Floyd still waiting for his home

Clay sent me a nice message today letting me know that Floyd is still waiting for his forever home -- and that he was able to appear on T.V. this week.  He seems REALLY subdued in the T.V. studio -- which is not too surprising since like Clay mentions in the video, Floyd is a little apprehensive about new experiences.  He did eventually get accustomed to going up and down our front steps while he was here, but he never was too crazy about it.  Since he was  here on heartworm treatment and left as soon as that was done, we didn't get to take him on any long walks, or expose hime to a whole lot.  He did get used to having us around though, and is definitely a people dog.

Enjoy Floyd's T.V.  spot below.

http://www.wicd15.com/newsroom/features/pet_week/videos/vid_212.shtml

Some videos of Floyd

We took some pictures today -- and filmed two videos --- so you can all get a good look at Odie Dog Floyd.  We couldn't catch him chasing his tail unfortunately, but you can see how truly playful and yet very affectionate that he is.  Even when he is all wound up though, you can see how easily he settles down for a good cuddle.  He definitely will bring humor to any family he joins.  And check out those sweet blue eyes!!

He'll be headed back to the Humane Society on Saturday, and we expect him to be up for adoption very soon.

Floyd nearly ready to find a home

I am so sorry I have not gotten any pictures of Floyd posted.  He is such a goof it is rather difficult to get a decent picture of him.  Definitely an Odie dog -- not a Lassie.  He keeps us in stitches chasing his tail, catching socks, and bounding about.  He has definitely been the most interested in our cats of any foster that we have had.  Obsessed might be a good word.  Jack considers him something to play with.  Zippy won't come down from the highest perch he can find.  Mike plays with no one -- and Floyd seems to be catching on that being batted at by Mike is a far pricklier experience than being batted at by Jack.  And Dart has learned to negotiate her way through the living room behind furniture if Floyd happens to be out of his crate.  Which actually has been very rare.  He is here for heartworm treatment, and he is not prone to sedate behavior out of the crate.  Which Jack thinks is very funny and sits next to the crate watching him. 

Floyd has a very pitiful moan, and does not enjoy being left alone at all, although he loves his crate -- just not being left in a room alone in it.  He is a people dog through and through, and wants to be with us.  Thus we have found it necessary to keep the crate in the living room where we usually are.  And his moan is not soft.  I definitely would not recommend him for an apartment dweller that is gone a lot.  Neighbors would not be happy.

Floyd is doing well

Sorry about not having any pictures yet -- it has been a hectic week.  Floyd is doing well though.  He does have a bug which caused some pretty nasty diarrhea, but he is on meds for that and is responding well.  We did move him upstairs, but opted for trying the crate in the living room, since the yard sale still had some of my living room furniture in my room, it just seemed easier.  But it actually is working very well, so we have just stuck with it.  Floyd has become very crate comfortable being in the room with us, and goes in and out of the crate even if he is not enclosed in it.  And if we close the door, he just stays in there quietly, even if we don't bother to latch it.  He is responding well to be asked to lay down in it, when things get too active for a dog on heartworm treatment.  So all in all, he is getting more interaction, and still maintaining a low key existence.

Dro Bones still available

It looks like Dro Bones is still waiting for his forever home.  At least he is still listed on the website for the Champaign County Humane Society at cuhumane.org .

We haven't taken in a new foster just yet.  Since we took Bones back, none have been posted, which is a good thing.

Dro Bones is up for adoption

Dro Bones is now listed on the CCHS website.  We certainly have enjoyed his time here, and miss him already.  He will make someone a terrific companion.  He found the ride back, and getting to see his old friends there very exciting. 

We'll be waiting to see who chooses this wonderful dog to be a permanent part of their life.  I know Bones will be  -- exuberant -- in his choice of them.  In his time here, though, he showed that he is also very willing to learn, and he likes pleasing people.

And now we take a break for at least a day or so, til we have another visitor.

Dro Bones Last Night Here

Tonight is Dro Bones last night with us.  He will be going back to the Humane Society tomorrow morning.  We brought him out for a bit of flashlight play this evening.  I tried to video him to share with you all, but unfortunately his antics did not show up well.  The thing is, he knows exactly where the light is coming from -- and he loves sticks.  So he can't decide whether he should try and catch the fascinating circle of light, or try for that really cool stick that it is coming from.

I did get a good picture of him with the ferret -- and for all of Dro Bones rambunctiousness he is amazingly gentle with her.  The first time he noticed her, I was very nervous, but he has shown himself to be reliably subdued with her.  He will stand on his hind legs and balance before the cage, to see her, but he has never been anything more than just quietly awed by her existence -- and perhaps curious.  He softly leans his front paws against the cage, and doesn't even wiggle it. 

QUITE different than his original antics with the cats, although he has become merely enamored with them as well.

Hooray for Dro Bones !

We have reached a point where I believe Bones actually is responding to the word "Sit".  His attention to the human he is with has improved outstandingly during his time here! 

And this morning while we were outside, my neighbor came out -- with his dog off of a leash.  Of course he and Bones immediately saw each other, but when I called Bones to the door, he was quick to come and was happy to go bounding into the house.  His first order once inside is to check and see if he can find one of my cats -- so he was off excitedly, especially since we had come in rather abruptly.  I called, "Dro Bones, Crate, Bones, Come on, Crate."  And he came bursting back from the kitchen, bounded past me into the bedroom and INTO the crate, turning and waiting for his treat.  WOW!  I am so proud of this big boy!!

He is high energy, but he has really learned to listen to the people around him.  He is going to do just fine.

Dro Bones Learns to Sit

Dro Bones Learns to Sit today -- and by clicking you can watch a short video of his time out side.  You will also see that Down has not been learned yet and that my snakes are very interesting and must be investigated.  But believe me, he has come a long way in the last few weeks.

He is very close to learning "Crate"  -- he does know that he is headed there when he comes back in the house and that a whole handful of crackers will be his reward!!  A much desired prize.  But I am very doubtful that he actually recognizes the word "Crate" as a command.  Just as he does not really reliably respond to the world "Sit" yet -- but more so to the fact that a cracker is in my hand and if he sits he will get it.

However he definitely knows the words "Wanna Go?"  And leaps towards the van hoping there is a ride involved.  So I am sure he will eventually learn to associate other words with actions.

Rearranged blog

I did a bit of rearranging -- and made a mess -- here on the blog.  But I think things are back where you can see all the pictures and the video bar is now at the top, so it is easier to find.  It seems to be putting up some videos that are not mine though.  So I may end up having to remove it. 

Right now we are still trying to make it work though.  There is a new -- very short  -- video of Bones with my son and nephew you may enjoy.  Bones LOVES kids.  He will cover them in dog slobber -- but he loves them.  And he loves playing with them.  And I have spent a few hours getting that crazy little short video with no sound to perhaps show, to let you know that.  So I hope someone enjoys it.  LOL

Bones will be looking for his forever family soon

Bones is nearly done with his time here with us, and will be returning to CCHMS to find his forever family.  We have learned a few things about him during his quiet time here.  He is an active dog who LOVES people and wants to interact with his people.  He is always ready for ride in the van and is hoping each time he goes outside that a trip in the van is involved.  He can be easily distracted -- sort an ADD fellow -- but what that really means is that he is paying attention to EVERYTHING.  Far, near, human, animal, vegetable -- he is taking it in.  But people rank first in his world and if you want his attention just pick up a ball, stick, or laser pointer.  Oh yes, this 60 lb boy will chase a laser pointer like a kitten.  He is great fun to be around, but for all his energy, he also loves to just sit quiet and be petted.

And oyster crackers make a great cheap treat.  He is still  not reliable to sit on command -- unless you have a cracker, but with a cracker you have his full attention.

Roxy has found her home!

Great news for Roxy and her very lucky new family.

We took Dro Bones in for a check up today because his face was very swolen this morning.  Evidently he had a bee sting or spider bite, or something that he had an allergic reaction to.  He was given a shot of some Benadryl and is doing fine.

But while we were there, I heard someone mention Roxy's name and was able to meet the family that is adopting her.  A truly wonderful match -- Roxy will have  a wonderful home, and they will have a wonderful new companion.

Dro Bones Progress

We have been working with Dro Bones on our short outings, practicing sitting, and just trying gain his attention and boost his confidence and comfort with people.  We've been using oyster crackers as his treat -- something he dearly loves, and is pretty cheap.  He is responding very well .  Our sessions are brief, since he is here on heartworm treatment, but we practice every time he is out.

The one improvement that I am seeing, is that he is improving in his comfort level of people approaching.  When we take Dro Bones out, we go to our front yard.  And we live in a neighborhood where people walk past on the side walk frequently.  So even though we are only out briefly, it is likely that he will be approached by a stranger.  He is just naturally a very friendly and an exuberant dog, which can be a bit overwhelming for strangers when he jumps and barks.  In my front yard, originally, he would respond to people across the street or even half a block away all the same.  But by staying close to him and petting him constantly, he is learning that not everything is worth getting that excited about.  Maybe its worhwhile to pay attention to the people closer at hand -- who have oyster crackers.

Some news about Roxy

We got this nice message from Clay at the CCHMS today.

Hi Lavana. Today, I gave a shelter tour to a half dozen special needs students. At the end of the tour, they went outside and waited patiently as I retrieved a dog for them to meet. I brought Roxy out. She sat next to me on the ground. The students approached one at a time, allowed her to sniff their hand, and then petted her gently. Roxy was so wonderful! She was patient, friendly, and never tried to retreat or stand up. Thought you’d like to know.

Thanks, Clay.  So good to know that Roxy is doing well.  She is such a quiet and laid back lady -- this is just the type of situation  where she can shine. --

Dro Bones -- the fun filled 60 lb lap dog

Well, Dro Bones has definitely been a contrast to the sweet laid back Roxy who we would forget that we had out of her crate.  There is no forgetting about Dro Bones. 

This is an enthusiasitc joyous doggy dog.  My 8-year-old  nephew Timmy was here for a visit -- and they immediately became fast buddies.  We have learned that Dro Bones loves a tummy rub.

And I was able to post a picture of his gorgeous grin today.  He just can't help it -- he is way too full of fun to keep that smile hidden.

It is hard to keep him contained in the crate all day when he wants to play and be sociable so bad -- but it is necessary for now.  Till he has had his month of heart worm treatment recovery.

Not only is he fun and full of excitement but he is very smart also.  I am glad we have this month to work with him on some behavior issues.  Already he has learned to wait for the door to be opened rather than pushing on it.  He is learning "Crate" -- so we can say it and have him go in rather than having to push him in -- and is progressing very well.  If he is not in an excitable situation he can be relied on to sit on command.  Our times together are limited because of the heartworm treatment -- but we are making full use of them.  (and bacon grease on a bit of bread is a favorite treat).

Dro Bones has come to visit

We have a Mountain Cur / Mastiff mix here visiting.  He has  a beautiful grin I have not been able to catch on camera yet.  And he LOVES Judah.  I picked Dro Bones up at CCHS and then Judah from the library .  Although Bones was enthusiasitc and friendly meeting me -- obviously 14 year old boys are a GREAT favorite because he went berzerk when Judd got in the van!!  WOW!!  "It's a BOY -- let me lick him, he is MINE!"  was pretty much the message.

We will have him for a month.  He is here while he goes through the heartworm treatment.  We'll be doing some behavior training with him.  He needs to learn not jump, and be enthusiastic in a less overwhelming way.  But I can see already that he will be true joy to have around.

We had a nice message from Clay Foley at CCHS that Roxy is doing well.  Always good to hear.  She took so long to warm up here and gain some confidence, I was afraid that going back might be a little intimidating for her.  But Clay says she is walking well on a leash and her gains in confidence are very evident.  Very nice.  She will make some dog loving family a very fine companion.

Roxy is headed back on Monday

Roxy is headed back to Champaign County Humane Society on Monday.  She'll get her check up for her heart worm treatment, and we assume that she will be staying and be up for adoption very soon. 

It took Roxy a good two weeks to really become comfortable here, so although I know that anyone who visits her at the humane society is going to be able to pet her -- they may not get to realize her truly affectionate nature.  She leans into us now for good rubbing, and follows me around when she is out of the crate.  If I am at the desk, she is laying under it.  If I am sitting in the living room, she is laying at the front door where she can see me.  If I am workign in the kitchen, she is wandering about trying to see what I am doing.  Yet, when I tell  her "come on Roxy, time to go to bed, "  she goes straight in her crate -- with just a bit of a pout.  She has never once whined, barked or complained about her time spent in the crate.  And in fact, at times she asks to go back to it, if there are several people at home milling around. 

She does tend to like things quiet.  She met a young boy the yesterday -- maybe twoish -- and she behaved very well, turning toward him to nuzzle  a bit as he petted her  She tolerates my cats presence, and I would expect no problems if a home had some.  According the laws, we can't really let her interact with the cats, but they have seen each other.  She does get a bit nervous when all 5 of us are at home and moving around -- and asks to go back to her crate.  She has expected to be petted by every person visiting she has seen.

Just this last week, Roxy has begun to be truly eager to come back inside after being out.  She gives a little bounce coming through the door, and has to smile and greet everyone in the room.  We will truly miss her loving quiet friendship, and hope that she can find a forever home soon that fits her.

Roxy still doing well

Roxy contiues to do well.  She gets a bit more comfortable everyday.  She tends to like things quiet still, and she keeps herself quiet as well, which makes her a very easy dog to have around.  I've put up some pictures of her, so you can see what I mean about the eyebrows -- my husband's barber would say those need a trim.  Funny.  And with her wiry overcoat and brindle coloring she truly is a unique and pretty girl.

Roxy has been here two weeks

Roxy has been here about two weeks now -- and I apologize very much for only just now getting up a couple of pictures of her. 

I need not have worried at all about Roxy's activity level, that's for sure.  She is a docile friend.  To the point of being timid really.  She is easy to walk on the leash, has become very accustomed to the crate, and although she has a very large booming bark that would scare anybody half to death she has only seen reason to use it three times since she has been here.  All three of those times were when strangers ventured onto our front walk while she was outside, and after two Woofs that fluttered my shingles, she was done when I reached down to pat her and turn her towards the door and she calmly came inside with me. 

She is happiest when we are all sitting quietly in the living room together and she can curl up near by and be a part of the group.  She is not pushy about seeking attention, but she is a good companion.

She'll be here at least two more weeks as she continues to recover from her heartworm treatment -- and the day she returns we will certainly miss her.  In the meantime, I will work on getting some better pictures of our old man, Roxy.