Monday, May 18, 2009

Another Happy Tail


After only 7 days of living with the pup, I got a phonecall that there were a few people who had filled out applications to adopt Blackie. One of the applications came from my hometown, Marblehead!


After a quick phone call, I discovered that one of my Facebook friends had forwarded the info on Blackie to some of her friends, and low and behold, a wonderful couple was ready to adopt.


I brought Blackie over for a visit, and he walked into the beautiful little yard like he belonged there. I almost didn't recognize him. He was so calm and confident -- a big change from the scared little pup who skulked into my yard only a week before.


Dave and Marcia showed us to their home and showed us around. Former dogs were featured in gorgeous oil paintings in the living room. I knew Blackie would be treated very well here.


The adoption took only a few hours, including site check and payment. By dinnertime, Blackie had a new home.


However, there is a sidebar to this story. My poor beautiful yellow lab, who had basically trained Blackie, and loved and nurtured him as a foster mom for a week, fell into a deep funk after the adoption. She was cowering in the basement, and afraid of any loud noise. She wouldn't hardly eat or go out in the yard. Thinking she was sick, I brought her to the vet who confirmed it was psychological. After a few days, Indy got back to her old self. But, I don't know if I can put her through that pain again.


Are my fostering days over? Is there a better way to handle this transition? I will have to think very carefully before fostering a dog in the future. It's sad, because it was such a great experience for me, but one that I can't logically explain to my own dog.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Blackie gets a bath




I picked up Blackie, the foster dog, in Harvard, MA, and he howled when I put him in the crate. I was concerned, after all it would be an hour long drive to my house. Yes, I felt foolish talking in a soothing, sing-song manner non-stop while I got on the highway, but within a few minutes the pup had settled down for a nap.




Blackie was very skittish at my house, but my dog, Indy, calmed him down. The biggest problem was that Blackie was filthy and smelled horrible. The women at the shelter said he and his litter had been kept in an outside pen in Tennessee and they hadn't really ever had a bath. So, when C and her friends got home from school, they had a job to do...and everyone loved it --even Blackie!




He's now been at our house for two nights, and he's coming into himself. He's gotten very calm, and he absolutely loves to be cuddled. Indy gets a bit jealous, but mostly because we keep giving the puppy her toys. Indy has actually been very nurturing towards the little guy.




Blackis still hates his crate, and last night I just let him sleep on the doggie bed. I got up at 5am to let him out to pee, and then we all went back to sleep. He understands the word "no," and he has only had one accident in the house, when he first arrived. Could he already be house broken?




If you know of anyone who wants to adopt a sweet little puppy, please go to Great Dog Rescue New England.