A Banner Week

There is a family for every dog! This week, little Telly Monster went to a home that is prepared to deal with Demon Possession in a Puppy. Actually, it seems that the aggressive efforts in puppy behavior modification from Day 1 in ESRA may have paid off with the Little Devil. She is being a model citizen in her new home-- to the point that they have renamed her "Bella."

It was a good call to advertise her as a Puppy With Issues. Doing so cut down on the applications from families that were not prepared to deal with a dog that will challenge you. Not all people should raise teenagers. Not all people should raise Telly, either!

Then there was Handsome Jack, the dog that everyone wanted. He brought a great number of applications into ESRA Ohio. This is a good thing because it restocks our list of Approved Adopters. But it is hard on the people who apply and do not get to adopt him. It is perplexing that a couple would apply to adopt when one is so allergic that Jack would be banned from half of the home. Hmmm.

Macy also found her new family this weekend. Macy had a very nice life with her Dad and Mom, until the child came into the picture. It's hard to understand why they could raise such a well disciplined dog and such a poorly disciplined child. Some children are a dog's worst enemy. Fortunately, ESRA was there to lift Macy out of her tormented life and into a home where she will be respected.

Little Oscar, who had no business in the Stark County Pound, also went to a Forever Family. His new family had a challenge-- this summer they had to put to sleep an ESRA dog that had become aggressive. This dog had bitten several times. It was a very sad, difficult situation. And it left scars on the hearts of the family. They needed a dog they could trust. Being neutered at a young age, Oscar is less likely to develop issues. And he really is a sweetie pie!

And finally, Chip, about whom I have posted earlier, went to his Forever Home. A couple that is just nuts about him, and about his gusto for life, has adopted him. He will have a retired Mom. And he'll have a large fenced yard to play in. Chip will be the apple of his family's eye. They like his affectionate manner, and he will be very loving to them.

And so we have much to celebrate in the placement of all of these dogs into homes that will cherish them for the rest of their days. Rescue does indeed work.

Thankful for a Second Chance, and a Third

Chip wandered into a country home, along a busy highway. He stayed there four weeks, living outside the entire time. He was not entirely welcome, but the couple did not want to send him to the county pound. They knew his chances there weren't good. So they contacted the local group of "rescue ladies," who then found ESRA. It took awhile to get Chip's tranport arranged.

Chip found the trip north to Cleveland quite stressful, and he had a rough first night in care. Then he wasn't feeling very well, and, frankly, he got kicked out of Stautzenberger College on Monday morning because he did not like being handled. He was picked up from there with the expectation that he was not a nice boy and was going to need to be euthanized.

Fortunately, he better nature started to come through. He was nice and gentle during the immunizations, and he handled the transfer to West Park Animal Hospital very well. We were able to identify some reasons that he might not be feeling well, and Chip was a very cooperative patient at West Park Animal Hospital.

When he was released, we visited a professional trainer to get a good assessment of Chip's temperament, and Chip did very, very well. Yes, he lacks manners. But he is not a bad tempered dog. It took a lot to get Chip's goat. So Chip came home to foster care.

Well, Chip is pretty "uncouth" in the house. Mouthing. Counter surfing. Jumping up. It was a very rough first day. But the second day, the bad behaviors were less, and the good behaviors were more. And on Wednesday, still more good behaviors. By Thursday, he's pretty great. Very little undesirable behavior. Sit and down pretty well mastered. Come is wonderful. Stay... that's tough. And he is a pretty nice boy on a leash.

Grandma just brought by a Senior friend- a very elderly lady who loves dogs dearly- and who wanted to meet Chip. What a test for Mr. Uncouth! But wouldn't you know- he was a Rock Star! Gentle, loving, affectionate-- kisses, not mouthing. Gave paw. What a nice dog! How did he know?

Chip has been a good lesson for me about jumping to conclusions.

Chip Ahoy!

What happens when a dog reaches maturity without having learned the basics of interacting politely with humans? Chip is a wiggly, smiley, cheerful fellow who does not know any better than jumping up, putting his paws on counters to see what's up there, and mouthing your hand to tell you he likes you.

At least he's not "territory marking" all over the house. Yes, it could be worse! And I have known a great many strong leash pullers. He is far from the strongest. Thankfully, he is nice to the cats. And he only whines for about 5 minutes in his crate.

He will be a pretty boy when all cleaned up- his liver has a copper gleam to it, and a lovely wave. He has a big, blocky, square head. And his full tail has a white tip on the end, which, when pointed straight up above his back waving from side to side, is a sure sign of his absolute joy.

He has four white socks, and a white ruff and mane. Yes, he is handsome. And he can be taught. There is hope. Chip will truly worship the person who teaches him how to be a Great Dog.