Dog Days Photo Blog

Foster Updates and a New Start

2011-03-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

I was done fostering after Babka - I swore! I had plans to put my house on the market, which means all unnecessary dogs had to go. Well..... as the housing market continued to tank, it wasn't difficult to use the excuse "I'll take this one more, but that's it!" When I received the call about Abby, I couldn't say no. I mean - just look at that face!

Rebecca (who is in charge of pulling dogs from the pound to be vetted and adopted) called me at work and said "I have the dog you want right here! Will you foster her?" This was the first Mastiff to come through Pawmetto Lifeline since I started so many years ago - and she KNEW I wouldn't be able to turn her down.

I mean - just look at that face!!!

While we had Abby anyway, I figured Tyger wouldn't be too much to handle.... being about 10 years old and having no teeth and all.

B Abby was actually adopted out twice since we started fostering her (long story for another day...), and Tyger now lives in Vermont with his "sister" dog that he grew up with.

Now you're almost caught up since Babka and Majic... almost....

Thank Goodness for Yards

2010-08-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

This is why a yard is so important...those long legged dogs hafta stretch their legs! (Notice how he stops to pick up the tennis ball a few times, I don't think she even notices. Also, Piper playing referee from behind the closed door haha)

Spoiled Much?

2010-08-15T07:42:00.000-07:00

Introducing the Blurs

2010-08-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

Although we have two dogs at the house full time, they are not exactly "playmates" for the foster dogs. So when we bring home one playful pup, it is almost necessary to bring home an extra just so they have someone to wrestle with and chew on (other than our limbs!)

So when we brought home blob number one, Babka the brindle pit bull:

We had to get blob number 2 for company, Majic the german shortaired pointer:

And our plan worked! The evening has been full of this...

And this...

And some of this...

All around chaos, but that's exactly what we were hoping for, now we have two content dogs. Maybe once it stops raining we can get some better pictures in the sunshine with a little less blur!

Updates

2010-07-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Kirk for being the object of much affection and interest today! He found a home with a very nice couple where he will get lots of attention and have someone home all day. Beefcake met a family today that fell in love with him and they plan to come back for him next Saturday, I've got my fingers crossed that everything goes well! And Bok Choy has officially gone to his new home after about a month of staying with us in a puppy sitting situation, his new family has moved into their new house and are thrilled to have him!

For old time's sake, here's another video of Beefcake playing with his puppy pal Bok Choy.

We just sent 11 dogs on transport to NH this weekend, so the kennels are ready for restocking, and so is our house! Three dogs is just not enough. Keep an eye out for new additions soon!

Alien Dog!

2010-07-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

Listen closely...yes, that is the dog making those noises...

The new guys

2010-07-17T16:55:00.000-07:00

Time for an update! We have a few introductions to make today. First of all congrats to Max who went out to the sanctuary (where Rico has been enjoying hanging out with pigs) and in return we received a dog named Beefcake.

His story confused all of us because he was brought in to a vet and the vet was told to euthanize him because he is dog aggressive. The vet smuggled him out and we ended up bringing this big slobbery boxer home! He is housetrained, walks GREAT on the leash, knows sit, shake and down and believe it or not is getting along great with the other dogs. He is fantastic at adoption events, no barking, ignores the other dogs and walks great for the volunteers. Yeah...let's put him to sleep...COME ON PEOPLE!

And the new kid on the block is this little twirp named Kirk. He is a chihuahua something mix, maybe boston terrier, maybe pug, possibly squirrel? He makes the most ridiculous noises that sound like he is some kind of alien, which is why he ended up at our house haha. We needed a little entertainment. Turns out he's your typical little dog, follows us everywhere, guards us from the other big scary dogs and fusses if he is left alone. But he's funny and we are going to do the best we can to give him a chance at being treated like a normal dog for once in his life. I'm sure he will be spoiled rotten by whoever adopts him.

Fostering: A New Lesson with Every Dog

2010-07-03T20:35:00.001-07:00

When Chick Pea first came back from her week away, she seemed a bit tired. We contributed it to the fact that she probably wore herself out between playing with another energetic dog, and the stress of her new environment. When she was still tired the next day, and the day after that - I began to take notice that she seemed warmer than normal. Taking her temperature - she was running a fever of 103.6. I immediately searched online for suggestions - whether or not to take it very seriously - and received diagnoses including everything from infection to internal bleeding to cancer. Letting her drink and sleep as much as she wanted, her temperature was down to 102.9 the next day - much closer to normal. I figured she was getting better.

The next morning when she wouldn't even get out of her crate, I knew something was seriously wrong. She, of all the dogs, was always the most excited and energetic in the morning - flying out of her crate and crashing into the couch and table on her way out the back door. That morning? I coaxed her out of her crate only for her to run for Max's nearby so she could lay back down.

After making a vet appointment, I went to work that morning not knowing whether or not I would come back at lunchtime to a living dog. Fortunately, she was sitting up, wagging her stubby little tail as I rushed into the door.

Within minutes of seeing the rescue's veterinarian - I was told I would need to rush her to a full-service vet as quickly as possible. With pale gums, extreme lethargy, and inability to walk straight - she was crashing fast. I blasted across town as fast as I could to the emergency vet.

There - I sat in a waiting room for two hours for an explanation of anything - how was she? what's wrong? will she be ok?

They brought her back into the waiting room to hang out with me while they went over her blood tests and information. When the doctor came into the room to explain what they had found so far - I was shocked to find it was something I skipped over online because the article named several breeds inclined to such an issue - and none even came close to a pit bull. IMHA - I was told - Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia. Chick Pea's body was attacking her own red blood cells.

As I attempted to ask how it could have started, what I could have to done to stop it, what we can do to make her all better - the doctor was rushed away to a more imminent emergency. At almost this exact moment, I received a call from a rescue friend offering to come down and help me understand all the medical garble that looked to me like nothing more than a foreign language with lots of dollar signs.

Thank goodness for this friend - who was able to shed some light on the problem and possible treatments. She had been through it - she knew exactly what to ask the doctor. It was when the doctor answered her questions that the reality of the options really sunk in. Expensive, complicated, long-term, and..... prognosis: poor.

We will never know what made Chick Pea's body begin attacking itself. Possible causes include everything from toxins, to genetics, to cancer - only complicating the treatment further if, afterward, we were to find the underlying issue.

Saying goodbye to Chick Pea was even more heartbreaking than I imagined it was going to be. Even those that work in rescue have said that it is no easier to watch a euthanasia whether you have seen it a million times - or whether you have even spent much time at all with the animal. I knew - more than anything - that I did not want her to suffer anymore. Even thinking of the treatment - how she would get worse before she got better; how I wouldn't know from one moment to the next if she would take another breath; how she would have to spend her time confined, unable to be her crazy, energetic self; how many medications she would have to take for God knows how long; how big the chances were she would not make it through; how, even if she did, it could happen again - I knew my mind was made up. Though the decision was certainly not easy - I did what I had to with the information and resources I had available.

I'll never forget when they walked her into the room with bandages on three of her legs. They had trouble getting the needle into a good spot. She kept lifting her front legs as if they were hurting her, but she never let out a whimper. She was so strong through everything - which made it even harder for me to believe that she would have to leave us all so early in life. I leaned down to her and she licked my face with her stinky, sick-dog breath. She licked me again when they placed her on the table - holding her still while they put in the first shot. She had no idea of the decision I had made, and the paperwork I had signed - she only knew that if I was there, everything was going to be ok. I only wish that were true.

No assurance will stop me from missing her: her adorable pig-like features, her unwavering love and trust, her incredible energy and loyalty - and, most of all, her ability to make me fall in love with her even though, at first meeting, I wasn't even sure if I would ever like her.

Chick Pea - taken by the couple that picked her up from the side of the road 4/2010

Max and Chick Pea - taken 7/2/2010

More Examples of Chick Pea's Unruly Behavior

2010-06-28T18:27:00.001-07:00

You're.... you're hurting the puppy! Oh wait... he's fine...

You're stealing his toys! Oh no.....wait.... you had that one first...

This behavior is completely unacceptable! Oh wait.... no... that's pretty acceptable...

Look at that big squishy pink pig belly!!!

What a bad dog...

2010-06-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

Chick Pea was returned to us today after a woman had insisted on adopting her without listening to any of our advice about introducing her to the dog she had at home. When she decided to return her, she kept trying to tell us that she was "very sweet, but the dogs just didn't get along"..."she's just aggressive". She's aggressive? You are going to tell us that we incorporated her into a household with 6 other dogs where she fit in great...and you can't manage her with ONE other dog? I think we all know that she did not give them the exercise and leadership they needed (and we tried to advise if she had only listened...). Aside from my frustration at the lack of effort this lady put in, I just want to remind everyone how great Chick Pea is and the wonders that some long walks, a regular schedule, and some high expectations can do.

Puppy Fetch...Kind of

2010-06-21T15:50:00.001-07:00

The Sad Story of Gristle E. Bear

2010-06-19T04:23:00.000-07:00

As I closed the doors on the crates of the other five dogs in the house, he jumped and paced around the room; excited to be the chosen dog – and I felt my heart clench a little bit. He jumped into the back seat of my car with such enthusiasm, and my stomach began to ache. Any time I glanced into the back seat during our drive, he was either enjoying the sights and smells with his head out the window – eyes squinted, ears flapping in the wind - or squeezing his head between the driver and passenger seats to try to be as close to me as possible. The two times that I stopped and considered turning around – leaving the car for only a moment – he welcomed me back with such tail-wagging joy that you’d think I’d been gone for days. I don’t know how, at that point, I kept going.

When they put that blue mark on the top of his head, I immediately felt his right to life slipping away. I don’t know that I made the right decision – as it was my immediate reaction to grab him and have them rip up the paperwork I just signed. “That’s not an ‘immediate euthanasia mark, is it?’” I asked, only half kidding. “Oh no, it just means he came in on Friday. Our days are color-coded,” she responded. I was slightly relieved, if only for a moment. She opened the door to take him to the kennels, and I walked away as I started to sob. I’m not sure, but I think one of the kennel workers may have still been talking to me as I choked and bawled my way down the hall and out the door. The wrong door – but I was outside. I didn’t turn back – though every ounce of me was asking “what have you just done?!”

It shouldn’t be so hard to let him go. First of all, he’s not my dog; second, he was only with us one week and 6 days. The afternoon he charged out of the bushes and into traffic, I didn’t think ahead to the decisions I would have to make. I’ve had strays approach me, and I’ve always taken them in with open arms. I have never had to question whether or not they would be adoptable, or if I could afford their medical costs.

What was different about this one? First – I’m broke. After 5 strays I have taken in, vetted, and adopted out (all but one so far) just this year; I have just paid off my credit card, and still owe a couple hundred dollars in vet bills. This is now the second summer I have put off getting my car’s air conditioning fixed for lack of funds, and it’s mighty uncomfortable when it’s only June, and we’re already hitting 102 degrees. Is my comfort worth more than a life? Absolutely not…which brings me to point #2: the dog’s adoptability.

How many people do you know that go out looking for a dog that’s old, moody, and will attempt to bite in a moment of discomfort or surprise? Not too many, I’m guessing. Gristle (as we affectionately began calling him – Gristle E. Bear to be exact) is not a prime candidate for adoption. Add on top of that his questionable history and health – and you have a possible long-term foster on your hands. When this long-term foster is a personal rescue (found and taken in by me), the vet bills, monthly medications, and possible liability costs add up fast. With all the ticks I pulled out of his ears and back – there’s a good chance that heartworm treatment would be part of those costs. Back to point #1 above – an empty wallet and a long-term foster dog do not mix.

Ok, so why didn’t I offer him to a local rescue? Well – after posting ads in the newspaper and online; and hearing nothing back from anyone that might possibly be the owner – I offered him up for adoption, and even offered to pay for a checkup and necessary shots. The only responses I received were “I would take him but I just adopted a puppy,” “I would take him but my husband would kill me,” “you should just keep him,” and several “why don’t you try dropping him off at Pets, Inc?” Why didn’t I just drop him off at Pets, Inc? Would they have taken him? Probably. Would he have lived a happy life there or been adopted? Possibly. Why didn’t I take that chance?? Simply because I know how expensive it is to house, feed, vet, and medicate a dog of his size and age. Add that to the fact that about 50 dogs die every day in Richland and Lexington area shelters alone - - and it starts to sink in that it’s true - you can’t save them all.

Just what a place like Pets, Inc needs: another old, grumpy black lab. As I have been fostering a very difficult-to-adopt dog for nearly two years now – I know the time, money, and space that goes into a dog that may never be comfortable and happy in any home… time and space that could have been used on so many more adoptable dogs. Many, many wonderful dogs died in a shelter because this difficult dog has been living in my home for all this time. How difficult can he possibly be? you wonder. Well – he’s terrified of everything: strangers, kids, parked motorcycles, basketballs, leaves in the wind… After several trainers (including a month at camp bad dog), I honestly cannot send him to a home with the assurance that he will not bite somebody.

Do I feel any less guilty in my explanations? No. It’s 2:55am, and I have been in bed since 11:30pm – not sleeping. Since dropping Gristle off this afternoon, I did have a block of time when I went without crying for almost 3 hours… except when I saw a grumpy, snarling furry monster in the movie Alice in Wonderland – and I thought about Gristle and wondered if he was sleeping well on the cold concrete… or if he was wondering when I would come back to get him.

Will my mind always be tainted with my current last memory of him, looking up at me with the blue chalk-mark on his head - like the awful memory I have of my beloved Roxy’s last choking breath? I was assured that it’s possible for his owners to find him there, and, if not, he may be put up for adoption after the 5 day holding period and some adoptability tests; though I know the chances of an old black dog getting adopted are very, very slim. Will I always have the feeling inside that God is horrified at what I’ve done - after he placed one of his creatures in my care just knowing that I, of all people, wouldn’t let him down? I can only hope that clarity will come with time.

Do Your Ears Hang High?

2010-06-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

With a mixed breed puppy it is hard to tell what is going to happen with their ears. Bok Choy's ears started off as little button ears, and then as they grew they became big floppy ears, and now it looks like they are going to stand up! Well the left one anyway...here are some of the many ways that Bok Choy likes to wear his ears...

Folded in Half...

Hanging to the side...

Pulled back...

Folded at the tip...

All the way up!! (this is a new development as of today and seems to bring in the sound better when something exciting is going on)

Blown back in the wind...

Adoptees

2010-06-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kale and Bean who went to great homes this past weekend (hopefully to stay!). Kale has three kids to play with and Bean has a man who owned pit bulls all his life and knew more about the breed than we did! Good luck kiddos :)

Although the house has quieted down significantly, we can't forget about the babies we still have left. Chick Pea is doing great, but I think she misses wrestling and snuggling with her pit bull friend. Nobody else understands her rough and tumble games the same way.

Bok Choy doesn't seem to be bothered by the absence of his sister. He still trots around with his toys and tries as hard as he can to reach the other dogs faces to give them endless kisses. I think he rather enjoys NOT getting stalked and tackled by Kale. He never could outrun her!

I'm Ready For My Closeup

2010-06-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

Kale and Bok Choy got a bath just before their adoption event debut this past Saturday.
Even with that adorable face - Bok Choy was not one of the adopted.
I'm kinda glad..... at least one more week of his stumpy, bounding, hilarous antics.

Summer Fetch

2010-06-04T19:13:00.001-07:00

It may get hot out there, but when I throw that tennis ball, Bean cannot refuse! The problem is, getting back to me without getting intercepted, tackled, or ending up in a fumble! Getting from point A to point B requires going through Thing 1 and Thing 2...

Success!!

The Death of Mama Penguin

2010-05-29T18:37:00.001-07:00

The puppies were very young when I found them and they came to live at the Halfway House for Pound Puppies - estimated at only about 3 or 4 weeks of age. It was suggested to us - since they didn't have a mother dog around - that we introduce a stuffed animal as a surrogate. In came Mama Penguin.

No matter what was going on, she was always around; whether it was just hanging out nearby...

... taking a nap face-down on the old dog bed (appears she had a migraine)....

... or spending some quality time with CornBread.

One day, the dogs decided to take her out into the yard - presumably so she could relax and catch some rays...

... and, OH NO! She either spontaneously combusted, or it was finally time for the pups to let go of Mama Penguin and move on. Jeez, the end didn't have to be so brutal (as Bok Choy tears and chews her guts)!

Saturday Night with The Hooligans

2010-05-29T17:57:00.001-07:00

Even taking a night off around here means dealing with the shenanigans of 7 dogs. Cooking and eating dinner includes constant lessons on personal space - and a normal-length movie takes at least 3 hours to watch between bathroom breaks, breaking up tiffs, and just general "what the heck is going on over there?!"

4 un-housetrained dogs is a test in personal limits: how much can one person take? As you catch one dog in the act, and put that one outside - you step in a different puddle on your way to clean the first one, and as you clean those two, you catch a different dog in the act and step in puddle #4 on the way to red-handed dog #2 creating puddle #3. So far tonight, there have been 0 puddles to clean up since getting home at about 6pm. I believe I have just cursed myself.

Here's a few photos that show exactly why we are willing to constantly test, bend, and stretch our limits to house these dogs until we find them great new homes:

Did I mention that Rico is now living at a wonderful animal sanctuary in York County? He's got some great new friends. Yeah, buddy!

Tight Squeeze

2010-05-25T18:21:00.000-07:00

When you have 7 dogs in a 1200-ish square foot home - sometimes, you gotta share some space. (please do note that the crate door is open - we do not force them in there)

Sometimes there's just too many dogs that need attention - without an unlimited amount of time or arms...

That's why - thank goodness - they have the ability to entertain and cuddle with each other... though it is rare.

Kale

2010-05-22T17:31:00.000-07:00

Bok Choy is turning into a goofy looking puppy with a big head and little legs (cute in a bobble head kinda way), but little Kale actually looks like a normal lab something-or-other puppy and is gosh darn adorable, how could you not fall in love with her??

Momma Penguin...this is pre momma penguin massacre...that's a story for another day.

Even Cornbread has accepted her, although she will deny it to the end of time...we caught it on film!!

Tongue Madness

2010-05-18T18:12:00.001-07:00

This little puppy has a big head and a heck of a long tongue to go with it! He is absolutely adorable when he is about to yawn, he will stick his tongue straight out of his mouth as far as it will go and then open his mouth to yawn. What a little weirdo :) Here he is showing off his long tongue!

Thirsty pups drinking rain water off the bucket.

This started off as innocent belly rub time...

And turned a bit ridiculous!

Bean even got involved in the goofiness

He is going to make some family very happy and keep them entertained :)

1 Bone, 1 Bed, 2 Bulls

2010-05-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

First - of note - at one time, this little black puppy was a mere 5lbs.
Now, she is as big as CornBread and growing so quickly...

What? Sharing!? No we weren't!

Bok Choy the Acrobat

2010-05-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

For a clumsy awkward little puppy, we have a bit of an acrobat on our hands! This is Bok Choy navigating the maze to try and get the bowl of food up on the end table.

Places, Please!

2010-05-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

Bok Choy! Come here!! No no no no TOO CLOSE!

Ha cha cha cha cha chaaaaaaaaaaa!

Max!
huh?

Go sit over by the duck and smile. Ok, CHEESE!

Smile! Nooooooo! Open your eyes!

..... aaaaaaaand print!

Pain killers

2010-05-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

How to take a highly energetic, crazy dog down a notch and convince her to take a nap?

Pain killers!! Pitiful pit bulls post spay surgery.

Modeling the new dog beds...very comfy! Lima Bean preferred laying outside in the grass with a nice breeze after her surgery, I didn't get pictures of that.

You can tell she's not her usual self because one of her ears is drooping.

But don't you worry, we will be holding her back from her usual charging through the house by tomorrow! Animals heals so fast, it's truly amazing.

Spay Day! Spay Day!! Spay Day!!!

2010-05-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

Today was Lima Bean's special day: her spay day.

Elizabeth dropped her off at the Humane Society first thing this morning, and she had an uneventful spay surgery (the best kind there is!). I picked her up at lunchtime, and she has been lethargic and/or passed out since.

I might be a little demented, but I love that post-anesthesia state. It's adorable.

Tomorrow is Chick Pea's day. Ok ok - so who is Chick Pea?

As I was searching Craigslist daily for a possible hit on a "Lost" ad for Lima Bean, I saw a couple posts about a found, injured red-nosed pit female. I was curious - as it was the same time my co-workers found Bean wandering around our office building - and this other found pit was in the same area of town. I began to wonder if this dog possibly came from the same place.

I filed it to the back of my mind until a few days later when I saw an advertisement from the same person - offering the dog for free. Anybody that works in animal rescue knows there is no worse place to advertise a free dog (a pit bull, nonetheless) than Craigslist. It described her as very sweet, people and dog friendly. There is a one-in-a-million chance you can find the perfect home by reaching out with a free-dog ad; but chances are much higher that you will get nothing but the wrong kind of attention. I was worried. If this dog was anything like Bean - I would be sick to my stomach thinking she ended up in a bad place.

I replied to the ad - at first just asking for a picture to compare and offering to answer her questions about re-homing. As soon as I saw the picture - it was basically over. This was Sunday morning at about 9am. I waited for Elizabeth to wake up and then showed her the picture. She attemtped to talk me out of even going to see the dog - knowing full-well that once we went to go see it, it would end up coming home with us.

The woman told me that she had so many replies to her Craigslist ad that she had to stop answering them. One woman even pretended to be a stay-at-home mom looking for a family pet - until she slipped and mentioned something about breeding before hanging up abruptly.

I'll never forget our first sight of her as she came barrelling full-speed toward us from her backyard pen. She leapt high into the air, crashing into anyone that was paying attention to her. My first thought was: we can't handle this dog on top of all the others. After talking with the woman about the dog, and about the people that had been contacting her - my thought was replaced with: we need to find this dog the best home we can.

They said they found her wandering down the side of a busy street. They nearly passed her by until they saw her collapse in exhaustion. We immediately noticed the deep, scabbing wounds on her front legs. It could have been anything from prickly bushes, to climbing under/over fences, to - well, the puncture wounds around her neck gave away that she probably had a nasty fight with some other animal - dog, large cat, badger... whatever.

Day 1 was not easy. Chick Pea was spastic, and Lima Bean (now comfortable in our home) was protective of her foster brothers and sisters. The magic formula? Keep a container of water nearby and keep watch until you feel you can trust them. We had a few short spats, and two soaking wet dogs that first night. Two females can be difficult. Two unspayed females can be hard. Two unspayed stray females can be unpredictable. Two unspayed stray female pit bulls sure was interesting.

Thank goodness for Spay Day!

Seeing Double

2010-05-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

Hey Lima Bean!

Wait a minute...that's not Bean...

There's our Bean...

Meet Chick Pea! She's learning the ropes and settling in. We had to get rid of some crazy, bursting energy, but now she seems like a happy dog :)

A rare quiet moment! Taking a nap on the nice cool kitchen floor.

She also loves the new dog beds. They are waterproof, couldn't pass that up!

A running story

2010-05-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

I went for a run today with Lima Bean and about a half mile in I turned around and saw that we were getting chased by a territorial Yorkie. That would be a 5lb Yorkie versus muscle mania pit bull who could swallow him whole. So my options were either to speed up and hope that he decides to give up and doesn't get hit by a car in the process, OR stop running and turn to face him. Lima Bean has been doing great with the dogs at our house, but getting charged by a random dog while out on neutral territory is a test of anyone's kindness. I decided that I could hold her head up high enough to prevent her hurting the little dog unless he jumped into her face, so I stopped and turned around. Lucky for me, I didn't need to do anything! Lima Bean actually chose to sit down and let the little monster run right up to her. He was confused by the calm response and sniffed around her a bit and barked at her some more until the owner came to retrieve him and apologize (this is the third time I have had this dog charge me on a run/walk...and none of the other dogs responded this well). So once again Lima Bean is putting a good name out there for pit bulls and showing us just how great she really is!

A Sunday in the Life Of Our Newfound Stray

2010-05-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

Paper and coffee...

kisses

kisses

aerobics

bedtime

1 House - 6 Dogs

2010-05-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

Pitbulls and Puppies

2010-05-01T11:02:00.001-07:00

So the big question was...how is this pit bull going to get along with a house full of 5 dogs of all shapes and sizes? She didn't seem to be outwardly aggressive, but pit bulls tend to have so much energy that they get into fights simply because other dogs get fed up with them. The pictures below show that if you give a dog enough exercise and discipline in a balanced household everyone can get along! As I'm writing this, all of the dogs are enjoying a nap in the lovely A/C except for Max who is gazing at me with his soulful eyes and Lima Bean who was trying so hard to keep an eye on me but her eyes just won't stay open. She just curled up in a ball and gave a deep sigh. I think she's starting to enjoy life here.

After two miles of running with Bean and Max, we all hang out in the backyard because it's a beautiful day!

Bok Choy chose this spot and stayed there despite getting smacked repeatedly with a non stop tail wag!

The puppies can't get enough of this big dog who actually likes them! The rest of the dogs just fuss at them to go away when they get too close. I caught Bean with her whole mouth around Bok Choy's head earlier, so gently that he didn't even squeek, just kept wagging his tail. And trust me, after listening to him play with his sister, he has NO problem telling everyone when he has had enough!

What a big mouth you have.... The better to slobber you with!

Little Bok Choy in his favorite sleeping spot, under the table..

Hi friend! I can fit under here too!

Finally time to rest!

Lima Bean!

2010-04-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

Hey Lima Bean!

Say cheese!

How about a REAL smile??

She's so happy to have ANY kind of attention!

Ready for a belly rub!

Oh yeah, she's got some crazy ears when she's trying to hear something!

So far she is getting along very well with the other dogs, learning some house manners and just soaking up every ounce of attention we give her. She is learning to sit to get patted instead of jumping on people (she has no idea that she isn't a puppy!). Overall she's a very smart dog who just wants to be loved!

Still Nameless and Not Yet Photographed

2010-04-29T06:25:00.000-07:00

A stray dog had been spotted a few times around my office building over the past month. Yesterday, she decided to make a grand entrance and greet everyone that walked in or out of the front or back door. My co-worker hung up her phone and said: "Come on, Lisa - let's go see the dog!" I continued working - hoping it was just an escapee from a neighbor's house. When it was still hanging around the building a couple hours later, I resolved to take it home if it was still around by the end of the day. Well - we all know how that story ended.

We have a new stray in the house.
After I brought her home, and Elizabeth did a count (4th stray this year, that's one a month) - she limited me to 8 more this year, and that's that! "What if we get a litter of puppies?" I asked, wondering exactly what the exemptions might be. She is a blessing to me as a roommate because - #1) she helps me so much with every dog that comes into the house, and #2) I know she would never hold me to a limit.

After a little research, I now know why she was acting so friendly all of a sudden: she's in heat.
Poor Max has no idea what to do with her as she attempts to seduce him. It's slightly comical, though a little sad to watch. We're hoping it's only the temporary clutches of the heat cycle that make her soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo very vocal and pushy.

I've placed found ads in the local paper and online, so we'll see if she's going to end up staying with us and being adopted out. In the mean time, I'm making an appointment to get her spayed A!S!A!P!!! Now, to just come up with a name....

Finding Comfort

2010-04-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

Everybody has his or her own little spot that seems to bring a level of comfort that is not easily found elsewhere, whether it's a....

dog bed

mama penguin

um.... end table...

or, apparently, under the kitchen table

When Size Matters

2010-04-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

When you can only see one - there's usually trouble...
Hey Buddy, where's your sister?

Over where??

... I don't see anything...

Ah, there she is!

I wonder how big she'll get before she stops trying to fit back there.

Newsflash: Piper Acts Like A Dog!!!

2010-04-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

Usually as crotchety and crumudgeonly as CornBread, Piper caught me by surprise by - *gasp* - playing with the puppies! Enjoy this once-in-a-blue-moon video...

One Adoption Event: A Small Success

2010-04-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth and I ran our first Project Pet adoption event this past weekend.

As with any of our weekend events - there's no telling if it's going to be a wonderful event, or a total disaster. So many things can go wrong - from angry adopters, to escaping animals, to an inadequate amount of volunteers, to fights and bites - every week is a new adventure.

Although it was a very slllloooowwwww day (probably because of the beautiful weather and the Gamecocks' spring practice), we ended up avoiding debacle, and finding good homes for two Project Pet dogs.

With a totally packed van, we had one lucky dog passanger in the front with us on the way there and back. Here, on the way to the event, I snapped a picture as Lenny was trying to decide if he wanted to be on the floor, or on Elizabeth's lap..

If there was an award...

2010-04-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

...for cutest puppies EVER....

I think we'd have some winners!

Super Important Step #1: Get Them to the Vet

2010-04-12T16:08:00.001-07:00

: "Fairield Animal Hospital - how can I help you?"

: "Hey. I'd like to make an appointment."

: "Sure. Who is it for?"

: "Well, it's for these two puppies I found a couple wee...."

: "Is this Lisa?"

: ".... yeah. Hey Susan! How are you?"

~~~~~~~~~

We had a couple small scares with the puppies since they have taken up residence in our house. First was Bok Choy - he was lethargic, refusing to eat, and seemed to be suffering from a UTI. Fortunately, he was already on Clavamox. That problem passed in less than a day and we were in the clear again until Kale had what may or may not have been blood/mucus in her feces. Lovely, I know - but having puppies of questionable health is scary. Whether it's fear of Distemper or Parvo - you can lose a puppy very quickly soon after seeing the first sign of a problem. Usually, the mother's milk will give the puppies the necessary disease-fighting antibodies to keep them healthy until the first shots can be given - but with no sign of the mother, and no mother-fill-in; we can only keep our fingers crossed.

They will get their 6 week checkup with the first round of shots this Thursday.

I wonder what is so interesting about my shoes....

Puppy Point of View

2010-04-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

Playing Outside

2010-04-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

Crazy puppies playing outside on a sunny day!

Attack the camera!

Momma Duck!

2010-04-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

Playing with Ducky!

Let's go for a walk Ducky!

Kale's turn!

Play Fail

2010-04-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

Daisy - a co-worker's dog we are currently pet-sitting - attempts to coax the puppies into a little game of chase and wrestle

Success! A willing pup obliges!

Other pup attempts to coax CornBread out of her crate for some play time

FAIL! CornBread glares at me and huffs "why are you subjecting me to this torture?"

How To Melt The Iciest of Hearts

2010-04-07T10:19:00.000-07:00

Anyone that knows me will tell you that I don't fall for cutesy things. I find babies to be smelly and loud; kittens to be sharp, allergy inducing, and unpredictable - and puppies to be cute only in small doses. In my years of fostering dogs, I have rarely chosen a foster puppy, and certainly never anything under 5 months of age.

When I found the construction site puppies - I didn't have a choice. What was I going to do; turn around and pretend I didn't see them? Maybe give them a small pat and wish them luck? Kick sand on them before heading back home??? Yeah, right. I have had three stray dogs get away from me in my life, but that was only because I physically could not catch them.

Well, I'll be darned if these little 5-week-old balls of fluff are not growing on me like fungus. I find myself counting down hours at work until I get to go home and spend time with them. I haven't much minded being woken up numerous times throughout the night for a bathroom break. Though they have had few accidents, I haven't murmured curses under my breath while cleaning them.

Now don't go shoving just any puppies in my face with the expectation of a cuddle and an "awwww!" There's something special about these two:

More Puppy Pictures!

2010-04-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

Can that really be comfortable?

Finding shade on a hot SC day

They won't always be small enough to hold...

Play Ball!

2010-04-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

There must be lab in the mix somewhere because they are already crazy about tennis balls! I didn't think they would be able to pick up the ball because it's the size of their heads, but I was wrong! Also, we discovered that Kale (the black one) is actually a girl, surprise!

If you haven't said "AWW!" yet...

2010-04-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

Since I wasn't wearing my glasses on our walk through what will soon be a new road, I first thought the moving dark object was just a trash bag or some construction debris. When two parts of it started running in different directions, I knew I had to grab them somehow and get them home.
Arriving back at home with three leashes in one arm and two puppies in the other, I separated the dogs and called Rebecca - my hookup in animal rescue - and, before saying hello, uttered "Help me!" She told me to try to feed them before bathing them. We were worried they wouldn't eat.....

A good meal and a much-needed bath later...

Max has been keeping a good watch on our new additions

Puppy Rehab

2010-04-02T19:55:00.000-07:00

Uh oh, these little guys were wandering around in the tall grass near a construction site! With three dogs in tow, Lisa managed to wrangle the babies and bring them home. They are very dehydrated, itchy and hungry with a belly full of worms but they will be checked out in the morning and taken care of.

Meet sister: Kale

Brother: Bok Choy

If you didn't say "awww" then there might be something wrong with you, these guys are absolute heartbreakers!

Play with me!!

2010-03-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

Hey I brought my toy over!

Play with me?? Please??

Puppy faces

2010-03-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

This is Myn and she has the sweetest little lab puppy face, but she's already 5 months old, so she's not going to be a big lab, more of a travel size companion :)

Sad puppy dog eyes, yes she has mastered this look!

(that's how she wormed her way into our house, sorry Lisa, your roommate is still a sucker for puppy dog eyes!)

And this is her CRAZY DOG face!! Hahaha. Goofball.

Camera Clown

2010-03-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

All I want is one good picture...and every time I pull out the camera this teddy bear turns into a total goofball wiggling in and out of the shot and..what is this?? Sticking out his tongue??

Not making my job easy.

Ah HAH! I caught you looking all cute and still :)

Believe it or not, this is how he spends most of his time!

Bernie Boy

2010-03-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

Hey, who's that new guy??

Cornbread is teaching him how to roll around in the grass...

Enjoying the sunshine...

hair blowing in the wind :) It's Bernie!

Something's in the air

2010-03-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

Hey do you smell something? I think I smell something...

Is it Max? Check while he's not looking...

Nope! But Max smells it too...there must be something in the air. Maybe it's spring!

Rico Is Always Watching

2010-03-07T04:17:00.001-08:00

Are you SNUGGLING??

2010-03-01T14:35:00.001-08:00

If you know Piper, you know she doesn't like dogs getting too close to her. If they try to lay down next to her, she will get up to move everytime. Apparently Rico is winning her over, OR she just had a very good sunny spot and didn't want to move!

Uh oh, they were caught snuggling! Disperse! Quickly!

More Crate Confusion

2010-02-27T17:14:00.000-08:00

Ok guys, what is it with trying to take on roommates? We do have enough crates for everyone you know...

February in SC

2010-02-20T14:58:00.000-08:00

So, I just wanted to make sure everyone knows that the snow only lasted one day and we are back on track with SC winter at a lovely 65 degrees and sunny at 11 this morning :) The dogs enjoyed it too!

Rico got some sunbathing in...

Piper had a certain glow about her...

And Max was soaking it all in!

Poodle Sleepover

2010-02-17T19:10:00.000-08:00

Who does this leg belong to??

Poodle man! (aka Valentino)

Yep, he's definitely a poodle...

Rico is still confused...that is not the usual white fluff ball...

Ah! There she is!

Valentino only got to stay for one night because he had to go back to the kennel to get ready for his transport up north, good luck little buddy!

Snow??

2010-02-12T13:27:00.000-08:00

What is on your back?? Oh my..it is snow!

Blizzard in South Carolina!

Puppies Don't Sit Still

2010-02-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

Puppies don't like to sit still for pictures...so here's what happens:

There he is!!

Babe the Blue Ox

2010-01-31T06:39:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since a puppy has come into this home. He is the first new Project Pet dog that I have been drawn to in a long time - and I am SO usually not a puppy person (with all the pooping, chewing, peeing, chewing, crying, chewing, peeing). There's something about him I just couldn't resist, and I didn't have to twist Elizabeth's arm much, if at all...

... and he's fitting in quite nicely (he's the gray blob between CB and Max)

Crate Confusion

2010-01-26T18:55:00.000-08:00

Piper figured when we said "crate", any crate would do! This isn't musical chairs...

Cornbread says "Hey...I didn't sign up for a roommate!"

PorkChop Has A New Home!

2010-01-23T07:47:00.000-08:00

My friend Jennifer had been searching for a dog for a couple months. She checked out many different rescues, and many different breeds and mixes. Nothing seemed to click until.....

.... the day PorkChop (now Buster) wandered into my life.

From day 1, she believed it to be a sign that he would be the new addition to their family. Two long weeks of waiting for him to get his surgery and a clean bill of health - and he is now living happily with his new mum and dad - Jennifer and Robert - and sister, Bella.

Rico

2010-01-20T19:32:00.001-08:00

Rico is our most recent house guest. This poor guy has trouble seeing, and in a world of shadows everything is a lot scarier (especially men!). He tends to be skittish if something startles him, but once he trusts the people around him, he is a very sweet boy. To top it all off, he has seizures. Can you imagine being partially blind, having a seizure and waking up in an exhausted, drooling haze? What a scary thing. All he wants to do is play fetch in the backyard!

Oh I would very much like that ball!!

I will get it!

Here you go!

Breaking Free (Welcome Porkchop!)

2009-12-31T17:34:00.000-08:00

Would you want to live your life on this?

Lonely, bored, misunderstood - cold in the winter, soaked in the rain, overheated in the summer...

Well, neither did he...

Which is why he is now here!

Yet another stray dog ends up here at the Halfway House for Pound Puppies.
It's almost like they know exactly where to go....

A bath, nail clipping, tick removal - he's fitting in nicely and is nearly to the point of no longer attempting to mark everything. Oh, how I can't wait for him to be neutered!

'Found' ads have been placed in the paper and online - but my experiences attempting to find a tagless, unneutered, yard-dog's owner have always ended in failure. All the better for our little Porkchop! He will never be a chained yard-dog again!

Vacation

2009-12-29T12:10:00.000-08:00

Vacation is all about relaxing, curling up on the couch and watching TV!

Or playing with friends! High five!

But mostly just relaxing.

Mini Me

2009-12-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

Hey Maximus...

.... wait a minute!

Oh, right...... I mean... hey Ashley

Roxy: 12/98 - 12/26/2008

2009-12-26T05:29:00.000-08:00

Not only did I love you...

But CornBread loved you too - and that's not a simple feat.
I still miss you every day.

Adopt a senior dog - give a second chance to those that rarely get one.

Merry Christmas CB and Max

2009-12-25T07:37:00.000-08:00

Just for today..... you can have the couch

Snow! Snow! Snow!

2009-12-19T11:20:00.001-08:00

A once-a-year trip to Virginia also happens to fall on the dates of an historic DC-region blizzard...

... and CB - my southern born and raised dog - is not very happy

Cold cold cold!

2009-12-18T22:08:00.001-08:00

Visiting relatives up north means time for a new sweater!

(Don't mind the bald spot on my leg, I got my teeth cleaned this week!)

Spoiled dogs?

2009-12-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

Spoiled much?

Belly rubs!! And kisses.

Brrr!

2009-12-11T15:15:00.000-08:00

What's cooking?

2009-12-10T15:23:00.001-08:00

What's for dinner??

Stalemate

2009-12-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

I've got your ear! Well I've got your leg!

...I guess we're at a stalemate.

Stealing kisses

2009-12-04T17:59:00.000-08:00

Max sits so nicely!

Even though Frannie is stealing kisses :)

Many sides of Snoopy

2009-12-03T13:44:00.001-08:00

Snoopy looking sheepish...

Looking serious...

Looking not so serious...

Sneak attack!

2009-11-24T17:48:00.001-08:00

Best buds :)

Gotcha!!

Headless Max

2009-11-23T17:13:00.000-08:00

New Blanket!

2009-11-22T12:08:00.000-08:00

So, do you guys like the new fleece couch blanket??

I think that's a yes :)

'Tis the Season!

2009-11-17T16:00:00.001-08:00

Since I love the Christmas season sooooooooooooooooo much, I always like to start it a bit early.

Happy Anniversary, CB

2009-11-12T09:45:00.000-08:00

Through ups and downs...

... 6 different homes...

... dozens (and dozens) of foster dogs...

...and a few bad haircuts...

... you have always been there to greet me with a wagging tail. Happy 5-year Anniversary, CornBread - I couldn't picture my life without you.

CornBread - Adopted November 12, 2004

The Farm

2009-11-10T17:03:00.000-08:00

moo.

um... oink...?

Camera Tricks

2009-11-06T20:57:00.000-08:00

Max knows how to pose for a picture, aw how cute..

Wait..what happened here?

Brown dogs

2009-11-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

Back to back beagles

Snoopy sandwich!

Time to Relax - or something

2009-11-05T17:00:00.000-08:00

BLAM!

PLOW! KA-BLASH!

Dude... can I watch a movie...?

What are you looking at?

2009-11-04T17:07:00.000-08:00

Hey...do something funny!

That'll work.

... and stay down.

2009-11-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

I -

said -

get -

DOWN!

Do I smell.....?

2009-11-01T17:31:00.000-08:00

Do I smell....

....popcorn?

popcorn!

Popcorn!

POPCORN!

PUH-HOP-COOOOOOOOOOOOORRNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trick or... TRICK!

2009-11-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

Oh how peaceful - nothing going on outside.... sigh....

Frannie: BOO!!!!!!! BLUHLUHLUUUUHHHHLUUUUHHHHAAARRRRRRRR!!!!!!!
Snoopy: dude.... wtf?

Lazy Weekend

2009-11-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

What better to do than sleep all day?

Comfy mat

2009-10-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

It must be nice to be small and fit on the kitchen mat for a nap!

Even visitors like Sammy get to nap on the special mat!

Dog tired

2009-10-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

Is it bed time yet?

Because I'm tired...

Couch Burrito

2009-10-25T06:37:00.000-07:00

Not a dog door

2009-10-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

How come they always seem to be on the wrong side of the door?

hey man...I would help you out but I can't figure this thing out either...

Sitting on a spiky mat, waiting for that door to open!

The phone

2009-10-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

Boy will she be surprised when that thing starts ringing...

Bath time!

2009-10-19T17:30:00.001-07:00

MOM DRY ME OFF!! I LOOK RIDICULOUS!!

Reward for being such a good puppy during bath time!

Lazy Sunday

2009-10-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

Play Date!

2009-10-16T15:12:00.001-07:00

This is what happens when a new friend comes over to play...Hello Daisy! What are you guys doing? Snoopy caught a breeze with his ears...

Best buds from the start!

And the cow jumped over the moon!

Hey Frannie...that doesn't come off! That's attached!

just when you think it can't get any worse...

2009-10-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

Oh, jeez! Snoopy got all muddy out there!

Oh DEAR GOD WHAT IS THAT?!?!?!!?!

Just another rainy Thursday.