Update on puppy William

An update on William, from Chloe’s litter…

William at 6 weeks old

William at 6 weeks old

We had him at the vet Monday (diarrhea for a week after a trip to Pennsylvania; no worms, probably stress.) He’s up to 17.5 pounds and is well on his way to being huge. Now that he’s not pooping all the time, the sleeping has improved. He was in his crate from 9 pm until 6 am last night. He does love his sleep.

Biting continues to be a huge problem. The 8-year olds cannot enjoy him at all because he’s always biting and mounting them. We are in puppy class, but we will need additional training. I have been redirecting, but I must be doing something wrong, because usually he just gets too wound up. I hope we get it figured out soon.

Like Poppy, William went to several baseball games and was such a charmer. We had several comments that he looks like he should be on tv.

I thought we had a handle on potty training, but yesterday he went in the house within a half hour of being out. He does go to the front door when he needs to go, but not every time.

I hope everyone is enjoying their new family members. Most of the time we are, so I’m praying that we resolve the biting issue and get on with enjoying William.

July 8, 2009 • Tags: , • Posted in: behavior, Chloe, dog ownership, puppy update • 1 Comment

A milky puppy mess

milky puppiesWell, it seems Willow (formerly Daisy, formerly Angel too!) is not at all happy about the puppies teeth coming through their gums. She yelped when they latched on last night. So, since they are very mobile for 3 week olds and since she seems to want to end her mama duties sooner rather than later, I introduced them to some formula and BOY did they ever get into it! They, more than any other litter seem very ready to eat from a bowl. They finished each of the meals I’ve given them, although clean up takes as long as their eating does. They trash the room with milky puppy foot prints. And each of them are literally covered in milk. I am hoping they get better at it soon.

The classic milk mustache!

The classic milk mustache!

July 7, 2009 • Tags: , , , • Posted in: fostering dogs, nutrition, pups, Willow • 1 Comment

Amber the escape artist

I have just learned that Amber (formerly Chloe), our foster mama prior to Daisy, has an interesting story to tell…I heard from her new owner, R-, that she is a bit of an escape artist. 5 days after her spay surgery, she was left alone as usual during the day but decided that she wanted to get out. She jumped the gate keeping her in her room in the house, OPENED a door to a bedroom, torn through a screen and JUMPED out a two story window!!! The story has a happy ending, though.

Amber with sad eyesAmber chose her escape route well and landed on some bushes and was found running around the neighborhood by a neighbor. R- was understandable shaken but a vet check put her mind at ease, no harm was done. SO R- and I had a discussion about separation anxiety and I reiterated my belief that crating a dog, especially an adult dog, for under 5 hours at a time (Amber is alone for three hours, has an afternoon walk with a dog walker and is alone again for another three) IF she is given adequate exercise (a LONG walk) before and after is not cruel but in fact helpful for anxious dogs. Whew. I hope this helps and I’m sure R- would appreciate our support!! I feel certain that she will tackle this problem but it sure puts puppy mouthing into perspective doesn’t it??!! Yikes. Hang in there R-.

Bauer update at 7 months old

An update on our winter puppy, Bauer. He had his first “sleep over” recently and here’s what his owner had to say:

Bauer collageI was playing around with my Picasa photo editor, and made a “collage” of Bauer, from puppy to well, big puppy! 🙂 I thought you would get a kick out of seeing how fast he grew!

I thought you’d enjoy some of the pictures I had a chance to take this weekend….Oscar spent a couple days with us…

I was a little worried at first, because both Bauer and Oscar are used to being the main dog around, but so far everything has gone well with Oscar staying over. We’ll be sad to see him go home tomorrow! N- dropped Oscar off shortly after I got home from work, and of course he and Bauer had a blast playing right away. As soon as N- left, I leashed both of them up and took them for an hour walk. I figured this was the best way for Oscar to learn how things are run in my family, and I think this truly did help! Bauer an Oscar walked so well together…..when we’re out walking, I feel like I’m the local dog whisperer or something. At first, I thought it was weird that so many people were staring at me and commenting on the puppies and me walking both. Then I stopped to think about it and realized that to an outsider, I was walking two “ferocious” looking dogs. This made me laugh, as this is not the case…they’re merely two 7 month old puppies (I keep saying 6….I just realized Bauer is 7 months!!) so full of energy they don’t know what to do with themselves.

(more…)

June 23, 2009 • Tags: , • Posted in: behavior, story update • 1 Comment

Angel’s heart

Here is an update on Angel (formerly Violet), from Chloe’s litter…

Angel's heartHi Kristin,

I wanted to share this with you because my daughter spotted it on “Angel” She has a white marking on her belly that is in the shape of a heart, it is nothing like I have ever seen which makes her so much more of a miracle to us.

She is doing well, she has adjusted to her crate and our big yard which at times may be a little over whelming but she is great.

Saw her picture on your website and it was great. You did a great job with all those puppies and you should feel really proud, we can’t thank you enough for her.

Lily puppy update

Here is an update on Lilly from her new family.  Enjoy!

Lily Lily has been doing better everyday. We found that putting a clock next to cage has helped greatly at night. We have only had a few accidents and none were poop!!! She loves to play with her toys and has discovered she has a voice, she now growls and barks. She even started scratching on the potty door this morning to go and she went. She also found an old pillow of ours on the floor and loves to take her morning and afternoon nap on the pillow like a pampered pooch. We love her and I think she loves us as much.  

June 17, 2009 • Tags: , • Posted in: puppy update, pups, story update • No Comments