Preparing for change

Right now I'm in a hotel room in Houston with absolutely no idea where I'll be in 3 months.

When I started this blog it was to help promote the homeless pets in our care and outside of our fostering, I really didn't get into too much of my personal life. Seeing as I've been a terrible blogger these last few months, I might as well offer some sort of explanation.

If in case you didn't know, we're a Navy family. That is until November of this year. Jeff will process out of the military after 10 years of service. I was in for 6 years myself, and just went from sailor to sailor's wife. I kinda just want to go on being a sailor's wife, but my sailor is having none of it. We're in Houston so that he can attend a hiring conference and for the first time the reality of the situation is being driven home.

A new career field means possibly a new location. I've made great friends in Virginia and have a cool part time job. We own a house, and it took me a full year to find rescues and shelters I'm excited to work with. Sell the house, find a new house, settle in, find a job, find new rescues... I'd rather not.

While this is coming to the forefront, in the back of my head is our household. It's current makeup is me, Jeff, and Relay. For the last year we've been trying to bring a baby into the mix. So far no success, but in a way it's almost a relief. No perspective parent is ever sure they're ready. Not like I can ask Relay how he'll feel about the addition. And a really big question: how will that effect fostering?

Because life doesn't wait for you to sort your things out before it hands you more to deal with you can add some family conflict, illness, financial concerns, and weight management onto my plate. Oh and I have a bad hair cut. There, I think that's it.

We'll see how it all unfolds. Wish me luck!

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What's one more?

A few weeks back our neighbor informed us that she had some long work days ahead. Would we be willing to let her (recently rescued pekingese :-) dog, Brucey Bear out during the day? Of course, not a problem. He gets along great with Relay.

Then came the call from NACC. Could we possibly take in a mother and her 5 kittens? Of course, not a problem. Mama does all the hard work and we have a big spare bathroom.

Just a few days later came the call from Collie and Sheltie about a hoarding situation. Did we feel up to taking Kyle? Of course, not a problem. You know how Jeff loves his shelties.

Last week came a text from a friend headed to San Fransisco for a week. Bogey the Puggle needed a place to crash, was that okay? Of course, not a problem. Bogey and Relay love hanging out, it's a hound dog thing.

Not a few days later came a second text from friends desperately trying to get out of town to visit family. Can you take Pudgy and Remmy for a week?  Of course, not a problem. Any chance this Navy family can spend with their kids they should jump at, we can handle a pekepoo and boxer.

Are you guys keeping track? Because I obviously never did. I'm in the middle of 'The Week' and it's a marathon to be sure.Hardest part so far had to be trying to transition the kittens to can food. Mama ate the most of it and made herself sick. EVERYWHERE. Otherwise, we're doing okay. Not a problem. Okay, maybe a little.

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Introducing... Kyle!

After another trip to the vet to help Collie and Sheltie Rescue for the last sheltie from the hoarding situation and a collie that was an owner surrender (that trip totaling $630), I was cleared to take Kyle home. To hear his back story, check this post out. Isn't that face heartbreaking? 

Well, my days have been filled with s-l-o-w progress. Well, to be perfectly honest I'm not sure that I'm making progress yet. I suppose that is to be expected. He doesn't know what it means to be in a home, how to be around people, how to interact with dogs... He's just overall terrified of the world. So I've been giving him a lot of time to himself. Whether on the back porch, the yard or the kitchen, he could only seem to settle when he was alone. A few problems came up rather quickly. Jeff suspected that he started to urinate on the porch. I began to suspect that he would eat his feces while in the yard. So, now he cannot be unsupervised unless crated. Almost a week into this that is where I am.

We took a step back in building trust with a bath yesterday. He handled the situation like a champ during, but the poor thing was shaking for hours after. He won't take treats and hasn't eaten well. He needed to loose some weight, but I don't want him starving himself. I'll keep trying to make baby steps. On the positive side, Kyle does not have an aggressive bone in his body. He's a sweet boy, just very, very scared.

Now almost demanding as much time is the situation in the bathroom. If you'll remember, we've been hosting a very cute family. The five kittens and mama cat are all perfection, and as of yet all nameless. (Send in suggestions :-) Mama is just a love bug, she lives to be pet, especially on her tummy. Also, not inline with cat stereotypes her favorite pass time is to play with water. 4 of the kittens are inquisitive  sometimes feisty but all around adorable. The last little runt is so far behind in development, Jeff and I take turns making sure that it gets ample feeding time to catch up.

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Sheltie rescues respond to hoarding in NOVA

What would we do without great rescues? The Humane Society of Orange County reached out to local Shetland Sheepdog rescues to help with a hoarding case. The owner lost her home and 15 shelties were turned in. Without hesitation Northern Virginia, Northern Chesapeake, and Collie and Sheltie Rescue of Southeast Virginia were there to step in. These dogs were neglected and bred irresponsibly.

That picture above is of one of the dogs taken in by the group I foster for, Collie and Sheltie. Six volunteers "spent four hours nonstop shampooing, clipping, and picking hundreds of ticks off their little bodies." And they went through the process again the next day. Here's the bathtastic photo gallery link. One dog had to have a patch shaved down to get at a nest of ticks. But as always, you should never underestimate the resiliency of a good dog. All three poochies were amazing.

I happened to be out of town this weekend, but was able to help two of the dogs get some much needed medical attention today. Teddy had the worst of the tick infestation and was a bit overweight. Meghan seemed to fair better with the bugs but her nails were so over grown she couldn't walk straight. Great news is they seem to be pretty healthy, that aside. Some blood work, shots, nail trims, fecal came to almost $450. The third sheltie, Kyle goes in Thursday for his first visit. Then it's spay and neuter surgeries, dental work, more shots and blood tests, prescriptions, heartworm and flea preventative... These three dogs will end up with thousands in medical bills.

Thankfully these babies are on the road to recovery. When Kyle gets his vetting done, he's going to come stay here at Relay's House and Teddy and Meghan will find their own temporary home to care for them. I know I often hear about animal hoarding in the news, but I suppose I never really thought of what comes after the dogs are saved. Now, I'm going to get a front row seat and I must admit to being a little intimidated. I'll start with some love and go from there.

 

If you are able and would like to help, all three rescues are not for profit charities. Every little bit counts. Thank you.

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Nobody called

Well, this is the excuse I allowed myself. I'd planned on writing my next post the when I got another call to be a foster. So I waited and put off blogging. And kept putting it off. Honestly, I have no excuse. But here to distract you from my bad writing habits is the latest group to take over our spare bathroom. This is my first crack at fostering a mama and her kittens. 5 of them! Can you believe it? And all they do is sleep and nurse. If you all can find it in your hearts to forgive me, care to help me out with some names?

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Think your kids are ready for a dog? Why not borrow one first?

My friend Sara and her husband think it might be time to get a dog. Both have owned dogs in the past, but that was before kids. Choosing to adopt is a family affair and everyone in the household needs to be involved and on the same page. Too many families rush into the decision, and I've wondered: Why not take dog ownership on for a test drive, first?

Fostering has its fringe benefits, and I was happy to host dog 101. Sara and the kids came over a few times to hang out with our pups. Having them meet Smokey, the lovely lady puppies Nutella and Cookie, Relay of course, even inviting Julia and Dante over as well, all that gave them a chance to toe the waters. Both the kids were intrigued.

Next up was a home visit my little ambassador. Sara took Relay home for a few days while Jeff had Navy responsibilities and I was up visiting family in New Jersey. Here are some very cute shots of the youngest enjoying the new addition. Unfortunately, one day he had to stay home from school because of a fever. Nurse Relay kept him company until he felt better.

Overall it was a success. Relay is a great dog to practice with and made the visit pretty easy. At 43 pounds, however, the oldest thinks he's just too big and it was clear he'd be more comfortable with a smaller dog. The household as a whole is also pretty laid back, so a low energy easy going dog is ideal. The boys helped feed, walk, and take care of Relay and Sara feels more confident that their family is ready.

I think from now on anyone thinking of adding a pet to the family should do a test run first. Too many dogs are surrendered because of unknown allergies, people unprepared for the responsibility and lifestyle adjustments, etc. Just borrow a poochie and take it for a test drive. What do you think? Would you loan out your pup?

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Double the pleasure, double the fun

Ahhhhhhh. Things have been going crazy. Smokey got adopted, Jeff got sent the middle east. Relay had another bought of limping and an ear infection. But oh my goodness... puppies. Yes, puppies. 2. Shortly after we got Nutella, the pound called us up with a second displaced little girl. Introducing... Cookie! It is a nut house. But I'll skip all that and just post some great shots taken by my friend Julia. Enjoy!

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Consider me thankful

As you can well imagine I have my hands full with the baby Nutella, and getting Smokey ready for adoption (yay!). But when Julia asked us to watch her boy, Dante so she could run errands, we were happy to help.

Errands took about an hour... and that is 60 minutes longer than Dante can stay alone. We are talking code red separation anxiety. He must have a person with him at all times. Barking, destruction, sheer panic ensues. Attempts at crate training ended with a broken tooth. This registered therapy dog, ball obsessive, mohawk sporting, rescued bichon has a lot of love and a very large problem.

Despite the 20 some odd dogs that have come through our doors this last year, I seem to be forever surprised. Relay came to us aged three months from the pound. He chewed inappropriately once, had an accident twice, and after that was perfectly behaved. Potty trained, crate trained, no aggression issues, and can be left alone to wander from comfy spot to comfy spot around the house until we get home. And I take that for granted every day.

To the best pup in the world: Thank you, love Mom.

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7 Things to know about Smokey

1. Smokey is a sock monster. I can walk around the house and find kidnapped socks stashed around the dining room table, by the toy bin, and next to his crate.

2. He hip checks Relay to indicated he's ready to play.

3. If I'm holding the puppy, he can spring straight up in the air a good three feet to get a sniff.

4. Grooming time is one of the best times of the day.

5. He does not believe in personal space when it's petting time.

6. Dogs in TV commercials need to be barked at, passing fire trucks need to be howled at.

and last, but certainly the most exciting...

7. We're meeting up with a potential adopter today! Wish us luck.

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Introducing... Nutella!

A 3 week old chocolate lab came into my life all of about 10 minutes ago and I really couldn't wait any longer to share the news. I am just gushing!

 

First off I want to point out how completely rediculous Jeff and I are for naming her Nutella. In total honesty that was the first name we both thought of when we learned that the pound needed a foster. I blame hunger. But whatever, she'll get a new name in about 5 weeks time anyway. That's how long we get this baby. Just old enough to get her spay and be put on the adoption floor.

Secondly, let me point out for all those out there that swear that there are never any puppies in shelters, :-p

Her story is a weird one. A special needs person just brought it home, saying someone outside of a supermarket gave it to her. The mother immediately brought her to the pound. Thankfully, she seems healthy and happy, but normally a puppy should never be separated from her mother at so young an age. I've never had a puppy foster this small before, all she does is squeak, pee, eat, and sleep. And for a few weeks she's all ours. Relay seems intrigued. Smokey seems unsure. I'm sure once Jeff gets home, he'll be in love.

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Testing for food aggression

As a foster, I need to be prepared to answer questions about dogs in my care. One question not always thought of is "What can trigger an aggressive response?" Many of the dogs come with incomplete histories, so I often run the pups through a gantlet of scenarios to see how they react. Right now I want to talk about food aggression.

Even the best of dogs can have some food issues, so I don't typically consider it a deal breaker. However, it is vitally important that we can paint an honest picture of dogs available for adoption to make sure the match is forever. Food aggression could mean nothing to a family with no children or other dogs, or everything to a family with both. When we get a foster dog I end up checking their levels of food aggression and their triggers systematically.

Dogs first start out with meals in their crates. This actually ends up being very helpful to nervous dogs who are over whelmed with all the changes. From here I can also see the pace and interest in kibble. Some dogs inhale the food, others graze, some only eat when they see others eating. If I have multiple fosters in the house, my next step is to start each meal with pups in their crates. Then I will let them out, one at a time, directing them to their specific bowl, based on the speed that they eat. I always stay in the room to play referee. Invariably, one will try to wander over to another bowl. I just guide them back to theirs and pick up all the bowls once a meal is done. What I'm looking for here is which dogs try to muscle and how each dog reacts to the proximity.

From this baseline of kibble at meal time, I can test if different foods trigger different responses. We feed a variety of food and snacks here, and expose our fosters to them little by little. Biscuits, dried meats, can food, home made dog food, bully sticks, cooked meats, raw meats. Those last three are the ones to watch for severe reactions.

Before any snack I make sure that each dog is sitting. Once they are chomping away, I approach, and then walk away. A little later, I come back, this time a little closer, and walk away. Lastly, I walk on over, say "good boy/girl" and give them a pat. With Relay it doesn't matter what the food is, if I came over and took it straight out of his mouth, he would not react at all. Some of my fosters may growl a little until they figure out I mean no harm. Only on two occasions have I encountered an aggressive response.

It was actually our very first foster, Holly who bit me. We had never had any indication of food aggression up to the incident. I gave her a bully stick and she went over to the couch to chomp away. Both Jeff, Relay and I were in the living room, moving around. I sat on the couch and she growled. Thinking I would send her to 'time out' I motioned towards her, and snap. This sweet little beagle, loving as the day was long, clamped down on my hand and took out a chunk for good measure.

Looking back I can tell I took her sweet, submissive demeanor for granted. Also, I wasn't paying enough attention to her physical cues. But the good news was I now knew that there was a problem to address. I trained with her over the course of the next few weeks until I was able to give her that same bully stick, take it away and give it back, and sit next to her, petting the whole time as she enjoyed it. And before she was adopted, I made sure to inform the family.

I am by no means professional dog trainer, but a year of living with pups, smoothing out their rough edges, research, and good old fashioned trial and error is helping me become a better foster mom. As I figure things out, I'll be sure to share my two cents, but I'm always looking for insights. So, what about you? Ever encounter food aggression? What worked, what didn't?

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Introducing... Smokey!

Our latest from Collie and Sheltie Rescue comes to us with a very similar backstory as Harley. An owner surrender, this time at Virginia Beach SPCA, Smokey could not cope with the shelter environment. A very sensitive breed, poor thing cowered in the corner and wouldn't let anyone come near. Thankfully they contacted CSREVA before they put him down. And wouldn't you know it, outside of the SPCA he was just your typical dog.

Although Shetland Sheepdogs do come in black and white, I suspect this kid may have a touch of mystery to his makeup. Possibly border collie? He's still beautiful regardless. (You'll be able to see it better when that cone comes off ;-) And he's very much a young pup, they estimate him to be 1-2 years old, so I'm sure he will draw quite a bit of interest.


Smokey spent some time at the Rescue HQ (and by that I mean the home of the woman who runs Collie Sheltie), so we know that he's cat friendly. He's also dog friendly, doesn't mark, and isn't being territorial with his food, toys, or treats. He's crate trained and knows 'sit' which is always a plus. When it's loving time, he's all about it.

Now for the things we need to work on. This pup is definitely skittish. I'm sure it will take a full two weeks to get him comfortable with us.(The cone never helps this process.) He spends much of his time hanging out by the back door or in the front room. Outside he can bark and recently a fire truck went by sirens blazing and we heard Smokey howl back. (Jeff loves a good howl, so he would not consider this a negative.) Biggest logistics issue is that he has no idea how to go up and down stairs. This is a huge problem for us on the second floor. But overall nothing insurmountable that would limit his placement. We'll give him some time to sort it all out and then start some training.

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This is a foster blog, right?

Where are the fosters?

When Relay was injured, we had to give up our two foster dogs, Max and Trixie. Because I wasn't being as strict about the bed rest as I needed to be, Relay took a long time to see improvement. To keep him company we had a kitten foster, Boots (really, because we can't help ourselves).

But I have some happy news. All three of these kids found their forever homes! I'm still waiting to see happy adoption shots of the two pups, but because Boots (now called Luna) was adopted by a friend of mine, I can share a little cuteness.

I think it's safe to say that she's settling in just fine.

And a little more happy news. Relay seems like he's getting back to his normal self. I'll still keep an eye on things, but we're going ahead and putting ourselves back on the available list for our rescues... And wouldn't you know it, there's a sheltie that needs some fostering love. More to come on that front here soon.

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The Best of #BtC4A 1/15

Blog the Change for Animals is a time for pet bloggers to shine and put the spotlight on causes they are passionate about. Life got in the way a bit this time and I could only manage a link to an earlier post. Instead, I decided to show my support in a different way. I made sure to stop by all the submissions this today. Here are my favorite posts (in the order I read them) with links to the article and twitter handle of the authors. If, like me you are trying to play catch up, run down this cheat sheet and be sure to stop by and send them some pet blogging love.

Peggy's Pet Place: Dogs Deserve Better - I know that I've seen them. Dogs that seem perpetually chained to a post or tree. Abandoned and neglected... but not by everyone. There's a group of people determined to help bring these pets into loving homes. And you can be a part of it, too. +Peggy Frezon

NEPA Pets: So you think you want a Parot? - I would almost argue that owning a parrot is more difficult than owning a dog. My father is a bird whisperer so I love this post. Share this with anyone thinking about parrot adoption.

PupLove: Paws on the Shore - I love this concept. All dogs welcome to get some great exercise and socialization and help raise funds for rescue and wonderful animal causes. Makes me want to start one here.

I Sitll Want More Puppies: FOHA: Forty Years of helping animals - One of my go to blogs of course has a must read. Showcasing the impact a great rescue can have, how much it can accomplish, this post inspires us all to join the good fight.

No Dog About It: Help Fight Minnesota Puppy Mills Today - Another of my favorite bloggers, this post is a call to arms! Jeff's home state has an opportunity to help make a huge difference in the lives of countless pets and Mel for one is not going to let it pass.

Cindy Lu's Muse: Puppy Parlor Pet Shop - Not all irresponsible breeding happens on some factory farming scale. This post talks about how abuses are happening right in the back room. Scroll to "What can we do about this?" for your marching orders.

Rescued Insanity: My First Fostering Experience - I got such a kick out of reading the highs and lows with this first kitten foster, having had our own here and felt the same. This is an honest look at the apprehensions of fostering and all the joys that follow.

The Daily Dog Blog: Be the Change by Being Nice -  Utterly fascinating  and just the simplest of ideas... Be nice. This post looks at the mindset of pet hoarders and how a little love can go a long way.

Keep the Tail Wagging: Help Dog Rescue by Changing Attitude - Not a confrontational person, I err on politeness even when I'm not met in kind. But sometimes, making a statement, taking a stand for animals is more important than etiquette. Read this post and feel free to substitute your favorite four letter word. +Kimberly Gauthier

Bringing Up Bella- Saving Satos - Okay, so I don't really agree with some of the wording in this post. It's still a great adoption story, and if we can't look at a topic from all angles, then we can't ever hope to understand it. Besides... Bella is a cutie!

Pixel Blue Eyes: No Tail Left Behind Continued - I was always a fan of a happy tail wag, but had no idea of the possible health complications of tail docking. Let's educate ourselves that there are consequences to cosmetics. +Pixel Blue Eyes

This was a marathon reading session! 60 posts and I don't even know how many hours later... But all for a good cause. Big thanks to Be the Change 4 Animals for hosting, and I'll be sure to get it together for the next go around. And if you haven't read our submission, please do. It really is a beautiful story. +Relays House

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2013 Pet Blogger Challenge

I just love the pet blogging community for setting up little gems like these. And just after my own first blogaversary! Even though I'm on the road (Jacksonville, FL is treating me very nicely I must say) I'll take a minute or two to answer some questions and will enjoy the rest of the week jumping around other entries and make some more friends.

1. When did you begin your blog?

1 year ago

2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?

To use this platform to highlight our adventures becoming a foster family and to help homeless pets find their forever homes.

3. Is your current purpose the same?

I'm very glad to say that it is. I was surprised to add the occasional kitten, and more than a few misadventures. I've also been very glad to impart a few tips and treats along the way.

If so, how do you feel you’ve met your goals?

Well, I'm very happy to report that a few adopter families said the blog helped them make their decision. It's hard looking at a profile photo and make a choice on a new addition to your family. A few posts on their personality, some cute videos, and seeing how the dogs interact in my home help people better understand if it's the right fit.

4. How often do you post?

Not nearly as often as I should. I average about every three days or so... but I admit to going a week between because of lack of planning, vacation, or life hiccups.

5. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?

If I have enough forethought to jump on a blog hop awesome, but more often than not it is just as I feel I have something to say.

If you don’t publish on a schedule, why? How do you think your decision affects your audience? How do you know when a topic is “post-worthy?”

I don't always have fosters. We like to take a break in between to let us all come back to a sense of normal. In those lulls I will blog only when I think I have something "post-worthy" which to me is defined by the idea "can this post accomplish something." That could be as simple as making the reader smile or as serious as a call to action.

6. How much time do you spend writing your blog per week? How much time visiting other blogs? Share your  tips for staying on top of it all.

You know, I never thought to time how long it takes me to write a post. There are a few that I edit again and again trying to get the wording just right. Others where its just a furry of fingers on keyboard. Thankfully, Twitter, Facebook, and Google + help to keep me appraised of all the comings and goings of my fellow bloggers. I do have a few favorite blogs that I make a point to check on more frequently, but I need to be more diligent of spreading my blogging love.

7. How do you measure the success of a post and of your blog in general (comments, shares, traffic)?

To look at the comments or traffic can become obsessive, so I define each post's success by how I feel about it. Some of my most successful posts are ones that get the least amount of traffic. When I can feel moved by something, even after months of its' publishing, I am proud.

Do you look strictly at the numbers, or do you have a way of assessing the quality of those interactions?

Numbers are important, to a point. My best interactions come into play when another blogger reads my posts and thinks so much of them to include a link into their own blog. First time that happened I was acting like a complete happy fool.

8. If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one issue you’re having with your blog, what would it be?

I suppose that now that I spend so much time doing this, it would be important for me to start trying to monetize. That is a whole subject on which I know nothing and that scares me witless.

9. What goals do you have for your blog in 2013?

It was a rough first year blogging, learning the ropes if you will. Now I need to streamline my process, and get these homeless pets as much exposure as possible.

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Not a bad first year

My first blogiversary.

The entire things seems a bit surreal. And of course my family thinks that I'm silly. I think they expected this to be a fad that I would go through. [Well, to be fair, I may need to be a bit more diligent about my posts, there are some major revamps that I need to get through (so please be patient during the upcoming 'construcion').] But almost 20,000 views and 100+ posts, I find myself scrolling over to the Happy Tails tab and seeing the actual difference I have made in such a short time. Pets who were scared, untrained, starved for affection are now in warm, loving homes.

It was not a year wasted at all. I am a better person for experiencing all the highs and the lows of fostering. And I am richer for having such great blogging buddies to cheer me on along the way. To my readers, to the pet bloggers, to my friends, and of course to Jeff and Relay... thank you for a terrific year.

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