It’s been awhile since I’ve had a puppy in the house. So every now and then I just like to sit back and observe little Emme. She is filled with so much curiosity and innocence that she amazes me. Seeing Emme observe and figure out the world makes me wish that Nina could have had a foster home to give her the same positive early experiences.

Many of you know that new things, different things, things out of their place, tend to be very scary for Nina. She’s my anxious and fearful little girl. Nina and I have pretty much tried everything that we could in order to build her confidence and make the world a less scary place-anti-anxiety medication, an animal behavioralist, a pheromone collar, lots and lots of training classes and private training sessions. You name it, Nina and I have probably given it a shot.

What I hadn’t tried for Nina though was fostering a little puppy. And sometimes it just takes a puppy.

This was what life was like 4 weeks before little Emme came to stay with us:

The boyfriend and I were on the couch watching the football game. He was on one side of the couch with his laptop and I was on the other with mine. Each of our laptops had the battery cord running from it to the wall. Since we were on opposite sides of the couch our battery cords blocked both entrances into the living room. Now by blocked I mean that the cord was plugged into the wall and was laying flat on the ground from the wall up to the couch and into the laptop. Not really much of an obstacle at all. Not much of an obstacle unless you are Nina.

Nina would come into the living room and sit in front of the cord. She would leave the room and go to the other doorway into the room and sit and watch us. She would leave again and then come back 10 minutes later to repeat the same pattern. It took me a few repetitions, a few times of calling her name only to have her refuse to move that I finally got it. Nina was scared of the battery cord that was laying flat on the ground in front of her. When I realized what was going on I wanted to cry. I wanted to take Nina into my arms and cry for her. I couldn’t imagine living in a world where something small laying on the ground in front of me was enough to keep me from one of my favorite things-cuddling my people on the couch.

I also wanted to cry from frustration and disappointment. Really?!? After everything that Nina and I had done, this was where we were? It seemed like we hadn’t progressed at all. Nina seemed to be in a place that was so much farther back than what I had thought when we started together.

Enter little Emme. Nina is 100%, head over heals, absolutely in love with Emme. In Nina’s mind the puppy is one of the best things to ever happen in her life. Nina could not have asked for anything better than her own puppy. And I also couldn’t have asked for anything better for Nina.

The past two weekends were spent renovating a bathroom. Taking up old tile meant hammers and loud noises, replacing the vanity meant the new vanity was in the living room waiting to be put in next to the old one that had just been taken out, new tile for the floor and shower meant saws and more noises. All of this meant loud noises, strange objects, things out of their place; essentially it was everything that Nina dreads.

But for a puppy the construction was only a whole bunch of fun. A big empty box is something to crawl into. The loud hammering noises meant Emme needed to make her way into the middle of the bathroom to figure out where they came from. The mixing of cement and grout in the bucket was a place to stick her head into to see and smell. Just like a puppy, Emme displayed the curiosity and audacity that one would expect. There’s nothing scary about what was going on for Emme as she has no reason to believe that there is anything bad in this world. It was all one big adventure for a little puppy.

And so these past two weekends I have been just as much in love with little Emme as Nina is because of the effect that Emme has on Nina. With a little puppy to guide her, a little puppy that charges right into the middle of everything that’s going on and a little puppy to show her that everything’s okay, Emme has been wearing off on Nina. In the middle of the hammering of the old tile floor, Nina made her way up the stairs and watched from the bathroom door. When the hammering stopped, Nina ventured into the bathroom to sniff it out. This was a sort of miracle to me. Nina had to weave her way around boxes, the two vanities, stacks of tile and various tools in order to make it up the stairs and to the bathroom.

Once again I wanted to take Nina into my arms and cry. I couldn’t believe that this was actually my dog in the bathroom in the midst of all of the chaos. With the help of little Emme, Nina had not just made a step forward but had moved miles forward. I guess that sometimes it just takes a puppy to show a dog the way.

Filed under: Foster Updates, Observations & Reflection | 1 Comment »

I came to stay with my foster mama at the beginning of December. Both of us were pretty sure that I would have my very own family by Christmas. I was little, I was cute, I was sweet and I loved to cuddle. Plus who wouldn’t want a brand new puppy that already knew how to do all of her business outside?

I would have been happy with a new mama or a new dad. I would have been happy with kids or without. I would have really liked to have a 4 legged sibling since I love to play and wrestle so much but I would have been just as content in a home with a lot of toys to keep me busy and entertained.

I like my foster mama, my foster siblings and my foster home all just fine, don’t get me wrong, but I just would rather have a forever family to call my own. I was looking for my own people to love and to kiss, my own yard to run in and explore, my own bed to curl up in at night.

While it looks like I won’t get my own family in time for Christmas, I’m still hoping that my family will find me by the New Year or not long after that.

If you’re looking for a dog that bounces when she runs, a dog that gives the best little puppy kisses, a dog with two floppy ears, a playful and energetic little girl check out my profile, I just might be the dog for you. And I’ll be waiting.

Filed under: Foster Updates, In the News | 1 Comment »

Every foster dog that comes into my home touches me in their own way. Each one is special. Even though I know that I will never forget any of them, I still wanted a place to go when I want to remember and reminisce and a way to share their unique stories. So I started a special scrapbook for my foster dogs when I began fostering. Whenever a foster dog finds her forever home she gets her own page in the scrapbook, complete with my favorite pictures of her and a bio.

Here’s a few pages in that scrapbook that come to mind…

Lucille. Lucille came to me as an adult and the whole animal control experience had left her traumatized. She was constantly trying to hide—in the corners of my closet, under the bed, she’d try to crawl under the seat of my Jeep when we went for a ride. It was obvious that Lucille had had a family at one point and she just couldn’t understand what had happened and where her people were. It took her a bit but she got over this need to hide. Lucille was so easy to like. She was mellow and quiet, shy and gentle. She had no puppy energy left, no need to play or wrestle. All she wanted was someone to cuddle and love her. Lucille found a family with two little girls to give her all the love that she could want for the rest of her life.

Alfie. The dog that never stopped. Honestly. One morning he woke me up by bouncing a tennis ball off my forehead. I’m not kidding. Alfie found a family with three boys and a big fenced yard. Just what he needed.

Lois. The dog with the ears that were too big for her little body. She somehow managed to own the look and pulled it off smashingly. Lois found her new family in a young couple that were looking for a dog of their own to rescue.

Fancy Pants. One of those dogs that through no fault of her own just got passed over and over. She was cute, she was fun, she had no major issues, she just took forever to find her home. Then she found it, only to be returned (again through no fault of her own) three days later. Finally Fancy got a home of her own.

Ellie. This is the only dog that I ever seriously considered failing at fostering. (Besides my Nina) Ellie had one of the familiar pit bull stories. Her brother and she were seized by AC when her person was arrested. She sat at AC for a very long time before being pulled. Ellie was with me for four months. When I got the call that she was being adopted, I couldn’t talk. This one was tough. Her adoption absolutely broke my heart. This is the dog that I think of and wonder about the most.

Little Emme will be the 17th page in my scrapbook as soon as she finds her forever home.

If you ever wonder why people foster, I would love to share with you my scrapbook filled with 17 pages that display why I foster better than I ever could in words. And I can guarantee you that when little Emme finds her forever home there will be an 18^th reason just waiting for me to open my home to her.

Filed under: Foster Updates, In the News, Observations & Reflection, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

We need foster homes! Somethin’ fierce! Who needs holiday gifts? I just want foster homes. Wonderful loving foster homes. The more the better.

Nothing sucks more than those phone calls from animal control asking you to come take a look at some really special dogs. On the phone I sound cheerful and say “Let me see what we can do!”. And they are relived and thrilled (for a moment) at the prospect that perhaps these dogs will have a chance.

But I already sense that it will be nothing.

Foster homes willing to take in an adult dog are few and far between. Puppies go like hot cakes. Adults, not so much. The thing people don’t realize is that the adults are actually easier. Sure they are a bit bigger and stronger (especially when they don’t know what walking on a leash is) but most of the time they are already potty trained and over chewing on inappropriate items.

And they know, like a puppy really can’t, how horrible life can be. And they are grateful. The exuberance and voracity for the good that life has to offer is palpable.Infectious. Moving.

To them - you are their savior.

We can try all that we want - cajole, plead in a passive aggressive manner, to find viable foster homes. However, we cannot force people to foster. Although we do make it as easy as possible. We pay for food, crate, toys and veterinary care. Hell - you can’t make an adoption event - we will arrange the pick-up and transport.

But it isn’t enough. And I realize that it takes a special someone to foster. I respect that, I really do.

It is just hard, on a day like today (frigidly barbarically cold), to put it all into perspective.

Today I hate rescue. But I know too much to walk away now. I really want to though.

Fosters where are you? We need you so badly. There are so many wonderful dogs, filled with infinate potential, who only want to be given that chance. A chance that only we, the humans in charge of this hard world, can give them.

Please consider fostering an adult dog!

Filed under: ARLP Updates, Observations & Reflection | 1 Comment »

Filed under: Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Storytime for Bailey and Bugga

Filed under: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

~ Post by Volunteer Paige ~
Former ARLP program dog Joey appearing in photos.

We love our dogs. We want the world to love our dogs too! So how do we help the world recognize our wonderful, well-behaved family members? We have them tested by the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program.

The CGC test is a 10 step evaluation, presented by the American Kennel Club. Certificates are rewarded to all dogs who pass the 10 steps. The AKC started the program in 1989 as a way of measuring responsible dog ownership, for ALL owners, not just owners of purebred dogs.

What does this mean for you? Some insurance companies may reward responsible owners with CGC certified dogs with better rates. The AKC website says there are 34 states that now have CGC resolutions (the states are not listed). The biggest rewards, however, are the opportunity to spend one on one time with your dog, enhancing communication between you and your dog, and having proof (the certificate!) that not only is your dog well mannered but that YOU are a responsible owner.

Some of the specifics:

• The test must be administered by a CGC evaluator
• Fido must wear a well-fitting buckle or slip collar - no choke or pinch collars; no gentle leader either
• No treats allowed during the test
• No toys allowed
• Fido must not pee or poop during the test. The only exception here is in step 10, and THEN only if the test is held outdoors.

So on to the 10 steps.

1. Accept a Friendly Stranger

Jane Stranger (cleverly disguised as the evaluator) approaches you and Fido (in our photos, Fido is played by Joey). Just as this test name indicates, Fido must show no sign of resentment or shyness, nor break his position while you and Jane comment on the weather, and she compliments you on your pooch.

2. Sit Politely for Petting

What fun! Jane Stranger approaches again, or perhaps it is her husband Joe, and asks for permission to pet your dog. Fido sits next to you, and receives the attention without fear, without extra exuberance. This is a tough one-who doesn’t want to wiggle and lean in for extra rubs!

3. Appearance and Grooming

You care about Fido, and it shows. Fido will allow Jane Stranger (i.e. vet, groomer, or friend) to examine both ears, and both front feet. Fido also allows Jane to lightly brush him, as would happen at the groomers (or at home on the kitchen floor).

4. Out For a Walk (Loose leash walking)

Ah, the infamous loose leash walking. This step of the test involves multiple moves-a left turn, right turn, about turn, and at least one stop. Fido does not need to be perfectly aligned as though heeling, and he may be on either side of you.

5. Walk Through a Crowd

Fido may show interest in others while walking through a crowd, but must not strain or shy away. A crowd means at least three people, and the more the merrier!

6. Sit and Down on Command/Staying in Place

Fido sits and downs on command. Fido then stays where you left him while you walk away (20 ft, which is the length of my living room), AND when you return.

7. Come When Called

Fido loves you! And when you call him, he runs to you! Okay, perhaps the pace is a walk, on leash, and the distance is only 10 ft (the length of my kitchen). When you leave Fido the evaluator will be providing distraction, by petting him in place.

8. Reaction to Another Dog

No, this is not a play date! Fido is on your outside, Pluto is on the other person’s outside (outside = human’s left side in this case), and you two humans are meeting in the middle. Humans shake hands, comment on the weather (what, do we Minnesotans talk about anything else?), and move on while dogs show virtually no interest in each other.

9. Reactions to Distractions

Perhaps a more appropriate title for this step would be How To Scare The Crap Out Of Fido, and THEN What Happens? The intent is to judge Fido’s reaction/recovery, to something startling. Panic, aggression, and barking are all no no’s Fido may be startled, but then show no more than natural interest or curiosity in the stimulus source.

10. Supervised Separation

How is Fido without you? No big deal, right? A trusted person holds Fido’s leash, and you leave the room for 3 minutes, during which Fido behaves himself. He doesn’t have to remain in one position, but excessive whining, barking, or chewing his leash would all be poor reactions.

Did we pass? We’ll find out in January!

<–>

Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

Because the worlds of pit bulls and rescue are all too often filled with negative and heart wrenching stuff, I wanted to share just a little bit of mindless cuteness and remind everyone why we heart this breed so much.

I found this video clip on Cute Overload.

Filed under: Observations & Reflection, Random Thoughts | No Comments »

My Buckles of Love

Well, I didn’t think it was possible. I didn’t think it would hurt quite as much as Punk Rock’s leaving. Star’s goodbye. I was crazy wrong because it has been hurting since I heard the words, “we would like to adopt Star”.

So this week has been a lot of lasts… last walks, last cuddles, last all out tug ‘o war sessions.

Michelle’s post really hit home.

I  love my fosters with the veracity of love I have for my own beasts. They become a part of my family. My insides. They are welcomed into the fold with complete unconditional acceptance, whatever their quirks. (Er - ok - Debbie may occasionally beg to differ.)

It has been less than an hour since we dropped Star off at her new home. The new mamma and daddy had lotsa good stuff to welcome her into their fold. Toys, winter wear, crate, bed, treats… And Star exceeded my expectations with the ease with which she explored her new digs.

When Star first came to me she was timid. Timid is actually an understatement. Everything was cause for concern. And potty training? What was that? It took a long time to overcome some obstacles, like going outside in the dark, not dropping to her belly when a car passed us on the street while we were walking on the sidewalk, being touched. But overcome them we did.

The goodbye is the hardest part.

When you go to leave for the last time and they expect that they will be leaving with you. But you have to be strong, cheerful and distant. For them.

Even though I wanted nothing more than to sit on the floor, her face in my hands, lips to her nose, somehow communicating to her the depth of my love and sadness at our parting. How can she ever know how much I have enjoyed this journey we have shared? How can she know that I will never forget her, ever?

They are a gift, these fosters of mine. Small synapses that time will only embellish.

Yes, this is the hardest part.

Filed under: Foster Updates | 4 Comments »

Last night I picked up Emme, my now foster puppy. I will admit that as soon as the two of us were in my Jeep, I had a mini-panic attack. What was I doing with this puppy, the now third dog in my house? I have enough going on in my life, what was I thinking of committing to this little girl?

I can tell you that I, just like a lot of people, have a long list of reasons not to foster but we do it anyway. The list in my head last night was going something like this: law school finals, work, boyfriend, two dogs of my own, no fenced yard….

As we drove towards home I had a heart to heart with myself and I remembered why I choose to foster.

Why do I foster?

I foster to pay it back and to pay it forward. I foster because I want to pay it back to the wonderful people that chose to give my rescue dogs a second chance when my dogs’ former people, who were suppose to be responsible and committed to them, bailed.

I foster to pay it forward. If something happens to me, and god forbid, all of the safety nets that I have planned to ensure that my dogs do not end up homeless fall through; I hope that there will be more wonderful people to take in my two dogs and give them another chance at finding a home.

Why do I foster?

I definitely do not foster because I kid myself that I am saving the world or solving the pet over population problem on my own. I know that for every dog that I might bring into my home, there are countless others who do not make it ‘out.’ But like in the story with the young boy throwing starfish back into the ocean, I foster because, “It makes a difference for that one.”

Why do I foster?

I foster for little Emme. She definitely did not ask to be wandering the streets of St. Paul at 2 am all alone. This little girl potties at record speed so that she can get back into the house. I can’t imagine how cold she must have been and all alone in the middle of the street nonetheless. I’m sure that that night she must have been wondering where her people were and why she wasn’t in a warm house with a nice bed. I foster for little Emme because she deserves a chance at a real, quality home.

Why do I foster?

I foster for countless more reasons, too many to list. For puppy breath, for extra cuddles, for a playmate for my two dogs. I foster in order to do my part to make up for the irresponsibility, the carelessness, the selfishness that some people display towards dogs. I foster because dogs are not things that can just be thrown away or tossed aside. And finally, I foster because I know that incredible happy/sad feeling that comes when my foster dog finds her forever home.

Filed under: Foster Updates | 5 Comments »