Thursday, April 30, 2009

A very sweet thing.....

Late last night.........actually early this morning around 1am my Kimberly who is almost 18 years old, had a very bad seizure. To my knowledge this was the first seizure that she has had, and hopefully the last....All was quiet in the family room while I was watching TV last night.........all of the dogs were either cuddled up with me on the sofa or laying in their dog beds on the floor.......everyone except for myself was sleeping........Kimberly was sleeping on the smaller sofa by herself as she normally does at night.........when all of a sudden she jumped off of the sofa and started bumping into things very forcefully.......I quickly went to her to see what was going on when she then fell onto her side.........I have seen dogs having seizures many times in the past and this episode was classic. I carefully repositioned her and continued to stroke her head and body, telling her that everything was alright.......I remember even bringing my mouth to her ear and whispering to her that I was there and that she was going to be ok........I honestly thought at one point that she was going to be leaving me........I did not want this to be the way my girl crossed over that Rainbow Bridge but if it was, I was going to make sure she knew that I was there with her before she left.....
Now for the really amazing part...........During this episode all of my dogs had woken up and immediately went to Kimberly's side.........Each one of them licked her legs and face and kissed her and they were genuinely concerned about her.......There was not a sound out of any of them........no barking, no whining........nothing! This was probably one of the most beautiful yet frightening moments I have spent with my dogs.......Although none of my dogs have ever had a seizure up until this point........they all instinctively knew that Kimberly was in trouble and that she need their love....

This morning before I went to work I had to make the decision if I was going to bring Kimberly into the Vet's office or not..........Since bringing her to the Vet would really stress her out and she did seem to be much more herself later this morning, I decided not to bring her there......Had I done this the Vet would have suggested medication to prevent further seizures.......which would have turned my beautiful girl into a zombie! No, my Kimberly deserves much more that that........She has had an incredible long life filled with many wonderful adventures.......She deserved to be at home and at peace with her family this morning .........If she had given me any sign that she was in pain or discomfort, I would have brought her into the Vet's office in a flash..........but this was not the case.

Maroo.......was very quiet this morning when I was getting ready to leave for work........I let him outside with Kimberly right before I had to leave..........I watched them both from the window to make sure that she was ok........and I saw a very sweet thing, Maroo went over to Kimberly and started to lick her face........and for the first time since they have met, she allowed him to do this.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Rules For Non-pet Owners Who Visit, And Like To Complain About Our Pets

1. The dog lives here. You don't.

2. If you don't want dog hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.

3. I like my dog a lot better than I like most people.

4. To you, he's a dog. To me, he's an adopted Son who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.

5. Dogs are better than kids. They eat less, don't ask for money all the time, are easier to train, usually come when called, never drive your car, don't hang out with drug-using friends, don't smoke or drink, don't worry about buying the latest fashions, don't wear your clothes, don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and if they get pregnant, you can sell the pups.

The same applies to cats, except they ignore you until you are asleep.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Some like it hot, some like it not...


This past weekend, today, and tomorrow has been our first "heat wave" of the year....and in April too! All of my dogs usually handle the intense heat of summer without any problems......but when the heat comes on so fast as it did this past weekend you have to pay attention to each dog while they are outside playing so that they do not develope heat stroke.......A dog with heat stroke is a very serious condition and needs to be addressed immediately! It is key to get the dog into a cool environment asap!....and then to carefully monitor the dog until the distress is over........Well.......try telling this to a Tibetan Terrier! My guys will lay out in the full mid-day sun in the middle of a heat wave and think nothing of it! Watching them sun bath, makes me wonder if there really is something to that "long coat keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter" theory........it must be true because they adore the sun! I have to pay even more attention to my dogs who have been "clipped down" for the summer as to protect them from sun burn.........Yes dogs can become sun burned very easily if not wearing a sun screen just like their human counterparts........This weekend Maroo got his first taste of a good ol' North Eastern heat wave.......and I have to say he adored it just as much as my other TTs have in the past! He has become increasingly more outgoing in the play yard and even ventures out on his own exploring the various areas of interest in the yard........He has also learned how to play with a group as they chase each other around the yard in what I call the "TT Train" 4 or 5 dogs all running in a line chasing the tail in front of them until someone is caught! Just too much for any dog to have on a wonderful warm spring afternoon........Maroo has really come far in his play behavior......During his first few days here, he would only run back and forth from the deck to the yard until I would let him back inside....This was frustrating because he just did not know how to handle the open space of a play yard.....The story is, that the Missouri rescue dogs had free run at the puppy mill during certain times of the year.....For a dog who had free run of any open space, he would be comfortable with it, right? He certainly did not behave as if this had ever happened to him.....he just could not tolerate any outside space by himself unless I was there physically with him.........and even then, he was still very cautious......It is a good thing now to see him relax more and have fun without me being there right by his side, I watch him play outside while I am standing near a window or the back door......He trust the other dogs and they love to play with him.........Life was good during a very warm weekend for Maroo.........I have a feeling he will be laying out there sunbathing with the rest of them this summer..........I bet he would look cute in a "Speedo" :)

Friday, April 24, 2009

"When I think of home, I think of a place"......




"Whisper" before and after..........
Today I heard some wonderful news from Camille via email..........Our little old lady Whisper who brought tears to my eyes the first time I met her at the kennel is finally going to her new "forever" home! This sweet little gal was in such bad shape when she was rescued from the hell hole in Missouri that it was beyond sadness.........it broke your heart to see her. I know that Camille and the others who work at the kennel spent many an hour getting this poor soul back into shape and ready for adoption. I remember the warm spring day when Camille and I were visiting the Missouri dogs at the kennel and decided to bring Whisper outside with the other dogs for some fresh air..........She had been very sick the weeks before this day and since the weather was so nice we let her have some fresh air in the play yard. She was so happy to be able to spend time with the others and was actually smiling! At this time most of the dogs still had kennel cough so it was important that she was on a good schedule of rest since she was one of the older dogs.......Not only did she pull through the kennel cough with flying colors she became so much more healthier on a diet of good food and plenty of love and attention.
I am uncertain of the relationship between Whisper and my Maroo.......and for all I know she could very well be his biological mother.......Based on the horrific condition she was in when rescued from the puppy mill it is clear that she had been bred many times in the past......I know that a few weeks ago on Easter Sunday when I visited the kennel to spend time with the dogs I brought Maroo over to the fence on the side of the play yard so that he could see his family that were still there.......All of the dogs including Whisper became very excited to see Maroo and they were speaking to each other in their own Tibetan Terrier language! I am sure that Maroo was telling them all about his new life and the others were telling him about how well they were finally feeling now that they had people who loved them taking great care of all of their needs.........I remember how happy Whisper was to see Maroo.......her little tail was wagging so fast and she was doing the famous TT dance that I have come to know all too well over the years.......The others were equally as happy and the day turned out to be more special than I could have hoped for.........
I do not know the two women who have decided to adopt Whisper and bring her into their lives but I can only imagine that they are two very special women to be doing this......And Jerry, who I believe is transporting Whisper to her new home since it is a distance away, somewhere upstate New York I have been told.......very kind of him to be doing this for her!

I love hearing the success stories regarding the Missouri rescue dogs......I have also heard that little "Fred" is in his new home too! .......without any details concerning this great news I really cannot say more than this right now but will as soon as I learn more....
I hope that Whisper's new family will be keeping us posted on her progress and new life in New York.........and will also be sending lots of pictures!
God bless you Whisper.......You have come so far and deserve the loving home that you now have!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

a great sadness today......




A Tribute to Norma Jean:








It is with great sadness that I write this entry........During the early morning hours Norma Jean passed away and crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I fell in love with this lovely Afghan the first time I saw her months ago at my handling class......I feel privileged to have been able to spend time with her and get to know her beautiful spirit. Her owners Larry and Loretta are devastated and need all the love and support friends can offer right now........Losing a dog in this untimely manner is a sadness that cuts right to the soul.....Only time can begin to heal these wounds. Norma Jean is now free to run with the countless others who have crossed before her.........her spirit will live and love til the end of time.


"Into The West"

Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
Night is falling
You’ve come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore
Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms
You're only sleeping
What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home
And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
All souls pass
Hope fades
Into the world of night
Through shadows falling
Out of memory and time
Don't say:
We have come now to the end
White shores are calling
You and I will meet again
And you'll be here in my arms
Just sleeping
And all will turn To silver glass
A light on the water
Grey ships pass Into the West

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

That's what friends are for...........

This morning I heard some bad news via an email from my friend Nancy.........Apparently Loretta had called Nancy sometime during the very early morning hours to inform her that "Norma Jean" the gorgeous blond Afghan had come down with what the Vet is calling "Canine Flu" There is also a strong chance that NJ may have contracted this flu at the Harrisburg Kennel Club show a little over a week ago when we were showing dogs there.........She became violently ill sometime during the night and was rushed to the Vet's office...........later this morning when all of the treatment at this Vet's office had be exhausted, she was transferred to C.A.R.E. (Center for Animal Referral) in Langhorne Pa....C.A.R.E is an awesome facility with a very state of the art Emergency Department. After I finished grooming my first client's dog this morning I took a long break and went over to Langhorne to be with Loretta, Larry (L's husband) and Nancy who had also left work early to be there.........I brought Maroo with me for the ride and for moral support since Loretta loves him so! I was able to bring him into the ER and held him in my arms the entire time since I did not feel good about letting his paws touch the floor........You never can be too careful at a Vet's office......too many germs on the floor from other dogs walking about......Before I headed up to see NJ, I stopped at a shop called the "Ave Maria" which sells numerous medals of saints and religious articles.........I found a very beautiful St Francis medal for pets which fastens to a crate or collar.........in addition I also picked up a holy card which had the St Francis prayer for pets on it.......I gave both of them to Loretta when I arrived...........St Francis is an amazing saint........He watches over all animals and especially those who are ill and in need of special care.....I asked the Vet Tech if it would be alright if we attached the medal to NJ's crate and she told me "absolutely"!!! NJ is listed in "critical condition" at the moment but the Vets are doing everything they can possibly do for her right now...........Loretta and Larry are on overdrive, with no sleep since the day before..........I am going to head back up there to spend some time with them in a short while and do what I can to lend a shoulder if needed......During my first visit Maroo sensed where he was and I knew without a doubt that he was feeling the turmoil of other animals which were there in need of help...........He is very much an Empath when it comes to other animals....he can sense when another dog is feeling fear and pain...........I have noticed this many times when I have had him with me at the grooming salon.........It is almost like he wants to comfort them..........considering where he came from and how much he had to depend on his dog family at the puppy mill I am not surprised that he can read the emotions of others. Many folks know about NJ and her illness and are praying for her.....If you are reading this I ask that you say a prayer for her too.....There are never too many prayers as far as I am concerned..........My little man Maroo would pray if he knew how..........I am sure of that :)

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Just My Dog.......





JUST MY DOG



He is my other eyes that can see above


the clouds;


my other ears that hear above


the winds.


He is the part of me that can


reach out into the sea.


He has told me a thousand times over that


I am his reason for being:


by the way he rests against my leg;


by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile;


by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him.


(I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me)


When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.


When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.


When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.


When I am a fool, he ignores it.


When I succeed, he brags.


Without him, I am only another man.


With him,I am all-powerful.


He is loyalty itself.


He has taught me the meaning of devotion.


With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.


He has brought me understandingwhere before I was ignorant.


His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.


His presence by my side is protection against


my fears of dark and unknown things.


He has promised to wait for me...when ever...wherever--in case I need him.


And I expect I will--as I always have.


He is just my dog.
Copyright Gene Hill. All rights reserved.



*********************************************

The boy knows how to play!

Recently right before my eyes, Maroo has become "Mr Personality" in the play yard! He has always preferred dog over people from day one but I have noticed that lately he really is spending more time away from the back door and more time in the actual yard interacting with the other dogs.....Of course all of the dogs have been very patient and polite with him since his play skills left something to be desired at first but now it is very appropriate and actually pretty funny! He loves to weave himself under the bigger dogs and then jump on the backs of those he can and ride them around like a circus dog! This is one of the cutest things I think I have seen him do since he has come into my life........Once in awhile he will over step his boundaries and tick one of the girls off by being a bit too enthusiastic but they are never mean to him......It really is great seeing the progress he has been making now that the daylight is much longer at the end of the day and my guys can stay out in the yard playing on a warm spring evening.....Inside the house he has always been pretty good about picking and choosing toys and other dogs to amuse himself with.........But he has had spacial issues outside which are finally beginning to resolve! I could not be happier.........

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Luna and Maroo's fabulous adventure.....

Well early this morning my sister and I were off to Timonium Maryland to show Luna at the Mount Vernon Tibetan Terrier clubs regional specialty.....After last week at the Harrisburg Pa show I was a bit apprehensive about bringing Luna back into the show ring again.....but after a weeks worth of training and bonding with me.......the work paid off! There was a huge difference in the show ring then her previous show.........During the ride down to the show site both Luna and Maroo snuggled and slept soundly on the dog bed which was placed securely in the van to avoid and possible injuries..........I always try to secure my dogs when traveling even it is just a short distance across town.........Both dogs seemed to enjoy the ride very much........occasionally Maroo would sit up and look out of the windows to see the world outside while it was passing by outside of the van......The one thing that has impressed me about Maroo is that he has never had any anxiety about riding in a car.......Since he has really had no history that I know of riding in cars I can only assume that this is all new to him..........I do know that when a very large truck passed by and makes that sound that we all know when trucks pass us on the road he does become a bit anxious, but so do I :) Right now I am dead tired from being up so early this morning to prepare and leave for the show........and Maroo is fast asleep at my feet right now............This has been the 4th dog show he has attended with me and each time has enjoyed the day out very much.........He is an excellent ambassador for our breed when I meet other dog folks at the shows and tell them all about his story.........He is learning to accept new people much easier than he did weeks ago.....still has long to go but he has a sparkle in his eyes these days...........and those who meet him for the first time are charmed with his very sweet nature........Oh well time to take a nap just like my boy Maroo is doing right now :)

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Love can build a bridge......

I just realized today that I did not officially announce to anyone that I decided to adopt Maroo......Camille from the TTCA had asked me last week in an email if I had decided to adopt him or if I needed more time.........I explained to her that I could not imagine him going anywhere else then right here with me and my other dogs......we all have grown very attached to him and he fits right in to my canine family beautifully.......I do not remember which day it was but I had been thinking long and hard about the progress he has made and how I would feel if I had to let him move on to a new family.........it was then I realized that "I" was his new family and I could not part with him. At that very moment a song came on the radio which I had not heard for some time now........It was very popular back in the early 90s and was written and performed by the country/western group "The Judds" I believe it was the last song that they recorded and performed together as mother and daughter before Naomi had to retire from the business due to health problems..........the lyrics of this song resonated inside of me long after the song ended on the radio..........It was so fitting in relation to how I was feeling about Maroo that day.......If you have been in this situation perhaps you will know how I feel........a bit sentimental, yes.......but sometimes feelings can be very sentimental.....it is all good ......



I'd gladly walk across the desert
With no shoes upon my feet
To share with you the last bite
Of bread I had to eat
I would swim out to save you
In your sea of broken dreams
When all your hopes are sinkin'
Let me show you what love means

Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don't you think it's time?
Don't you think it's time?

I would whisper love so loudly
Every heart could understand
That love and only love
Can join the tribes of man
I would give my heart's desire
So that you might see
The first step is to realize
That it all begins with you and me

Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don't you think it's time
Don't you think it's time

When we stand together
It's our finest hour
We can do anything,
anything
Keep believin' in the power

Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don't you think it's time
Don't you think it's time

Love and only love
Love and only love

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

The White House has nothing on Maroo.......



With the news today of first family's new dog all over the television and internet, I have to say that I am disappointed that the Obamas did not decide on a "shelter dog" at the end of the day........Oh I understand that Senator Kennedy gave them this adorable puppy as a gift.......and that the PWD is a wonderful breed.......safe for the daughter who has allergies, but there was something about the hope of an unwanted puppy coming out of a life of turmoil to a life of privilege that gave many of us hope as well.


Spending time with the Missouri rescue TTs at the kennel when we visit each week has shown me something that I did not realize I had inside of myself.....or at least I did not think I had inside of me, that is humility....
Having purebred dogs from reputable breeders most of my life and really never taking a good hard look at the unwanted ones or the dogs which came from the horrors of a puppy mill has shown me that I am capable of sharing my life with a soul that has been damaged.......being able to accept love from a being that only knows how to give love because it is so primal to them and comes from the core of their existence.......not questioning this love.......taking it freely....
In the face of all that has happened to these dogs they still can give love to another being.......regardless if it is human or canine.......I have seen this in the way Maroo interacts with my other dogs and with me. The pure joy in his expression when he is happy playing or cuddling ....This is love at is very core. Seeing and feeling this has humbled me........and made me a better person....
This past weekend I purchased one of those magnetic signs for your car which was in the shape of a dog bone.........the saying read "I love my rescue" as I was showing it to my sister she informed me that there was another sign which was for sale..........this sign read "Who rescued Who?" I probably should have purchased this sign from the vendor at the dog show because those words are exactly how I feel right now......Who did rescue who?

Monday, April 13, 2009

Like Father, Like Son....


I am totally thrilled that Susan and Ira decided to foster "Archie" who is the Father of Maroo! This all happened in the blink of an eye between yesterday and today.......During our visit to the shelter yesterday Susan and I discussed the possibility of fostering Archie before he becomes adopted out to his "forever home" She needed the green light from Ira her husband first before jumping into this commitment.....Since Ira knows how important these rescue dogs are to her he agreed to bring Archie into their home.........So this morning with Maroo coming along for the ride we headed out to meet Camille at the shelter......Archie who is very sweet and fairly social greeted us when we stepped into the play yard.......almost like he knew we were coming back for him today! The ride back home in the van went very well......Archie sat on Susan's lap the entire time while Maroo kept giving him kisses every once in awhile......He handled the drive home with ease and did not seem to be distressed at all. After I dropped Susan and Ira off at their home I headed over to my house to begin the grooming process on Archie....His coat was a bit matted and tangled in places and he was in need of a good bath since he had been playing with his other TT family members at the shelter all week.....Once he was placed in the tub and the warm water started hitting his legs and feet he stood there and took the experience in stride.......He was very good about having his head and face washed as well........No trying to jump out of the tub what so ever! Once this part of the experience was completed we headed over to the grooming table to begin drying him with the power dryer......this was a bit unsettled for him because I have the feeling he never had a blow dryer used on his coat before.....with lots of words of encouragement and praise we got the job done! After he was dry I trimmed his feet and face up a bit to make him look more handsome then he already looked :) A stylish bandanna and a spritz of CK9 cologne finished the job! He looked awesome! Coat all shiny and smooth with no mats or tangles left to be found........At this point I decided to introduce him to my TT gang because they were just going nuts to meet this new little boy........in the play yard all went well.......no one got their nose out of joint and they all accepted him as one of the family! I called Susan to let her know how well he had done and then brought him over to the office where both of us needed to work this evening.......At the office Archie was "Mr Personality" with all of the new people he met........showing off his new look and bandanna the entire time :) He eventually fell asleep under my desk on the bed that I had brought here for Maroo when he comes to work with me........Right now he is resting .........He had a very busy day........and the best it yet to come....when he goes home with Susan after our work night is over.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail.....


Maroo and the North Star Tibetans wish everyone a Happy and Joyful Easter Sunday! The Easter Bunny has brought tons of treats for the gang here so Maroo will be very busy enjoying the day.........Susan and I will be visiting the other rescue dogs this morning up at the kennel......so they can enjoy some of the Easter treats as well!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

A Dog's Dog and the Hollywood Blond

Yesterday was the Chambersburg Kennel Club dog show over in Harrisburg Pa.....Brother and sister, "Richard" and "Luna" were entered to be shown...both are puppies from my December 2007 litter and have been training very well to get ready for the show ring these past weeks....But things did not go as planned......both Richard and Luna unfortunately did not do very well in the ring yesterday.....a completely different story for another day :) Along on this journey out to Harrisburg was "Norma Jean" a gorgeous 13 month old blond as blond can be Afghan hound.........owned by my friend Loretta who also came along with us.........us being my sister, my niece, Maroo, and myself.......All of use packed into the new van very comfortably. I always keep a dog bed between the two front captain seats for Maroo to lay in when we are going somewhere. He just loves that bed and will stay there and fall asleep on the drive to where we are going....Norma Jean was crated for the ride out there and Richard and Luna were securely kept inside the van in the second row of seats....Maroo has never met Loretta or my niece Marie before so it would be a new experience for him.....He took to both of them without any problem. Licking Marie's hand and giving great eye contact to Loretta the entire ride out to Harrisburg once at the show I kept him crated under my grooming table while I prepared both Richard and Luna for the show ring....he sat there quietly playing with a toy and then fell fast asleep.....no stress at all since this was the third trip to a dog show that he has gone to with me.........he seems to really enjoy all the sights and sounds of the other dogs........He really is a Dog's Dog kinda Dog :) After the days activities had been over we loaded up the van and headed home........this time since Loretta left her gear at the show site because she was returning the next day for Norma Jean to be shown again....I made a dog bed on the back bench seat for Norma to rest on while driving home.....Maroo kept looking at Norma......and so was Richard :) I think they both were in love with her by the look in their little dark brown eyes....Several times during the trip home Maroo would venture back to Norma's area and give her a kiss or two........Richard on the other hand jumped up onto the bench and layed down beside her like they were a couple of newlyweds :)..... I do not think Maroo was jealous because he and Richard are best buds.....he politely continued to return to the bench to check things out with both of them.......paying no attention to Loretta and Marie seated in the back row as he passed by......weeks ago Maroo would have never even gone back to that area if he had to pass a person he was not familiar with! He would have stayed close to me and would not make any eye contact with strangers at all.....With this Hollywood Blond seated in the back row of the van there was nothing that would stop Maroo's gentle heart from stealing a kiss or two from his new heart throb! He has always taken to new dog friends very well from day one.......and slowly he has begun to warm up to the human friends he is seeing on a regular basis right now.....Trust is a very big thing with Maroo......it does not come easy.....being raised as a puppy with little to no social skills or experience he has a very difficult time trusting people he just meets.........but he is getting much better.....hardly any turning of the head and "zoning out" as he did in the first few days after coming into my life........Norma Jean is such a gentle dog and is gigantic in size compared to Maroo......the picture of the two of them being affectionate to each other is still fresh in my mind........The only thing I regret about this new adventure is that no one took a picture of Norma, Richard, or Maroo being dogs at their best on the ride home.....Today Maroo still seems a bit tired from the long day yesterday.......he is sleeping right now next to me as I write this entry into his blog......based on the cute little noises he is making every once in awhile I have a funny feeling he is dreaming.......dreaming of himself and the Hollywood Blond riding into the sunset.......with the wind blowing through is hair.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

"Pesach samayach,"

Happy Passover from Maroo and the North Star Tibetan Terriers!

Friday, April 3, 2009

A step in the treat direction......

Something really wonderful happened this week with Maroo. For weeks now he has been struggling with accepting treats/cookies from strangers, especially women. But yesterday when I brought Maroo to work with me to the grooming salon he made a big step in his reclaiming of courage. Mari who I work with at the salon just loves Maroo and has been quietly encouraging him each time I bring him to work with me....she gives him his space and does not come across to strong so that he would fear being in the salon with me. In the past she has offered him treats and he would not even go near her no matter what the treat might be.......yesterday he took the treat willingly from her hand without hesitation! Today when I had him with me the same thing occurred........He has now accepted Mari as a friendly person that he can trust. This is an important step for him in his recovery.......up until a few weeks ago he would turn away and not even look at strangers in the eyes. Slowly he is accepting the love and affection of others.........I could not be more pleased with the progress he has made this week......Having a few days off from going everywhere with me was a good idea....It gave him a chance to slow down and relax a bit before going back into the new world he is still learning about each day......

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

A Van for all seasons.........


I decided to give my boy Maroo a break for a few days since he has had some much happen to him since he has come to live with me and my other dogs.....I have been bringing him non stop to work with me, rides in the car if I have to go somewhere, to a few dog shows, visiting friends, and to class when I teach obedience..........he has had much happen in such a short time. A break was needed and I am glad that he has had this time to become accustomed to staying home when I am not with him.........He has made this adjustment very well. He still has issues in the play yard especially during the daylight hours........people in the next yard over or loud noises in the area still stress him to the point that he wants to keep running up onto the deck trying to get back into the house..........He ignores the other dogs in the yard with him at this point........I carefully monitor him during these times from the door which opens into the yard.....He has not tried to escape from the yard but I want him to know that I am there watching him so that he knows that he is safe. He has been very good in the house and keeps his crate very clean........amazing since prior to this he had NO crate training......I feed him all his meals in his crate also which with dogs is a smart thing to do because instinctively dogs will not soil where they eat.......unless it is the lazy owner who does not listen or watch for the clues dogs give them when it is time to go potty outside.........he still is a lover boy and just loves giving kisses! He also loves to cuddle on the sofa while I am watching TV or working on my laptop. The other dogs seem to enjoy interacting with him during play and while running in the yard........He fits right in as he did during the first days he was here. I have also noticed recently that he has put on some weight! and his coat is becoming very shiny......amazing what good nutrition can do! This week I had to get a new mode of transportation since the transmission in my car is going to die any day now.....So I bought a very good and gently used Chevy Astro Van.........Perfect for the dogs and my business and the dog shows! Maroo has not been in the van yet but tomorrow I will be taking him to work so he will have his first experience in a Chevy :)