Cats and Dogs

June, the Calico Kitten

2011-10-13T16:38:00.000-07:00

Last night was one of the worst nights of my life for sleeping. June, a kitten, decided that she must sleep by my face. I don't mind her being by my face or even on top of my head , but she wanted to sniff my eyes and groom me, I really don't need that when I'm trying to sleep. I put her on the ground at least 20 times but she jumped back on the bed and back to my face with her cold wet nose. I tried moving her to another spot on the bed, but she came back to my face.. This was at least 20 times too. Finally I just covered my head with the sheet. She tried to get under there, but I'm to smart. Ha ha little June. I won! She finally relented to sleeping above my head like a good girl.

Blaze, the foster

2011-10-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

I still have Blaze. We have been going to adoption days and no one wants to adopt her. It's sad. She is such a sweet dog. Unfortunately people don't want adults or black dogs. She's only 6 months old, but to most people that's not a puppy. 6 months is a perfect age. She's housebroken. She has stopped her submissive urination. It took a lot of patience to ignore her peeing all over the place and build up her confidence and trust to be a house dog. We have been working on her trust of strangers. A nice young woman has been coming to walk her alone without my girls. Once the leash is on she is happy to go on her walk, but she still won't let anyone other than me catch her. This is a huge problem as far as being adoptable goes. If she isn't adopted this week, she will go to another foster home to get used to new people. I wish she could stay, but the week I originally agreed to has turned into 5 months. The new foster mom is always out and about with her animals and Blaze will have an opportunity to meet many new people. It will be good for her. Blaze is a pest to the kittens at times, but she loves them and won't hurt them. Blaze is constantly picking them up and taking them somewhere so she can lick them from head to toe without me hollering at her to leave them alone. Half the time she takes them outside. The problem is that they are wet from her spit and get covered in dirt from the garden. The adult cats or the big kittens have to give them another bath to get the dirt off. The little kittens are easy for Blaze to carry around, but she also wants to carry the 6 month old kittens around like babies too. They are a bit to big for that. One of these days she will get a swat on her nose for trying. That will teach her to show cats some respect. The last batch of kittens are weened and ready for homes. My job is done. They will be going to their next foster home this week. That's good because they are driving me nuts. They are active and jump on me all the rime. I can't get anything done. Yea I'm free until next spring. It's endless. Every year I get 3 or 4 litters to raise. I wish people would spay their cats. I know it's expensive, but it's a one time thing.

Naughty Kitties

2011-09-07T15:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week. The kittens are driving me bonkers. The female kitty, June, is fine most of the time except when she decides to sleep on my head. It not that I mind her on my head, but she sticks her wet little nose into my eyes, nose and mouth. Sniff, sniff, she has to sniff me. It tickles. It's hard to sleep with that. Of course her purr motor is going the whole time. That is OK. I'm used to cats purring in my face. The boys Wally and Theodore have turned into thieves. I catch them stealing my things and dragging them here and there. Today one of them took a sweat jacket from a bag of cloths I'm giving away and drug it out to the yard. Naughty boys.

Successful Adoption Day

2011-08-27T13:16:00.001-07:00

Today was a great successful day. I went to an adoption day with Arad l'chai. We had 2 adult dogs and 3 puppies adopted. Unfortunately Blaze wasn't adopted yet, but I'm happy 5 of our dogs found good homes, plus many of the other groups dogs.

Among the other dogs there there was a Shar Pei and a French Bull Dog. The Frenchie was obviously pure bred, but being a pure bred didn't keep him from loosing his home or get him a new forever home. I didn't get a chance to find out what his story was because he threw a tantrum right after I walked up. The people with him had to deal with it so they couldn't talk to me. He obviously still has issues that still need working on. The right home can deal with it and help him become a great well balanced dog.

The Shar Pei was only 1 year old and looked like she had been used as a bait dog, but she wasn't. It was neglect. Poor thing had a really hard start in life. She was dumped along with her litter of puppies. Her rescue people did a great job with her. The puppies are raised and gone and momma dog is healthy calm and friendly. Her fur still needs to grow back in spots, but that is just cosmetic. I've been there before with an abandoned malnourished dog. It takes a very long time for the bald patches of fur to fully grow back and regain its beauty.

What is astonishing is how many people we have to turn down for adoption. Some of these people have no idea what is involved in raising a dog. We turned down a lot who think a dog can live in a yard. Nope. The dog must live inside with the family. Sure, a yard is great to play in, but not to live in. Would these people make their kids live in the yard? I think not.

Others don't realize that a dog is a 10-20 year commitment. They think it's fine to get a dog until... and then they can give it away. NOT! These people will never get a dog from any rescue.

Some well meaning folks don't realize that you can't get a puppy if you are out of the house 8-10 hours a day. The puppy can't hold it that long and will make in the house if not taken out every few hours. These people are the easiest to deal with. We just give them a reality check about what will happen if the puppy needs out and no one is there to take him. They usually realize real quick that it's not the right time for a puppy. They are willing to wait until their life situation is different.

Another Hedghog

2011-08-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

Today was a lazy day due to the heat. I didn't get up early enough to walk the dog. I shouldn't take them out during the heat of the day. It might burn their pads. They are lounging around waiting to go to bed. LOL What a life.

I let them out about a half hour ago and heard a commotion. It was the hedgehog again. Or a different one. This one looked bigger than the last one I saw. I put out water and kibble and let it be. They are shy creatures and don't like to be bothered. I took a picture and will post it when I find my card reader. Someone furry absconded with it. My little thief usually takes clothing, so I don't know who swiped it or what piece of furniture it is under.

Chica

2011-08-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

I have the best Canaan Dog/Saluki mix in the world. Chica was a wild unsocialised tripawd (3 legs) puppy when I got her. The Saluki (greyhound) part made learning recall very difficult, but her recall is perfect. She had food aggression due to being born in the wild and having to fight for her food, but that is history. She was deathly afraid of people and cars, but that is ancient history. I could go on, but she is now an obedient, well socialized dog. In addition to being well behaved, she helps me to socialize and train other dogs with problems. With hard work and consistent training Chica overcame every problem she had.

Puppy won't walk, but dogs will

2011-08-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

I took my dogs for a very long walk today. I tried to get Blaze the foster puppy to come, but she refused to walk. It's fear, but I have to deal with it and not give in. A fearful dog does not make a good pet.

I practically dragged her down the driveway and to the bench out front. She has a body harness because she won't walk on a leash. I don't want to pull on her neck. It killed my back lifting her and moving her foot by foot. She was one angry camper, but we made it down the driveway. It's part of her therapy. She must be able to walk on a leash if she is to be adopted.

After I rested, I turned around and she slowly almost followed me back home. I still had to lift her part of the way. I put her in the yard and locked the gate. My dogs wanted their walk. Poor Blaze started whimpering when she realized she was being left behind. I hope tomorrow is easier.

It was a nice long walk. We went to Spice's old owners home to visit. I really should bring her to visit seeing how I kinda stole her from him. It was a nice visit and it made both very happy.

On the way back home we cut through the park and met a huge friendly Doberman. The dogs were in heaven. They all got to know each other a bit then we continued home. Of course on the way home we had to deal with passing all the unsocialized dog in their yards barking and fence fighting. Grrr it's annoying. Chica knows to ignore it and doesn't even bat an eye at them, but Spice is still learning. I have to tell her to ignore it.

The good news on Spice is that she has learned to tolerate the Halti head harness. She is no longer trying to remove it and she is doing so much better on walks. When I got her, she had no idea how to heel. Spice is so much better now. She has stopped pulling on the lead altogether. Occasionally she will try to get in front of me, but it's nothing like when she first came to live with me. Such a good girl.

I know to many people it might seem like I'm being harsh and petty by not letting them walk in front seeing how they don't pull, but it is part of their training. In the dog world, the pack leader walks in front and the lower ranking dogs follow. I'm the pack leader.

Routine vet trip = extra money spent

2011-08-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

Last Friday Blaze went to the vet for her shots. Yea She was a good girl for the vet. She was a bad girl for me. I had to chaise her for 20 minutes to catch her. She was having a good old time running from me in the yard. Finally she goes to the corner of the front porch. That's her I give up spot.

Well as much of a pain in the rear she was, I guess it's good for my waist line. LOL

When I was at the vet I saw some really nice collars. I picked up 3. Ya I know, Not fair. I should have bought 7 new ones. I can't do that. I have a few really wild cats who I can barely touch on a good day. They wouldn't want or tolerate a collar.

Well Ethel was one of the lucky ones. She got a really nice one that looks good with her beautiful long snowy white fur. She has been without a collar for ages. As soon as I put one on her and she became such a snuggle kitty. She has always been affectionate, but not like today.

Cats and Dogs: There is a gecko in the house

2011-08-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

Cats and Dogs: There is a gecko in the house: "What a day. I was about to leave the house and I saw the cats acting suspicious so I went to check on it. They had cornered a gecko and were..."

There is a gecko in the house

2011-08-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

What a day. I was about to leave the house and I saw the cats acting suspicious so I went to check on it. They had cornered a gecko and were tormenting the poor thing. It was alive, but not in good shape. I saw a bit of blood. Not much, but any blood on a tiny thing is a lot. I picked the gecko up in a plastic cup and set it by an open window. He is still there several hours later. I'll have to figure out what to do if he's still there in the morning.

This evening as I was giving Lookin his bottle I saw my nightgown whisked across the floor. It seems Theodore, one of my older fosters had stolen it from the bed room. Why he would drag it clear across the house is beyond me. If any of you have a clue, please enlighten me. I've had dog steel my clothing but never a cat.

Cats and Dogs: Sleep

2011-08-04T03:38:00.000-07:00

Cats and Dogs: Sleep: "I actually slept all night long. The kittens are free and don't need a middle of the night feeding anymore. Maybe it's because I make their ..."

Sleep

2011-08-04T01:48:00.000-07:00

I actually slept all night long. The kittens are free and don't need a middle of the night feeding anymore. Maybe it's because I make their last bottle stronger than normal. Hmmm Maybe they are just growing up. Anyways, they are good rug rats. Puppy went to his cage last night and slept all night. I'm not sure why she didn't at least wake me up at 5:00, but I woke up without her help. Ha ha. I don't need to wake up at 5:00, but I've been doing it all summer so it's normal now.

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Cats and Dogs: One kitten died

2011-07-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

Cats and Dogs: One kitten died: "Last night was a very sad night. The smallest kitten died. She started going downhill Thursday. She wasn't drinking her formula as lustily..."

One kitten died

2011-07-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

Last night was a very sad night. The smallest kitten died.

She started going downhill Thursday. She wasn't drinking her formula as lustily as she should have. That's always a bad sign. Friday morning she seemed a bit better, not much, but I hoped Thursday was just a one off. I should know better, but I always hope.

As I was holding her I realized how small she was. Poor kitty wasn't growing at the same rate as her siblings. Frequently when one cat in the litter was born nice and big but fails to grow it's a sign of some congenital problem.

By evening I knew it was only a matter of time. She completely refused her bottle. Her body temperature had dropped even though it's very warm in my house. Her breathing had also become shallow and labored. I've seen enough death to recognize when the when body is shutting down. I kept kitty as warm and comfortable as possible. She passed away a little after 3:00 in the morning and I buried her in my garden.

Such a short little life. I'm just glad she had a chance to know what love is. She's at Rainbow Bridge now. I didn't cry last night or when I buried her, but I'm crying now. I miss you sweet baby.

Hedgehog

2011-07-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

I let the dogs out for a quick break before trying to sleep again. Puppy went ballistic with barking. Not a good way to make my neighbors happy. I thought maybe one of the kittens snuk out. Nope. It was a hedgehog. Poor thing was scared to death. I got the dogs in and cut up a nice veggie salad with carrots, lettuce and kohlrabi for the critter. I admit I took a few bites of the carrots myself, but he has a full bowl to munch on during the night. I also put out a bowl of water because it is very hot these days. I guess I have one more mouth to feed.

Hedgehogs have a varied diet in the wild. They eat all kind of garden pests. When living near humans they have been known to eat cat food. One of my friends has a family that lives in her yard. They come out every night to munch down on the cat food she puts out for her garden kitties.

Well off to bed. Blaze had better decide to sleep this time.

Puppy won't sleep

2011-07-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

Blaze has decided she doesn't want to sleep. That means that I can't sleep. I put her in her crate for the night as always and she revolted, wining and scratching at the door. There is no way I can possibly sleep with that racket. I hope she gets adopted soon and becomes someone else s problem. Not that she's a bad dog, it's just I want to sleep at night and don't trust her to be free in the house. Puppies can cause a lot of damage when not supervised.

So what can I do? I'm up. Unfortunately for my diet I eat when I'm up late at night. I'm having some whole wheat couscous.

I guess I might as well make a bottle for the kittens. They can eat, but don't eat enough yet, hence they need bottles.

The Kittens Ate For the First Time

2011-07-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

The kittens are doing great. They still want their bottle, but they eat a bit. I wish they would hurry up and get weened. Formula is expensive. Once they are weened, I can start looking for homes. I still have 3 from the last litter to re-home. Anyone want a Ginger or a Calico? They are wonderful loving kittens. Being bottle raised, they really love people.

The Kittens Ate For the First Time

2011-07-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

Today the kittens ate a few bites of soft food. The sooner they eat the better. They have been running around during the day today. Big mistake as they don't understand what a litter box is. I hope I can train them in a few days. Kittens usually become trained about the time they start to eat solids. Wish me luck that they are fast about it and don't take all week.

My Dogs

2011-07-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

In addition to the temporary animals at my house. I have permanent residents. Some I wanted others I got stuck with. Originally I wanted one dog and only one. Living alone I needed a dog for protection. I picked out a cute little thing from a whoops litter. Yafa's mom was a mutt with some GSD in her and her dad was the Cocker Spaniel next door who dug under the fence. Yafa was perfect for protection, but really wouldn't hurt a fly. Yafa lived 9 years and passed away from Cushings Syndrome. She had a good, but short life. I buried her in my yard and made her a headstone in ceramics class.

Backtrack a bit, About a year after adopting Yafa, along came Chica, the 3 legged tripawed. Actually 3 1/2 legs. The useless half leg was amputated when she was spayed. Chica was dumped at the absorption center (temporary housing for new immigrants) and found by a sweet kid. Chica was a cute puppy as all puppies are. Half Canaan Dog, half Saluki; common as dirt in these parts.

Being new to rescue, I thought she would find a home in a matter of week or two. Ha ha on me. No one wanted her as almost no one wants the perfect puppies. After about a year, I gave up and decided to keep her. It wouldn't be fair to have her move. Besides I loved her to bits. That was 10 years ago. Time flies. Chica is still a wonderful active dog.

I started thinking about a second dog after Yafa died, but was in no great hurry. I wanted a small dog but life doesn't always give us what we want. I got another big dog. Along came Spice.

Spice is a Dalmatian/ Lab mix. Her human, a friend and client of mine, has been in and out of the hospital and can't care for her anymore. He was so sick he didn't even think of calling me, his pet sitter. I have his key, so I just took her home with me. Yup, I stole her. I couldn't let her starve to death. That would be so wrong. Going in and taking her isn't exactly right, but she would have died. Legally I should have had the city pound take her, but I didn't want to subject her to those horrid conditions.

I told Spice's human that I was going to keep his dog, but he could come and visit any time he wanted. He objected at first, but I convinced him that she would receive better care at my place. She loves me, loves my dog, Chica, and loves my cats. Spice is happy here.

A few weeks after I adopted her, I saw a Chihuahua for adoption at an adoption fair. He was an adult and already neutered. Waaa I couldn't adopt the Chi as I have Spice. 2 dogs are enough. I know my limit.

Foster Puppy

2011-07-21T22:49:00.000-07:00

I have a foster puppy. Her name is Blaze because she has a white blaze on her head. Blaze was dumped on the street 3 weeks ago. I hate people who don't call the rescue and just dump their animals on the street. OK, She was found right away, unlike my last foster pup, but because she was dumped instead of given to Arad L'chai, our local dog rescue, or put in the horrid city pound she must be observed for quarantine for a full month because Israel has rabies. At least the "quarantine" can be in a foster home with other animals. Blaze is being socialized by me and my fur gang. She needs it. I have my rabies shots as do my dogs so I can officially foster her. LOL, Yes I had to get immunized to be a foster mom. It's no big deal. 3 shots in the arm a few weeks apart.
More on Blaze later I need to give my kittens their bottle.

2011-07-21T10:53:00.001-07:00

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Kittens

2011-07-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

It's summer and that means kittens. I have 3 abandoned kittens that I'm bottle feeding. There were 4 but sadly the runt passed away at 2 weeks of age. Raising motherless kittens is a chore, but it must be done. It would have been so easy to avoid if people would just spay and neuter their pets, but they don't. This litter was actually put in a plastic bag and dumped in the garbage dumpster. Thankfully someone saw it happen and they were saved. I really don't know what is in peoples head when they do these things. The local vet will put abandoned newborns to sleep for free, so there is no excuse to cruelly dump them like that.