Another dog rescue and I have thoughts

Alas, no pictures of the adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy who was scooped up on a dangerous street and rescued, but the story is yet another affirmation of good neighbors and kind-hearted people. And spoiler alert - it has a happy ending, though I have some thoughts about a couple of things.

Finishing up my morning walk with Nellie we happened upon a neighbor walking toward us with another man who clearly had a squirmy, furry creature in his ams. Turns out to be a puppy they caught heading up our street to a very dangerous intersection. Adorable, cuddly, and utterly sweet doesn't even begin to describe this little bundle. And true to form, since everyone in the surrounding area thinks I know every single dog, the question was asked: do you know this dog? The answer being a sad nope, we then started the discussion of what to do with this puppy who had no collar. First step, take her to a vet or the humane society to check for a microchip. The man holding the pup (and clearly falling in love with each passing moment) said that he was in the middle of his loop and couldn't do that. That's when it dawned he was a pool tech clearly on his cleaning route. As expected, the neighbor turned to me and I responded with the usual answer. Sure, leave her with me and I'll sort it out. That's when pool guy declared that he would take care of the pup and if he couldn't find her guardian, he would keep her. Mmmm. Great news she would have a safe haven, but.... And here's where I wasn't operating on all cylinders. Didn't ask his name or the name of his company. Doh!

Well it gets better. Not an hour later I get a call from another neighbor who had the dog's guardian on her doorstep (apparently lived right behind her and hoped the pup was in her yard). We ascertained the pup is chipped, but there was a catch. The chip had not been transferred from the breeder to the new guardian, and the breeder is in Missouri. The pup had been flown out recently with all the papers and so on, but the chip information wasn't current. OK. I told them I would ask at the house I knew had a pool if theirs was serviced this morning. Get the name, call, and all good, right? Of course it's NEVER that simple. Nope. No pool service that day. Arrgghh. What to do? Well, the obvious thing of course. I started calling every pool company in a 30 mile radius asking if they had someone who did pools on our street or nearby that morning. Frustratingly, that was going nowhere, when another call came in. The neighbor just happened to be out when a man walking his dog was going by and mentioned seeing the pup. He also saw a pool truck pull out of the driveway two doors down from her house. I ran (well, hobbled) over, we shook our heads in disbelief that that particular house had a pool, and walked over. Rang the bell and hoped for the best since this was the one house on the street we knew absolutely nothing about. We never saw anyone outside, only knew that an older lady lived there, and had no idea who she was. A man answered and we introduced ourselves and explained the situation. He gladly gave us the name and number of his pool guy and his own number as well. Things were starting to gel.

I called the pool guy and explained we knew where the pup lived and had the number. He said he had taken the her to the vet and she was chipped but he still had no information. Whew. It was so good to know he was following through on his promise and wasn't planning to just keep her. Good man. So I explained I was texting the guardian with his number and gave pool guy the guardian's number so they could sort it out from there. Happy ending.

Now for thoughts -- starting with my own idiocy. Yes, a picture of the pup and getting the pool man's name and number should have been the first item of business. A post on Paw Boost and Next Door would be another good thing to do. But my last thought is the guardian should have been more careful with such a young and small puppy. If you're letting her out in what you think is a secure yard, think again. A new pup needs supervision. Someone needs to be present, if for no other reason than we have coyotes in our area. Check the entire area for ANY teensy tiny escape hatch. Accidents can happen, but too often it's carelessness. I just hope for that darling pup's sake, this doesn't happen again.

Hiking adventure complete

Because the cuteness factor just never goes away, another Paco post is required. His Dad decided to check out his hiking ability the other day, and took off on the trail of one of our beautiful mountains. He was very alert to the idea that Paco might not be as vigorous a hiker as his previous dogs, but he was prepared for rest stops with water and potential carrying of a pooped out dog. Actually, Paco kinda amazed him with his willingness to go along with this endeavor and apparently did very well, though there were the expected breaks and a bit of carrying. Paco looks quite pleased with himself.

The other interesting thing in this picture is the art work on the area below. Don't know what it's supposed to be, and if it were possible for me to hike up to see it, I would, just to figure out what it's all about. And what a view. Wow!

Cuddles

Super quick update on Paco the Pug - who now goes by Taco or Ding Dong depending on the person and the situation at the moment. This sweet pic is Paco happily snoozing on - not a pillow as you might expect - but his Dad's chest. Dad had settled down to watch TV and Paco decided to join him in the sweetest way. Awwwww. Bonding complete.

 

Pug harness wrestling should be an Olympic sport

Paco, being a Pug, is a brachycephalic breed, meaning he has a flat face. As a result, he's prone to heat and breathing issues dogs like Nellie don't have. In order to take him on walks he must wear a harness as anything around his throat can cause problems. Now, mind you, Paco clearly has never been walked on leash and has the manners, curiosity, and craziness of a velociraptor newly brought back from extinction. While we can only go around the block because of the heat (and yes, we wait for it to seriously cool down in the evening), it's an adventure from beginning to end. The good news:  he's starting to get the hang of the walk. The less good news:  we have an interesting wrestling match to get his harness on. Mind you, the harness is a bit awkward and he's not used to sartorial splendor, but harness him up we must. First of all, he wants to put EVERYTHING in his mouth. It took four days and 8 walks to get him to allow the harness to go over his head without a fuss. The tricky part now is getting his leg through one side so he can get buckled up on the other side. Let's just say it's a work in progress. He's an expert wiggler.

Another issue we discovered he had was a very serious case of itchy skin and dandruff, the likes of which you never want to see. He spent so much time doubled over trying to chew in his hind end, it was painful to watch. His little hind end also had pink areas and he was so clearly uncomfortable. Bath time. The first bath he received was with soothing shampoo -- quick and easy in the outdoor sink we have. A bit of aloe vera gel on his pink patches, and a day later, the chewing was down by two thirds. A quick trip to the vet for medicated shampoo and another bath, and he hasn't shown any signs of discomfort since. Whew! He is very good in the bath, seeming almost to relish it. At least that's what I thought until I took a look at his face. Poor baby. He didn't mind it, but you have to leave the medicated shampoo on for 10 minutes. That was the part he wasn't so keen on.

After the bath, a walk to dry off, and a good dinner, he formed a pug puddle on the floor, and took a long nap.

Quick update on Paco and Misty

Paco has a home. A wonderful forever home. The best part? He'll be just down the street from me so we'll be able to see each other from time to time. Whew!! He'll be with me for two more weeks, and we'll be doing some training, getting his vaccinations, and making an appointment for his neuter surgery. Plus, and I can't stress this enough, getting his dog license. Yup, we want him to be an upstanding member of the community.

I had a dog behaviorist out today to teach Paco boundaries so he won't run out of open doors or gates, and who should walk by? His new family! It was a great teachable moment and Paco clearly likes them so much. He and their other, older dog got to meet and that will need some ironing out, but there were no red flags there.

Yesterday I managed to sort out out a way for Paco to have his own space that cannot be damaged by chewing (on our antique furniture), or if he needs to poop in the middle of the night, no damage to a tile floor. As a result, sleep was actually a thing for me. A win.

Of course, the longer he's with us, the more in love we are. However, in this case, good sense is prevailing and his new home will be so perfect, there are no regrets, just joy he will have the life he deserves. And who wouldn't want this face to greet them every day?

Alas, Paco is the type of dog who chases squirrels and cats. Misty is smart, though, and sussed out that she simply had to show up for dinner under the car in the driveway, which is where she used to spend her time before deciding our backyard patio was more her style. While she still hisses, she will come to the food bowl upon presentation and allows me to be only a step or two away when she eats. So in two weeks, when Paco has moved into his new digs, I hope we can convince Misty to come back to the comforts of our more secure backyard.

And thus endeth today's critter saga.

We are brand new foster parents!

I posted before about Paco the Pug who needed a new home and then on the day we were supposed to pick him up, his guardian changed her mind. Well today was a completely different scenario and I'm so glad that we chanced by on dog walk this morning (I think).

To start at the beginning.... Nellie and I were on our let's-get-our-walk-in-before-the-heat outing and decided to swing by Paco's place to check in on him and do the handing out treats ritual. We heard strange sounds coming from the house, and then a toddler came out the door and I assumed she was making the noises. Paco was no where in sight, so Nellie and I started to head home. Then behind us came a cacophony of yips and crying. We turned around to see the toddler on the ground, Grandma and Dad picking her up, and Paco running toward the fence. We went back to say hi and give Paco his treat when Grandma came over in a fury and told me not to give him a treat because he was a bad dog. Apparently he jumped on the little girl and nipped her hand. Grandma was about to take a swing at Paco (I'm not sure she would've actually hit him in all fairness), but you could tell she was furious and wanted him to know he was in trouble. I said it was too late to punish him because he wouldn't understand why. She turned to me and said, "Would you take him? I don't want him anymore!" Knowing that this family was not the best informed when it comes to dogs and their care, I immediately said yes, pulled out the slip lead from my bag, and walked home with a dog who clearly has never been on a leash or been walked before. To say it was a wild walk home is an understatement.

Home at last, adding Paco to the mix created pure pandemonium. Rascal, who always liked him when they met through the fence, decided he was an intruder and told him multiple times they weren't going to be friends, especially if Paco tried to make nice with Rascal's Dad. Nellie was a bit more blasé, but feeling jealous that a new dog might be supplanting her position. Paco was just confused why he was in this strange place, overheated from the walk, and unsure how he was supposed to make friends with other dogs as he's had no experience with that custom. He wanted to do zoomies in the house, didn't know how to get through the mosquito screen across the door to the backyard (even managing to pull it down), and generally was at a loss. Finally he was exploring the yard and, alas, came upon Misty, who immediately decamped in a huff. That adds another wrinkle. 

Side note: Finally got Misty to allow me to stand only a couple of steps away while she ate last night. Paco may put the kibosh on that relationship though I'm hoping we can work that out.

For the grand finale of this whole mess, Paco also decided that the house was the perfect place to dump three piles of diarrhea instead of going outside. Oh, and he's apparently not over his puppy chewing phase even though he's over one year old and has had ZERO training, which is why he jumped on the granddaughter and gave her a puppy nip on the hand. He's been allowed to do that with all the adults in the family. Good times.

Soooo, you are asking yourself why I would take on this dog, how long he will be with us, and should I have my sanity checked. I took the dog because he needed to get out of a neglectful situation (not outright abuse, but more ignorance of what is involved and lack of caring when he would get out). This a foster situation only (yes - that's a promise). We already have a vet appointment for a checkup and vaccinations and I'll be calling the Humane Society to schedule his neuter surgery as soon as possible. And yes, I definitely should have a sanity check because I am INSANE for doing this. But you gotta admit, he is sooooo cute:

Loose dog rescue and awesome neighbors...again

Again with the amazing neighbors. This sweet Shepherd was running loose and the instant he saw C, N, And H, he ran toward them and cuddled up. Smart dog. They were able to leash him and try to figure out where he belongs. That's where I came in. 

Hearing an enormous barking ruckus from Nellie and Rascal at the front door, I found my neighbors had come across to see if I knew who this gorgeous and incredibly friendly dog is. Apparently there is the belief that I know every single dog within a 100 mile radius. Unfortunately, that is not entirely true, and this one rang no bells. I grabbed the phone, however, and called someone who might recognize the pup, but that too was a no.

As the dog had no collar, another neighbor had already called Animal Rescue from our local shelter. They have a portable device to see if the dog is chipped and the good news is, yes he's chipped. The only catch is whether the chip is current and the dog's guardian answers. The Animal Rescue officer made it clear that though he could not divulge information about the dog's guardian, he would make an attempt to return the dog to his home before taking him to the shelter. And yes, nosy as I am, I checked the Humane Society website to see if he was there. So far so  good, but I'll keep checking just to make sure. 

This saga is becoming too frequent with loose dogs. The good news is that our neighborhood is very alert and willing to leap in to help. Without that spirit, too many of these animals would be left to wander, be injured, or killed. I just hope this is a one off for this beautiful boy and his people will be more vigilant in future.

Another day, another dog rescue

Frankly, I was looking forward to a rather blah day. Some dusting, a few phone calls, checking in on Elvis, the hunka hunka burning love next door (a dog for those of you getting a bit too excited). Just strolling out in the garden to dump the bucket of shower water we collect waiting for it to heat up, when a doggie caught my eye. A dog I knew, out without a person, looking perplexed and a bit scared. Bucket goes to the ground and I call out "Chase. Sweetie, come here." Lo and behold, zero hesitation, just instant joy at being called. Practically jumped into my arms. 

Called out to long suffering partner to grab the slip lead and put it on the wiggly dog in my arms. Lead is on and off we go a full three houses down the street. The car in the driveway was revving up and the grandpa was coming out of the gate with a collar and leash in hand, looking frantic. He looks up and sees me. Grandma gets out of the car and can barely believe her eyes. The look of relief was gratifying. Sky, they say. Where was she? I explained and they took over. They were baffled how she got out and were going to check the entire fenced area for escape points. They were effusive in their thanks. All's well that ends well.

OK -- two things: Sky must not know her name, (I can't tell the two dogs apart) or she didn't care that I called for her brother because she was so happy to have a person to connect with. What is more interesting is that though I always talk to them as we walk by every day, I've never been close enough to pet them or tell them apart. I purposely talk to dogs behind their fences or out with their people on walkies. just for this scenario. They tend to trust me enough to go back into their yards if they are out, or come to me. 

Secondly, her people, unlike the people who have been neglectful with Patrón and Lucky, the two dogs we rescued last week, are tremendously responsible and caring. This was a first in all the years they have had their dogs. I'm just happy it went so smoothly and quickly.

So, back to my boring day until rescue number two. And this time, it wasn't a dog. Stay tuned.

A bad situation with a happy ending

Picture this--three men following two loose dogs coming down the street. You might think you know where this is going, but wait for it....

Some people shouldn't be allowed to have dogs (explained later). Case in point -- tonight's adventure could have turned out very badly. It didn't because the neighborhood rallies to help those in need, even if they have four legs and can't speak a human language. To begin at the beginning:

K, Nick, Nellie and I were meeting a wonderful new neighbor M, who has three adorable pups, Bruce, Dotty and Roger. As we were grilling M as to why he moved here from New York City (the weather of course), and were getting acquainted, suddenly two dogs appeared running toward us. Three men were calling to us to ask if we knew who the dogs were and where they belonged. As luck would have it, I was well acquainted with Patrón, the sweet, young, energetic Doberman, and Lucky, the snuggly, elderly Shepherd. I had the pleasure of their company in my backyard a couple of years ago after we managed to corral them when they were loose on my street. 

I called to Lucky and was able to convince him to come toward our group. K took Nellie and Nick out of the fray to minimize distraction since Patrón is a young unneutered male who can be a bit frisky. I always carry a slip lead with me when I'm out with my dogs and was able to leash Patrón quickly, but needed another lead for Lucky. Fortunately, M provided one immediately. Now here's where it gets super good. I walk with a cane and it was clear that handling two dogs for the rather long haul to their home was a no go. K was already dealing with Nick and Nellie. That's where one of the trio of guys who were concerned about the dogs stepped in. A and his five year old son decided to make it an adventure, and A took Patrón in hand while I took Lucky. 

Another twist. A was ahead with Patrón, but Patrón would stop and not move until Lucky caught up. As both Lucky and I are gimpy, he was mercifully slow, so Patrón kept a close eye on our progress. That was utterly unexpected and so endearing. Meanwhile, F, the five year old, and I were having a full on conversation about Lego Star Wars. Well, realistically, F did all the talking and I only interjected with encouraging words to keep him going. It was delightfully entertaining and kept me moving along at, what for me, was a fast clip.

Finally we made made it to their home to find the gate wide open. Pounded on the front door - no response. Just as we were about to start going around to the back house, a car pulled up, the people got out, and took the dogs in hand. I couldn't tell if they were out looking for their dogs or they just happened to come home. All they said was thank you and nothing else. No evidence of concern. In fact, they were a bit curt. I've had issues with them for how they treated Lucky in the past (not confrontational, just the stink-eye as we walked by), and I guess they have learned nothing since then. Dogs unneutered, unlicensed, and roaming around? Also, this was the second escape in two weeks. Not a good scenario. As I said, some people shouldn't be allowed to have dogs.

We said our goodbyes and headed back to return the leash to M and rejoin our dog party, when M comes running up to us with a small gift for both A and me. What? Why? Because we rescued the dogs. I nearly cried that a brand new neighbor, a neighbor I've waved to but never really knew, and his son, were so thoughtful and kind. This is what makes this neighborhood special. Now I have to go bake some brownies to take to M, A, and F just so I'm not outdone in the kindness department!

The foster that almost was

This is the story of Paco, the little squishy Pug. Or as I call him, Mister Jello Head. Buckle up. It's a long story.

Paco is on our walking route, and he's a friendly, cuddly little guy who has succumbed to the siren call of the treats I carry to curry favor with any dogs we happen to meet. He's almost one year old, and has always been securely behind his fenced in yard, which he guards with lordly attention. Until the day he wasn't. 

My friend K was walking her little Bundledorfer after a horrible thunderstorm that struck without warning. It was still raining as she came down the street where Paco pushes his head through the fence to examine passersby. Only this time, he was loose on the street and running toward a very dangerous throughway. K managed to entice him back toward his home and noticed his Dad standing on the porch. She called to him to help corral Paco back to safety and he. just. stood. there. No reaction, no concern, nothing. Fortunately for Paco and K, a near neighbor saw what was happening and came out to help. Between them, they were able to get the little guy behind his fence.

Now, here's where it took an even more bizarre turn. The man on the porch asked K if she wanted to buy him for $200. This beautiful, happy, sweet little guy for sale after living there for a year? What kind of heartless man was this?

K told me the story and I walked down to check things out and found a crude sign hanging on the fence offering Paco for sale. Something wasn't adding up. I tried to find someone to talk to, but no one would answer the bell. Later that evening, K and I did talk to Paco's Mom. She had no idea the sign was there and there was an effort to sell him. She mentioned her husband didn't want Paco and it created tension in the house. She, on the other hand, adored the little guy and didn't want to give him up. Understood. After a couple conversations, she agreed it might be best if he came to live with me. Since he's a puppy, and I'm a cranky old lady, it was clear that it would be a foster situation. She was welcome to come and visit Paco any time she felt the urge. On Monday we settled on picking him up on Wednesday evening, after I went to get a couple of chew toys and arranged for his accommodations in the house. We wanted him to feel as welcome and comfortable as possible. Fortunately, both Nellie and Rascal liked him already.

Tuesday morning, Paco's auntie was in the yard and we talked. Mom had changed her mind and wasn't willing to part with him. She wouldn't come out and talk to me herself, but it was clear Paco wouldn't be coming home with me. I made sure it was understood that if she changed her mind, all she had to do was let me know. Part of me is so disappointed we won't be adding a cuddly, adorable little dog to our troop; part of me is relieved he is with the family he knows and clearly loves (except for the man of the house). 

And thus endeth  the tale of the Pug foster that wasn't.

Meet Rascal, our new family member

Yes, everyone already knows I'm crazy and a sucker for a pretty face and sad story. When I checked the local humane society website (OK - you got me - I look daily) I saw a dog named Rascal, 14 years old, who was surrendered for snapping at someone who got too near his food bowl. Older snappy dogs, especially those who are 14 and black, are very hard to find willing takers. When I talk to people about why they are unwilling to adopt seniors, they usually say things about the ending is too soon and too sad. Totally agree. HOWEVER, making a dog's last years truly comfortable and happy, at least to me, is more important than my own feelings of grief when they leave us. So for almost 2 months, I checked daily on Rascal. This past Sunday we finally made an appointment for a meet and greet. We inquired how many people had asked about him. None. Now those who were making bets we would be coming home that day with the bundle of energy we got to see in action -- you lose. We actually tried to have reason overcome our hearts (for once). We went home to think about it.

Monday we called the shelter and told them to wrap him up, we're taking him home. On Tuesday afternoon, we sprung him from jail, bundled him into the car in his brand new harness, collar and leash (matching teal, in case you were wondering). Once home, he was walked down the street a bit while I collected Nellie to walk on the opposite side of the street. Eventually we got closer to each other and kept walking. Rascal was far more interested in marking absolutely every shrub, tree, rock, and blade of grass to pay much attention to Nellie, so that was a good start. Kept walking, closer and closer together. There were a couple of tense moments, but overall, things were going well. Kept on walking. By the time we got back home, we pretty much decided to try and let them loose in the backyard to let nature take its course. This is against all expert advice by the way, so don't try this at home. So with a bit of trepidation we opened the gate and turned them loose inside. Nellie's response was much like her shenanigans at the dog park -- run circles around him and demonstrate a first-class case of the zoomies. Rascal was a bit confused by this, but took it in stride and after a bit, they did what dogs do best and people better NEVER do. So while they are not best mates yet, they tolerate each other. A win!

Now, Rascal is an Australian Kelpie mix and the people who surrendered him apparently decided to leave out pertinent information. His isn't just a resource guarder (shelter speak for he doesn't like other animals or people to mess with him while eating). He bites. Full on snarl and teeth. While introducing him to a neighbor who charms all the dogs who go by, he tried to bite her (and missed, thank goodness). OK -- maybe a one off. Nope. I was gently stroking his head and telling him what a good boy he was, and he suddenly, out of nowhere, snarled and nailed my wrist. He snaps when we put his harness on. Now, you would think that any sane person would take this unpredictable dog straight back to the shelter. Who thought we were sane? We now know we just have more issues to deal with and are taking steps to make him more comfortable in his new home. That and the barking. And trying to get out any open door. Yup, we have lots of challenges. And I don't care because he's family now and in a couple of months it'll be a different story altogether. So on that note, the first picture of Rascal:

Don't Know, Don't Care

During our morning walk, big Akita guy and I noticed a tiny brown Chihuahua scurry across the street and disappear down a driveway. We peeked, couldn't see the little guy, hoped he found his way home, and moved on. Nearly an hour later, we noticed him again. Instead of looking like he was home, he looked cold and unhappy, so chancing upon another dog-walking neighbor who lived across the street from the escapee in question, I asked if she knew where he belonged. No luck. Hoping to lure the little guy toward me, I tied the scary big dog to a nearby fence and set about trying to dog whisper - which, in spite of my avid love for all things scaled, feathered and furred - I'm not very successful with. Little guy scurried around a hedge into the adjacent driveway. Just as I'm about to follow, a woman comes out of her house. Relieved, I ask, "Oh, is that your little tan Chihuahua?" and her response completely floored me. "Don't know, don't care. This is my property and I don't like people on it." Yes, I was trespassing by being two feet down her driveway. OK, I was just hoping to help the little dog.... Again the response, "Don't know, don't care." Well thanks, you're a lovely person.

Turns out, she admits she does know the dog and knows the dog lives next door. Great, sez I, and proceed to knock on the door. No answer. I leave. The whole time she berating me for being nosy and I couldn't understand what else her tirade was about. So in the interests of thought experiments, here's mine:

It's Christmas eve, and everyone else I met on the walk was cheerful and wished us well. Maybe her Christmas is going poorly and she was feeling super cranky.

She sees me everyday walking my dog past her house and her two dogs who like to hang out in the window and bark at us. I always say hello to the dogs to acknowledge them and she's decided we make her feel guilty she never walks her dogs further than her front yard to do their business.

Maybe she is having issues with her neighbor and the dog and decided to take it out on me. 

Maybe she's just batshit crazy. Merry Christmas and ho ho ho.