Unplanned rescue

[Freedom]

I always say I should NOT look at craigslist! But I do because I have a message I send out to folks who have lost a pet (dog or cat) which lists 14 things to do to try and get the pet home.

Saw a posting for a bichon. Weak, vulnerable time, having just lost Lacey. So I emailed. Four days later (and after the woman had changed her mind about rehoming the dog once) I went to pick up a bichon on Wednesday afternoon (yesterday). From speaking with the neighbor who had posted (the woman did not post herself) and from speaking with the woman, I knew this dog was in a tough situation. Not about to be PTS, but not in a proper setting for a bichon. I am glad I got him, he NEEDED help. The woman called me back after she'd had 2 phone calls from men living in Providence, who had strong accents. Providence has a high population from Haiti and Dominican Republic, where dog fighting is a 'sport,' and she was getting scared they would use her dog for bait. So she asked if she just GAVE him to me, would I take him. I said yes.

In my car
[http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6447Small_zps63d860be.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6447Small_zps63d860be.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6448Small_zpsceae56a4.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6448Small_zpsceae56a4.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6449Small_zps9cc78bfd.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6449Small_zps9cc78bfd.jpg.html)

There's that bichon smile!
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6450Small_zps4898adc1.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6450Small_zps4898adc1.jpg.html)

Went straight to my groomer, no way this was something I could tackle myself. Had him walk for a pee first.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6451Small_zps41103380.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6451Small_zps41103380.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6452Small_zpsc1a7aba5.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6452Small_zpsc1a7aba5.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6454Small_zps99dcd06c.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6454Small_zps99dcd06c.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6455Small_zps8c855207.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6455Small_zps8c855207.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6458Small_zpsb881c6d3.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6458Small_zpsb881c6d3.jpg.html)

Stand by more of this story to come . . .

[Freedom]

She had a folder full of paperwork. Told me the dog is age 4. He is actually 3. His shots are all out of date. He is in tact and hence a marker, so he goes out on the porch at 6 AM and comes inside at 10 PM. He has never had a collar or harness, does not get walks, just pokes around in the back yard. She and her husband both work, and he has twice got out of the fence, she is worried he will get hit by a car.

My GROOMER tells me: his coat is 7 to 10 inches long, and he has been doused in Avon's Skin So Soft -- people do this because it keeps the bugs away. The mats were hard, and his coat was like a pelt. There was nothing to do but shave him down.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6459Small_zps09493982.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6459Small_zps09493982.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6460Small_zpsa0199ae8.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6460Small_zpsa0199ae8.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6461Small_zps76da2ab1.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6461Small_zps76da2ab1.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6462Small_zpsc20c34d9.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6462Small_zpsc20c34d9.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6463Small_zps86657832.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6463Small_zps86657832.jpg.html)

The Skin So Soft means his skin was quite wet underneath, and he was greasy. After removing the coat, she had to degrease him three times and still his has a slippery feel to him.

Two hours later, back outside before returning to the car.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6465Small_zpsa4a8380f.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6465Small_zpsa4a8380f.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6466Small_zps1f60038f.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6466Small_zps1f60038f.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6467Small_zpsbd85cd24.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6467Small_zpsbd85cd24.jpg.html)



More to come, please wait!

[Freedom]

Look at the curl in that tail!
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6468Small_zps9d4df12f.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6468Small_zps9d4df12f.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6469Small_zps2d4e0289.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6469Small_zps2d4e0289.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6470Small_zpse2e8db7f.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6470Small_zpse2e8db7f.jpg.html)

His name is Gizmo. He has had no training, and does not know his name. If I keep him, the name will change. I have discussed him with a bichon rescue group, and they will take him, have an opening in a foster home.

Next we started in the back yard to meet the other fluffs: Riley came out first.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6471Small_zps5241a777.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6471Small_zps5241a777.jpg.html)

And promptly let him know who is boss!
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6473Small_zpsdf5793d9.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6473Small_zpsdf5793d9.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6474Small_zps042b4545.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6474Small_zps042b4545.jpg.html)

Though I wanted Tasha to come out next, Willy insisted so both came out together. Tasha immediately tried her play bow out on him!
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6475Small_zps66ee1b37.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6475Small_zps66ee1b37.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6476Small_zps9334d508.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6476Small_zps9334d508.jpg.html)



More pics to come

[Freedom]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6477Small_zpsf0cc4451.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6477Small_zpsf0cc4451.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6478Small_zps6120163e.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6478Small_zps6120163e.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6479Small_zps08febce8.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6479Small_zps08febce8.jpg.html)

Gizmo and Willy had a pee fest going for an hour and half in the back yard.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6480Small_zps9186014c.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6480Small_zps9186014c.jpg.html)

Willy also tried to show who is boss.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6481Small_zpsd7bc83cb.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6481Small_zpsd7bc83cb.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6482Small_zps726646e9.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6482Small_zps726646e9.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6483Small_zpsd3993365.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6483Small_zpsd3993365.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6484Small_zpsc4fdb929.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6484Small_zpsc4fdb929.jpg.html)

Tasha again
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6485Small_zps79729a09.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6485Small_zps79729a09.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6486Small_zpsdbd132ef.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6486Small_zpsdbd132ef.jpg.html)

Five more photos to share and the rest of the story

[Freedom]

Last night, bedtime, he watched the others and then joined them, with no words from me!
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6489Small_zpse45992fd.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6489Small_zpse45992fd.jpg.html)

Willy: this is how you do it! Giz: OK!
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6490Small_zps448253ff.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6490Small_zps448253ff.jpg.html)

This morning I had him in to the vet. He got his rabies (good for 1 year) and his combo (good for 3 years as we have the paperwork on his prior shots). He has tested positive for Lyme, and has a month of meds. He is not eating, that is part of the Lyme disease. He is schedule to EITHER go to a foster home on Sunday or get neutered at my vet on Monday.

He gets along fine with my dogs, and is fine with cats (we didn't know about that as he'd never seen a cat, so this was a nice surprise for me).

Leaving the vet this morning to come back home:
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6491Small_zps3d25ba0b.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6491Small_zps3d25ba0b.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6492Small_zps8439bc96.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6492Small_zps8439bc96.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6493Small_zps9a8ce4e9.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2013/Aug%201%20Gizmo%20arrives/IMG_6493Small_zps9a8ce4e9.jpg.html)

He weighs 16. 2 pounds. His pee is SO stinky, due to being in tact; once he is neutered the smell goes away over 4 to 6 weeks. He will likely continue to mark. He is wearing a belly band -- so is Willy who decided he has to show who owns the place. He is from a puppy mill in Missouri - not a mill rescue as he was one delivered to a pet store as a puppy. He has the same b*tch as his grandmother on his mother's side, and as his great grandmother on his father's side. He has no physical issues -- teeth and ears are fine, no knee issues, no eye issues. He is a sweet personality.

He came through the local pet store, so my vet hospital was where he got all his puppy shots. Then he got sold, and something happened as he landed at animal control 4 towns over. He was adopted from there at age 5 months by the woman I got him from yesterday. All his documentation stayed with him, rare under the circs.

So now I have to decide if I am keeping him or sending him along to the rescue.

[Karen]

Thank goodness you rescued him. He must have been miserably uncomfortable under all that perfumed and matted hair! He looks much happier now!

[Freedom]

And thinking of him in that coat during the week of 100 degree temps, makes me shudder!

[cassiesmom]

Hello, Gizmo! It's nice to meet you today! You look much different after your trim-- you remind me of a sweet lamb! I bet you feel a lot better without all the mats and Skin So Soft on you. So you will have a couple of days with the Fluffs, and then you will either go to a foster home or stay where you are. You look pretty comfortable on the bed with everyone- you did a good job of figuring that out! I hope you have lots of fun this weekend with Willy, Riley and Tasha!

Edited to say- I'm smiling at the "on the bed" photos in post #5 -- Fluffs, if mum bends her body at an angle, there just might be enough room for her on the bed with all of you, right? ;)

Welcome, Gizmo - whether it is for part of a week, or much much longer! :D I also like the pictures in #5 where he is smiling and looking out the door of your car. Like he knows something nice is about to happen!

[Bonny]

Congratulations to you Freedom & the Fluffs. Gizmo is in the greatest home ever. :)

[Taz_Zoee]

Awww, looking at the first pictures I was saying....he's sooo cute! Especially the smiley one. :)
Then the pictures after being groomed..........WOW! He is one handsome guy!!! :D :D

I am so glad the lady decided to give him over to you instead of to the other men she had talked to.

Well Gizmo, you are now safe and will eventually find a wonderful home to spend the rest of your life in.

[Scooter's Mom]

Sandie, he reminds me of my Oreo!
Obviously not the same color-wise, but the same type of "rescue me" story.

He is one handsome little guy!

[Asiel]

What a little cutie after he got shaved down. I just know this little white fluff will get neutered ...he fits in too well with all your other white fluffs and he couldn't have landed in a better home. It's almost like he was sent to you by Lacey...his name isn't something I like either...but I bet you can come up with something fitting--- you're so lucky the others get along with him, they seem to have settled top dog right off which is good-- almost like they need him to fill a void ... he looks like a happy little fellow compared to the first pictures with that tangled coat.

[Karen]

And thinking of him in that coat during the week of 100 degree temps, makes me shudder!

Yes, me, too. As for changing his name, I instantly thought of Jimmy. Lacey, of course always reminded me on Queen Anne's lace, and Queen Anne was married to King James ... But James seems a bit serious for this smiley boy! Or of course Giacomo - the Italian version of James!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Thank you so much for rescuing him. He sure looks like he feels so much better now.:) He really fits in so well with your other fluffs and even your cats. I think he was meant to be with your family but only you can make that choice. Either way I know he'll find a wonderful loving caring new forever home.:) He's such a handsome boy too.:)

[pomtzu]

Wherever Gizmo goes - he has you Sandie to thank, for getting him going in the right direction. And somehow I believe that Lacey had a hand in this too. And Tasha looks to be smitten with him :love: - could she be telling you something???? ;)

He definitely looks to be a happy little guy and is happy to have a bunch of new friends too. I'm sure they can teach him all about how much fun it is to live at their house. :cool:

[Freedom]

I did ask wo close friends for their input, and both agreed I need to move him on. And of course, he is staying. His name: Tony! I'm already calling him Tony - pup, lol.

Several reasons he is staying:
I had a long phone conversation with the foster mom last evening. She has 7 dogs, only 2 are hers, one is a long term rescue been w/ her 3 years and not likely going to be adopted. Yes she saw the photos and says he would be adopted. She only had 6 dogs yesterday morning, and then suddenly a dog was returned to her after 2 years. (WHO does these things?! Nothing 'wrong,' they are expecting a baby and felt with 2 children already, the dog would not get the attention he needs. They showed up at her door unannounced to return him) She has another dog arriving on Sat, and then this boy would arrive on Sun and she'd have 9 dogs. She does not have a fenced in yard so they are either inside or on leash for walkies.

This boy -- Tony -- is used to being outside ALL DAY. Yes he is adjusting well to being indoors but I wonder if being an indoor only dog would be too much for him all at once.

He adapts easily, has already blended in with my pack. All that crazy peeing has stopped, Willy no longer needs his belly band. Tony is wearing his just because, I'll keep it on him till after his neuter. Could he become an indoor only dog? I think so. I worry about these babies, giving them too much change too soon, having them shut down, or develop behavior issues.

She would not be able to get him neutered till the following Monday; naturally her vet will want to see him once first. We both agreed the earlier he is neutered, the better chance he will drop this marking behavior a LOT. And at age 3 years, a week may or may not make a difference, neither of us knows.

She said she will be there if I find I can't manage (as if!), which is nice to know.

I had the 4 to the Farm yesterday afternoon. Tony was on a long line, 25 feet, and LOVED it!

To Mary Ellen and Lin, I'm sorry, I really DID value your opinions and input; and intend to move him for many reasons each of you listed. Then this phone call with the foster mom and . . . I caved in.

[kaycountrygal]

Sandie girl, As soon as I saw the very first post in your thread, I said to myself "Sandie will keep him". You are a good person Hon and you are wonderful helping those animals that need a home. You have a good heart and a loving soul. You thought about Tony's well being and what he needed and you did what was best for him--good for you.

I cant believe (but I do) that he didn't even know his name (but he will), not used to a collar, not uptodate on shots, long long hair & needed a cut/bath (actually a shave it was so bad), used to stay outside all day...just shaking my head--poor dog. Tony is so lucky to be with you and the crew in his forever home. Keep us posted on his progress and how everything is going. Hugs to you! Kay

[krazyaboutkatz]

Congrats!!!:D I'm so glad to read that he'll be staying.:) Like I said on FB he's a keeper and he's already in the best home possible.:) I think that Willy needs a brother too. I sure don't see you having any problems with handling four dogs since you're so used to it. Good luck with everything.:)

[cassiesmom]

Hello there, Gizmo -- now Tony! Welcome to Pet Talk! Welcome to your new home, Tony-pup the Fluff!

Sandie, whatever the reasons were that your friends listed, I don't know what they are. But I hope they will either resolve on their own, or if not, I'm sure you will be able to sort them out with him. I bet he can adjust to being a mostly indoor dog. There are windows to look out of, doggie skills to learn, places to nap, healthful meals to eat and inside is a safe place. :love: :love: :love: :love:

[Casper]

Hooray! Last night when I saw the photo of Tony on the bed with the others I thought "Gosh, he has to stay, he looks so perfect there!" I'm so glad you're giving him a shot and I'm glad to hear he is beginning to settle in well. :)

Welcome to the family, Tony! I look forward to seeing a lot more of you!

[pomtzu]

Love it - love it - love it..............just what the doctor ordered for the "S" household. I'll bet Lacey is strutting her stuff in front of Sugar, Marlin, Ozzy and Ben (did I miss anyone???:( ) and bragging that it was all her doing.

And what a better name than Tony for a little boy who will be growing up in an Italian household - even tho the 4-footed residents have other nationalities! :D

Congratulations - to all! :)

[Karen]

What a good Italian male name you picked for him! Tony S. from East Providence ... sounds classic! ;)

[Freedom]

Ahahahaa, thanks Karen!

Mary Ellen said: "I'm not surprised; I was thinking of YOU, but you as usual were thinking what is best for the doggie." Hmmm, guess there is a lesson for me in that!

[cassiesmom]

What a good Italian male name you picked for him! Tony S. from East Providence ... sounds classic! ;)

And he's wearing all white, just like Tony Manero from Brooklyn! :D Welcome home, Tony! Hugs and lovies to Riley, Tasha and Willy too!

[chocolatepuppy]

Welcome home Tony! You couldn't have found a better home!:love:

[Asiel]

I just knew you were keeping that cute little fella--- let's face it, he just fits in too well with all the other fluffs and I'm convinced he's a gift from Lacey. I'm so happy for both you and little Tony-- this little guy has finally hit the best home he could ever have. I keep reading about you and all your other dogs and it's clear all the love and great care they are getting.
Guess that will help me sleep well tonight-- I just had to check before hittiong the pillow. I love the name Tony, suits him to a T.

[Grace]

What a good Italian male name you picked for him! Tony S. from East Providence ... sounds classic! ;)

When I was growing up in Rhode Island, it would have been Tony from Federal Hill :)

I'm glad to hear he has a wonderful home with an ample supply of love and playmates :love:

[shais_mom]

I gotta say I'm glad that you rescued him AND decided to keep him. What a story he has! I would have never guessed he was only 3 in those first pics! wow! I gotta say that I'm glad the lady had the presence of mind to know that the accented men might not be the best bet. Thank God she chose safety over $!
Welcome home Tony!

[Felicia's Mom]

I"m so happy you are keeping him. Welcome home and welcome to Pet Talk, Tony!

[pomtzu]

When I was growing up in Rhode Island, it would have been Tony from Federal Hill :)


Funny - I was thinking the same thing when I read that post. I guess you can take the ladies out of RI, but you can't take RI out of the ladies! ;)

Sandie - I'm so glad you chose Tony - and not Paulie or Vinnie..............not that there's anything wrong with those names. I loved my Uncle Vinnie! :D - and I do like the name Paul too. It's just that whenever I hear someone say the name "Paulie" (not Paul) - it doesn't sound right unless it's spoken with an exaggerated Italian/New England accent! :eek:

How's Tony doing today? Is his appetite picking back up? When Sparky had Lymes, almost as soon as he started on the antibiotics, his improved drastically, and the limping and lethargy vanished.

[Freedom]

Tony is doing well. Yes Ellie, just 3 doses of antibiotics and his is a new man -- I mean dog, he he.

Glad to have the RI contingent on here agreeing with the new name. :D

[Alysser]

Welcome, Tony!!! What a great story and another great rescue. Keep an eye on him and Willy;) Can't wait to hear more stories.:love:

[robinh]

I'm with kaycountrygal and asiel - As soon as I saw this, I knew you'd keep him. You'll love him and give him the very best life he could ever wish for. The smile on his face said it all - he's home. Congratulations to you all.

[Freedom]

Thank you Allyser and Robin! Tony is really doing well here.

[cassiesmom]

Sandie, did Tony-pup have his neuter surgery? I thought I read somewhere that he did, but I could be wrong. How did it go? Does his coat still feel like skin-so-soft? I'm so glad he is with you! ((HUGS))) Tony-pup!

[Freedom]

Yes, Elyse, Tony had his neuter yesterday (Monday). He came home and the vet reports he did fine. TOny on the other hand thinks his world has ended and he MUST sit in my lap at all times!

I had to put an e collar on him as he insists on licking his stitches. Now he has 10 days of limited activity: no jumping, no stairs, walks on leash only.

[cassiesmom]

Just checking in for a quick update (Fluffdate :D) How's things? Tony-pup, are you learning how to go for a walk with a leash?

[Freedom]

Tony is recovered from his neuter and doing fine. He pulls a LOT on the leash, I need to start working on that. I'd like to try training first before I spend money on an easy-walk harness.

Tony is an alpha, so he and Willy are not doing so well together. If Willy is in my lap, on a chair, the sofa, the bed, that's is alright, Tony will just hop up and join him / us. But if Tony is up first, he does not allow Willy up and a fight ensues. I've had to break them up 3 times so far. :( I do apply NILIF training and immediately put Tony down OFF whatever it is, then permit Willy up, and make Tony work for the privilege to join us.

Tony also seems to know when Willy's growls are aimed at me and leading to a snap / bite, and Tony attacks him at that point, as well. Willy has become much more cautious about going for me -- which is a plus. But it is clear that Willy, Tasha and Riley are all walking on egg shells around Tony and not pleased with his alpha attitude.

Gave all the fluffs their bath on Sunday afternoon. Tony's coat is so short just now, he was done in 10 minutes. At least it got him to see what I do, and I think he will be fine for grooming. When he went to get shaved on July 31, the groomer said he is easy to work with, so that is nice. Again, Tony kept close while it was Willy's turn, and each time Willy grumbled at me Tony went for him - couldn't reach Willy who was up on the table, but that got Willy's attention and he was lots calmer with me working on him.

And yet as long as he is not first up, Tony will snuggle and cuddle with any / all of them, blitz in the back yard - what fun to see THREE of them blitz together! (Willy doesn't do the blitz due to his arthritis). You'd think all is fine if you saw them at those times.


I took all 4 in to see Dad one afternoon. Dad happened to be lying on his bed, so the fluffs lined up 2 on each side, and Dad was thrilled just petting them. He kept saying, "Thank you," and "You can leave now, just let them stay here with me." (Shows where "I" am on the priority list ha haaa!)

[Alysser]

Dominance issues are what I fear most about getting multiple dogs, but you seem to be handling yours really well. Do you think you may just foster him instead or are you sure about keeping him? I think his issues are pretty workable.

LOL I love the story of your visit with your Dad. That is too funny. :D

[Randi]

I missed this earlier (have been cat-sitting etc. for a month). How wonderful that Tony ended up with you, Sandie. :) In spite of his alpfa behaviour, it sounds like he gets along pretty well with all of them - and he has lots of playmates. :D Well done!

Enjoyed the pictures, too.

[Freedom]

Dominance issues are what I fear most about getting multiple dogs, but you seem to be handling yours really well. Do you think you may just foster him instead or are you sure about keeping him? I think his issues are pretty workable.

LOL I love the story of your visit with your Dad. That is too funny. :D

I am going to try to work with him and get things sorted out and calm. Hoping that as the hormones leave his system (takes 6 to 8 weeks according to my vet) that will help calm him. I 'think' it is more jealousy but I'm not sure on that. In which case, making him understand that I control resource (NILIF) and not the other dogs, that will help.

[Casper]

Glad to hear he is doing well! I was just thinking about when we would get an update on the handsome little man. :) Hopefully his hormones level out soon... I know it was about a month after Towser was neutered before he calmed down again.