On Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, Petsmart in Asheville will host its annual spring adoption fair. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, along with 7 other rescue groups and other organizations, will be there. If you are interesting in adopting, I encourage you to attend.
You will be absolutely amazed at the variety of pets available. Just go to bwar.org and look at the breeds represented. If you are patient, you can have almost any breed of dog you want. You can make such a huge difference in the life of an animal.
Also, consider rescue groups. As Gracie mentioned in yesterday’s post, we are looking at a Miniature Schnauzer rescue group’s site. Go to akc.org. Nearly every breed has a rescue group.
One last word: while adopting rescued pets is a personal passion, I realize not everyone shares my viewpoint. I have a simple request. If you do not adopt a rescued pet, please do not buy your pet at a pet store or from a backyard breeder.
A quick scan of information on the Net reveals the serious abuses and problems of puppy mill pets. You are supporting a deplorable industry. You run the risk of getting an animal with serious physical and emotional health problems directly resulting from puppy mill breeding. Visit akc.org to find information about reputable breeders in your area.
If you do not live in the Asheville area, please check out local rescue groups. Spring unfortunately brings lots of puppies and kittens who need homes. Do you have room for a furry friend?
Rescue Mommy
Friday, April 29, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Travel Safety II
In the second post on the topic, we would like to discuss some of the things we like to take along with us when we travel with Gracie:
Vet records (abridged version): We like to have proof of her rabies vaccination along with a list of when her other vaccinations were given. If she had any special medical conditions or took certain medications, we would take information about that too. You never know when you might find yourself at emergency medical hospital miles away from home.
Medication: If your furry friend routinely takes medication, don’t forget to bring it. Or, if he/she is due for a dose of heartworm or other preventative, be sure to bring it too.
A side note about heartworm and flea meds: If you do not give these medicines to your pet now, you might want to inform your vet about your travel plans. You may be visiting an area that has a high prevalence of heartworm cases or is badly infested with ticks.
Food and water: Always bring along plenty of the type of food your pet eats now. Pet stores in the area you are visiting might not carry it.
I have also read that bringing along water from home is a good idea too. Apparently, your furry friend might refuse the local water. We always bring bottled water for both Gracie and ourselves since we do not like the local water either!
A favorite toy and/or blanket: If your buddy is stressed, something that is familiar might ease the transition.
First aid kit: You can buy a ready-made kit at your local pet store. Or, you can make your own. Ours includes: gauge, paper tape, tweezers, triple antibiotic cream, anti-itch cream, cotton swabs, cotton balls, and alcohol wipes. We also toss in some Benadryl caplets and a pill splitter, since Gracie sometimes has skin irritation. (Please consult your vet before administering any medicine to your pet.)
Collapsible bowls: These bowls are great for giving your buddy food and water on the run. Who wants to dig out the stainless steel bowls from the back of the car? When your buddy is finished, just fold them up and tuck them away. Look for a future review on bowls we like.
His/her normal bowls: Again, it is just a little comfort from home to use these items. Hopefully, you do not use the breakable kind!
Car seat covers: Covers for your car seats come in all shapes, sizes, and price points. Before you begin looking at covers, do a little research about your vehicle. My Subaru has side impact airbags that spring from the side of the seat, which means I cannot cover that area with fabric. That rules out certain types of car seat covers.
Also, look carefully at the cover’s fabric. Will your dog’s hair embed in it, requiring tweezers for removal – or can you easily brush off the fur? Is the cover washable?
I plan to make a basic cover for the limited area where Gracie will be. Keep that option in mind too. Unless you are driving a Bentley, I doubt a homemade seat cover will be that offensive. You can find upholstery remnants at a fabric store and make it on the cheap.
We could go on and on about all the things we take for Gracie. We pack almost as much stuff for her as we do for ourselves! However, we consider the above-mentioned items to be the most essential, though. Good luck in your future travels!
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
Vet records (abridged version): We like to have proof of her rabies vaccination along with a list of when her other vaccinations were given. If she had any special medical conditions or took certain medications, we would take information about that too. You never know when you might find yourself at emergency medical hospital miles away from home.
Medication: If your furry friend routinely takes medication, don’t forget to bring it. Or, if he/she is due for a dose of heartworm or other preventative, be sure to bring it too.
A side note about heartworm and flea meds: If you do not give these medicines to your pet now, you might want to inform your vet about your travel plans. You may be visiting an area that has a high prevalence of heartworm cases or is badly infested with ticks.
Food and water: Always bring along plenty of the type of food your pet eats now. Pet stores in the area you are visiting might not carry it.
I have also read that bringing along water from home is a good idea too. Apparently, your furry friend might refuse the local water. We always bring bottled water for both Gracie and ourselves since we do not like the local water either!
A favorite toy and/or blanket: If your buddy is stressed, something that is familiar might ease the transition.
First aid kit: You can buy a ready-made kit at your local pet store. Or, you can make your own. Ours includes: gauge, paper tape, tweezers, triple antibiotic cream, anti-itch cream, cotton swabs, cotton balls, and alcohol wipes. We also toss in some Benadryl caplets and a pill splitter, since Gracie sometimes has skin irritation. (Please consult your vet before administering any medicine to your pet.)
Collapsible bowls: These bowls are great for giving your buddy food and water on the run. Who wants to dig out the stainless steel bowls from the back of the car? When your buddy is finished, just fold them up and tuck them away. Look for a future review on bowls we like.
His/her normal bowls: Again, it is just a little comfort from home to use these items. Hopefully, you do not use the breakable kind!
Car seat covers: Covers for your car seats come in all shapes, sizes, and price points. Before you begin looking at covers, do a little research about your vehicle. My Subaru has side impact airbags that spring from the side of the seat, which means I cannot cover that area with fabric. That rules out certain types of car seat covers.
Also, look carefully at the cover’s fabric. Will your dog’s hair embed in it, requiring tweezers for removal – or can you easily brush off the fur? Is the cover washable?
I plan to make a basic cover for the limited area where Gracie will be. Keep that option in mind too. Unless you are driving a Bentley, I doubt a homemade seat cover will be that offensive. You can find upholstery remnants at a fabric store and make it on the cheap.
We could go on and on about all the things we take for Gracie. We pack almost as much stuff for her as we do for ourselves! However, we consider the above-mentioned items to be the most essential, though. Good luck in your future travels!
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
Monday, April 25, 2011
Travel Safety Part I
Summer travel season is just around the corner. Thanks to high gas prices, you might consider keeping your adventures closer to home. It is important to keep your furry friend safe when you travel, even if it is just for a trip down the street.
The most important safety tip is simple: never leave your pet unattended in your vehicle. Temperatures can soar in no time at all. Yes, you may think you are going to pop in for a second. Do not take the risk. Even if the temperatures are reasonable, what’s to stop someone from stealing your precious pooch? It is not worth the risk.
Next, it is a good idea to secure your pet in the vehicle. Allowing your pet to roam around the vehicle is a dangerous situation. If you must stop suddenly, the pet will be bounced around the cabin – and possibly right into you. Also, your furry buddy is a huge distraction as he or she explores your car or leans too far out the window.
We have found several items that are helpful in securing your pet:
Car harness: This type of harness is a bit different from your run-of-the-mill harness. It usually contains a little extra padding. It works with your seatbelt to secure your pet in the car. Depending upon your dog’s size, a car harness can cost $30-$60.
Seatbelt strap: We use this with Gracie and love it. It is very inexpensive, about $10. Petco sells the nicest version.
It has a hook on one end, which you fasten to your dog’s harness. The other end has a loop, through which you thread the seatbelt. We like this device because we could use the harness she wears every day. Plus, it has a little bit of “play” in the length. She can still place her paws on the arm rest and lean out the window but not so much that it is a safety hazard.
Car seat: These seats are basically super plush boxes that fasten to the car seat – either through loops around the headrest or through the seatbelt. The dog does not have a lot of wiggle room which may be an issue for some pets. Also, car seats seem to be more for small- to medium-sized dogs. Expect to pay at least $60 for a basic seat. We have seen luxury seats priced at $200 and up.
We hope you find the right solution for you and your buddy. Tune in on Wednesday for more travel tips!
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
The most important safety tip is simple: never leave your pet unattended in your vehicle. Temperatures can soar in no time at all. Yes, you may think you are going to pop in for a second. Do not take the risk. Even if the temperatures are reasonable, what’s to stop someone from stealing your precious pooch? It is not worth the risk.
Next, it is a good idea to secure your pet in the vehicle. Allowing your pet to roam around the vehicle is a dangerous situation. If you must stop suddenly, the pet will be bounced around the cabin – and possibly right into you. Also, your furry buddy is a huge distraction as he or she explores your car or leans too far out the window.
We have found several items that are helpful in securing your pet:
Car harness: This type of harness is a bit different from your run-of-the-mill harness. It usually contains a little extra padding. It works with your seatbelt to secure your pet in the car. Depending upon your dog’s size, a car harness can cost $30-$60.
Seatbelt strap: We use this with Gracie and love it. It is very inexpensive, about $10. Petco sells the nicest version.
It has a hook on one end, which you fasten to your dog’s harness. The other end has a loop, through which you thread the seatbelt. We like this device because we could use the harness she wears every day. Plus, it has a little bit of “play” in the length. She can still place her paws on the arm rest and lean out the window but not so much that it is a safety hazard.
Car seat: These seats are basically super plush boxes that fasten to the car seat – either through loops around the headrest or through the seatbelt. The dog does not have a lot of wiggle room which may be an issue for some pets. Also, car seats seem to be more for small- to medium-sized dogs. Expect to pay at least $60 for a basic seat. We have seen luxury seats priced at $200 and up.
We hope you find the right solution for you and your buddy. Tune in on Wednesday for more travel tips!
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
Friday, April 22, 2011
Still Trying!
We gave Gracie a hiatus on car rides for about a week. She had been eating grass off and on for about a month. We were concerned the car rides were causing gastrointestinal distress. Now, we are leaning more toward the food being the culprit.
Why do food companies change the formula without telling you?? It is the most annoying thing! She has been eating this particular brand for some time. Now, they have changed the packaging. It means they changed the bag design and reduced the quantity of food…for the same price. It is the same thing that is happening with human foods.
We tried a couple of car rides over the weekend. We plan to resume our training schedule this week. We have concluded that it is unlikely she will ever love car rides. If we can reduce her anxiety, though, we will consider it a success.
We plan to try other alternative remedies for reducing her anxiety. Don’t worry. They are all safe and natural. She will not be our little guinea pig. If anything works, we will pass it on to you.
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
Why do food companies change the formula without telling you?? It is the most annoying thing! She has been eating this particular brand for some time. Now, they have changed the packaging. It means they changed the bag design and reduced the quantity of food…for the same price. It is the same thing that is happening with human foods.
We tried a couple of car rides over the weekend. We plan to resume our training schedule this week. We have concluded that it is unlikely she will ever love car rides. If we can reduce her anxiety, though, we will consider it a success.
We plan to try other alternative remedies for reducing her anxiety. Don’t worry. They are all safe and natural. She will not be our little guinea pig. If anything works, we will pass it on to you.
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Allergy Season Again
April showers may bring May flowers. It also brings sneezes, runny noses, and general discomfort. Our furry friends are not immune to these troubles.
When I adopted Gracie, her belly was bright red. She licked and scratched her skin quite a bit. It was obvious that she was uncomfortable. (See pic below.)
As I researched the problem (both online and with her vet), I learned that terriers are particularly prone to skin allergies. The culprit could be anything from the food your pet eats to various environmental factors (pollen, dust, grass, et cetera).
Since I adopted her in October, we thought the environmental factors would be low. Heaven knows what sort of food she had consumed prior to coming to our home, so we decided to approach the food allergy angle first.
We switched to different types of food formulated for pets with sensitive skin or food allergies. We administered small doses of Benadryl. (Always talk with your vet before giving your pet ANY medicine.) We gave her bathes with oatmeal shampoo. Nothing seemed to work.
Finally, I stopped feeding her the “special” prescription diets for sensitive skin/food allergies. I switched her to an organic food that does not contain corn. In time, her skin began to look a lot better. She stopped licking and scratching…well, more as a healthy dog would. (See below.)
What does all of this have to do with allergy season? Pets are very difficult to diagnose. After all, they cannot tell you, “Mommy, when you mow the lawn, it makes my skin itchy.” If your pet is experiencing problems, take careful notes of his/her symptoms and when they occur. You may not find the answer right away. Be patient.
By the way, over the weekend, we had to give Gracie a dose of Benadryl. All the fresh cut grass caused her to have some issues. Her right eye was almost swollen shut from scratching it. Fortunately, she is fine now. Again, be patient if you have a fellow allergy sufferer!
Rescue Mommy
When I adopted Gracie, her belly was bright red. She licked and scratched her skin quite a bit. It was obvious that she was uncomfortable. (See pic below.)
As I researched the problem (both online and with her vet), I learned that terriers are particularly prone to skin allergies. The culprit could be anything from the food your pet eats to various environmental factors (pollen, dust, grass, et cetera).
Since I adopted her in October, we thought the environmental factors would be low. Heaven knows what sort of food she had consumed prior to coming to our home, so we decided to approach the food allergy angle first.
We switched to different types of food formulated for pets with sensitive skin or food allergies. We administered small doses of Benadryl. (Always talk with your vet before giving your pet ANY medicine.) We gave her bathes with oatmeal shampoo. Nothing seemed to work.
Finally, I stopped feeding her the “special” prescription diets for sensitive skin/food allergies. I switched her to an organic food that does not contain corn. In time, her skin began to look a lot better. She stopped licking and scratching…well, more as a healthy dog would. (See below.)
What does all of this have to do with allergy season? Pets are very difficult to diagnose. After all, they cannot tell you, “Mommy, when you mow the lawn, it makes my skin itchy.” If your pet is experiencing problems, take careful notes of his/her symptoms and when they occur. You may not find the answer right away. Be patient.
By the way, over the weekend, we had to give Gracie a dose of Benadryl. All the fresh cut grass caused her to have some issues. Her right eye was almost swollen shut from scratching it. Fortunately, she is fine now. Again, be patient if you have a fellow allergy sufferer!
Rescue Mommy
Monday, April 18, 2011
Congratulations to Brother Wolf!
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue recently participated in a competition sponsored by the ASPCA. The competition has two components. Rescue groups spend two weeks, raising awareness and garnering as many votes as they can on a special ASPCA website. The top 50 vote getters will compete in the fall for grants up to $100,000.
I am happy to say that Brother Wolf placed fourth, at last check. The organization did a great deal of work and deserves every bit of praise they get.
One of the best things to come out of the competition so far is the adoption of lots of pets. In particular, two long-term guests of Brother Wolf – Artemis (dog) and Goldfish (cat) – found homes.
Congratulations – both to Brother Wolf and to all the lucky pets who found forever homes!
I am happy to say that Brother Wolf placed fourth, at last check. The organization did a great deal of work and deserves every bit of praise they get.
One of the best things to come out of the competition so far is the adoption of lots of pets. In particular, two long-term guests of Brother Wolf – Artemis (dog) and Goldfish (cat) – found homes.
Congratulations – both to Brother Wolf and to all the lucky pets who found forever homes!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Be Careful with Flea Medicine
I found a tick on Gracie last week. I delay applying flea medicine for as long as I can. I hate those chemicals, but you must use them at some point.
If you are a new pet owner, I offer a few words of advice. Read the box carefully. Some canine flea medicines are highly toxic to cats. You may need to keep your dog away until the medicine dries or use a different product altogether if your cat grooms your dog. (It is highly unlikely Kiki will EVER groom Gracie.)
Also, be careful about dosage. Make sure you apply the right dosage for your pet’s weight. Do not use multiple products. I once used two medicines too close together and made my Dalmatian very ill. I once knew someone who caused the death of her cat because she applied flea medicine too frequently.
If you are confused about the right product to buy, give your vet a call. Good luck!
Rescue Mommy
If you are a new pet owner, I offer a few words of advice. Read the box carefully. Some canine flea medicines are highly toxic to cats. You may need to keep your dog away until the medicine dries or use a different product altogether if your cat grooms your dog. (It is highly unlikely Kiki will EVER groom Gracie.)
Also, be careful about dosage. Make sure you apply the right dosage for your pet’s weight. Do not use multiple products. I once used two medicines too close together and made my Dalmatian very ill. I once knew someone who caused the death of her cat because she applied flea medicine too frequently.
If you are confused about the right product to buy, give your vet a call. Good luck!
Rescue Mommy
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Dachshund Delights
When we attended the Asheville Pet Expo, we found a vendor about whom we wanted to make you aware. The ladies make harnesses, clothes, and other items for dogs. As the name suggests, they specialize in items for dachshunds. Their website is: http://www.shop.dachshunddelights.com/.
They also make clothing customized to your dog’s specific measurements. If you have a mixed breed dog, you know how difficult it can sometimes be to find clothes that fit. Their items looked nice. You might want to check out their site.
Rescue Mommy
They also make clothing customized to your dog’s specific measurements. If you have a mixed breed dog, you know how difficult it can sometimes be to find clothes that fit. Their items looked nice. You might want to check out their site.
Rescue Mommy
Monday, April 11, 2011
Dogster.com and Catster.com
We found two interesting websites you might want to check out: http://www.dogster.com/ and http://www.catster.com/ offer information about dogs and cats (respectively). You can post questions to be answered by fellow dog/cat lovers. Enjoy!
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
Friday, April 8, 2011
We Visit an Animal Communicator
At the Pet Expo we attended last weekend, an animal communicator was there. For fifteen minutes, she would communicate telepathically with your pet and answer as many questions as she could. Since she donated 100 percent of her fee to a local rescue group, I decided to give it a try. If nothing else, a charity got some funds, and I got a laugh.
I wanted to know the answers to two questions: 1) does Gracie want a buddy? and 2) what can I do to relieve her anxiety?
I admit I was – and still am - cynical. Most of her responses seemed to be rather general. You could tell from looking at Gracie that she was an anxious dog. Of course, most of the thoughts in her head would be about going home.
She mentioned two things, though, that have me scratching my head. First, she correctly named the type and color of my car. My keys were not visible, and I am fairly confident she was already at the venue when I arrived.
Second, she said Gracie did not want a “barky” dog because she was not a barky dog. Terriers are known for being rather boisterous. Gracie is not. If she barks, we pay attention because there is usually a reason. That was interesting.
Will I be hiring her for future consultations? No. It is not my cup of tea. It was good fun, though. I still would like to know how she knew about my car.
Rescue Mommy
I wanted to know the answers to two questions: 1) does Gracie want a buddy? and 2) what can I do to relieve her anxiety?
I admit I was – and still am - cynical. Most of her responses seemed to be rather general. You could tell from looking at Gracie that she was an anxious dog. Of course, most of the thoughts in her head would be about going home.
She mentioned two things, though, that have me scratching my head. First, she correctly named the type and color of my car. My keys were not visible, and I am fairly confident she was already at the venue when I arrived.
Second, she said Gracie did not want a “barky” dog because she was not a barky dog. Terriers are known for being rather boisterous. Gracie is not. If she barks, we pay attention because there is usually a reason. That was interesting.
Will I be hiring her for future consultations? No. It is not my cup of tea. It was good fun, though. I still would like to know how she knew about my car.
Rescue Mommy
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Adventures at the Asheville Pet Expo
This past weekend, Gracie and I attended the Asheville Pet Expo. It was an interesting event. Vets from the local emergency animal hospital held talks about various topics. The local sheriff’s department had a K-9 demonstration. Vendors sold all sorts of interesting stuff.
Gracie had a meltdown in the car on the way. It was so strange. The night before, she was excited and barking happily as we rode to Grandma’s house. Before this trip, she was trembling. I almost turned back halfway there, but then she stopped trembling and lay in the seat, defeated.
She did very well with the other dogs at the expo. She has historically had issues meeting other dogs. Her reactions were typically defensive, unless the dog was about her size. She only showed a little aggression toward a Lab-mix pup who wanted to get in her face and a Great Dane who was just too darn big.
When she had enough of the crowds, she would want me to carry her. I know the trainers would disagree with me. I did it anyway. I was more concerned that someone would step on her or that being in a large crowd of people and dogs would overwhelm her.
For me, the expo was very interesting. For Gracie, I think she enjoyed meeting some of the dogs and definitely all the people. She probably would have been happiest with a 5-minute sweep of the area and then straight back home. It is important, though, to continue exposing her to new things. Fingers crossed, we can make some progress with her anxiety issues.
Rescue Mommy
Gracie had a meltdown in the car on the way. It was so strange. The night before, she was excited and barking happily as we rode to Grandma’s house. Before this trip, she was trembling. I almost turned back halfway there, but then she stopped trembling and lay in the seat, defeated.
She did very well with the other dogs at the expo. She has historically had issues meeting other dogs. Her reactions were typically defensive, unless the dog was about her size. She only showed a little aggression toward a Lab-mix pup who wanted to get in her face and a Great Dane who was just too darn big.
When she had enough of the crowds, she would want me to carry her. I know the trainers would disagree with me. I did it anyway. I was more concerned that someone would step on her or that being in a large crowd of people and dogs would overwhelm her.
For me, the expo was very interesting. For Gracie, I think she enjoyed meeting some of the dogs and definitely all the people. She probably would have been happiest with a 5-minute sweep of the area and then straight back home. It is important, though, to continue exposing her to new things. Fingers crossed, we can make some progress with her anxiety issues.
Rescue Mommy
Monday, April 4, 2011
A Visit to Brother Wolf
Last week, we paid a visit to Brother Wolf. I (Rescue Mommy, of course) really wanted her to meet Skippy, the Jack Russell terrier mix I mentioned in a previous posting. I know, I know – I should stay away from terriers. I know better, and Rescue Daddy repeatedly warned me against it. Well, this little experience was the eye opener I needed.
Gracie was very nervous at the shelter. She wanted little to do with the dogs. She wanted out of there. She settled down a little (a very little) when we went on a walk with Skippy. She checked him out, but there definitely was not a love connection.
The walk was very beneficial for me, though. Gracie was on one side, searching for the nearest exit. Skippy was bouncing around, grabbing the lead for a good game of tug. He had the JRT bounce, where it looks as if he has springs in his behind. He wanted to play, play, play.
Then, we visited Desi the spaniel. She was older than Jack, four years old to his two, and had recently had puppies. Her behind wiggled instead of her tail when she was excited. She checked out Gracie and walked around the visiting room but was not bouncing around the room with a toy. When we went on our walk, she did not have an overwhelming need to run. She could run and keep up with Gracie just fine, though. Gracie was ok towards her but did not seem terribly interested.
Seeing Gracie with a high energy dog made me realize that the trainers are right. A high energy dog will definitely increase her anxieties. Her overall demeanor was calmer around Desi than it was around Jack, even with all the distractions.
So, why didn’t I adopt Desi on the spot? As I mentioned, Gracie was not particularly enamored with her. I also had my own reasons. I know that I want a dog around Gracie’s size, and Desi was much bigger. I also want a dog in the two- to three-year old range. Some may be irritated by my comments. So be it. If more people were truly honest about what they wanted and needed in a pet, we might have fewer animals in shelters.
I realized that taking Gracie for shelter visits is not a reliable thing. I plan to either introduce her to fostered dogs in a neutral location or just bring the dog home for a trial and see what happens. I really think she would do well with the right dog. The search continues!
Rescue Mommy
P.S. Do not let my comments about Desi dissuade you if you are interested in her. She is a great dog. She is very mellow. She seems as if she would be a great dog for kids. Plus, she will be gorgeous after she has a little TLC.
Gracie was very nervous at the shelter. She wanted little to do with the dogs. She wanted out of there. She settled down a little (a very little) when we went on a walk with Skippy. She checked him out, but there definitely was not a love connection.
The walk was very beneficial for me, though. Gracie was on one side, searching for the nearest exit. Skippy was bouncing around, grabbing the lead for a good game of tug. He had the JRT bounce, where it looks as if he has springs in his behind. He wanted to play, play, play.
Then, we visited Desi the spaniel. She was older than Jack, four years old to his two, and had recently had puppies. Her behind wiggled instead of her tail when she was excited. She checked out Gracie and walked around the visiting room but was not bouncing around the room with a toy. When we went on our walk, she did not have an overwhelming need to run. She could run and keep up with Gracie just fine, though. Gracie was ok towards her but did not seem terribly interested.
Seeing Gracie with a high energy dog made me realize that the trainers are right. A high energy dog will definitely increase her anxieties. Her overall demeanor was calmer around Desi than it was around Jack, even with all the distractions.
So, why didn’t I adopt Desi on the spot? As I mentioned, Gracie was not particularly enamored with her. I also had my own reasons. I know that I want a dog around Gracie’s size, and Desi was much bigger. I also want a dog in the two- to three-year old range. Some may be irritated by my comments. So be it. If more people were truly honest about what they wanted and needed in a pet, we might have fewer animals in shelters.
I realized that taking Gracie for shelter visits is not a reliable thing. I plan to either introduce her to fostered dogs in a neutral location or just bring the dog home for a trial and see what happens. I really think she would do well with the right dog. The search continues!
Rescue Mommy
P.S. Do not let my comments about Desi dissuade you if you are interested in her. She is a great dog. She is very mellow. She seems as if she would be a great dog for kids. Plus, she will be gorgeous after she has a little TLC.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Car Therapy Update
We continue to take Gracie for little car rides most evenings. We give her a break every now and then when it seems to be getting too stressful for her.
Her reactions are still the same. If we make a right turn, she knows that is the direction to Grandma’s house and is excited. If we make a left turn, she becomes upset. We try to push her until she curls into a ball. Then, we turn the car around and return home. She almost immediately pops up. She looks out the window and realizes her torture is almost over. We hope this is a good sign.
Progress is very slow. It took 4 years for this behavior to take root. It is not going away overnight, even though we would like it. We would love any tips you have to offer.
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
Her reactions are still the same. If we make a right turn, she knows that is the direction to Grandma’s house and is excited. If we make a left turn, she becomes upset. We try to push her until she curls into a ball. Then, we turn the car around and return home. She almost immediately pops up. She looks out the window and realizes her torture is almost over. We hope this is a good sign.
Progress is very slow. It took 4 years for this behavior to take root. It is not going away overnight, even though we would like it. We would love any tips you have to offer.
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
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