Puppies are very much not my forte

One thing foster homes learn after a few experiences, or even before going into it if they've had enough dogs, is what their preferences are. I've known my preferences for a long time now and it's very simple. I prefer old dogs or sick dogs. Actually, I prefer anything but a puppy. I have no patience. I don't have patience for people and I don't have patience for puppies. I also have breeds that I understand well, and they are boxers and 'pitbulls'. But, today, my worst nightmare arrived in the form of a 10ish week old shepherd mix.

The poor little guy is not a bad dog. He's just a busy little fella and my patience is wearing thin. He's inquisitive and he's got to taste everything with those sharp little teeth. The cats feel my pain with this one as he's making sure that no beast is left out of his pouncing and tasting fiesta.

My american bulldog, Medusa, never was a fan of dogs. She deals by way of avoidance. She's usually pretty good with puppies as they tend to heed her growls and go in the opposite direction. Medusa's been quite ill for the last bit and we're picking away at managing and treating her conditions. As her vet says "she's re-writing the book of the adrenal system". All of these compounded issues are making her a very cranky and (honestly) a bit unstable and reactive. So, we've had a bit of an issue that she started and I may have to give into her soon and take a break. Until then, we'll practice avoidance. Not ideal, but having the instabilities hinder my ability to work with her, it's the safest for all.

But, mister (still) nameless puppy is going to be a project. It's now my job to open him up to the world. We've been to the vet as a first stop before coming home and he's been vaccinated, wormed, and treated for the fleas that he had. Before that was applied I gave him a bath, of which he wasn't a fan.

Not knowing where he came from, who his parents were, how old he was when he left his mom, and what nutrition he got before now, leaves a lot of expectations unknown. Most of his experiences here with me will be firsts. He's probably already had his first experiences with cats and the adult dogs since arriving this afternoon. I will try my best to encourage him and expose him and help him become a well rounded pup. He's at a critical stage in development and is very impressionable.

Housetraining 101 has started and I'll be working on teaching right from wrong with everything. Clicker training has also begun. He doesn't have the best response to it as of yet but we'll get there. He's having a little nap at the moment, after playing with Bora, Forrest and Phoenix for a few hours. I'm sure we'll have a long night.

Bora joins the pack

Now, in October 2009, this is old news. However, since I've not introduced her, and she's become such an integral part of my home, and she plays such an integral part in the lives of my foster dogs, it's time to introduce Bora.

On of February 20, 2008 I became the boxer rescue girl with no boxer. Dreading that moment that I knew was on its way, I had to bring my dear boy, Kuno, to my wonderful vet and end his life. Kuno lived a good amount of years with us and was quite ill after diabetes and some mobility issues complicated by it. I still miss him every day.

On April 30, 2008 miss Bora was born. I chose to add a puppy to my home because with so many personalities needing to be dealt with already, a puppy would be the best mesher. Bora's dad is a fantastic 'specimen' and is owned by a friend of mine, a friend of Boxer Rescue of Atlantic Canada. One lone brindle girl existed in the litter of 8. I didn't have to meet them. I didn't follow my own advice. I based my decision on her resemblance to Kuno, my love for brindle, and the fact that I wanted a female.



I figured that with the number of boxers I have owned and fostered that I could mold her. HAHA! She's a challenge every day and very much her own dog, not very pliable at all. She creates her own mold as she goes.

But she's a wonderful dog. She has her quirks and she's very much a highly driven dog and tests me numerous times each day. But she's my girl and she's certainly filled the boxer sopt in the house. She's now almost 18 months old and she adds her boxer flair to all of our house guests' lives and enjoys every minute of it.