Eeeeek

[aly]

Panic mode on http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/eek.gif I'm going to volunteer at a dog and cat sanctuary on Sunday. The problem is I'm leaving at 6am and will not be back until around 6pm. I don't want to leave Reece alone for this long! My sister is out of town and so are my friends who I trust. I DON'T trust any of my neighbors that I know. I was going to take him to doggy day care but the one I go to closes at 2pm on Sundays so he'd have to stay overnight. If I look up pet sitters in the phone book or internet, will they be trustworthy? Has anyone ever done this? Eeeeeek!!!

[*BaSim*]

do you think your mom could be capible of watching him???

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http://PetoftheDay.com/online/SimBa2.jpg

*.KayAnn.*&Simba*RuFf*

[aly]

Yes but she lives 3 hours away http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/eek.gif

[tatsxxx11]

Aly. While I know the temptation is great to go the petsitter route...Reece gets to stay in his own home, familiar surroundings, etc., I have learned of too many tragic experiences lately with petsitters. Dog's getting out of the house or yard accidentally, getting into things in the house that cause illness or injury, even one case where the petsitter (this petsistter was a FRIEND of the dog's guardian who the dog knew and liked) brought a male friend along with her AND his dog. The dog being petsitted became so protective, she bit the man and was eventually "put down" after a long court battle! I know you may feel that Reece will be scared and lonely at the Day Care center. But as someone who works at a boarding kennel, let me assure you that if the facility is a reputable one, Reece will be safer, and probably happier, there under close supervision and in the company of other dogs. And it's only one night. I know how torn you must feel. Of course, if the person is someone you really know and trust, and someone who knows Reece and who Reece likes, that MIGHT be different. If I read you correctly, this person would only come once or twice a day to feed, walk etc? Not living at your house? Often times, the dog being petsitted is LONLIER at home without the guradian present...."Where's Mom?" Becoming frantic, etc. I know it's a hard decision. But, to err on the side of safety, I would board at the Day Care center. Let me know what you decide!

[Pam]

Oh Aly I wish you lived closer!! I would take Reece in a heartbeat!! (But I probably wouldn't give him back. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif )

[Tanya1414]

Hans spends every day at doggie daycare and when we go away he spends the night. He loves it!!! They are so good to him there. Just make sure he's sleeping indoors, the place is clean, etc. You never know, absence makes the heart grow fonder!!! Hans is so happy to see us, we have a great time together when I pick him up! Oh yeah, bring a pillow or a blanket for him to sleep on.

[karen israel]

I wish I lived closer too!!! But watch out for that Pam, esp with poodles and pugs..the 2 pees!! LOL! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

[aly]

It would be soooo great to have anyone here as a pet sitter. With Pam, I'll just bring a crow bar to pry Reece out of her arms. Or I'll come ready to wrestle her for possession of the poodles http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/wink.gif

I decided against finding a petsitter. I'm going to call some boarding places today and see if I can pick him up on a sunday evening at any of them. Actually, he may be able to keep the staff company behind the desk at the humane society. I might check into that.

[aly]

I think I just did something baaaaad. Reece and I were shopping in PetSmart and we went to go look at the dogs getting groomed. I went in and asked them how much it was to compare the price with the place I usually go to. Well this lady offered to groom Reece right then even though they were booked for the next 2 weeks. I decided to go ahead and do it. I told them I wanted the puppy cut and none of them even knew what the puppy cut was. Am I wrong or should professional groomers know this?

While I was talking to them, some kid ran his dog into the small area I was standing in with Reece and their dog attacked Reece. Arrrrggghhhhhh!!!!! Reece peed on the floor he got so scared.

The women there seemed nice but made me a little mad because they kept trying to convince me to put him in a real poodle cut. I really like the puppy cut and think it looks good on Reece and I don't want him to be a 'frou frou'. The woman finally said "ooookkkaaaayyy" like she thought I was a lunatic.

Anyway, there was a cute gray toy poodle named Electra who absolutely could not get enough of Reece. She was staring at him and kept trying to get near him. She was whining until the woman by her picked Reece up, then she was quiet and just stared at Reece. It was cute.

[Pam]

I know Bella would be acting the same way about Reece! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif What kind of job did they do? Were they any cheaper? I love the puppy cut too. I have never in all my years of having poodles had any other cut on any of them. It is low maintenance and they look like normal dogs. The other cuts are great in the show ring but I can't imagine trying to maintain that...plus they get called sissys! I can't have that! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

[aly]

I haven't gone back to pick him up yet. He'll be ready in another hour. I'm getting nervous to see what they did to him. Hope they didn't throw my opinion out the window and shave his face like they REALLY wanted to do.

I wish Reece could meet Bella. He really loves playing with dogs and wouldn't that make a funny picture? I'm sure those two would be up to all sorts of trouble together.

[KYS]

I don't blame him for peeing.
He is getting even at the store for
letting that mean dog in, and for
them to suggest a poodle cut vs.
his puppy cut. I personally love the
puppy cut. We used to have a poodle mix
who got a puppy cut.
Let us know how pretty he turned out.
P.S. Make sure you check out the boarding place for cleanliness and their set up etc. THey should let you walk around
with-out an appointment.

[tatsxxx11]

The boarding kennel I work at has 2 groomers. A "puppy cut" is one of the basics. Every groomer should know what that is! I think all poodles look great with that cut and most of the poodle parents request it! Poor Reece! I would have peeed on the floor too! And do make sure you get a full viewing of the kennel facilities. Bring your own food, bedding, a toy or two, etc. Make sure if they don't let you bring your own, that they provide a good blanket/bedding. How big are the runs? Check out any broken fencing, wires, splintered wood etc. within the individual kennel and runs. Exercise/playtime?? Heating??? AC/ventilation??? I know, you probably don't have to worry about the cold or heat just now, but good to know for the future. And make sure all your vac's are up to date. If you've never boarded before, you might not have bortadella (kennel cough) Sorry to be a pain. I know you know all of this stuff!!!! So....how'd he turn out!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by tatsxxx11 (edited May 18, 2001).]

[aly]

He's looking pretty cute. I was expecting a fluff ball this time so I didn't freak out like last time http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif They trimmed his ears and head a lot and then puffed it up. He looks like a different dog. Everyone there was telling me they couldn't believe how good he was. I was a proud mom http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

Right now, I have a tiiiny kitten on my lap who I'm going to foster for a week. He's soooo sweet but he hates Reece. I might work on getting him used to dogs though before he goes to his new home in California.

[aly]

Oh great, this is going to be a fun week. Shiloh doesn't like the kitten, the kitten doesn't like Reece, and poor Reece just wishes everyone could get along!

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Aly, I bet Reece looks so cute in his new cut, I don't know much about Poodles ( although a black schnauzer way back has poodle and affenpincher in them) but I like the puppy cut much better than the frou frou.
He is such a sweetheart, he and Bella would be so funny together. Sounds like you have your hands full with Shiloh, Reece and the kitten, good luck. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

[RachelJ]

Aly, I can't say I would go to PetsMart for grooming again. I took Tucker once for just a bath. Every store is different and it comes down to the competance of the individual groomer who is doing the work, but my experience just had a lot of red flags to it. I'm glad Reece came out okay, but I prefer to stick to a place where the same people will be doing the dog. You are right, everybody should know what a puppy cut for a poodle is. My current groomer is so wonderful. She owns the business and does all the work herself and because of that only has a couple dogs there at the same time. My dogs get to know her and she knows them. Even Hannah gets credited with good behavior. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

[aly]

Okay, I take it back... I hate this haircut. I thought the poof would be easy to undo like last time but I wet him down this morning and its not working. They made him look really weird. I love him no matter how he looks but I can't wait until he grows out this haircut.

We are all itching like crazy. This kitten was nice enough to bring us fleas!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/eek.gif

[This message has been edited by aly (edited May 19, 2001).]

[aly]

Reece will be staying at the Humane Society on Sunday http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif He won't be back in the kennel area at all, he's going to stay behind the desk and there will be people with him constantly. That way he won't have to spend the night anywhere. He has his new haircut and a new bandana and can be the mascot for the day. He's a ham and will love the attention that I'm sure he'll get a lot of.

[aly]

Here's a pic of Reece with his new hairdo which makes him look like a sissy http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

http://wsphotofews.excite.com/023/6z/Hg/zz/Uk33471.jpg

Here's my foster kitten

http://wsphotofews.excite.com/010/ZK/fV/VO/Ua64287.jpg

[KYS]

Reese looks so pretty,
and the kitten is just
so precious.

[Pam]

Aly, Reece doesn't look like a sissy. We have always cut our poodles real close like that when summer arrives. He could never look anything but adorable! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif The kitty looks like my Trevor did when he was a baby! AAAAWWWWWW!!!!

[tanya14]

Aly, I have to tell you I was never a big fan of poodles. But since I've been on this board hearing about Reece and seeing his pictures, I want a poodle so bad!

[aly]

Tanya: I'm so happy to hear that. I probably would never have even thought about getting a poodle but Reece just stole my heart. They are really very smart and VERY eager to please. He is so gentle and gets along with any other animal. The only problem I've ever had with him is seperation anxiety but that is getting better and better. He has been accepted into a Pet Therapy group and will start doing that in July. He is the PERFECT dog for that because he loves to greet people and he makes everyone smile. When you pick him up, he leans his whole body against your chest and puts his head on your shoulder. He has such a way of brightening a day.

[This message has been edited by aly (edited May 20, 2001).]

[aly]

Well, I didn't see this coming. I had found the perfect home for this kitten (who I'm calling Julius) and couldn't wait for him to start his new life. This morning I got the phone call that the husband of the family changed his mind and isn't allowing a cat. Now I got this little guy on my hands who I'm becoming more and more attached to every day. If by chance anyone here wants a kitten, let me know. I would like nothing more than for one of you to have him. I would keep him in a heartbeat but Shiloh will not have it. He's really playful and also very sweet. He can tell when I'm upset and he'll jump in my arms and lick my face. I need to find the perfect home.

http://www.swt.edu/~aw1024/kitty.jpg

[This message has been edited by aly (edited May 22, 2001).]

[Sudilar]

Ohhh, he is just soooo cute! I know that Killian and Shiloh would NOT like to have a kitty, though. Hope you find someone to adopt him, he's a doll!!!!!!

[AdoreMyDogs]

Good Lord is that kitten CUTE!!!! My goodness, on a cuteness scale of 1-10 he's a zillion! I would love to see him grow up but I am so afraid I would be allergic. My husband has a mild alergy too, but he's had cats in the past so I know he could handle it. I just DON'T want to go through what I went through with my beloved goffins cockatoo with any other pet. I know I have no alergy to dogs thank goodness but I would not want to get attached to a kitty and find out a year later that my alergies are so bad that I have to re-home it. Julius is a great name, and Jewls is a cute nickname. I like your taste in pet names. Good luck.

[This message has been edited by AdoreMyDogs (edited May 22, 2001).]

[tatsxxx11]

Oh Aly. Julius is cute beyond description. That pic. just says "please take me!" I just adopted a kitten, so that makes 2 kittys, and a guinea pig along with the 2 dogs, and well, it would be hard right now. I was so afraid of introducing a new kitten at all because Mr. B is a senior with asthma and a heart condition. Afraid of over stressing him. If not for that, I would take him in a heartbeat. I hope Julius finds the best home. With you on his side, I know that will happen. Also, my friend just got the most precious 7 mo. old puppy black mini poodle named Lucky. She got him for her elderly mother who just lost her poodle of 14 yrs. Ronnie. (PERFECT health!) He was hit by a car when let out for his last "potty" one night recently. I was so afraid of entrusting her with another pup. Although she is clear in her head, she just does it "her way." Well, disaster struck 2 days after coming home. The woman, who also lives with her mentally disabled daughter, left Lucky outside unattended. Who knows how long after that, my friends husband, driving over for a visit, saw the puppy tagging along after some children, having crossed a very busy intersection. Thank God the pup was not injured. He is so loving, and just wants to be with ANYONE! Thankfully, my friend is now the proud guardian of Lucky. I have lots of pics. of him I want to share. He looks so BIG for a mini poodle!! Almost Cocker size! I have never had poodles, don't know very much about them, and you know, there isn't a breed I don't love. But this pup is the sweetest little dog on earth. No barking. No fear or aggression. But not submissive either. Sits quietly in the car like a little gentleman. Snuggles up in bed. Just wants to be held and kissed, and play and Oh! I could go on. Anyway, pics of Lucky (and boy was he) coming! Lucky would be the perfect therapy pet. Something I would love to do, being a nurse and all. Cody and Star are either too fearful (Cody) or NuTZy (Star) http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif Do they let anyone other than the guardian bring/handle the "therapist?" I guess I'll have to look into the institutions around here. Several nursing homes here allow clients to have their pups (many of whom are boarded long term at the kennel I work at) brought in for visitis, so I think they might be amenable. Hope so!

[This message has been edited by tatsxxx11 (edited May 22, 2001).]

[Pam]

Tats... you know I would love to see pictures of Lucky!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

[aly]

I remember you talking about that lady and Ronnie before. That story breaks my heart. I'm glad Lucky is with your friend now. I'm sorry the lady has to be without a poodle but it is better than putting another dog's life at risk. Lucky sounds like just the laid back poodle that Reece is. I can't wait for the pictures.

They'll probably allow you to do therapy work with Lucky, provided all the other rules are met. Every organization is different though so I'm not sure. I sorta had to tell a little white lie for Reece to be accepted. The one here requires that you own your dog for at least a year before starting therapy work. Well, I understand this rule and I wouldn't break it if it were any other dog but I am positive Reece is perfect for it. The vets and groomers always comment how well behaved and wonderful he is, even with a thermometer stuck up his butt! They are surprised since most small dogs have a lot of attitude.

My neighbor is somewhat of a country bumpkin and he always compliments Reece. Then he'll say "Man, poodles are usually MEEEAN, especially females!". I am constantly trying to correct him but he really won't hear it. Maybe we should sic Bella on him and he'll see how mean those big sloppy poodle kisses can be? http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

[aly]

Okay.. Julius pulled a Harley. I was in my room working on some banners with Shiloh and Reece and Julius was running around in the living room. I went to check on him and I couldn't find him. Then all of a sudden a black kitten runs up to me! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/eek.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/eek.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/eek.gif He had gotten into the fireplace!!! I'm still working on getting all the soot off.

http://wsphotofews.excite.com/012/3X/Dj/lK/ob43483.jpg

[This message has been edited by aly (edited May 24, 2001).]

[Logan]

Alyson,
Life in your house sounds like life in mine! Never a dull moment!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif
Hope you got Julius back to normal without having soot everywhere!!!
Logan

[aly]

I'm not a violent person, but I could strangle someone right now. I was at the shelter today for a long time and was having a lot of fun with the dogs. While I was near the front desk (mopping up a ton of pee from a submisive little pup), a man walks in holding a puppy by the neck. He plops the dog down on the counter and claims he's "donating" this dog. One of the staff told him that he must meet with the canine behaviorist before we are able to take the dog in and she wasn't in the office today. The man said forget it, he'd dispose of the puppy his own way. I jumped up, slipping and sliding where I mopped and ran out the door to catch him. I told him I'd take the puppy. When he realized how bad I wanted her, he told me I had to pay him or he'd shoot the dog! I gave him every cent I had in my pockets and now I have yet another unexpected little foster baby. She's quarantined to the bathroom until I can get her to the vet tomorrow.

I call her Faith because she must have a lot of it to still trust humans after being with that AWFUL DISGUSTING man in who knows how bad of a living situation. She's a shepherd/rottweiler mix I'm guessing. Its getting a bit stressful trying to find homes but I am happy I advised 3 people into adopting dogs from the shelter today. The good thing is, I might know the perfect person to adopt little Faith. Lets hope it works out.

Just needed somewhere to vent how much I hate people who treat animals like garbage.

[Pam]

Aly, please try to post some pictures. We'd all like to meet Faith. I can't even bear to think what life must have been like for her living with such an inhuman human! Fortunately as of today her world is turning around thanks to you! Let us know how Reece and Shiloh and the new kitty feel about your latest addition!

[aly]

Pam, I'm going to hopefully get some pics this weekend. My new digital cam should be here tomorrow or Saturday.

Julius now gets along with Reece and they have a great time running around playing. They even both conked out on my lap for a nap at the same time. Shiloh on the other hand, is getting verrrrrrrry cranky. Whenever she catches a whiff of Julius (I have them constantly seperated.. getting memories of when I had to keep everyone seperated because of Harley http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif ), she'll growl, hiss and snarl. I have never seen her like this and never would have expected it. If Faith checks out at the vet okay, I'll introduce Shiloh to her. Shiloh prefers canine company. I dont think she'd ever let me get another cat. Faith is a dream dog and I'd keep her in a heartbeat if I had a yard. I'd feel awful if I had to keep her couped up all the time. I know this nice woman who lives on a lot of land (fenced in!) and she is looking for a second dog. Their shepherd is sort of dominant but not agressive. Faith is very easy going and submissive from what I've seen so it might work http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by aly (edited May 24, 2001).]

[Sudilar]

Sounds like a match!! I hope so. Good luck!!

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http://swt.edu/~aw1024/adopt12.gif

[Stenograsaurus]

Oh, Aly, I hope everything works out for Faith. A Shepherd and Rotty mix would make a great dog. The mean man probably got the dog because she had the "dangerous breeds" in her and thought she would be mean. I'm looking forward to seeing pics of her. Now she has a chance at a wonderful life thanks to you.

[Logan]

Aly,
Shiloh reminds me of Mimi. I swore that I would never try another cat after she went nuts over a little rescue kitten about six years ago. His name was Dwayne and he was a ball of fire. But we found him a good home...thinking we would never have another cat while there was Mimi. Wrong!!! Butter came....we kept him and she still hates him, but tolerates him. You just don't find them in the same room very often! Maybe Shiloh just needs some time. As long as he doesn't physically hurt Julius, it might work out.

You are just too good...I'm so happy you were able to save Faith from that horrible man.

God just put another jewel in your crown, Aly.

Logan

[aly]

This morning was fun.. Three out of the four little devils made messes last night. Julius made a field day playing in the litter boxes and the contents were spread around the boxes. Shiloh had a little problem when she went to the bathroom and it stuck to her fur. I wasn't awake to help her so she finally got it off in the kitchen I see. (I'm assuming that's what happened since she has never gone to the bathroom anywhere except her litter box). An Faith decided everything within reach needed to be spread all over the bathroom floor. I've been running around cleaning and trying to still keep them all seperated. I think I need a lot more than only 2 hands.

[aly]

On my way to the vet with Faith, I stopped by the woman's house to show her and see if she might want to adopt. Well, after about 5 minutes, it was decided her dog Trigger was going to have a little sister. She wouldn't even let me take her to the vet because she didn't want to be apart from her! I gave her directions to my vet and she took the appointment there. It feels very good to know that Faith will have a happy, spoiled life. Now we gotta find a home for this little crazy kitty Julius.

[Stenograsaurus]

Hooray for Faith. I am so happy for her. Now let's all pray for the kitty. At least the kitty is safe with you until a suitable home is found. Boy, Aly, you are amazing. All the animals in Rainbow Bridge are going to have a special place just for you.