Today, my foster pup found his forever home. He was surrendered 2 and a half weeks ago and I've lost a lot of sleep during that time. Is it just because I knew him with all of his siblings during his first weeks? Is it because I have his brother at home? Is it because he looked at me with those sad puppy eyes? I don't know. I guess sometimes, a person or a dog just strikes you and you feel drawn to them for some unexplainable reason. That's what happened with Zorr.
His story amazes me...
He started life with his 11 siblings on a concrete patio in Salinas. One didn’t make it through the night. A shelter took them all in, but had to find a foster situation after a few weeks. Through the incredible dog rescue network, they made their way to my laundry room. The next 8 weeks was a blur of food, poop, puppy kisses and exhaustion! Zorr went to a home, just like all the others. But then, 7 months later, his owner couldn’t deal with him any longer. She made the right decision and returned him before she neglected him. So he came to the shelter undamaged, trained, wanting and needing a family.
Since the puppies left, I’ve concentrated on training my puppy and retraining my older dog. I’m so glad to have hooked up with some great trainers who have become good friends... These months later, my boys started school and I had time on my hands. I decided to answer a volunteer call to help at the shelter with reactive dogs. Well, that’s required me to be there almost every day. And I’ve been LOVING it. I love working with dogs and making a difference in their lives. And to work with people so committed to the welfare of needy animals is just a dream.
So I was there at the shelter when a woman decided to drop off a 9 month old brown puppy from my foster litter. From that moment, this boy was under my wing, in my house, by my side, under my skin.
My wonderful trainer friends let me take him to class for free. I went this morning. I almost didn’t go – it had been a long week, I’d already walked both of my dogs and just couldn’t imagine giving more to another canine. But I slogged through. Halfway through class, Zorr got restless; we went outside for a pee break. He didn’t need to pee. He layed down on the cool sidewalk in the shade just happy to be alive and out of the barking chaos that is the shelter. He and I were just basking in the glory of the moment together. A woman in a pickup commented on how beautiful he was. I agreed and said he was available for adoption. She laughed and drove on. But she circled the block, stopped and fell in love.
She met us back at the shelter, with her husband and her son and her business partner from the ranch they all live on. They immediately took to this dog.
Anywhere along the timeline of Zorr's life, someone could have said ‘no’. No – the shelter would not find a foster home. No – I couldn’t possibly give up 8 weeks of my life for these needy creatures. No – we wouldn’t take him back. No – he can’t go to a training class. No – she wouldn’t circle the block and at least think about it. No – this family couldn’t possibly change their lives to accommodate some unknown situation.
But we all said yes, to the unknown, to the possibilities, to life. And our lives are changed forever because of it. Sleep well tonight. I know I will.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
I love to walk my dogs
Really, I love it. It used to be a chore. And it still is sometimes. But if I can make time for an hour a day with each dog, then I love it.
It's a bit like going to the gym for most people - once they're there, on the machine, or whatever, they're enjoying it. I'm not a gym person. I do not like to exercise with other people. I do not like to exercise period! So why would I want to share that with others? Why would I want someone to see me all red-faced and sweaty? So I have to trick myself into exercising. Dog walking fits the bill.
And it satisfies my need to multi-task. Ever since I worked in the help desk world, I have been unable to do only one thing at a time. It's just not possible to accomplish anything if you're not multi-tasking, in my book. So when I walk my dogs, I'm getting exercise, they're getting exercise, I'm training them, they get out in the world. It's a beautiful thing.
And they're better for it. Charlie was all out of sorts yesterday because my busy schedule required that I walk the dogs at the same time. This is not ideal. It means that they both have to heel at my side until we get to a park so that they get a sniff break. I can't really do any training exercises because if I mark good behavior from one, the other will think that their current behavior is marked as well. Once I'm a better trainer, I know I will be able to do that, but right now, not possible. Anyway, it's a little tense to walk both dogs, so while they get exercise, they don't get much else.
And they deserve so much more!!! They need one-on-one attention from a human being. They may be dogs, but they're bonded and loving and good.
I did my volunteering at the shelter today. Walked/trained an awesome pit bull (one month ago, I would never have even tried). Then walked and put Zorr on the treadmill. He loves to run. He loves to do anything I ask him to. He loves.
Then I talked with a few potential adopters, trying to give them a sense of who the dogs were. Sometimes, I mentally put myself in the dogs' place, in the kennel, looking out at the folks walking by. I wonder what they're thinking. What assumptions they're making.
Then I rushed off to watch my son quarterback a middle school football game. I'm so proud. Not that he's the QB, but that he's in it. He's a good student and an athlete and just a good kid. What more could I ask.
Tomorrow's another day, sure to bring surprises and joy and sadness. Let's hope some dogs find homes.
It's a bit like going to the gym for most people - once they're there, on the machine, or whatever, they're enjoying it. I'm not a gym person. I do not like to exercise with other people. I do not like to exercise period! So why would I want to share that with others? Why would I want someone to see me all red-faced and sweaty? So I have to trick myself into exercising. Dog walking fits the bill.
And it satisfies my need to multi-task. Ever since I worked in the help desk world, I have been unable to do only one thing at a time. It's just not possible to accomplish anything if you're not multi-tasking, in my book. So when I walk my dogs, I'm getting exercise, they're getting exercise, I'm training them, they get out in the world. It's a beautiful thing.
And they're better for it. Charlie was all out of sorts yesterday because my busy schedule required that I walk the dogs at the same time. This is not ideal. It means that they both have to heel at my side until we get to a park so that they get a sniff break. I can't really do any training exercises because if I mark good behavior from one, the other will think that their current behavior is marked as well. Once I'm a better trainer, I know I will be able to do that, but right now, not possible. Anyway, it's a little tense to walk both dogs, so while they get exercise, they don't get much else.
And they deserve so much more!!! They need one-on-one attention from a human being. They may be dogs, but they're bonded and loving and good.
I did my volunteering at the shelter today. Walked/trained an awesome pit bull (one month ago, I would never have even tried). Then walked and put Zorr on the treadmill. He loves to run. He loves to do anything I ask him to. He loves.
Then I talked with a few potential adopters, trying to give them a sense of who the dogs were. Sometimes, I mentally put myself in the dogs' place, in the kennel, looking out at the folks walking by. I wonder what they're thinking. What assumptions they're making.
Then I rushed off to watch my son quarterback a middle school football game. I'm so proud. Not that he's the QB, but that he's in it. He's a good student and an athlete and just a good kid. What more could I ask.
Tomorrow's another day, sure to bring surprises and joy and sadness. Let's hope some dogs find homes.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Shelter dogs
I've been volunteering at the Petaluma Animal Shelter. I answered a request from the Volunteer Coordinator to help with reactive dogs. Little did I know what door that would open...
First of all, I've been working with Valerie, who has been in Pit Bull rescue for many years. She has so much experience and knowledge, I learn something from her every day. Yet, she's humble and approachable and really really funny. No wonder I love going to work every day (even if I don't get paid).
I've been at the shelter every day for 3 hours for the past 3 or 4 weeks. I didn't plan this, but when I saw the need and realized that my house could remain dirty forever, I just had to do it. Staff has been cut at the shelter; volunteer time has diminished. It's not a pretty sight.
So Valerie and I focus on keeping the dogs sane so that they are adoptable. For some, this means basic obedience. For others, it means reducing their reactivity to other dogs. But the bottom line is that dogs need consistency and that's in short supply at any shelter.
Second, I have been instrumental in a number of adoptions. Because I spend so much time with the dogs, I know them. So when a potential adopter comes in for a look, I can tell them about each dog and what life might be like for them with that dog. Shasta, a beautiful, but shy Malinois might never have found her forever home if I hadn't walked her a few times to know that she was shy in the kennel, but fun and full of energy on a leash. Freeway, the frustrated Border Collie found his match because I warned his new owner that his pacing in the kennel was his way of coping and that he's a dream on a leash.
And third, I was in the right place at the right time. One of my foster puppies was returned last week. His owner realized that after 7 months she wasn't bonding with him and he was more demanding than she could handle. Fortunately for everyone, she made this decision before she'd lost interest and neglected him. She taught him basic obedience and exercised him daily. That's huge for a German Short Hair Pointer.
Zorr is doing as well as he can. He's 9 months old and living in a kennel. I exercise him daily and take him on an adventure every other day (car wash, run in the park, coffee downtown). I even got my good friends at UnLeashed dog training to give him free classes.
But he really really needs an owner. He wants to curl up next to some person and fall asleep. He wants to learn agility. He wants for so much.
And he is not alone. The shelters and rescues are full. That means that the next animal that is surrendered because of foreclosure or neglect or whatever will be doubled up in a kennel or worse.
Give your dogs an extra hug tonight for all those dogs who didn't get theirs today.
First of all, I've been working with Valerie, who has been in Pit Bull rescue for many years. She has so much experience and knowledge, I learn something from her every day. Yet, she's humble and approachable and really really funny. No wonder I love going to work every day (even if I don't get paid).
I've been at the shelter every day for 3 hours for the past 3 or 4 weeks. I didn't plan this, but when I saw the need and realized that my house could remain dirty forever, I just had to do it. Staff has been cut at the shelter; volunteer time has diminished. It's not a pretty sight.
So Valerie and I focus on keeping the dogs sane so that they are adoptable. For some, this means basic obedience. For others, it means reducing their reactivity to other dogs. But the bottom line is that dogs need consistency and that's in short supply at any shelter.
Second, I have been instrumental in a number of adoptions. Because I spend so much time with the dogs, I know them. So when a potential adopter comes in for a look, I can tell them about each dog and what life might be like for them with that dog. Shasta, a beautiful, but shy Malinois might never have found her forever home if I hadn't walked her a few times to know that she was shy in the kennel, but fun and full of energy on a leash. Freeway, the frustrated Border Collie found his match because I warned his new owner that his pacing in the kennel was his way of coping and that he's a dream on a leash.
And third, I was in the right place at the right time. One of my foster puppies was returned last week. His owner realized that after 7 months she wasn't bonding with him and he was more demanding than she could handle. Fortunately for everyone, she made this decision before she'd lost interest and neglected him. She taught him basic obedience and exercised him daily. That's huge for a German Short Hair Pointer.
Zorr is doing as well as he can. He's 9 months old and living in a kennel. I exercise him daily and take him on an adventure every other day (car wash, run in the park, coffee downtown). I even got my good friends at UnLeashed dog training to give him free classes.
But he really really needs an owner. He wants to curl up next to some person and fall asleep. He wants to learn agility. He wants for so much.
And he is not alone. The shelters and rescues are full. That means that the next animal that is surrendered because of foreclosure or neglect or whatever will be doubled up in a kennel or worse.
Give your dogs an extra hug tonight for all those dogs who didn't get theirs today.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Today, while driving my kids to school, the fuel light went on. Now, really, I'm the kind of person who fills the tank when it's 1/8 full. I like to know that I can make it to my favorite gas station; I even have a favorite pump. Is that so weird? Maybe.
Having to stop at a new, unknown gas station not only cost me time, but it took some mental energy that I did not have.
What's the big deal? My kids are in school, my work is under control, the refrigerator is full. What could I possibly have to not only worry about, but think about even.
Well, it was hot. And it was going to get hotter. That means, I had to walk both of my big brown dogs together, at the same time, in tandem, side-by-side. No matter how you describe it, I could only imagine mayhem. Think whirling dervish on the end of a leash. Now, multiply that by 2.
I have been walking them separately for many reasons:
1) they deserve some time apart (that puppy energy will get on anyone's nerves).
2) they're both more than 80 pounds - I really see no reason to get pulled down the sidewalk by 160 pounds of dog muscle.
3) they want their quality time with mom. Yeah, right. When my boys were young, I tried to find snippets of time to spend with each of them separately. Naps helped. But it was really impossible. Same with dogs. And they're dogs. Hello - not humans, not such needy beings. Well actually, they do have much better days when I can spend some time training and walking and paying attention separately. Can you say 'spoiled'? Can you say 'less destruction to my couch'?
So I leashed them both up. Chief spent a little time on a tie down because of his over excitement at the prospect of actually walking out the front door (it happens every day, twice a day. Should he really be that surprised?). Charlie followed me around as I prepared. He kept his eyes on me, but made sure not to get in my way. At every appropriate moment, his butt hit the floor in anticipation of a treat.
They waited nicely at the front door. They whimpered. I opened the door, just a crack to survey the sidewalk. Chief barked. Back on the tie-down. Charlie gave him such a dirty look - what I'd expect from a school kid whose friend blurted out the answer without being called on. Ok, calm, quiet, unhooked from the tie-down. I opened the door again, all was quiet on both sides. We proceeded off of the porch, onto the sidewalk.
This sounds like a military operation. And I feel like it is. I want my dogs to have only success, I want to set it up so that I'm there to intervene and make it all better.
Digression: I got a call from the principal at the boys' school today. She's pretty on top of things at school. This year, they're doing something different at lunchtime. Gordon hates it. I emailed his teacher about it. She encouraged me to have him talk to her, but she passed this all on to the principal. Totally appropriate. We all agreed that this is the perfect situation to let the kids advocate for themselves. No one is getting bullied or hurt. The kids just want something different. They can take their concerns to their teacher and principal. The sticky situation is that the teacher is new to them, so they don't feel so comfortable approaching her. But this is what growing up is all about - taking a chance, speaking up, being different and getting heard.
Back to the dogs: How could I set it up so that they both got a good walk but that they both had success? Success for Charlie would be to walk for an hour without barking/growling/snarling at another dog. Success for Chief would be to walk for an hour without pulling my shoulder out of its socket. Both of these successes requires that I walk them separately.
What a challenge! So I decided that they'd both walk on either side of me. Which meant that I would hold one leash in each hand. And last time I looked, I only had 2 hands which meant that there would be no opportunity for me to reward them with treats.
Was I crazy?
Much like I sent my son off to school this morning, trusting that he'd talk with his teacher, maybe even the principal about his concerns and end up with a successful beginning of a dialogue, I walked confidently down the street with my 2 big brown dogs by my side.
Charlie stayed in a heel with no prompting from me. Chief took a few blocks to get with the program, but he finally realized that he didn't have a choice. The 3 of us walked for 20 minutes like this, then found a park and took a sniff break (the dogs, not me...). Then we repeated the exercise until we found another park. It was awesome! A little nerve-wracking for me since I was on the look-out for other dogs or potential triggers for Charlie. But I was amazed at how well it went.
We made it home in one piece, my shoulder was not pulled out of whack, both dogs were exhausted. Isn't that the point?
And when I picked Gordon up from school, he reported that he'd talked with his teacher and they were already working on a solution. But he said I didn't need the details since he had it all under control.
Trust - it's more powerful than you think.
Having to stop at a new, unknown gas station not only cost me time, but it took some mental energy that I did not have.
What's the big deal? My kids are in school, my work is under control, the refrigerator is full. What could I possibly have to not only worry about, but think about even.
Well, it was hot. And it was going to get hotter. That means, I had to walk both of my big brown dogs together, at the same time, in tandem, side-by-side. No matter how you describe it, I could only imagine mayhem. Think whirling dervish on the end of a leash. Now, multiply that by 2.
I have been walking them separately for many reasons:
1) they deserve some time apart (that puppy energy will get on anyone's nerves).
2) they're both more than 80 pounds - I really see no reason to get pulled down the sidewalk by 160 pounds of dog muscle.
3) they want their quality time with mom. Yeah, right. When my boys were young, I tried to find snippets of time to spend with each of them separately. Naps helped. But it was really impossible. Same with dogs. And they're dogs. Hello - not humans, not such needy beings. Well actually, they do have much better days when I can spend some time training and walking and paying attention separately. Can you say 'spoiled'? Can you say 'less destruction to my couch'?
So I leashed them both up. Chief spent a little time on a tie down because of his over excitement at the prospect of actually walking out the front door (it happens every day, twice a day. Should he really be that surprised?). Charlie followed me around as I prepared. He kept his eyes on me, but made sure not to get in my way. At every appropriate moment, his butt hit the floor in anticipation of a treat.
They waited nicely at the front door. They whimpered. I opened the door, just a crack to survey the sidewalk. Chief barked. Back on the tie-down. Charlie gave him such a dirty look - what I'd expect from a school kid whose friend blurted out the answer without being called on. Ok, calm, quiet, unhooked from the tie-down. I opened the door again, all was quiet on both sides. We proceeded off of the porch, onto the sidewalk.
This sounds like a military operation. And I feel like it is. I want my dogs to have only success, I want to set it up so that I'm there to intervene and make it all better.
Digression: I got a call from the principal at the boys' school today. She's pretty on top of things at school. This year, they're doing something different at lunchtime. Gordon hates it. I emailed his teacher about it. She encouraged me to have him talk to her, but she passed this all on to the principal. Totally appropriate. We all agreed that this is the perfect situation to let the kids advocate for themselves. No one is getting bullied or hurt. The kids just want something different. They can take their concerns to their teacher and principal. The sticky situation is that the teacher is new to them, so they don't feel so comfortable approaching her. But this is what growing up is all about - taking a chance, speaking up, being different and getting heard.
Back to the dogs: How could I set it up so that they both got a good walk but that they both had success? Success for Charlie would be to walk for an hour without barking/growling/snarling at another dog. Success for Chief would be to walk for an hour without pulling my shoulder out of its socket. Both of these successes requires that I walk them separately.
What a challenge! So I decided that they'd both walk on either side of me. Which meant that I would hold one leash in each hand. And last time I looked, I only had 2 hands which meant that there would be no opportunity for me to reward them with treats.
Was I crazy?
Much like I sent my son off to school this morning, trusting that he'd talk with his teacher, maybe even the principal about his concerns and end up with a successful beginning of a dialogue, I walked confidently down the street with my 2 big brown dogs by my side.
Charlie stayed in a heel with no prompting from me. Chief took a few blocks to get with the program, but he finally realized that he didn't have a choice. The 3 of us walked for 20 minutes like this, then found a park and took a sniff break (the dogs, not me...). Then we repeated the exercise until we found another park. It was awesome! A little nerve-wracking for me since I was on the look-out for other dogs or potential triggers for Charlie. But I was amazed at how well it went.
We made it home in one piece, my shoulder was not pulled out of whack, both dogs were exhausted. Isn't that the point?
And when I picked Gordon up from school, he reported that he'd talked with his teacher and they were already working on a solution. But he said I didn't need the details since he had it all under control.
Trust - it's more powerful than you think.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)