This will make you smile..

So my mom takes her mini's to nurses homes and rehab facilities for pet assisted therapy and this week is nursing home week.... she sent this pic and I thought it was hysterical : )

Enjoy!

It keeps getting better....

...And I honestly mean that. Parker barks less and less and is getting into the routine around here. He jumps into his crate to eat his meals, he quiets down when we leave the room, and has been sleeping through the night without accidents. Now if only we could get him to stop peeing on our fridge or marking the gate.....

We have been blessed with beautiful weather this week as the 4 of us have been adapting and creating a sense of "normalcy." (whatever the heck that is!) Today we were blessed with some rain and it totally didn't faze him at all. He walked like a trooper and then LOVED getting toweled off after wards.

He keeps chewing on one leg of his and I keep checking for any sort of bugs but I can't find any... He acted like both legs might have been bothering him earlier in the evening. He has a vet appointment tomorrow so we'll see what the Doc says. Nick and I think his body is detoxing itself. His right eye was gunky, his nose has had some clear slime coming out of it and it looks like he might molt his dull coat off and grow in a beautiful smooth and shiny one! (But we shall see!) Other than that he's coming along. He has earned the right to sleep on the floor in the living room or computer room when one of us is in there and he konks out sleeping and chilling. And when we put him back in the kitchen he may not be thrilled but he is generally pretty quiet.

Parker is going to make someone a wonderful companion! Maybe it's you..... : )

The Queen....

...will always reign supreme in this house : )

While Parker may be treated very well here while he's rehabbing,
Tinker will still sleep in late and rule the roost!

Parker Pics

Here are some pics of the little bugger. He's doing better... less barking, more settling....





I took him outside when I came home from work and he rolled and rolled and rolled outside in the grass. We went for a long walk and he slept by my feet all night. I put him back in the kitchen for a bit and he was quiet... so he got to come back out and hang with us : ) He was digging at his back leg (the non-gimpy one...I think his left leg). I couldn't see any bugs or anything goofy, but I sprayed him with neem again just for good measure. We've sent a petfinder bio and hope to have him up by the end of the week! A vet appt on friday should help tell us about his knee.

My Tinker has been particularly snuggly lately....I love bed time with her! I do miss our more relaxed walks that Tink and I usually take. Everything is a bit more hurried with 2 to walk. But it's all good. I'll get in shape and Parker will get a forever home : )

Wednesday Morning

Parker slept through the night quietly after the dishwasher stopped running. Nick, Tink and I actually just sat in the kitchen area quietly with him for the last 10 min or so of the cycle. His barking sounding differently and he was panicking when we weren't in the room. Frankly, I didn't blame him. So quietly and calmly we stayed in the kitchen. But as soon as we stopped the dishwasher and left, he barked for a little bit and then we heard no more than an occasionally whine until we took him out at 7:30 this morning.

Per Amy's recommendation we started giving him some rescue remedy which I do feel is helping a little bit. He walks on a loose leash after the initial 10 minutes or so, his poops are looking better, his whole body goes in the crate now while we feed him (I even latched the door this morning until he was done,) and he let me spray him with neem oil last night : ) He still barks like a mad man when Tink is wandering around outside the gate. He is very interested in other dogs while we're walking. He has a long neck and usually its down and relaxed while walking, but when he sees something and is interested, he pulls his monstrous head and neck up tall like a giraffe or sea monster or something! Still not sure if I want to place him with someone with another dog or not. I think he would be ok with time. He's not vicious, I just don't know if he would ever leave the other dog alone.... Of course when the right app comes in we'll just know it : )

Tink looks like a little sausage compared to Parker's lean body. I do need to cut her back just a hair. I joke and tell her that I'm going to give her rations to Parker and she usually sniffs or snorts appropriately and then I have to apologize and say "you're right, that would be mean." But I still say it.

Someone is getting a lot of exercise out of this deal...Parker gets a good amount and Tink's been going on longer and of course they don't go together.... so Nick or I get double duty if the other isn't around. This morning it's me! almost a full hour of walking. Which is nice as the weather is beautiful.

And it's getting late and I need to run. I took pics yesterday and will post them later this evening

Tuesday, Day 2.5

Parker slept through the night with what I was told only a little whining. I heard nothing. Tink and I were snuggled together like 2 bugs in a rug (but not bugs in our bed for sure!) I think he forgets that Tink exists until she walks by the gate because he gets all excited like "oh yeah, I like her!" He was barky and whiny this evening but I honestly can't blame him as Nick and I flew through the door and had our dinner and clean up quickly before we fed the dogs (shocker I know.)

I am certainly getting my exercise as the 2 dogs get walked separately. Parker is skipping on his left knee still but it's not slowing him down at all. Nick took him for a long walk this morning and I took him to the tennis courts to try and get him to run around. He looked at me like I was stupid, so we continued on our walk. He's walking nicely on a leash when the 4 of us walk together. Not pulling so much that's for sure.

I never realized how unique Tinker is. She trusted us from the moment Charli put her in my arms. Now obviously that trust has grown over time, but she always has been agreeable amd amiable. Having Parker not trust me, surprises and doesn't surprise me all at the same time. It also helps me to realize just how special my little one is. Who knows all she went through and yet she fared very differently than this stray found on the streets of Northern Philly.

I took Parker out on the balcony for a few minutes this evening trying to give him something to do. I petted him fora few minutes and then suddenly he was humping my leg and that was the end of our time together. He reaffirmed our decision to keep him separated until he learns his place in our house. So then I wonder what do I give him to do? He wants to be with us but he doesn't know how to behave around us just yet. I filled a kong with some treats and peanut butter but he wasn't interested. Unless someone has a fabulous idea, I guess we walk him as much as possible and give him time to settle. This is a huge test of patience for both Parker and me as patience is not my strong suit. However, the alternative (taking steps backwards) is not an option in my mind.

He has now settled in the kitchen for the time being...

He really is a good boy. With time and training he is going to make an experience owner a good companion! If you're up to the challenge, fill out an app!

Parker, 24 hrs later

So, I know that Tinker is the most amazing dog in the world. Somehow it takes another foster to appreciate my little girl in a new light...

We picked Parker up from Jodi last night. I have learned so much in the past 24 hrs. Parker is a gem in the rough. He is a good boy but needs some consistency and lots of patience. He showed some aggression towards me several times last night and after talking with Jodi (Thank God for her and her experience!) we're now providing Parker with the space he needs to learn his proper place in the pack. He has a safe place in the kitchen to settle in and get used to us. He's been eating meals in his crate to help pair the crate with positive events.

Parker is slowly settling in and doing better overall. He is walking better on a leash and relaxing more quickly which makes sense as he continues to get used to us and his new environment. He continues to bark when we leave the kitchen area or when Tink walks past the gated area.

Tink is enjoying her freedom and flaunting it at Parker! Tonight while we ate dinner she must have walked back and forth in front of that gate 5 times or so and then settled under the table with her butt to the gate. I haven't stopped her as it is her house and he is a visitor. She crack me up though in her own little way...

The four of us walked this evening with the little blind one leading the group and the rest of us in tow.

Small steps... he still barks when we leave the kitchen area but it's less and less each time. Hopefully over time it will stop all together...?

Ok, off to sleep....he did settle this evening and sleep. hopefully he'll do the same tonight.

Parker

Parker was sprung from a North Philly Shelter this morning. He was a stray and given 2 days. His 2 days were up today. Kathy pulled him and held him for us, Jodi went and picked him up after work. We're going to meet him tomorrow and then take him to foster on Sunday : ) He's described as real sweet. He's probably 18-20 lbs but could stand to gain a few. Possibly aged 6-8 years? Can't wait to help rehab him and find him a forever home! Contact NEBTR if you are interested in adopting a sweetie like this one!!!

Home, Sick....

So I've been home sick for the past 2 days....one day was nice, 2 days is a little much. But I felt worse this morning when I tried to get ready. So anyways, here we are. Tink has been a fabulous snuggler lately and I'm sure she is a major contributing factor to my better spirits and hopefully improved health very soon.

I've noticed that Tink has been rolling on her back some mornings which is a big deal for this little girl! It used to be a part of her morning routine and she stopped for a long while during the winter. She travels up the stairs and walks around the block when the weather is nice with little issue.

When we went to visit Lindsay and Jason last weekend we tried out a new travel crate with Tink while we went to church and then again while we went to the Voice of Hope concert. And after the second time in the crate, I noticed redness on the outside of her eye and on the top of her head. She had rubbed her skin raw from nesting and pacing and moving so much again the fabric of the crate...She looked like she had been beat up or something and I felt terrible. So of course we cleaned her bumps and such. I used a tea tree oil antiseptic cream on her (very carefully of course!) and wouldn't you know, within days everything has healed up nicely and she doesn't look like a train wreck!

For a while we've been very busy with home visits and such which was great as we were able to move a lot of dogs in one month's time. We seem to have slowed quite a bit, so send in your applications to adopt some of the fabulous dogs that we have available through NEBTR! I need more home visits to set up so these dogs can get moving!

Ok, it might be time for another nap now...

Where does the time go?

Here we are WEEKS after we were up in MA and I'm just posting about it now... well better late than never.

Nick, Tink and I spent an entire 9 days up with my family...it was a nice time to regroup, spend time with the family and relax. My parents recently got a new puppy... a little papillion named Jazz. He is certainly cute and adorable but he quickly reminded me of why I don't want a puppy when he pooped IN my slipper and chewed on my flip flips for starters...

Jazz is fearless and would retreat into his bed like it was safety
or something when playing with stretch or penny.

Tink did very well with puppy man.
We quickly broke him of the idea that Tink was his mother,
but we still had to watch him to make
sure he wouldn't chew on her head!

Chewing on a stick! Apparently most papillions don't like
to go outside this young, but he went outside like a trooper.
We even got him walking on a leash and
taking LONG walks in hopes of tiring him out.
That was faulty logic however as he would come back and play
for another hour or so before taking a break.

Almost resting, but not completely....

Here, let me help you out Tink, you have something on your nose!

Playing with razor sharp puppy teeth!

Jazz was about 2lbs when we first arrived...
when we went to the vet with him on thursday he was almost 3!!!

He is cute...



Planning his next attack

Who me?!?!

Tink was a giant at her 14.5lbs compared to this little munckin!

And as usual, all the dogs got along just fine! Tink made out like a bandit and slept in bed every night... one night, I'm not sure what happened if she pushed off me or my arm repositioned, but she fell out of bed and landed on the floor! She didn't think it was that funny but she was ok and I picked her back up and put her into bed again.

As usual Tink was very relieved to get back home as evidenced by her happy dance and face rubs as we came into the apartment : )

Pet's 10 Commandments

This was posted through the rescue board, I don't usually forward or post well, forwards, but I'm feeling sentimental, so here we go...

Pet's 10 Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that how ever you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

And this is why....

.... we have the cleanest dishes in town! (and a very friendly dog at dinner time ; )

Good thing they're both cute!!

Tinker Climbs a Pile of of my Stuff....

These pictures were taken at the beginning of February when I went to Blizzard with the 5th and 6th graders from church. Nick had class so he had dog duty : ) He must have taken this pictures while I was in the shower after I got home. She is something else, isn't she?!? She wants to be on my pillow so badly....

I can do this....

Let's get comfy....

Now what?!?!

Final Iggy Pictures

We went on a picture spree and took many, many pictures of this dude...I tried to narrow it down to some of the cutest ones....of course they're all cute!
























Oh Mr Iggy, you have started a long line of foster pups! We are so glad that you are in your forever home! May you live well and long and be a happy spoiled guy!

Our next foster arrives this weekend...I'm guessing he is not going to be as easy as pigman was... we will show him unconditional love and allow him to be all that he can be regardless!

Miscellaneous Tink and Iggy Pics

Well Iggy's been gone for almost 2 weeks I guess and I decided it was time to update the blog with some last Iggy pics and some new Tinker pics. Iggy is doing very well at his forever home. Spoiled as he should be. I heard that he occasionally sleeps in bed with his new kid and even gets bone shaped pancakes once in a while!

Iggy would sleep under anything he could find!

Yup, another blanket

He's actually IN this bed. Tink created a whole in the bottom (which wasn't too big and I was planning on fixing...) Well Iggy made it larger and put most of his body INTO it!


You can just about see his head in the bottom right side of the picture....

Tink prefers to lay on TOP of soft, fluffy things

Soft and fluffy....

no, not begging....but when you're finished could I...?