Wanted: Forever Home

I am Moving!

2009-12-27T13:07:00.000-08:00

Heya, all,

In an attempt to simplify my life, I am moving all my blogs to ONE site. As my friend ArtofthFirebird keeps pointing out, we are polymaths, and we don't "brand" ourselves really well.

Come visit this blog at http://fourtailslampwork.wordpress.com/blog/

Gator Goes Visiting

2009-12-24T07:35:00.000-08:00

The holidays can be stressful for dogs. If they are staying at home, their family's routine often changes. There may be new people cming and going, new smells, even new items in the house. If the family is traveling, their dogs may be boarded or may stay with friends. Either way, it's a totally new environment for the dogs, and while it's exciting (new smells! new people! Other dogs!) it can be stressful, too. It isn't uncommon for there to be lapses in training.

I am happy to say that both gator and Justin have made their holiday transitions with flying colors. Justin is having some R&R -- Rascal and Roxy. They started playing as if they had never been apart. Justin and Rascal trade beds, and Roxy, to her great surprise, found that she missed Gator--she keeps trying to get Justin to play, and he is aware that she is the alpha in her own house, and just rolls over. Today he is going to his second vacation home, Bed and Biscuit run by Jim Stovall.

Gator is staying with a vacation foster for Adopt-a-Golden, and he too has behaved very well. She can trust him out at night--no accidents -- and he has been non-destructive. He plays well with their dogs, and respects the alpha of his vacation mom's pack. All in all, for an adolescent dog, he is as good as any boy can be. He has had a little adjustment--he put paws on the counter, and ripped up a snowman decoration. His vacation mom said that Gator had finished his chew toys, and that when he has comething okay to chew that he doesn't chew on anything else. She thinks that the decoration looked like a chew toy to Mr. Gator.

So all in all my boys are doing very well. Gator's experience vacation fostering should make him more attractive to a Forever Home, too -- if he behaves this well during the holidays, then he will be good for his forever home, too. Within the limits of being a young adolescent boy, mind you ... but that is true of every dog. So adopt that boy with donfidence!

I Need A New Name!

2009-12-09T06:16:00.000-08:00

Poor Mr. InvestiGator. He's fallen in love with three families now, and they with him. The first family decided he was just not quite the right fit for them--almost, but not quite. The second family adopted from a local shelter, and the third decided that they really really wanted a traditional Golden rather than a Lab with a Golden heart. This poor boy really really needs a home and family to love! I have mislaid my camera, alas, but there are older pictures here.

Meanwhile, Gator has made lots of progress. His SIT is solid, and his DOWN is almost as good. To help him control the wiggles, I am making him SIT for longer and longer periods before I put his dog food in his crate. He isn't happy about it, and his whole body shimmers and wriggles, but he is managing it. He now will leave Justin's food alone if I tell him to; his walk manners are pretty good by the middle of our walks; his housebreaking is solid; and he continues to be non destructive in the house; I can trust him loose. If, that is, I put up the trash :) Now we need to work on not jumping, and in making him SIT for treats, leash, food, etc I am laying the foundation for sit-to-greet.

On the other hand ... Alustryl has suggested that a new name would be in order. This can be a touchy subject at AGA, but I'd like to get suggestions. Kepa, for a wonderful student of mine who was just so enthusiastic about everything? Happy or Goofy? He is NOT Bashful or Grumpy, for sure. What say you?

AGA Mention in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution!

2009-12-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

Well, look at this! The leader of AGA has been profiled in the Atlanta Journal Constitution! You can follow the link or read the text below. Meanwhile, if you are looking for pictures of Gator the Magnificent, search using "Gator" or just keep scrolling down.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Of clients and canines
Advertising, dog rescue are executive’s twin passions.Both have emotional basis, CEO says.

By Mary Welch

For the AJC

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Lauren Genkinger, CEO of TG Madison, a $42 million ad agency, sits at her desk on the 28th floor of Tower Place in Atlanta talking to a client. Also attending the meeting is Trooper, one of her four golden retrievers, resting at her feet.

Genkinger is balancing her two loves —- advertising and golden retrievers.

In 1986, she and Joanne Truffleman started TG Madison without any clients.

In 2003, she founded Adopt a Golden (www.adoptagolden atlanta.com), now the nation’s sixth-largest golden retriever rescue group.

A University of Florida graduate, Genkinger went into advertising but found that women were not accepted into account service.

“You could go into creative, research or media,” she said. “I went into research and got a job at Campbell Mithun in Minneapolis.”

She spent seven years there, but after a record cold spell, she headed back south. In 1978, she went to McDonald & Little, an agency whose creativity and antics are still legendary.

She had dual roles: senior vice president of account service and research director.

Dave Fitzgerald, CEO of Fitzgerald + Co., a $250 million agency, was at McDonald & Little with Genkinger. “Lauren was always the smartest person in the room,” he said. “She always did her homework and got to all the important issues that would add great value to what the strategy was.”

Fitzgerald agreed that advertising in those days was hostile to women. “I don’t think anyone thought about it,” he said. “… It was a very tough time for a woman to be taken seriously, and Lauren always was.”

Another woman at the agency was Truffleman, who eventually left to join the Coca-Cola Co. McDonald & Little fell on hard times, and Genkinger joined another ad agency, Burton Campbell; it wasn’t a match made in heaven. Truffleman, however, was happy at Coca-Cola.

Regardless, Genkinger called her and brought up the idea of going into business together.

“There comes a point in your life,” Truffleman said, “where if you’re going to go out on your own, you either do it or it becomes too late.”

They chose a name that didn’t reveal their gender. The initials stand for their last names, and Madison for Madison Avenue. Although they are a female-owned business, they do not go after “women-oriented accounts.”

The two were hired by Cotton States Insurance Co. to find it an ad agency. Before the search ended, TG Madison had its first client, and it grew from there.

Genkinger also wanted an escape from advertising. She joined Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta, which rescues golden retrievers from shelters and takes in strays. She realized there were families that needed to turn in their goldens and that they should not be forced to go to a shelter to do it. She formed Adopt a Golden to take in owner-surrendered dogs and help with shelters when needed.

The first dog was surrendered by a soldier going to Iraq. “He was very distraught,” Genkinger said. “He didn’t want to take his best friend to a shelter. Owner-surrenders at many shelters are put down within 24 hours; if they’re lucky, 72 hours. We were able to take the dog in and promise that soldier that we would find a loving home for his dog. He deserved that peace of mind, and the dog deserved a great home, which he got.”

Genkinger believes rescue groups help three parties: obviously the dog, but also two families. “We help families who have to surrender their dogs know they are doing the right thing. And the family that adopts the dog is changed for life.”

Adopt a Golden has rescued more than 1,800 goldens and Great Pyrenees. Last year, it rescued 365 dogs; this year, between 400 and 450 dogs. Adopt a Golden takes in a dog, gives it a physical, including spaying or neutering, and microchips it. Some require obedience training; others serious medical intervention. Thirty percent have heartworms, which costs $500 to treat. Others, like Trooper, were victims of being on the road.

It costs an average of $700 to rescue a dog; the adoption fee is $300 to $350. This year’s operating budget is $350,000; in 2010, it’ll be $450,000.

“We lose money on each dog, but we do what has to be done. We never turn a dog away, and we will never let a golden die in a shelter,” she says.

David York, owner of Barking Hound Village and the head of Fulton County Animal Control, said that Genkinger is “a certified, passionate dog lover, and AGA is one of the great animal rescues. She does a great job finding homes as well as rehabilitating dogs. She makes it happen for the animals.”

Genkinger sees what advertising and dog rescue have in common. “Working with the rescue is very emotional, and in advertising, we aim to reach the consumer’s emotions. There’s an emotional connection —- just like helping a family get a dog to love.”

Monthly Adoption Day

2009-12-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

The monthly adoption day is coming up! If you're in the Atlanta area, visit the Buckhead PetSmart on Sunday, December 6, 2009 between 12-2 pm to see most of our fantastic adoptable dogs!

Here's a map:

View Larger Map

If you can't make it to Adoption Day, but you are interested in adopting a Golden Retriever, please fill out an application form at Adopt-a-Golden Atlanta. The dogs you see here on this blog are ONLY available through the adoption process at Adopt-a-Golden or at Adoption Day. No, repeat, no other adoptions will be admitted.

Here is the information about adopting from the Adopt-a-Golden Website:

"The process for adopting one of our Golden Retriever[s] starts with completing an application and submitting a non-refundable $20 application fee. The adoption donation fee (which is tax deductible) varies according to the age of the dog. See application for specifics. Adoption fees go to help offset the medical costs we incur for our dogs. All dogs are spayed/neutered, given all vaccines, and are treated for infections and allergies if needed. Serious medical problems are also treated. Fees also are used for behavioral training and boarding facilities.

Our application asks questions regarding your history with dogs, your lifestyle, and what you are looking for in a Golden Retriever. Once your payment and application have been received, it will be reviewed, and references will be contacted. You will be called for a phone interview and a home visit by one of our volunteers. ALL family members must be present for the home visit.

The volunteer will be looking for information on where the dog will spend the day and evening, and whether you have adequate space as well as an understanding of the needs of a Golden. We require that all of our dogs be “inside dogs”. Goldens are very unhappy if left outside unattended, even if they are with another dog. After your home check, one of our volunteers will work with you to match your family to the perfect dog.

Adopting a dog is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Your dog will be a part of your family for a long time, and can provide you with years of enjoyment and wonderful memories. Our goal is to ensure that all our dogs find permanent loving homes and each applicant finds the perfect dog.

For an adoption application, please click below. Or, simply call 404-DOGLESS (404-364-5377) and provide your name and address and an application form will be sent to you!

Thank you for interest in giving a wonderful home to one of our deserving dogs!"

Here's the link again to an application form.

The Forever Home Song, Again

2009-11-13T14:20:00.001-08:00

I apologize for the earworm. Okay, I don't -- maybe you'll want to take home my sweet Gator!

I want a real Forever Home for Christmas.
Only a real Forever Home will do
Don't want a Kong, no dinky bones or toys,
Want a Forever Family to play with and enjoy

I want a real Forever Home for Christmas,
I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won't have to bring me rawhide, bones or toys,
Just bring me through the front door,
that's the easy thing, oh boy!

I can see me now on Christmas morning
Going for a ride,
Oh what joy and what surprise
when I open up my eyes
to see my loving family by my side.

I want a real Forever Home for Christmas
Only a great Forever Home will do
No shelter spots, I've always been out on loans,
I only like real Forever Homes
And real forever homes will like me too!

(Bum da dada da da da da da DA DA
DA DA DA DA DA DA da da DA)
Some say that I'm too small and that I'm not pure bred,
My foster mom Andrea says that they're soft in the head!

(Bum da dada da da da da da DA DA
DA DA DA DA DA DA da da DA)
There's lots of room for me in your warm family house!
I'll love you and play with you and be quiet as a mouse!

I can see me now on Christmas morning,
Going for a ride,
Oh what joy and what surprise
when I open up my eyes
to see my loving family by my side!

I want a real Forever Home for Christmas
Only a great Forever Home will do
No shelter spots, I've always been out on loans,
I only like real Forever Homes!
And real forever homes will like me too!

(With apologies to Jon Rox's "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas".)

A Morning of Great Improvement

2009-11-12T05:58:00.000-08:00

We have hade a number of improvements here at Camp Fur. 1) Gator did not inhale his entire bowl of food at once, but stopped to breathe for at least ten minutes, leaving food in his bowl.

2) Gator has decided that Roxy is the alpha in the pack, and life at Camp Fur is more peaceful. He's a persistent and ambitious boy, but he is also a good canine citizen, and will accept his place in the dog pack. The issue he and Justin have is that Justin is *my* dog, and knows it, and is neither willing to give up the alpha position nor is really able to maintain it, being ThetaDog :) With a strong alpha, Gator becomes very well behaved indeed. He even left the food in Roxy's bowl alone! Now that's a good boy--and one who is figuring out that food *will* be there.

3) As I would not allow Roxy to investigate the cats to the degree she wanted to (friendly, but wanting them to behave like dogs), and since *they* got to be on the bed but *she* didn't (and she tried, a number of times), she has decided that I am indeed the Alpha Bitch of the pack and keeps all the others on their Very Best Behavior.

4) I found a Sporn double leash at PetSupermarket (where I had a store credit), which will make walking the four of them much easier. Yesterday I improvised, with a long double snap handle, but today should be simpler. Speaking of that, time to work so I *can* walk them!

Gator Goes to School

2009-11-11T15:18:00.001-08:00

Dog pack school, that is! But first, I finally got some good pictures of Mr. Gator. Is he not a handsome young man? And he is no longer scrawny; he has gone from a low of 36 pounds to a respectable 53. His ribs no longer show every time he moves! There are more Gator pictures below.

Anyway, dog pack school. Boy, do I have a dog pack around here! I normally only have two at a time, but there was an emergency. My friend Sheryl needs surgery this week, but before she knew that that would be necessary she had promised another friend that she would keep her two Goldens, Roxy and Rascal. Roxy and Rascal are a fantastic pair, daughter and dad, and had been Sheryl's fosters before being adopted by a wonderful mom. (Their names had been Butter Pecan and Fenway Fudge, and one day at the dog park Sheryl called for them by name, and a woman snapped her head up and said, "Those names did not just come out of your mouth.") Anyway, Sheryl keeps Mr. Wigglebutt for me, and I was happy to return the favor.

However, it is raining. My house is small. And while Goldens are not large, there are four dogs collectively weighing 240 pounds in my small house. And Mr. Gator is ... importunate. He is a fine citizen of the dog park, and is a sweet, loving, wonderful boy. But he does want to be at the top of the dog pack. Justin is a darling boy, but he is a middle-to-bottom of the pack guy, so Gator walked all over him. (He retreats to his admirals-walk when things get to be too much, as you can see!)
Then he met Roxie, who surprised her momma by discovering her inner alpha dog. She let Gator know in no uncertain terms that she was in charge. She even defends Justin, and when Gator misbehaves literally backs him into his crate and doesn't let him emerge for a while -- she puts him in time out!

As a result, he is much more polite with all the other dogs. He has lapses--he's young, and lived on his own for a while. It is very clear, though, that he respects Roxy and is willing to learn. He is a good tempered boy, after all. I think a lot of his desire to be dominant is to assure himself that he will always be With The Human Who Brings The Food. Being in the pack is very good for his continued training ---he is definitely a Most Chastened Young Man. I have told him that a puppy's life is full of Puppy Noes and Puppy Woes. :)

Rascal and Roxy are real showoffs! Here's Rascal with Asia from next door, and then Rascal and Roxy where they Do Not Belong To Be (i.e. on the couch) with Precious. Check out Roxy's Winston Churchill imitation!

Here are more Gator pictures. The first one is a little blurry, but it should give you a good sense of how happy Gator is when he is playing. He is a joyful, exuberant boy -- kind of like a kid with a touch of ADD--look! a squirrel! He is happy about food, and pirouettes madly all the way to his crate. He is happy about toys, and pirouettes on his way outside. He is happy about car rides (where he rides quite calmly in the car). Yes, he will be a bit of a handful now. But with training, and consistent love and care, Gator is going to be one of the Absolute Best Dearly Dogs.

Deedee's New Family

2009-11-04T16:04:00.000-08:00

FINALLY I found the email with Deedee's new family! She is now Sophia, and has a wonderful Hooman mom and Golden sibling!

Gator Update, with a Meditation on Prong Collars

2009-11-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

Gator was an angel at the latest Adoption Day; his good behavior was aided by nearly an hour of racing around the park with Justin, Nilla, and Maddie, and by his newly-acquired training prong collar. Unfortunately, Mr. Gator didn't get much attention. He's mixed with Lab, so he doesn't have the fancy feathers that so many Goldens have. He may develop them, but he is too young yet. He is such a sweetie, though, he deserves a Forever Home!

Anyway, Gator's training is continuing apace. He knows DOWN, though he does not really want to give me a good DOWN yet. He now gives me voluntary SITS when he sees any food, and he is learning that citronella oil and dog noses don't mix when it comes to trash-picking. Most of the time I don't even have to put essential oil on the trash can--Gator knows that it is off limits. The best bit of his training is that he is much better on leash, and does not pull much at all unless he sees a squirrel. Then he and Justin are united in slavering Labrador chasing instincts. But, overall, our boy is much better mannered than he was a month ago.

Just a note on the prong collar. I was given a good bit of grief at PetSmart for buying one, and I was asked what organization recommended it. (Adopt-a-Golden, for the record. I should also add that the collars PS is currently selling are difficult to fit properly, and at least three had the links threaded backwards, making them unsafe to use on a dog.) Yes, I freely admit that prong collars look horrible, like something someone who thinks dogfighting is Really Great would use. There are people who will not use them, while proponents claim that they are better for dogs because they avoid tracheal damage in general, especially when properly fitted. While the latter claim makes a great deal of sense to me, I still have not found links to reputable, juried, professional studies one way or another. (Yes, the academic in me rears her head ... ). If you have one, let me know!

I can, however, debunk the claim I have seen in several places around the Internet that a prong collar inherently demoralizes a dog. I tried one twenty years ago on my Doberman/Shepherd/Dane mix, and until the day he died he was a happy, cheerful, Zen dog. This time I tried it on both Justin Wigglebutt and Gator, and neither lost their zest for walking, their happy-tailed carriage, or their eagerness to chase squirrels because of the prong collar. Also, the claim that it cuts off blood supply and can cause strokes is another claim I would treat carefully.

Before I put such a collar on any of my dogs, I tried it myself, both years ago with Finny the Poo and now with Justin and Gator. The prongs do not hurt, and when properly fitted, I could pull the collar as tightly as it would go and still not cut off my blood or air supply. The trick is proper fit. Fit the collar just below the ears, and leave it tight enough to work but loose enough not to strangle the wearer. I suspect those dogs who appear consistently despondent or intimidated or even beaten while on the prong are not victims of the prong collar, but of an owner who has trained them poorly or has abused them, or who wants a dog because s/he thinks the dog is "tough" and should look/act that way--do not get me started about those horrible spiked collars, the ones that *can* hurt a dog. I will, however, admit the possibility of a dog who is just a good actor; I had a Welsh Corgi who would cower if he was on a leash, any leash, but would walk proudly right beside me if left free. Needless to say, we never walked anywhere where there was traffic!

In the end, for dogs handled by someone who respects and loves them, I think it is a matter of preference unless I see reputable, convincing evidence pointing me in one way or another. I use the method that each dog responds to the best. Mr. Wigglebutt does not need the extra "power steering" of a prong, but he will still pull on a martingale collar. I use the Easy Walk harness with him, and our walks please both of us. Gator, on the other hand, does not respond to martingales or to the Easy Walk harness, but the prong collar has turned his daily walks into a pleasure for both of us. I think that combination is made of win.

Time to Start Singing Again

2009-10-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

Well, Gator has mastered a fast SIT! He's starting to SIT even when I don't have a treat, because now SIT is the precondition for ear skritches, pats, chest skritches, you name it. Of course, he gets to SIT for a treat, too. After rehearsal tonight I think it is time for DOWN.

Meanwhile, it is ALSO time to re-sing the Farting Golden" song --and take the appropriate measures :)

Educating Gator

2009-10-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

Gator and I worked on "Sit" today.

I usually do the bulk of the week's cooking on Saturday or Sunday, and today was the day this week! I had made chicken meatballs to freeze and put in fresh sauteed chard and spinach, and had a little ground chicken and the drippings from the meatballs. While the chicken and sweet potatoes roasted, I froze the meatballs, and poured the drippings in a pan with oatmeal, chopped carrots, eggs, a little oatflour, some leftover ground chicken, some worcestershire sauce, and some Parmesan, and baked that at the same time.

When the treats were baked and, most importantly, cool, we started training. Gator has no manners, but a lot of innate sweetness. His lack of manners is, in part, being too eager for any kind of food, and I didn't know if I could use food to train him because he was so desperate. So I started by letting him see that I had food in my hand, and ignoring him as he leaped and butted. then I guided him into a sit, and when his butt hit the floor, I gave him the food, sayign YES1 then Justin had his treat--prefaced with a firm "Justin," and keeping Gator from grabbing the treat from Justin. Of course, Mr. Wigglebutt had to sit, too.

Then, starting with a firm, "Gator," -- i.e. setting up the verbal cues for turn-taking--I tried again, this time saying SIT as his hind end hit the ground, followed with a fast YES and the treat. Each treat is about a thumbnail's worth, by the way. Justin got his, and again I kept Gator from grabbing it. After several repetitions Gator was calmer--he knew when I said his name that he would get a treat--and four times he went into a sit when I asked. Two were good sits and two were half-sits--those I pushed his rear down, said SIT, and then treated him :) gator was starting to get very wiggly again, so I called a halt after the last good sit, and will try again tonight after the Lauda Musicam board meeting.

We are also working on OFF. Gator is slowly getting the idea that I ignore dogs who put paws on me and reward those who come up quietly and keep themselves on the floor ;) Three fast pats = that's it, slope off by yourself for a while & go play with Justin.

Introducing Gator

2009-10-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

Here's introducing Mr. Investi Gator, a young (1.5-2) year old Golden. I think he's mixed with lab; he has the nose! Anyway, poor Gator was found wandering, as a stray, and was only 37 pounds. It's clear that he's been starved for a while; his head and paws are disproportionate to his frame and his age; you can see every rib; and he only weighed 36 pounds when Adopt-a-Golden got him. He's now up to a whopping 43, but there's easily room for 15 or 20 more. However, he is a canine vacuum cleaner, poor boy, and I think that getting the weight on won't be a problem!

Gator is good tempered and VERY active. He dances with excitement when it's time to go out, time to open the crate, time to move to the other room ... :) Of course, the kitchen is his favorite place EVAH to hang out. I cooked some chicken yesterday, and missed him ... he'd been shadowing me since I'd brought him home that morning...and found him in the kitchen, fixedly guarding the wall oven.

Gator loves to wrestle with Justin Wigglebutt, and he loves to chase the ball. However, he doesn't always see where I've thrown it. He's desperate for love and affection, and has stayed as close as he can. We need to work on manners, though; this boy hasn't got any. He knows what "come" means, but he hasn't a clue about sit, stay, down, or off. "Leave it" will be a challenge I think should wait a while, given that it is oddly hard to train him with food as he is so eager to scarf down ANYTHING edible that he can't focus on the job. (Yes, he will counter surf!)

Temperamentally he's a sweet boy! He can be pushy -- likely the result of living on the street where he had to go after anything he wanted. Unlike most Goldens, he doesn't let a mere baby gate stand in between himself and a place he wants to be; he just goes over it. However, he's going to make someone a wonderful Golden boy when his fur grows out and he gets some manners. He loves to have his head skritched, and gets the stereotypical look of Golden bliss when you rub him right there! between his eyes and down his nose.

Will keep you posted on Mr. Gator! Right now he and Justin are sleeping back to back, totally cute. Wish I had a picture, but if I get up to go get the camera, they will move.

BIG catchup!!

2009-10-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well, first off, Deedee found a new, wonderful Forever Home! She has a sibling, a BMW, a BIG house near Spivey Lake, and her very own Canada geese to chase. Most importantly, she has a new mom who just adores her, and who has renamed her Sophia. What a wonderful result for a young puppy mill girl!

Since then I had another foster, Tigger, who had been over fed and underloved. He was a puppy in a two year old's body. Tigger only stayed with me two days, and then he was adopted. He was, indeed, bouncy flouncy jouncy pouncy wonderful fun Fun FUN!, and the wonderful thing about Tigger is that HE WAS THE ONLY ONE. Tigger was ... unique, and he has gone to a superb mom who knows just how to deal with a young teenage boy who needs love.

No pix of either as I didn't complete the final foster for either. Well, Deedee's mom sent on a pic, which I have mislaid, but I will add it to the blg when I find it.

Deedee's Good Day!

2009-07-27T18:35:00.001-07:00

*I* didn't accomplish much, but Deedee had a very good day. Which is good, because yesterday was horrible. Poor kiddo, I had given her too much freedom at first, and so she strongly resisted her lead and going outside to potty. She has also decded that I am the Safe Place and wants to be in sight all the time, so when she is alone in her crate she indulges in some operatic howling, crying, and yammering. Her favorite arias are the Yammerchor, the theme song from The Bones' bark opera, "Howl, Howl, Howl," and the entire Cantata Desperata del Giovanne Cane (particularly the soprano's aria, "Voglio la mia liberta!". Going to sleep at night has been interesting. I have prescribed a stuffed Kong and ticking clock for Deedee and earplugs for me.

Today did not begin well. She had to stay on her clothesline lead almost all day today, but that way she was always in sight (unless she was in her crate). However, she managed to pee -- TWICE! -- and poop outside, where it belongs. Yes! Each time I 'rewarded" her with lots of silly high-pitched praise and, most importantly for her, ten minutes off her clothesline lead.

But that isn't all. She took food *from my hand* and is now doing it regularly. A friend came to work on my website, and Deedee let him pet her, and she licked his fingers. AND while he was working she cautiously nosed one of Justin's squeaky toys, and then, ever so stealthily, began to pull it toward her, and pawed it and nipped at it. She dropped it with a great look of alarm when she got it to squeak, but she was starting to play! (That also means that she's entering a CHEWING stage, as well as a playing one :))

And we're beginning to make progress on the leash training; she will walk around the house on the clothesline lead, and occasionally walk with it when I am holding one end (especially if I have dried chicken or minute pieces of cheese as a lure).

So she peed, pooped, and played -- all appropriately and with great enjoyment by a young puppy mill girl. I was happy! *Dhe* is sacked out.

2009-07-25T05:24:00.000-07:00

Deedee was amazing yesterday! She began by being unable to move from the porch to the yard, because the steps were in the way. She doesn't bound down them now, but she can navigate them with dispatch.

Yesterday was a free day; I let her go pretty much wherever she wanted to go (and where she wanted to be was wherever Justin and I were). I don't want to damage her by too *much* togetherness, either. Deedee sang a mournful song worthy of any operatic aria when I went to bed and she found herself in her crate again. I praised her after she became quiet, and ignored her when she howled (hard to do, poor girl!). I really think she had seen a window into a wonderful world of love and light and activity, and thought maybe that she was being banished forever. She was extremely happy this morning when she found that it was all still here! She will go back to her safe spot when I go to class this afternoon, however, and then for short periods later today I will put her in her safe spot and then come back, so she starts realizing that humans COME BACK.

It's also time to start introducing the leash this afternoon -- it is time for housetraining to begin, now that she has begun to trust me a little. She goes outside on the leash, and if she eliminates, she gets freedom; if not, we'll go ack in and try again in a bit. Because she watches Justin's reaction, I spent some time "charging" the clicker with him, though he doesn't need that now; HE knows that sharp sound means TREAT. Deedee would be afraid of it, though, so I thought she should see how welcome the sound was to Justin. Then I "charged" it with her -- click and treat, click and treat. That gives me more reinforcement than just tone of voice, because she is such a good brave girl that I *always* tell her that!

Introducing Deedee

2009-07-24T06:21:00.000-07:00

I have a new foster dog! No pictures yet, but I can tell you that she is *beautiful*! Her name, unfortunately, is Adidas, so I have promptly christened her Deedee. She is a puppy mill dog, and the mildest thing I can say is that the people who abused her should rot in hell ... and for a puppy mill girl, she is in great shape. But she is petrified of everything. She never relaxed in the car, and backed into the furthest corner. She lay totally still for the first four hours she was at my house, and would neither eat nor take more than a sip or two of water. She can walk, but her legs are spindly with disuse and she's shaky, and at the first unusual sound she is flat on her belly or scuttling crabwise for the corner. All Deedee has ever known in her whole year of life has been a cage in which she could barely stand up, and terrible food served in a flat trough, and dogs all around her; no sunlight, no fresh air, no play, no toys, and no love. The vets washed her four times and she still has oil, dirt, and the lingering stench of the puppy mill.

The fact that she's young--around a year--is really, *really* helping. I can already see that she is going to be a love bug when she begins to trust people! When I first got her she stayed frozen, but I just kept talking to her, stroking her flank while she was in the car, and just sometimes putting my hand on her without moving. After a while she gave me a slight lick!

She didn't move all afternoon, either at Jody's or my place, but she would thump her tail gently when Justin came over to her to nose her, and even when she saw him. She had only taken a sip of water, and no food, and had shown no sign of wanting to get up. (Well, she was just spayed.) I called AGA's puppy-mill-dog expert for advice on getting Deedee on her feet so I could get her outside, and the expert recommended a towel sling to help support her legs--her muscles are woefully underdeveloped. I had some leftover fleece fabric, so I used it to make a sling to help support her hind legs. We never made it outside, but within twenty minutes Deedee was cautiously sitting up in the living room, looking pleased and happy!!!!

So it looked like the perfect time to reinforce sit-stay with Justin. When Deedee smelled the Leftover Treat Bag, and saw Justin eating them, she started to twitch her nose and look interested. I put a few by her nose, and let her eat them at her own pace. When she had finished she looked for more, saw I still had some in my hand, and started to come to me ... belly crawling in fear, but wanting the treats. She got them, and let me skritch and pat her. She even showed puzzled interest when Justin began to squeak one of his plushies!!!

By the time I was heading for bed Deedee was shadowing me around the house, belly crawling and terribly afraid if she realized that I had noticed her, but sticking like glue the rest of the time. She still goes into submission pose when I approach her, but then she will often (not always) stretch out her nose to my hand or foot. She's looking up, bright-eyed and interested, and I am sitting next to her as I type this note, carefully "not noticing" her .... and talking quietly as I type. Every so often my hand drifts down ... and once I even got a nose exploring my big toe!

My spare crate is in the TV room between the futon's arm and the wall, and I have put down waterproof crib blankets outside the crate to protect the floor as well as to give her a soft place to lie on. Piglet (my 14 year old paralyzed Corgi, now gone over a year and a half) 's old open-top configurable pen wraps around crate and open space, so Deedee can see the door of the room, and reach her water and food, but can retreat to her safe den if she wants. Just in case, there's a baby gate at the door to the room, too, at night. When she gets more active I may have to reconfigure the arrangement, but right now she is staying still. Except to go outside (not yet this AM) I am not encouraging her to move much until those staples heal. When I go run an errand I will leave WABE on at a low volume, so there will be sound and periodic human voices as well as Justin's presence.

Keep your fingers crossed--this one's going to be a sweetheart when she begins to trust people.

My Private Azkaban, or, how to keep a jumping dog inside your yard.

2009-07-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

With apologies to J.K.Rowling.

My Private Azkaban
by
Justin "Sirius Black" Wigglebutt, Esq.

I love my mother, unlike my namesake. But she has this unreasonable worry about me running around on my own. She seems to think I'll run right into a Muggle car or get picked up by that pesky Animal Control or be kidnapped for animal experimentation or something. Of course, I am good at escaping--I AM a black dog, though not as large as my namesake.

But she isn't playing fair. She's turning the back yard into my own version of Azkaban. There are even Dementors, can you believe it? The cats whisper all kinds of happiness-destroying things in my ears as I sleep. Mommy says that if I quit sleeping under the bed that they couldn't talk to me that way, but under the bed is my favorite den.

Here is how she is constructing my prison. First, she had some cool-smelling guys build a tall fence inside the old one.

Well, that just made the game more fun! I was over it pretty quick. I had to pull up harder and scrabble a bit, but I can move faster than Mommy; that's the game. I hear Navy SEALS would envy my muscles. Seals would be fun to chase! I've only chased squirrels and chipmunks and birds and the occasional cat.

But Mommy doesn't play the game fairly. She got some of those pine strips, the kind that give you 8' for only eighty-nine cents at Home Depot. She found some angle braces and big (3") and small (#6, .5/8") screws. She had a staple gun and a drill with a screwdriver bit, and she used some glass cutters too. Here's a picture of all her tools:

She also had some green plastic poultry netting. I hate that stuff; it lets me fall!

So she cut each pine strip in quarters, and made each into a sharp stake by using her miter box:

I thought she was going all Buffy on me, and while I like crossover fiction as much as anyone else, I didn't want to see any vampires around the house! Unlike my namesake, I don't think I'd really like to meet a werewolf, either. Mommy said not to worry, that even if these things weren't fictional that vampire dust would be very bad for the garden.

Mommy started by drilling a big fat screw into the spiky end of the stake, on the longer end.

*cocks ears.* The cats are starting to complain. I think they are planning horrible stories tonight! Maybe if I can get far enough under the bed then I won't be able to hear them, and I will have the strength for another assault on the fence tomorrow. I tried tonight and it GOT me.....

The cats are coming, more later!

Yours in desperate haste,

--Justin "Sirius Black" Wigglebutt, Esq.

--Part II--

The cats visited me last night, and taunted me with their shrimp and salmon pate. Their food is cunningly placed so that it provides maximum torment. They eat under a stool on the floor; they say that the oldest girl, Bella, can't jump easily any more. She's the only Bella I like, so I will give her the benefit of the doubt. The stool sits between the bed and the wall. On the open end there is a wooden step stool so Bella has three steps up to the bed. Attached to the bed is some leftover white shelving, the kind with thin bars that Muggles put in closets. There is just enough room between the stool and the white shelving for a cat to pass through to get to the food, and the shelving leaves just enough of a gap on the side that a cat can get to the food from under the bed. I, of course, can just stare, and whimper with frustration. My mommy gives me homemade treats and they are very good, but nothing can compare to the taste of fresh wet cat food! And there it sits, inches away, and I can smell it but cannot get to it. And then the cats taunt me, with cat food on their breath....

But I digress. Where was I in my chronicle of how my mommy is building my prison? Oh, yes, taking a sharp stake and putting a screw in the bottom. She doesn't screw it in all the way, of course, just enough to set it firmly in place. And she angles it backward, because that way it will go straight when she puts the stake against the fence.

Then she screws the stake to the upper rail of the fence, like so:

She leaves enough room to fasten the brace beneath it. First, though, she takes the glasscutters and bends the brace to a wider angle. You can see one of the regular ones and one of the bent ones here.

She bends it as far as she can. I heard her muttering imprecations when she didn't bend one far enough; the screws are smaller so they don't split the wood, and they won't pull the brace open enough if she relies only on them to make the brace the right angle.

Once she screws the brace to the angled wood, she takes some of that blasted poultry netting and cuts it lengthwise in half. Then she staples it to the angled wood, and in the middle ot the fence. I can't get my paws up to the fence top! Here's the finished product. She didn't brace that end; she forgot that she was working on the inside of the fence (the rest of the fence shows the pretty side) and she didn't leave enough room to brace the netting supports.

Now I can't get my paws to the top of the fence, so I can't scramble over it! Mommy still has a lot of the fence to go, but now that she has the problems worked out it is going faster. Already my favorite jumping place is completely covered:

Life may just get more boring. I know there's the dog park, and walks, and going on the bicycle, and pre-agility training, but.....

So I showed her...I thought. On one side (the first I ever climbed and her first attempt to reinforce it, back when it was a falling-down chain-link fence) the old tall netting is still there, and where she hasn't yet installed the new style of prison netting. I looked at it ...

and decided that maybe it didn't peek over the top of the fence enough to be a problem. So I scrambled up to the fence top--and Merlin's Pants, was I wrong! The old fence was still there, and just far enough away that I couldn't jump, not with the precarious pawhold I had. I tried ... I am Justin "Sirius Black" Wigglebutt, Esq, after all. Escape is my middle name.

But I fought the fence ... and the fence won.

Having to be rescued by your mommy isn't remotely adventurous. And she compounded the affront by giggling at me and humming an old Bobby Fuller Four song. I was led inside and checked carefully for scrapes and sprains (I admit, that part wasn't so bad), and given my supper (that part wasn't bad either). But Mommy sang a version of that silly song the rest of the night, and we won't mention what the cats said.

Stuck in the yard in the warm sun,
I fought the fence and the fence won,
I fought the fence and the fence won.

I wanted out 'cos I like to run,
I fought the fence and the fence won,
I fought the fence and the fence won.

I miss my freedom and I feel so sad, I guess my game is done,
It was the best game I had,
I fought the fence and the fence won,
I fought the fence and the fence won.

Running free in the hot sun,
I fought the fence and the fence won,
I fought the fence and the fence won.

I miss running and I miss fun,
I fought the fence and the fence won,
I fought the fence and the fence won.

I miss my freedom and I feel so sad, I guess my game is done,
It was the best game I had,
I fought the fence and the fence won,
I fought the fence and the fence won.

Life is not all bad. When Mommy gets some money (she glares at me when she says this, for some reason) she is going to get some PVC pipe and build me some agility jumps. And when she gets back from her visit with friends she will get me another foster dog to run with.

All the same, what game can I get up to now?

Yours in thoughtfulness,

Justin "Sirius Black" Wigglebutt, Esq.

Stowe has a Forever Home!

2009-06-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

Stowe is a lucky Lab! He Stow-ed away with Buttons, and was taken in by AAGA, even though he's very much a Lab mix. Then yesterday we went to the Labrador Adoption Day, even though it turned out that we were not supposed to. So he was a Stow-away there too. The first family that came through the door, Jeannine and Bob, fell in love with Stowe. Well, I did a home check, and found that Stowe would have a happy, active Australian Shepherd for a brother, and two active Golden and Golden-mix cousins. He has a shady yard near a large park and a lake--Heaven for a young Labrador mix. He fitted in to the dog pack instantly. So now he has a new green Irish collar, and a new name: Murphy (his new family wants to keep him and doesn't want him Stow-ing away anywhere else, thank you.) Most importantly, he has a wonderful Forever Family!!

Here at last is the picture of Murphy, his new brother, and his new Forever Family.

Monthly Adoption Day!

2009-06-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

The monthly adoption day is coming up! If you're in the Atlanta area, visit the Buckhead PetSmart on Sunday, July 5, 2009 between 12-2 pm to see most of our fantastic adoptable dogs!

Here's a map:

View Larger Map

If you can't make it to Adoption Day, but you are interested in adopting a Golden Retriever, please fill out an application form at Adopt-a-Golden Atlanta. The dogs you see here on this blog are ONLY available through the adoption process at Adopt-a-Golden or at Adoption Day. No, repeat, no other adoptions will be admitted.

Here is the information about adopting from the Adopt-a-Golden Website:

"The process for adopting one of our Golden Retriever[s] starts with completing an application and submitting a non-refundable $20 application fee. The adoption donation fee (which is tax deductible) varies according to the age of the dog. See application for specifics. Adoption fees go to help offset the medical costs we incur for our dogs. All dogs are spayed/neutered, given all vaccines, and are treated for infections and allergies if needed. Serious medical problems are also treated. Fees also are used for behavioral training and boarding facilities.

Our application asks questions regarding your history with dogs, your lifestyle, and what you are looking for in a Golden Retriever. Once your payment and application have been received, it will be reviewed, and references will be contacted. You will be called for a phone interview and a home visit by one of our volunteers. ALL family members must be present for the home visit.

The volunteer will be looking for information on where the dog will spend the day and evening, and whether you have adequate space as well as an understanding of the needs of a Golden. We require that all of our dogs be “inside dogs”. Goldens are very unhappy if left outside unattended, even if they are with another dog. After your home check, one of our volunteers will work with you to match your family to the perfect dog.

Adopting a dog is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Your dog will be a part of your family for a long time, and can provide you with years of enjoyment and wonderful memories. Our goal is to ensure that all our dogs find permanent loving homes and each applicant finds the perfect dog.

For an adoption application, please click below. Or, simply call 404-DOGLESS (404-364-5377) and provide your name and address and an application form will be sent to you!

Thank you for interest in giving a wonderful home to one of our deserving dogs!"

Here's the link again to an application form.

Stowe: In Pictures1

2009-06-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

We're heading off to the Labrador Adoption Day at the Buckhead Pet Smart. However, I thought I'd add pictures of Mr. Stowe for those who might be interested in this wonderful boy. The more I get to know him the more I realize that he is going to make someone a fantastic, laid-back dog. He's happy; content to doze on my feet when I am reading, always up for a game of chase-the-ball (and after the first couple of times, he drops it for me, too!) Stowe has the body of a Golden, the nose of a Golden, the temperament of the Golden, and the feet and fur of the Lab.

So heeeeeeeeere's more Stowe:

Dog Treats: Roast Chicken Edition

2009-06-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

It's too hot to run the oven, but it is also the end of the month. I am out of things to cook on the range top, and no money to get groceries. (Okay, we are not talking "no more money" in the sense of "no more at all, anywhere," but rather in the sense of "Whoops, used up everything I budgeted to spend this month & need to make do with what I have *by choice* because I don't want to dip into my checking account cushion".) So I pulled out the chicken that I got at the Farmers Market, and when the temps began to cool a little put the chicken in a slow oven.

Justin, Stowe, and the cats, predictably, were unhappy that I served them Nutro as usual when they could smell the chicken! But I had plans, muahahahaha. First I put enough oatmeal into the bottom of my old roaster--it's older than I am; it was a wedding present to my parents--to sop up the chicken drippings. Yes, I know, that is heresy, but I weigh over 200 pounds and I do NOT need to be eating gravy. The dogs got a tablespoon each over their dog food. When the pan was cool I cracked an egg into the oatmeal and drippings, and mixed it in well. Then I added mashed apple, a solid few shakes of barley flour, and enough water to make a sticky dough, just a little thicker than cake batter. I spread it out in a greased pan (olive oil, of course) and put it in the oven; I cranked the temp to 350. The dogs got to lick both the spoon and the roaster pan (yes, it will go in the dishwasher on hot, and yes, if my mother were alive she would have put it down for them herself, and if you think it's still really ucky then why are you reading a blog about dogs anyway? :D )

That's the recipe, such as it is. Dog treats are pretty schematic. You add something aromatic (to a dog), like wet dog food, or tuna fish, or peanut butter and Worcestershire sauce, or liver ... you get the idea. You can bump up the flavor with a cube of beef bouillon or Worcestershire sauce, but watch the salt; many recipes call for garlic (be careful here). Add in flour (barley is good, but wheat will do in a pinch if your dog tolerates it), one or two eggs, and some liquid (water, broth). You're aiming for a consistency around that of cake batter. Bake at 350 until the treats are as firm as you want them, and then cool and cut into small squares. Refrigerate or freeze. The picture is some treats ready to slice that I made from a couple tablespoons of wet cat food that the cats rejected (spoiled cats!), some cereal that had gone stale, a slather of peanut butter ... you get the idea. The dogs think they are fantastic, and Stowe learned to sit for treats very quickly after tasting these.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator bread is rising; when the dog treats are ready to come out of the oven I can raise the temp to 450, stick my cast-iron griddle in the oven, and then put the bread in. Yes, the kitchen is noticeably warm, but at least I am getting all the things done that need an oven, at least for a few days. I had chicken and broccoli tonight, and will pull the meat off the bones tomorrow and set the carcass to simmer for soup, with half a lemon in the water (the acid of the lemon helps pull nutrients out of the bones, and in any case it tastes good), some celery, and whatever veggies are in the fridge that are almost past their lifespan. The teeny bits of chicken can make chicken salad, or chicken puffs, or even chicken pot pie (though I'll make biscuits for overtop and dispense with the bottom crust). The cats will get a little meat, some of the reserved drippings; the skin I will grind up and use for (you guessed it) the next batch of dog treats.

Poor dogs; they're so abused!

Introducing Stowe!

2009-06-25T17:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went over to Barking Hound Village and picked up Stowe, short for "Stowaway." Stowe is a two year old Lab / Golden cross, pretty heavy on the Lab :) He was found wandering along a road with a Golden, Buttons, and when AGA rescued Buttons, Stowe cried so piteously that the rescuer brought him along too. He has a Golden tail, if you squint, and definitely a longer face than labs generally do, but it still has that honest look and the best of both the Lab and the Golden. His fur is short and all Lab.

Stowe is a sweet boy, and very agreeable. If I am sitting at the computer, he sits at or on my feet--that's his favorite thing to do! If we are in the yard, he likes to explore the yard or chase Frisbees--that's his favorite thing to do! If we are in the dog park, he likes to romp with Justin or chase balls until he is tired--that's his favorite thing to do! You get the picture :)

Like Miss Ellie, Stowe loves toys. He doesn't rip them up, but carries around as many as he can claim and stuff in his mouth. When playing ball I have to be careful that he doesn't stuff all the balls in his cheeks, like a squirrel with nuts. He sleeps with his toys and goes hunting for them if I or Justin move them.

Stowe is interested in cats, but quite willing to leave them alone. He's good at roughhousing, and when he gets to running has the force of a cannon ball. But he's also gentle. I can take his ball or a toy away from him (sometimes with a little persuading!), and I can remove food. He likes being stroked and skritched and loved. He has a joyous tail!! Stowe is a bit possessive about his food, and will eat if the food is there, regardless of whether he is hungry. He's already not as worried about Justin, though, and the two happily share a water bowl simultaneously, so I think that some of the food possessiveness will wear off. THe first day I had to feed Justin separately; today I could feed them together.

Stowe is housebroken and generally non-destructive. He does show some indication that he likes to chew, and I recommend plenty of stuffed Kongs for this boy! I suspect he could get into trouble if bored or unsupervised for long periods, though. So far, he dislikes the taste of bitter apple. He needs to mark territory, so beware--the first minute in my house he peed on my couch; after I swooped him up and deposited him outside, he did not do that again, nor has he had an accident. In terms of commands, he has a vague understanding of sit (and now knows that one sits for treats!), but not down, stay, or leave it. He's a little mouthy, but is learning "No mouth." He will bolt out the door if you are not careful.

Overall, Stowe is an active, happy, playful dog that will match an energetic, athletic family. And he is a loving sweetiedog to boot. Who couldn't love that face?

Scooter Has a Forever Home!

2009-06-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

Scooter and I took a road trip yesterday, a short jaunt up to Athens, GA. Athens is the home of the University of Georgia, but it is also where my very first foster, Gordon Buddy, lives.

Scooter rode in the car like a dream, alternating between the front seat and the back of the wagon. We had no trouble finding John's house, and Scooter nosed around before cautiously entering and meeting first Hector (the tan Lab/chow mix) and then Webster (the black Lab mix). Both are older guys, who can still play but who need a but of extra energy to keep them going! They were perfect gentlemen when Scooter came in, courteously sharing their home and their human.

Scooter's new home is lovely, full of floor-to-ceiling bookcases (built in and free-standing) filled with a working academic's library, including a full bookcase of the Loeb Classical Library series. The house is furnished with the sort of well-loved, sturdy antiques that make a home into a warm nest--but which are still dog-friendly. Throws cover all the couches, and there are many corners where dogs can sit near the air-conditioning vents and get skritched, or lounge on the sofa at their ease. There is a large water bowl raised up to accommodate elderly canine knees, and a dog door which leads out to the tiny, heavily shaded back yard, and in that yard there are many leafy nooks for dogs to rest in, as well as two sunny comfortable dirt wallows. In its rich colours, dark wood, and spare frugality it is a very masculine house.

Scooter's new human, though, is what makes his situation ideal. John's dogs clearly love him. He has taken in both, as foundlings (Webster was found wandering the neighborhood), and they show a soft-spoken mutual respect that is clearly long-standing. John is a Latin instructor at the University of Georgia, and is gone six hours a day or fewer. The dogs go on three walks a day, in a lovely leafy old neighborhood. John clearly speaks fluent dog, and has had experience with dogs like Scooter who need a firm but loving leader.

In the last two weeks Scooter has accepted me as pack leader, so was looking to me during the whole visit. I figured it would be better to let John and Scooter get more acquainted without me there, so though it broke my heart to leave, and though I wanted to stay and talk, I headed out for lunch. When I left, Scooter tried to come with me. I know that he will mourn for a few days, just as he did when I first got him. But then he will perk up in this wonderful Forever Home, and show the Scooter Smile, and have a wonderful life in Athens.

Justin was very happy to see me--he was a little jealous that Scooter got to go off with me and he had to stay home--but he also misses Scooter; he's been looking around for him, and when I say "Scooter!" his ears prick up. Somehow tearing around the yard doesn't have the appeal that it does when there's a buddy to chase with you!

Scooter Buddy and Justin Chase!

2009-06-05T20:33:00.000-07:00

Scooter may have been named "Buddy" in the past. He cocked his ears when I said "Bug?" to him when he was nosing a bug, and he looked up, fascinated. I said other words in the same interrogative tone and he didn't react. He did, consistently and from across the room, to anyting with the "-ud" or "-uddy" sound.

Meanwhile, he is learning "Leave it!" We also met a very lovely possible Forever Mom, and went for a walk to the dog park, where Scooter practiced eating Stinky tuna treats rather than barking at anything unfamiliar. (When Chester, Milam Park's maintenance man, came by, Scooter sounded very scary, until I walked him right up to Chester, who gave him lots of love and skritches. Predictably, Scooter instantly became quiet and started soaking up the love! He is such a doll -- he just needs to know that his human is alpha enough to keep him safe. I can take food and toys away with no trouble, and even his ferocious bark turns into snuffles of happiness when he gets loved. And have I mentioned that he snores like a freight train? I wish I had a picture of his "sit up and beg" routine; it is TOTALLY too cute.

And here's a video of Scooter and Justin's favorite game, "Chase Round the Tree!" Make sure you catch the too-cute finish!