(no subject)
Okay heads up, because the rest of my life kind of still sucks (though less than it did before) this post is going to be entirely dog oriented, because that makes me happy. So you can skip over it if you want to.
6 months home with my puppyboy and I am happier every day. He is such an amazing dog, seriously. He used to be insane and I was worried for a while that we wouldn't be able to keep up with him. I mean, I would do ANYTHING for him, but it scared me because he just couldn't calm down. And I wanted him to be happy. But after he was neutered and the weather warmed up, he has calmed down SO MUCH. I still take him to the park a million times a week, which he still loves. It's a pretty steady group we've got going. We all know each other and our dogs and things. It's really nice. But now Charlie comes home from the park and is actually TIRED, which is a pure miracle.
Not only that, Charlie has pretty much conquered every fear he had when we got him (not many by a long shot, but there were some). Namely, he was overcome his complete distaste for all things water. He tromps in his kiddie pool every day, is sad when it's not full, and now has a complete blast with the hose, which I NEVER thought would happen.
Charlie's other hurdle that I thought we would be dealing with forever is not pulling on the leash. But that's basically eliminated, after hours and days of frustration. I can walk him down to the corner and back now without even holding the leash and he's right by my side, all the time. We're still working on that when we're out, but he doesn't pull much even then, anymore. I'm seriously impressed.
Other things my smart boy has learned, in no particular order: Sit, down, stay, paw, leave it (I can surround him with any sort of treats I want and he won't touch them until I give him the okay), drop it, roll over, go to bed, wait (different from stay sort of? I use this mainly for walking when I want him to stop at corners and such), and look at me. He is a smartyface and getting better at his coordination (he is still a very lanky puppy). Charlie also makes a fabulous guard dog. He's 65 pounds now (of solid muscle) and sweet as can be, but the bark on him would scare off pretty much anyone with a brain.
I was really worried, when we got him, that he wouldn't bond with me. Or with anyone really. I mean, not truly. But he has learned to trust me (he now offers me his tummy for rubs, which he never, ever, ever did before) and though he is not by any means a snuggly dog, it is very clear I am his mommy. And I am a very proud mommy. Hehe. I love him more than life itself.
Now something a bit more melancholy...is there anyone looking for a pet? Because I came across two dogs on the PetFinder forum...both of them are healthy, one is 12 and one is 13, medium dogs, bonded for life because...they have been living in the same run at the shelter for over ten years. Yes, two dogs, in the shelter, for more than TEN YEARS. They're both obviously reaching the end of their respective roads, and all they need is a place to be loved and fed and cared for until then. A shelter for a month is not acceptable for a dog, but this is just...it completely shatters my heart to think of it. :( The rescue they're at is in Florida, but basically they could figure out transport anywhere. So if you would like to give them a home, or you know anyone else who might...Please let me know? Or better yet...
Kurt and Millie are the GOLDEN COUPLE. Their pictures speak for themselves, reflecting their sweet and loving personalities. What they don't tell you is that they have spent the past 10+ years as shelter dogs. Together they have lived outside in their pen at the animal shelter, keeping each other company year after year, brutal summer after brutal summer.
Millie is 13 and Kurt her junior, at 12. They are both around 35 lbs and these healthy seniors are still waiting for those forever homes that they have been rejected for over and over again. These old eyes have seen all the young ones come and go.
They have weathered Hurricane Katrina and Wilma, recovered from mange and seen their friends pass over the Rainbow Bridge. But they haven't thrown in the towel yet.
They are still waiting for that one home where they can feel love and be cherished for their remaining years on this earth. Don't they deserve it?
If you want to be the lucky one to spend these last years with these precious little loves, just call Kathy at 305-401-4693 or email klcremer@aol.com. They don't need much.
Two soft beds, 2 square meals, a couple of squeaky toys........and plenty of love, is all it will take to win a place in their hearts.
Kurt:
Millie:
6 months home with my puppyboy and I am happier every day. He is such an amazing dog, seriously. He used to be insane and I was worried for a while that we wouldn't be able to keep up with him. I mean, I would do ANYTHING for him, but it scared me because he just couldn't calm down. And I wanted him to be happy. But after he was neutered and the weather warmed up, he has calmed down SO MUCH. I still take him to the park a million times a week, which he still loves. It's a pretty steady group we've got going. We all know each other and our dogs and things. It's really nice. But now Charlie comes home from the park and is actually TIRED, which is a pure miracle.
Not only that, Charlie has pretty much conquered every fear he had when we got him (not many by a long shot, but there were some). Namely, he was overcome his complete distaste for all things water. He tromps in his kiddie pool every day, is sad when it's not full, and now has a complete blast with the hose, which I NEVER thought would happen.
Charlie's other hurdle that I thought we would be dealing with forever is not pulling on the leash. But that's basically eliminated, after hours and days of frustration. I can walk him down to the corner and back now without even holding the leash and he's right by my side, all the time. We're still working on that when we're out, but he doesn't pull much even then, anymore. I'm seriously impressed.
Other things my smart boy has learned, in no particular order: Sit, down, stay, paw, leave it (I can surround him with any sort of treats I want and he won't touch them until I give him the okay), drop it, roll over, go to bed, wait (different from stay sort of? I use this mainly for walking when I want him to stop at corners and such), and look at me. He is a smartyface and getting better at his coordination (he is still a very lanky puppy). Charlie also makes a fabulous guard dog. He's 65 pounds now (of solid muscle) and sweet as can be, but the bark on him would scare off pretty much anyone with a brain.
I was really worried, when we got him, that he wouldn't bond with me. Or with anyone really. I mean, not truly. But he has learned to trust me (he now offers me his tummy for rubs, which he never, ever, ever did before) and though he is not by any means a snuggly dog, it is very clear I am his mommy. And I am a very proud mommy. Hehe. I love him more than life itself.
Now something a bit more melancholy...is there anyone looking for a pet? Because I came across two dogs on the PetFinder forum...both of them are healthy, one is 12 and one is 13, medium dogs, bonded for life because...they have been living in the same run at the shelter for over ten years. Yes, two dogs, in the shelter, for more than TEN YEARS. They're both obviously reaching the end of their respective roads, and all they need is a place to be loved and fed and cared for until then. A shelter for a month is not acceptable for a dog, but this is just...it completely shatters my heart to think of it. :( The rescue they're at is in Florida, but basically they could figure out transport anywhere. So if you would like to give them a home, or you know anyone else who might...Please let me know? Or better yet...
Kurt and Millie are the GOLDEN COUPLE. Their pictures speak for themselves, reflecting their sweet and loving personalities. What they don't tell you is that they have spent the past 10+ years as shelter dogs. Together they have lived outside in their pen at the animal shelter, keeping each other company year after year, brutal summer after brutal summer.
Millie is 13 and Kurt her junior, at 12. They are both around 35 lbs and these healthy seniors are still waiting for those forever homes that they have been rejected for over and over again. These old eyes have seen all the young ones come and go.
They have weathered Hurricane Katrina and Wilma, recovered from mange and seen their friends pass over the Rainbow Bridge. But they haven't thrown in the towel yet.
They are still waiting for that one home where they can feel love and be cherished for their remaining years on this earth. Don't they deserve it?
If you want to be the lucky one to spend these last years with these precious little loves, just call Kathy at 305-401-4693 or email klcremer@aol.com. They don't need much.
Two soft beds, 2 square meals, a couple of squeaky toys........and plenty of love, is all it will take to win a place in their hearts.
Kurt:
Millie: