This morning Colleen met Juneau at Centennial and it was love at first sight! Colleen has owned a mal before – her “Pancake” died one year ago and she is more than ready to open her heart and home to another fur kid. She is the kind of person that really dotes on her animals and treats them as part of the family. Juneau will have a nice big yard to run around in but best of all Colleen will have lots of time for him as she is only gone about 4 hours per day. I told Juneau this morning that he had really hit the jackpot in finding his new home. He must have agreed because as soon as Colleen opened up the car door to get her purse, he was inside! And there he stayed until all the paperwork was taken care of.
Mary

Hi all you friends of Sampson:

I wanted to update you on Sampson’s adjustment to his new home. He is doing well and finally does not need a muzzle when he interacts with his doggy brothers. He is getting the hang of where to go potty, although sometimes I wonder why he doesn’t tell me just a wee bit sooner, it’s usually a quick run to the door, sigh. Oh, well.

He is eating well and has had his first bath. We are happy with him and he is happy here.
Thanks for your support.

Subject: To Bailey
This is an e-mail from Strider (now Kodi) to one of my dogs.
(ed note: Donna was Strider’s foster mom)
Donna

—–Original Message—–
Dear Bailey,
Just thought I’d let you know that things are going well with me here in Zillah. I found out that jumping into the pickup is not hard and we get to go to interesting places. Sometimes I get a corn dog when he goes to pick up parts, and sometimes I get to help Dad change sprinklers and stuff. I also get to run with the 3-wheeler through the orchards, now that’s fun! I know I could beat Dad but I let him keep up with me. I really do miss you, though.
Mom taught me a couple of new things called stay and come. I humor her because she gives me treats. Mom says to tell Donna hi.
Kodi

Dad’s typing this for me (my paws are all thumbs 😉 ), but I wanted to let you know that I’m settling in here pretty well. I was pretty grumpy for the first few days, and I think I kind of had Mom and Dad worried that I might try to bite someone so they had me wear a muzzle whenever I was around Mauja and Siku. I have to admit I still think all the dog food belongs to me, but I’m trying to be good. In fact, I’ve been so good that I’m not wearing the muzzle much anymore.

My new Mom said that I had to write an email to let you know how I’m doing and to reassure you that I’m okay.
Yesterday, when I climbed into my new family’s car, I tried to settle in the middle of the back seat. My new Dad crawled in after me and tried to push me over to make more room. I grumbled, a lot, because I didn’t want to move. Once we were all in and on the road, I laid across Dad’s lap. Then he grumbled, a lot. He said something about my using the WHOLE seat and not just his half. I grumbled back and he let me stay where I was, on his half of the seat, with him.
I was really scared when we drove away from the kennel and I grumbled some more. But my Dad hugged me close and protected me from the other dogs. My heart hurt so much. I think my Mom was right, a quick break was best.
It was a really long trip, so I know that I am far away from you all. When we reached my new home in Portland, Mom and Dad put Mauja and Siku (my new brothers) into the house and then took me to the pet store. It was fun to smell all the new smells, have lots of people smile at me, and intimidate a little white Shih Tzu and a baby Daschund. They bought me a new collar, a lead, water and food bowls, a muzzle, and best of all – a name tag of my very own. It says Sam Bedell on it. Cool huh?
When we got back home, Dad put the muzzle on me. I didn’t mind much since Mom explained that it was only temporary, just until I got used to my brothers. She said that biting them would be a bad thing and since I was so scared, wearing it was best. Do moms always know what’s best? I think maybe so. Anyhow, I spent the evening getting acquainted with my brothers and checking out the new house. I learned real quickly that Mom hates it when I pee on her roses. Won’t do that again! After supper, we watched TV and Dad sat with me and brushed out some of my tangles. Oh! It felt so good to be brushed. Mom keeps saying something about a bath, not sure I’m going to like that much, but so far she says, “in a week or so.” How long is a week?
Anyhow, I’ll worry about that one later.
I spent the night on a blanket in my Mom and Dad’s room. Mom said that I must have been really tired because I was quiet all night. Except for that one time at 4AM when I put my face in her face. I was just checking to see if she was still there. She petted my nose and cuddled me for a minute and then I went right back to sleep.
In the morning we went outside. I still can’t figure out where they want me to pee. Mom keeps saying, “Pee on the rocks,” but I want to go on the plants. However, when I do pee on the rock pathways, she praises me, so maybe I’ll think about doing that next time.
This morning I ate my breakfast and spent a lot of time grumbling at my brothers. Mom and Dad said it was okay to grumble, but not growl. When I really growled and snapped at Siku, Dad rolled me over and laid on top of me. Guess I’ll try to remember to only grumble from now on. Mauja is an okay dog, I can get used to him. Siku may take a bit more time. He wants to play and I don’t. He’ll eventually learn.
Everyone around here calls me a grumpy old bear, is that a good thing? Must be, because they cuddle me right after they say it.
I think I’m going to like it here. It’s only my second day, but somehow I don’t know, I just have this feeling. And Mom and Dad keep saying that this is my forever home. Maybe I’ll relax and trust them. Maybe.
Well, I’ve rambled on long enough. Mom typed this message for me since we quickly realized that my paws are too big for the keyboard.
I’m tired now and it’s time for a nap. I’ll write again soon.
Love to you all—
Sampson, a.k.a. Sam Bedell

03/27/05
Hi Sam! It is so good to hear from you and learn about your new home. I know you were apprehensive when you climbed up into that strange car but you did it willingly so I knew you were going to be OK. I remember how you like to curl up on one side of the car seat even though you have the whole seat to stretch out on, as you did that many a time in my car!
I bet that trip to the pet store was a lot of fun. Even humans are in awe of you – you are such an imposing figure. I can only imagine what the Shih Tsu and Dachshund thought!
Your new family sounds like just what the Dr. ordered! Sam, you don’t need to worry about being shuttled around anymore – your new mom and dad really love you and are committed to giving you your forever home. You are going to love having mom around all day to give you pets and hugs when you need them. Please try real hard to get along with your new brothers – it will make life a lot easier and will make your mom and dad really happy.
You have a wonderful adventure ahead of you Sam. I’m sure gonna miss you, but I’m very happy that you have a new home. I won’t ever forget you, big boy!
Love, Mary

The adopters came to Centennial this morning with their dogs to meet Sampson. When Jane called this morning she said “this is Sampson’s new mom” so they were committed to taking him home sight unseen!

We introduced one dog at a time and Sampson seemed to get along with their dominant dog just fine.  Sampson did get a bit snarly with the other dog – both of their dogs are males.  After initial meetings and walking around and smelling each other we took them to one of the enclosed areas.  Sampson was still on leash but the other dogs were off leash.  They pretty much just ignored Sampson as they were only interested in all the smells in there.  I think I was a distraction to Sampson as he seemed to want to be by me.  I left to go to the office to get an adoption agreement and was gone for a few minutes.  When I returned the Bedell’s said Sampson did much better when I wasn’t there!  He is just so possessive and jealous when anyone else gets attention.  They seem to think that all will go fine when they get him home. Unfortunately, they were in such a hurry to leave the house this morning that they forgot to get the divider thing that separates the back end of the vehicle from the back seat.  So when they left Mr. Bedell was in the back passenger seat with Sampson to referee any doggy disagreements that may arise.  It was very bitter-sweet for me to see him ride off with them!  I know he deserves to be in a good home and I am very happy for him but I had become very attached to the old boy.

It’s been a while so I thought I would drop you a line. We can’t thank you enough for bringing Silver into our lives. He is simply the best match we could have ever asked for. I quite honestly feel that he thinks Mackenzie is his daughter instead of mine. He has fit perfectly into the pack. I’m on cable now so here is a couple of pictures.

We wanted to let you know that Cheyenne has been a great girl. She has gotten along with Sitka (our male Siberian Husky) perfect. They love to play, and she has been very sweet with him. She keeps him in line without being over aggressive. She acts as though she has known us for awhile. Her and Sitka enjoy sleeping on the bed with us…that doesn’t leave much room for Li and I :-). The cats are used to dogs and go about their business as usual. Cheyenne definitely has a high prey drive…she loves to search/dig for gophers, etc…and stares at our cats and ferret. They don’t mind and have done everything except climb on her. Even though she has been fairly good with the cats, we know not to trust her yet. We have been taking the dogs to “Chimney Park” and Cheyenne has gotten along with everybody (dogs, kids, etc…), we have even met Donna and her pack a couple of times. Cheyenne, Sitka, and Teton got along great with each other. We look forward to more interactions. We were also brave enough to take Cheyenne and Sitka rollerblading. Needless to say we had a lot of laughs, and were careful.

Tia is doing very well. She has made herself right at home. We noticed a small abscess on her belly, but we took her to the vet and got it taken care of. She has a lot of love to give and wants to please whoever she is around. She gets lots of attention and gets a bit excited when Bonnie comes home at 7:00 pm. Try telling a dog no running in the house when they are overly excited. She is actually sleeping in front of the tv right now. She behaves well in the house (except for the above mentioned episode). She is such a good dog. We are glad we chose her. Had a funny thing happen last week when Bonnie went to put her outside to go to bed. She jumped up on the bed, put her head on the pillow and was ready for bed. Just like she belonged there. She gives lots of kisses and receives lots of hugs and kisses. She is well trained and knows “no” when she is told no. We can’t say enough things about her. We love this dog. We hope she knows she is here to stay.

Hey ladies, My wife and I want to known what we have to do to keep this little puppy forever? We think she will turn out great with a little work on her. We took her to our Vet on 17th and every thing looks really good for her, we did get a Rabies because of the squirrels that live around us. She is really pickings up from us, we all most have it where she will not jump up at this point. She get ahead of her self and then she will jump up to kiss us and to greets us, but then we will tell her no jumper and point to the floor and then she will sit. She is OK with the cats, our cats have been staying away from her, the first 2 day she would try and take off and try to chase them and we would tell her “No cats” and last night 1 of the cats came in and she went to get up and I pointed my finger to the ground and she just lie right back down. I think she is getting use to them?? Only time will tell and we are wanting to put that time in to her. she been though to much all ready and she need to have a home!
Let us known what we need to do?
Thank You

Shyla is doing great and she is starting to fit right in. “Boy, she as energy to BURN” :-), but our puppy is taken care of that. I think that they played for 32 hours straight before they went to bed. So far so as been really listening to me and my wife, and we are working with her. Carole took 45 min. out working with her in the front yard with out Tacaani around, it going to take a little time but I think she will come along great. Hey my wife and I have noticed some thing about her, it seems that her hearing is not very good?? or she is just hard headed?? it seems that when we call her she does turn to us until we get louder with her name. We are going to take her too our vet. so he can check her, but don’t worry if she is its some thing that we have to live with. She is doing good with the cats, just got to remind her “no cats” but she is a fast learner. Well for now I will let you go. again Thanks a lot for her

Hello Planet Parents, Darwin (Saturn) is doing quite well and seemingly getting bigger every day!? He just went to the vet for his rabies shot and he weighs 41lbs.? He is very loving and listens well.? We had some initial trouble with the potty training but he seems like he is starting to get it. He seems to be very happy here and comfortable with his surroundings.? He is still getting used to his large paws… so he is a bit clumsy.? He has lost a couple of teeth and just keeps growing!

Jules,
I thank you also, he is so wonderful, I know that he and Keyote are meant to be bud’s.
Well they are sure a pair.  My foster dad who lives with us is half blind and can’t tell them apart.  Dad and Ranger gelled very well.

We sat outside in the yard and let the boys run.  They played well and ranger has marked his boundary. Every tree and corner post in the yard. Keyote showed Ranger the ropes.  I think that Ranger is going to attach himself to my sister Kathy who lives with me.  He has been following her around and loves the sound of her voice.  This is ok with me, but we aren’t sure how her cat is gonna like it yet LOL. No prob tho. She is the oldest in the house and knows how to bring about peace and is a good welcoming committee.  Our Lil Bit  (toy pom) has set him straight and he not only appreciates it but is more than willing to accept her as the mistress of the house.

So for a first day we are doing quite well.  Ranger did try to charge Keyote’s dish as he was eating his dinner, but a well placed rolled up magazine smacked on the counter between them had Ranger thinking that he wasn’t supposed to do that.  I also must tell you he took his pills for me with out a hitch.  He love peanut butter, and the pill sticks to it 😉  What was that old saying about a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down?  Well I think they should have said Peanut butter.

And he was willing to share the peanut butter spoon with Keyote after he got the pill down.. One lick for Ranger and one lick for Keyote. Strange how that helped him learn to share.  So all in all I think it was a very good start to a very long family relationship.
Thanks again
Sj

From: Jules (The foster parents for Ranger)
You will be happy to know that the meeting between Ranger and Keyote was a smashing success and I had no concerns at all about letting Sally Jo take him with her today.  I am confident that Sally Jo is more than capable of handling the integration process once she gets Ranger home.  Ranger was somewhat reticent upon the initial meeting, but Keyote broke him down with his playful antics and soon the two of them were romping and wrestling together.  Ranger left us sporting a beautiful new purple halter and jumped easily into Sally’s SUV where he and Keyote hung their heads out the same window as they drove away.  Ranger is such a love bug and I am so pleased that he has found a forever home that will provide the companionship that he craves and the acreage that will accommodate his high energy!
Let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help…
Jules

We adopted Charon now Maggie… she is 29lbs, and is adjusting to our home well. We took her to Stevens to play in the snow a couple of weeks ago and she LOVED it!

This is Jupiter (now named Kobuk). His adopters report he is house trained and is going through the big CHEW stage, but they have lost only one slipper so far! He weighs 35 lbs.