Sadness creates lifesaving happiness

We got the very sad news that Lenny and Jack, two of the sweetest little dogs, succumbed to their old age within one week of each other. The normal thing to do would be to grieve for months and then maybe look for another dog. Fortunately for 10 year old siblings Billy Bob and Penny Sue, M's sister and brother-in-law embraced the notion they should have a home as soon as possible and went to a shelter an hour away to adopt two charmers. The double names are the because the dogs lived in South Carolina (it's a Southern tradition) until their guardian died. We're told they are energetic and clingy, and they make two sad people laugh - which is a good thing. 

They may look as if they will create mayhem, but the next photo tells the true story that they have fit right in.

Sweet Charlotte

As someone who is absolutely ga-ga over dogs, I have to share one of my favorites on our block. She's a rescue and is the sweetest girl ever. Her name is Charlotte and she does  demand a good head rub when she sees me, so naturally, her wish is my command. Here she's pulling to come over.

And here she's wondering why I'm not loving all over her, like, right now!!!! Who could ever resist that beautiful face?

Quick update on Paco and Misty

As those following the Paco story know, he's in a new home. He's thriving there and now the family knows what I meant when I described him as a tornado. Well, we finally got him into the Vet for his neuter procedure and I had to call Paco's folks to say he was being kept overnight (a surprise). When I went to pick him up next day and return him home, I was greeted by T (the Dad) who said that L (the 7 year old daughter) was very upset when he didn't come back same day. That made me almost jump for joy. Why? Because that means bonding has taken place in the best possible way. That means this is the PERFECT family to take on a Pug who only needs love and a LOT of training. And patience. In another week Paco will go in to have his stitches removed and alas, that's my last duty as dog rescuer. I kinda don't want their reliance on my services to end; on the other hand, one must let go. And I still get to love him up when he's out on walkies with his new brother Milo (who is still trying to teach him to back off a bit), and his terrific family.

As for Misty, the feral cat who's decided we can feed her and provide a semi-safe place to hang out, she's trained me very well. She now comes up on the front porch to let me know it's time to feed her the dry food. Yes, your majesty, coming right out. Then, two to three hours later, she appears on the back patio where she stares at our back door until someone spots her and I run out her wet food with her special treats on top. The hissing I've decided to translate as "thank you very much," though I suspect it's nothing of the sort. She still backs off a bit when I put the bowl down, but I barely have to step away before she goes to her dinner. 

Today, though, was an interesting breakthrough -- I think? I saw her on the front porch as I was heading out the door to accomplish a task that's been put off too long (as most tasks around here are), and assured her she'd have her food in a minute. She looked at me, looked at the open door, and almost came into the house. Let me repeat that. Knowing two dogs and this human she hisses at live inside, Misty came to the OPEN door and almost stepped over the threshold. Progress or insanity? With cats, one never knows. But I hold out hope we can gain her trust and she will allow us to do far more for her than wait on her outside.

Paco goes to his new home

Today is a big day of transition as Paco is leaving us for his forever home. Thankfully it is just down the street, so we'll be able to continue to love him up when he's out and about. This morning was the visit to the Vet and he got a clean bill of health, as well as the vaccinations he desperately needed. He also has an appointment for his neutering in a couple of weeks, and that should help settle him down a bit (one hopes). All in all, looking good.

Several people have asked how I feel about letting him go. On the one hand, I am so in love with this little guy it's breaking my heart. If he were 10 or older, there would be no question that he would stay with us. Unfortunately,  a hyper puppy is beyond the two old folks that have to try and deal with that energy. More importantly, our Rascal truly doesn't want him here and Paco doesn't understand that he should keep his distance. The tension in the household is wearing. No, not wearing, exhausting. Though each day is filled with training and exercise, we cannot do him justice.

I just know he will bond with the two kids in the family and they'll be able to grow up with him. Paco will be there to see them off to college. They are the lucky ones.

So, this is not goodbye, but a new beginning for a deserving little Pug who has already been through so much. 

And here he is, standing at the gate as if he knows he's going home:

 

 

Reuse, recycle -- at least until Paco gets hold of them

To you, this just looks like a box filled with toilet paper and paper towel rolls.

You'd be right, of course, and you'd be right to wonder why the heck anyone would collect so many. Well, as any gardener can tell you, they are great for starting cuttings of plants you want to thrive when you figure out where to put them. And that is why I collected them. Turns out, they have an even better use when you have accepted a Pug puppy into your home.

This discovery was made the first night -- Paco LOVES cardboard. Don't ask me when or how he developed this fetish (do we really want to know?), but cardboard is his go-to when it comes to chewing on things. Well, that and furniture. That gave me an idea. What about using a tube from a roll of plastic bags to play fetch and let him gnaw on? It worked. He was so entranced with the cardboard tube, he pretty much ignored anything else he could sink his teeth into. That roll lasted about 5 days before he obliterated it. Fortunately my friend K left a paper towel roll out for me to give to Paco and that reminded me of the stash of tubes tucked away for that nonexistent day in the future when cuttings would be planted. By folding and stuffing a tube to make it sturdier and thicker, we have an almost endless supply of diversionary tactics to distract Paco from whatever mischief he wants to get into next. 

And in case you've forgotten, this is Paco, looking totally innocent of any destruction.

 

Word to the wise Paco, your big sister is just jealous

In all the fuss and attention given to Paco, you might be wondering what Nellie and Rascal think about all this. Rascal thinks that the interloper should be dispatched forthwith. He does not approve any attention given to him by long suffering partner and has strong (very loud) words to say on the subject. Rascal is only part of the reason we have had to make Paco comfortable in the kitchen/mudroom area of the house, but he's a major player in the decision to keep them separated. And even though the barrier can be breached by any spry dog other than Paco, being a 16 year old grumpy arthritic, Rascal is not spry and therefore does not jump over. Nellie, on the other hand, is a different story.

Nellie not only jumps over the barrier, she is so jealous of the attention given to a puppy she insists on being part of the action. Sometimes that works to get Paco zooming and playing (a good thing); sometimes it means Paco is getting too up close and personal so Nellie has to tell him to back off (which he ignores). That can escalate a bit which is used as a teachable moment, but adds to the whole exhaustion thing. However, there are moments that tug at the heart, and this is one of them:

Training and distraction -- balls are a good thing

Paco's training is coming along. He knows sit, and is getting really terrific at heel as long as he's not distracted by another dog, or bicycle, or, you know, a leaf blowing along the street. He's even catching on to leave it, which at this point is mostly about leaving my shoes alone when I'm changing from house shoes to outdoor shoes. And while the puppy nipping hasn't been nipped in the bud quite yet (see what I did there), he is easy to distract. Six months ago, when we thought he was coming to foster with us, I bought a couple of toys for him. When he didn't join us, I thought of donating them to the Humane Society, but was too lazy to do it. For once, procrastination paid off. He loves this one ball to play a bouncy game of fetch. It's also a good tool for his nipping training as he's redirected to something it's okay to bite on. The picture is a bit blurry because, part tornado, but our little Paco is a terrific fetch artist.

The heat today has been so bad, that Paco should enjoy his bath this evening. His terrible dandruff and itchy skin are now 90% under control, but I want him to be as comfortable as possible. It will also serve to cool him down a bit, given our lack of air conditioning. Naturally I get as wet as he does, but that's a good thing today.

Appearances are deceiving, Paco style

Now, you're looking at those pictures and thinking awwwww. Those limpid eyes, that passed out little guy. So cute, so calm. Welp. We discovered that Paco is not a Pug at all. He's half Tornado and half Velociraptor. Sure - after he's terrorized neighbor dogs who just came for a zoomie session (he doesn't know the limits of getting up close and personal), chewed on his bed and toys, played 10 rounds of fetch, taken a walk where he learned to heel within one block (smart guy) -- now he looks cute and worn out. And this is settling down since day one. Our current task is getting him to stop the puppy nipping. Perfectly normal behavior, but not great. So my goal this week, in addition to the leash training and waiting at doors until given the cue to go, is to make him safer to be around. Wish me luck, because, yup, I'll need it.

At least this cat allows me to pet her

Some days you have wonderful wins. Other days you feel like all your efforts are in vain. The last two days, we've had wins. Paco is adjusting and showing us all the loves. Misty is still coming for dinner (though I've noticed she never leaves a tip!), and we are getting nearer to cooler weather (in about 5 weeks). Why is the cooler weather of particular importance? Because then Nellie's walkies bestie Nick will be able to come out again. But the efforts in vain are those to convince Misty we are only here to help her. She still hisses and won't come near, but she will let me stand closer after the food bowl goes down. Small steps. At least this cat loves to get head rubs:

Another win. The way the blossoms come through, it looks as though the agave is blooming. Betcha you haven't seen that before.

 

From a tick, Ticker is born

Stories surrounding rescue dogs range from a I-dunno-shrug to detailed background tales. One of Nellie's acquaintances is Ticker. She's getting on in years, and is a bit hard of hearing now, but that doesn't slow her down. Her story is the reason for her name. She was found with numerous ticks feeding off her and taken in by people who immediately sought vet care and gave her all the love in the world. She is still thriving all these years later, and is the sweetest dog you could ever meet. Have no idea what her breeds are, but who cares. Just look at her sleek, brindle, gorgeous self.