Do I have two kitties now?

Snickers has learned a new trick from Josie the cat!  Soooo cute, but the first time I found him up there I forgot that there was a screen and panicked!

looked like a good idea huh Snickers ;)

Snickers has been doing really great!  We've been having some pretty awesome weather lately and have been spending even more time at the dog run, and the little guy has become increasingly social (for him), he approaches people a little more readily, sniffs a few more dog butts, chases the occasional ball and when strangers go out  of their way to pet him (knowing that he may growl/snap) he's a little more open to their advances then a few weeks ago.  He is heading in the right direction:)

Gummy Bear!

We have an update on the Snickers trying to bite strangers situation! a positive one:)  in the last 2 days FOUR different people have pet Snickers despite his fearsome snarling/snapping routine, they called his bluff and still have all their digits, they reported "gumming" and "I felt teeth but, he's not really biting", the consensus is that the little guy is kind of a faker (with a caveat: I'm sure if he felt truly threatened instead of semi antisocial he could deliver a pretty good nip but this bodes well for the average interaction outside the house, inside the house he may try to protect his turf) :)  My friend Derick declared Snickers his official friend after about 3 hours and a 1 treat in.  So pet Snickers and you have a 90% chance of keeping your fingers;)

hiking again, he's king of the mountain

heading home, they're wiped!

The Snickers report

We tell no lies here on Fosteroni so here is the good the bad and the ugly on my little buddy Snickers.  I love him to pieces but he's not perfect (yet!).

Bad news first? yeah, let's get it out of the way.

1. Snickers is very protective of his home.  My friend Tracey came over yesterday, who he had met last weekend (she was petting him and everything) but not at his house and he totally barked, growled, and was snappy at her for the first 15 minutes she was here, after that he was mostly cool.  I did my best to correct this behavior, he was told no and bad dog and she was given treats to give him when he was being good etc... Tracey was not intimidated and told him to "quit it" which did discourage him and she was able to pet him at points.  I feel like this is a problem that would be helped by repeated exposure to visitors (I haven't had a ton of people over since he's been with me), lots of treat bearing visitors and being mindful of not backing him up when he acts this way i.e. not picking him up and coddling him, telling him NO etc... he's not nasty he's just a scaredy cat, if everybody ignores his growling and gives him treats when he behaves this may be phased out pretty easily.  He also came with me to Audrey's house the other night (my friends are my foster dog guinea pigs, thanks you guys!) and she gave him a bunch of treats to butter him up and was able to pet him and he even snuggled up next to her, but every once in awhile he would growl and snapped at her at one point.  Because everyone pulls their hands aways when he snaps (as they should!) I can't tell if he would bite for reals or if it would be the thing he does to dogs where he bites near them without making actual contact?  either way it's off putting and needs to be worked on obviously.

2. People outside?  different story, he's pretty much indifferent to everyone outside, ignores strangers totally if he can.  If they try to pet him it's 50/50, some people he doesn't mind, doesn't love it but doesn't mind, other people he will growl at a little.  Dogs same thing, he'll ignore them if he can, if he can't he'll growl a little and snap near them without making actual contact.

3.  While I now consider him housebroken and trust him as far as my place is concerned he did pee at my friend Audrey's the other night, he was marking, he had been outside only an hour or two before.  He peed inside about 3 times at my place during the first couple days and after that I think he realized this was his place too and has been good ever since.  I've never really spent a lot of time with male dogs so I'm not sure what this is all about, if I take him visiting in the future I'll be keeping him on a leash so I can correct him if he goes to lift his leg.

4.  Due to his general salty behavior and small size we will not consider adopting him to a household with children.

That's the worst of it, not unusual Chihuahua behavior, certainly not the worst I've seen!

Now for how awesome he is!  and he really is pretty great!

1.  Anyone who has read the earlier posts knows I love me some Snickers!  He didn't make a great first impression with me either (grrrrr), but after day 3 or 4 I was his one and only and I have been the happy recipient of that concentrated Chihuahua affection.  He is a lovebug, totally cuddlesome and loyal to those he loves and trusts.  I can do just about anything to him and he will not bite me.

2.  Easy to care for, he walks well on a leash, isn't food aggressive, good in the car, doesn't eat much.

3.  For a Chihuahua he is surprisingly quiet!  if there is something going on in the hallway he may bark, or something extra crazy outside he'll go off but is easily quieted down when you tell him no and quiet.
Yeah, I thought I was in for some serious yappies fostering a Chihuahua but was pleasantly surprised.

4.  He's really pretty good with other animals, at my house he lives with Josie the cat and Pasha the dog and there really haven't been any major problems.  He used to be growly with Pasha but now they are like siblings who annoy each other occasionally and have little squabbles, I totally trust them together and they both seem to enjoy the company.  He has gone after the cat once or twice, she'll just turn around and swat him and that's the end of it, usually they just ignore each other, they have been left alone in the same space together without incident and have even come close to snuggling once or twice.  I think he'd do great living with other animals, he doesn't whine when I go out and I think that has a lot to do with having a friend to stay with.

see:) look how sweet.

5.  As I mentioned above I do consider him house trained now, but I'm sure he will mark a new house though so be prepared for that.  I kept him confined for awhile when he first got here, he was in the bathroom when I wasn't home and kept close to me or at least in the same room when I was home, when I caught him lifting his leg I was there to scold him.  

6.  He's a good sport! he loves going for regular walks and even better loves joining Pasha and I on hikes, he is getting very bold in the woods and is becoming quite the mini athlete, he will run right through streams and jump off rocks and everything.  He's not just a lap dog, he won't be happy hanging out on a pink pillow!

7.  He really excels at snuggling and affection, he will make somebody a very lovable little companion. Loves sleeping under the covers at night, I have named this maneuver "Hot Pockets", he's my little heating pad:)  Also very sweet is when he gets into one of his spontaneous smoochie moods, he will look at you and then charge over and lick your whole chin with his tiny little tongue, he is very earnest about it so I let him do it for a bit even though I don't love doggie kisses.

Hot Pockets

did I mention he snores?? loudly, like an old fat man.

leave me alone I'm sleeping.

I do my best to give you the most honest information on my foster dogs and their behavior/problems.  I want them to go to the most appropriate/prepared homes possible and to be adopted ONCE with no unpleasant surprises for their new families (none that I knew about anyway), some dogs are super well adjusted and could go almost anywhere but some need a little extra work and Snickers is one of them.  But that's the worst of it for the little guy, needs a little work on his social skills is all and pay attention to the house marking in the beginning and when visiting.  He's such a sweetie that I think he's definitely worth the effort!

-April  

Can you relate?

Sent to me and Pasha by my good friend Audrey, and no thankfully Pasha is not that simple!  enjoy, these doggie inspired blogposts by Allie Brosh!

it's a good thing pasha's not this simple!
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2011/04/wild-animal-simple-dog-goes-for-joy.html

also these!  with some good tips on how to tell if your dog is retarded.  ;)
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/07/dog.html

http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/11/dogs-dont-understand-basic-concepts.html

Daytrippers!

Since our Sunday hike was such a blast I took advantage of the nice weather Monday (nice when we left the house anyway) to take the dogs to the woods again.  Snickers really had the hang of it this time and impressed me by boldly charging through streams of chest high freezing water (chest high on a chihuahua)!

Going down the stairs is always very exciting for him, not sure why?  

Check out the stallion dance on his hind legs;)

lakeside stroll

awwww.... they're little buddies

we took a break by the stream and I had some time to draw.

They were both feeling very mellow.

driving back home. 

Snickers likes to stand behind my left arm so he can see everything.

Siiiiigh.... somebody adopt Snickers before I do...  I'm serious.  and to tempt you to do just that here's some adorable bonus footage from the next day at the dog run.  As you can see he is learning to play, and becoming a bit more social, at one point he ran for the ball with a bunch of dogs (although I didn't get that part on tape).  Pasha is a real superstar at the dog run, she is so freakin' fast that she almost always gets the ball, even when they are thrown to other dogs which has made her unpopular with some dog owners :/  

just let him have it Pasha, it's good for his self esteem!

Over the river and through the woods and into the bathtub we go!

Most Sundays I have standing hiking plans with my old college roommate Tracey and her dog Max, she's one of the few people I know who has a dog, has a car and can be on the road by 8:30am (although yesterday she was a liiiitle hung over so we got a late start and an early finish).  It was a chilly morning and after some doubts about whether it was a good idea to take Snickers along we decided to go for it and hope for the best.  He LOVED it!  We went to Harriman State Park and everyone (well maybe not poor Tracey) had a great little hike, nothing crazy maybe 2 miles and little Snickers totally kept up and enjoyed the crap out of himself!  He climbed rocks, he ran through little streams, he peed on every tree/rock/bush he passed (I was amazed he didn't turn into a raisin from the loss of moisture), and he was off leash the whole time and stayed with his people!

If you are interested in adopting a little dog it's important to realize that they are still REAL DOGS and they do still love the exercise and the stimulation of a good romp in the woods, my maltese Lulu would hike and swim and climb rocks and seemed so proud of herself that she was no lap princess, she was a miniature rugged mountain beast!  After seeing how much he truly enjoyed himself I would love to place him with someone with that kind of outlet, he probably wouldn't be a good option if you are hiking the Appalachian trail or anything but he'd be game for a leisurely hike any day!

you're a natural little man!

he's got the hang of it now for sure, one of the gang!
(sorry about all the jostling, the iphone doesn't really have a steadycam feature)!

Max just had his 7th birthday last week.

Happy birthday Maxi-pad;)

why do you smell like Tequila aunt Tracey?

next week same time same place, 

unless Snickers is adopted of course!

since he doesn't have any flea control on it's into the bathtub...

OMG! I do not like this :/

resigned...

but look how handsome and sparkly you turned out!

I love this little fart, you will too if you meet him and give him a few minutes (and maybe some cheese) till he stops growling and being afraid of you.  Extra impressive was that he was a good sport about the bath, didn't growl at me once, he usually doesn't but if ever there was an occasion for a toothy protest I thought this would be it!

out and about!

It's been just over a weeks since lil' Schnickers has joined our household!  He is no trouble at all, behaves kind of like a house cat, hangs out looking cute, not very demanding, comes over when he's wanting some love and snugglin!  Fine little watchdog too, barks when there's extra interesting stuff going on in the hallway or outside but most definitely not a yapper!  Other good points, walks very nicely on the leash, good with the cat, not food aggressive.  He's a funny little guy, verrrry cautious with new people, usually ignores them if he can or watches from a distance, will "bite" if they insist on petting him before he's decided they're alright and they have ignored his initial growlies ("bite" meaning teeth grazing skin with zero pressure, I'd tell you if he actually bit people, honest!), of course once he decides he likes you he reeeeeeally LIKES YOU, he is a happy silly lovebug with me now and he's warming up to people more quickly, especially if they are carrying treats!  As for other dogs he is sort of indifferent but behaves pretty well if they make advances, as long as they have good manners, if not they get the growly bluff, he doesn't know what to do with other dogs because he doesn't seem to know how to play?!  We've been spending a lot of time at our dog run lately and today he started lingering by the crowds of people and dogs a bit more instead of roaming around alone like he did the first few times, he's interested, that's a start.

united front!

Pretty Pasha enjoying the heather garden.

this was a few days ago, Snickers the lone ranger....  

I'll post some more recent dog run videos when I take them later, you'll see the improvement.

even ignored all the sexy ladies...

No man is an island;)

I called it! snuggling within 3 days...  I'd love to see Mr. Snickers in a 2 dog family, despite the occasional tazmanian devil noises he isn't actually aggressive and as you can see is enjoying the doggie company!   They were left alone today, actually LEFT alone isn't quite right, he escaped his bathroom area to join her in her hallway area, wanted to keep them separated till I totally trusted them alone but mini houdini had other plans... at any rate there was some camaraderie when I came home:) Also likes people (though definitely timid at first!), I have 2 shadows now and double the kisses!

close, closer...

snuggling;)

Little Sneezy is settling in nicely!

Leetle Schnickers is such a good little guy!  He's still under the weather (ubiquitous kennel cough, every foster I've gotten has had it but his sneezes are the most dramatic I've heard!) and a little unsure his new situation but his lovable personality is showing itself in snippets!  last night he forgot himself and gave me a few smooches on the chin;)  Sometimes he also forgets to growl at Pasha, sometimes they are even touching and he might sniff her, also sniffed the cat...  You're not fooling anybody Snickers, you are a mushy little man.

looking guilty.

zzzzzzzzzzzz's

It'll take a few days to know whether he is on the calm side cause he doesn't feel so great or because that's how he actually is, but for a Chihuahua he is pretty mellow so far!  He spends a lot of time watching me from across the room, sometimes he'll come over for some affection, also an excellent bed buddy, likes to burrow under the covers (very cute!), definitely feeling more friendly he gets verrry happy when I come home and sometimes he wags his tail when I look at him (sounds stupid but he was not so waggity when he first got here.).  He also seems extra excited to be in the car, fond memories perhaps?  Loves going for walks, prances down the street, doesn't seem worried about the dogs or people we pass, he is neither friendly nor aggressive.  At home he seems ok with my cat, they more or less ignore each other, I did hear that he snapped at the cat in his previous foster home though, he does snap at my dog if she invades his space (she is much bigger, he may be a little scared), I'm not too worried about this, it's noise and bluster and I haven't seen any teeth/skin contact and it is happening less frequently and I think he could totally be adopted by someone with cats or dogs in the household and would find his place in a few days.

He's a sweet little furball, can't wait to see what he's like in a few more days!

Meet Schnickerrrs!

This morning I picked up my very first foster since I adopted the last one, a little Chihuahua named Snickers!  I don't have much info on him except that he is 4 or 5 and fixed (I should have the rest later on).  He's been here with us all afternoon and is still a little unsure of his new situation, but occasionally he forgets that and sits on my lap or starts to play, then he remembers to growl a little ;)  the growling is just noise and he never makes any actual contact.  What a goober, I give him 3 days before he's playing with me and snuggled up to Pasha!

the little guy!  

He looks like a bat and a teddy bear had a baby;)

Pasha progress report:)

Earlier today I was just trying to figure out exactly when I first learned of Pasha, and how long I've had her... Feb 22 from Laurie @ Brooklyn Foster Animal Network... "April, a very needy case. Read the safer test. Volunteers are raving about her. Can we have her delivered to you asap?"  she was on the euthanasia-list and I was suddenly available to foster because of a cancelled trip, things do happen for a reason;)


So this pup has been in my life for exactly 3 weeks and I couldn't be happier to have her here!  she has the sweeeetest disposition and we are getting to know each other, pleasant surprises, problem solving, working out logistics of becoming a dog OWNER again... no matter how awesome the dog it's never eeeasy but it is worth it, she's definitely worth shuffling some things around.  I'm happy to have a permanent resident again, it's been a little tough getting attached to the foster pups, watching them learn things and improve and then handing them over (although honestly I couldn't have been happier with the adoptions I've had!!!).  Next time I foster, which I'm thinking will be sooner than later, somebody will be staying with me. Plus she'll make an excellent big sis to the new foster pups!


So on to miss Pasha's progress!  She's suuuuch a good girl, so sweet and eager to please, fun to train, happy to go with the flow, loves car rides, hiking, making friends at the dog run, kissing the kitty;)  blows my mind that somebody abandoned her, but I'm glad she ended up with me!  It's never totally smooth sailing with a new dog, you have to be realistic and expect a few issues, we have a few here, they're minor but still... She did get into things once or twice while I was at work, the recyclables, the quinoa and cat food, nothing terrible but worth preventing!  So for now she's in a confined space while am out, baby gated the hallway so she has the hallway and the bathroom to play in, with some of her sturdier toys and bones and her bed etc...  perhaps most helpful, I don't put food in her bowl in the morning, she gets her dog food + treats and peanut butter or yogurt frozen into a kong overnight!  I timed it yesterday, since they are frozen it took her a good 40 minutes of solid effort to empty it (and she gets 2!), FOOOOOD!!!!  she is very motivated to empty those suckers, I'm sure it burns off some of her mental energy and gives her "an appropriate dog hobby" so she doesn't get bored (tip from Dr.Ian Dunbar of http://www.dogstardaily.com/ works like a charm!).  Also she is a bit of an excited/submissive peer, this has happened a handful of times, she is clearly housebroken but this seems to be something different, we're off to the vet next Monday to rule out physical causes and if not then we'll work on it (I've been reading up...).  


I love my new doggie, fostering has been a great way to find a forever dog and to help other guys in the process.  Can't wait to see how excited she will be to have doggie house guests, I'm hoping to get back to fostering in early April, who will be our next visitor???

teaching the beast patience!

awesome trick interrupted by falling bicycle!

Another favorite game of ours is hide and seek!  She has to sit and stay while I hide in another room (with a toy or treats) and when I say "OK" she has to find me:)  shes' veeerrrry proud of herself when she does and then she gets cookies or we play catch.  Whatever kind of mutt she is whether shepherd, dobie or rottie they are all working dogs and need some kind of problem solving to challenge them and keep them from getting bored!  she also has a backpack like Dingo;) 

Wha' Happened?

Dearest Pasha is only a 1 1/2 years old(ish) and I had been amazed at her excellent house manners, extra impressive considering she has not been allowed any serious exercise since she was recently spayed... Today it got the better of her, when I came home surprise!!!! things were not where I left them, 5 shoes were on her bed, she had carefully extracted some of the wool from my UGGS (similar to stuffed toys right? perhaps it would have been better if she had done visual damage, then maybe I'd stop wearing those ugly things), also her plastic food dish (plus the food measuring cup!) were shredded, a bottle of vitamin E oil left an oil slick on the rug and bottle in tatters and IS THAT QUINOA ALL OVER THE FLOOR, and the COUCH???

Yup, predictably cabin fever struck.... probably didn't help that I had taken away her real bones, the duck she gutted, the rope toy she shredded, the ripped up tennis balls, leaving her with only a Nyla Bone and her Kong bone, unacceptable!  Pasha is great at keeping herself entertained, she looooves to throw things for herself and chase them, but these things are usually hard and super clanky on my mostly hardwood floors which I fear will annoy the downstairs neighbors!  I've been trying to leave her with the least aurally offensive toys when I'm gone, which has clearly resulted in a protest.

Todays carnage. 

The gutted duck is especially pitiful.

$100 later... (+ treats unpictured)

I call this picture "Hope"

Kong Wubba, please hold up to her abuse!

(I deserve kickbacks for promoting Kong products so frequently on Fosteroni!)

The irony of Pasha's timing is that tomorrow was the day I had chosen to declare her officially healed and able to run around and had planned a trip to the woods to celebrate!  This morning we had played a little fetch to make sure the incision site looked alright after some running around.  Oh well, trial and error... hopefully with the new batch of more rugged less loud toys will keep her more appropriately occupied while I'm hard at work earning money to pay for all her toys and to buy myself more quinoa.

P.S. Pasha has been trying to get treats out of the Kong with laser like focus for a good 45 minutes now:)  I'm ignoring the slobber all over the rug, it's worth it and the rug is washable...

She's my best friend:)

Soooo turns out I may be the lucky someone ending up with foster pooch number four!  I am officially considering adopting Pasha and am in the process of "test driving" our arrangement, I want everybody to be happy!   I've owned a dog before but Lulu was a tiny (super duper amazing) maltese who potty-wise was like a house cat.  I am a big fan of wee-wee pads, not instead of all walks but they sure can come in handy and make it possible to go out after work once in awhile and keep the poor pup from crossing her legs if she really has to go(!).  We'll see what we can do, I'm sure paper training is totally possible and since that's my only reservation I think I'm going to get right on that (I am teaching her the words "go potty", poop and pee when we go out for walks, I think she knows what they mean!  but she's so proud of herself for being housebroken she doesn't want to go on the pad, she feels like she'sbacksliding ;)

As my friend Jeanette pointed out, she is both cute and ambitious!

I love her to death, what a find!

Who am I kidding, she already has her Pasha Kelly dog tag and the enormous doggie bed is coming in the mail!  When you are a "single parent" (certainly feels that way!) it's extra important to make your pup a solid canine citizen who is welcome everywhere and whom people will delight in babysitting, at the moment I am working on avoiding bad habits!

My big plan:

1. Teach her to walk perfectly on her leash!  she already pretty good but she's strong and low to the ground so any pulling is unwelcome.  I'm not too worried about this.

2. Barking? she doesn't :)

3. Beggin'?  nope, not really, but just to be sure I tell her to "go" and point away from the table and she has to wander off a few steps.

4. I made the mistake of letting her on the couch for snuggles ( I figured she wouldn't be staying for long anyway), and then she started jumping on everyones couch when visiting!  easy mistake Pasha but now we've gotta change the rules on you.  Luckily she catches on quickly! 

5. Letting her sleep on the bed (see above)...  the fancy plush dog bed will make it up to her though right??

6.  Jumping up on people to say hi!  again, pretty unwelcome by most people, she's kinda big and her paws are muddy if she's in the woods or dog run... teaching her "up" and "get down" so she can be invited up if somebody wants hugs!  also I'm teaching her to sit for pets when I come home instead of the jumping.

7. Attempt to teach her to ring a bell when she needs to go out for a squirt, first I need to find a bell though, it's not christmas time?

I'm sure there's other stuff which I'll remember later, but for now we are in pretty good shape, she needs a few tweaks but not a major overhaul!  and don't worry this does not mean the end of fostering for me, once she's settled in we may get dog number 5 in here and they can learn from her good example:)

xoxo

April and Pasha!

Somebody's lucking out with this one!

Pasha has been with me since Thursday evening and I am smitten!  It's a mystery to me why someone would tie this dog to a fence and walk away, she has been an angel and is passing every test with flying colors.  She knows basic commands, quiet in the house, friendly to everyone (although she growled at suspicious looking teenage boys, she's protective!), not destructive except to tennis balls and toys, good with other animals (Josie almost likes her), keeps herself entertained with bones and toys, athletic outside and mellow inside, doesn't beg (wistful eye begging doesn't count).  She's kinda perfect...  But why tell you when I can show you?

Herro I'm Pasha!

such a pretty face!

she's so photogenic I can't stop!

this is her confused look (check out the teeth over lip action;)

trying to make friends, she just has to learn kitties 

don't like the puppy bounce style of playing...

oh yeah, treats...

that's better!

take me home and I'll the love the crap out of you!

bonus tail chasing video, enjoy:)

For information on Pasha email me at aprilkelly4377@gmail.com or call 917 374-3260

Cuatro!

Foster dog numba 4 is here:)  I've been waiting all day for my special delivery and she arrived around five and already less than 2 hours in I'm in love!  I'm calling her Pasha, and she's been wiggly and kissy and super outgoing from the second they let her out of the van, I was worried for nothing!

What we know/don't know:

1. Found as a stray found tied to a fence on 2/16, nice...

2. Breed?  Rottie mix? Shepherd mix? who knows, who cares she's lovable and gorgeous:)
1 1/2 years old, 42lbs.  Fixed, vaccinated.

3. Barely noticed my cat, no big deal to her, the cat was not too excited to see another giant dog though;)  I'll keep them separated for a bit but I'm not expecting a problem.

4. Personality! We have another sweetie! she's kissy and a "lapdog" lots of dog smiles, friendly and plays well with others, she already had a little play session at the dog run, plays fetch with the ball AND sometimes brings it back.  She's alright on the leash, pulls a little but nothing terrible.  Sits for food, shakes, jumps on the couch when invited ;)  plays with toys and is at this moment chomping on a bone in her crate with the door open, no wait, she just brought it over to chew next to me under the desk:)  she is relaxed and already at home here.

That's all I know so far, she seems super sweet, well mannered and playful, somebody will be lucky to adopt her but I'm definitely going to enjoy her in the meantime!

Meet Pasha (originally Linda)!

Pretty in pink at the dog run.  I'll add videos of her amazing doggie social skills next time!

For information on Pasha email me at aprilkelly4377@gmail.com or call 917 374-3260

Special delivery!

I had a vacation coming up and didn't want to take in a new dog with a limited window of time, you never know how long your houseguest will stick around waiting for that perfect match!  Well my little visit has been postponed due to a series of unfortunate events (soon, Joey, soon!), such a bummer but fostering always cheers me up sooooo.... this foster is dedicated to my favorite person and fellow dog lover Joey (our misadventure will save a doggie life and we'll be able to enjoy Disneyland that much more;)

Tomorrow morning my new friend will be delivered, we have never met and I'm hoping she's as sweet as she looks (little nervous, they wouldn't send me a vicious beast with murder in her heart would they? nah).

Doesn't she look like a good girl?

can't wait to meet her, I have a soft spot for the rotties!

Catching up with my Fosteroni's!!!

 "I'm soooo, sooo happy to report that I do hear fairly regularly from the new owners of the 3 dogs I've fostered so far!  it's super kind of them and really a treat for me and the rest of us who knew and loved the dogs before they were adopted (seriously everyone involved is so grateful that you take the time to let us know how well our pups are doing, it makes letting them go and taking in a new one a positive feedback loop instead of a series of bummers and murkiness)!

The afternoon Minnie was adopted I was super sad and missing her but right after she left (literally RIGHT AFTER) I got a crazily well timed text with pics from Jean on Spinx (now Charley) that made my day.  (as well as up to the minute reports from Minnie/Savannah's new dad as to how she was making out!)

"He's amazing!!! I sent you an email--we are calling him Charley now. One Spinx in the house is enough!  He's so great--we adore him."

with his big sister Kowie!

general cuteness

is that Wan the cranky dog hating cat?? is it a truce?  ;)

Yup, any plastic will do (I remember him stealing "toys" from the recyclables)

Hey April--just some news about Spinx--we gave him a new name: Charley. We think it's very fitting, and one Spinx in the household is enough!! He's so great...we're totally in love with him, and he just gets better and better! I'm sending you some photos from my phone; we love taking him to Prospect Park because he just plays with everybody!! 

Hope you're enjoying your new foster pet...!

Jean & Joel 

awesome, glad Charley's being a good boy! and it looks like the cats like him a little better now??  I'm dogless at the moment, another was adopted on saturday, we'll see who's next!  send as many updates as you like, they always make me smile!!!!  I got your texts a few minutes after my last pup was adopted saturday and it totally cheered me up:)

-April

yay!! yes, Charley's the best--he's getting better and better every day--calm when necessary, playful, sweet, so funny and hapless and lovey. He's such a big fun goofball!! And the cats are fine with him--they're learning how to fend off his unwanted advances--and Kowie is learning how to assert her dominance and remain on top. She's funny with him--she won't play, as hard as he tries to get her to do it, but she puts him in his place regularly. They're getting along just fine, and it's so interesting to see a different side of her. Now she's the grown-up calm and mature one!

Jean & Joel 

And how about miss Edwina/Dingo/Bronx my original dog crush up in Maine??  Her owners Meagan and Ben both "Facebook friended" me so I get to check out all sorts of great doggie pics which they frequently post, and Meagan even months later has been sending along updates and adorable anecdotes (thanks lady!).

 Nope not a bad life huh?

I was doing errands downtown with Rush and Bronx today. We stopped for tea and the coffee shop had a painting of Roosevelt hanging high on the wall and Bronx started staring at it. Everyone noticed how interested she was in it and then she started barking and growling! We couldn't stop laughing, about her argument with a fellow New Yorker.

Hey,

Just wanted to update you, Bronx is getting fixed tomorrow! The Vet said dogs can be out of heat but still show internal signs so waiting 1-2 months after going out of heat is safest for the dog. 

She has been getting along with everyone perfectly. She loves running on the beach is great at meeting new people/dogs. We brought her to my Grandmother's 82nd birthday and she was a big hit with all of my extended family. Bronx has mastered 'sit', 'come', 'down', 'back up' and sometimes 'leave it' and we are still working on more tricks! She has gotten some dry winter skin, (maybe from rolling in the snow/sand so much? so funny how she loves to roll around!) so we have been putting salmon oil on her dry food. This is slowly starting to help her skin and making her fur is softer than ever!! Did you feed her anything special like a treat that maybe helped her skin? Our only complaint is she loves to chase our neighbors cat, which is to be expected between dogs and strange mean cats who are in places they don't belong! 

Hope all is well!

Meagan

Best friends:)  so sweet.

I'm really hoping update posts like this will encourage folks who are considering fostering to give it a shot and to know that when a dog leaves your house they are not necessarily vanishing into thin air!  It means so much to know that you chose the right home and that these pups are LOVED, cared for, and enjoying their second chance, and all the cute stories and observations are a bonus:)

-April

if you or anyone you know is interested in fostering a dog or cat (or other critters) please email me and I'll point you in the right direction, you can never have too many good foster parents!
aprilkelly4377@gmail.com

Heeey... whatever happened to little Minnie?

I KNOW!  it's been a few weeks, there was an adoption but didn't want to jinx it, I wasn't sure it would take...

We had a few inquiries about this pretty little lady but when Alan (her new owner!!) and little Appleton his Maltese came to meet her it was a bad scene!  Minnie was lunging at Appleton and Alan outside and I thought for sure they would turn around and hop back in that cab (he admitted that he most definitely thought about it)...  3 hours he stayed in my apartment, 3 HOURS, just couldn't decide, he could tell she was secretly sweet buuuut then she'd growl at Appleton or himself, there was not much hope in my heart...  As soon as he'd lean one way she would do something to make him doubt her, and I couldn't blame him, who would want to put their other dog in that situation??  In the end Appleton showed she could stick up for herself and although he had serious reservations he agreed to take her on a trial basis which everyone thought was for the best, maybe she'd behave more nicely on another dogs turf??  

ha ha can you say nervous...? 

(I think after this photo was taken she growled at Appleton on the floor and then he changed his mind, AND THEN HE CHANGED HIS MIND BACK AGAIN )

...and she went home on a leap of faith;)

future besties?? 

Poor Appleton, a gentle retiring middle aged lady to be roomates 

with Minnie (now Savannah!!) the tazmanian devil!

Soooooooo, how's it going over there??  I'll let you hear it from the horses mouth, or Alan's anyway;)  not perfect as you'll soon read but when the owner is committed there is hope!  I think our nervously naughty but totally lovable little Savannah has ended up in the right place.

Hi April,

Thanks for getting back to me! Savannah appears to be doing just fine so far? She slept last night on the bed with Apple and myself after sleeping Saturday night in the bathroom under a bunch of blankets. I have been trying to find a baby gate as all the stores on the UES are sold out which is not surprising considering I live in baby central here. I hope to have one by this afternoon.

She seems to leave  Appleton alone even the times when I had to run out to do some errands. She can jump onto my bed as Apple can not and she loves to sleep on the pillows which is fine. I am planning to make an appointment for later this week to get her and Apple to my Vet just to be on the safe side. She definitely loves her carrots as I have been giving them to her as a snack. She knows how to go to the bathroom outside but definitely still needs more training in that department. She is very aggressive when out on walks which I am trying to get a grip on. You were right, she likes to go after people's ankles! lol. Okay, I will report back in a day or two, I think we will be okay with her? Speak soon...

and a few weeks later...

Hi April,

Nice to hear from you! Savannah is doing absolutely wonderful and is loving her new home, Daddy and big sister Appleton with one exception.

She most definitely has some issues when she is walked outside but I believe they can be overcome with some diligent and proactive training, which if I can't cure then I will have to call in a certified trainer? She has a tremendous amount of anxiety and aggressive behavior when she see's other dogs that I must get a grip on for her. She lunges at everything in site from people to pigeons to even moving motor vehicles believe it or not and she lets out this overwhelming and incredible high pitched cry that is absolutely deafening at times. Inside the apartment she is as good as gold. Bottom line is I love her to death and am determined and will work hard to get these issues rectified soon before I need to be fitted for hearing aids?

Yup, sounds like small dog syndrome alright, but kudos to Alan (and sweet little Appleton) for taking a chance on her and looking into the matter instead of giving up on her like her first owner did, she's a lucky girl!  Maybe some of these podcasts will help, this is a great sire to poke around! (Have I mentioned I luuuuv Ian Dunbar!)

http://www.dogstardaily.com/radio/110-dog-fears-and-quarrels

http://www.dogstardaily.com/radio/106-socialization-dogs-and-their-owners

http://www.dogstardaily.com/radio/111-choosing-and-adopting-adult-dog

(I've still got a home visit coming up so I'll let you know the latest and greatest! and I confess I can't wait to see my little peanut again!)