out in the middle of the night now and climbs into bed with us... She's found her very own spot on the headboard in the cushy pillows... She's also content to curl up in your lap and lay her head across your arm (and she doesn't snore like some others I know!)... smile...
Tomorrow she'll have been here two weeks and when she arrived, her tail seldom came up... Now, she runs around the backyard with some of the others and that tail is flying high and proud (even if she's weighed down with milk!)... I have heard her bark only once in two weeks and is just the gentlest dog I've run across in a very long time... They say the puppies take a lot of clues from their mothers (versus their fathers) and if that is the case, this should be the sweetest, gentlest litter ever!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
What a sweet dog!
Bella has settled into her routine around here and couldn't be a nicer pupper if one asked for it!... It is with dogs like this that I often sit and wonder how they could ever end up in the shelter system... I've heard her bark only once in a week... She settles in with us at night to watch TV and couldn't be more contented if she's just allowed to lay her head on your forearm or snuggle in aside of you on the seat cushion...
She's not aggressive, bad mannered or nasty... No training problems either - she has yet to have an accident in the house!... She follows me around the house on my left and maybe I should have named her "Shadow"... smile... Even sitting on your lap, she's serene and calm...
Despite being a bit bigger than what one would think of for a Chihuahua - she's about 8.5 pounds nursing her litter - her tail is now up and wagging whenever she sees you... She welcomes everyone home each day with a sweet heart and happy persona... She even helps me type things on the computer as you can see!
And she couldn't be a better momma if she tried!... Not aggressive with any of the other dogs here, she's trusting enough that she knows no one else has access to the Xpen and crate her brood is nesting in... Not that one of my dogs has attempted to get in there, but if she thinks anyone is showing 'too much interest' in her puppies, a short growl tells them she means business...
Otherwise, she checks in on them periodically but freely wonders around the house and backyard... Yesterday I caught her outside laying on the doggie pillows on the futon, stretched out and sunbathing, content as could be... How she heard a tiny puppy cry all the way inside the house is beyond me, but she did... And in she trotted, sitting by the Xpen door waiting to go inside...
Her puppies are getting fat and plump!... I can't believe how much they have grown in just a week! What a GREAT momma she is, sweet, sweet Bella!
She's not aggressive, bad mannered or nasty... No training problems either - she has yet to have an accident in the house!... She follows me around the house on my left and maybe I should have named her "Shadow"... smile... Even sitting on your lap, she's serene and calm...
Despite being a bit bigger than what one would think of for a Chihuahua - she's about 8.5 pounds nursing her litter - her tail is now up and wagging whenever she sees you... She welcomes everyone home each day with a sweet heart and happy persona... She even helps me type things on the computer as you can see!
And she couldn't be a better momma if she tried!... Not aggressive with any of the other dogs here, she's trusting enough that she knows no one else has access to the Xpen and crate her brood is nesting in... Not that one of my dogs has attempted to get in there, but if she thinks anyone is showing 'too much interest' in her puppies, a short growl tells them she means business...
Otherwise, she checks in on them periodically but freely wonders around the house and backyard... Yesterday I caught her outside laying on the doggie pillows on the futon, stretched out and sunbathing, content as could be... How she heard a tiny puppy cry all the way inside the house is beyond me, but she did... And in she trotted, sitting by the Xpen door waiting to go inside...
Her puppies are getting fat and plump!... I can't believe how much they have grown in just a week! What a GREAT momma she is, sweet, sweet Bella!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Peek-a-boo... and a bedding change
Bella has been an extraordinary momma already, plus she's house-trained and knows the doggie door... What could be better?... Bella is also exceptionally people-friendly and I snapped a cute photo last night of her and my daughter, both asleep, on the futon "watching TV with their eyes closed"... (smile)...
And now for a drum roll, Maestro, please~!!... The puppy parade is about to begin... Eight days old, we took the opportunity for individual photo opps as we switched out the blankees last night for clean ones... We've settled on the names "Nacho" for the only boy, "Dulce" for the brindle brown (means 'candy sweet'), "Sofia" (she has a small white blaze on her chest like her momma), "Mercedes" (a bit bigger than Sofia and with a much bigger white blaze) and "Ebony" (she's almost totally black).
And now for a drum roll, Maestro, please~!!... The puppy parade is about to begin... Eight days old, we took the opportunity for individual photo opps as we switched out the blankees last night for clean ones... We've settled on the names "Nacho" for the only boy, "Dulce" for the brindle brown (means 'candy sweet'), "Sofia" (she has a small white blaze on her chest like her momma), "Mercedes" (a bit bigger than Sofia and with a much bigger white blaze) and "Ebony" (she's almost totally black).
Sunday, March 8, 2009
More puppy photos!
Bella is wagging her tail now when she sees either my daughter or I... She comes out of the crate into the Xpen that surrounds it and you know she needs to go potty... We're still battling a bit of the runs, but I anticipated that with the food from the shelter switch to my home cooking and Arrowhead water... I did attempt adding in a bit of puppy chow yesterday but she wouldn't have it, preferring the home cooking...
Concerned about what I felt was not enough room for her stretch out when nursing her puppies, I weighed that against the need to confine them all in a small area for warmth... This is a beautiful shot of Bella and one of her puppies sleeping, but still... I just felt she needed a bigger box so she'd be more comfortable...
So yesterday we improvised for now and 'built' a box that fits inside the crate from side to side, but 6" tall so the puppies can't accidentally crawl out...
It seems now (at least to me) that she's more comfortable with the switch and we watched her closely to see if she'd reject any of the puppies... I had to hand transfer them from the blue plastic box to the much bigger homemade box... I used a clean small hand towel to do it, not touching them skin-to-coat... And once they were all moved, in she jumped and started cleaning all five up...
We've figured out which one is the male now (which isn't easy 'cause they're all SO little)... He is the one with the two hind paws that are white-tipped on the very edge of his toes... In the photo below, he's the one in the center and has a white chin as well...
He's been officially named "Nacho," a suggestion made by my daughter's boyfriend... (smile)... Around me and my life, even if you've not been in on any family endeavor at the beginning, eventually I'll drag you into it~!!!... Hopefully, willingly~!!! ...
Bella is an excellent mommie and while at times it does seem like she's a bit torn about wanting to be held and loved up on, she keeps an eye on her pups, listening constantly for any sounds... Yesterday she had stopped doing that nervous, worrisome look whenever she went outside to go potty, so I guess she is trusting us now...
I sat down on the edge of the chaise lounge and once she'd finished her business, she came back over and climbed up into my lap for some cuddles and pets... The day before, she'd immediately head to the door with a worried expression on her face...
I can't wait for the day when her head picks up in an assertive manner and the tail stops being in between her hind legs... There's been a lot going on in her world in just the past week for the puppies are 7 days old today... One would expect nothing less than what's going on with Bella right now... She's a young mom (probably about 18 months old according to the vet), and has gone from 'wherever' to a strange outside park to a shelter to our home in just seven days, along with having a litter of puppies... That's a TON of changes for a small pupper like Bella~!!!
She's VERY sweet and has handed out kisses to both my daughter and I already... My husband was on puppy patrol yesterday while I was gone and he had to take her out to go potty twice... The first time she growled at him slightly, so he waited for a bit more than came back to see if she had to go... He's not spent as much time around her as my daughter and I have, so that's to be expected...
Speaking of my daughter, I snapped this picture the other night when my daughter arrived home from work and Bella immediately climbed out of the Xpen and into her arms... Bella sure does enjoy being a lap dog and my daughter is just as fascinated with this new litter of puppies and the sweetness of Bella towards us already...
The next two months promise to be exciting as we watch these puppies grow up... We've tentatively picked out four names for the female puppies, but nothing is decided for sure yet: Celestina ("heavenly"), Sofia ("wisdom"), Mercedes and Ebony... And Bella is called that, along with 'momma sieta' and other sweet names as we coo to her and her puppies...
.
Concerned about what I felt was not enough room for her stretch out when nursing her puppies, I weighed that against the need to confine them all in a small area for warmth... This is a beautiful shot of Bella and one of her puppies sleeping, but still... I just felt she needed a bigger box so she'd be more comfortable...
So yesterday we improvised for now and 'built' a box that fits inside the crate from side to side, but 6" tall so the puppies can't accidentally crawl out...It seems now (at least to me) that she's more comfortable with the switch and we watched her closely to see if she'd reject any of the puppies... I had to hand transfer them from the blue plastic box to the much bigger homemade box... I used a clean small hand towel to do it, not touching them skin-to-coat... And once they were all moved, in she jumped and started cleaning all five up...
We've figured out which one is the male now (which isn't easy 'cause they're all SO little)... He is the one with the two hind paws that are white-tipped on the very edge of his toes... In the photo below, he's the one in the center and has a white chin as well...
He's been officially named "Nacho," a suggestion made by my daughter's boyfriend... (smile)... Around me and my life, even if you've not been in on any family endeavor at the beginning, eventually I'll drag you into it~!!!... Hopefully, willingly~!!! Bella is an excellent mommie and while at times it does seem like she's a bit torn about wanting to be held and loved up on, she keeps an eye on her pups, listening constantly for any sounds... Yesterday she had stopped doing that nervous, worrisome look whenever she went outside to go potty, so I guess she is trusting us now...
I sat down on the edge of the chaise lounge and once she'd finished her business, she came back over and climbed up into my lap for some cuddles and pets... The day before, she'd immediately head to the door with a worried expression on her face...
I can't wait for the day when her head picks up in an assertive manner and the tail stops being in between her hind legs... There's been a lot going on in her world in just the past week for the puppies are 7 days old today... One would expect nothing less than what's going on with Bella right now... She's a young mom (probably about 18 months old according to the vet), and has gone from 'wherever' to a strange outside park to a shelter to our home in just seven days, along with having a litter of puppies... That's a TON of changes for a small pupper like Bella~!!!
She's VERY sweet and has handed out kisses to both my daughter and I already... My husband was on puppy patrol yesterday while I was gone and he had to take her out to go potty twice... The first time she growled at him slightly, so he waited for a bit more than came back to see if she had to go... He's not spent as much time around her as my daughter and I have, so that's to be expected...
The next two months promise to be exciting as we watch these puppies grow up... We've tentatively picked out four names for the female puppies, but nothing is decided for sure yet: Celestina ("heavenly"), Sofia ("wisdom"), Mercedes and Ebony... And Bella is called that, along with 'momma sieta' and other sweet names as we coo to her and her puppies...
.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Last night...
Tucked into bed and all of us weary after a long day and many changes, Bella curled up with her puppies and went to sleep in the crate... About 1AM, I heard a few sounds and came out to see what was going on to find one of the puppies had crawled out of their bucket... I took Bella out to go potty and then found a soft towel and without touching them, put the straggler back in with their litter mates...
I watched Bella intently when she came back in and no odd sniffs, nor did she act like anything was wrong...
About 4AM, I heard Yogi barking and nudged my husband, saying "Can you find out what Yogi is barking about... it's your turn"... (smile - but it is an oddity for Yogi to bark - he's the alpha patrol at night around here, preferring to sleep either on the couch or the futon)... My husband sprang out of bed and with flashlight in hand, investigated things, then returned and said he thought Bella needed to go out again... (he is not wanting to pick her up because he says he doesn't want to freak her out yet)... So I climbed out of bed, took her out potty as he did the flashlight check on the pups...
When I came back in with Bella, he had quite a few things to say to me, all in that 'teddy bear voice' he uses that also sounds like a little boy... We crawled back into bed and got a few more hours of sleep, but before we did, we exchanged a common shared thought that this is a very humbling and miraculous experience for all...
Two hours later, I'm back up again and took her out... She goes out to a few spots and then makes a beeline back to the patio door... No messing around for her!... I didn't have a collar that would fit her, so I made one from a leash with rhinestones I had... She's no longer a 'junkyard dog' without a collar nor ID tag... We have to go do a bit of grocery shopping today for her and us, so 'Pop' will pup-sit while my daughter and I are gone...
Maybe it is my imagination or the lighting, but the puppies already look a bit bigger today to me...
I watched Bella intently when she came back in and no odd sniffs, nor did she act like anything was wrong...
About 4AM, I heard Yogi barking and nudged my husband, saying "Can you find out what Yogi is barking about... it's your turn"... (smile - but it is an oddity for Yogi to bark - he's the alpha patrol at night around here, preferring to sleep either on the couch or the futon)... My husband sprang out of bed and with flashlight in hand, investigated things, then returned and said he thought Bella needed to go out again... (he is not wanting to pick her up because he says he doesn't want to freak her out yet)... So I climbed out of bed, took her out potty as he did the flashlight check on the pups...
When I came back in with Bella, he had quite a few things to say to me, all in that 'teddy bear voice' he uses that also sounds like a little boy... We crawled back into bed and got a few more hours of sleep, but before we did, we exchanged a common shared thought that this is a very humbling and miraculous experience for all...
Two hours later, I'm back up again and took her out... She goes out to a few spots and then makes a beeline back to the patio door... No messing around for her!... I didn't have a collar that would fit her, so I made one from a leash with rhinestones I had... She's no longer a 'junkyard dog' without a collar nor ID tag... We have to go do a bit of grocery shopping today for her and us, so 'Pop' will pup-sit while my daughter and I are gone...
Maybe it is my imagination or the lighting, but the puppies already look a bit bigger today to me...
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