The Thongster

Oh, Trickster. How he loves unlaundered panties. His real human came over for dinner. She informed us that Trickster had been coughing, throwing up and had diarrhoea. Poor little guy kept us up all night, too. I then had a phone call from Don later in the day asking me if I had a pair of blue cotton thong panties. Ah, no, I do not and I would think you would know that.

It turns out that is what our little pumpkinhead finally threw up in an agonizing-looking contortion of hacking. Please, keep those panties well-away from your panty-loving dogs. This could have been serious but we're lucky it finally worked its way out. And even better, they were all in one piece.

Those panties did not go to waste, however. It seems they were quite expensive and nothing a little laundering wouldn't fix. Like any thrifty owner of expensive thong panties, they are now back in use.

Our heroic dogs caught a baby bunny. We think Zeetz thought it was a squeaky toy because that's what the poor little thing was doing. Her mouth had to be opened to have her drop the baby. It hopped away worse for wear.

Case in Point

Zeetie, in her fear of them, is extremely defensive when new dogs are around. Case in point. She was carting past a house when a dog in a truck with an open window started some wicked barking. On a leash walk, Zeetie would have lunged and barked in defence. But, because of the restriction of the harness and cart, she immediately bolted away, tail glued between her back legs. Poor Zeetz was heaving as I stopped her. It'll take some work but we'll get there.

I received Max' vaccination papers. They have a birth date for him of April 6, 2008. They work that out by the date he comes into the shelter and what they guess his age is. And, we decided to adopt him on April 6, 2011. What a strange coincidence.

Max is just wonderful and Zeetie loves him. He is faster than Zeetz even with three legs. I tried another company k-9orthotics but they, too, are unable to do anything for Max due to the level of amputation. The only thing anyone can do is when he starts to have problems due to the strain on his body, they can make a brace for the good leg to give him some support. In the meantime, our little Monkey Max whips around like a whirlwind, and is faster than Zeetie.

Five Cubic Yards

It's ironic. I just ordered five yards of topsoil yet five yards of top soil, amongst other things, is what went down the bathtub drain. We groomed, bathed and groomed the three sweeties. We were going to go to the Glebe dog wash but at $5.00 for six minutes, we decided to put up with a dirty tub.

I just love seeing Zeetie so, so white, and Mackey lost his brown tinge so he is a lovely, shiney black now. Trickster is very fluffy and mostly, they all smell unlike dogs for the moment. Then, we went walking at the cottage in the rain. Isn't that what you do with freshly bathed dogs?

While walking down the cottage road, a family who had met Max on our previous visit asked if he had been adopted. They then said they had gone to our cottage on our previous visit with Max but couldn't find us. Apparently, their son had decided he wanted to adopt Max. I have a photo of them with Max and you could see how gentle they were with him. They really liked him. I guess some things aren't meant to be. I feel so lucky to have the little guy.

It's not always easy getting a group photo.

Out at the farm, there was some dumb squirrel. He was running around in the middle of the field...mmmm. Mackey and Zeetz worked as a team and Zeetz killed him. Zeetz' recall level isn't that high yet so I didn't have much say.

Max has been adopted!

It would have been very sad to see him leave us because he is such a good little monkey, doesn't take up much space, requires little grooming, learns quickly, has great recall, is good with people and other dogs, loves the car, has a tongue that can catch flies and most of all, plays well with Zeetz. So, yes, Don agreed we could adopt him. I'm very excited that he'll be with us for his life.

One family came to meet him before we decided to adopt him. They quite obviously loved dogs and the children were very good with Max. We took Max for a little walk and I passed the leash to the boy. As soon as I moved away from Max, he froze, tail between his legs and stared at me. He is terrified of children and I already knew that but wasn't sure how much. As long as an adult is right there, he seems okay.

I really wanted another Pyr but it came down to not being able to look after it properly. I have two long coats to groom now and I love to groom. I just wouldn't have had time for a third coat, unfortunately. I do want to do other things in my life.

Sadly, we won't be fostering, at least, for now. We'll need a bigger home first!

It's Bunny Season

She is really looking like a Pyr now as she patiently awaits the hog to move away from his hole. I didn't have the patience to wait that long. Sorry, Zeetz.

Max cuddles up with his toy.

I wasn't looking forward to having to say that Max had run off in a panic.

Our walk in the bush proved slightly stressful but after having had Pyrs, I've learned to stay calm. Mac took off after Zeetz. He doesn't usually follow for long but being dark out and him with no light, I couldn't even see my feet. I called but no Mac. I kept calling as I walked further up to a cross path and out came Zeetz but no Mac. I knew Mac had to be in a panic right now so I walked back, calling all the while. Still no Mac.

I figured he had to have headed home and, he knew the way well enough. I was also counting on him not being the panic-type who just ran silly. At the Farm, he knows to go to the car as the walk nears the end. I was counting on these smarts. I had my usual plan of getting home, telling Don to watch for him, then into the car following our walking route and back to the bush.

However, it wasn't necessary. As we rounded the corner to the house, I could see the sensor light was on in the driveway and there Max was. He had to have really hoofed it to get home in such a short period of time. Poor little guy. He did a big happy dance as did I. Oh, Mackey, maybe you have a little Pyr in you.

He is such a cutie. Everything he does is even cuter because he is so small (compared to Zeetz, that is). He is such a quick learner. As soon as he knows we're going for a walk, he plants his butt on the ground so fast. I do a little training on our walks, too, for the down. It's coming along.

My only issue with Max is he will growl when one of the other two go near him when he has settled in for a sleep. This is sort of fine but not when he is on our bed and Zeetie wants to get up. She backs off and this isn't right so, a little work on that and I hope all should be fine. Max has to learn that Zeetie and Trickster can go where they want and he must share.

Note from Max: I peed on Zeetie's head today. Her head was dripping. I really didn't mean to but I can't control my aim, really, as it's difficult trying to balance.

Hanging out in the warmth of the sun and airing bits.

April Fool. Zeetz didn't return home with us from our morning walk. I know rabbits are running rampant now so this would explain it. I made three trips back down to the bush and in the area but no Zeetz. This was unusual. Then Don and I drove down and she was heading back in the direction of the bush. However, there were people walking on the street and I think she was headed for them. When she gets stupid tired, my Pyrs search out humans to get them home. I was very happy to see my girl as she was to see us.

Zeetz is doing really well at passing by other dogs on leash and not reacting as badly as she used to. I just need to remind her to ignore the other dog and she will turn her head away or, if she is a little more afraid, she will turn to me for treats. Occasionally, she will growl but no more lunging and going crazy. Even Don has noticed it when he walks her. A big thank you to my trainers!

Max has been Posted

Don calls him Lizard Tongue and how apt a name is that for the little guy. Holy smokes he's fast with it so watch out. I think he'll be catching bugs easily this summer.

Zeetie and he are crazy together. They goof around whenever the mood hits them. Tug-of-war, bitey-face, tearing around and pinning each other down, and I'm sure, jumping on the counter but we've learned to keep it clear. I've put pot lids on it, too, so if they do jump, they will think twice the next time because those lids will make a lot of noise when they land.

He's very funny when he's curled up on his bed, though. He growls a warning whenever a dog goes to pass by. I think he's just really grumpy at being awoken. Does that sound like anyone you know?

We take them wherever we go when feasible. Max seems to prefer the front seat, sometimes. He's so adorable as we share that seat. He loves looking out the window, gazing about. I know it's not safe and I don't like seeing dogs in the front seat but I couldn't help it. I will discourage it from now on.

He so loves dinner time. I feed Zeetz and Mac apart. Two rescue dogs who have been starved in their past lives are survivors and are not about to share their food.

He is such an easy dog to have around.

I've been thinking about his three legs and think that it would be nice to have a prosthesis for him. I'll talk to Pawsability about the plausiblity of it.

A Sunny Sunday

We headed to the cottage today with our three sweeties. Zeetz and Trickster in the back seat and, Max on my lap in the front. We took a long walk across the lake, our last for the season I'm sure, and through the bush. Zeetie was in her glory following, unbeknowst to her, in Clara's footsteps. Zeetz checked in now and again before she would gallop off after more glorious scents. Max did pretty well in following her for a bit but then came right back. Trickster, as always, stayed right with us.

Max is a great dog. He is so easy. He eats all his food and I hope he will soon put on another five pounds. He loves to be brushed, comes when he's called, loves hiking, loves car rides, loves people and the list goes on. He looks tall in his photos but he's not. He's 23 inches at the shoulder so he is shorter than Zeetz.

I almost forgot Zeetie's story. We went on our long morning walk yesterday. Zeetie went barrelling after a groundhog. Back into its hole it went after a long run through the field. She lay outside that hole, not a hair moved. She has more patience than Clara did although Clara got almost every hog she went for. Max and I watched from 20 feet away. The hog slowly came out, its tail flipping back and forth as it knew something wasn't right. I wish I had had my camera because I'm sure this won't happen again. The hog slowly worked its way towards Zeetie and soon they were touching noses. I couldn't believe it. Four seconds of this. Zeetie was bursting but stayed still. The hog then backed away, Zeetie went for it but the hog was down the hole in a split second. Wow. It was amazing to watch.

Zeetie and Max were invited to dinner, as well as us, this weekend. They met Abbie with whom Zeetz hit it off right away. Max wasn't so sure so he hung out in the house with us.

Blossoming Max

This little guy is a real treasure. After his, along with his four companions, 24-hour flight from Lebanon, an appearance on A-Channel, adjusting to Canadian weather, a new home and, a lot of sleep, his personality is beginning to emerge.

He and Zeetie didn't hit it off at all in the beginning. I had Ruben for the day and he and Zeetz were a charm together. I spoke to his foster about doing an exchange which she understandably would rather not do because Ruben fit in so well at her's. As I was asking her, Max initiated the cutest play tatics with Zeetie. No need for an exchange now. Max must have understood. Joelle at BETA had said Max would fit Zeetie's needs the best and she was right.

He and Zeetie now carry on like little kids, leaping on and off the furniture in their play. Not for too long though as Max doesn't have much stamina yet but it's quickly building.

Max loves his humans although he is nervous around young children. When he is trying to tell us something such as I don't want to go on another long walk, he jumps up but he is ever so gentle. We do discourage it, of course. He is quickly learning to sit. I still have to work on downs but it won't take long. His recall, so far, is perfect. His leash walking needs work but that, too, will come. He is skittish around loud noises still. You should have seen him with his frazzled look when the news was on and there was gun fire in the background. He looked stunned.

At about 10:30 last evening, Max came to life and seems to have dialed into life in Canada. He came bouncing upstairs so he ended up with two walks because we thought he needed to go. Well, no, he just wanted to goof around he was feeling so good. Wow, he sure has a voice we discovered. Between he and Zeetie, I wouldn't want to be an intruder. Strangely, Max would hear Don move around on the couch and this would set him off plus other sounds we couldn't hear, hence Zeetie, as well, so it took time before everyone settled.

He's not sure about some dogs and does not like having his bum sniffed. He seems to prefer nose to nose greetings instead. This might work well in training Zeetie with other dogs as Max does not appear to have any fear, so far.

They're Home

 

Simon taking a much needed rest.

It was a successful trip! The dogs were all safe and sound on arrival.

We didn't get too lost on the road trip using the GPS. It only put us off track once. We eventually got to the airport with only one narrow escape. I almost shoved a guy off the bridge but we're good now. The van was a nice ride and held the dogs wonderfully. Simon saved the day on several occasions on things like finding the gas tank and getting the hatch open. He was our photographer and support. Jennifer was a joy to have on the trip.

We arrived at the aiport for 17h00. The flight would not be in until 18h10 so we went shopping for something Canadian for the dogs and came up with postcards with ribbon through them. Using Simon's little tool, we made holes and strung ribbon through them. Unfortunately, the dogs never came to wear them.

Sylvie joined us, thankfully. She is one of the founders of BETA and has since moved back to Canada. She was there to meet Mona, also a founder, who was bringing the six dogs. The sixth dog was one Sylvie took. Sylvie was able to keep in contact with Mona to follow her progress through Customs. They didn't come through until about 20h30. Because they had Lebanese passports, it took them much longer to come through. Two crates had broken during the journey. Mercy and the other little dog were allowed to travel on the aircraft. The dogs were a little freaked but were fine other than that.

Mona, her travelling companion, and the dogs had been travelling for 24 hours. Mona made this trip just to bring these angels. It was such a bittersweet journey for her as she bid farewell to them, tears in her eyes.

Our trip back finally became quiet as the dogs all settled in. Mercy took a liking to Simon and rode home on his lap. Max on a lap and the other three worked it out on the beds of the floor of my brother's van. Ruben allowed time to give me kisses before he succumbed to his weariness.

Time was spent on the ride fielding calls, in coordination with Jennifer, from owners who wanted to unload their dogs, foster dogs who required vet attention, people interested in dogs, and blackberry messages. We arrived back home close to midnight. One foster was a no show but we ended up finding the perfect foster for her. Some things are just for the best. Everyone on that trip and those who were waiting for us on our return had to reschedule their lives around this event. That's the nature of the beast. They are there because they support the dog rescue, they want to help in anyway they can, they are so happy to be a part of it, and they are dedicated to saving dogs. What is so nice, is that everyone went with the flow, no matter what happened, which made everyone's lives so much easier and pleasant. Tatti also ended up with the perfect foster!

On our arrival home, the house was lit up as the ladies sat with Don having tea (can you believe it, no wine in the house!), two of them since 21h30. Don was a star. A photographer brought out her equipment to take photos. One grumpy neighbour came out to complain that they were trying to sleep and we were making a lot of noise. The first time since we've lived there and it was for a good cause so I'm not too concerned. We shall apologize later.

See Simon's photos on the right hand side.

You can really see why she is aptly named Kangaroo.

A couple of shots from this morning's walk. His ears are great.

My Training is Going Well

These photos don't show any work getting done but Zeetz is just having fun. No dogs in the vicinity of whom to be afraid.

I'm getting it but will be better, of course, with more practice. Slowly, but surely, Zeetie is learning that she shouldn't flip out at new dogs on our walks. She is doing okay.

Sometimes, people see Zeetz with the gentle leader on and avoid me which isn't what I want. It's frustrating but I still get to work with her on the unsuspecting.

I finally took the camera on our walk this morning but would have preferred the other lens. I still took a few.

Getting it Right

I feel comfortable walking Zeetie now and keep hoping we meet up with dogs. I'll start taking her back to the dog park and using the tools I have learned to have Zeetie trust me. We even went into the pet store where the girl working there has a dog who is now afraid of other dogs as she was attacked. We both walked around the store and had them get used to each other. Unfortunately, the girl had to work so we couldn't continue.

In our last of two sessions last evening, we worked with Zeetie and Viola's Shilo Shepherd. Using Lynn's technique of keeping Zeetie's attention to me and using the gentle leader when required, Zeetie was an excellent student. We then walked up to the dog park but there were only two other dogs, one of whom was Zeetie's friend.

What it comes down to is having Zeetie listen to me no matter what she is doing. We have our work cut out for us but I know we shall succeeed.

It's me who has to work on my training techniques, of course. A dog came barrelling at Zeetie before our session to have a go at her. Rather than me protect her from the dog, I turned to make Zeetie sit and the dog got a nip in. I feel bad about that. I had done it correctly on the puppy walk earlier and directed a dog away from her. So soon forgotten. I'll get it right consistently yet, Zeetz.

Yah, Zeetz, my sweet little mushroom.

Out of Fear

We had our first session last night with Viola from A Pawsitive Difference and there will probably be only one more. It's always nice to have a trainer come in and see things from a more global perspective in order to help me.

We went walking in hopes of meeting other dogs, which we did. Zeetie stares at oncoming dog, I nudge her body with my hand to redirect her attention, do it again if she isn't redirecting and keep walking by other dog. The magic is in the 'gentle leader'. As we walk by, she wants to go lunging but the leader keeps her under control. Viola worked with her the first time, and was very firm with her. I could see Zeetie's face appear to be in some kind of shock. 'Here is this woman telling me no and not allowing me to lunge'. I know Zeetie is afraid of other dogs and we have to teach her that she doesn't need to be afraid (I hope). She has no problems with little dogs and is happy to greet them unless they lunge at her first.

I took my turn with the next dog and followed Viola's instructions (we had asked the people with the dogs if they could stay where they were as we were training). First time by, she wanted to go for it but no go. I then walked back and forth a few times and Zeetie 'ignored' the dogs, although I know she was stressed but at least she was a 'good' girl. I then had her sitting near the dogs and no problem. Still, I know she was stressed and that was confirmed by the diarrhoea she had half way through the lesson. Poor Zeetz but lots of 'good girls' for her.

Zeetie should always be at my side when walking and slightly behind so I can be the one in charge and she doesn't have to worry so much. Viola gave me other tools such as, if a loose dog comes barrelling up, step between Zeetie and loose dog, redirect other dog by pointing away and telling it to go. I'll see how that works when the time comes.

Viola will bring her dog next session and we'll work some more with face on greetings. Viola has had success with this training and I feel positive we, too, will be successful with work.

Once we were back home, Zeetie ran upstairs and went to bed. She didn't even want to snuggle, my little monkey.

Zeetie's DNA Results

I had her DNA done through DNA My Dog in Kingston. She is 75% or greater Great Pyrenees with 10% or less of Saint Bernard (not much there, I'd say) and English Springer Spaniel. Her small size may come from the Springer but I'm thinking it's more because of her malnourishment and starvation for the first six months of her life.

Results for your dog Zeetie
Level 1: Great Pyrenees
Level 5: Saint Bernard
Level 5: English Springer Spaniel

What your dog’s breed composition means
Level 1
This category is intended to help owners recognize when their pet's DNA contains a majority of a specific breed (75% or greater). If your dog has a strong match to one of our validated breeds, then it is categorized as Level 1. Most mixed breed dogs will not usually have a breed in this category unless one or both of their parents are purebred.

Level 5
This level represents the lowest level of breed in your dog occurring at 10% or less. However, they still appear at a low and measurable amount in your pet's DNA.

Slightly Optimistic

I spoke with a trainer who specializes in dogs like little Zeetz. After speaking with her, there is hope. I'm not counting my chickens yet, however. We'll have a few sessions and then I'll have tools with which to work. I'm told it will take anywhere from three to six months. As long as there is progress, I'll be happy.

Thankfully, training doesn't include Cesar Milan style training, for which I would not have gone.

We tried the muzzle on the weekend and that seemed to make things worse for her. She was growling as soon as she saw the other dog. Normally, she would look at it and I could then distract her but not in this case.

I did go to the dog park Friday afternoon to see Zeetie in action but I was too late. It turns out she was acting the same way that day as she had been with the other dogs at our dog park. I've cancelled her dog walking for now until I get this straightened out.

Here's to Wednesay evening! Cross your fingers for me.

Jekyll and Hyde

Zeetie's behaviour has escalated with each departure of a foster to its new home. Just when she has made a good friend, her friend leaves. She acts out, including chewing the furniture. However, chewing the furniture has been stopped through locking her into the kitchen.

Zeetie has taken to going after any dog that barrels towards her or just comes towards her. She is afraid. There was an incident of two retrievers coming at us. Zeetie went for it and when I pulled her away, she grabbed the dog's neck and hair came out. The owner took to swearing at me. It was less than pleasant. I could get into technicalities like it is an on-leash dog park but I won't. I'll also look for a dog school that helps dogs like Zeetie, if they exist. A muzzle doesn't work. It makes her feel defenseless.

I've never been a big fan of dog parks and only go because Zeetie needs good interaction and play time. As you read, it's not working so far. Controlled play would be ideal but seeing as how all her dog friends go to the park, that's a hard one. I do invite her street buddies to come play in the backyard when it's feasible.

I will continue to foster. It's tough on Zeetie as she craves stability but I'm hoping to find a great match for her. We could adopt and then not have it work out — six of one, half a dozen of the other. One who can be a mentor to her and who won't follow her lead in aggression. One who plays well with her, of course, has no aggression issues itself and who has good recall or at least be eager to please and learn.

Her sweet personality was on display last afternoon. I took Zeetie for a 'Zeetie here' training session for an hour in a myriad of parking lots, buildings and grassy stretches. I even did a little around me to a heal. She did so well. At one point, a lady aproached me, saying 'wow, whose your trainer because I need one for my pup?'. I think she was impressed by the calmness of our session. Kudos to Lynn. As I've said before, she has taught me well.

Training can be so simple but you just have to do it. By the end, Zeetie took a little longer to 'here', but Lynn taught me that they incubate all they have learned through rest. By this morning, she was in the bush, I called her, I could see her think about it and then she came running. The real chicken treats help, too!

What is Happening to Zeetie?

She looks like an angel

It seems since Tobytwo has gone to his new home, Zeetie has been getting herself into trouble in the house. She has always jumped up to get, specifically, butter off the counter and even bread if we are daft enough to leave it out but now she is doing things she hasn't done before. She has been jumping up to get things off the table upstairs and chewing the stuff out of it until it's barely recognizable. Picture frames and camera lenses are a start. The really strange thing is she just started chewing on the wood on the antique furniture. She has never done that before.

I make sure she gets enough exercise but obviously she needs more. She plays crazy at the dog park and runs. She gets out for a half hour or so in the morning to run. She gets out at noon. And, an hour to an hour and a half in the evening. I can't read her mind but I believe she acted out when Toby one left and now it seems the same thing with Toby two.

She has acted out to spite her herself because she has been relegated behind bars, once again, in the kitchen. A more permanent playmate might be part of the solution.

Farewell Tobytwotoo. We miss you!

Here he is after a day of skiing at the cottage.

We're so happy for him. He is quickly fitting into his new home from what I've heard! When his adopters came to meet Toby, Toby seemed to know what was up and kept to himself except, of course, when the treats came out. However, Zeetie loved son and that's so telling about someone's character.

His adopters had been looking for sometime for the right dog and Mom knew when she saw Toby  that he was the one. There was no turning back. Their cat and Toby are already working it out and Toby gets his place in son's bed.

Life is pretty darn good for him and we couldn't have asked for a better family for him.

Fostering Saves Dogs

What a face! Toby's potential adopters came to meet him last night. Maybe it was just me but I felt as if Toby seemed to know what was happening and he remained aloof. He usually barks and greets visitors in unison with Zeetie but not this time. He may just have been tired from his walk. Toby doesn't make this easy for us.

People ask me how I do it, how we do it. How can you take a dog in and then let him go to another home, they ask. I say, because I know he is going to a good home forever. Fostering saves dogs. If we had kept Toby one, we wouldn't have been able to foster Toby two and hence, he may not have been saved.

I don't let myself get attached, I say. I convince myself that I don't but I do, like all fosters do. I cried when we left Toby one at his new home. I look at Toby two and know I will find it hard to see him go. He is such a good boy. He loves to be with us, sit at our feet, lie at our feet and be petted and hugged. He just loves his runs off-leash in the farm. He's so much better on the leash now, too. His barking silly is sort of subsiding. He listens when we say 'Toby, enough'. He has been very well-trained so his old home wasn't so bad.

He sits on the stairs and looks out the door window like Zeetie does. She teaches him well. She will miss him the most, I think. Having a buddy to hang out with during the day must be nice. I'm sure they roughhouse when we're not here not to mention egging each other on when barking at goings on in the street.

Things aren't all rosy with these two, though. I can't walk them together on leash because of Zeetie's issue with new dogs. I'm short hands to have her pay attention to me. She barks and lunges and then, of course, Toby follows suit. The walk turns into a disaster. It's fine at 5:15 a.m. because no one is around but after work is a no go. Until Zeetie and Toby are suitably trained separately, I walk Zeetie and Don walks Toby after work.


And, I love the way he sits. His two hind legs up between his front legs and leans against something when he sits. He's not graceful but he sure is cute!


Zeetie learns very quickly with fosters that sharing her toys is a good thing.

Tobytoo is looking for his forever home

Tobytoo is a wonderful 5 year old boy whose family left him at the SPCA because they didn't have time for him anymore. He was saved from euthanasia. This loyal boy deserves a loyal family. If you want a loyal companion, he's the boy for you. See more photos of him in the right column under Zeetie and Her Friends.

A Little Chaos for Christmas

Lying next to me is Tobytoo, our second foster dog, who arrived this evening. Zeetie loves him already (don't get me wrong, she can still be a bitch with him). He is five years old and a retreiver/lab mix. He was going to be euthanized and a rescue stepped up. The owners didn't want to look after him anymore. If only parents could do that with their kids.

He loves to play with humans and other dogs. He lacks muscle tone right now but with some exercise, he'll be fine in no time. I think he's pooped already from all the running around he did with Zeetz.

I started clipping his nails and took a half inch off the ones I did cut. We're taking him him to self-groom him tonight. He smells like disinfectant or something. He gets neutered on Tuesday. A lot going on for this guy. He's a little depressed at the moment but he'll come around.