If She Could Talk

Thursday, as the first named storm of the season was saying hello to Florida, someone took a long drive to pick up a couple of dogs and return home. One of those dogs was my new foster girl, Andrea. We named her after the storm, the day of her new beginning. Time was ticking away for her, and during a time when most people are going to avoid making long trips, there was someone dedicated enough to do so. I admire her. I only had to go 20 minutes for an appointment that day and wasn't too amused about the drive.

The image that was being floated around online to get her help

Andrea is a very sweet girl. She can both grab your heart and break it at the same time. She came into the pound as a stray. There, she was called Sasha. She is an older girl, somewhere around 9 or 10 most likely. She's rather small, what I like to call an apartment size husky, weighing in at 44 pounds. Cataracts are visible in both eyes, though she seems to be able to see the things that she wants to see, for example, the cats. Her teeth aren't in great shape. And she has a growth on her face. With all of this, she is a happy girl that has the spirit of a young girl. She keeps up with Sid and keeps both Sid and Onyx in line. She has shown that she is truly the queen. 

Sid checking out Andrea

She settled in rather quickly. After a brief testing of the waters with Sid and Onyx, she was taken outside to be shown the backyard. Until we get the dogs use to the set up out back with the pool and the pool cage, we guide them back and forth. With all of the rain we had, the pool was filled to the tip top. Somehow, even being guided, she walked right into the water. She did not panic. She was lifted out right away and dried. It really didn't seem to phase her one bit. Since I did have a commitment for the evening, I made sure she had some cozy blankets in the crate I have for the fosters, got her settled and ran out for the dinner plans I had with my family. 

When we got home a little while later, she had her first sighting of the cat. I think it is pretty safe to say that to her, a cat is a snack. She immediately went into hunting stance. But with the way we have the house set up, the cats can be kept safe and we can work with the dogs to accept the cats as part of the pack. I don't expect to be able to turn a dog with a prey drive cat friendly. But I do think that with proper work, some dogs can learn to coexist with cats with the right set up and humans. It didn't take Kony long to get to that point and Andrea is already making huge strides. While she would still love to snack on the cats, that hunting stance when they come around is gone. If I can get her to the point that she ignores them, I will be shocked. If I can get her to the point where she won't attack them because she knows it's frowned upon, I will consider it a success. Right now, if she goes for the cats and she is told to stop, she does. 

Andrea with her favorite toy

Some people, when first hearing of a dog with a few treatable issues at her age, may think why bother. Others see the potential. I don't think it's going to take long for someone to see the potential for sweet Andrea. She has a lot of life in her. She also has a lot of love that she wants to shower onto a family. She is still very playful. In fact, she stole the blue dog that was recently replaced since Kony stole the last one. I am beginning to wonder if Kong will sell those to me in bulk since they tend to be the favorite toy in the house. She is so adorable with the way that she carries the toy with her everywhere. She likes to lay with it as well as make it squeak. She is not often seen without her little blue dog when she is relaxing. I guess this means that when she gets a home, the dog will go with her, and Sid will once again have to wait until I can find a new one to replace it with.

Just like with humans, dogs are living longer. Nine or ten years old does not mean she is close to the end of her life. Better foods, better medical treatment as they are growing up, better knowledge of how to care for them is really extending a pet's life. Diefenbaker, my first girl, lived to 16 1/2. The last couple of years she was battling arthritis. But inexpensive medications/supplements as well as a good dog bed kept her quality of life very high. 

Since it has only been a couple of days, she is still coming out of her shell. The one thing that is consistent with her though as she gets more comfortable here is how much attention she wants to pour over who ever will have it. She goes from person to person giving kisses, laying in laps, waiting to be pet. While she gets along with the two young boys and can keep up with them, she will let them know when it's too much.

Andrea relaxing after her bath

Today, I decided to try out a dog bathing center near the house at a do it yourself carwash place. It is a little room with a bathing setup. It was so worth paying a couple of bucks to bathe her there instead of in the bathtub. She seemed less stressed. There was no slipping and sliding. The setup was a lot safer for the dog then doing it in the house. Since I didn't know what to expect over there, I forgot to take a brush and a towel, which I will remember next time. The dryer helped bring up the undercoat that is starting to blow so she does need a brush out desperately in the next day or two. But she is such a gorgeous girl when she is all cleaned up. It's hard to believe that people can just let their dogs go when they are done with them for whatever reason. It is harder to believe with Andrea. All she really wants out of life is to please her humans and give them love. All she wants in return is a roof over her head, food in her stomach and most importantly, the love returned. I'm looking forward to seeing her come out of her shell more and more over the next week or two. It's sure to be an interesting adventure as the boys aren't use to having a girl around and aren't really sure what to make of it.

Good Luck Kony!

Most people look at this past weekend as the start of the summer. For Kony, it was the start of the newest and best chapter of his life. He was adopted.

Kony and Dad

While Kony was with us, he was having a few normal issues from what was most likely food allergies. Of course, shelters don't exactly feed the dogs the top of the line stuff. He had an ear infection and a couple of hot spots. We were working on getting them cleared while he was with us and he came a long way. His skin was doing so much better. The ears were getting better. He was on a grain free food at my place and his new Dad is making the same change to his diet. Hopefully, between that and finishing up his course of meds, he will be feeling tip top in no time.

Kony had a pretty cool personality. His energy level seemed to match what was going on around him. He loved just laying around and being a couch potato. But if Sid was wound up and wanted to play, Kony could keep up with the young pup. He will have a buddy at his furever home. It's easy to tell, both him and his new buddy are going to be beyond spoiled.

I am waiting for word on my next foster baby. Sketch just came into the system and I was going to get him, however, he has some extra needs and with my own recovery happening, I don't think at this time I can give a dog who needs that sort of attention the proper environment. In a couple of weeks, I should be able to, so hopefully I can step up when the next baby who needs a little extra tlc comes in. Unfortunately, there is always a dog that needs that popping up somewhere.

Saying goodbye to Kony

If you would like to learn more about Sketch or help him, more information can be found here. And if you think you may be wanting to add a husky to your life, after you do your research on the breed, you can find a list of adoptable pets on Petfinder.

Getting Out The Front Door

As the starts getting hotter and hotter, the patterns with the huskies will change. Midday outings will start to trickle off unless if it's to the beach. Evenings on the pool deck or the front porch will pick up. Yup, summer is starting to announce itself in Florida. And while a husky's undercoat will protect them from extreme temperatures on either spectrum, it still gets too hot to have them out side during the midday sun running with no way of cooling down. Dog park trips will be moved to evenings or cooler days.

Sid and Kony checking out the front

Recently, the front porch got screened in, as a way to better husky proof things. It helps keep them from bolting, though Sid foiled that plan today. It also let's them sit out front and watch the neighborhood during the evenings. So far, it's been a hit with Kony. He's been sitting outside every night. He really seems to enjoy just being around his foster humans more then anything, though his curiosity seems to get quenched being outside as well. He's pretty good about not jumping up on the screen, unlike another husky who shall remain nameless. The one time he did try, a quick no got him to step back down and he has not tried again. Other then the hoarding of toys, Kony doesn't give us much trouble. He eats, sleeps and wants attention. No table begging, no cat eating, nothing.

Speaking of cat eating, he is making huge strides in the cat friendly area. Earlier today, Sid and Kony had Simon trapped and were trying to play with him. Kony seems to be picking up that Simon is not food from Sid, though I'm sure while Simon appreciates that, he would appreciate it more if Kony would ignore him. I noticed Kony was being gentle with the cat when batting at him. Since it has only been a small amount of time since Kony drooled over the cat, I still distracted them with treats so Simon could get to the other side of the gate. He didn't look too amused at his predicament anyway.

I have been trying to get Kony out as much as possible so people can meet him. He is such a friendly dog, and so far, I don't think he's met a person he doesn't like. One of the best ways to get Kony out is to get him out to the events that the rescue is at. I figure I'll try to get him to as many as possible before the weather just makes it uncomfortable for him.

Kony lazing about at the flea market

This past weekend, he made an appearance at the flea market. He hung out for a few hours in front of the fans and greeted anyone who came by. A list of possible events he can be seen at are listed on Husky Haven's website. He will not be at this weekend's event, but I do plan on getting him out to the one at the end of the month. So feel free to come out and say hello to him and the other great huskies that are out.

He really seemed to enjoy his time out. He has such a laid back temperament and really does enjoy having people shower attention on him. Getting him places is pretty easy since he walks like a perfect gentleman on a leash and sleeps like a little baby in the car. If someone wanted a dog to take places with them, they would be hard pressed to find one better behaved then Kony. He doesn't jump at strangers, nor does he run from them. Busy places don't seem to bother him at all. He's confident and relaxed in every situation we have had him in so far.

Kony seems to get comfortable in new situations pretty quickly, so when he does find a home to call his very own, the adjustment period should be pretty quick. Teach him the house rules, let him get adjusted to any other animals and give him plenty of love. He definitely deserves the love and will return it tenfold. Be sure to come by and say hello to him the next time he is out and about and see just what a teddy bear this guy is. He always has an extra hug for anyone who wants it.

The huskies enjoying a quiet evening

My Three Sons..... Err Dogs

It's always kind of fun watching a fur baby getting comfortable in a new surrounding and really showing their personality. These past few days, Kony has hit that stage. He was always a sweet dog, but now I'm starting to see his playful side too.

Onyx trying to escape the wrestling match

Lately, him and Sid wrestle non stop. He has quite a bit of energy when he has a constructive outlet for it. And he seems to be aware fo his size. Sid seems to get the upper hand in the bouts quite a bit, but I think that is because Kony is being gentle since he is about twice Sid's size. Today, not only did they wrestle, they also decided to play chase me in the living room. Onyx was the smart one. He hid. Onyx usually hides when those two get a bit too into playing. Or he tries to get out of the living room. I can't say I blame him. I try to escape too. Sid likes to include whoever or whatever is around when he gets into playing. But it's nice seeing all of them getting along so well. Kony really seems to be doing well with his foster brothers, and he is so well behaved, I can let him on the other side of the gate if he needs a break from the more energetic Sid for a bit.

Kony actually started a new game with Sid. I keep a toy box in the living room for all of their toys. All of the dogs seem to find it pretty quickly. Kony has started taking all of the toys out of it and putting them on the rug and then laying with them. He then growls at Sid if Sid walks by. He's not being aggressive. He is trying to taunt Sid. This is how Kony initiates play. Sid isn't as subtle in his initiating. He just jumps at Kony and it turns into puppy UFC.

Kony wishing he had some BBQ sauce

Kony is getting better with the cats. He still wants to eat them, but he seems to understand that that is a behavior his foster mommy doesn't desire. He is very good if told to leave the cats alone and walks away from them. Since Kony has been good about listening where the cats are concerned, I have been letting him get closer to Simon so he can get use to the cats. Simon is an awesome cat and he won't back down. He was a boxer in a previous life and can defend himself pretty well. I've never seen anyone throw a left hook like he does. While I wouldn't call him cat friendly yet, though he may be getting there, I would call him cat tolerant. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trust him alone with the cats if they didn't have a way to get away from him, but he seems to be coming a long way. He is not crated at night or when I have to go out, but the kiddy gate keeps him confined to an area that the cats can avoid. There has been no problems and I am quite happy with how he's been doing with the cats.

While Kony can be quite energetic during playtime, the rest of the time he just likes to lay around and be lazy. Unlike another husky I know, he is not constantly looking for something to get into. He's perfectly happy laying on the dog bed or laying next to my chair and getting his belly rubbed. He is a great dog to just lay around and love. And a great dog to poop out Sid.

Kony showing either his intellect or laziness

I plan on taking Kony to some of the upcoming events so others can see just how sweet and gentle this boy really is. More information on Kony can also be found on Petfinder.

Presenting Kony, The Gentle Giant

This past Wednesday, after dinner, I went to go meet Kony, the new foster. I had already had a chance to meet him briefly at an event. Sid and Onyx got to meet him there as well, but I was still a little nervous about the introduction. Let's face it, three dogs and two cats could get a bit chaotic, and somehow, I forgot about Kony's size until I saw him at the pick up meeting. If Kony were to get on his back legs and stand up, he could probably rest his front paws on my shoulder. It is nice being able to pet and hug him without having to bend down though, and he loves being petted and loved. He is a very sweet and gentle boy.

Kony greeting everyone

It's nice to say that once again, things went smoothly when I brought him into the home. It was done a bit differently this time since Sid and Onyx were outside. We brought Sid in first, let him get comfortable, then introduced Onyx into the situation. Onyx does follow Sid's lead with a lot of things. They have become very attached to one another. 

Arrival day is turning into a routine. After getting the dog use to his foster brother's and letting him see the back yard and get use to his surroundings, bath time happens. Unlike Rayzr and Onyx, Kony is not a happy bath dog. Bathing him was a two person job, but once he knew we weren't hurting him, he did calm down. He wasn't happy about the bath after he calmed down, but he is smart enough to know if he doesn't fight us, it ends quickly.

Kony relaxing after a bath

Kony is a pretty laid back boy. He prefers to lay down in the quieter parts of the house. He will play and wrestle with his foster brothers, but he doesn't want to play as much as the other two do, which is every waking moment.

Kony is pretty good in cars as well. He seems to enjoy sleeping through the car ride. He is so quiet and so good it would be easy to forget he was with you until you got to your destination. This is a big difference from Sid who thinks car ride time is also climbing over everyone and everything time and needs to be secured when in a vehicle.

Kony is also a dog that listens. If he is doing something you don't want him to do, which isn't often, all you have to do is say his name and he stops. He doesn't seem to know commands like sit very well, but he is learning quickly. Or maybe he did know and the new environment threw him off and he's starting to show what he knew again. He learned how to use the doggy door in the pool cage, which is actually pretty funny since he seems like he'd be too big for it when he walks up to it.

The one area that it has been very useful that he listens so well is with the cats. He definitely wants to see what they taste like. He hasn't tried to hurt them, but he has stared at the one and drooled. Fortunately, the cats are smart enough to avoid him, and he doesn't have enough of a prey drive to go after them. I think he can be taught to see the cats as part of the pack, however, I do think supervision and caution would always need to be used. Having a way to separate the two seems to be a must. And having a cat that doesn't back down seems to be helping as well.

Because of the cat issue, I did want to crate him though. After ordering a larger crate then the one I had set up for the fosters since he would not fit in the other one, I found out he is not a happy dog in the crate. Over night when the cats are sleeping in one of the bedrooms, I don't mind locking him in the living room. While the dogs are not at home alone a lot, he will be crated then. I am going to try to work with him to make him feel more comfy being crated in case his new forever home prefers to crate their dogs. I found in the past, the easiest way to train my dogs to not hate the crate is to first let them get use to laying in it not closed, then close them in it for a few minutes at a time, each time a little longer. He does like laying in a crate that is open already, so I don't think the next step will take a long time to accomplish.

What a handsome boy!

I think teaching him new things or getting to adapt his behavior is going to be pretty easy. Kony is already a good dog who listens well and he obviously wants to please his humans. He really doesn't need much work, if any, depending on what kind of home he goes into. If you want to learn more about Kony, you can find him on PetFinder.

A Weekend Out and a New Foster

As mentioned in my last post, I had to take some time off from fostering during my recovery. This past Wed marked the one month point and I decided that I feel well enough to start back up. I should be getting my new foster furbaby on Wed. evening, so I will be posting more again.

I did get out with Onyx and Sid this weekend though. The Rays had a bark at the park day where you were allowed to take your dogs to the ball game, so I jumped on it immediately and got tickets for them. There is suppose to be two more of these this season, and I will most likely do them again. If a foster is in my care and it is ok, I will take the foster along too.

Sid taking in the sights

Sid and Onyx were so well behaved and they seemed to really enjoy going. I am sure dogs are like people in that they get sick of the same surroundings every day, which is why I try to get them out as much as possible. I even have an app to tell me about local dog parks and eateries that are dog friendly. While not all doggie dining places are in the app, a good number are. With how well behaved these two were at the game, I am convinced trying new things with them will go fine.

Onyx having a blast

I am a little nervous about having three dogs to take care of, but I am pretty sure it will go fine. There are three sets of hands in this house for doggie outings and walks and there is support from my parents a few blocks away. I know that it will be worth it. There is no feeling for a dog lover like giving a dog another chance at a loving home.

A Furry Break In a Storm

It's been awhile since my last post. We had an emergency 3 weeks ago. It happened right after picking up Onyx, who was to be our newest foster. On the way home, I wasn't feeling well. I was in a lot of pain, which I assumed was from a pinched nerve I had. My sister was with me, and we stopped at my parents' house with Onyx. After being there for a few moments, I knew something was wrong. I went in their room to lay down and ended up on the floor. Onyx came back and sat with me until they came. He watched over me while we waited for help.

Onyx making himself at home

As it turns out, I had a heart attack. I spent a few days in the hospital. But on that first day, I knew. We have our foster failure. I knew Onyx couldn't go to another home after watching over me. And I think everyone agreed. Onyx kept visiting everyone and making sure they were ok. He was a fuzzy and loving break in an otherwise, very bad day.

I had mentioned before how he looked like my Belgian Shep mix, Pembleton. I was excited to be picking him up and helping him. I fell in love with him at first meeting. It was easy to see just how loving he was just by the look in his eyes. I was nervous about the introduction between Sid and Onyx, but as it turns out, I wasn't the one to make the introduction. It was made while I was in the hospital. I missed the first few days. But I was getting updates and knew he was fitting well into the home. I couldn't wait to get released to get home to my two boys. I am happy to report that they are helping me recover. :)

I decided to take a short break from fostering while I was recovering and Onyx was getting use to his new surroundings. I had Sid and Onyx out at an event this past weekend just to get out for the day with my fur babies and we had fun. I got to meet the potential new foster dog that will be placed with us and he was as sweet as the others. I have a few things I need to do for myself over the next week and a half, and then I can make arrangements to bring the next foster into the home. I'm looking forward to bringing the next dog home and sharing all of the experiences that go along with it.

Pembleton enjoying a rare Southern VA Snow