Walkin' in LA...

Los Angeles is a bit schizophrenic. Yes, it is suburbia from Castaic to San Diego. But if you look closely, there are pockets of fun. I live about 5 miles from one of the fun pockets.

I usually take the dogs walking here and feel far removed from the city. The trail is located between two housing developments, condos on the right and homes left caught in a deep crevice. Below is a quick pictorial of the walk.

Sally in her place of comfort. She has to ride here.


Across the street is a huge Korean church


Park your car and you enter another world


Keeping things G rated, some vertical action
was taking place on the park bench.
What happened to shame?


A hundred feet ahead is a small creek


Am I in Big Bear?


The first pool ahead


Sally enjoying a cool moment


Trail narrows


Moving out of the wilderness to city life


Coming to the end


Back to the streets

UPDATE on ZOEY

After Zoey was picked up last night from the rescue director...

Well, Zoey is holding her own. I am really, really, really proud of her. She was NOT feeling well last night and since she gets car sick, the ride to my house only made it worse. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep her at home for more than the night if she couldn’t keep anything down.

But I started by letting her lap at baby food a teaspoon at a time and then I’d wait a half an hour and if she didn’t throw up, we’d have some more. It took all night, but at lunch she ate about a half a cup of I/D mixed with baby food. AND she didn’t vomit.

I am so proud of her. She’s keeping down all the meds, especially the Tamiflu, though she doesn’t love any of it. And no hideous diarrhea or anything. She’s hot, but not too restless.

I put her crate on my bed right in front of the chair I slept in and I spent most of the night watching her sleep (and waking her up over and over to get her to eat and drink).

She is one precious puppy. She sleeps all curled up in a tiny ball. Koko gave her one of the brand new toys she had so Zoey cuddled with that all night. Today at lunch, she jumped out of the crate right into my arms, wiggly and waggly. A very good sign. We even went for a short walk and she knows to potty outside.

She wore out after 2 minutes, but still, great progress. She still has the “Parvo Puppy Eyes” and she’s not feeling great, but she is DEFINITELY hanging in there. I pray we caught it early enough that she will never get really bad.

If this is the worst she is, we are LUCKY! She can’t wait to be healthy enough to romp around at Joe’s again, but she’s being a good girl and is resting and concentrating on getting better. We’re on a four hour cycle of foods, meds, fluids, etc. so it’s just a matter of getting her through the next few days.

Black Monday

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(for those who like a good story…)

I could say it was one of THOSE days! Well, I guess it really was.

I woke up with a sick little Zoey. Emailing the rescue director she said the symptoms I described did not look good, in fact it might be Parvo…whatever THAT was.

A quick Google and I find out Parvo ain’t good at all…it is a deadly disease for puppies.

Off to the vet…

After a few hours the verdict is in, Zoey does indeed have Parvo. The poor little girl had three shots, an IV solution running, and a drive on a very hot day in a car with no air conditioning.

At the vet I was told to see a specific pharmacist for one last medication. I already have about six meds as it stands, all with specific directions to kill this bloody disease.

At the pharmacy, I drop off the prescription and go back to the car to stay with Zoey. I return with dog in arms (the gal working behind the desk said it was OK to bring the dog inside) and wait some more.

My order is up and the woman says, “That will be $68.”

“Whaaaat?”

I thought I was just picking up meds, I don’t have any money. I ran out the door to take the dog to the vet…

“Do you want to speak to the pharmacist?”

I end up having to use their phone to call the vet and figure out what happened. Turns out the vet can’t help. Now I have to tell the pharmacist I can’t pay for the meds, which needs to be refrigerated and has a shelf life of ten days starting NOW.

In the mean time, Zoey is being watched by a helpful patron until she loses the dog due to the fact she uses a cane and isn’t mobile. Zoey ends up walking behind the counter in the back room where a pharmacist wearing a hair net walks out with her.

Is this yours?

I am pissed at this moment wondering what happened. I take Zoey and try to keep her cool on the drive home.

When we get home I feed her the special canned food. She hasn’t eaten for almost two days and gobbles up the food, walks to the sliding glass door and vomits it all up.

Only problem is I saw just a small part of her deposit, then wonder why there are so many flies near the door a half hour later.

Ohhhhhhh…

She had a lot more to say to the left of the carpet. YUCK!

I finally lay her down in a cool place and she drifts off to sleep.

I call the pharmacy to fix the med problem. They have my name and number for the meds and I told him I would figure out what happened. These meds will go bad if they are not used.

Checking my email there is another dog in crises with a liver problem and the rescue director and I are not exactly on the same page regarding the pharmacy thing after several exchanges online.

What next?

Sally, my other foster sits all day in the bathroom so I decided to take her for a walk. As we walk down the street I see Mr Wonderful. I secretly wish he says something to me, still peeved over our last engagement.

At the very end of the block the most obnoxious little white dog that terrorizes all who walk by jets out after Sally.

NO WAY…NOT TODAY!

I yell at the dog to get back as she tries to nip at Sally’s back legs. This dog doesn’t just try to bite once, she keeps coming at ya several times. The owner’s have done nothing to gap the hole in the fence and all the neighbor’s are upset.

This is how bad things happen to dogs that run free!

On the way back the dog tries once again to get Sally. When I get home I go to the computer and write a NICE letter to the home owner, march down the street, and put it in their mailbox.

As I get to my house I notice the new tenant renting the small guest house across the street has once again blocked the driveway making it very difficult to pull cars in and out.

Another problem to resolve and another letter to the landlord who I know well. If the tenant spoke English I could try to speak with her, but...

I check on Zoey and she does not look well.

Waiting to hear about what’s going to happen with Zoey, I continue to exchange emails with some of the rescue workers about the pharmacy issue, Zoey’s condition, and who’s gong to pick her up later that evening.

I work on my PayPal account for the blog here and finally get it working. Then I get a donation to cover a lot of the day’s vet bill for Zoey.

Amazing!

Waiting for Zoey to be picked up I get an email from a friend. Her father passed away. She says this is the most painful day of her life. What do you say to that?

Trying to filter out all of the day's events I figure I might as well blog on it. After typing this post I try to publish only to have blogger tell me I can't...there's an HTML error.

Give me a break will ya!

This is exactly the way I post every time. Now the posts are all blue and my settings are zonked out. I can't go to sleep with this not working so I type it over in Edit Html.

I had to end the day with a success.


What a day!


P.S.--I shared this story in greater detail and emotion to a friend. He said, "Why do you hassle with all of this?"

I emailed him the picture of Zoey below a few posts, sick on the couch. nuff said.

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God is Good

I just received my first donation with my PayPal account. I didn't know if it worked and then got a payment.

Thank you friend...you know who you are...for being a part of saving Zoey Sach's life!

I know you're up there...thanks!

Parvo Concern!!!

Parvo is a serious disease, especially for puppies. I fear Zoey has this. She seems to fit many of the symptoms. This will really be sad if she is infected. I need to take her to the vet ASAP.

Wish us well...


UPDATE on Zoey
Just got back from the vet...bad news, Zoey has Parvo. The only good news it is in its very early stages. Poor little girl...three shots, an IV, tons of medication. Unfortunately I could not get one of the meds (Tamiflu) ...just didn't have the money on me.

Shameless plug...if you ever felt like contributing, now is the time. The total cost for today's vet visit and meds was $240. They feel good she will recover because it is in the very early stages. That's about it. The core problem in all of this is the LA Shelter were she came from. The place should be shut down it is so awful. The entire scene is a huge problem in LA, and I'm sure in every big city.

Zoey resting after her first med treatment


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Belly Quakes

Little Zoey has thrown up several times since she arrived. The first full day and then twice today. The HARDEST area of discipline as a foster is NOT feeding the dogs table food like chicken or burger.

I over did it with Zoey the first day and she threw up a lot. Then I put the kibosh on table food...but still squeaked out a little hot dog and small piece of chicken at a BBQ last night. It was VERY hot yesterday, over 100 degrees, so maybe that had something to do with it.

California nights really cool down, so I wouldn't think the heat would be an issue when we got home. Maybe it was the car drive? We drove about ten miles each way...I took the streets and she hung her head out the window a little. She looked like she was having fun.

This is the area I need to learn most about--illness symptoms and cures.

She didn't eat anything last night and really no puppy food during the day. This morning she looked so skinny. She walked around outside sluggishly and tried to go potty but drew blanks. She immediately came back in the house and curled up to sleep where she is now.



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Livin' Together

Sally and Zoey are getting along well. I was a little concerned the first day, which I've learned to not take too seriously as a foster. Sally seemed protective of her space and I heard a cry or two from Zoey...I think.

Sally and Zoey never bark so it's hard to tell who really is yelping at night when it's dark and I'm not observing their behavior.

What I have noticed is Sally seems playful in a more independent way. Zoey is no threat to the ever fearful Sally. Sally is the queen and she can take more chances. I saw her running around with a chew toy outside this morning...something she has never done before.

Zoey is so much more fragile than the other dogs I've had. Sure she's a 3 month old puppy, but she is also very skinny. Her rib cage protrudes when she lies down. She needs to gain weight to balance out. Because of this, I need to be mindful of how I pick her up.

I've not had a puppy before and to be frank am paralyzed be her cuteness. God is amazing to create something like this. She has those big innocent eyes that look upward as she sits and looks on, wondering what life is about...watching, smelling, hearing.


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Bliss & Blisters of Dog Walkin'

I figured it was better to blog here than confront...cause my nature is to confront and attack.

95% of the people I meet dog walkin' are great. I've met so many wonderful neighbors over the past six months I've been fostering dogs.

YET...like life in general, there's always stiff necks who have something stuck deep inside. I ran into one of those neighbors this morning.

I've been living in my house for ten years and not once has this neighbor ever offered a simple "Hi." He has the most meticulous lawn, drives a nice BMW 5 series, house is probably the most attractive on the block and he's a grumpy old man.

Ever assess someone's personality just on their body language? This "guy" did not disappoint. I always knew he was one of these tight fisted guys who are control freaks with no joy in their lives.

As I type I want to knock on his door so bad and get into it with him. This is a problem I have to work on. It's my pride.

I thought I'd take Zoey on her first walk in the neighborhood. She started out good and then puttered out. I couldn't get her past three houses.

As I was walking back, she stopped on Mr Lovely's lawn. There are no sidewalks on my block, so it's the hot pavement or walking the lawn--that small section that comes to meet the street.

Just so happens as we are standing on the lawn, he checks his mail....and without hesitation mumbles;

This isn't a dog park you know!

About a month ago I had my first run-in with a neighbor several blocks away and instead of walking away, I sarcastically shot a few verbal jabs. This escalated things to unhealthy heights.

Walking away today was one of the hardest things I've done since. I so want to confront this guy and get in his face and blow him away verbally.

I would actually enjoy this very much. I keep hearing his voice in my head...This isn't a dog park you know, this isn't a dog park you know...

Geez...Zoey is a little puppy. How hard can your heart be to not be moved by this little girl?

OK...I need to remind myself it is not weakness to walk away. When I feel disrespected, I bark back loudly. This is the pride part.

Maybe it's an image thing as well. I mean, I was twice the guy's size. He was a skinny old dude. What was he thinking? Why did he feel so free to blurt out what he did? Wasn't he a little afraid of me? This is the pride issue. Maybe it's a man thing.

Time to let it go. I learned this from a neighbor yesterday who shared a story about a local dog that attacked her dog. I asked what she did about it, and she said she had to let it go. If she can let that incident go, I can let this go as well, despite my desire to beeline to his door, knock loudly and say,

Did you say something to me a few minutes ago? My hearing ain't too good. Why don't you repeat it!

Here's what went through my mind when he said it...

I hear if you increase your medication it helps in situations like this!

Let me guess, you're the cool neighbor on the block!

Ohhhhh...be NICE!

You humans are so uptight!



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Meet Zoey

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I took Crazy Ivan on our last walk together today. I met a wonderful couple that has been living in the neighborhood for over forty years. Again, one of the blessings of dog walkin'

I will miss Ivan...loved that crazy dog!!!

I come home tonight at around 9:45pm and I see three young ladies running out of my driveway. Interesting.

I pull into my driveway and two of the gals come back. They just dropped off Zoey in my house. I asked them to introduce the little puppy to me, and like most dog fosters, they were very nice with a big heart.

Out of the crate comes this little bundle of joy named Zoey. She is now sniffing her way around the house. Her tail is wagging and she smells both Ivan and Sally.

She appears to be secure as she just walked outside in the back yard by herself. Like Ivan the first night, it's head down to the ground and the sniffer is working full time.

Zoey is a 3 month old Dane mix comes from the South LA Shelter.

She will receive her booster vaccine on Monday and be spayed on Thursday. She has a mild skin condition which the vets have not been able to diagnose, but they figure it’s Demodex which is a non-contagious form of mange that came about because she was malnourished. She just needs a medicated bath every few days and that’s all.

Hey…I love giving baths! I use my old hamster bin I bought at Wal-Mart…you know that HUGE 14 gallon clear plastic oversized laundry basket! My old hamster Amp, R.I.P., loved all the room, and now it’s a perfect bath tub.

The sad part of the story is Ivan might have a new home. I hate to see him go! This is the catch to fostering, dogs like Mocha and now Crazy Ivan. UGH!



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A New Home???

Mr Ivan Might Get A New Home

As always,
Sad & Happy


More to come...

Cha Ching

A word about donations/contributions.

I've been part of going to church for a long time...off and mostly on. There is a terrible rap in today's culture about the "collection plate." If you ever watch an episode of The Simpsons, they rail the Church and religion for seeking money.

Understood.

Now let me square up with those of you who have sent checks or are willing to help out monthly. I will give you exact itemized break downs of where the money goes.

For example, Crazy Ivan needed medication for fleas and allergies causing him to scratch all the time. Because a vet charges at least $45 before a word is spoken and medication usually runs about $50, it's a $100 before I put my car in drive.

There is food which is bought in large quantities at about $30 a bag. A bag lasts about a month for two dogs.

Gas money runs high and this is a legitimate expense for the adoption fairs, picking up dogs, checking for Red Listed dogs at the shelters (Red Listed is a fancy way of saying they are going to kill the dog) like Sally, Mocha, and Ivan...ALL Red Listed dogs on their way to the Big End!

Sally is a special case and a long-term foster, but both Mocha and Ivan are AMAZING dogs. Within a week, both dogs settled down because of consistent walks, food, water, and lots of rub downs! They were given boundaries and love. The results were very quick with both dogs.

These dogs were living with about five other dogs in the shelter, usually hungry (read about Mocha when I got her) and given no exercise or affection...and for many they are in there six months, a year, and even more.

Hey, I'd be cranky too!

Bottom line is the $ goes towards the mission to save the dogs from the kill shelters, rehabilitate them with their foster parents, and then make them available for adoption to great homes. That's the cycle.

The comment I get a lot is;
If the dog is in a shelter there
must be something wrong with it!

There is something wrong...it's irresponsible people who abuse, mistreat and abandon the dogs on the streets of Los Angeles. That's the problem!

The volunteers all work full time jobs and give their time to this mission. I've never met so many people who are so generous with their time and energy.

Southern California has a reputation of being fake, shallow, and plastic...well, it can be, but there are GREAT people with big hearts here and everywhere if you know where to look. Dog rescue is just one such place.

Off my soapbox...


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Serendipity

• Serendipity: the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely.

Since becoming involved with dog rescue something wonderful has happened. I've been introduce to my neighbors. Only tonight on a walk did I meet a woman who lives down the street, passionate about boxers. We spoke for 15 minutes and her daughter comes out. Then the boyfriend drives up who has two pitbuls. It was like we were at a camp fire.

Dogs have a way of cutting through the walls between strangers, allowing the joy of conversation restored. If I was just walking alone, there might have been a courteous "hi" and then move on. I find myself waving at someone watering their lawn with the dogs and almost always initiating the proverbial, "hi" as I walk by with the dog(s).

It was a little humbling to know such wonderful people live down the street and if it wasn't for Ivan we would have never met.

Itchy Dog

Ivan has really had a bout of the itches since I've gotten him. It's progressed and when I take his collar off he really goes at it. last night I gave him Promeris to combat the fleas.

His stitches come out soon and hopefully any other cause for the itching be it allergies will be addressed. He really hasn't had a day without some type of condition. I can't wait for him to just be a dog.

He's also really started to be the watchdog. For the first several days he seemed unaware of outside noises. Not anymore. This morning he woke me up like Sparky would by jumping out of bed and barking as he races towards the front door.

Sparky's bark was like a high pitched siren. At least Ivan's bark is more like a lower pitched ruff. I've put up a blanket to cover the front door, eliminating distractions like the cat next door that likes to walk in the driveway or the neighbor's starting their car.

With Sparky, the barking from a dead sleep was a real problem. I would jump out of a sleep with heart racing...and then I'd be UP. I hated this! All part of having dogs. Like a chess game, I have to find another strategy to make things work.

Adoption Fair Saturday

This Saturday at noon there was an adoption fair at the Whole Food Store in West Hollywood.

Gotta say, there couldn't be a better place for an adoption fair.

Whole Foods is the real deal. They let us set up in front of the store with another group, St. Martins Rescue. This is the ultimate dog lovin' community. The patrons were so supportive and encouraging. Everyone was friendly. Thank you Whole Foods Market!

There was the usual celebrity sightings...I won't name drop...all were very nice and supportive.

It was a good day. There was a couple that was interested in Ivan and if he had to go, I hope it is with this couple. When you work with dogs, you get a feel of who would be a right match for the animal.

Moon Glow

We get it almost every night
and when that moon gets big and bright
it's supernatural delight
everybody was dancin' in the moonlight

Last night So Cal had rare thunderstorm weather conditions meaning there was lighting in the sky...yet with NO rain. Welcome to So Cal...ya KINDA just get rain. I know it was probably raining somewhere near that never quite made it further inland.

This morning Sally & Crazy Ivan went dancin' in the backyard, doing that dance Sally does. She jumps at Ivan then immediately bounces away, sometimes up to four feet away like she's got flubber pads on.

It gives my heart delight to finally see her tail rise above the ground. It is the ONLY time her tail rises, communicating a light-heartedness and enjoyment. She finally looks like a little dog that's happy.

As soon as the dance is over, she pops back to serious Sally, hesitant to walk into the house to her bed area. She will approach the sliding glass door and when she feels safe dart into the house as though she's being chased.

The only problem is the kitchen floor has almost no grip and Sally peels out into the wall each time trying to make the 90 degree turn.

"Hey Sally...you do this every day...twice a day...relax girl!"


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Fort Ivan

Put up a semi-temporary fence to keep Crazy Ivan in and any future dogs. Ivan is the only canine that has ever tried to escape. Actually, it's more like lumbering down the driveway.

I found a fence in my front yard buried behind ivy...had to be there 20 years. I cut the ivy way and it fit perfectly to the chicken wire fence I already put up. Sometimes life works!



These hot days are tough on CI. He was in a puppy mood and ran like a race dog all over the yard and pooped out. His breathing is hard and it takes a long time to calm down to normal breaths.

I put a cool t-shirt over him, bring his body temperature down. I can't walk him during the day anymore until it cools.

You think I WANT to wear this!

Might look lame...but it's COOL!

I am proud of my new lawn. The backyard looked like this for many years before the dog fostering venture--

About two months later, it looks like this--
I did the lawn thing for the dogs and just finished laying down more seed and topping to make a perfect rectangle. My pops supplied the topping from his yard's compost pile. I knew all those banana peels would come in handy one day! Actually, the dirt below all the crap was primo for a lawn topping which hopefully will keep the annoying pigeons from munching the seed.




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Ivan the Watchdog?

YUP!

This evening he started barking more in 30 seconds than in the past five days!

You tell me why? It's like a different dog. Ivan rarely barks, and when he does it's a throaty, mellow bark--opposite of those tremendously annoying high pitched barks.

He also started to go after noises outside in the backyard. Also strange for him.

I put up a fence on the side of the house yesterday and tweaked to make it Crazy Ivan proof.

There was one area of vulnerability and he found it in seconds. I had to patch that area up. So far so good. He did however get out when I took a shower this afternoon, leaving the front door open and screen door closed. He plopped into the screen and as out.

I found him in my neighbor's yard which means he did not have to go to the street.

Because of his new barking habit, I had to block the front door with a blanket--pink. Kinda ugly really.

He's now snoring..which has become much louder than the first few nights. Maybe he is really feeling this is his place. I am already wanting to seriously keep Ivan. I'm day dreaming about moving to a place that would give me the needed room in a more country setting...possibly in Tennessee.



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Scratch Me Like A Hurricane

Crazy Ivan has some type of annoying allergy. He's had it since I got him, but it is getting worse. He really goes at it for long periods of time, biting, chewing, scratching, nibbling. I can hear his teeth chomp together like he's munching corn on the cob at a speed eating contest.

I called a few vets and read some stuff online. He probably needs meds and I don't know if I can wait until Saturday where there's a pet adoption at Whole Foods off Santa Monica & Fairfax (12-4pm).

Hate to see this little boy go...but if a good home comes along...






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Crazy Ivan: In a New York Minute!

Crazy Ivan was in good form this morning. Yesterday I wake up and pet him only to have him sneeze in my face. Big time YUCK!

This morning he's all amped up, so I get on my bike and ride him, meaning I ride at his pace so I don't have to walk when I'm tired. As soon as I put him in the back yard to put away the leash...BOOM...he jumps the fence.

I race through the house, blow through the screen door and miss him as he raced along the ally.

Now he's headed for the street and bouncing all over like a puppy will, aimlessly running like he's free as a bird. Then the inevitable...a car comes down the street and misses Ivan by a foot. The little old lady behind the wheel smiles and drives off.

If that wasn't enough, Ivan, clueless to what almost happened keep running to a larger intersection. Didn't help that it was trash day and the truck was two houses away.

As I pulled up to him on my bike, calling, he just bounced ahead far enough out of reach. I finally cornered him in the front of a house and the back fence.

One good thing about being older is separating emotions. My embarrassment was one thing and the dog's behavior another. Crossing the lines always leads to immediate, but rarely long-term satisfaction.

I was firm with him and put his leash on, rode home, took him in the back yard and let him know I was mad. Then into the crate for a serious time out.

How do you let a dog know why you're mad at him? He thought we were playing hide n' seek or something. I've only had him two full days. I taught him to sit...but STOP, COME, or HERE does not apply.

I'm tired. It was 5:30am when we went for our ride...and I only did that to get some sleep after he unleashed that energy. Now I can't sleep...I'm still pissed...and upset that he got out.

In a New York Minute!

Only minutes before we went out was Ivan curled up in bed, sleeping like a baby...snoring peacefully.

Total Recall is not just a movie...it is essential I teach Ivan this command and glad this resource is available.


Of course this afternoon he is zonked out...sleeping wherever he desires...like under my computer desk...when I am at the computer. EXCUSE ME!

YOU need something?

I didn't think so!

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Love Me Like A Hurricane

I woke up this morning, went over to Crazy Ivan to pet him and he sneezed in my face!

Gotta love the freedom of puppy love. Crazy Ivan has all the energy of a puppy--the freedom with no boundaries, to jump on my bedsheets with dirty paws, to plow through my blinds to go outside, to jump over the back fence...Crazy Ivan is a free spirit!


Ivan hates his e-collar ("e" is for Elizabethan, not electronic). He should have it another week before the stitches come out from being neutered. This has caused him tremendous discomfort because when I take it off he immediately bites at his tail area with these fast chomping noises, like a kid eating corn on the cob.

With the collar on, it must be like a bad itch he can't get to, and we all know how incredibly uncomfortable and annoying that can be. That's why he flips back and forth when he lays down, barking, trying to satisfy the itch. I try to fill in the gap, wearing a sock and itch him all over, but I guess I can't do it right. He still wants to nibble the area himself.

He will go at his stitches, so if I am gone or at night, he has to wear the collar.


This is really a great dog. I thought there was NO WAY I would get over Sparky, then I get Mocha. I fell hard for this dog. She was amazing. Now I get Crazy Ivan. I love this dog. I already will be in tears when he eventually gets adopted. There's a purity about this puppy. No pretense, just pure emotion.

Yes, it's like having a hyper two-year-old in the house, but the rewards far exceed the clean-up. I'm also basically a slob, so we are a good match. Now when people visit, I have a great excuse for a messy place. Win-win all around!

Some of the Crazy Ivan hurricane effects:
1. Broke my blinds on front door
2. Chewed two shoes--different pairs
3. Jumped on bed sheets with muddy paws
4. Knocks basically everything over wearing his e-collar
5. Jumps over back yard wall

Meet Ivan--Freespirit!

WOW...what a dog!

Just got Ivan from the rescue group tonight. He is all dog...still a puppy at about 11 months, this may have been the first time Ivan has been free.

Like with Mocha, I immediately walked Ivan to establish a bond and to release a tremendous amount of puppy energy. Yet, this is a large, strong puppy that was all over the place.

It is about five hours since Ivan first arrived and he is just now settling down after three walks and a run. With his stitches from being neutered, I will stop the running until they are taken out.

Basically Ivan has to explore EVERYTHING that's not nailed down. He has an e-collar--those big plastic looking things that fit over the dogs head to keep them from picking at their stitches. I took it off for the walks and it is off now as he is resting by my feet under the computer desk.

Ask me how he fits under there?

Ivan isn't shy...anything in his way is either flipped over or brushed aside. He is starting to doze off now, still panting....

Wait...he's up. I tried to lay him on the couch Mocha loved...this dog has such puppy energy, knocking over and sticking his head into everything. Easily 3x the energy Mocha had.


Like a drunk sailor, he just waddles around, walking by the dry food container and grabbing some food, half of which drops to the floor. The thing Ivan does Mocha never even attempted is reaching up on his hind legs and poking at the sink top, oven top, desk...you name it. He has to explore everything.


Maybe it's just first night curiosity. Ivan will need to learn some basic commands or my house is toast.

Ivan seemed to be OK with Sally. He was a little aggressive with the smelling and unlike Mocha does not have much impulse control. He started to eat her food, doesn't respond to NO yet...but no negative aggression. He does however bite at the hands which will need to be controlled. Thanks to Julianne--a most wonderful spirit--she showed me three techniques to deal with this.

I'm just coming out with it...if you want to help sponsor this rescue effort, please do so. A contribution of $10 gets food...like PBS, more $ gets us more for the dogs. No free gifts however...just that good feeling you are helping save dog's lives.

Contact: scampydrums at hotmail. com

Addition: 5:13am Saturday 08/09/08
Let's just say Ivan isn't a deep sleeper!

As I watch him chew my sneaker, he is a very restless sleeper. It might be because of the e-collar. Nevertheless, he was flip flopping constantly. I tried putting him in the crate but he whined and cried and barked...so I let him sleep inside w/the collar on.

Before I took Ivan out for a 4:30am walk, I let Sally out. Ivan immediately ran after her. I am still unsure of their dynamic, but out of nowhere Sally started barking!

The is a HUGE breakthrough! I've maybe heard Sally bark five times in four months. This morning she barked consistently at Ivan. Ivan backed off as he plopped about with his e-collar on. That thing in itself is a comedy routine with him smacking into everything.

This dog has uncontrolled energy and within time he will establish the boundaries and identity robbed him living in a shelter his entire life.

Somehow he wedged himself under my desk and is resting....but for how long???

Who is Sally?

Questions about what type of dog Sally actually is has been in question, especially when I walk her. Once again, I heard someone say she looks like a coyote, especially the way her back legs look like she is wearing high heals. She has the very elegant style of walking which is very different than most dogs.