I had a sleepover party this weekend because my foster parents went away, so my foster Aunt & Uncle watched me.
When they came to pick me up, I was so scared because they aren't the foster parents I'm used to seeing, even though I've met them lots of times before. I hid in the back of my crate and whined hoping that someone would realize I was being dognapped! Then I made a break for it, ducked past them and hid under the car in the garage, so they had to crawl under and get me! Once they got me on the leash, I didn't have a choice and realized I had to go with them. Once they gave me a few snacks and put me in the car, I was okay. I was very good at their house, I met their 2 GSP boys out on the lawn, and growled at them to show them who was boss, but really had a nice weekend with them. I even slept on the dog bed with Frasier all night!
They were doing yard work and left the door open, so the 3 of us were just going in and out and up and down the stairs, exploring the fenced in yard. It was much different than being on a leash. I emptied all their toys out, and played a little with them. I went for a long hike on Saturday, but didn't see anything exciting out in the woods.
I gained 4 lbs so far since I've been here, and yesterday I went to visit the foster Grandparents, and she fed me all sorts of goodies, so I'll probably gain more just from all those yummy snacks she gave me. She has 2 English Pointers at her house, and I liked both of them, I did my usual growl, but we were all okay. I met their cat and didn't bother him, but he froze when he saw me. My foster Mom is sure if he tried to move that I would've given chase. I've been very interested in the small animals in the yard and really try my hardest to get at them lately!
I recently started to come out of my shell a little and play with the little dogs at my house. They taught me to steal stuff out of the laundry and run up and down the hall with it, and that sure is fun!! I'm still scared of the big GSP girl though, she plays way to rough. I watch her bump all the other dogs with her nose, do "spinnies" around them, and that's way too much action for me, so I run away when she tries to play. But I'm making progress there.
My foster parents decided that unless I make a huge turnaround, I cannot go to a house with children, or very active house. I am still very scared of movements and noises and I'm not sure I'm ever going to get over that. I also still have huge trust issues with people, so my new family is going to have to be really patient with me, because I feel when I go to a new home, it's going to be like starting all over with new people, and I'm going to be really nervous for a while.
I am super-smart though and I do know my name. I've been listening pretty good and should be even better by the time I go to my forever home!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Progress!
The last few days have been full of progress for me...a little each day! On Wednesday, I went to the vet, and I'm happy to report, other than looking like a bony runway model (I only weigh 41.6), I am 100% healthy! I got a microchip now so if I ever get lost, I can be reunited with my forever family and I got tick preventative and heartworm, too. They really sure do know how to take care of a girl around here!
I've been going in my crate better, and being a little less "vocal", but I'm just not ready to completely cooperate with those 2 things just yet. I got to sleep in the house all night on the couch Thursday with my foster Dad because he was sick, and I didn't get up at all...man, it was SO comfy! My foster Mom said that was a little present for me for being so good at the vet.
I've really been trying hard to be nice to those other dogs that live here, and on Wednesday I started spending more time with them. First, I went for a walk with Bonnie, she's the really nice GSP that loves everyone, and we did fine. I followed her around through the bushes, streams, etc. and had a fun day. I really enjoy learning from her and watching what she does. Then my foster parents kept bringing the different dogs into the house, a little at a time so I could get used to them. I love the little boy miniature pinscher that lives here, but that little girl is crazy! She is 6 pounds of pure off-the-wall energy..she really makes me nervous! So I had to growl at her a bunch of times and the foster Mom agreed with me and yelled at her, too... But today was a huge day for me...I was in the house with all 4 of them all day! I will admit, I did snap at that little one a few times, and then the biggest GSP, Abby, snapped at me 2 times, but I think we have our pack order all set now, because ever since the big girl put me in my place, I haven't growled at anyone or had any problems all day! My foster parents said that being around the other dogs is good for me, because I'm learning to be a dog and be a little more independent. I'm actually sleeping on the couch with Bonnie, away from my foster Mom while she types this, if you can believe it!
I'm quickly picking up on lots of commands and my foster parents think I'm very smart, just a little stubborn, but all of us GSPs tend to be like that....heck, my foster Mom is pretty stubborn and she's half German, so she can't call the kettle black! I do recognize my name, and I do come about 80% of the time without a little tug on my leash. I've quickly learned "here", "up" and "down". I certainley haven't mastered them yet, but I do recognize what is being requested of me. I'm also learning "kennel" (which I really have no use for), "go bye-bye" (that's when I get to go outside), and "go pee pee" (when you do this one, you get a nice pet and you get to go back inside to that wonderful thing they call a couch!). So, that's a lot for one girl to pick-up, but I'm sure I'll have a good handle on it by the time I go to my forever home.
I am still quite scared of quick movements and loud noises. Also, if you try and come into the room and have a hat or a hood on, and I don't recognize you, forget it! I'm growling at you for sure...once you say my name, then I realize you're supposed to be here. And you cannot sneak up on me, I don't know how many times I have to try and teach my foster parents that. Sometimes they forget and they give me a heart attack! I definitely decided that I cannot be in a house with younger kids or small animals over the past few days. I just love chasing squirrels and cats way too much....I do think little dogs are fine, but they should be well-behaved and not too pushy...if they are, I may have a problem with that!
We had a bunch of guys here working over the past 2 days, and I was very scared, but I let them pet me, as long as I approached them. The minute they started heading for me, I went the other way because I was way too scared! I'm having some company come over tomorrow and see me, so I'll check back in sometime next week with another update!
I've been going in my crate better, and being a little less "vocal", but I'm just not ready to completely cooperate with those 2 things just yet. I got to sleep in the house all night on the couch Thursday with my foster Dad because he was sick, and I didn't get up at all...man, it was SO comfy! My foster Mom said that was a little present for me for being so good at the vet.
I've really been trying hard to be nice to those other dogs that live here, and on Wednesday I started spending more time with them. First, I went for a walk with Bonnie, she's the really nice GSP that loves everyone, and we did fine. I followed her around through the bushes, streams, etc. and had a fun day. I really enjoy learning from her and watching what she does. Then my foster parents kept bringing the different dogs into the house, a little at a time so I could get used to them. I love the little boy miniature pinscher that lives here, but that little girl is crazy! She is 6 pounds of pure off-the-wall energy..she really makes me nervous! So I had to growl at her a bunch of times and the foster Mom agreed with me and yelled at her, too... But today was a huge day for me...I was in the house with all 4 of them all day! I will admit, I did snap at that little one a few times, and then the biggest GSP, Abby, snapped at me 2 times, but I think we have our pack order all set now, because ever since the big girl put me in my place, I haven't growled at anyone or had any problems all day! My foster parents said that being around the other dogs is good for me, because I'm learning to be a dog and be a little more independent. I'm actually sleeping on the couch with Bonnie, away from my foster Mom while she types this, if you can believe it!
I'm quickly picking up on lots of commands and my foster parents think I'm very smart, just a little stubborn, but all of us GSPs tend to be like that....heck, my foster Mom is pretty stubborn and she's half German, so she can't call the kettle black! I do recognize my name, and I do come about 80% of the time without a little tug on my leash. I've quickly learned "here", "up" and "down". I certainley haven't mastered them yet, but I do recognize what is being requested of me. I'm also learning "kennel" (which I really have no use for), "go bye-bye" (that's when I get to go outside), and "go pee pee" (when you do this one, you get a nice pet and you get to go back inside to that wonderful thing they call a couch!). So, that's a lot for one girl to pick-up, but I'm sure I'll have a good handle on it by the time I go to my forever home.
I am still quite scared of quick movements and loud noises. Also, if you try and come into the room and have a hat or a hood on, and I don't recognize you, forget it! I'm growling at you for sure...once you say my name, then I realize you're supposed to be here. And you cannot sneak up on me, I don't know how many times I have to try and teach my foster parents that. Sometimes they forget and they give me a heart attack! I definitely decided that I cannot be in a house with younger kids or small animals over the past few days. I just love chasing squirrels and cats way too much....I do think little dogs are fine, but they should be well-behaved and not too pushy...if they are, I may have a problem with that!
We had a bunch of guys here working over the past 2 days, and I was very scared, but I let them pet me, as long as I approached them. The minute they started heading for me, I went the other way because I was way too scared! I'm having some company come over tomorrow and see me, so I'll check back in sometime next week with another update!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Start of Day 4
Just checking in with a quick update for everyone. Things are still going well over here. I'm making progress everyday....very small steps, but my foster Mom says any steps forward are good!
They sure do love me over here, I'm living the life of a Princess....I've stopped covering my food, as I've figured out that my foster Mom feeds me 3 times a day, always at the same time, so there's no need to save any...there's always more coming!
She tried to introduce me to 4 different dogs yesterday...all different colors, shapes, and sizes and I have to say I wasn't really impressed with any of them...the biggest GSP girl, who I hear is quite bossy, was scared to death of little ole me! I growled at her and she went and sat on a different couch. I wouldn't take my eyes off her and was staring her down the whole time she was in the room. I didn't wag my tail or show any signs of being friendly at all and she knew it. I did the same with the others, too....I don't know why. Maybe when I become a little lesss attached to my foster parents I'll lighten up a little on their "kids". Today the big girl is in the house though, separated by a glass door...I'm trying really hard to control myself from growling and trying to ignore her.
Yesterday was exciting because I had visitors! A nice 10-year old girl and 8-year old boy came over. They were sitting on the floor very quiet with their hands out for me to sniff. I approached them and was scared at first, but I gave them both kisses, went through their backpacks and even watched while they did their homework. I would definitely not like to live with younger children, very active children or a noisy house at this point, those are all no good for me! I like these kids because they were calm and quiet and knew how to behave around me and make me comfortable. I even watched TV with the little boy and laid down right next to him (I have to admit, he did sneak me some cheeze-its)!
I haven't had any accidents in the house at all, and everytime I go outside, I immediately go to the bathroom. My foster Mom says I'm really smart, I've already started to listen to the words come, down, up and here. I know what "kennel" means, but I've quickly learned that she tricks me when I get the treat..she shuts the door behind me and I still hate that! So, she's actually had to push my little rear end in there a few times now. I haven't cried as much though, I'll get the hang of it...I'm learning that the foster parents always come back.
I've moved from sitting on the same chair to the floor next to my foster parents. I've also learned it's okay to be by my foster parents, and I don't have to actually crawl in my mom's sweatshirt and hide. I even let her out of my sight for about 10 minutes yesterday before I went looking for her, so that's a little better.
This morning I went for a little jog, and I liked it! Usually when I walk, I am so scared I can't stop looking at my foster Mom, and freezing...I trip her all the time! Today, she jogged with me (only around the house, but it's better than the scary street!) and I actually ran beside her with a little bit of confindence showing!
The kids are coming back to visit me today and I'm going for a nice walk through the woods when they get here. I'm looking forward to exploring the great outdoors. Tomorrow I have a vet appointment to get checked over, so I'll check in on Thursday and let everyone know how the next 2 days go for me!
They sure do love me over here, I'm living the life of a Princess....I've stopped covering my food, as I've figured out that my foster Mom feeds me 3 times a day, always at the same time, so there's no need to save any...there's always more coming!
She tried to introduce me to 4 different dogs yesterday...all different colors, shapes, and sizes and I have to say I wasn't really impressed with any of them...the biggest GSP girl, who I hear is quite bossy, was scared to death of little ole me! I growled at her and she went and sat on a different couch. I wouldn't take my eyes off her and was staring her down the whole time she was in the room. I didn't wag my tail or show any signs of being friendly at all and she knew it. I did the same with the others, too....I don't know why. Maybe when I become a little lesss attached to my foster parents I'll lighten up a little on their "kids". Today the big girl is in the house though, separated by a glass door...I'm trying really hard to control myself from growling and trying to ignore her.
Yesterday was exciting because I had visitors! A nice 10-year old girl and 8-year old boy came over. They were sitting on the floor very quiet with their hands out for me to sniff. I approached them and was scared at first, but I gave them both kisses, went through their backpacks and even watched while they did their homework. I would definitely not like to live with younger children, very active children or a noisy house at this point, those are all no good for me! I like these kids because they were calm and quiet and knew how to behave around me and make me comfortable. I even watched TV with the little boy and laid down right next to him (I have to admit, he did sneak me some cheeze-its)!
I haven't had any accidents in the house at all, and everytime I go outside, I immediately go to the bathroom. My foster Mom says I'm really smart, I've already started to listen to the words come, down, up and here. I know what "kennel" means, but I've quickly learned that she tricks me when I get the treat..she shuts the door behind me and I still hate that! So, she's actually had to push my little rear end in there a few times now. I haven't cried as much though, I'll get the hang of it...I'm learning that the foster parents always come back.
I've moved from sitting on the same chair to the floor next to my foster parents. I've also learned it's okay to be by my foster parents, and I don't have to actually crawl in my mom's sweatshirt and hide. I even let her out of my sight for about 10 minutes yesterday before I went looking for her, so that's a little better.
This morning I went for a little jog, and I liked it! Usually when I walk, I am so scared I can't stop looking at my foster Mom, and freezing...I trip her all the time! Today, she jogged with me (only around the house, but it's better than the scary street!) and I actually ran beside her with a little bit of confindence showing!
The kids are coming back to visit me today and I'm going for a nice walk through the woods when they get here. I'm looking forward to exploring the great outdoors. Tomorrow I have a vet appointment to get checked over, so I'll check in on Thursday and let everyone know how the next 2 days go for me!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Intro to Jersey
I really wanted to foster....I haven't done so in 4 years. With 2 GSPs and 2 mini pinschers in the house, working full-time at an Investment Firm, as well as running a small business, fostering just didn't fit into our schedule. Not to mention fostering is how we ended up with 7 rescued GSPs between my sisters and I in the first place :) However, as a perk to losing my job recently, fostering was now a possibility. As soon as I heard the MO story, I knew it may be a possibility, so I just had to convince the other half and got to work on that right away! It was the usual...she'll stay in the heated garage, nothing will change, it will be okay, she won't be here long, etc.
When I heard this story initially, I was sickened, as was every other person out there and when I heard NJ was going to get a few dogs and I was given the opportunity to foster, I was all for it. I was reading Michelle's page, checking Best Friends website, Midwest Paws, etc. and following the story every step of the way!
Then I started to think more and more as the situation grew more real, and the dogs got closer to NJ. The thought ran through my head "what are you thinking fostering a dog that comes from this situation??" And I started to question if I would be able to see a dog that was treated like this for starters, work with her, turn her into a little gem, and then let her go?
I didn't change my mind, and I'm happy to report that I already have the little gem, she just needs some polishing! I'm happy to say, for all she's been through, "Jersey" is already ahead of herself....she is going to need a lot of training, attention, discipline and patience, but she is much better off than what I was expecting for having gone through so much.
But, I'll let her tell her story as it progress.
Oh, and just as a side note..the other half who needed convincing was hand feeding her last night as she slept on his chest watching tv!
~Rayna Regenthal, Eastern GSP Rescue Volunteer
When I heard this story initially, I was sickened, as was every other person out there and when I heard NJ was going to get a few dogs and I was given the opportunity to foster, I was all for it. I was reading Michelle's page, checking Best Friends website, Midwest Paws, etc. and following the story every step of the way!
Then I started to think more and more as the situation grew more real, and the dogs got closer to NJ. The thought ran through my head "what are you thinking fostering a dog that comes from this situation??" And I started to question if I would be able to see a dog that was treated like this for starters, work with her, turn her into a little gem, and then let her go?
I didn't change my mind, and I'm happy to report that I already have the little gem, she just needs some polishing! I'm happy to say, for all she's been through, "Jersey" is already ahead of herself....she is going to need a lot of training, attention, discipline and patience, but she is much better off than what I was expecting for having gone through so much.
But, I'll let her tell her story as it progress.
Oh, and just as a side note..the other half who needed convincing was hand feeding her last night as she slept on his chest watching tv!
~Rayna Regenthal, Eastern GSP Rescue Volunteer
"Jersey" Reporting In...Day 1
Ok, so life has been a whirlwind the past few weeks to say the least! At first I was scared of the fire, then sad to leave all my other dogs behind, then I went to a holding place and then on a truck and now I'm in NJ they tell me....well, I have to tell you, this place ain't half bad! They have leather couches you can sit on, big screen tv's to watch and all the toys a girl can ever want! They feed me 3 times a day at this place, and the expensive stuff, too! A girl can really get used to this kind of treatment! Last night the guy that lives here had me sleeping on the couch with him and he was hand feeding me dog food kibble! Oh, I think I may have died and landed in doggie heaven! Oh, but you know what I do that is truly funny, I am not used to eating all the time, so I cover my food with a blanket, eat a little at a time, save a little for later...if I can't get the blanket over the top of it, my foster Mom covers it for me and I just walk away for a few, and then come back and eat a little more.
My foster Mom says I walk well on a leash, and I don't pull her at all, but I'm a little scared of things...they have this neighbor over here who has this horrible thing called a lawn mower and he insists on mowing his lawn when there's no grass..it's really noisy! I also saw this big mean dog and was ready to attack, when I figured out that it was my own reflection..how can I be so silly for a dog that is so smart! I saw a whole bunch of birds this morning and could care less what those things were...I'm thinking the life of a princess, rather than a hunter may be the life for me.
I'm not too keen on the idea of walking on gravel, or in the woods where the leaves make noise, or even the grass...I really like to stick to the nice smooth concrete, when I walk on anything else, I look like I'm in a marching band the way I'm bringing my knees up...the foster Mom just laughs at me....
I don't like that crate idea once you close the door, if it's open I love it, go right in and I'm learning that when foster Mom says "kennel" and I get in, there's always a treat coming..yummy! When you shut the door I me, though, man, do I howl like a banshee, but this morning I overheard the guy here say that they should bring me inside to sleep...ohhh...I like that idea...but the mean foster Mom said No and told him that I have to learn to be get used to my crate...bummer!
Anyway, there's 4 other dogs here and I met one of them this morning. I was told that she was really, really nice and loves everyone...she was crying to come and meet me and was so happy, but I don't think I really like other dogs that much...maybe in time I will change, and I'm going to go for a nice walk today with the girl, Bonnie, from this morning...but I must admit I wasn't nice to her, and tried to bite her face and growled at her..a lot....maybe later I will try again and I'll be a little nicer...see, I move to NJ, and I pick up this Jersey Girl attitude...not my fault! Bonnie didn't care though, she is used to the other dogs being mean to her, so she just walked away and didn't really come near me for a little while, but when she came back, I growled at her again!
I also am pretty stubborn when I don't want to go to the bathroom...I sure can hold it! I've only peed 2 times and pooped once since I got here (although, it was a nice, firm poop I must admit). I've eaten 4 or 5 times since I got here and I have a whole bunch of toys stashed up in my place!
I am sleeping on the chair right behind my foster Mom as she types this for me, and I really can get used to this house thing... I haven't had any accidents and I've checked out every room in the house, jumped on all the beds, went through all the closets, cleaned up all the crumbs in the kitchen and surfed every counter, so I think I've got it all covered!
I definitely have issues with being on top of people and I'm going to need to be a little more independent, because I understand I can't be on top of humans 24/7, but that will come in time. I already learned not to rub my nose on the crate when they close that door because it hurts! So now I just make lots of noise, no one comes, I get a sore throat and I quit that, too. I did overhear that the sooner I get over that, the sooner I can move inside so I don't make the other 4 dogs crazy barking back at me, so I'm going to work extra hard on that one! I do cry a lot for no reason and whine and just look at everyone, but that's just because I'm not used to this stuff....Once I get on a schedule and learn the way things work here, I'll be fine and I'll take care of myself a little more...I just need some time, people..I just got here!
So, I'm enjoying my stay, everything is going good! I'll check back in a few days and let you know how much progress I have made....oh and just wait until you see my pictures!
My foster Mom says I walk well on a leash, and I don't pull her at all, but I'm a little scared of things...they have this neighbor over here who has this horrible thing called a lawn mower and he insists on mowing his lawn when there's no grass..it's really noisy! I also saw this big mean dog and was ready to attack, when I figured out that it was my own reflection..how can I be so silly for a dog that is so smart! I saw a whole bunch of birds this morning and could care less what those things were...I'm thinking the life of a princess, rather than a hunter may be the life for me.
I'm not too keen on the idea of walking on gravel, or in the woods where the leaves make noise, or even the grass...I really like to stick to the nice smooth concrete, when I walk on anything else, I look like I'm in a marching band the way I'm bringing my knees up...the foster Mom just laughs at me....
I don't like that crate idea once you close the door, if it's open I love it, go right in and I'm learning that when foster Mom says "kennel" and I get in, there's always a treat coming..yummy! When you shut the door I me, though, man, do I howl like a banshee, but this morning I overheard the guy here say that they should bring me inside to sleep...ohhh...I like that idea...but the mean foster Mom said No and told him that I have to learn to be get used to my crate...bummer!
Anyway, there's 4 other dogs here and I met one of them this morning. I was told that she was really, really nice and loves everyone...she was crying to come and meet me and was so happy, but I don't think I really like other dogs that much...maybe in time I will change, and I'm going to go for a nice walk today with the girl, Bonnie, from this morning...but I must admit I wasn't nice to her, and tried to bite her face and growled at her..a lot....maybe later I will try again and I'll be a little nicer...see, I move to NJ, and I pick up this Jersey Girl attitude...not my fault! Bonnie didn't care though, she is used to the other dogs being mean to her, so she just walked away and didn't really come near me for a little while, but when she came back, I growled at her again!
I also am pretty stubborn when I don't want to go to the bathroom...I sure can hold it! I've only peed 2 times and pooped once since I got here (although, it was a nice, firm poop I must admit). I've eaten 4 or 5 times since I got here and I have a whole bunch of toys stashed up in my place!
I am sleeping on the chair right behind my foster Mom as she types this for me, and I really can get used to this house thing... I haven't had any accidents and I've checked out every room in the house, jumped on all the beds, went through all the closets, cleaned up all the crumbs in the kitchen and surfed every counter, so I think I've got it all covered!
I definitely have issues with being on top of people and I'm going to need to be a little more independent, because I understand I can't be on top of humans 24/7, but that will come in time. I already learned not to rub my nose on the crate when they close that door because it hurts! So now I just make lots of noise, no one comes, I get a sore throat and I quit that, too. I did overhear that the sooner I get over that, the sooner I can move inside so I don't make the other 4 dogs crazy barking back at me, so I'm going to work extra hard on that one! I do cry a lot for no reason and whine and just look at everyone, but that's just because I'm not used to this stuff....Once I get on a schedule and learn the way things work here, I'll be fine and I'll take care of myself a little more...I just need some time, people..I just got here!
So, I'm enjoying my stay, everything is going good! I'll check back in a few days and let you know how much progress I have made....oh and just wait until you see my pictures!
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