Foster Dogs at the Olcsvary House

A Ray of Sunshine for a Week

2010-07-16T15:25:00.004-04:00

I get asked frequently to foster dogs since Charlie passed, usually beagles but I couldn't do it. Until Ms. Sophie came along. She came from Kentucky. Yes I discourage taking in US dogs, especially beagles as they are everywhere in Canada needing help. This dog wasn't my choice but certainly was worth all the trouble. Whoever is lucky enough to adopt her, I am sure will feel the same. What a nightmare coordinating that transport. The intention was to have her here for 3 weeks but the transport was cancelled several times so I had one week with the sweetest little beagle girl. She was shy and yet so adorable. House trained and spayed (rare!). I might have been tempted to apply for adoption if her and Dunkin bonded but they never did. She was a bit young for him at a mere 12 months of age. The youngest dog I have fostered in a long time. Ms. Sophie was a ray of sunshine, all smiles, completely innocent just like beagles are meant to be. She was the perfect example of a hound.

Unfortunately when she saw the rescues vet she was thought to have ringworm. Extremely contagious to pets and humans. Test results have yet to be confirmed. Crossing my fingers there isn't an outbreak at my house.

I miss Charlie every day, I shed a tear over him once a week at least and I have a full out breakdown every couple weeks, usually in the privacy of my car on my way home from work. I was so upset losing him and so mad at the world for taking him when I felt I needed him most. Now I have to wonder if fate knew he was one more thing in my life that would make the transition of married to single, moving in with family, that much more challenging. I wonder if losing him when I did was the right time and not the wrong time as I had thought. Dunkin is more, well, refined, and easier to take almost anywhere. Whatever the reason he was taken from me when he was, I will always wish he was here no matter how challenging it would be. He will forever be the beagle I wanted around until he was an old arthritic 20 year old happy-go-lucky hound. Love you Charlie, miss you, forever.

Charlie is Home

2010-05-07T21:28:00.006-04:00

Today I picked up Charlie from the vet. I bought this wonderful frame that holds his ashes in the back in a pretty royal satine blue bag. One side of the frame has room for a picture and the other side holds a clay paw print with his name. It's a beautiful way to remember him. I feel some closure having him home.

Today I find myself focusing on all the sweet and comical things about him and not on all the regrets and the anxiety of losing him. I remember his eyes lighting up every time food was out, his eyes got so big and so wide it was like it awoke the puppy in him no matter how tired he was. I remember popcorn really excited him and it was the only thing that I think he put before me :). I remember I saw a glimmer of that look on the last Saturday we spent together. Him and I picked up a puppymill lab to transport to a rescue.   I wrapped Charlie up in a blanket and had him sitting in the passenger seat.   We went to McDonald's drive threw after we dropped off the lab and that look was there for the very last time. I remember he happily ate some of my egg mcmuffin and I could see my old Charlie boy at that very moment. I remember how much he adored laying in the sun and on Thursday, the only nice day, I sat with him on the lawn and let him feel the heat one last time.   I remember how excited all 3 dogs would get to go for a car ride knowing it meant some kind of treat or great place, usually a Timmy's run including a timbit for each dog. I remember Charlie and Dunkin crawling over me pushing each other to get close to the drive threw window. I remember how Charlie was quite content to sit in the back seat for so many years but took front seat every chance he could get over the last year being he had competition with Dunkin.

I remember taking him to Christmas the last couple years at the parents and how terrific he was at my in-laws. I remember what a brat he was at my parents, lifting his leg on presents and peeing right in the middle of the carpet out of nowhere in front of my grandfather. I remember the first time my dad met Charlie he stated to me beagle are outdoor dogs and how the last couple visits with my parents I could see my Dad's appreciation for what a terrific family pet he was. I remember how much he hated it when I crated him the first night he came to us and the following day when I went to work, and how odd it was that years later an open crate for foster dogs ended up being his favourite place to take a nap. I remember the chorus of howling when we stepped out the door to leave, Benny's deep bark, Charlie's medium beagle howl and Dunkin's high pitch howl. I remember when Dunkin had to be crated during his back injuries and Charlie and I would do an off leash stroll, just the speed he likes, through the nearby park and empty fields and I would never have to worry about him running away. I remember thinking how far he had come from that outdoor hunting beagle to a laid back off leash walking house dog.   I remember how grateful I was for that time alone with him as Dunkin was high maintenance and time alone with Charlie was relaxing and rare for the both of us.

I remember how the occasional time he would sleep on the bed with me and I would wake to find his head on my shoulder or my pillow and think to myself how much he had changed over the years.   I remember having blankets on every dog bed and on top of my comforter so he could make himself a pillow. I remember how tolerant he was of Dunkin like he was his little brother and how in the end, they always shared a bed when I wasn't home with them.   I remember when we would get ready for walks he insisted on having his harness on first and would block me trying to put on Dunkin's harness first.   I remember that he always was first at the door ready to go even though once we started walking he limped most of the way. He never let his illness affect his quality of life, he wanted to be a part of everything. I remember how hard it was in the spring to get him out of our court for a walk as he loved to eat all the dried up worms all over the driveway and road.   I remember how he would go up to a child and stand there like a therapy dog, not demanding, but waiting patiently for any attention they would give him while the other dogs could care less. I remember how the techs at vet office would praise him and how good he was when I left him there for the day.   I remember how he hated being put in water but would love to walk into 2-3 feet of water on his own and just lay down and cool off. I remember how tolerant he was of baths and nail clips and how I never had to worry he would bite me. I remember going to the dog park and he would never come home clean, running through every stinky nasty puddle there was.    I remember the last walk we went on both dogs caught a scent and instead of deterring the howling and pulling, I smiled and enjoyed watching Charlie get into his beagle state which so rarely happened anymore.

I will always remember having that time before his appointment. I laid beside him until it was time to go while he closed his eyes and slept. Charlie never liked being picked up but on this day I cradled him like a baby on the drive to the vets office and he sank into my arms.   It seemed like such a rush decision calling Ingersoll vet that morning asking them to make time for me as my vet wasn't open. Looking back I wouldn't have it any other way. I was able to spend Thursday, most of Friday and Saturday morning with him. He was never alone for long up to his last day. That's all Charlie every wanted was to be with me at all times. I will always remember he was a dog who appreciated every moment and enjoyed life away from the harsh life of an outdoor hunting dog.

I will remember no matter how many regrets I may have, I will always hold his memory close to my heart knowing that he had good life with us and keeping him was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I will remember he taught me patience and showed me all the time I invested in loving him and being patient with him, I received ten fold in the most loyal, comical and gentle dog I will ever own.

Good bye my Charlie, you are unforgettable and irreplaceable.

Memories of Charlie Part III

2010-05-04T22:35:00.002-04:00

Talking about Charlie today and browsing through some photos I remember what a comedian and trouble maker he was. When we lived at our first house in Woodstock our neighbourhood was full of people thinking they were a higher class then others. They all owned little foo foo dogs, labs or retrievers - yuppie dogs (no offense, all nice dogs). Charlie was a howling unrefined beagle, he definitely turned some noses up while I walked these two dogs on the "faux paux" flexi-leads. There was this woman who would walk 2 labs on gentleleaders and she looked so stressed trying to get them to behave and for the most part they did until another reactive dog came by. She was always so tense. In my absence one day I am told Charlie got out and went running down the street towards them. If I recall correctly he circled them howling up a storm. The woman was so upset and lost total control of her dogs as they circled around her. My husband went running after him and wiped out on the gravel, got up and had to chase Charlie in circles trying to catch him.   I heard that story several times as we had a good laugh at what a trouble maker he could be.   Daisy of course stayed put at the open door. She knew how to stay out of trouble.

Charlie was a hoot to take to dog parks. He would appear docile then all of a sudden charge at a dog howling at the top of his lungs. I used to take him and Daisy to Wag n' Train doggie daycare in Kitchener.   They always commented how hilarious he was to have in a group of dogs.   Yes, most all beagles howl when they play but Charlie has his own style.   He had short bursts of loud howling, tail wagging running into another dog and it was LOUD.   It always shocked everyone that such a big voice came out of such a small calm looking dog.

When we moved here our back neighbours had 2 labs and our side neighbours had 3 large dogs. It seemed perfect, dog lovers surrounding us, no one to complain about our dogs or fosters. I figured it couldn't be more perfect for fostering homeless pooches. Charlie had other plans. Without knowing it we moved from a 3 dog town to a 2 dog town and that didn't leave any room for fosters. At one time we had 6 dogs here that we had to keep on the low. Daisy, Hana the lab, Dunkin and Sydney the beagles and our Benny.   Charlie would run up and down the fence getting all the dogs worked up. The neighbours and myself spent almost 3 years trying to break up the noise as quick as possible hoping not to have the by-law officer at our door but every time I opened the door Charlie would charge down the stairs getting the 3 dogs to our side worked up. Then he would start on the back neighbours dogs and they would charge up and down the fence destroying their owners garden. They would come out running yelling at their dogs every time like a broken record. Quite comical from our perspective. I certainly wouldn't have a fancy garden with breakable ornaments where I knew my dogs would run. Funny that Charlie appeared to be smiling the whole time, the other dogs just looked pissed.   It was like he was baiting them saying "you can't get me".

Charlie did that right up to the day before he was ill. He would get so excited when I got home he would do our regular routine of hugs and pats and they we would all head outside. Charlie ran straight to the fence, howling away. Then Benny would get involved and Dunkin would try but Charlie would plow him over.   The neighbours had recently lost one of their dogs and we had been able to grandfather our dogs and licence all 3 this year. What once was a stressor became a stress reliever after a hard day and we all finally stopped worrying about complaints.

I found this video of Charlie howling.  Man I miss my boy.

Overwhelming Sadness

2010-05-04T13:23:00.008-04:00

I always thought to myself, if I loose a pet, I won't get crazy and get their ashes and buy urns as they are gone and the memory of them will be enough.   Having ashes sitting around the house for years was quite bizarre to me. After we said goodbye to Charlie on Saturday, the hysteria kicked in. The panic, the anxiety and the overwhelming urge to go back to the vet office and pick him up. Of course I couldn't as they were closed for the rest of the weekend. I paged the vet and asked them to hold Charlie until Monday so I could discuss the options that I couldn't bring myself to do on Saturday. Monday I went to the vet office and the manager Deb, who was so terrific and compassionate, brought out a book to view.   I didn't realize there were so many different urns, boxes, keepsakes.    When I left I had found myself spending almost $300. I opted to have his ashes back, which is quite expensive in comparison to the regular cremation as he is cremated on his own and not with other pets. It did cross my mind wondering how would I be assured I was getting Charlie back. Deb assured me the company was very professional and that indeed it would be Charlie. She gave me their number to call if I had any questions.   I purchased a paw print in clay and a 2 sided frame. One side for his paw print, the other for a picture of him. His ashes will be stored in the back of the frame.   The other option I had was to make an appointment with the company and do my last goodbyes and wait there while they cremated him which was approximately 2 hours. This company appears to operate just like a funeral home. Monday night I had my heart set on visiting him one last time. I just wanted to see him and hold him one more time. Stroke his ears and head again.

Had you told me months ago my reaction would be this way, I would have told you not a chance in hell.   That I had lost pets before and yes I would miss them, but would not lose my mind over it knowing that I took on rescues with the understanding their life would be shorter then if I had adopted a puppy or kitten.

This morning I decided that I would trust in Gateway that my Charlie would be treated with dignity and respect and that the ashes I received would be his.    I also thought about what it would be like to see him after he had died several days ago.  I certainly have a picture in my head but won't elaborate. I then remembered that part of the reason I took Charlie in Saturday was I wanted his last day to be relatively pain free and that he could still function to an extent and that was how I wanted him to go and how I wanted to remember him. So many people have said to me, I let my dog suffer too long and I should have done it sooner. I refused to do that to Charlie even if it meant having less time with him.   That is how I want to remember him, not what he looks like prior to being cremated.   I will wait patiently for his remains to come home and I hope that can give me some closure.    I never expected to miss him this much although I suspected he would be the hardest death to deal with.   I am still flooded with tears, still not able to focus on work, on anything but him. It's heartbreaking being flooded with his loss on and off all day.   I received an email from a fellow beagle rescuer that summed it up for me why this is so hard. It also didn't give me much hope that I could move on easily.

Oh Sam, they way you're writing sounds as though you've lost your Charlie. I'm so very sorry. We're going through similar heartache, Sam. My Darwin was my first too. I lost him last summer which may seems like a long time ago, but there's not a day that goes by since we said goodbye that I don't think of him. I've loved a lot of beagles and I'm sure I will love a ton more, but never quite like him.
Charlie came into your life for a reason and he will always be there, just in a different way now. He will always be your rock. He taught you things and you taught him things. You're connected forever.

Memories of Charlie Part II

2010-05-03T17:46:00.069-04:00

I have been emailing those in rescue I work with and those who knew Charlie to let them know of his passing. I received some very supportive comments I want to post here.

I'm so sad to hear that. In the short time that we had him here, we all fell in love with him, and knew he was a special boy. He is so lucky to have found someone who could give him the best years of his life. I can't imagine how your heart must be broken. I have taken in many rescues, but every now and then someone like Charlie comes along and really does touch your heart. Please don't thank me. It is always a gift to take in a lost fur baby and be able to find someone who will love them forever. Thank you for not giving up on him. Please give him a big hug and kiss for me.

I'm sure its tough. I cried the minute I read the first line of your email. I'm so sad for you. There must be a hole in your heart. Are there other dogs at home? It helps to go home to fur babies that need you. I was thinking about the day you were suppose to pick him up and how you were lost. And then somehow I found you. It was really the strangest thing, to just be able to find someone like that because I wasn't familiar with the area either, and I had no idea how to use my new navigation. So he really was meant to find you. Lucky boy. Please let me know if there is anything you need. Or anyway I can help.

Just know you're a wonderful dog mom and the dogs in your care know they're loved no matter how short or how long they're with you. It's all worth it to be so loved.

Sam I am so very very sorry.we lost our disabled newf last year and our hearts too were broken in a million pieces.He was so lucky to have you for the time that he did.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Charlie. It is always so terribly difficult to deal with. We lost our big girl, Blanche, suddenly last June (our first shelter dog) and it devastated us too. My thoughts are with you. Take care of yourself and your Furkids.

Sam, I am SO sorry. Beagles are wonderful, but Charlie sounds like super-beagle, helping you with your rescue and in many other ways.Dogs accept death much more easily than we do, as a continuum of life. They do not think as we do about future time lost, you know they live in the present and enjoy each minute there, not thinking of any time other than that moment. Both Charlie and I are glad you didn't prolong it, keeping him around for yourself, but instead let him go before he had more pain. I only wish we could do that for some humans. My vet would say that you gave Charlie a great gift that day.

Yes, Charlie was my super beagle. I keep thinking there is no way I will find a dog like him ever again. I feel I will mourn him until its my time to go. I truly hope there is a heaven and I will see him again. I know the pain will get easier but I expect even 30 years from now I will be telling my grand kids about Charlie. That's the connection I had with him. He was unique, he was special, he was like no other dog I have had or met. I didn't dote on him all the time or ooh and aw over him, he didn't drown me in kisses and crawl all over me. He was the silent loving type. In the past year he had become more comfortable sitting on the couch and bed with me, but he wasn't a cuddlier but he liked to be close. In the beginning when I would pick him up and sit him on my lap, he was stretch out his legs all awkward and couldn't look me in the eye. He had this look that read "what are you doing to me, oh no, whats going on". He did love his ears and head massaged and if you stopped he would push his head on your hand for more and shoot you one of his big brown eyed "love me" looks. This only came about in the last year or so. I have to wonder if Dunkin was an influence on him. Affection was something that did not come easy for Charlie, but loyalty was his way of loving me. If I stopped, he stopped. If I turned, he turned.  With time he became more in tune with me and I with him. I thought dozens of times over the past year, "wow, he has really changed and he is SUCH a good dog". Walks went from an all out hunting spree to a relaxed easy walk.   He never challenged me and he was so content just to be with me. He was my rock.

Our first house we build brand new as newlyweds. Our first dog was Daisy. Then came Charlie.   He had so many accidents in the house. Most often it was puddle in the kitchen or a poop accident in the basement. I don't remember ever cleaning up a mess upstairs. Poor guy, he knew where he had to do his business and he knew not to go upstairs so he hid it. I would have to think now that it was his anxiety that caused a lot of the accidents. It was a difficult time for us. I didn't know how to train him. It was suggested to me to crate him and a rescue lent me a Vari kennel.   I gave him a Kong full of peanut butter and treats. I'll never forget that face when I got home after an 8 hour day. It still mortifies me. He was so so sad. His head was down and he looked pitiful. I knew right then that I would never crate him. His blanket was saturated from obvious drooling and his Kong was full.   No treats were touched. SO unlike a beagle. The neighbours never let us forget that he howled when we left.   I think after that I was told to make him a "belly band" and I did and Charlie had free roam of the house. Unfortunately leaving him loose got him into a bit of trouble. Other then the accidents he was a bit destructive. I remember one night after work coming home and finding him 3 times the size, he had opened the cupboard and got into a whole bag of pigs ears and a bag of dog food. He was so bloated! I am sure Daisy helped herself and when I got home pretended she hadn't done a thing wrong.

It was a long first year. I remember how mad my husband was when I left him alone with Charlie for the first time. Charlie paced and cried the whole time I was gone. I remember my husband vacuuming like a maniac out of frustration and freaking on me that Charlie never calmed down the entire time I was gone. From that day on I never left Charlie alone with my husband and either I stayed home or took him with me or we both left. This went on for at least 2 years. I gave up girls night and going out late, staying over at people's homes and we both came home early from every event.    I contemplated adopting him out after the first couple weeks. . I had a rescue post him, but had them take it down the same day. I had these fleeting thoughts on several occasions but something always held me back from following through with it. He was so innocent no matter what he did, you couldn't be mad at him.  I feared someone would abuse him or put him outside on a chain.

Chris and I had no idea how to deal with separation anxiety. I comforted Charlie instead of encouraging him to be independent and my husband alienated him out of frustration. We took one trip and left him and Daisy at a doggie daycare. He looked stressed when we picked him up. They handed me his urine saturated dog bed and told me it had just happened. I never kenneled him again. The next trip we opted for a cottage so he could go. That was hell having 2 dogs that couldn't be off leash and taking them for walks meant being swamed by monster deer flies every time we stopped sniff or pee. We never did that again. Any other trip I had my mother stayed with the pets when we left. By mid week of vacation I was always checking in to see if the pets were ok, but more specifically how Charlie was handling my absence.

We evetually learned Charlie lived for routine. Work days were ok, but I had to go out the same door every time and leave at the same time. If I worked half days he would pace and get confused by my absence. On weekends if I did volunteer transport runs and my husband was sleeping, I would have to take him or he would howl and wake up my husband. Charlie felt that weekends were reserved for him. If I had to do things after work I would not have the luxury of going home first as that would be very upsetting for him if I worked all day and then turned around and left. Obviously I had to do this sometimes to do every day tasks. Before we left to go anywhere he always got a walk in hopes he would tire and relax and not have an accident. It didn't help, he still howled and I still had a mess to clean up every time.    I think you get the point of life with Charlie in the first few years. I worked my life around Charlie and at first, it was frustrating.   After awhile it was a running joke with my husband and I. "Did he cry when I left?". The typical response was "he paced and whined and sighed and eventually calmed down" or "he was ok for the first hour but then realized something was wrong and started to pace and whine" or "I told Charlie to be quiet so he went in the corner and let out big sighs and kept whining but just quieter"

For 2+ years we would walk into the kitchen into a puddle of pee. He never asked to go out.    It became a spy game with my husband and I. "Where's Charlie? I think he is in the Kitchen" . Someone then jumped up and let him out.    It was pretty common to find a puddle late at night or first thing in the morning. We learned fast that if he woke up from nap, or got up after he went to bed with me or first thing in the morning, there was a 30 second grace period before he would squat and pee on the kitchen floor.   He just wouldn't wait. It made it very difficult to take him places, I had to keep a close eye on him. I didn't dare take him anywhere but the parents house.

Yet in his 2 years with us, he was 99% house trained. We could leave on weeknights and weekends without him getting too upset or having accidents. He would wait by the door to go out and sit there until we noticed. I was so proud of him.   It was a very hard adjustment for him to be a house dog, to be a pet, to be affectionate.   It wasn't something he found easy to adapt to, but he was improving every year. He was no doubt loving the cushy life of a house dog before he passed. That is what makes this so hard, life with Charlie had become enjoyable, he was endearing, funny, sweet and so easily content.  He wasn't an intelligent dog, but he was adorable nonetheless. It was like the minute he let himself believe he had a home for life, he relaxed. I always wondered if his anxiety made him appear younger then he was. After he settled in, he seemed to age quickly.

Charlie made every foster dog coming in look like a dilinquent. If they acted out on walks, especially Dunkin, he would put them in their place.  I looked forward to my future with Charlie as he was so easy to be with and I felt him and I had done our time trying to work out our life together, and I had finally stopped feeling guilty for how hard it was for my husband to live with Charlie. I figued now it was time for us to enjoy life together, Charlie and I.  Fully expecting Dunkin would be the first to go, I promised Charlie it would be me and him forever.   How cruel life can be to take him away from me now.

Memories of Charlie - Part I

2010-05-02T18:49:00.006-04:00

The extreme grief I feel over the loss of Charlie is unexpected and I am not sure how to deal with it.   I have talked it out with those around me over and over again and yes it helps, but it is short lived. Since I am having an "up" moment where I am able to function without flowing tears and overwhelming anxiety and panic, I think writing about Charlie and celebrating him will be therapeutic for me. I have decided to do a series of posts on him, remembering what we had been through together.

Our first foster/adoption was Daisy. She was said to be a beagle lab cross and I fell for that. So I wanted to adopt a second dog and decided on a beagle. Daisy was independent, came house trained and could easily be alone for a full work day and have the run of the house. I have to reinforce the word independent, as rarely is any beagle or cross beagle independent. I expected nothing less of the next dog.   Obviously I knew nothing about beagles and had I actually applied to adopt a beagle from a rescue I would have learned we weren't a suitable home.

I believe it was an email from Shawn Devree from Ain't Misbehavin' letting me know someone had a stray beagle to re-home. So off to North of Toronto to pick this guy up in February 2006. I recall how the woman talked highly of him and didn't mention anything about anxiety or any issues for that matter, even told me he would be ok in a crate. She talked about him using their dog door and would relax in a dog bed.   I recall after, feeling like I was mislead so they could get rid of the dog, and remembering her husbands face that clearly showed he did not feel the same "love" she did. I remember her mentioning to me how sweet he was and she would love to keep him but she needed a dog she could take anywhere like her Newfie dog. So we loaded up Charlie into our vehicle beside Daisy, who of course was bossy as soon as he got in the SUV. I remember his little face and the fear he had. Not daring to move but looking completely put out like he had been abandoned.

That night he paced and paced and cried like he had never been in a house before. Like the 4 walls around him were closing in. I tried to crate him and he freaked. Not knowing anything about crate training I remember putting him in the laundry room to keep him quiet. Knowing now that is the worst thing you can do, isolate a dog in a crate in a far off room. I have never been able to crate him comfortably since. At that time we had a house rule, no dogs upstairs. Daisy was that way from day 1 and we felt this was a good rule to have. I slept on the couch that night, and he paced and cried, laid down with me and got up doing the same thing over and over again. I comforted him the entire night while my husband slept upstairs.   This is where it all began, the unhealthy attachment to me and the development of separation anxiety.    I used to wish I could go back to that day and do it all over again.

Goodbye my Charlie

2010-05-02T09:36:00.003-04:00

I desperately want to write about Charlie, talk about him, grieve about him in words but the pain I am going through right now is unbearable I am not sure I can keep it together long enough to form a coherent thought. I never expected anything like this, and coping with losing him is all I can focus on.

Charlie and Me

2010-04-30T11:31:00.005-04:00

Time flies by as I realize I haven't put together a post since October.   Janie stayed with my aunt for quite some time and has recently been moved to another foster home to live with a dog trainer. Hopefully she will get what she needs there.    Dunkin, oddly, is doing fantastic. He is feeling good, he's perky and loving life. My veterinarian has invested in laser treatment and we were looking at that as an alternative to acupuncture.   We did start 2 treatments and I thought I had seen some small improvement, however I have discontinued this treatment to deal with another ailing beagle.

Charlie, my beloved first rescue beagle.   I love Dunkin, I love all my pets but Charlie is special.   He is my "Marley" from the book "Marley and Me". He was the dog we had a love/hate relationship with.    He was the dog that I second guessed for the first 2 years if I should re-home to someone else.    Crate anxiety, separation anxiety manifesting into whining, howling, defecating, urinating and destruction of the front door.   I didn't dare leave the house for long periods of time other then for work. A dog that took 2+ years to house train and still has the occasional accident. A dog who couldn't be comfortable unless I was in his sight at all times.   Its been over 4 years since I brought this stray beagle into my home and he is by far the best dog I will ever have. He adores me and I have learned to enjoy him being my shadow.  As an independent person, this was very difficult for me to adjust to. Always tripping over him, always feeling obligated to spend my spare time with him. Having dogs beds in every room so he has somewhere to sit and watch me. Always worrying how he would drive others crazy in my absence. He has calmed considerably, however still wanting to be with me every second. Not always enjoyable for those that are with him in my absence, but Charlie is Charlie and everyone knows what to expect. Going to work is easy for him to deal with, he likes routine, however week nights and weekends I let him tag along with me where he can so it's easier on him and those who get left with him.   I can take him anywhere and he will be good with kids, dogs and even being poked and prodded at the vets office. He has never ever considered growling or showing any teeth to anyone. He tolerates loud and groping children and actually makes a point of seeking children out on walks. When he goes to the vets office, he gets nothing but compliments and kisses. Everyone thinks he is a wonderful dog. He is so far off from the dog I took in long ago and in the back my mind, I had accepted he would outlive Dunkin and I secretly looked forward to the day of just having him to love, to give him the attention he so desperately wants and deserves. He has accepted Dunkin but Dunkin is an attention hog so while he curls up on the couch with me, Charlie opts for a dog bed a few feet away.

Today, I am faced with losing this wonderful dog.   This wonderful family member so much earlier then I had even imagined. He is no spring chicken, but in my heart, he was going to live to at least 14, but I had hoped and dreamed for more. Today, at 10 years old, his future looks bleak.   Diagnosed with a terminal illness, laid up and unable to get around comfortably on his own, my time with him feels limited and my positive outlook that he will pull through is fading.   I feel like there will be a big decision to make this weekend.

My personal life is what it is, I have had to take a good hard look at it. At 33, I have come to realize the reality is I have to start over and that was hard to swallow.   However, in my mind, coming home to my 2 beagles who always make me smile and brighten up my day made the thought of starting over much more bearable. If you have a close relationship with your dogs like I do, you never feel alone.    This news of Charlie, couldn't possibly come at worse time. I need him, and I can't bear the thought of losing him.

Success and Disappointment

2009-10-04T22:31:00.014-04:00

Miss Janie, now Sophie has not worked out in her adoptive home. She's much more work then anticipated and is now looking for a new home. I am thankful to the adopters that they have given the rescue the time to find another foster home but so very sad for Sophie. Moving a dog so frequently that is timid and prone to anxiety can amplify the issue. I am trying to be strong and not offer for her to come here, she wasn't suitable here either, none of the dogs would or could play with her but the poor girl just needs stability and I wish I could give that to her. It was a rough week last week for Dunkin, I was feeling it was going to be his time soon and booked an appointment with my vet to discuss options but I wasn't actually able to get in until this coming Saturday. Fortunately he seems to be showing some improvement this weekend, however full recovery (again) looks bleak. I have accepted that whatever time I have left with him is a blessing. I am enjoying his company, he still has life and spirit so on we go with treatment and meds for now. I have spent close to $900 this go around and I am likely between $2500-3000 in total over the past year, its been tough to pay for, fortunately I have a supportive husband. I think looking at the bigger picture, its not that large of a bill. you can pay that alone for knee surgery like Hana had. Its just been tough as it's been ongoing bills for over a year. I have had to accept that he just can't be that active dog he wants to be and having other dogs here is risky with his injury and tough to manage. He was doing so good just 3 months ago. I have a mindset now that 6-12 months is likely the longest I will have left with him. Its seems pessimistic, but I need to have the right mindset to appreciate what I have for the short time I have it. We all deal differently, I am a realist and that's how I get through tough times.

Rocky is officially adopted as of today. The adopter who was looking at him and 2 others decided on Rocky. He went to a beagle loving single woman in Elora. He has 3 walks a day to look forward to and one on one attention. This one was hard. 2.5 months he was here and he was a huge part of our family. There was never a dull moment with him. He was such a happy spirit to have around. It's so quiet here, I don't hear his feet clicking across the laminate floor following everyone around from room to room. I love that I have been able to give my dogs my undivided attention tonight but I feel something is missing. He isn't curled up beside me as I type, he isn't here to sprawl on my lap begging for belly rubs and I am not running around after all the dogs with a pooper scooper so Rocky doesn't eat it. I miss him terribly. In a few weeks time it will be life as usual and he'll only be a memory.

Having him gone today reminded me of Daisy and Cindy-Lou. I really do miss Daisy, I miss our long walks and her intelligent personality. I know she is happy with my parents but I still wish she was here. I had a fleeting thought that when Dunkin's time comes, I would fill that void with her coming back. Then I was reminded how much my parents adore her and I don't think I could do that to them. As for Cindy-Lou, she was the last beagle I cried over being adopted. Believe it or not, I don't actually cry over them all. She was a big baby and busy body like Rocky. I think they would have liked each other. I was going through some pictures of Rocky and I found a few of Cindy-Lou that her family sent to me. One is labeled "Tippy". If I recall correctly that is what they renamed her. Kind of unusual. I have a picture of her and her beagle buddy Buttercup. Also a rescue, although I don't know which one she as from.

Beagles always leave a print on my heart. I am thinking after Dunkin and Charlie, I'll adopt a collie. I want to remember my boys as not just another beagle I owned but the best beagles I have ever had.

September

2009-09-28T12:36:00.004-04:00

A lot has happened over the last month. Dunkin started to improve but then we took in another foster dog for a week and he went downhill. The household is always more active when a new dog comes in as they have adjustment issues. Dunkin must have been walking around too much and had a couple mounting incidents with Janie the coonhound. I find it so difficult this time around. He is not recovering like before and has some really great days and some really awful days and I can't pinpoint what I did wrong. I feel constant guilt and always think about what I should not have done. I am plagued with regrets. I should have been more careful bathing him, I should have not let him run around and wrestle with Rocky, I should have crated him when Janie was with us for a week, I should not have taken him to Woofstock last year or all the other active events, I should have been more patient with his leash training and not let him pull so hard. It is so overwhelming feeling at fault that this beagle was given a second chance at happiness and now it is being cut short due to an injury. I have gone so far as to kick my husband to the spare room so Dunkin can stretch out on the bed and I can keep an eye on him throughout the night. He can't curl up anymore, he has to lie out flat and some nights neither of us get any sleep because he is constantly tossing from side to side. He may not be screaming in pain but he is certainly distressed and in pain even on medications.

I think the vet is losing her hope that he will improve, noting to me the last visit that he may never lose the hunch back and will have to be on 2 of the 4 medications he is on now for the remainder of his life. When he has bad days I tell myself, enough already, this has to end. But then the next day he is happy and loving life. I just don't know what to do. Its so cloudy and unclear right now but 6 weeks and very little improvement is very discouraging.

I have made a call to my vet to get in for Saturday, I need some perspective from someone I trust.

Janie was a very sweet but very anxious coonhound. I don't regret bringing her in as she found the perfect home with a couple I adopted Lucy to 3 years ago. She is now named Sophie and has much deserved second chance. My only regret is I wasn't more responsible with Dunkin and I should have crated him. It was only a week, but he was doing so well and just been released from his jail time, that I couldn't bring myself to do it. I suspect I will carry this guilt around for many many year even after he is gone. Especially noting this whole down fall of his condition is related to a friggin bath.

Rocky is doing wonderful and I know this will be a dog I will shed a few tears over. He is so lovable and adaptable to our home. He could do 3 hour walks, but during all the chaos, some nights he didn't get any and he took it in stride. Finally someone has applied to adopt him, it makes me so sad this is the first as he is such a wonderful dog. Unfortunately this potential adopter is also looking at 2 other dogs and she really wants a dog to do long walks with her and with Rocky's leash aggression, I don't know if he will be the final choice. He was stellar when they came to see him. There was no doubt in their mind he was a sweet dog. If he doesn't get adopted, then the dog she does chose will be lucky and both really need a home. One dog is from GRAB and she had just been moved from her foster home to another which is very difficult for any dog and the other dog is from a humane society and is a beagle cross who has no manners, definitely a difficult adoption. I'll be happy for whatever dog gets a home!

If I lose Dunkin and Rocky gets adopted I am going to have a huge hole in my life. I adore the 3 beagles in my life and if Dunkin wasn't injured I sure would love to keep Rocky as they get along so fabulously.

Critical Weeks

2009-08-23T22:11:00.002-04:00

My boy is now on Prednisone. He is at the point now where there are neurological impairments and he needs the steroids (a stronger anti-inflammatory) . Unfortunately when you go off an NSAID and onto a steriod, there should be a 3-5 day wash out period. We can't afford that luxury. If he gets through this, blood work will most definitely be in order. All the medications he has been on in the last year has to have taken some toll on his liver. There is a week's supply of Prednisone, should he not improve in the next couple of weeks, then he may never improve. Then a critical decision needs to be made. I had candidate conversations with both vets, and we all seem to feel he isn't a candidate for surgery. He seems more comfortable, now that he is on gabapentin for nerve pain. Comfortable but not functioning any better.

Rocky, newly nick named "Rockstar" is loving life as usual. He is dealing with his lack of exercise and walks with grace. He just enjoys one day at a time. I truly wish I had the time and patience to train him some commands but it'll just have to wait until we know the outcome of Dunkin's condition.

The Worst Decision a Pet Owner Has to Consider

2009-08-21T14:38:00.003-04:00

Yesterday morning Dunkin was a shaking, quivering mess, he went to the bathroom and then sat down and wouldn't get back up. He cried when I picked him up. I gave him his meds and crated him for the day, hoping that a days rest in a crate would do him some good and I would come home to a tail wagging beagle eager to get out of his crate to see me. Unfortunately that was wishful thinking. He was still quivering and wouldn't stand up to get out of his crate. I had to drag the blanket to the front of the crate and pick him up. I have no clue how he ended up getting this bad since Sunday. He has not been permitted to walk around, run or jump. Only short bathroom breaks.

I picked up my poor hurting boy and took him to his acupuncture visit. By that time I had zero strength to hold it together. I broke down during his treatment as he screamed every time they put a needle in him. It was horrifying to watch. He shook and shook and shivered when she was done. He usually relaxes during the treatment when the vet leaves but not this time. I had to ask myself (out loud) what I am doing? The vet reminded me that Dunkin is very dramatic and he was crying even when she wasn't touching him. Its true, he screams like that when he gets his nails cut or anals squeezed. He anticipates pain and gets very upset. We added more medication to his list and went home to relax. By bedtime he was much calmer. This morning back to my happy beagle boy. I am thrilled his pain seems to be under control but his condition isn't any better. He can barely stand and seems to have little control over his left back leg. His next appointment is Saturday.

I hope and pray he will recover as before, but I have told the vet, surgery is not an option and I will not let him continue to suffer. If I don't see any improvement in 2 weeks, I am going to give some serious thought as to whether sending him to the rainbow bridge to be pain and symptom free is the next option, the only option left. I don't know if I have the will to do it, but I refuse to be one of those owners that keeps their pets life extended for their own needs while the animal is suffering.

Emotional Turmoil

2009-08-20T08:38:00.004-04:00

We are 5 days into rest and meds for Dunkin and he is still quite disabled and for the first time since Sunday, screamed out in pain when I tried to pick him up. I have been to my Vet to discuss this over and over and I have sent him emails out of desperation of not knowing what to do. I have one Vet telling me I should consider surgery, the other one telling me he is an older geriatric dog that he wouldn't recommend putting through surgery as he has seen the surgery and its very invasive. So what do I do? This is my dog, my husband has no attachment to him and really just lets me deal with it on my own. In less than a year this has happened 3 times where he was hurt more then a simple strain. Is that fair to him? Am I doing him any justice putting him through medications and acupuncture and no activity? The only think I know for certain is this will happen again and again and again. His spirit is young but his body is breaking down on him far too soon. He is a happy boy, even during this, he happy to be with me, to be part of the family, he eats well, he sleeps well. I just don't see any signs of him giving up or telling me he has had enough but on the other hand, how much of this is too much for any dog?

Maybe he won't recover this time, maybe he will but not the next time. It consumes me when this happens, to a point of not even being able to function normally or stop thinking about it and breaking down. The other dogs don't understand, Rocky wants to play with his buddy and Dunkin wants to play with him and keeping him safe from the other dogs is so difficult. Poor Rocky, he wants attention and walks and play time and I just don't have the energy for him. I was reading yesterday it takes far longer for a disc to heal then a fracture. So if he recovers from this it's going to be months before he can play and go for walks and then who knows how long before some mishap again. I read there was a 33% chance this happens again after doing treatment only and not surgery. All this pain and disability and it was only a bath that brought it on.

Re-injury

2009-08-17T07:15:00.006-04:00

Dunkin is on crate rest and meds again. This is an on again off again routine that happens so often I have stopped panicking. I never stop worrying, I hate seeing him in so much pain. This time it was one of the worst. If I put the first time he was rushed to the vet and I found out he had a back injury, I would put that at a 10 out of 10. In the year since then we have had many 3's, 4's and 5's where it involved meds and no walks, just taking it easy. The signs are easy to spot, hunched back, limp back legs, stiff appearance. There has been 1 rushed visit to the vet on Valentine's Day, that I would put at an 8. This time there is no screaming but he is very sore and very reluctant to walk and unable to stand up for more then a few seconds, so this time I would say a 7. This poor dog, destined to live a life of up's and down's with his back. I think this time is bad enough it warrant's a trip to Dr. Praystayko for chiropractic and acupuncture care.

The simplest things can happen to set it off. Dunkin has run around playing and wrestling with Rocky for weeks. You would think that would have been the event to bother his back. It never is the day to day things, its always something out of the ordinary. Last time (Valentine's Day) he tripped up the deck stairs. This time it's from a bath. Dunkin squirms like a fish when he wants out of the tub. His goal is to immediately rub his face all over anything soft. I could just tell the way he was fighting me to put him down that he twisted his body just a bit too much. I just instinctively knew, right then, this was going to be a set back. I work with injuries, specifically back injuries every day. Its always the unexpected awkward body movement that aggravates the back.

I have stopped beating myself up about this. I do the best I can to keep him safe but he still needs to live a life, I refuse to coddle him and make him live in a bubble just in case. That's no life for a dog. Even if I did that, it would only take one odd occurrence out of character of his normal routine. I can't prevent everything. I know Dr. Praystakyo will come up with some idea of how I could prevent this the next time. When he tripped up the stairs the last time, she advised me to install ramps. Sometimes I think Vets aren't living in the real world with the rest of us.

Three Amigos

2009-08-17T00:34:00.003-04:00

Lazy Mornings

2009-08-14T13:13:00.002-04:00

Thought I would post this to show how much Rocky is fitting in, then I get to my blog and I have almost the exact same picture posted..oh well, Charile is in this one! This is my morning coffee time. I sit at my computer and the dogs snooze beside me.

Weeks End

2009-08-10T06:51:00.008-04:00

I am writing this Sunday night at 10:35 pm from my laptop in the dark in Microsoft Word as a brutal storm is passing through and has left us with no hydro. Word is there are trees down, hydro lines cut and on fire, so no hydro probably for some time. I am sitting on the couch with Rocky against me on the left, Charlie on the right and Dunkin on the end by Rocky. Rocky wants to sit on the couch now because Dunkin does. Charlie is snoring of course. Benny is being his regal self sitting on the love seat waiting for his pa who is outside chatting with the neighbours on their porch. I have only caught site of 2 brave cats (my feral cats of course) wandering around. Weather like this always makes me think of the poor pups that live outside in a kennel or chained to a dog house. I just imagine the fear they must feel. Dunkin is a mess during storms and whimpers and attaches himself to me. Charlie and Benny are pretty normal but this has been a very intense pounding rain and thunder storm so even the 2 of them are glued to my side. Rocky seems unaffected. To say he is following me around due to the storm would be difficult to determine as he has taken to following me around where ever I go like the other hounds. We have a beagle pack, where one is, they all are.

My dogs are quite influential and unfortunately not always in a good way. Rocky has learned that what we are eating is edible thanks to our dogs. We had friends over last night and we had chips on the table. We went in the kitchen, a couple minutes later I hear crunching and there he is, front legs up on the coffee table, nose in the bowl. So he has picked up some bad habits here, not that my regal beagles do that but they certainly make it known that they know there are chips there and will stare them down hoping they will fall into their mouths. They probably set him up to do it. Get the poor newbie in trouble.

Rocky was the star last night. Turns out he is the socialite of the party. He likes everyone and continues to bother for attention, unlike my boys who just go back to bed. I am sure it didn’t help that my friends were sneaking him chips. He certainly didn’t have any issues with lying on my friends lap, soaking up the belly rubs. Of course she is trying to convince me to keep him because he is so happy here. I have so many reasons not to, I wouldn’t even consider it.

Benny our little Lhasa isn’t per say buds with me. He certainly lets me know with a low growl if he doesn’t want me to pick him up and move him or handle him. He has never gone beyond that. Last night my friend was rubbing his belly and had her face close to his and he was letting out that odd growly noise which could easily be mistaken for him moaning, in a flash he lashed out at her and tried to bite her face. I was stunned. He literally lunged at her. Fortunately for her he has no front teeth, otherwise he would have broke skin. In the 2 years we have had him he has never gone that far and all she was doing was trying to give him attention. I guess she hit his threshold. I have been mulling it over as I was completely stunned. On one hand I think his bite inhibition is not as good as I would have liked but he did warn. Noting he is blind in one eye, I suppose that could be part of it. We always correct him when he growls at us. He does it to kids too. Everyone likes to cuddle and treat little dogs like stuffed animals, but in the end, a dog is a dog. Fight or flight.

When I look at my dogs, I wouldn’t trust Dunkin not to bite if he felt threatened. Charlie's tolerance is very high, especially with children. Rocky I would consider right down the middle. He needs someone gentle and patient. He love hugs and attention but he doesn’t like to be handled rough if he doesn't know you. He is very reactive with the neighbours dogs and I don’t dare grab him while he is running up and down the fence. One of neighbours dogs is a fence fighter (barrier aggression), so in Rocky’s defense he is just reacting and the neighbours can’t be bothered to calm their dogs so here I am out there trying to get 4 dogs under control when their 3 are barking and growling through the fence. I usually grab a leash, wrap it gently around his neck and steer him away and he calms down in seconds. I left the leash on him today and when he ran back I pulled him away. The one time he turned around and reacted and bit the leash. So he is not a dog that likes his collar pulled when he is worked up. Fair enough, you shouldn’t do that anyhow.

I have chosen to walk Rocky by himself, as much as it’s inconvenient for me, its too hard to train him with my dogs. We are working on sit, down and focus. I gave up on the head collars, the ones I have here doesn’t fit him well and he does ok on an easywalker harness by himself. He pulls like all the others do when we walk together as a pack. He wasn't very treat motivated at first, but he is getting better.

I do adore this dog, he is a wonderful example of hound. He is happy all the time, loves people, loves walks, loves to cuddle, likes to play catch with his toy (hasn’t learn to bring it back, "leave it" is next on my list as he doesn’t like to give the toy back). I love that 99% of the time he listens especially when you call him to come over and he does it willingly with a tale wag. If you respect that he is a dog and a dog that probably didn’t get whole lot of handling by people, then you’ll have yourself a loyal beagle friend because once he learns to love and trust you, he’ll love you forever. Him and I have bonded, he loves me and trusts me in 3 short weeks. I'll enjoy his company while he is here, as he is such a sweet boy.

Beagle Fun

2009-08-03T20:38:00.002-04:00

Rocky

2009-08-03T12:05:00.004-04:00

Little Rocky has found his voice! He loves to give out his howly bark when he hears any type of noise and he loves to howl at the neighbours dogs when he is outside. Only detached homes for him. He has been excellent otherwise. We need to consistently tell him "off" as he likes to jump up on people, doors, cupboards. He'll get, I am sure. He is a smart little fella. All the mounting is done and him and Dunkin play good together. Charlie could care less about either of them. He is too old and just wants to relax and sleep. Funny how beagles only really care to play with beagles. He is learning sit and down with treats. The little bum does sneak his way on my bed in the middle of the night and yeah, I don't bother kicking him off. I really like that he listens quite well to me. When we are outside and I call him over in my happy retard voice (I can only imagine what the neighbours think) he comes bouncing over. He is such a happy little dog. Aren't most all beagles?

Molly

2009-08-03T11:52:00.005-04:00

Molly is going to her new home today! She found her forever home in 1 week! Wish you luck girl, you were such a doll!

New Pics

2009-07-28T18:52:00.005-04:00

The Best Part

2009-07-28T09:19:00.011-04:00

After the stress, the pacing, the not knowing where they fit in, there is a transformation that takes place where they let their guard down and let you in. In less then 4 days, I have 2 admirable foster dogs who have showed me forgiving and moving forward is the key to happiness. I look at them in complete awe. From spending days upon days in a pound on cement floor while shelter volunteers begged for rescue for them to save their lives, after enduring spay and neuter surgery, likely with little to no pain meds, dental work for Rocky (yes, kinda lame but its suits him!) and then being transported from one vehicle to the next from Ohio to London, they still manage to put it aside in such a short amount of time. We dog sat a friends retriever while they were on vacation, she took far longer to settle in.

When Arlys (I still need to find her a new name) first arrived she seemed so lost, as if she was heartbroken for her family. She panted and paced from room to room, it broke my heart. Other then wanting to barge out the door, this girl has no bad habits. She doesn't get on furniture unless the other dogs do and she gets off when told. She is completely housetrained, doesn't beg for people food too much and takes whatever attention you are willing to offer but will go lie down on her bed if you are not up for petting. She has my husband wrapped around her paw, he is totally convinced all labs are wonderful creatures. She is a big lug who you find yourself tripping over as she tries to keep close but she is always smiling, always wagging her tail in anticipation for something good to happen. She has claimed the biggest dog bed in the house, which of course I put down for her, and if I or the other dogs head towards it she bulldozes her way to it to plop down before we can. I always seem to be kicking the smaller dogs out of the bigger beds, but she has got that covered. We are walking her on a Gentle Leader. She is a strong girl. She wants to walk fast and will take off on a steady trot but then will slow down to a crawl and then trot again. My husband says she walks like she is dancing and looks so happy. We are keeping her at 20 minute walks as she is slightly overweight at 88lbs (I think maybe 80-82 would be more ideal) and definitely out of shape. Her and the beagles took up a good game of chase in the backyard last night, unfortunately due to her size she is a bit of a hazard to them!

Rocky is a doll. He was a bit uneasy when he first got here. He was pretty snarly with me the first day when I tried to remove him from Dunkin or Charlies backside. However I have since learned from his vet records that he had dental work done and had antibiotics for an infection and had been treated for an ear infection. Add the neuter and the raw skin under his chin from a collar that was too tight, this boy had to deal with a lot stress and pain. That has all dwindled away. He is constantly wagging his tail and he has this happy trotty bounce to his step. He follows you around the house and loves to be hugged and pet. He has really settled in well and relaxed. He has been accident free and sleeps soundly in a dog bed at the end of our bed at night. Him and Dunkin are playing better together and seem to enjoy each others company. I am very pleased that his personality has shown to be BETTER then when he first got here because sometimes it goes the other way. The only issue that has come up is leash aggression (lashing out at other dogs). I have discussed it with the rescues trainer and this is what she has to say:

This does sound like leash aggression often the rescues have this as they get worried they will not be unable to get away not a worry they have off leash.

Do you have him on a Gentle Leader ? often this helps.

Some dogs do not like to be approached head on even if the dogs are giving off the right signals.

I would take really good treats on the walk if you see a dog increase the distance get him to look at you or keep him moving and his focus on you as the other dog passes give him the treat it has to something great. If he's not into treats then a special toy.

You only reward him however when he is not reacting if he is reacting just get him to look and increase the distance even more.

This is based in fear and the growling believe me is a good thing they are warning the other dog off as they do not feel safe.

Fortunately I have taught Dunkin "Focus" because he is a howler on leash. This really doesn't phase me at all. I am so used to walking dogs that make a scene. Rocky is pint size, probably only 25lbs so its not like you have to worry he is actually going to get at the other dog. I know its not for everyone but honestly, how many beagles or hounds have you seen walking by their owner, nose in the air not making a peep? I can think of one in my area, and several that are reactive.

This is how I look at it, if you aren't up for a little humilation, then a beagle isn't for you. Beagles have some not-so-attractive traits that some don't care for, and you know Rocky doesn't possess any of those traits (other the rolling in poop, I certainly keep my yard much cleaner since his arrival). He is not hunter, has no interest in cats or outdoor squirrels and rabbits. He is not a begger, in fact he doesn't like people food. He only likes his kibble (which has to soaked in water for now) and natural balance soft treats (the rollover kind). He doesn't get on furniture, he doesn't howl when we leave (as far as I know), he doesn't try and dig his way out of the yard and he doesn't soil in the house. He only howls/barks at new noises or when you get home and only if he is left too long outside by himself. If you are a beagle fan, you must enjoy a good howl every once in awhile! He jumps up for attention and to go out the door and he is a door bolter but this is easy to alleviate. This is not something specific to a beagle.

He is a damn near perfect house dog. If you have to take treats and put on a head harness for a 30-45 minute walk a day is it really that big of deal? Absolutely not.

They're Here

2009-07-26T13:17:00.006-04:00

Arlys and Popcorn have arrived. They are pretty stressed, better today but still stressed. Both are housetrained, who could be so lucky? I have never had a beagle here who was housetrained!

I'll be happy when Popcorn's (he needs a new name!) hormones settle, he is a humping machine. My beagle boys really took to him at first but they are just annoyed now. Popcorn is an unual little beagle. He knows no commands, but he is housetrained. He is trying to mount my dogs but he has no urge to mark in the house. He always wants outside like he was an outdoor dog. I took him for a walk in a Lupi and he walked pretty good and didn’t hunt at all but cowers at cars like he hasn’t been out before but you bring out a leash and he heads for the door. He had his head up most of the time (instead of his nose to the ground) and when he saw 2 squirrels only 5 feet away, he looked at them with curiosity but didn’t budge or howl?? Geez Dunkin goes nuts for squirrels and freaks and so have all the beagles I have had. I don’t get it. Yet if he is outside sometimes he’ll just howl by himself for fun. I have decided not to walk him with my boys, don't want him picking up bad habits from them :) He is a fairly quiet beagle. Not too crazy about his crate though.

Arlys is a doll, sweet but very clingy at the moment. She seems so sad, like she is outta place and wants to go home. I feel so sad for her. She is Hana #2 to me, she is that sweet and adorable.

Starting Again

2009-07-20T22:49:00.005-04:00

You knew and I knew I wouldn't be foster-less for long. I haven't posted since December and haven't taken in a dog since Dunkin. He is doing ok, managing well with his back injury. Good days and bad days like anyone would be with his condition. He has been diagnosed with a grade 4 heart murmur and he is going in on Friday to have a mass removed that has grown just under his tail. Poor guy, can't seem to get a break. Unfortunately my Vet doesn't feel he is going to live to a ripe old age so I enjoy his company every day I have with him. His place was meant to be here, I don't doubt that for a second.

So...onwards and upwards as they say. Time to get in the game again!

This Saturday I will be taking 2 pound puppies. A Black Lab and a Senior Beagle. The beagle will stay until his foster home is back from vacation. The Lab will stay with us. I hope she is a doll like Hana. I couldn't see myself fostering the Senior Beagle long term, I don't have a good track record with letting them go. :) Stay tuned, I hope some of my readers will be back to check in.

Hello Again

2008-12-14T17:42:00.005-05:00

Dunkin stayed, he is officially a part of our family. No surprise I am sure. When you see a dog through pain and suffering and you see how they trust you to take care of them, its difficult to let go. I think I was attached to him from day 1. You love all the dogs that come into your home, but some get to you and you find every reason not to let them go. I am guilty. If he had fully recovered I would have been able to see him go, reluctantly of course. Every day with Dunkin is solely focused on how he is feeling, making sure he is safe, watching for signs of him regressing in his recovery just in case I have to rush him to the vets. Time is of the essence for disc injuries. I have to make sure he doesn't slip on the ice, jump off any high furniture or get too rambunctious. Its stressful, and I wouldn't want to put that on anyone. He is still receiving acupuncture and chiropractic treatments which would not be ideal for most adopters. We are still working on tweeking his diet as he has obvious food allergies, I have given up on processed dog food. I am now homecooking for all my canines. They certainly seem to approve of the change!

My beloved Daisy is a permanent family member at my parents. They were kind enough to take care of her while Dunkin was recovering. She was far too rough with Dunkin and he was spending too much time in a crate when they couldn't be watched. My mom enjoys her company and her dog had recently passed so Daisy never came home. It seems awful of me I know. Daisy was our first dog and to trade her for Dunkin, in theory is terrible. However if you knew how loved she is at my parents and how much Dunkin means to me, it wouldn't seem so black and white. Charlie, my other beagle, is becoming much more affectionate, these 2 beagles are my constant shadow, they are always by my side and always together. I adore both of them, they are my sunshine on a miserable day. They are both sitting with me on the couch as I type.

Annie, the dog in my previous post is back with the rescue. We went on holidays and when I returned she stayed with them so I am sorry I don't have any updates on her.

And last but most definitely not least, I have an update on Hana. She is down to 57 pounds and looking beautiful. She is running and playing like dogs should. She is truly a happy ending.

I am not fostering nor am I dedicated to any particular rescue. I am taking some time to appreciate the people in my life I haven't spend enough time with and enjoy the company of my own dogs. That likely won't last long, but everyone needs a little time to themselves.

Hope all is well and Happy Holidays!

Annie's New Do

2008-10-12T13:45:00.006-04:00

Annie went to the groomers on Saturday. A lovely woman by the name of Sharron Galarneau took Annie for the morning and worked slowly with her trying to get her looking clean and beautiful again. Sharron has opened a new business out by Courtland, ON area called Cuddles and Clips and she is phenomenal! Very good and patient with dogs.

Annie is a long haired terrier, but her hair was not in the best of shape so we opted to cut her down so it could regrow.

She looks lovely and much softer! Here's a couple of new pics of her and one of her and the beagles enjoying a rawhide stick.

Meet Miss Annie

2008-10-06T20:29:00.003-04:00

This is orphan Annie. Our new guest!

Oh..I Love this post!

2008-10-05T20:49:00.009-04:00

I found this on a blog and I thought it was so true to my life and Dunkin. I really really want him off my bed...someday

Awake (or: Dealing with Beagle Guilt).

by zchamu

So yeah, it's 3:10 a.m. and I'm awake. What of it?

I should be nice and relaxed. We spent two lovely weeks in Nova Scotia and PEI, sunning and seafooding and boozing and sleeping and generally unwinding. And yet here it is, the middle of the night and I'm wide awake.

It's guilt. Massive, raging guilt. 40 pounds of guilt. Well, maybe 38 if it's been a good dog food week. You see, we've evicted The Beagle from the bed.

My poor doggy. It's not his fault he's a high maintenance princessy pain in the ass. From the time he was a puppy, he has always been the kind of dog who wants what he wants. And generally, he wants it now. And one of the things he has always wanted was to sleep in the bed with the pack. And you know, if he just jumped up at the foot of the bed and took up a normal Beagle-sized amount of space and didn't bug us, that would be one thing. But that of course is not the case. He doesn't just sleep in the bed. He sleeps IN the bed. Under the covers. On our feet. Seriously. It kind of goes like this:

Dog jumps up on bed on to one of the sleeping humans. No preference here to which human; either one works.
Dog walks across now only semi-sleeping human using extremely poky feet.
Dog walks up to human's sleeping face, sniffs sleep breath, licks human face. Human grunts, pushes dog.
Dog starts plowing under the covers.
Human starts pushing dog away to keep him from going under covers.
Dog pushes his entire body weight against half asleep human. No contest here, really.
Dog weasels down to human feet, plunks entire body weight on them. Sighs loudly. Passes out.
Everyone sleeps for 20 minutes.
Dog wakes up hot.
Dog walks across human to get out from under covers. Emerges panting from heat.
Dog walks back across human to get to the exact same spot he was in just a moment ago except over covers rather than under. Plunks on human. Sighs loudly. Passes out.
Repeat ad nauseum.

As you can imagine, this has resulted in 5 years of crappy sleep. We've tried to prevent it, but until you have met this dog, you will not understand the level of stubbornness, the amount of attitude he brings to bear in these sorts of situations. And when you're mostly asleep, it's often just easier to let him do whatever he wants.

But we've had enough. When we returned from vacation we resolved: this is it. The dog is out of the bed.

He's not taking it well.

The first night, he was trying to get on the bed every few minutes. I had to sleep with a spray bottle of water in my hand, so that when he jumped up I could defend the sanctity of the bed with anti-terrorist weapons. This is war, people.

He didn't know what to do. He roamed around the bedroom, panting loudly, peeking up on the edges of the bed, generally having his snout out of joint. Despite the fact that there were two perfectly comfortable dog beds on the floor as well as a chair, none of that mattered. He wanted the bed. I'd threaten him with the Water Bottle of Good Behaviour and he'd go plunk on a dog bed for a few minutes, almost fall asleep, then realize that he was not getting the bed he was Entitled To and the whole cycle would start again. I actually got less sleep that night than I would have had he just been walking on my head as usual.

The next night, he got huffy. We told him to go to HIS bed, and he basically said "screw you" in dog language and left the room entirely to sleep on the couch, surely hoping we'd see the errors of our ways and come and beg him to walk his muddy feet all over our white sheets while we're sleeping. Obviously this backfired as it left me with a glorious dog-free bedroom. But then he came back upstairs, tried once to get in the bed, then gave up. The Beagle bed infestation appears to be over.

But oh, the poor dog. His spirit is crushed. He looks at me with those little eyes, wondering if I love him anymore. And when I woke up at 2 and couldn't sleep and came downstairs and laid on the couch with the remote and laptop, and he came downstairs to see me and cuddled right up against me, I couldn't help but lift up my blanket and let him plunk on my legs.

m Beagle.

My Boys

2008-08-21T18:58:00.004-04:00

Just posting a picture of my happy beagles. Dunkin is still recovering, slowly, but he is happy!

Update..not much to tell!

2008-08-07T21:18:00.005-04:00

Dunkin is doing well. He can do almost everything normally except stairs. I still have to carry him up. He can go down safely on his own but I still watch him. He is still getting chiropractic and acupuncture treatment. Small steps, but he is improving! It just about broke my heart watching him in pain and I so happy to see him enjoying life again!

We are using a new harness, a gentle leader that hooks in the front. He still tries to pull but he doesn't get far that far and the stress on his back is reduced dramatically. I am walking him and Charlie together again, as Charlie's arthritis and age are catching up on him so walks are short for both of their benefit.

Daisy, our lab is staying with my parents. She is too rough with Dunkin and I can 't trust her with him alone. With her gone, he has more freedom, rather then spending his time in a crate all day when he can't be watched.

Doing OK!

2008-07-13T21:09:00.006-04:00

Dunkin is doing a little better every day. I am taking him out now for a short 5 minute walk around the court we live in. I bought him a new studly purple harness. He seems happy and that makes me happy. Getting fat though. Not good with a back problem. He can almost do stairs but he is still a bit wobbly and needs supervision all the time or he has to be in his crate if I can't watch him. He thinks he can still jump on the couch by himself and run with the other dogs so he can't be left alone with them. My stress level has dropped 110%. I am ecstatic he is getting better!

Me and my beags, Dunkin and Charlie!

We are dog sitting this week too. Our neighbours have went on vacation and needed a sitter for their Lhasa-poo Biscuit. Poor guy is lost without his family and paces constantly. He has wicked diarrhea from the stress, he is getting a bit better though. We have a full house again!

A Little Sunshine

2008-07-02T20:06:00.004-04:00

Every day is a new day, isn't it? Today Dunkin went to see Dr. Prystayko for his therapy and she feels he is improving a great deal. She was able to do more chiropractic care and he never cried out in pain once. She told my husband, who took Dunkin in today, that his feet are responding better and his coordination is improving. I honestly didn't see it, but he is here with me every day so I guess its hard to miss the little improvements.

We'll continue on this path of treatment and hold off on the neurology specialist appointment for now.

Dunkin Update

2008-06-26T06:35:00.003-04:00

Its been a lot of tears and worry and hope over the last couple days. If anyone has dealt with doctors and specialists over an injury or disease you know that opinions vary and its a whirlwind for us non-medical people to figure out what is best when they can't. I am finding its the same in Veterinary care. They have different methods and opinions. So I have spent several days wondering if Dunkin needs to be on intravenous with stronger steroids, more acupuncture and wait it out, or rush to Guelph. We had decided to at least see a neurosurgeon to get his opinion at Guelph but apparently that department is closed until the end of July and the only way is to go to Emerg!

I am not seeing all that much improvement. He is more comfortable but the injury itself and lack of feeling in his back feet and legs and the arched back is still there.

I am having some huge moral conflict over potential surgery as well. In asking around, since I cannot get a quote without going to Guelph, it looks to be $5000 and up. My husband questions who is paying for it, and if we are, am I prepared for rehab and adopt him out and losing that money. Well if I had to pay for the surgery he wouldn't be leaving. However my life and dogs are not going to be an appropriate home for Dunkin. We are going to have young children in this house someday and my dog Daisy is too rough with Dunkin so it would be constant monitoring. He needs a quiet home.

The other side of it is, if we miraculously raise enough for his surgery, is it right to use all that money on him when we have many cats and some dogs needing spay/neuter, vaccines etc? It's a tough situation to be in. Dunkin is not sick. He is only 7-8 years old. Thats young for a beagle. Its an injury for petes sake! It doesn't sit well with me that we would have to say goodbye to him over this. If I had the money, there would be no question. However it would putting us in more debt then we already are so I can't blame my husband for not wanting to pay for his surgery. Of course I want to, thats my nature.

I am trying to get a meeting together to discuss fundraising and I'll get everyone's feedback on this.

In the meantime I think I will be packing Dunkin up today to go back to see Dr. Prystayko to see if she still recommends intravenous of dexamethasone as the prednisone doesn't seem to be working.

A good nights rest is what I need!

Acupuncture at Ingersoll Veterinary Services

2008-06-24T19:17:00.004-04:00

I met a fantastic vet today, Dr. Prystayko. She was great with Dunkin and very personable and intelligent. He even got a bit of chiropractic treatment. We discussed Dunkin's condition and even after talking about potential recovery and different meds, I could tell she had that look that Dr. Yelen had. It tells me they both think surgery will be the only cure here.

I asked Dr. Yelen how much he thought surgery would be. He guessed $3000 and up. Ok, I can do that and find a way to pay for it and then fund raise to cover it after the fact. Well I did a little searching on the internet. I couldn't find much, but what I did find was people had paid 6000-8000 for surgery with an MRI.

So far the cost is about $500. Thats x-rays, multiple medications and acupuncture. Even without surgery there are more costs to be incurred.

A Little Glimmer of Hope

2008-06-23T21:51:00.008-04:00

Last night we pulled the crate apart and I pulled Dunkin out, not to his liking. He cried. I knew he had to go to bathroom and I just couldn’t leave him there. He went pee and then I put him back in his crate while I watched the poor guy shiver in pain. I slept on the couch next to his crate. I didn’t move him upstairs to bed as he was not willing to move on his own. I barely slept listening to his sighs, whimpers and cries. Even after a sleep, he wasn’t any better so I fed him and had my husband help me load the crate in the SUV this morning. I didn't dare take him out if he didn't want to move. I had the vet tech Laura help me move his crate into the clinic and I reluctantly left him behind.

I went at lunch and took him out for a pee. He had just been given some stronger medications and he seemed so much better. He was on Prednisone and Robaxin. I don't think the Robaxin did anything for him in terms of pain. Now he is on Prednisone, Gabapentin and Tramadol. Poor guy, they didn’t know he hadn’t gone this morning so he was holding it from 11pm last night until 12 noon today. I went after work and he was even better. He really needed some pain meds. The Gabapentin and Tramadol will definitely give him so relief as well as knock him out a a bit so he can relax.

So unfortunately its more crate time, less walking and more meds. He is comfortably sitting beside me and happy. That’s all I could ask for!

Oh..and I found a veterinarian in Ingersoll (my town) who does acupuncture! Larry and I discussed that Dunkin needed it and I only knew of a few clinics that were over an hour away. A little research on the net and I found one close. Dunkin goes tomorrow at 4pm. I really hope it helps him.

Not getting any better

2008-06-22T20:28:00.003-04:00

I thought Dunkin was improving slightly, he was doing fine with crate rest and short steps outside for bathroom breaks. I guess even that was too much for him as he is in so much pain now he won't even come out of his crate and I know he has to go pee. Poor guy. And we are getting another storm. He is shaking right now and I don't know if its pain related or storm related. He sits in his crate and stares at me. He looks like he is in so much pain. I thought I was doing good at keeping his moving to a minimum but obviously not. I have to pick him up every time he goes out but sometimes it hurts him and I don't know how to make it any better. I have to carry him and he is 30lbs so it's not that easy to do it smoothly. He is not supposed to walk at all but he usually needs to take a few steps to go to the bathroom. I feel so incompetent taking care of him because he is not getting better. If I could get him out of his crate I would take him to emerg but he just wants to sit still and not move at all. I hope he feels less pain tomorrow.

Poor Monkey

2008-06-21T19:02:00.003-04:00

"Monkey" is my nickname for Dunkin. He isn't improving as much as I would like to see, but he isn't getting worse. He is still has a pronounced back arch and wobbly back legs, but even through the pain he is still my happy boy.

Larry is standing by for any negative change as I think he wants me to take him to Guelph for potential surgery. Oh please God, no surgery. I don't think Dunkin or I need that right now!

Another Injury

2008-06-20T11:47:00.002-04:00

Poor Dunkin, what at tough time he is having. We are just experimenting with food elimination to figure out what food intolerances he has and now he has a back injury. A couple weeks ago we went to Woofstock in Toronto. We were there for 2+ hours and it was so hot and busy. Dunkin began walking with his tail between his legs like he was stressed. We went home and there was a Thunderstorm, which he is deathly afraid of, so that tail never came up. The next day he seemed stiff so the thought was he strained his back. The next day he was fine. Just a bit of stiffness when running and his tail between his legs. I had seen this with one of my other dogs who has Spondylosis which has caused her back pain before. A couple days of no activity and he was back to normal.

Two nights ago everything seemed normal. He ate dinner, had some treats and we left for a few hours. Came back, we ate supper and got the dogs ready for a late walk. I decided to use the easyway head harness I had as Dunkin’s pulling is tough even on a good day. I just wasn’t up for it. He hates head harnesses so that’s why I rarely use it. We were getting ready to go and he just didn’t seem to want to but with a little coaxing he came. He was walking normal at first, slowly though, like a normal dog. He kept sitting when I would stop and I thought to myself “man he is acting like a well trained dog, could it be the head harness”. He stopped a couple of times to rub his face in the grass as he hates that harness. Other then his slow demeanor everything seemed normal until about 20 minutes into the walk. He started swaying and couldn’t lift his leg to pee. We got back and he was uncomfortable he couldn’t sit still and he was walking oddly. I thought he was having stomach problems. He had bad diarrhea on the walk so I figured it was the new treats he had and possibly he was all cramped up inside.

I was wrong. I kept him close to me when I went to bed, he slept through the night but by morning he couldn’t hold his back end up. His legs were like jelly. He was in a half sit position to pee and was going on his own feet and he couldn’t do anything about it. I took him straight to my vet Larry Yelen who stated he has a back injury. I was stunned. It never occured to me it was his back.

They took xrays and noted there was a disc problem in his thoracic spine area, around the T10 to T13. I don’t know at this point if it’s an acute injury or if it’s an old injury that has flared up or if he has degenerative disc disease. So many unanswered questions that an xray can’t answer. I don’t know what transpired when we left the house for a few hours, but my dogs are pretty sedate so it’s unlikely one of them hurt him. All I can think of is he was playing with Charlie earlier and the pain and swelling set in hours later? Or could he have fallen trying to get on the couch while we were gone? He has never had problems or hesitation with running or jumping.

I am so worried about him. He is on Robaxin and Prednisone and he doesn’t seem any better today. His back is arched and his back legs are jelly. Yet he still wags his tail. My vet briefly discussed “surgery”. Oh my, another major surgery and rehab..is that what I am destine to do?

There has been a change in Dunkin since this happened. He looks at me with a look that says, I am confused, I am hurting, please take care of me, I trust you. It may sound sappy but his eyes have softened and his gaze follows my every move. He doesn’t seem scared or worried if I am there. He has no concern for toys, play or walks. He just rests in his bed and keeps an eye on where I am. When I was at the vets waiting for the xrays to develop I covered Dunkin up with a blanket and he settled and took a nap. He is much more calm when I am there beside him, and I will be beside him always, no matter what happens.

Please say a prayer for Dunkin, he really needs it.

What's Wrong With People????

2008-06-12T20:16:00.003-04:00

I was at the dog park tonight and this guy walked past me with his dog on his way out. His dog looks young, a mix breed medium size dog and he is walking funny. I thought, what the hell is wrong with that dogs hips? He was walking like a bloody slinky! I asked him what breed to the dog was and he said boxer mix. I asked if he had bad hips and he sad no, he had been hit by a car. So of course I assumed awhile ago and I stated that dogs don't alway heal properly I guess. He said no "actually he was hit by a car about an hour and half ago". You can imagine my disbelief! Your first instinct is always to lose it but he was in his 30's seemed like a nice guy so I politely said, "aren't you taking him to the vet?". And he said "no, probably not". So I felt the dogs legs and I noted he could have a fracture and he tells me he felt him all over and the dog didn't seem to be in pain. I told him he should anyhow as I see dogs with fractures that people didn't even know where there and they don't heal properly. I tried so politely to get this guy to get his dog to the vet! The dog was limping on his front leg and walking awkwardly with his back ones, his hips were going side to side in an awkward way. So he brings him to the dog park???? So even if he doesn't have any fractures, he was obviously limping, therefore he was hurting...how dumb can you be? Do you honestly think bringing him to the dog park was the greatest idea after getting hit by a car?? I looked a little closer and what I thought was dirty on his fur was pavement tarvy!

Seriously, what is wrong with people these days?

Goodbye Sweet Curly

2008-06-10T22:50:00.003-04:00

When I was 13 I took in a little stray dog and named him Curly because he had the cutest curly tail. He stayed with my parents when I moved out. He was 19 years old this year, and today he went to the Rainbow bridge. He was my very first rescue dog and I will miss him. Even though I moved years ago, he always remembered me and was excited when I would come over. My mom is very devastated as she had to make a difficult choice today. Curly's kidney's were failing and last week he became paralyzed in his back leg. I went over Saturday to visit and see Curly as I knew it would be the last. Rest in peace little buddy. We will all miss you.

Storm

2008-06-08T20:21:00.003-04:00

Poor Dunkin, after a stressful day at Woofstock, he had to endure a Thunderstorm! He curled up to me on the couch and wouldn't budge!

Dog Park

2008-06-03T21:36:00.002-04:00

Went to the Dog park yesterday. I usually have to round up one dog at a time as its difficult to get both Charlie and Dunkin at the front gate at the same time. Charlie followed me to the gate and I escorted him to the SUV. I left the window wide open because it was so warm out. I went to get Dunkin and Charlie was standing at the front gate! Bugger jumped out of the window! My old man Charlie who I have to LIFT into the vehicle jumped out! I was surprised he didn't hurt himself. He would have landed on the sidewalk. I am going to try and get Dunkin there more to get socialized in hopes that he won't howl at dogs and passerby's. Poor thing must have been very isolated in his former life!

Hana Update

2008-06-01T20:40:00.003-04:00

Well, for those who are dying to know, Hana is doing awesome at her new home! I have pictures and she looks phenomenal! She has a new buddy Carter (chocolate lab) and she is RUNNING and playing fetch like a normal dog! This will be one rescue to remember for the rest of my life.

Long Weekend

2008-05-19T16:01:00.005-04:00

Well there were fireworks last night as I expected. All 4 dogs were glued to my side and when I went to the bathroom Dunkin followed me and jumped in the laundry basket and stayed there. Poor thing. He was just shaking!

Today was parade day all dogs did pretty good! I think we had about 15 dogs and walkers and 2 decorated vehicles. The weather was terrible though and I felt bad for the dogs. Charlie was having a hard time keeping up. We stop a lot on walks and he was not used to continuous walking. Dunkin had the most energy I think.

When we got home they all crashed!

Beagle update

2008-04-17T21:03:00.003-04:00

My parents tell me Ms. Sydney is happy and healthy and is a perfect little dog. So I wonder, why isn't she adopted yet? Is there not a person or couple out there wanting a little lap dog?

And Dunkin, playing his little heart out at the beagle get together and then tonight at the dog park. He is a smart little boy who does well with positive reinforcement treat training. He knows, sit, down and stay, we'll keep at those until he is more reliable and then add a few more. We are bringing treats on walks and keeping all pooches focused and walks are going quite well! Dunkin is much calmer with plenty of stops on walks to do "sit" and "down".

Beagle Fun at Tortoredaca Park

2008-04-13T15:07:00.012-04:00

We finally made it to a Big On Beagles meet up! The park was pretty cool for the dogs with bridges and trees and agility equipment. I have 2 very tired beagles now! I must note, I kept Dunkin in a blue sweater so I could keep an eye on him amongst the sea of beagles. I watched him like a hawk. At the very end I won the raffle and decided to go to my car and wouldn't you know it, Dunkin found a way out of the park. I was coming back in and someone had caught him running OUTSIDE of the fence and had picked him up and was handing him to Marna (B.O.B. founder). I was mortified. He is a true beagle, an escape artist! Of course Dunkin seem to get the muddiest out of all of them! He was covered from head to toe and then started rolling around in the dirt for good measure!

A Beautiful Saturday

2008-04-05T14:09:00.004-04:00

Dogs are sunning themselves and Sydney is recovering and well loved as you can see (by my Dad). Gotta run, so much to do!

Beagle Fun

2008-04-01T19:14:00.002-04:00

Broke the Rules

2008-03-30T16:59:00.003-04:00

Well I did it, I let Dunkin sleep on the bed. That was one of the rules, no dogs on the bed. We started off with Daisy and it was no dogs upstairs or on the furniture. Then Charlie came and he had separation anxiety and housetraining trouble so we allowed them to come upstairs and sleep on dog beds beside us. Then we let the dogs lay on the couch with us and taught them to ask first. Worked great with Daisy, not so bad with Benny, but terrible with Sydney and Dunkin so its more of a free for all now. Then my husband broke the rules by letting Benny sleep on the bed. Then me. Dunkin has been waking me up with little kisses every morning and pacing for me to get up, which is usually the result of the cats waking the dogs up too early. So I let Dunkin up on the bed to sleep with me last night so he would go back to sleep. He starts sleeping in his crate then comes up early morning so he got to curl up beside me and sleep early this morning and..then this afternoon for a nap. Charlie and Dunkin were in the middle. Chris and I sleeping on the outside. I haven't a dog sleep on my bed since I was a teenager living at home.

Bath Day

2008-03-27T21:52:00.003-04:00

Did a little shopping today for Dunkin. I bought him TropiClean Oxy-Med Rinse for his itchy skin. Charlie got a bath too with it. They smell lovely! But I have read different reviews that its a rinse after shampooing and some that state use it as is..odd. I did use too much of the bottle trying to get it all over, so I guess Shampooing first would be ideal!

I also bought Dunkin some new food in hopes that if it is food allergies this might help. When an animal has allergies you are supposed to take away the common proteins (chicken, beef, pork) and carbs such as corn, wheat, soy and eggs. I have had him on the typical duck and potato and herring and potato which worked great for my dogs but I didn't notice a difference in Dunkin. So..I bought Wellness Simple Solutions Rice & Venison. Just have to watch what treats he eats now. I'll get him fixed up for his new owner *wink*..wonder how Hana is doing...I miss her

Odds and Ends

2008-03-25T22:22:00.003-04:00

I heard from Hana's new family a couple days ago, she is apparently doing very well and bonding with her new family and new doggie friend, Carter the chocolate lab. I couldn't ask for anything more for her so my mind is at ease and I am no longer missing her. Having a good home for a dog you loved makes all the difference in the world. I don't worry about her at all. Its a very relieving feeling knowing that she is happy, healthy and I can call anytime I want. I am sure Emily and Ian will send me pics soon!

Grace from adopt-a-dog called me and as usual was so completely gracious and grateful for all we did for Hana. I just love that woman. She didn't have to take Hana on but she did, and then she thanks me! Now that is a true dog rescuer and dog lover. She just drove from Toronto to Glencoe Pound to pick up a beagle on the weekend. She is a big beagle fan like myself. She knows they are sweet and kind dogs. She also knows they are regularly sold for research from the pound so she makes it a priority to rescue them first when there is a dog in the pound needing rescue. Due to their trusting sweet nature they make good research dogs. I'd like to show you the torture they are put through but I don't want to offend anyone. They are such a mistreated breed. Abused, left outside cold and hungry in nasty cages only to get out during hunting season or used for research or tied to some tree by some ignorant owner. Beagles suffer such terrible abuse at the hands of humans. Yet they are always forgiving.

I am 100% sure that Dunkin has allergies, I am just not sure how to narrow it down. He is itchy all the time and biting his feet which are good indicators. I gave the dogs turkey, potatoe and corn left overs and his stool was, well diarrhea-like, so was Benny’s. I put Benny on a duck and potatoe Natural Balance food and his itching and biting has been reduced dramatically since he first go here. Now Charlie, I have him on California Natural Herring and Potatoe because the last time I put him on cheap dog food with corn and gluten, he got itchy and had hot spots. So a food change helped him as well. I have learned my dogs have food intolerances so I am betting Dunkin does too since he has the same symptoms. My vet feels based on Dunkin's symptoms that he has allergies.

Tomorrow I'll head to Global Pet Foods and search out another alternative protein source food or try a vegetarian dog food for Dunkin. I read that Omega’s are good for dogs with skin problems due to allergies and oatmeal shampoos. So we'll see!

And Then There Were 4

2008-03-21T19:07:00.003-04:00

We took Hana to her forever home today. I did well, surprisingly. Thought I would be a mess. I was more then happy to leave Hana with Ian and Emily as they are perfect for her. Ian and Emily were very hospitable today and allowed us to come in and stay a bit. It made the transition for Hana and myself very smooth.

However now that I am home, I am up and down with crying spells and missing her tremendously. I'll be back soon, but need some type to cope with this.

Sam

Sydney

2008-03-19T11:49:00.001-04:00

Here's a picture of Sydney's Hernia repair. Poor baby!

Sydney's Surgery

2008-03-17T21:47:00.002-04:00

I worried about little Syd all day. I called my mom tonight and she seemed stressed so in the car I went and drove 40 minutes to see Syd at 8:30 tonight. I can see why my mom was upset. She has never been through such a surgery. Sydney was very dopey, but happy to see me. She has a huge 3 inch incision on her side. Vet said it was teeth marks! It looks quite awful, plus her spay stitch. Poor baby, I just wanted to hug her and hold her but she really didn't want to be touched more then a gentle rub to her face to let her know you were there. My mom felt better by the time I left and I felt better that I had gone to visit.

One Dog Less

2008-03-16T07:27:00.004-04:00

I dropped Sydney off at my parents yesterday afternoon to give them a change to get to know her before my mom picked her up after her surgery on Monday. However, my mom thought it would be ok for her to stay there and then she can take her in for her surgery. I truly appreciate that! My mom lives 15 minutes from the vet, I'm 40 minutes.

My mom told me Sydney took to my Dad right away and was laying on his lap. My dad has such a calm soft demeanor with dogs, they always glue to him. It only reinforces to me that Sydney needs a home with calm older adults. I went there today and she barely took 2 minutes to say hi. She certainly acts, in my dads own words, "like she has always lived there".

I hope they take pictures so I can update you!

As for Dunkin, we had a bit of a relapse last night with housetraining. I have a cat door to the basement and the door has been closed since the 2 beagles got here. Sydney can fit through the door so I left it closed. There are 2 cats down there and they wake up like clock work at 5am to eat but because they have been downstairs, they haven't been able to bug me or wake up the dogs. We'll coincidently Dunkin came upstairs and peed on the bath mat. Guaranteed the cats woke him up and he came upstairs to tell me he had to go but came in contact with a closed bedroom door!. I had that problem with my beagle so I brought our dogs upstairs to sleep with use behind closed doors. So, Dunkin will go back to sleeping in his crate and when Hana is gone on Friday, he may just be coming to bed with us!

Video

2008-03-12T20:35:00.007-04:00

Not that good of videos but you can see the foster kids!

Proud Foster Mommy

2008-03-11T08:53:00.002-04:00

Last night Hana decided she wanted to sleep in the crate and there was no getting her out. I went to bed as per the norm, Sydney, Charlie and Daisy in tow. Dunkin and Benny downstairs with Hana. I woke up this morning and there's Dunkin laying on Hana's bed like a good little boy. Nothing chewed and no leg lifting on anything. He really had to go to when we went out this morning, so he was obviously holding it because he knew he had to. He is learning so quick! Most dogs that are newly housetrained, if something wakes them up before you get out of bed their first instinct is to go pee and I have woken up to many puddles on my floor in the morning, from my male dogs as well.

Dunkin is such a good boy! When Hana and Sydney leave next week, I will be spending one on one time training Dunkin some basic commands and leash walking. His leash walking is pretty bad. He pulls and when he catches a scent he starts a howling! Odd thing is the scent is usually a dog that just walked by. Since when do beagles hunt dogs?? lol

Update on Sydney and Dunkin

2008-03-10T06:50:00.004-04:00

Sydney seems to be feeling better now that she is on special food for dogs with crystals. No accidents and she is still a lovable lap dog. She is now sleeping in our bedroom with our dogs. No accidents overnight and her water intake is slowing down. I have to get a video of her dancing in circles for her food. Sydney loves rolling around in the snow, she is such a little ham! My mom is pretty excited to have Sydney for a couple of weeks.

Dunkin is my little buddy. He likes to cuddle with me on the couch. He has picked up the housetraining really well and is going outside only. His water intake has slowed down too. I find new dogs drink a ton of water as they are stressed and pacing around. Dunkin in general has really slowed down and relaxed. He is very easy going and keeping out of trouble. I woke up this morning and he was not in his crate (my husband usually puts him in before bed). No accidents either.

We had a bit of a scare yesterday. I took Dunkin and Charlie to the dog park and someone had left one of the side gates open. Both got out and I had to run in 3 foot snow to catch them. That was such a scary moment. When you panic and yell at them they run more, but it is so hard not to. In retrospect, I am kind of irritated that no one in the park helped me, they just watched. You have to be so careful with beagles. They love the adventure!

I would say both doggies are doing very well and getting relaxed and happy to have some love and affection. Both are a bit head shy, meaning they flinch a bit when you go to reach for them or pet their head. This is characteristic of a dog that was abused or roughly handled. Beagles are so forgiving of people, we could certainly learn by their example.

Congratulations Hana!

2008-03-09T21:14:00.011-04:00

I am feeling a little bittersweet today letting you know Hana is officially adopted. Thank you Emily and Ian for giving Hana a second chance at a new life. Reflecting back I realized how much we have been through in such a short time and I am off course upset that she is leaving but I am happy for her at the same time. Hana is now thinner, happier and lucky to be alive. It amazes me such great dogs like Hana are euthenized every day because people want a new puppy. A friend sent me this poem and of course I shed a few tears, but it is so true, especially for Hana.

A POEM TO MY FOSTER DOG

I am the bridge
Between what was and what can be.
I am the pathway to a new life.

I am made of mush,
Because my heart melted when I saw you,
Matted and sore, limping, depressed,
Lonely, unwanted, afraid to love.

For one little time you are mine.
I will feed you with my own hand,
I will love you with my whole heart,
I will make you whole.

I am made of steel.
Because when the time comes,
When you are well, and sleek,
When your eyes shine,
And your tail wags with joy
Then comes the hard part.
I will let you go--not without a tear,
But without a regret.
For you are safe forever-- A new dog needs me now.

Checking In

2008-03-04T19:46:00.005-05:00

I have been busy, as you can imagine taking care of 6 dogs, 5 cats and working full time.

At the moment Hana is doing about the same, she has days where you couldn't even tell she had surgery and other days when she is limping a bit. Dr. Yelen has discussed her progress with the surgeon, Dr. Rousseau and have decided pain medication is appropriate at this time but they feel her progress is still good. Hana is definitely a counter surfer! She ate a whole bag of cat treats last week and when I was outside today for 20 minutes she got into the dog food cupboard and was eating Sydney's special food. When I came inside she put her head down in shame and ran to the living room. I do feel bad for her, being on a diet for 6 months now! I believe she has lost a few more pounds too. I'll know on Friday when I take her in to get the meds. Her adoption is still pending, waiting on a final decision. I will let everyone know as soon as I know!

Poor Sydney is going under the knife again on March 17th to be spayed and have her hernia's fixed. She will staying with my parents after to get some TLC for a couple of weeks. Their house is much quieter and my mom only works 3 hours a day. Sydney will have company with my very very first rescue dog I brought home from a farm at the age of 14. He is still kicking at the age of 17! We think he is a chihuahua/terrier cross. I don't know what it is with my parents but all their dogs seem to live to late teens early 20's. Sydney has very few accidents any more and its the odd time over night. I don't crate her but her accidents are always in front of the door to the backyard so she knows, but being she has crystals and an infection, its hard for her to hold it long. She certainly tries!

Lets not forget little Dunkin. He is really growing on me and I can see being very attached to him. He is very cute and sweet and cuddly! His housetraining is coming along well, he is learning he needs to go outside and if you pay close attention he gives subtle hints, such as coming over to you and then walking around sniffing dog beds, wall corners etc. He likes the crate we have in the living room. He sleeps in it all the time so I put him in there at night and he doesn't mind at all. He is only 2 feet from Hana's bed too so he has company. He really needs to be crated when he cannot be watched. He is little bum that gets into everything. Once in awhile I come across rescue dogs that I believe missed their puppy hood and once they are settled they start to enjoy life and act like a puppy. Getting into things, exploring etc. He has chewed a few inappropriate things such as a laptop cord, the occasional shoe and a candle but it is not a frequent hobby of his. He is just learning the ropes, thats all. He needs toys,stuffed kongs and rawhide/pork chews to keep him busy and he won't bother with people stuff. He is sitting with me as I type wrapped under my arm giving me kisses. I wish I had more time for him to give attention and training, he really deserves it!

To end, here is a picture of all 6 dogs watching and waiting desperately for dinner! The look so well behaved in this picture!

Friends

2008-02-29T17:24:00.002-05:00

Charlie and Dunkin taking a nap together. Dunkin follows Charlie everywhere.

Poor Sydney!

2008-02-29T07:09:00.003-05:00

I was questioning if Sydney had a urinary tract infection because I believe she is housetrained but drinks far too much water so has a hard time holding it. She went to the vet yesterday after I was done work and apparently she has crystals in her urine. The vet is sure she isn't spayed and there is a lump on her side they suspect is a hernia from a deep puncture wound. They think she has a uterine infection not a UTI. Sydney now has to undergo surgery again. She was under before to get 15 teeth removed. This poor poor little dog. I'd be willing to bet that puncture wound came from a child and that is why she is deathly afraid of them!

Hana's bath

2008-02-23T12:25:00.003-05:00

I promised pics of Hana's bath but she HATES it so much I couldn't get pictures while I was bathing her. In fact she jumped out of the tub before I was done and soaked me and the whole bathroom!

Here she is after her bath, looking very lab-like if I do say so myself!

Brotherly Love

2008-02-23T09:15:00.002-05:00

Dunkin is staying pretty close to Charlie these days

The first 2 weeks are done!

2008-02-23T07:52:00.006-05:00

I hate the first 2 weeks of bringing in a new foster. They are so much work!

Sydney and Dunkin are relaxed now. Sydney is a couch potato and I am finding it really hard to keep her off so I am trying to teach her to ask first. She is sitting beside me as I type. I have taught all my dogs not to jump up on the couch without permission. Sydney is having a hard time with that one. She really could use a home where she is allowed on the furniture to snuggle. She really truly is a sweet lap dog. She walks good on leash too. She would make a great dog for a older couple. She likes short walks and being with her people. She doesn't need any other pets to keep her company, just her owner. Over night is the only time we have accidents but thats my fault for letting her drink too much water past 9pm. I crated her with Dunkin last night, she crates well but again, people should not expect to put a crate in a far off place in the house. I see people try to isolate the dog in the basement in a crate. How mean! Yes crates are ugly, but that's just cruel. Dogs are social creatures and of course they would put up a stink if you put a crate in a cold dark basement where they never spend any of their time. It should be somewhere comfortable and familiar. Mine is an eye soar in the living room but if there were less dogs here, I would put a smaller one in my bedroom and have her sleep in there. For now, Dunkin is here so she can sleep with him in the monster crate.

Dunkin is so so very cute. A little devil but cute nonetheless. No accidents since he has had his belly band on. He really needs someone active to take him for long walks, not 15-20 minutes. He can easily do an hour and still have energy. Would love to see him in a home where he gets to go to the dog park. Still working on his leash walking, he does pull and gets frustrated when he cannot move. Last night i took him and Charlie and every time he walked ahead and pulled I changed directions, but the end of the walk, he seemed to have learned that he needed to stay beside me or follow me not his nose. I also walk from side to side to cut him off so he doesn't rush past me. Its persistence that pays off in the end! That's why the dog usually wins, because they are persistent and people give up too easy.

Obedience beyond that is difficult at best with all the dogs so sorry to say, its going to difficult teaching him down, stay, bed etc. However these are fairly simple to do when there is only one dog and all dog classes teach the basics. I would encourage his new owner to take him for a least the first level obedience class.

And Hana, lets not forget Hana! Her and Sydney and I do our short 20 minute walks 2-3 times a day. I just cannot fit anymore in then that! I am icing her leg several times a day and I find when she has a limpy day, I ice more with less exercise and the next day she seems good as new! Tomorrow she meets her potential forever home!

Beagle Buds

2008-02-22T19:33:00.001-05:00

My 3 fav little beagles!

The Culprit

2008-02-22T07:01:00.004-05:00

Dunkin is crated at night now so I can see if the pee spots on the carpet I find in the morning are him or Sydney. Well it appears to be Sydney. I noticed she drank quite a bit of water last night and the spot I woke up to was very very wet and clear. She probably couldn't hold it any longer. So I would say she is reliable in the house if her water intake is monitored and put up earlier (around 7-8pm) and she gets out before bed. She knows the command "go pee pee". I'll probably crate her the next couple of nights as the spot is always the same so I don't want her her making a habit of it and thinking its ok to pee in that spot. I'll carpet clean that spot too this weekend.

These house training roadblocks do resolve themselves once the dog gets used to the routine and relaxes. The excessive drinking is stress related as Sydney has had bloodwork done and she is fine. I found my dog Charlie did that as well (he had major anxiety). He would drink too much in one sitting and it would run right through him in a matter of an hour. I watched his water intake and put water up for awhile and I have not had an accident in months and months. I don't even have to put the water up anymore. Of course its hard to monitor water intake when you have 6 dogs in the house!

Designer Duds for Dunkin

2008-02-21T19:55:00.003-05:00

I bought a couple "designer" belly bands for Dunkin from Jack and Jill Diapers to help with his odd accident in the house. Doesn't he look cute in leopard print?? I ordered one size too small, but it still works ok. I have tried for days to make my own but he kept getting out of it, with these he actually keeps them on!

The kids

2008-02-20T06:32:00.002-05:00

Hana's new family is coming to see her this weekend. As for the beagles, still working on Dunkin's housetraining and I believe Sydney is doing fine with that. I did find urine on the upstairs carpet today but I went to bed at 9 and didn't get up until 6 so I guess it could have been either of them as there was no mark on the walk, it was in the middle of the floor. They have both been left out of the crate the last couple of nights so this has been their first accident. I say "their" because I don't know who did it. However the accidents are fewer and fewer.

Keep in mind, housetraining is tough when you have other dogs to care for. If I could, Dunkin would be with me 24-7 so I could catch every potential accident. That would be "setting him up for success" but I am limited with my time and abilities at this point.

A Few Videos

2008-02-18T16:58:00.008-05:00

Don't mind my annoying voice! PS, the "little ones" are doing very well and settling in. Sydney hasn't had any accidents in the house since her first day here a week ago. So she is crate free! I will see how she does when we go to work this week. I am still working on Dunkin but no accidents today. He goes out every couple hours and gets tons of praise. If he doesn't go when we go out, he is put in the crate for a bit and then out again to go pee. If he goes, he gets his freedom! Of course both are on the main level only to restrict their access so we can keep an eye on them!

A Home for Hana?

2008-02-17T21:38:00.003-05:00

We have a potential home for Hana! An fantastic home has been approved, cross your fingers they love Hana and Hana loves them!

Sunday Afternoon Nap Time

2008-02-17T13:25:00.002-05:00

Profile on Dunkin

2008-02-16T20:23:00.004-05:00

Dunkin has a similar story to Sydney. He was at a shelter and not doing very well. He is with the same rescues listed below. He too had to have his teeth done but there were not as bad as Sydney's.
Dunkin is a very sweet "soft" kind of dog. He has been a busy body this week playing with toys and investigating the house. He is pretty good a getting himself in trouble. I have found him on my coffee table several times and jumping on the couch to get at the cat food on top of the crate. I am running out of places to feed my cats! He just has that pure innocence. He needs someone understanding of this as he doesn't do well with being yelled at. He really is a lovable dog who enjoys hugs and attention but will keep himself occupied with toys if you are busy. He isn't needy but will take what he can get. He is crate trained and likes his crate. Just fill it up with toys and chewies!
Dunkin loves to play with dogs and he loves the dog park. The bigger the dog the better! He really has the true social beagle traits.
Dunkin will likely need touch up on his house training wherever goes. He was house trained in his last foster home but was not when he got here. He still has the odd accident now. He is neutered but still has the urge to mark. He is crate trained so it's helping quite a bit. His new family needs to be understanding of this and utilize a humane training method to show him what is expected of him in his new home. If done correctly, in a couple of weeks he'll know to go outside.

Profile on Sydney

2008-02-16T18:12:00.005-05:00

Sydney was a found as a stray and taken to a shelter. She was stressed and depressed and needed to be taken into rescue. She went to the directors home at Companion Animal Rescue Oxford through a co-rescue with Mature Dog Adoptions . I remember her clearly as I helped transport her to the director's house and she sat on my lap the whole time while my husband drove in a blizzard. I wanted to take her home with me then!
Poor Sydney had to have 15 teeth removed. They were so infected a few just fell out with out needing to be extracted. Apparently Sydney is not fond of children, which is not typical for a beagle. Obviously a child has hurt Sydney and scarred her badly. Poor Sydney!
Sydney is so tiny and adorable and only about 5 years old. She is definitely a little lap dog who will jump on the couch to lay on blanket if given the chance. She has such a comical personality, she is always wagging her tail. She should definitely be an only dog as her food motivation is unlike any other beagle I have known and it might get her into trouble with another dog. She has no qualms about trying to eat out of their bowl! However she does like dogs and she is always curling up with Dunkin. I did take her to the dog park but she didn't enjoy it. She didn't want to play with the dogs and was looking at me like "its cold, why am I here?" She stuck right by me most of the time.
She walks fairly good on leash but needs a bit of work. I am waiting on a lupi harness for her to see how that works out.
Sydney is pretty quiet for a beagle, she only gives out a howl when she is excited. Its quite cute! I am about 95% sure she is housetrained. When she got here she peed on the dog beds and in the basement. I have crated her over night with Dunkin and when we leave. She stands by the door to ask to go out. I'll keep you posted.
Due to her food motivation she will watch you eat and when it justs get so unbearable that she cannot have any she lets out a little howl asking for food. We are working really hard on her patience and house manners but she is a beagle after all!

New Pictures of the Little Ones

2008-02-16T18:06:00.004-05:00

Hana's Vet Trip

2008-02-16T13:38:00.009-05:00

Hana went to see our good friend Dr. Larry Yelen this morning. She is down to 28kgs (61.7lbs). 4 Weeks ago she was at 64 lbs. Dr. Yelen has advised me that Hana has some swelling in her leg and I need to go back to icing/heat and massage 3-4 times a day and reduce the time spend walking to shorter, more frequent walks. Otherwise she is doing well.

Pictures of Hana at the vets office. They all know and love her there and she always charms the customers!

Keeping Busy with a Rawhide

2008-02-15T14:19:00.000-05:00

What a Week!

2008-02-15T11:52:00.003-05:00

So I took in these little beagles with the mind set that they were laid back and trained as they are "mature dogs" that were in a shelter but apparently had a home at one time. The reality of it is, they are very active and get into trouble every time I turn my back! It certainly is a challenge with our 3 dogs, Hana and the 2 little ones to baby-sit. I was really frustrated this week and I didn't know where to turn. I didn't think I would be able to keep up with all this dog work on top of real work. I pretty much broke down. My husband and I had dinner out last night and we collected our thoughts about the whole situation. We realize we are in over our heads, but these little beagles need us and you can't be mad at them for not knowing any better. So he is going to help me with all this and then we'll take a break. This is going to be full time job after work, 7 days a week. It makes me very angry to know that these sweet little dogs were never given a chance; no one wanted to put the time in to show them how to be good mannered house dogs. They are both smart little dogs and they just need guidance and consistency.

Dunkin is so sweet and has not an aggressive bone in his body. He is very "soft" and innocent. I can't comprehend how he can be called a senior. He loves to play, constantly. He loves toys, rope toys, squeaky toys, you name it. It's like he missed the joys of being puppy and he is being one now. He gets into mischief every time I turn around. He is just a little character. I always seem to find him on my coffee table or doing his best to get at the cat food. He loves Sydney and they wrestle and play together. They are quite bonded for dogs who are not related or grew up together.

Sydney is so pint size. She can't weigh more then 15-20 pounds! Tiniest beagle I have ever seen. Her house manners are better then Dunkin's but she LOVES the couch and it's hard to get her off. Every time I turn around she is laying on the sofa! Not that I think there is anything wrong with that, but with 6 dogs in the house, I have to have rules in place. We have dog beds for all the dogs. Expensive cushy ones too! All my dogs know to "ask" to come up and get down when told. The couch is for the humans and for snuggle time, not for the doggies to sleep on. So both of the little beagles can't quite understand why they can't be all over the furniture. Sydney is comical, her drive for food is unbelievable. She gets so excited she can hardly contain herself! Her whole body wags and she is always on her back legs standing up. Must be tough being that short! We are working on teaching her some patience.

All this put aside, if you stop and take a minute, like I did last night, and look into their eyes and see their innocence and their need to be loved; you'll understand why they are so worth it. They are little love muffins and cannot get enough. They are true to their breed, social, wonderful, mischievous, food oriented beagles! They have been moved around a lot and they deserve so much better. Someone needs to take the time to work with them, show them love, show them how to be a well mannered house dog. I guess that is going to be us.

Walkies this cold A.M. Morning

2008-02-13T06:37:00.003-05:00

We'll we did it, Hana and the beagles and I went for a morning walk at 5:30 am. It was painful and difficult to walk in the snow but today my husband and I are both going to work so I wanted to make sure they got out. My lazy dogs just went back to bed! Hana is snoring away as I type. Oh, did I mention she snores?? lol

One More Picture!

2008-02-12T21:44:00.001-05:00

The little ones like the crate over the dog beds! Its not the most flattering picture of them but its cute.

I Think We are settled!

2008-02-12T21:23:00.001-05:00

So Hana likes Duncan (the male beagle) and Sydney (the little female beagle) is ok with all the dogs provided they aren't rough with her. Dunkin likes to play with Charlie.

Poor Hana is depressed, she wants so badly to play with Dunkin and Charlie! and because of the weather her walks have been limited. I thought she was slightly down because of the new editions but its because she can't run and play and go for long walks like she wants to. She has so much energy now, probably more then she has had in years!

So here's some pictures of the little beagles. Charlie was napping with Sydney but I had to kick him out because Dunkin was pacing wanting to lie in the crate. So the second picture is of Dunkin with Sydney. No new ones of Hana, sorry!

Two New Members!

2008-02-11T19:47:00.001-05:00

So we are completely maxed out with dogs! A couple little beagles joined the crew today. Sydney and Dunkin. They are little sweethearts and Hana is being a doll of course. Don't worry Hana fans, she will be just as loved and taken care of as before.

This is Dunkin playing with Hana, she took to him the best. Dunkin is just a cool little beagle. Quiet and laid back.

And then little Sydney. She is such a character! Sweet, a bit head shy, but comical and pint size.

Here's the little gang begging for food!

Sydney and Dunkin are being co-rescued by Mature Dogs and Companion Animal Rescue Oxford

To enquire on these little ones please contact
Bobbie at maturedogs@sympatico.ca
Or :
please contact
companionanimalrescue_oxford@execulink.com
519-424-2256

Sun Worshipers

2008-02-11T19:44:00.001-05:00

Enjoying a little sun tanning, including the cat!

A Compliment

2008-02-08T06:45:00.000-05:00

I had a gentleman come last night (that I don't personally know) to pick up a door we were giving away. I think he was taken back by 4 dogs barking at him at the door. When he came in they all showered him with attention. He made a comment "what great tempered dogs you have". My dogs always charm people when they come over. Hana included. They don't jump on people and knock them down or be rough with them. They all crowd around for a minute or two and then back up. This it the utmost compliment for me. It makes me very proud! All these dogs came from neglectful owners and people are so surprised at how relaxed and friendly they are. Just goes to show, a rescued adult dog can be a fantastic pet. Puppies are not all that!

Checking In

2008-02-07T10:48:00.000-05:00

Just thought I would let everyone know Hana is going for her 8th week check on Saturday, February 16th @ 11:20am. We'll see what they say about her progress. I think it's obvious she is doing amazing. I'll get her nails trimmed at that time too, I hate cutting black nails. It has to be done though so she can walk comfortably and safely.

Stay tuned for bath pictures! Hana has needed a bath for over a month now but because she is absolutely motified to be put in a tub, I didn't want her to struggle and hurt herself. I'd like to get her cleaned up this week!

Thank You's

2008-02-03T20:12:00.000-05:00

I have had a few really phenomenal couples that have been interested in Hana. Although to date, none have worked out, these people would be able to offer a life only a dog could imagine. I want to Thank Dave and Shelley for your generous donation to Hana's care. I would also like to wish those couples that chose not to adopt Hana, luck in finding their special rescue dog. I hope you continue to follow Hana's story as we all know her lucky day will come too!

Samantha

If you would like to make a donation towards Hana's vet care, please go to Adopt-a-dog/Save-a-Life's and click on Online Donations

Hana and Charlie - Ready for a Walk in the Blizzard!

2008-02-01T14:14:00.000-05:00

I worked from home today due to the weather so I took the pooches out at lunch. Hana has a new pretty jacket that was donated by Global Pet Food in Woodstock. I really want to get pictures of her outside but I have a big honkin digital camera that is not compact enough to take.

Yet Another Good Meet and Greet

2008-01-31T06:43:00.000-05:00

I took Hana and the others to the pet store. I left my pooches in the vehicle and took Hana inside. The lady that works there has a Shi-poo and a Yorkshire Terrier and Hana was very good with them. I intent to take her out to socialize more often now. She needs it. She is very gentle with little dogs.

Of course being at the petstore she wanted to eat everything in site! I need to remember to bring a camera with me.

Before and After!

2008-01-29T18:45:00.000-05:00

What a difference!

Proud Foster Mommy

2008-01-27T22:20:00.000-05:00

Hana, Charlie and I went for a walk today. I took Hana on a flat collar hoping she would pull a little less. And she did. She walked quite well on just a standard collar aside from the first couple of minutes when she was super excited to be out!

We were able to visit with a neighbours golden retriever and the woman and her son. Hana was a very good girl and so was Charlie.

I was very proud of her!

Crate

2008-01-24T06:35:00.000-05:00

When Hana first got to my home she had no interest in being in a crate. After her surgery I put this big ugly crate in my living room so she could be close to the others and us but wasn't walking around too much.

She really did not like it all that much, I would put her in it with a treat and leave for an hour and she was panting when I got back.

She doesn't need the crate now, but all the dogs are used to it being there and they sleep in it. If the dog bed they like is being used by another dog, they go in the crate. Hana uses it the most. I think they like the big furry blanket

Hana doesn't need to be crated, however if you have another dog and you like to crate you dogs, she could do it but it would have to be big enough for her to stretch out in. I would not recommend her being crated for a full work day, its not necessary, she is completely trustworthy in the house.

Progress

2008-01-24T05:59:00.001-05:00

Hana, Charlie and I did a walk all the way around the block. I believe it would be a 20 minute walk without us stopping for sniffs. I think it took us 30 minutes. She seems to do it with ease and is very happy to be outside. She either has her face in the snow sniffing a scent (her whole face!) or she is prancing with her nose in the air enjoying the smells, tag wagging.

Charlie on the other hand started limping from cold feet after half the walk. Such a difference between Hana and the rest. I have never seen a dog so into being outside. Like she has been trapped inside for days. I don't think its the walk she likes persay, its just being out and seeing and smelling the world!

Her new exercises are figure 8's and sit/stands. She actually does most of this on her own. When we go for walks she is always going in and out and turning to sniff (with me guiding her not to make any sharp turns). However I try and and get her to do that pattern in the backyard as well. She sits and stands already but we have to work on getting her to do it up against a wall so she uses her knee and keeps it tucked into her side to help get herself up.

With Hana, everything is a judgment call. She is still 10-15 pounds overweight and you have to be mindful of that when following the instructions. I do what she can handle. If I see she is hurting we take it easy and apply a cold compress and then heat and massage. At this point that is optional but common sense dictates it's the right thing to do. Along with keeping the sit/stands to a minimum as it does put pressure on her other leg if she is compensating. All in due time!

I am guilty in the respect that walks are supposed to be 3 times a day and during the week we go on one and 2 on the weekend. However, you cannot discount that my yard is a large pie shape crescent lot and we walk up and down that several times during pee breaks. She'll stay out much longer then my dogs. She goes out morning, lunch, after work twice and before bed. Then you count every time she gets up to go to the kitchen to see what she is missing, and you have quite a bit of walking in her day! Like I said, common sense will tell you the right amount of exercise.

Having Doubts

2008-01-21T18:43:00.000-05:00

Dear viewer, potential adopter:

Hana has been with my family for 4 ½ months now. I am 100% committed to getting her last 15 pounds off and continuing with her knee exercises and on leash outings only. I don't regret for one second taking in Hana. I honestly think it was meant to be. I get emails galore to help desperate sad dogs and I never act on it. I prefer to wait for a rescue to ask me to take in one of their dogs. It was extremely unnerving for me to drive 3 hours to pick up a strange dog and then ask people I don't even know to sponsor her. That is very out of character for me.

Lately friends, family, my vet and other rescue associates have been putting doubts in my head that I won't be able to give her up or that I shouldn't in order to ensure Hana gets her ongoing care. I have been told several stories about horrific adoptions gone wrong that seemed so perfect. I would be heartbroken if someone returned her in worse shape or euthenized her for something medical that could have been taken care of.

I want to have more faith in people then that. People like myself do this to get the dog back on track and onto their new life. To help the dog when others wouldn't. After all, you can't keep them all because you are afraid of what their future holds.

So please, if you are reading this, know that I love all dogs, but Hana is special to me. She was given a second change and has endured so much on her road to becoming a healthy happy dog, that her future should be full of love, happiness and good health only. No more heartache and no more pain.

I am not that old, early 30’s and I’ll admit I don't have a ton of patience. I get tired and cranky too. I get upset with my dogs when I have a bad day just like anyone else. No matter how I feel, Hana is still an Angel to me and as time goes by, nothing upsets me that she does. Not when she barks at the neighbours dogs with her tail wagging like its more fun then anything else to hear her own voice. Not when she barks when we are inside at some small noise she heard and then looks at you like it was an involuntary spasm that she couldn't control. Not when she steals a box of timbits off the counter. Not when she squeals and pulls me to see another dog on our walk when I am trying so desperately to keep her from hurting herself. You see, she has a glow, an innocence, and a happy disposition that only a dog who truly appreciates a second chance can have. She is experiencing life outside of the isolated existence she had before and loving every minute of it, how could you be upset with that? Especially when she has so much love to offer.

Of course it will take you time to love her like I do, her and I have been through a lot and that certainly has created our bond. However, I truly believe her destiny is not with me. I think she needs to bring happiness to someone else's life. I think I was meant to help dogs like Hana that people will not give a second glance to because they are too much work or could be too expensive.

This is no guarantee that Hana will not have further vet bills, statistically 30% of dogs who have this knee ligament repair surgery have had to have the other knee done. I won't lie to you, the surgeon noted her other leg was not 100%. It's a common injury that requires dedication and patience from her owner to get her through rehab. Note though, that there is never a health guarantee with any dog. Not even a puppy. Bad genetics and health issues happen all the time in younger dogs.

What is a guarantee is Hana is a dog that will make you laugh, make you smile and make you fall in love with her. All you need is a big heart and good sense of humour and you will have a forever faithful friend who will greet you every day with a waggy tail and admiring grin that says “I missed you and I am happy you are home”.

Sincerely,

Hana's biggest fan - her foster mom

If interested in adopting Hana, please contact Adopt-a-dog/Save-a-life

info@adoptadogsavealife.com

416-787-3862

if you have specific questions about Hana's health or personality, please contact me at:

sam.olcsvary@rogers.com

New Pictures

2008-01-20T13:32:00.001-05:00

A Cold Night I Guess!

2008-01-20T06:32:00.001-05:00

I woke up to this! Can't say I blame her really! Her big foam bed with foam sides just fell apart so she had only a small foam flat bed for a temporary replacement. When I came downstairs this morning it was only 17C in the house. She must have been cold so close to the floor. I opted to give her the blanket and put it on her dog bed and she was much happier.

4th week vet visit

2008-01-19T13:33:00.000-05:00

..and doing just fine! Hana's knee is healing wonderfully and she is down 2 pounds from her visit 2 weeks ago. That's 64 pounds!

I think she should go on the 14 week challenge! 14 pounds in 14 weeks! Thats how long it should take her to be at a healthy weight.

Hana blew her diet!

2008-01-13T18:15:00.001-05:00

My parents brought over timbits and coffee this afternoon. I only ate a few as I am watching my calories. We were outside with my parents and when I came in I spotted Hana eying them up on the kitchen table so I moved them to the kitchen counter. Apparently not back far enough! Everyone went for a walk except Hana so she must have seen this as her golden opportunity to steal the timbits! We got back and the box was shredded on the floor. There must have been 10 left! She is crashed right now, I think between a tummy ache and a soar leg from reaching up to the counter she isn't feeling all that well.

I can't blame her really, she is on a very strict diet! The temptation must have been killing her!

A check up!

2008-01-05T15:02:00.000-05:00

I am proud to say Dr. Yelen has indicated that Hana is doing very well and is exactly where she needs to be in her recovery. She is using her leg and she has good movement in her joints. She even got her stitches out today!

The other good news is Hana is down to 66.4 pounds!!! She has lost close to 16 pounds!!!!!!!!!!

Play time!!

2007-12-31T17:54:00.001-05:00

Update on Hana

2007-12-30T19:37:00.000-05:00

Hana is doing fantastic, but how could she not being such an easy going positive dog? Yesterday we started small walks down the street but she is dying to go for long brisk walks. However I have to hold her back and make sure she takes it easy. She is really reluctant to turn around after 10 minutes. Luckily we haven't had to use the e-collar, she has not been bothering with her stitches too much. She is a good patient, putting up with heat, cold and massage. She doesn't much care for the physiotherapy (me moving her joints slowly) but with a little patience it gets done. She just tries to push my hand away with her nose. It really is not that much work to do her therapy.

I cannot say enough about this dog. She has such a kind, good natured soul.

a few pics of Hana enjoying her treat and an updated photo of her leg. Note the swelling is gone and her stitch is healing quite nicely!