Retrospective - The Year of the Dog!

I just wanted to take a few moments to reflect on the past year and extend some Holiday Greetings and best wishes for 2010 to the families who've adopted ARF puppies that we've fostered, and to the puppies (and 1 kitty) themselves: Starsky & Hutch (now Remy), Kima, Seamus, Beadie, Bunny, Kimmy, Edge & Levi. I'd also like to mention some of the wonderful people we've met through ARF and extend thanks to the ARF board, the trainers at Dogma, ARF screeners, Petsmart volunteers, and the other ARF foster homes who've helped us out too. An extra special thanks to Julie and all she does for the dogs that come through ARF, as well as the support she provides to foster homes like us. We truly love what we do, but couldn't do it without all of you. Thanks for a great year!

Shake a paw! (Sometimes)

Well, we started last night trying to teach these pups some tricks. The challenge with two ARF puppies and a dog of your own is focusing with training on one....Every time I say "Shake" to Edge and our dog is around, our dog tosses her paw up in front of Edge. So, down to the basement we go with one pup in toe and pocketful of bite-sized highly valued rewards. After several minutes of licking at my hand to retrieve the treat, Edge put her paw up on my hand to say, "give me that!" Pretty soon, I just had to hold the treat in my hand over her head (while she sat) and she'd offer up one of her paws. Now she can't get enough. Soon we'll be shaking paws left right and centre, even without treats.

We also tried with Levi last night, but he got bored very quickly. However, he must have thought about that trick all night (or Levi told him the secret to getting delicious treats) and this morning he figured it out no problem. So we're well on the way to learning Shake a Paw!!

Merry Christmas!!!

What a day! Levi and Edge's first Christmas (in fact, the first Christmas for our own ARF doggie). They started the morning ringing the bells on the Christmas tree and then opening a gift... Bully sticks! Sneaky dogs, somehow they got a hold of our dog's bone and then crawled under the bed to chew on it (our dog can't get under the bed). We topped the day off with a visit to the dog park - the doggies' first!

We should probably give an update too - the dogs are doing much better with their potty training and have made huge progress with their crate training. As long as they have some exercise in the evening, they sleep pretty much through the night (most days). They both LOVE going for walks, are learning their names and learning to come when called. They are also learning to "sit."

Merry Christmas!

Levi and Edge were intrigued by the Christmas tree... we'll have to keep an eye on them. They were particularly interested in ringing the bells we hung on the lower branches - they'd ring them, run away, run back, and ring them again.

Ahhh tranquillity

Wrestling match #324

Levi

Levi is a 2-month old black, white and tan male pup. Again, we're just getting to know him- so we'll keep you posted!

Edge

Edge is a 2 month old black and white female pup. We're still getting to know her, but will keep you posted!

Last Day With Kimmy - First Day with Edge and Kiwi

What a big day - Kimmy's last day with us, and our first day with two new ARF puppies. Having sworn we'd only have 1 foster pup at a time, we couldn't resist taking two (as they say, they keep each other company:) We tried to get a picture with all four (our ARF dog and 3 fosters), but of course, they refused to cooperate. This is the best we could do:)

A Home for Christmas!

Well, after close to six weeks in foster care, Kimmy has found a home for Christmas! We'll miss this little gal, and are sure that our own dog will miss her even more, but we're set to welcome home another ARF puppy this afternoon - giving us a few hours of overlap with three ARF doggies!

Kimmy had a big weeks, with a super day visit and lots of walks, opportunities to meet new people, and new dogs, as she spent a day at Canine Country Doggy Daycare and LOVED it. We're so excited for Kimmy and her new adoptive parents. What a wonderful Christmas! We wish them all the best! I realize I have tons of pictures of Kimmy, but hardly any WITH Kimmy. I'll have to get one of those yet today....:)

Paws crossed - Kimmy may have found her forever home!

Things are slow on the blog front as Kimmy may have found her forever home - we have our fingers (and paws) crossed!

Two growing pups sharing a very small dog bed

Spoiled!

These two just love to cuddle! Kimmy follows her foster mom (or dad) everywhere and loves to have our attention. She also loves to snuggle up to our resident puppy - after a good wrestling match, of course.

Little K's Update!

We figured it was time for an update on little K's progress in her foster home as we help her in her search for the best forever home to meet her needs and make her the happiest little rescue pup. Here's what we can report!

-Loves walks and playing in the backyard with her fellow canine friend

-Lives with cats, and is indifferent most of the time

-Definitely food motivated and eager to please (has learned to sit, shake a paw (she LOVES this trick), down (in progress) and sometimes... fetch!

-Potty training is going really well - hardly any accidents and she's definitely used to routines

-Some car sickness if she's eaten before a car ride

-Belly rubs: We take this as a sign that K is really comfortable here. She curls up on the doormat and whenever you walk by, she rolls over to expose her belly and uses pleading eyes and a wagging tail to say, "please rub my belly, please!"

-Kimmy is accustomed to her crate, and as long as she's had some good exercise, she doesn't make a peep when she goes to bed

-Recall is pretty good for her age, but she's also very, very interested in rabbits:)

-Barking: Kimmy's forever home needs to accept everything that makes K who she is, including her nervous barking. Applicants should consider how they will work with Kimmy on her barking to help her be the best doggy she can be

-Socialization: Kimmy has had to fend for herself - her forever home will be prepared to spend lots of time getting Kimmy used to meeting different kinds of people and hanging out with other dogs.

My new tricks!

Kimmy is full of surprises! She's growing like crazy and seems to have had a burst of puppy energy. She's also learning "down" (usually with a treat) but this is great progress! AND, to our great surprise, last night Kimmy chased a ball, and brought it back, sat down on command and dropped the ball, and repeat! Over and over again! Up until now, she's shown very minimal interest in a ball and we haven't even attempted to teach fetch, but she's watched our resident dog fetch every morning and every night for ten days, so I guess she's been paying attention!

Kimmy's wishlist

Kimmy's wishlist for a forever home includes the basics, like lots of love and cuddles and those belly rubs she's learning all about, room to play and someone to play with, but also a patient home that is willing to work with her on her nervous barking (usually when she sees something strange, strangers, or other dogs). Kimmy would love to socialize with other dogs - she just needs practice meeting other pups.

Kimmy is still really good in her crate and just loves her foster parents and people she sees regularly. We're working on "down" and her potty training is really coming along. We haven't had a foster pup that's had as much free run of the house as Kimmy (not even our own ARF puppy), and we credit this to routines and regular trips outside. She now only messes (knock wood) when we are out of the house.

She gets pretty excited and is starting to pull on her leash (it may just be because she's walking with another dog), but her new home will have to do some loose leash training. But no worries, she's very motivated by treats and very eager to please!

So eager to please!

What a happy dog! Kimmy's tail (and backend!) just wag and wag. She's also super easy to please and has gone from shaking a paw 7/10 times to 10/10 times... she's a pro! She's totally figured out "if I do this....I'll get a treat..."

Shake a paw.

That's right, Kimmy learned to "shake a paw" tonight. We tried a few other times using various techniques, but no luck. We had also been trying to teach "down" and made some progress, but then she promptly forgot and doesn't seem interested! "Shake" on the other hand worked like a charm. She doesn't respond to the verbal command yet, but with a treat, she 7/10 times will shake a paw for you! It's this cute, soft, little paw that she gently places in your hand. Foster parents are so proud:) Beadie says, "Hey, that's my trick."

ARF Adoption Procedures

Please see the link below for ARF's adoption procedures:)
http://www.arf.ab.ca/adopt/policiesetc.shtml

ARF Adoption Process

ARF strives to make the very best matches between people and rescued animals, quite simply so they don't have to rescue them again. The entire ARF adoption process is outlined on their website (www.arf.ab.ca) , but basically, you must complete their online application; if this is passed, then you will be contacted by a volunteer screener who will discuss with you what you are looking for a dog, and what kind of home you can provide for a dog. At that point, the screener contacts the foster home for the dog you are most interested in, and they call you. If the foster home thinks this could be a match, they arrange for you to meet the dog in the foster home. All members of the household and any resident dogs must be present. This is an opportunity to visit with the animal and ask the foster family any additional questions about the dog. Either you or the foster home may decide that this isn't a match. The next day, you contact the foster home to discuss how things went - if it's a match, the next step is to schedule a day visit, where the dog goes to your house. Again, all members of the household must be present. The foster parent does a yard check to ensure it's secure and safe; if it is, then the foster home leaves the dog with you for the day. This is a great opportunity to see how the dog interacts with your family, however, keep in mind that going to a new home and meeting new people can be quite intimidating for some dogs, and makes them nervous. You return to dog to the foster home at a pre-determined time. There are no overnight visits. The next morning, you discuss the visit with the foster family - waiting overnight is important to ensure no rush decisions are made to adopt a dog. If all is well, then you will meet the foster family once more to go over the adoption paperwork and pay the adoption fee to ARF.

Please refer to the ARF website for complete information for potential adopters - here you will find information for renters who wish to adopt, information about fees and what the adoption fee includes etc.

There is no way of knowing the breed of an ARF dog - they are 100% ARF mixtures. This means, it is impossible to predict how big or small a dog will be. If this is a big concern for you, you may consider adopting an adult dog. If you know for sure you want a small breed, you can check out a new rescue organization called Little Mutts Rescue in Calgary. But, if you're open to the joy (and occasional challenges!) of bringing home a puppy and watching her grow, Kimmy may be for you.

Now up for adoption!

So Kimmy's been fixed and vaccinated, and is now ready for her forever home! She did the Petsmart tour today and was quite the rockstar. No doubt, she's super, super cute. Those terrier-like whiskers are ADORABLE!

Kimmy's forever home should be open to working with a barking dog - Kimmy does bark when she hears other dogs or sees things that appear suspicious. She's a lovely pup in search of a lovely home:)

You have GOT to be kidding me!?

We purchased this little dog bed before we returned to fostering. Beadie (our ARF doggie) turned her nose up at it until the new foster dog started using it, now Beadie LOVES to squeeze into it. Yuki, one of our resident cats also loves the dog bed. She had curled up for a nice long nap when Kimmy, fresh from her bath and ready for bed, came over, sniffed at the bed, and nonchalantly climbed in. Yuki pulled back and stared at Kimmy, but Kimmy didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with sharing the dog bed with a cat. Yuki, being a typical cat, decided she had better things to do and other places to be shortly after I snapped this picture.

ARF Friends!!

After a few hours of figuring out the 'rules', these two became fast friends. I'm sure our ARF dog likes having a canine companion.... Kimmy seems to understand her a whole lot better than our cats!

I'll be famous soon:)

So Kimmy is fitting right in with her foster family. 24 hours ago she didn't know what to do on leash, but now that's old hat and she doesn't mind at all. She doesn't really seem to care about the cats, but our puppy doesn't really give her a chance to get interested in cats either! Kimmy has a fair bit to say when she's playing with our own puppy, but we've never had a puppy that is so quiet in the crate. Not a peep! The only time we hear anything is when she's starting to wake up and her tail wags back and forth forcefully, slapping against the sides of the crate!

Kimmy will be famous soon when her mug shows up on the ARF website. First she needs to be receive her first vaccination and have her surgery (next week!) After that, she'll be making the rounds at Petsmart looking for her forever home!

Scruffy, cutie goodness!

I clean up well:)

Kimmy after her bath!

Kimmy!!

We called ARF to say we were ready for a new foster, now that our own ARF doggy is better trained and knows that her business is best done outdoors. We're not out of the kitty business either, but are very happy to welcome our newest foster, Kimmy! Kimmy is skinny and has some weight to gain, and although frightened at first, we think she's a very happy puppy (he tail wags like crazy, especially when food is near). She's cute and scruffy and is learning to play with our own ARF doggy. More pics to come! This one is Kimmy before her bath - she was pretty stinky from living outdoors and scrounging for food. She had a few burs but you could never tell now!

Bunny's Adopted!

It's official! Bunny is adopted! One last picture with his buddy, our ARF puppy, and the first picture with his new family.... falling asleep in their arms:)

A few more Bunny pics!

Bunny was adopted tonight and has left for his new foster family. We wish them all the best! He's such a great kitty - he'll fit right in. We can't wait for updates! Here's a few more Bunny pictures - we'll remember him fondly!

Adoption pending!!

Bunny met with a great couple last night and may just go to his new home tonight. As I type this, he's curled up in my lap, purring like crazy.... as if he wants to remind me just how much we'll miss him!! Perhaps there are more ARF kitties and not just ARF doggies in our foster home future....

Tail-less kitty looking for new home!

Little Bun-Bun is looking for his forever home. He has his first visitors tonight - let's hope it's a match! We'll keep you posted, and post more pictures soon.

Small cats love small spaces!!!

"Let me just see if I can fit in there.... YUP!" Yes, that's tv cable, and it doesn't look that comfortable, but Bunny curled up in there and slept for hours!

I'm THIS big!

I'd be bigger if I had a more of a tail, but foster mom wanted to show you I'm just a little tyke.... however, I take on the bigger cats as if I was a full sized cat. I have lots of kitty energy! Best part about having no tail? I can chase and swat at other kitties' tails, but they can't catch mine!

Me and my best buddy!

Don't let their size fool you - the ARF puppy is about 5 months old here, and Bunny is just an itty bitty guy in this picture. These two rescues are best buds!

Little Bunny - Now ready for his forever home!

Little Bunny has been fixed, dewormed and vaccinated, and had his final booster last night. He should be up on the ARF website today. I've got more pictures to post and will do so soon. It will be sad to see Bunny go as he's best buds with our ARF puppy, and he's also good friends with our two kitties. Bunny's little cottontail looks even puffier than before; it really is adorable. Such a unique, loveable and playful little kitty. He loves to snuggle up to the other cats, but also likes to sleep next to your face or down at your feet (under the blankets sometimes!) when it's time for bed.

Baby Bunny!

Baby Bunny is growing - we had to wait until he was over a kilo to get fixed; he'll have his little surgery this week or next, then get his booster shot and be ready for adoption. Bunny has fit right into our animal kingdom. He loves to play with Kazzer (who suddenly thinks he's 3 months old again) and he is usually curled up on the couch with Kaz and Yuki when we come home. He is also good friends with our puppy.

Meet Bunny!

We've been on a break from fostering pups while our own ARF puppy is in training. But a really little tail-less orange kitty looked me in the eyes at the Blood Tribe Wellness clinic in Cardston and said, "will you please foster me???" So here we are, with our first foster kitty!

Meet Major Bunny Colvin, Bunny for short. He has a little stub of a tail and hops around so he somewhat resembles a baby rabbit. Bunny is super sweet, and loves to curl up on our laps (especially when I'm on the computer!!!) He likes to snuggle up to his foster parents, and is also getting along well with our two resident cats, and our puppy. Bunny isn't fixed yet, so he isn't quite ready for adoption. He weighs just about 2 pounds but I'm not sure how old he is.

Seamus and Beadie are getting along well. Beadie is much less timid around Seamus, and the two enjoy wrestling in the backyard. Seamus slept most of the night, only waking up to get some water and go back to the crate after a pee break. He doesn't make a peep during car rides, knows how to sit and sometimes lay-down. He loves the off-leash park and is very social! He's loving all the puppy toys at his new foster home, and he also loves any kind of puppy-appropriate bone (not rawhide!!!). We're continuing to work on the potty training too - we're getting there, but as with any puppy, this will take time.

Seamus is completely indifferent to the cats, and would much rather chase the other puppy, however Beadie seems bent on teaching Seamus to chase the resident cats.

Seamus Arrives Tomorrow!

Foster puppy Kima convinced us we needed our own dog. Then foster puppy, Beadie came along and she was super sweet, and her lab-like behaviour convinced us that she was the puppy for us. Tomorrow, a new foster puppy will arrive so Beadie will have a playmate! Hopefully this will continue to help Beadie become more confident.

Stay tuned for more pics and stories about Seamus. Note: there isn't a "Seamus" in The Wire... (not that we know of...) we're taking care of Seamus while his other foster family is out of town.

After that, we're looking forward to fostering an "Omar," "Bodie," "Bubbles," "Marlo," "Bunny," "Avon," "Snoop," "Savino," "Cutti," or "Prezbo." Who who will be next?!

Response to Sarah (re: the Wire)

Oh Sarah, you may just have figured us out. Yes, Kima is definitely named after Shakima "Kima" Greggs, and Beadie is named after Beatrice "Beadie" Russell from Season 2:) Who will be next!?

Kima Update!

We heard from former foster-puppy, Kima's new forever home today. She's adjusting super well to life with her new brother and sister (also rescues!) and the rest of her foster family. She's living the hard life now... two friends to play with, a dog run, food, water, toys, chewies and everyday trips to the dog park! We wish her and her forever family the best and thanks for the update!

Coming out of my shell!

We don't know Beadie's story, but she's pretty timid. She's come a long way though even since Thursday! She's learned to walk on a leash (that was pretty painless), learned to come when called, and to sit, and started to sleep almost all the way through the night in her crate. Because of her timidity, she loves her crate and retreats to it when she's overwhelmed. She also learned to climb down all the basement steps... now just to go up...

Beadie is doing well with the cats, they don't bother her, and she doesn't bother them - but they are starting to take more of an interest in each other. I think Beadie misses her littermates, and as a result, wants to be with her foster family all the time, and be as close as possible. She's super cuddly and seems very appreciative of living with a family!

This cat is bigger than me!

Welcome Beadie!

Lil Beadie is here! She's a soft, fluffy, little puppy! Foster Daddy has named her Beadie. She's much smaller than Kima as she's just over two months old. She was reluctant to come out of her crate at first, and gave a little growl to a curious kitty, but is up and wandering around and checking out the world. She's already discovered the purple platapus and the Chewlotta bone. We think she's missing her littermates, as she needs to be right behind you, and cries when she's alone.

Saying goodbye? maybe?

Kima may find her forever home this weekend. Just in case, we took lots of pictures!! Your life is not complete until you have a dog! (don't tell my cats that!)

Kima *may* have found her forever home!

What fun we've had in the last few weeks! Kima is going to make a forever home very, very happy - and she may just have found that forever home...

Walk update

Well, noticable improvement on today's walks. I attribute this to a few things. 1) getting out of town and realizing that walking can take you to really cool places; 2) the harness; 3) foster mom's dedicated and highly skilled training... hahaha. Kima, in general, is responding well to "ah-ah-ah-ah"

First trip!

Kima accompanied us for a 1-night camping trip this weekend. She loved sleeping in the tent (in her crate) and cuddled up between us while it rained outside. She's also getting better in the crate in the car (little crying!) but still gets carsick from time to time.

Kima has two visitors this week - I suspect she'll find her forever home soon. We will miss her dearly, I'm sure!

Will rollover [sometimes] for treats

Another day, another trick... okay, it's not quite that easy. But Kima did rollover (several times) tonight, and seemed to think it was a great little trick. We're continuing to work on "down"... we're getting there. Also making a little progress with "leave it" - it depends on the context, and just how excited she is...

We're also working on the walking... she will continue to need work here. Kima is into nipping too, so we need to work on the walking, so that we get more exercise, and work on some bite inhibition. Major improvements on the crate training - since Saturday night she's been sleeping in the crate. Usually she wakes up and needs a pee at least once, but last night she slept through the night! (11-5:30 anyway). As long as she's had enough exercise, she hardly fusses at all. We're so proud of her!

The great things in life...

1. Lounging in the backyard

2. Chasing the cats (I'm learning to be gentle)

3. Chewing on my Chewlotta or other good treats

4. Keeping the mind active with cool new tricks

5. Playing with my Malamute friend

6. Cuddling with foster Mommy and Daddy

7. Hearing everyone say how cute I am and how well behaved and smart I am!

8. Playing with squeaky toys

9. Shopping for new squeaky toys

10. Sticks, sticks, sticks.

Kima update!

Well, never say never. Kima is now sleeping in her crate, and goes to sleep with very little, VERY little whining. She's also VERY good at home during the day while foster Mommy and Daddy are away at work. Not a fan of the activity pen, Kima prefers to spend the days in our bedroom with lots of toys, her Chewlotta and other things that make her happy, after a morning walk of course.

On the walk front, Kima started out as an expert walker, and has since developed some silly habits. She plays this game where she walks a few steps, and then sprawls out on the ground, determined not to move. We picked up a cool new harness tonight that helps a bit. She dislikes walking AWAY from home, and LOVES walking towards home. Somehow she has it all figured out in her little GPS head.

We will continue to work on "leave it" and try to introduce "stay" and improve "down." Kima is a smart cookie, and gives great high-fives!

I am so cute

After running around with Nahlu, Kima takes a break. So cute! How do we let this one go!?

My new friend

Nahlu the Malamute/Wolf cross is Kima's new friend... although in this picture, Nahlu is more interested in the resident cat hiding up in the tree.