Doggie updates!

I'm always curious to see how the Fosteroni Alumni are doing and am not above the occasional solicitation for updates and pictures (or asking previous adopters to pimp my new foster dogs to homes as awesome as theirs)!!!

From Jean concerning Charlie (formerly Sphinx)-

Charley is doing FABULOUSLY well. We are still totally smitten, even after all this time. And all his bad behavior! Well, he's not bad, he just counter-surfs like crazy. And is a total jump-up snuggle attention hound. This summer in Maine, he learned how to jump off a dock or a riverbank in pursuit of a big stick...picture attached. He's in it for the drama, legs splayed, getting as much air as possible. So great! I will send this call for help for Duncan to my friend who just lost her dog of 15 years...maybe she would be interested in meeting him.Nice to hear from you , and nice to know you're still doing this amazing work with the dogs. 

xo,

Jean, Joel, and Charley 

he looks so mature and handsome!

And from Meagan, Mom to Bronx (Dingo during her foster days).  I see Bronx photos on a regular basis on facebook, clearly this dog is adored!

Hi!

I will spread the word! We love Bronx so much, she has become such a big sweetheart. She gets along with Rush really well, they play ALL day. They have developed a deep bond, which is what we were hoping for. Last week Rush was getting bullied by a German Shepard at the dog park and Bronx came running over and barked the other dog away! This is just one of the many times she has protected Rush. Bronx has caught a squirrel and a seagull so now is only off leash in small critter free areas like dog parks but . She was also featured on the front page of the West End News (our local mock newspaper)! She has also finally found an interest in dog toys! Primarily bouncy squeaky balls and nyla bones. 

Thanks for helping us get such a great dog!

Meagan

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!)

Spinx is officially a Brooklynite!

After only 5 days rooming with me my "little" buddy Sphinx (now Spinx, inside joke!) the puppy was adopted!  Jean and Joel of Brooklyn are very, very happy with the new addition "He's PERFECT!!!", Kowie the bordercollie mix is warming up to him and the 2 cats Wan and Rabbit remain unconvinced (thats a lot of dog to get used to all at once!).  So, another happy ending, a backyard of his own, an older doggie sis, local dog run, trips to Prospect Park and summers in Maine (say hi to Bronx for me!), not bad for a shelter mutt and he certainly deserves it!

The proud new parents and sister Kowie!

(the dogs were a little distracted by a yorkie coming their way.)

passed out on the way to his forever home, awww....

checking out his new digs!

playing tug with his new Pop at Prospect Park!  

finally a fair fight!  I was no match for him.

Jean and Joel have been super cool about sending pictures and updates and we are delighted (but not surprised!) to hear that all is going well! Thanks for giving our big mushy sweetheart a great home!

(and thanks for all the updates you guys!!!)

Hi April and Laurie--notes on Spinx! He's PERFECT!!! we are so so so so so happy with him! And so is Kowie! The cats, well, they're not really that happy. But they're fine--that will take some time, I think. One our of kitties, Wan (big orange creamsicle guy) totally stands his ground, hisses, tries to bite spinxx's tail, gives it right back.  He is a super-cranky old-ish guy, doesn't really like any other animals. Our other guy--Rabbit--has been spending lots more time in the basement than usual, but there has been some sniffing and peering curiosity. He comes up for his food, and he'll figure out how to outwit Spinx in short order. 

We took him and Kowie to Prospect Park this morning--Joel sent pictures, right?--and had a blast! We felt that we could trust him off leash, and he did not disappoint. He comes when we call him, even though he's the life of the party and enjoying every minute of it! He's just amazing, with dogs, with people, with us--we're totally thrilled. Thank you both, so much! Miss Kowie is happy to have some doggy company, and she plays with him--not quite like a puppy, but enough to show that she likes him just fine. She is suddenly the calm and mature one in the house; it's so funny!

We'll send more pictures as we have more adventures..

Thanks so much--

Jean & JOel

Keep us posted, would love to see him what he's like when he's all grown up (and how big he'll end up!!!)!

I'm sure gonna miss that silly doggie smile around here! 

Meagan and Ben are the BEST!

I have been getting frequent updates since yesterday afternoon from Edwina/Dingo/now Bronx's adoptive parents Meagan and Ben!  Thanks for making the adoption so painless you guys!

A few reports and pictures of everyone's favorite pup and her new fam (keep 'em coming, we love this stuff!)!

Hey,
The dogs are getting along great. We tied a long rope to edwina's collar and let her run on the beach with Rush and a few other neighborhood dogs. They had a great time getting muddy and chasing sticks. The cat is friendly to Edwina,  purring and chasing her tail. Sometimes Edwina gets too excited from the attention and the cat swats her. We are more worried about the cat hurting Edwina now! Ben is taking both pups to the pet store to pick up a few things (Edwina prefers chewie toys and Rush prefers squeaky toys!) and then bringing them to the big Portland dog park.
We will send more pictures! I'm a bad photographer so Ben is taking over!

as promised, morning walks on the beach!

Hey,

The first day has been great! Rush and Edwina have been cuddly all day, they have had a few quarrels but that is to be expected. We have nicknamed Edwina, Bronx, because she is a city-dog. She is getting along much better with the cat, but sometimes she does corner her.  The cat can't be too upset because she will buzz Edwina's legs while Edwina is eating! I attached a picture of the pups eating and the cat stealing Edwina's food.

Edwina met a bunch of neighborhood dogs, including the dreaded Popcorn! We also introduced her to everyone at our local pet store, dog park and video store. She has been a great hit and everyone loves her!

My friend lives in NYC and has a husky he rescued a few years ago and has been looking for a cattle dog mix. He is teasing us about stealing the only cattle dog mix in NYC so if you foster another one, he would be a great candidate!

looking like they've known each other all their lives;)

How many spots do you think they have between them??  

and kitty makes 3!  I'm thinking she'll be the boss of the house...

That went well! (thank goodness...)

Today was the day I had been dreading for a week!  THEY CAME FOR HER.  Thankfully the anticipation of it was so much worse the the reality.

Meagan, Ben and Rush (their pup, a cattle dog mix!) from Orchard Beach Maine contacted us about a week ago with a really sweet email of interest.  Later a lengthy phone call, lots of questions from us both and then the formalities of adoption forms, reference checks etc... and they were accepted!  In the meantime Edwina and I had really been bonding making the handoff loom pretty large, I'll admit to some serious second thoughts, it's scary and unnatural to give your dog away and at some point I had started to consider her MY dog!   But the new situation was tooooo good and the final decision was made and stuck to.

This morning Ben and Meagan drove down from Maine with Edwina's new "sister" Rush and introductions were made, doggie romper room in the lobby, toy snatching in my apartment and the 4 of them becoming acquainted.  By the time we made it up to the dog run they looked like a family and the dogs were playing/tormenting each other like real sisters!

meet her new family:)

speckled twosome.

the sounds that are coming out of these 2...

Ben and Meagan have generously promised many updates, pics and perhaps a video or 2 which I will be happy to post (her NY/NJ friends will miss her and be glad to know what she's getting up too!).  I am sooo glad they were my first adoption experience, can't imagine feeling more confident that a dog was in good hands.  Thanks you guys! 

the little family, plus a cat at home, Edwina will have a new kitty to love.

happily ever after!  sigh....

ALREADY an update from the road!  perhaps it was my tears and trembly chin? 

 anyway you guys are the nicest!

 "they are sharing a rawhide munchie and cuddling.  Thanks for letting us adopt such a sweet dog!"-Meagan and Ben