A Walk On The Wild Side

Nike

Meet Nike!  He is about two years old and WILD!  I don't think anyone spent much time with him  - his manners were non-existent when he arrived.  I opened my front door to a dog that was lunging and pulling so hard on his leash that the lady trying to hold on to him asked me if I was scared.  I told her no, but my heart raced because it was obvious this wasn't going to be a piece of cake!   A big metal cage from the rescue was also brought to me......just in case. 

I was a little worried also because this weekend our friends Steve and Lecia were coming from Lake Oswego, Oregon.  I wasn't sure how our guests would react to an out of control dog.  Fortunately, they are dog lovers and they helped out in his training.  Four people scratching behind his ears while correcting his bad behavior was perfect!!!  I think it accelerated his progress while giving him a lot of security.  By the time they left today he was no longer jumping up on us and I think Steve was ready to adopt him himself.  Nike is a great dog and he is smart......

So as it turns out, Nike is one happy, playful totally untrained puppy in a sixty pound body.....and he didn't know any better.  He was also so anxious and scared it breaks my heart.  Whatever happened to him between his other home and my home will always be a mystery.  All he needed was love and attention and some guidance to fit right in here.  He now is totally adoptable and will make some nice active family a great companion!

In the mean time our adventures will continue..........

Long and Lean

Finally slept all night!

Rescue In Progress and Pics of Riley

Today I will be getting a 2 year old boy who has been sitting at the shelter many days waiting for his owner to reappear.   So far, no one has come or inquired about him.  Poor fella!

The rescue is now in progress.

Below are some pics of our beloved Riley who passed away two years ago.  We still think of him often.......

Come back later to meet my latest rescued golden!!!  I am sure he will be an amazing pup!  I can just feel it!!!!

Pregnancy Test Came Back.......

Molly

I am a little behind here in my posting.  That always happens when life takes some unexpected twists and turns.  But, since I just got a call to take a new rescue boy, I realized I better let my readers know that precious Molly was successfully adopted and placed into a loving forever home.  The big question of the day was whether or not she was pregnant.  It seems that it is very difficult to tell early on in dogs.  Molly's belly was kinda big and when the vet did their first check there was some question.  I took Molly for a blood test and even though it came back negative the vet was still wary of a false negative. A few days later Molly went to her appt. to be spayed with the stipulation that if when they opened her up there were puppies.....they would close her back up and let her give birth.  The rescue would take on the puppies (no matter what color or mix they were) and care for them and place each in a forever home.  Well, long story short....no puppies.  Dear Molly is (probably) now on the green bean diet and living the wonderful life she so deserves.  Boy, was she a sweet one.  The joy, happiness and love she gave to me touched my heart just when I needed it most.  I hope she is deeply loved all the rest of her days.

Riley's Old Toy Is Getting Some Attention

Tick....Tick.....Tick.....

   This isn't about time but about a nasty little bug.  Molly went to the vet again today and unfortunately, the Dr. found a couple ticks.  Ye gads!  They were removed and she is being treated.  Since we got back home a few hours ago, I have been vacuuming like a crazy woman.  Unfortunately, the first vet missed something!  Dang!  This is the part I didn't sign up for.....

Nevertheless, Molly is the sweetest golden girl I have ever met.  She is so easy to take care of!  Her tail wags almost all the time.  She exudes happiness and she just plain loves life.  Anyone who is around her can't help but smile. 

Here Comes Molly!

Molly will be my first female golden rescue.  She is due to arrive this afternoon after a trip to the vet.  I am very excited to have her and take care of her.  Someone saw her pushed out of a car by a man.  A woman in the neighborhood took her in, but actually left her out...... outside that is.  Molly has been outside for the last week......maybe all her life?  Nothing much is known about Molly.  That is where I come in.  I will evaluate her and treat her like a princess and then Rescue a Golden will find her a loving forever home!

More to come........

Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow.......

Waiting For The Forever Family To Arrive

Jack is a very good boy!  Of all the dogs I have fostered so far, he is the one that has made the biggest transformation.  All the time, patience, love and belly rubs was worth every minute.  His fears have diminished and he now is a happy, playful and loving pup.  What better reward is that?  Soon his forever family will be here to pick him up and promise him a life of stability and love.  I know his fears will totally disappear and he will become an awesome companion. 

I can't help the tears that fall.  Jack captured my heart and I will always lovingly remember him and the special time we had together.

The Jack Attack

Poor Jack.  A couple days ago he was out on his walk with me around the neighborhood when he must have stuck his nose somewhere that a bee thought it didn't belong.  He didn't wince or cry so I was not ever aware of what happened.  After our walk we came inside and I went back to work and Jack took a nap.  When Jack woke up and came over to me for a pat on the head I couldn't believe what I saw.  His head was ten times the size it normally is.  OMG!!!  His lips were blown up so much they looked like miniature balloons that might pop, and his eyelids almost completely covered his eyes.  Yikes!

After scrambling and making a few calls to the rescue people, we were quickly off to the emergency room.

 Jack had a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting or bite.  He spent the night in the hospital.

Sleepy After A Tough Night

Fearful Jack

Even though it has only been a few days since Jack arrived, it seems like weeks.  He needs A LOT of attention.  He is a good dog, well trained and loving, but he also has many fears that really cause me to stop and think about what kind of life he lead before.  One thing that is strange is he is afraid of the garage.  When I open the door from the house to the garage he cowers and shakes.  Then he will crawl on his belly when I encourage him to come out.  Weird!  Also, when I open the car door he wants to bolt.  It takes a lot of sweet talking and reassuring to get him in the car.  Once in though, he is fairly happy.

We have a glass front door off our family room and when the sun shines just right there are reflections in the glass.  Well, you guessed it, Jack sees his reflection and barks up a storm!!!  This morning I started to figure it out.  Whenever I took a sip of coffee he would go crazy at the front door.  Hmmm.....then I realized that my movements were also reflecting and causing the ruckus.

Shadows after dark cause poor Jack to jump and run - especially his own.  It is sad to think of him out foraging on his own at night.... he must of been one scared pup!!!  Sometimes I wonder where these stray dogs sleep at night.  Do they keep roaming all night or do they curl up somewhere?  No wonder they are always on guard.  It is just plain sad......

The the thing that is difficult for me is that Jack wants to be next to me all the time.  And I mean ALL the time.  It can start to wear on a person.  The closer to me the better.  Yesterday, he pushed open the bathroom door when I was in the shower and since the shower doesn't have a door on it he decided to join me!  Sometimes a girl needs some privacy!

It is also difficult to leave him home alone so I have not been going anywhere.

Will there be anyone interested in meeting Jack on Super Bowl Sunday?  This remains to be seen.  Will he be friendly if someone comes to meet him?  Stay tuned........

Jack Has Arrived!

I picked up Jack yesterday late afternoon from the vet.  He was a little more than dazed and confused.  Jack was neutered that morning and unfortunately it didn't go as planned.  He now has a long incision on his belly that looks painful.  It is going to take some extra time and care to heal.  Poor guy!

Nurse Helga is taking care of Jack

Well, Hello Jack!

Jack is very gentle and sweet.  He is friendly and beautiful.  Hopefully, he will start to feel much better today.  Last night was a bit tough.  Jack cried a few times.  I don't know if it was due to pain or something else.  When he was rescued he was with another Golden on a busy street.  Maybe he misses his best friend or maybe it was his brother.  It really is sad to think that someone just dropped off this beautiful animal to fend for himself.  Life will get better.  Love is just around the corner!

Waiting for a new life ........

A Golden Named Jack

Jack will be arriving at my doorstep on Wednesday.  He was found as a stray on a busy, busy street with another golden.  All attempts to find the owner were exhausted. 

I am told that Jack is a three year old male who is well trained and beautiful.  It won't take long for him to be placed with a loving family..........

Stay tuned and come back Wednesday!!!!!!!!!  I am the one who is LUCKY!!!

R.I.P. HODGE

Hodge never made it to me.  His seizures became too much for him and he is now at the Bridge.  Rescue A Golden tried to save him, but he was too sick.  Rest In Peace, dear Hodge.

Coming Soon........HODGE!

My next mission (should I decide to accept) is a handsome golden named Hodge.  He has seizures and his owner turned him in.  It is my mission to get his seizures under control with meds so that he can be adopted to a forever home.  Yikes! 

I accepted.

Toby Found A Forever Home!!!!

Hip, Hip, and Hooray!!!  Toby was adopted today!!!!  It just goes to show that even if you are in your Golden years there is still love waiting for you!!!  All my best to you Toby!  You totally rock!

Toby!!!!

Woody - Short Timer

Scared Pup

Sad and Lonely

Lots happened on December 2, 2011.  I was called to care for a golden that was found in an east valley shelter earlier in the day.  Since I was only planning to be in town for two weeks I didn't expect to have time to foster until January.  Well, I couldn't refuse a golden in need so I gladly opened my home and heart to Woody (his given name by RAG).   He was on the next bus to my front door.  I was excited with anticipation!  Later that night my Mom fell and broke her other hip and was rushed to the hospital in Oregon.  Yikes!  Now what do I do?  I am glad to say that it all worked out.  Woody still came to my home and Steve took care of him for the day when I flew up to Oregon.  My mom is recovering well, too.  Sometimes you can do it all......

Woody stayed with us for about one week.  It wasn't very long, but long enough to wish he was mine.  He was a gift   With his calm and trusting ways it was easy to take care of him.  His cries soon stopped and his tummy filled up.  Our twice daily walks were always an adventure as Woody loved to explore.  One thing of interest was...... he walked like a coyote!  Hmm!  I asked him who he had been hanging out with, but he wasn't about to give any secrets away. 

The groomer worked for hours cleaning and combing and cutting off mattes of hair.  After what seemed like eternity Woody emerged an absolutely beautiful and glorious pup!  With a bandana around his neck he pranced out of the building as if saying "Hey!  Look at me!  I feel like a million bucks!"

Life Is Getting Better - Waiting For Dinner

Woody made it to my wall of fame in no time at all.  With his regal and independent ways he stole my heart.  It didn't hurt either that he was housebroken, used the doggy door whenever he needed to go out,  slept well at night, and was loving and affectionate.  The only thing Woody wanted in return was to sleep on the family room couch! At first I wasn't sure I wanted him there, but then I decided it was fine.  He earned it!  I have lots of pictures of him on the couch.  Woody the couch potato!!!

It didn't take long before some nice fellas wanted to "meet and greet" Mr. Woody.  They came over on a Sunday and one hour later they were taking him home.....his forever home.  I have no doubt he will live a long and happy life!

Saying a Last Goodbye

It's Tough Watching Him Go

Toby

Toby is a sweet jolly twelve year old pup.  I was asked to go to his foster home and take pictures of him.  His photo shoot was a blast.  Some of his expressions were priceless.  Check it out!!!  These are just a few of the over one hundred pics I took of him.  How could someone give up such a special guy?????  Lets hope he finds his forever home.......

Toby - Photo Shoot Tomorrow!!!

I have returned to AZ for a couple weeks before Christmas and I am ready to get to work and have some fun!  Because I am here for a short time I have volunteered to take photos of a golden retriever named Toby who is in foster care.  He is 12 years young and his pics on the website .....  ummm, lets say they aren't taking advantage of his best features.  A little good lighting, brushing, some funny jokes and good angles may just do the trick! 

Check back in for the finished result and just see if  YOU  don't want to adopt this amazing Golden!!!!

Tatum Came Back!

Tatum (Simon) with Pink Pig

Tatum is back!  Except now he is called Simon.  His new owner had to go out of town on business and I was asked to care for him while she was gone.  I had a secret wish to see him again and to spend more time with him, but I didn't expect to have him back at my door in just a couple of days!  I was granted an extra bonus week and it has been absolutely awesome!  He cracks me up!  Simon is quite the dog!  He obviously feels terrific and loves life.  You would never know that his toe was recently amputated due to cancer the way he jumps, runs and plays!

In a few minutes,  Simon's new owner will be coming back to pick him up.  Life works in mysterious ways.  I am a lucky gal.......

Goodbye