Bitter Cold

We've had two days of looking pretty silly. Last night it was below zero with gusting winds and blowing and drifting snow so taking two dogs out for a walk was out of the question - they were not going to walk very far! Last night I ended up carrying Tony, this morning I carried both dogs into the house.

I decided that I must have a new system sooooooo this afternoon I tried out the new plan - take each dog out one at a time to the lake. Both dogs loved it - as long as they were the outside dog! From the house I could hear HOWLING when the other one went outside. However they both loved the 40 foot leash, it is such freedom! Tony was especially joy filled. He looked like a little pony as he galloped through the snow. It made me feel good to see him enjoy himself. I also realized the attachment he has formed (I must be a great dog chef.) because he would dash all over but always come back to me. He would be great "off-leash" because he wants to be with me - his security. That won't happen till we can work on his people skills. How do you make a dog not possessive? He got very defensive with a neighbor of mine because she came at us, in the dark, with loud talking and waving arms.

Tony's personality comes through more and more each day as he gains in his ability to relax and trust. He is learning how to follow directions and how to be a good little brother to Molly. He is learning "down" and "wait". His "down" is hysterical because as soon as I give the command he wants to roll over right away whereas with Molly it took months before she would roll over (down came fast) because she didn't want to give up her control. The "wait" command is very hard for Tony because he wants to come to me right away. We keep working on it and he gets better at it every day.

Nov. 22, 2009

Tony has been with us for 2 months!

Nov. 21, 2009

Tony met his first little child and he did well. Actually he was adorable ...... he just sat by the little girl and let her stroke his head - I wonder if he was thinking about his old family. I was told that he came from a family - does he miss them? By the look on his face when he sat with the little girl - I would say YES!!!!!

Mystery Solved!

Tony has been climbing on to the toilet and then climbing on to the shelving unit so he can get into the bathroom sink. I caught him in the act on Wednesday afternoon. Now I know why the bathroom has been littered with the leftovers of statues and such ....... he gets up there and takes them down!

Tony wanted to make up with me right away. He doesn't want me to be unhappy - AH, if only real life was like that - so he will come to me right away to be forgiven.

Tony's had a couple of difficult days this week. We just keep rolling along.

Day 51

Tony met Charlie's Dad today. Nice greeting and little Charlie wasn't on his leash! I am so proud of Molly and Tony.

Day 46 - 49

I've been having a mini vacation so we've been walking, playing, eating late and sleeping late.

Tony helped Molly and I put borders on 2 quilts. He's a real member of the family now!

I even bought dachshund socks!

Day 36

Playtime was shortened when Tony decided he'd like to nap on the couch. Problem? Molly didn't want the game to end so she kept at him as he laid on the couch.

Tony went to his room!

Day 35

Tony and Molly helped me clean house. If was exhausting because he slept on the rug right next to me as Molly and I read the paper.

Molly and Tony play so well together. It is amazing. They don't chase as much as they wrestle. Today they even tried to play tug but couldn't quite figure out how it would work.

Tony must miss his rawhide bones (although he's not getting them back). I discovered him in his room chewing on these decorative dog shaped soaps. The astonished look on his face revealed that they just didn't taste like the rawhides!

Day 33

No more chew bones - let's wean Tony from this habit! If he has a bone he never comes out of this room. I'd like him to feel like he doesn't have to stay in the bathroom when the gate is down.

October 21, 2009

Tony has been with us for a month! I think he's a keeper! I call him "little brother" because that's what he is to Molly.

Day 26

Tony has been riding in the car with me (harnessed in the back seat) for the longest time. He's a great car rider! We take a rawhide bone with us otherwise he finds things to get into.

Today we went to Walt's for Puffed Rice. I came out with everything but the PR so then I go to Randy's. Tony doesn't mind - he loves to ride and look out the window! I do a quick run in and run out at Randy's. As I get back in the car I do a check in the rearview mirror to ask Tony if he "watched the house" while I was gone....... NO TONY!!!!!! The harness leash is draped over the back seat and it isn't moving - my God, I've killed him....... I race to the back and fling open the hatchback.....
Tony is perched on my quilts eating a raw STEAK ...... as fast as he could so I wouldn't take it away!

Somedays the dog is smarter!

Day 25

Tony let me know that he needed to go out!!!!! He actually sat by the patio door and howled a little - what an accomplishment.

Day 21 - Thursday, Guild Night

Tony meets Bob and Geri - this was a BIG test ...... if he growled at them or snapped he'd have to go back because Bob and Geri are at my house all the time. I have no place to "put" Tony if he can't behave with them.

Tony and Molly and I are walking our evening walk when Geri calls - she's at the house, Bob's dropping her off so we can go to guild. Should they come in to the house or meet us out in front.

Meet us out in front! How will this go ......... we see them in the distance Molly is so happy because we haven't seen them since we adopted Tony 'cuz Bob has been sick. Tony ........ sees them .........greets them ..... walks inside with them ....PLAYS on the floor with Bob! My heart is light!!!!!!!

Tony will stay!!!!!!

Day15

I've never been able to see Molly at play - what a beautiful sight! Tony is filled with vim and vigor but he will listen to me when I raise my voice to relax the action. I am still very watchful and have my trusty water bottle at my side. One little squirt and the action stops.

Tony cried LOTS last night and was YANKING on the gate so I tried a new tactic "Tony, quiet!" It worked....... Molly was just glad she wasn't getting yelled at.

Still .......... Tony hasn't met anyone except some of the neighbors (and he was okay with that). How will he accept someone coming in the house!

Day 14

Friday - a long day - will there be crying?

Day 13

Thursday better!

I don't like this but I am giving Tony rawhide chews to give him something to do in his room, at night and when I'm gone during the day.

He's been a little destructive in the bathroom with nothing to do so maybe these will help but I still don't like it. Sometimes they bring out the "beast" in a dog.

Day 12

Tony really cried last night. It's the first time he's shown displeasure of his little room. Molly didn't do this because she slept with me from day one but I can't do that with Tony because I am still getting used to his potty habits.

Molly doesn't like to hear him cry - I keep telling her we need to tough it out! I don't think she likes that plan.

We are now going to bed at 7PM so everyone can be rested.

Day 11 - Wednesday

Long day but before I go to work I've decided ........... why am I rushing our adjustment? I can do this on my schedule and let Tony relax. He's been through so much that I think he deserves that much.

Molly really likes having him around so that is also in his favor.

Day 10

Tuesday - we walk ....... Tony is so loving .........

Day 9 - Monday

I can not look into Tony's eyes because I will melt with doggie love! I need to be emotion free to make my decision - stay or go! This Monday has been very bad in many aspects of my life so as I sit at my dining room table I just let the tears fall. My head is cradled in my arms when I suddenly feel - doggies - I look up and realize that Molly has her head on my leg and Tony is staring up at me from under the table trying to nuzzle my hand. I know this is a sign from God - I've been praying for help through this whole adventure. So........ Tony and Molly and I do our evening walk and Tony went CRAZY at the little poodle across the street however he does not react to the door next door (a male Westie). Is it 'cuz he's on a leash? I am very concerned and sad. Did I do the right thing? Molly really seems to like his company! Could she be wrong too?

We got home from our sad little walk and my phone message light was blinking - it was the shelter! They must have ESP. I call back and express my feelings. They offer help and training.

I decide - I'm a bad home for Tony so I will take him back on Tuesday. I get the card for the shelter and check the hours ...... closed on Tuesday...... which means he stays with me until at least Thursday.

Waiting for a pic?

Here it is!

Isn't Tony handsome!

Day 7

It is Sunday! Tony is doing so well that I thought I'd treat him to a new collar, leash and harness. We went to the dog store that hosted the meet and greet - Tony looks snazzy! Molly wears lots of red and now I have Tony in very autumn colors. We took a walk to the Frankfort Farmers Market - turned into a bad idea or maybe I should say too much too soon! Tony turned into Cujo - he didn't have his big sister along, he had on a new harness system, he didn't know me well enough to trust me - could that have been the problem? He also tried to go after a girl on roller blades - was it the child or the blades? Is this a bad sign? He was WILD! I took him out of the area, over to a quiet side, we just sat and watched everyone go by then we got up and walked on the Old Plank Trail and worked on passing other dogs - positive results - I didn't want him leaving the area with a negative feeling. Tony fell asleep in the car on the ride home. A tired dog is a good dog - is this a good time to let Molly and Tony walk around together for a little bit? It sure was! They ran around a little and then both fell asleep in the sun on the rug by the front door. It was a good day and an emotional day - are Tony's true colors coming out? Was he hiding problems at the shelter?

Day 6

Thursday, all is well! No one is growling so I think we will go out on the patio with leashes on!

Tony is adorable, as soon as I sat on the lounge chair he jumped right up on my lap. Molly was unaffected. She has never been a possessive dog. I pet her and then I pet Tony. Molly is happy!

We play the "Molly's turn, Tony's turn game" - fun - Tony loves food!

Day 5

Wednesday - my long day - this will be a good test for Tony, although as of right now he seems still out of it from his surgery. We shall see. I am still taking them out together but they are not mixing in the house.

Day 4

Today is Tuesday! Will Tony and Molly get along - that is the BIG question? Many "experts" have told me that Molly is too Alpha to allow any other dog into the house.

How could the most loving dog I've ever met be that way?

I am determined ....... we will take our time .......I've done lots of research ........ take it slow and easy ......

I walked both dogs for the first time - together - I got up at 5AM to do this so no one would see me get my act together.

All went well. Molly got a little "talky" at the front door but Tony seemed to understand that she needed space. Molly also got a little crabby with him when he tried to sniff her tree as she sniffed. Tony came right over and sat by me, looked up as if to say "Okay, I'll just sit over here with you and wait till she's done." After that he never crowded her again. Interesting!

Day Three

Bringing Tony home today!

He went to the shelter clinic to be neutered so I couldn't pick him up until after 4:00PM.

Tony will stay in the little bathroom until he has recovered. I know from experience that his true personality will pop through once he's tested us enough to know he can relax.

How long will that take?

Drove home - about a 30 minute ride with Tony across my lap sleeping the whole way. He is very cuddly!

DayTwo

Thought about it over night ........ if I am to realize a dream then I must move forward.

Drove to the shelter and adopted Stewart!

Now whenever I re-home an animal I always re-name so he was christened "Tony Stewart"

Brought a towel for Tony that I had rubbed on Molly and I also brought a towel to rub on Tony so I could take it home and let Molly sniff.

Sept. 21, 2009 Day One

The journey begins! Molly and I spotted Stewart at a local Shelter meet and greet. He looked good, not hyped, not jumping just laid back. A long haired standard Daschund, reddish with black tipped markings.

Is this the second dog that we've been looking for?

The ladies brought Stewart to Molly - all went well.

The ladies said "Come to the shelter on Sunday to sign the papers."

Should we or shouldn't we ...........