Three Dog Groom!!

Check out that face......you would never know she had a tough dog day and had to get her first AZ bath.

It finally came time for doggie grooming day. Actually the new mobile groomer did an outstanding job today. She is our newest family member. Dobie went first, got a bath and a nail trim....that took two of us. He is such a sissy but he is all clean and trimmed. Kati was next and under the circumstances she was a real angel.....as the pic would indicate. I knew early on catching her would be the most work so i got her captured and drag leashed about two hours before. She did just fine, did not care for the extra noisy tags but that did not bother her long. Once it was her turn it was out too the truck......and i forgot all about the pictures as i had been instructed and certainly could have taken......she was a wet rat. Deb was wonderful, she has round point scissors and her truck was spotless, so i was ready to go!! She had a wonderful comb that i will be getting so we can use it at home. Kati really did not mind the combing and she had plenty of hair to give up. I would have never guessed that she would have done so well. Next was the trimming.......just the long hair, we did not even try a toe nail even though our plan was to do one and see how it went.....darn it!! I think we were so excited about the combing and trimming going so well we forgot the plan. She scooted around quite a bit but for the most part, she did really well considering it was only her 2nd time with any kind of grooming activities. Her first being at Best Friends.

Next it was bath time.....probably her least favorite part of the day. She had a nice little lead that kind of held her in place with me being in eyes view. She got the full deal....soak and suds and you would not believe how soft and clean she smells. She struggled a bit but really did not put up near as much resistance as i expected. We got her rinsed and then out and wrapped in towels to dry. There was no attempt at the blow dryer.......Dobie did not even like it, so we were sure Kati was not going to be interested. So after all that.....then back into the house and this is where i get the idiot award. Don't take her out to the backyard........just sit her in the house so she can crap and pee right there.....what was i thinking!! I guess to excited about how well it all went to be rational about what would happen once she was free. So note to self........straight into backyard for potty time after we do this next month.....doh!! My own fault....totally but i do have to say that we took all the dirty stuff to the trash and she ran right over to the grass and peed a bit more. She was sooooo good and i know she feels much better. She is kind of a pig, not much into grooming and such so when she gets into a little dirt and mud......she is not bothered by it and does not work to clean up much. I know that will improve with time.

Molly was last, but certainly not least with her toe nail trim. She put a little fight but in the big picture.....did well herself. Deb is coming back in 30 days and we will work on Kati again. And all that for a big $40 bucks...........i almost cried!! I was expecting to pay $100 at least for all the mobile action. Deb was wonderful and will be our newest family member for a long time to come.

Just another day!!

No pictures today, but if there were it would be a pissed off Kati. I "captured" her last night and made her sit in my lap for a whole 10 minutes. It was stressful for us both and kind of hard getting her captured, she just hates it. She does almost relax when i am holding her so i have got to keep it up and hope that soon she will think it is an ok place. I always reward with a treat and she has become quite the treat hound.....maybe even too much but at least she is coming to me. Dobie has been hiding in his crate the last few days.......not sure what is up with him. I know he hates wearing a collar but i mean really it is not that bad and there are no tags to bug him since info is on the collar. I guess he will just have to get over it. Molly has been Molly.....sleeping all the time and coming out for food. I really want to be able to walk her and Kati together so everyone gets some exercise but Kati is just not into it right now. Will keep working on it. Kati is getting groomed for the first time this afternoon and i am expecting that to go better than you would think. I am using a mobile groomer that comes to the house so it will just be her and us for the big event. I am thinking that if she does Dobie first and he hangs out in there while Kati is getting her bath, he will be a calming influence......or he will be a brat and make things worse then it has to be. Stay tuned!!

So Kati barked for the first time on Monday. She barked at Victor the cleaning guy and i think he was very offended. They were here last month and she just sat under the desk. He did come into clean and we thought maybe his keys rattling upset her. So i gave her a few treats and then he came back in and she did not bark but certainly never took her eyes off of him. She does her cute little morning howl when she is happy but this little bark was something new and different. Will see what else upsets her in the future.

The other "kids"!!

This past week has been about Molly and Dobie it seems. They have been too cute and enjoying our perfect dog weather. As you can see by the picture, it was all about sitting outside and enjoying the day. They don't stop moving and just sit very often. As you can see, the minute Dobie saw me he needed to get up and come see what i was doing......which was trying to take a picture of him and Molly sitting in the sun. Kati was sitting at my feet all day and would come outside with me to see what was up, but she would not stay out there with the kids. She had a good time running in the yard and playing catch with a couple of leaves. She has also figured out that the pool is nothing to mess with, so she just walks around and checks out all around but does not get too close to the edge.

Molly is so not being herself, she is all about coming out of her closet and either hanging with me or hanging on the bed........which is not what she usually does at all. Might be cause Kati has been in her closet and now it is just another spot in the house and not just her place. However, she is back in there now ans all curled up in her bed. Dobie keeps barking and the neighbor dog and the trainer and I can't seem to get connected on the phone. Bad phone tag, or maybe she is avoiding me.....could it be she knows Dobie is hopeless, or maybe it is his owner. More to come on his training class.......

A Great Week!!

Well, i would have to confirm that vacation did wonders for everyone!! Kati is hopping around like this is old hat to her and life has never been any different then it is today. She has been very active for the most part....playing with Dobie and all the toys. Tearing up newspaper when ever she gets that chance ( i don't leave it around for her much but she sure enjoys it when i do!).

The funny thing about Kati is it has really bought Molly out of her closet and hanging out with the rest of us. She is even playing a very tiny bit out in the yard with Kati and Dobie. Now she never was a big player but at least she is up and about getting some exercise on the bum leg. Oh, and no accidents inside this week that i can find and i look very hard and log for them so they can be treated. She comes into bed with us a night now too and does not even have to be picked up to come join us. We even got in a little eye cleaning this week. Not much she can do when she is captured and held hostage in the bathroom. She is coming around to it all. Dobie loves to clean eyes but the two of them have not figured it out just yet. Needless to say....Molly is the only one benefiting from that right now. Did not put up much Christmas this year, thought all the new stuff in the house would be plenty without tossing in the whole green and red action. Never put up much anyway, just don't need Dobie finding out what else he can eat that he should not. He is a master and stuff in his mouth that does not belong there.......regardless of whether it is meant to be eaten or not.

Check out the happy kid!!

Well back from vacation and i think my new kid missed me. Got home Saturday night and it took her a while to decide i was ok again. Seems she spent most of my time gone in the closet with Molly, but you would never know that now. She has been out and about and playing with toys and running in the yard, not to mention playing chase with Dobie from time to time.

However, it also seems she knows how to get on the big bed. Phil was here sleeping and raised his head to find Kati looking at him. Seems she did not really think there was someone in the bed and when he moved and she realized she was not along, she could not get down from the bed fast enough. He did not know how long she had been there but nice to know she is getting around. Best i can tell she had a few accidents in the house while i was gone, but has been a perfect angel since I got back. Seems if i come in the house immediately and make sure everyone goes outside, all the business gets done and everyone is happy. It is raining again, so she does not go much further then the mats by the door, but at least she is outside and i can wash those....no big deal.

I am so proud of Molly sharing the closet while i was gone. She does not even let the cleaning lady in there....ha ha ha!! Kati was even up on the couch with Ashley it seems. She is a perfect little lady when i am around and i have not even said yes or no to furniture. This is one of those cases it would be fun to have a nanny cam for when i am at work. Dobie and the neighbor dog are both doing much better with the barking. Not sure what is up with that....but the quieter it is the happier we all are. I will have to see about getting Kati outside some this week after the rains. Need to get her used to walks again and see how successful we can be with that. It is really nice to see her running around and playing in the yard......was afraid she might not get the message that it is hers to play in but i think she might finally have it. Even goes out and checks out the pool edge when we are in the pool area.....maybe she will be my kid that likes to swim come summer. The other two certainly don't want any part of it all.

Thanks kids for doing great on vacation.......and welcome Kati, to life in the big yard. So happy you are coming into your own!!

Leaving Town

Well, I leave town tomorrow and leave Kati for the first time. Very nervous about that but i am sure it will all be fine. She and Ashley will probably do better then i think. She has been playing with toys and running around and being very cute in the rain today. She cant quite figure it out but has figured out she can potty on the mat outside and not get wet. Which is just fine with me!! She is sleeping with us every night now and Dobie is not scaring crap out of her with his barking all the time. So i guess i am telling myself it will all be ok and and Kati will have a new friend in Ashley and all will be good. Take care kids and see you in a week!!

Sleeping with the Rest of Us!!

Well, I have to do better with my entries. At least one every other day as there is something new that happens all the time with Kati. Like last night, she came and slept in the bedroom all by herself. In the past, I have been having to pick her up from her living room bed and sitting her in the bedroom bed......she came all on her own and slept all night!! Even came back in while i was getting ready for work and sat a bit. I know she hangs out in the bedroom when I leave the house, as i see her run out of there when i get home. I think she hangs out in the old abandoned bed that Molly will use every once in a while. As it turns out I seem to have 8 dog beds in various places around the house and only 3 dogs.....hum, probably need to quite buying dog beds you think. Molly is the only one to ever wear one out, as she "digs" in when she is making her place.

I had a meltdown on Thursday and sent off email to BF folks and really thought i was not making much progress with Kati, but based on what i said they all came back and said she/we were doing great. I really struggle with her bathroom issues, which are mostly mine. She only has problems when i am all stressed out about where she will pee next. I blocked the dog door this morning and she did both outside this morning while she was running around with Dobie and i was hanging on one of the chairs. She never has trouble when i am not at home. Go figure!!

So I gave her and Dobie a sock yesterday and they had a blast with it for about 5 minutes and then again this morning. She is playing more and more with toys, tends to grab and take them outside to keep them away from others. Her and Dobie have even tugged with one a couple of times. She really likes the fringe on the pillows and blankets, not to mention the toilet paper roll and an occasional catalog.......she really enjoys tearing them up. Probably a bit of a bad habit, but she seems to really enjoy it.

Treats......she has finally figured out treats and I have allowed her to become almost as much of a treat hound as Molly. She will even come in between the other two now to get hers and they both just about have it figured out that it is not theirs but hers and they let her come get it without too much of a hassle to her. She knows we do treats anytime i sit down to eat.....again, not a great idea but we are all eating at the dinner table.....LOL. And she has even finished a couple of bully sticks and well as the cet chews. I guess in the big picture.....she is coming along just fine. More tomorrow.......since i am behind.

Kati and Her Bed!!

Kati-land is good today. She finally crawled on top of one of the dog beds today instead of laying next to it. Hope she makes that one hers, the other two dogs have ignored it for years like there was something wrong with it. It really is a good bed. She is outside now doing who knows what, just happy she is out there doing her thing and being happy. She does still run the other direction when I approach her. Every once in a while she will cower and let me come to her. I started picking her up yesterday and holding her. It was not near as painful as she thought it was going to be. She sat in my lap last night while Molly was sitting next to me. Everyone did just fine. Molly has been a superstar, i think she still knows that she is the queen and always will be. Dobie is still a brat from time to time but they played this morning and played tug of war with one of the toys. I wanted to watch but she plays better if i do my thing and ignore her. Pooped and peed once in the house today.......can't figure out the triggers for inside verses outside. Will keep trying!!

Week 2 chatting with Dell

Excellent! Sounds like she's one of the gang & a special dog that loves her entire family. Yeah!!!!!!!!
All the time you've spent with the kids has really paid off! WHen are you going to adopt your next puppy mill dog? After Kati, I'm sure you'll always have a special place in your heart for a mill kid. Dell



Another good day in Kati-land.....six hours alone, nothing torn up, no obvious potty spots and I think she missed me!! Going back to a more normal work at the office schedule and just she how it all works out. Have a great weekend and keep everyone warm!!







thanks for the squeeze! Sammy, Maggie, Peanut, Roxy, Rita, Sadie, Squirt, Mocha & Callie the cat




HI......today has been another good day in kati-land. No drag leash today but still some potty drama in the mornings....guess we will just get comfortable on the backyard until all business is done!! Have a great evening and squeeze all your babies cheeks for me!!



thanks, lisa




They'll be fine for the day! Dell





HI Dell,

We did the two bed last night and she still ended up back in her crate out in the living room. I put the drag leash on her, as it does seem to settle down a bit. Had it off of her all day today until this evening. Since it is the only way I can catch her, felt like we needed tonight with it being Halloween and all. The house is dark and we did not partake, but there is still quite a bit of noise out there. Molly and Dobie get the bed and are still busy sniffing each other and their stuff. I did capture her tonight and "make" her sit in my lap on the floor. She was even relaxed with the rubbing until she decided we were done. She has not learned about furniture yet, her crate and a spot on her blanket by the wall are the only places she actually stops at for a while. If I am moving,she is moving...watching all I do and avoiding me at the same time.



Today was the first time they have been alone with out me watching everything. I really have got to let it go and let them all do their own thing but still working with the potty training. Came home today and the house was fine after their time together......just one little turd in the house and one little pee spot.



There was no room an the inn at BF, we had to do our sleepover at the Best Western in town. We had a great drive, not much going on with the kids and did the same with the stops. Pop breaks, pee breaks or doggie breaks. It really was a good ride home considering. The kids are spoiled but not as much as some of my friends dogs. No bad food, but they have a great house that I make the payments for them....LOL. Not sure the plan for leaving them alone tomorrow. I wonder if I am better leaving her alone crated a bit longer, or keep going with the run of the land........

Have a great one and thanks again....it was on ok day I think. Again, I have got to let go and leave them be to get along...I know this, hope I can do it like I want too.




Hi Lisa,

Why not try having her own doggie bed in your bedroom - then she'll have the option of the crate or her own bed. If your kids are like mine, Molly & Dobie will sleep in it too! My kids are content to sleep on some blankets on the floor - another option. We have doggie beds, pillows & blankets on the floor. Of course, they prefer to nap in the chairs during the day or else they snuggle on the love seat!

I wouldn't be surprised if Dobie & Kati play while you aren't watching. One of these days you'll catch them playing!

When you picked up Kati - did you drive to BF's & stay overnight in the cottage/cabin? Did the kids sleep most of the time on the ride home? When we left BF's - we'd stop every couple of hours (unless the kids were sleeping) for a potty break for them or else we'd change drivers.

Molly & Dobie are so cute!! I have a feeling they are a little spoiled! (which is a great thing!)

I hope to fly out to BF's in Aug. 2008 with my niece for a week. She's 12 years old & wants to be a vet! I'm hoping Bob & I will drive out in May 2009 with the kids.

Tummy rubs to the kids! Great thoughts Dell





HI Dell.......I sold a house I loved with a crappy yard to get the great yard and the ok house. I just could not go any longer without some other dog taking advantage of the big yard. Any time in AZ, feel free to stop by and let your kids run free in the big yard. I am sure everyone would have a blast.



I love your temps and knowing the lake is just a block away....we are still hitting 90 every day, argh!! Yesterday was a great day in Kati land. Took the drag leash off and she was a new kid, and again she and Dobie almost played. Cant figure him out, he usually plays with other dogs better then he is doing with her so far. I came into the office today (needed to see the humans a bit), and she will have 4 hours of running free in the house and yard.....i am a little nervous but figure she will sleep most of the time anyway. She/we are still having a hard time figuring out what to do at night. She does not like the smaller crate and when I move her big one in there, she gets all nervous about the moved crate. So I move it back to the living room and she ends up sleeping in there. She does come in and check it out, maybe I just keep putting her in it and let her figure out that moving it is ok and still the same crate.



Thanks again for the support and good advice/suggestions/loving words.....it is a huge benefit for me to have your outstanding support and kind words......have a great day!! lisa and the kids..




Hi Lisa,

My kids would love to have your yard to play in & they promised they would be really nice to Kati, Molly & Dobie!

Kati will get used to the cleaning lady - she's only been with you a short time.

Today's temp was near 65 - tomorrow it's supposed to be in the fifties! Still warm for this time of year!

Great thoughts Dell

First day/Oct 21, 07
Way cool, Kady did a sleepover with us at the hotel and it went really well……so she came home with us. Pam, Molly, dobie and myself. It was a really good 400 mile ride. Kady did great and molly and dobie did ok………pam and I were worn out but we survived and got home. Things going really well in the yard and then she got scared by more then a couple of things and went into her corner, wall spot and has pretty much been there ever since. I slept on the couch, with Kady in her wall spot and molly and dobie on top of me on the couch. Believe it or not, we call got some ok sleep and made it to Monday.

Oct 22, 07
Monday kind of sucked, she was scared all the time and well I was worried about her going on the rug some place. I am better about that today and we are all on rescue remedy….ha ha ha. Need to remember to put in everyones food and water. Even me!
Dobie going nuts and barking at the neighbor dog is a huge problem, scares her everytime. She slept in the laundry room with her bed and all will be fine.

Oct 23, 07
Sleeping in the laundry room worked great, we all got sleep and I needed it. Took her out this morning by herself and she did good with the peeing but I brought her back in too soon and she pooped on the carpet. Lesson learned, we stay out longer in the mornings. Sen email to Chandra and called her too. She gave me a good idea and also gave me the name of the trainer to talk to. Talking to her helped, even she said she almost gave up after a couple of days. I feel very well over my head, under educated and very inadequate.

Email sent morning of Oct. 24.



Good Morning Pat!!
I am lisa sayler and adopted Cookie last weekend and as I told Chandra yesterday, I am feeling very inadequate and under educated for this little darling. She gave me your email, name and number and will probably call later today as well. She said you were a great help to her and I should chat with you as well. Today’s questions are about sleeping places and the potty events. I do have to say, I certainly feel like I have sent her back in development as opposed to any advances since she has been with me. We are all on Rescue Remedy, especially me and Chandra is going to send me another remedy for her being in a new home.

First night together we were in a hotel room and her bed was between the two hotel beds on floor. 2nd night finally at my house and she got freaked out in yard so we all slept in the living room that night, me in the couch with my other two dogs and her on her bed on the floor. Third night I decided that a spot in the laundry room for her would be good with her bed, water and a baby gate to separate us. That worked pretty well with a little pawing and fighting of the gate. Last night she fought (stood up, pawed at it, even rattled it a bit it seemed) the baby gate for about 10 minutes and for the first time, she vocalized a bit. It was a wimper of sorts but I know she did not want to be there. That finally stopped, maybe not even 10 minutes just seemed forever to me. Any thoughts, suggestions on this plan or maybe a better one. As noted below, Chandra has her in a separate place from the bedroom at her house.

Potty issues: when we went to bed last night I knew she needed to pee. We had been on a long walk where she did poop and even went out in the back yard, which I think she is pretty scared of thanks to other dog and his barking at the neighbor dog…..but she never did pee. And of course, she did in the laundry room and I expect that but did not want her to have to pee there. I want her to enjoy walks and pee on them or in the yard. This morning we got up and walked the back yard for about ½ hour with no results and this is with her on a leash. If I just let her loose, she runs right back into the house after about 30 seconds. And of course no action. Once in the house I tried to give her a treat and let go of it before she had hold of it……..it hit the lamp stand and she took off scared of the noise. Took off out the doggie door, pooped on the porch out of fear I am sure…….and then I noticed she has just recently peed on the rug somewhere in that 10 minutes.

So right now as I sit in my office………she is resting on her bed behind me watching my every move. When I am not moving, she comes to where I am. If moving she will follow, but then I think she I looking for the really good treats that now afraid to take from me. If I try to give her a treat now, she bolts outside. When we were first together, she would eat with the other kids now she is scared of me and her food it seems and I just leave on the floor in area, but she will not come to her bowl now.

I don’t have any experience with puppy mill babes, but have had dogs for 25 plus years and can see now I know nothing………………thanks for any suggestions/help you maybe be able to give me. I know it has only been three days and I can hand it if you tell me to take chill with her.



Lisa,
At night, Cookie was here in the office with access to a doggie door and her run. But the temperatures at night were starting to drop, so I had to close the doggie door at night for the last week. She was in a contained area with a baby gate, so she could see around the rest of the office. Many times at night, I left a small light on, such as a night light, because this seemed to help. Also you could play soft music for her when the dog barking stresses her out. What the trainer here told me was to introduce softer sounds and then gradually over time, increase the noise so she got more used to it. Also her sense of smell is very acute. You might want to put a container of popouri near her. These are just simple suggestions. Our dog trainer, Pat Whitaker, helped me a lot and may be able to help you with more suggestions. His e-mail is
If you have any more questions, just let me know.
Chandra

Chandra Forsythe

http://www.bestfriends.org/



Hi Chandra,
A couple of questions…………….my male dog is really freaking out Cookie with his barking and annoyance with the neighbor dog on the other side of the fence. Any suggestions ??

I also wondered what you did with her at night. Was she in her pen area with or without access to the doggie door. I don’t really think a crate is the answer, but did leave her in the laundry room today when running errands. She was in there with a baby gate at the door, so she was able to see/hear the other dogs in the house. Right now I am very sure I am driving her nuts and maybe watching her every move too much. Open to any advice you might like to share.

Oct. 26, 07
OMG…..what a wonderful last 24 hours. Pooping and peeing in the right places and now Kati engaging Dobie for play time. I have also chatted with Dell and added her comments below. What a great find she has been. She has saved over kids and this is all old stuff for her.

Hi Dell,
First of all, what part of the country do you live in? I am in Chandler, AZ and it has already been a fabulous day in Kati land!! Two poops and pees outside on her very own. She can not decide on the grass or the cement…..i am happy with whatever one she likes best!! I have the same deal with my boy dog……..just get it outside and you can do it anywhere you like……..LOL!! She is moving all over the place this afternoon and thinking about playing with Dobie.
She sees them get treats and wants those just like them, but still scared to come get. I am sure the baby food will bring her back around. She really seems to be liking her crate better then the laundry room. I leave it out in the living room at night as well. Do you think I should move into the bedroom with the rest of us? I thought the living room would be the most quite for her. Other dogs make some noise at night and I get up and rattle around as well from time to time.
So you have 7 dogs………..how do you give them all the attention the little ones always seem to want or is there just enough to go around?? Thanks so much for your sharing, it helps wonders. Later, lisa


Hi Lisa,
Thanks for the pics of your newest addition! What a sweetie!
I would wait for dog school until you have her off the long leash at home. She's still getting used to her new home. I'd start with friends first & then dog school. Listen to your instincts & you'll do fine! I would also give Dobie & Molly a little baby food - Kati will see them coming to you for it & may decide that's not so bad!
Congrats to Molly & Dobie for accepting Kati as their newest sibling! Way to go kids!
Our kids - Sammy (poodle) Maggie (black chi) Peanut (her daughter, chi-terrier mix) Rita (pom/pug) Roxy (chi)
Squirt (brown teacup) Mocha (black teacup) - these kids were Kristi's foster kids. Rita's technically not a best friends dog. Kristi's mom found a stray pom that was pregnant. Rita's one of her pups - the pups were born at Kristi's. The sheltie is from sheltie rescue in Wi. We also have a 19 year old cat that rules the house.
If you have any questions or concerns - please email me! Great thoughts. Tummy rubs to your kids. Dell

HI Dell,
Thanks for getting back to me and WOW……..i am not doing so bad after all it seems, already have some of what you tell me in place. We all had a very good day today. She peed and pooped outside a couple of times, two with me and then one pee out in the middle of the grass all by herself and on her own. She just got up walked outside, wandered a bit and then peed. I was so proud!! I am putting her in a closed kennel at night and it is in the living room already. She is wearing the drag leash full time and that does help with getting her on the walking leash at walk time. I will continue with the crate thing as you describe below. I have left that house a few times and also having her stay in the closed kennel. I will be finally going back to the office for a few hours tomorrow and planning on putting her in the crate then as well. She is going in and out of the kennel on her own and also has a spot behind me here in the office and in a another corner. She has three spots I guess. She is eating when the other two are and everyone seems to be doing well with that. She does need to keep an eye on the other two while eating but all and all it is ok.
She likes the other dogs ok and they like her. She and noisy Dobie almost played today. She is only scared of him when he scream barks at sirens and the neighbor dog at the fence. I have gotten his water bottle back out and that seems to be keeping him back under control. I did not realize how much he was doing that again until Kati got here (yes, I am renaming her. Just have not figured out the spelling yet). She will be right about to do her business and he goes off the deep end. So in the morning we are going out alone while he waits I the house and that has worked great the last two mornings. My old girl, Molly, has really surprised me. She is not normally welcoming and has been a superstar since meeting Kati, she is 11 and seems to be quite ok with her.
I am already hip the vinegar but use in it straight as opposed to mixing. Learned that trick long ago. She was taking treats from me until I dropped one before she had hold of it, it landed on a lamp base and scared the crap out of her……..so treats are bad no. Will be getting the gerber food tomorrow. I like that suggestion and it will keep the other dogs at bay I hope. I can hold her, if I catch her at the end of the drag leash. She will not make eye contact but I have figured out she like to have her back rubbed and we are using Bach flower essences now. Got a new remedy tonight, and will start tomorrow. They have a remedy just for rescue dogs and if you read about it……….it is like they know where she has been. No family but me here, will get the friends to start stopping over just to say hi and give her a spoon treat.
I was wandering how long before getting her to dog school, kind of thought all the nosies and other dogs would be too much too soon. Will wait a bit on that one.
Molly is a shoulder and covers girl herself, but I have had her since 8 weeks. Dobie was an adoption from the local shelter with no details on him, I have had him three years. I have only heard of how bad it was for her and not seen any pictures. I am a visual person, so I am sure I don’t think it was as bad as it was since I have not seen the pics. So there is not crying or poor Cookie/Kati going on. I did start a journal and am also keeping and reading all the email support that I get. I am so happy you got back to me and I can bug you now…………
I have attached a picture of Kati!! Would love to see a pic of yoru kids……………….thanks so much for your time and sharing. Lisa and the kids!!



Hi Lisa,
Congratulations on your new arrival! Dogs from puppy mills are so very special!!
What I would suggest - keep a daily journal! Whenever you might feel frustrated, you can read the journal & see how the baby steps occured on a daily basis. It's always one step forward & two steps back.
When our kids first came - we had a kennel they could go in as they needed. We kept the kennel in the living room. I kept the door open so they were free to come & go as they pleased. Have a water bowl inside the kennel & put their food dish there twice a day for feeding. If your little one is afraid of it's new sibling, I'd close the kennel door at night. After about a week, remove the door. Another week later, remove the top of the kennel - keep the base there for Cookie's security - she'll love having her blanket there to make her feel safe. I removed the kennel from the living room & put it in the basement after our kids had been here for a month. The reason I suggest you keep the kennel in the living room is that you want her to get used to you, your other dogs & the routine of her new family. This will help her feel that she is a very important family member.
It's not uncommon for the kids to "hold" their urine in the beginning - they will eventually go potty. Dogs think of rugs as grass, so expect them to go potty on your rug initially. To help with the odor - mix 2 parts water with 1 part vinegar - spray it on the surface & wipe/blot it off 5 minutes later. Cookie may bond with one of your other dogs & will run outside with them when it's potty time.
Developing trust - one of the things I did with our kids when they arrived is to buy jars of gerber baby food. (It's low on sodium & potassium compared to other baby foods). Put some on a spoon & hold it at arms length so Cookie can smell it & maybe she'll come & take a taste! Do this several times a day. Gradually hold the spoon closer to you. Cookie can only have the baby food if she comes to get it. After she accepts the baby food from the spoon, put it on your finger & let her lick it off. If you have moist dog food, this works too. I have to admit my kids found the baby food a special treat.
Dogs from puppy mills are initially afraid. Little noises upset them. It's great that Cookie will go on a walk with you. WHen Roxy first came - it took me a year of chaing her around the house just to hold her. We started with holding her for 10 seconds the first time & gradually increasing the time she was held. Roxy would express her anal glans & more often than not, leave a deposit in our hands! Right now, she's laying on my lap while I'm typing to you - sound alseep.
Socialiation - have your family/friends come over & say "hi Cookie" Initially they don't have to pet her, but they could offer her some food on a spoon - again, she doesn't get it unless she comes for it! Dog school can be helpful with socialization & it's a great way for her to bond with you.
One thing you will notice is that regardless of how long a puppy mill dog has lived with you - they will always do something wonderful that you never expected. We've had Sammy for over 6 years & this year he started sleeping on my shoulder at night & now he has to be covered!
Patience, love & hugs are what these kids need. Don't say "Poor Cookie - I feel terrible for the things that have happened to you" She has a great home now & she needs positive feelings. You can cry in the shower, but never let her know you feel this way.
Enjoy your little one! Keep me posted as to how she's doing. Great thoughts Dell


I cant believe the advance once I seemed to use the flower essences, but could just be cause this is feeling like her home. She still is very jumpy and scared by me and treats but to be doing her business outside and playing with dobie is fabulous. I went to work today for six hours and she did great in the crate. Will lock her up the rest of the week and then see about some free time maybe over the weekend for an hour or so. Just not so sure about that one yet.