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.