Letting Chip Go

How did I get so very attached so quickly? It has only been a week since I brought Chip home, two weeks since I pulled him out of Stautzenberger with a muzzle on his face. But we have made a long journey together. He has become a (almost) civilized dog. He knows (sort of) how to love his people in ways that they like. Chip has found being part of a household very much to his liking. He learned that there are rules, and that it helped to follow them.

Tonight we met his Permanent Foster Dad, Neil, in Akron. Chip nuzzled Neil very optimistically. And Chip and I had good snuggles. But the confused look Chip gave me as they pulled away in the car is hard to erase. I know that Chip will do well with Neil, Barb, and their dogs, Ollie and Piper. He will be an even better dog in another two weeks. But it was kind of like breaking up with your first boyfriend...

This weekend, Chip met a couple who fell in love with him and have committed to making him a permanent part of their family when they return from a long-planned trip in two weeks. So Chip actually has a Forever Home waiting for him after "finishing school" at Neil and Barb's. The couple was so impressed with Chip's good behavior!! And with his enthusiasm for people. And they very much liked how Chip listened to me when I spoke to him. "Of course," I thought, "he's figured out how to survive in this world!"

It is much quieter here now with just Jelly and Emma, who was finally enjoying wrestling with Chip. It's a little TOO quiet...

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.

Liberty

This is Little Liberty. She really is a Springer Spaniel. Life has not been easy for her. But she makes the best of it. I am delighted that she is spending the Thanksgiving Weekend with me, because I will get to know her a little bit better. Liberty may not be among us much longer. We are trying to determine whether she has mammary cancer that has spread to her lungs.

It seems that it takes very little to make Liberty happy. A safe place to sleep, a few toys. Regular meals. Riding in the front seat of the car. How hard is this?

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.

Jelly in the Morning

It's 4:30 am, and the sighing and groaning starts... then the wander into the bathroom for the drink of water. It's time for me to pull on my bathrobe and find my slippers, for She Who Must Be Obeyed will want out.

Can I get her outside before she wakes the house with the Happy Bark, "I'm Alive! I'm Alive! Another Day, and I'm Alive!" We go downstairs, and outside...

"Shhhh... Jelly.... the whole neighborhood doesn't need to know that you're alive..." It doesn't help. She can't hear me.

Then it's time to eat. Somehow The Servant never can get the food into the dish quite fast enough to suit Her Highness. Back outside. Just in case. And now, back to sleep.

But for me, it's time to start the day. And I wonder, who has trained whom in this relationship? Why is it that I understand what all these different barks mean? And which of us is demented...