Both dogs are really coming into their own personalities.  As in the beginning, Ralphie is acclimating the most quickly.  He’s wagging his tail and bouncing around the house.  Easy to do when your whole body wags with a flip of the tail.  If this dog could talk, he would be all giggles and saying “whee” like the pig in the commercial on television.

Joe, the little Poodle found something wonderful today… the toy box!  He had fun taking out each toy and dropping it after a few minutes, and then running back for the next one.  To him, it’s a magic box full of wonderful squeaky, bouncy things  that are just for dogs!  I can’t tell you how much fun this was to watch.  I think I enjoyed it as much as he did.

Their other big feat was to overcome their fear of the door.  At first they would not go near the door if I was beside it.  Now they both just follow me out as if we are in the same pack.

If you’ve been following these reports, you know that we’ve crossed some major hurdles in the last 7 days.  What these little guys needed though was just a home and some love.  I appreciate all of your comments here, and on FB.

We are going to sign-off now but will be back next week with an update:  Rescue Report-Week Two.   Until then, be pawsome!

If you are interested in information on fostering or volunteering to help pets in need, please contact Sarasota County Animal Services at 941-861-9500.  You can walk a dog, foster a dog, or go in and just pet some cats.  Give it a try, I can guarantee you that you feel great!

Your Source for All Things Dog in Sarasota

The word for the day is Dewlap.  What the heck is that?  Dr. Tim Schneider of Critical Care and Veterinary Specialists of Sarasota explains in this audio definition.

Click on the arrow to play.

A close relative of the Keeshond, the Pomeranian has been strutting its spunky stuff since the 17^th century!  In recent history, Pomeranians have been a favorite pet of several celebrities; including Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and Jessica Alba.  And talk about cute!  Boo, the “World’s Cutest Dog,” is also a Pomeranian.  Officially recognized as a legitimate breed by the AKC in 1888, the sweet lil PomPom has been a stellar companion dog for many years, and currently reigns as the 13^th most popular breed in the United States.

Physical Traits

Size & Weight:  Very small!  The Pomeranian is a Toy breed and generally measures 5-11 inches at the shoulders and typically weighs 3-7 pounds.

Coat & Color:  This breed comes in every color and all patterns!  However, the most common/popular color is solid orange.  Their fur is a classic double-coat with a plush, thick, undercoat; and a harsher, longer, overcoat.

Other:  I mentioned some modern celebrities earlier, but did you know that Pomeranians were also favored by Queen Victoria, Marie Antoinette, and Mozart?  It’s true!

Life Expectancy:  12-18 years.

Temperament
Highly intelligent, extremely friendly, and full of “big dog” spirit in a little dog’s body, the Pomeranian is quick to bond, fast to learn, and your certified best friend for life.  Other than their excessive barking (Hey!—It’s a Spitz family tradition!), you’d be hard-pressed to find anything negative to say about the gentle Pom Pom and their endearingly quirky temperament.

Wags

• Gets along fantastically with children and other pets.  (Though, due to their fragile physique, you’ll need to watch them around younger kids).

• This breed sports an above-average lifespan.  With love and proper care, you could easily end up with a friend for life!

• Pomeranians are well-suited to apartment living.  With few exercise needs, their space requirements are minimal.

Challenges

• Pomeranians’ double-coated fur requires frequent heavy grooming.

• Thanks to their loyal bond with their owners, they can suffer anxiety/separation disorders if separated.

• The barking.  Oh, the barking.  The smallest stimuli can send this breed into a frenzy of yapping unlike any you’ve ever heard—and it can be very hard to get them quiet again!

Do you think a Pomeranian would suit your lifestyle? Find an adoptable Pomeranian by visiting Adopt-A-Pet and search for one in our area.

A big day today!  Joe came out of his shell and put four paws outside of the crate!  He sticks near the door and is totally wide-eyed but gosh darn it, he came out on his own.  Happy Mother’s Day!

Ralphie continues on his swift progress.  He’s not only coming out of the crate on his own but romping with my other dogs and really finding his own way.

Just when I think he’s totally there – he runs back to check on Joe in the crate.   These two have really bonded quickly.

Happy Mother’s Day to everyone and especially those who are foster Mom’s.  It’s that extra special bit of nurturing love that is needed.

If you are interested in helping dogs in need through foster, or by volunteering to walk a dog please call 941-861-9500.

This morning came around way too quickly.   My efforts to treat the dogs with some raw chicken necks (my other dogs love them) were rewarded with a round of diarrhea.  Ugh!  Everyone seems fine now.

Joe is still sequestered in the crate, he doesn’t seem to want to come out, and I am not going to force him.  Ralphie had his first free play experience in my back yard.  He’ll come out of the crate on his own but won’t venture too far.  I picked him up to take him out and carried him to the yard. When I placed him on the ground he went into an all out frolic running nose to nose with my Standard Poodle.  No easy feat for a dog that is only 6 inches at the withers.   After a short romp, he was happy to return to Joe, check on things and flop down for a nap.  I think Ralphie tires quickly since he’s not used to running around.  He’ll build up some stamina I hope as we go along.

A little concerned about Joe’s lack of interest in leaving the crate.    While Ralphie is out, Joe barks the entire time and seems a little stressed.  Tomorrow I think I will try to lure him out with a squeaky toy since he is so enamored of them. I just want him to get out and smell the flowers.

More to come.

For more information on fostering or volunteering with shelter pets, please call the Sarasota County Animal Services 941-861-9500.

Andy has been a bit depressed at the shelter, wondering why all the other dogs get to go to happy homes while he waits patiently for that special person. We’re told most people pass right on by his kennel because he’s not a big jumper or barker. He’s usually lying quietly but never gets the chance to let his true personality shine through to the average visitor (though anyone who has ever met him, know better).

The first thing Andy does when he gets his little paws on the green grass is to roll around on his back and feel the nice, warm grass all over. To him, that is the bee’s knees. And, it beats the heck out of being stuck in the kennel! Andy also gets the opportunity to occasionally hang out in the Animal Services back lobby and enjoy the cool tile floor while anyone passing by could rub his tummy and speak sweet nothings into his ear.  Andy is a medium sized dog which to me is the perfect size to take anywhere. Plus, Andy doesn’t require long walks but he does love to take long naps and get some cuddle time in, too. What more could you ask for?

But wait…there’s more! Meet miss lady Truffle! This precious girl was one of the most photogenic pups yet. Her smile was ear to ear! She was super affectionate and it didn’t take long for her personality to come out.

As you can see, she is a chocolate and tan Rottweiler/ Pit Bull Terrier mix. The staff at Animal Services thinks she is just under a year and a half. This sweet girl is fairly new to the shelter, coming in at the end of April. She too is a medium-sized girl that would be a perfect on the go dog.

Once you meet either Andy or Truffle, you’ll be hooked like a sugar high! Feel free to visit Sarasota County Animal Shelter at 8451 Bee Ridge Rd in Sarasota or call 941-861-9523 and be sure to leave a message.

Andy and Truffles’ stories are brought to you by Ace Pet Resort, a resort for vacationing dogs and cats to and from the Sarasota area.

These two little dogs have been through so much and yet are showing so much resilience.  Joe the Toy Poodle whose fur was so matted that he needed to be shaved is bouncing back.  I found a sweater that I thought would fit and he let me put it on him.  It wasn’t easy, his body was tense but after I petted him a little bit more I was able to slip it on him and get his legs through the holes.

   He’s starting to learn the word “Toy!”.  it’s really fun to watch him go at it and tear something up.

Ralphie took a fateful step out of the crate today.   Still fearful he did not venture far from his buddy.  After walking a few feet away and smelling the air he walked back in with Joe and sat down.  We had a visitor today.  I’ve been careful about people coming into the house but have friend in town from Louisiana.  She’s a dog lover too.  She knew about the foster dogs so was careful not make any sudden movements and used her soothing voice.  Within a few minutes Ralphie was up on hind legs to greet her – tail wagging.

Ralphie is OUT!

Coincidentally, I attended a fundraiser last weekend and won raffle basket of dog goodies.  One of the items in the basket was a package of chewable tablets that promote calming.  I checked the ingredients and found that they contained Beta Carotene, Joe’s sampled one and we awaiting the results.

I’ve been a dog person my entire life.  Watching the progress of these boys is thrilling.    Within 72 hours they’ve stopped trembling, Ralphie will eat of my hand, and Joe let me change his sweater.   I can’t wait for tomorrow!

For information on volunteering or helping animals in need please contact Sarasota County Animal Services: 941-861-9500

Another good night.  Both Ralphie and Jamaica Joe were quiet as mice and slept through the night.  Joe may have been tired from chatting with Lori Michel of Animal Chit Chat.  Lori is a pet psychic and communicates with all kinds of animals.  Lori said that Joe had lots of questions for her.  He wanted to know if he would have to go back outside to sleep.  And he asked who the lady is that is taking care of him.   He also asked about the big black dog (I have a Standard Poodle), he wondered if that was how he would look eventually.

It is comforting to know that Lori can hear their thoughts and help me convince them that everything is really going to be okay. Whether or not you are a believer or a skeptic in animal communications when circumstances are dire, you want to believe.

Ralphie is making swift progress and we took a big step this morning, when I offered him a treat – he took it right from my fingers and then rolled over so I could tickle his little tummy.  It didn’t last long but it was a great moment.

Joe the Toy Poodle is still not about physical contact.  He’s taken a shine to a chew toy and is spending lots of time making it squeak.

The funniest thing is that they seem so surprised when I reach in to pick up their poop.  Iris Eastman, an animal behavioralist and long animal advocate suggested that I leave them crated for a few more days.  I’m looking forward to seeing them out and about.  For now, I’ll take Iris’s professional suggestion and keep them together, under wraps.

More tomorrow!

Jamaica Joe and Ralphie: Foster Days
by Suzanne Quick

Day 1 of Foster: The two pups are comfortably situated in their crate. Almost feral, Jamaica Joe will not allow himself to be touched for more than a second. If he had a chance to go -he would go. Right after Joe was shaved,(necessary due to the matting) rescue volunteers put a little sweater on him. It’s functional but I can’t wait to get him out of it. Not possible right now.

Ralphie is a little more docile and likely to bond to me more quickly. I can see that he is excited when I come near the crate. When I walk away from the crate, I can see that they are both watching me.

I cooked up some chicken especially for these two thinking that they would be thrilled but the reception was so-so. They won’t eat anything out of my hand yet. Have dropped some chicken pieces on the floor of the crate which they gobbled up.

No such thing yet as house broken. We’ll work on that later. Right now we need to work on some trust and some love. It breaks my heart to see these little dogs in this condition so fearful and trembling.

Last night they slept well, probably exhausted. Hopefully tonight goes as well. More tomorrow.

For information on fostering or adopting a dog in Sarasota County, please contact Animal Services at 941-861-9500