Playgroups! | Chandra

PBSOC does so many terrific things for the dogs at Bradshaw, but I believe that running playgroups is one of the very most important. The dogs get out of their kennels, get to run and romp, and, most importantly, get to socialize with other dogs. They learn from each other and have a great time too. It's so heartwarming to walk the kennels after the dogs finish up with their playtime and see so many of them curled up and relaxed on their beds, happy, both mentally and physically.

Delyse and the volunteers have done a great job taking videos of playgroups and lots of our dogs now have snippets of them playing on their webpages, which has to make a huge difference to potential adopters. Seeing the dogs so incredibly joyous is amazing.

Now, we have another way to show off playgroups...Ashley King's gorgeous photos. Ashley just started volunteering with PBSOC and she's walking dogs and taking outdoor photos. It's such a welcome addition to the dogs' pages and a great complement to Shannon's studio shots.

Here's a little peek at some of the photos Ashley shot this week at playgroups. Enjoy!

Champagne

Cheeky (Adopted!) & Kristina

Doodle

Jeeves & Champagne

Lacey & Bronco (Adopted!)

Xina & Lexi

Tangerine & Edger

For more on Ashley, please do visit her photography website, 2 Girls 20 Cameras.

Welcome to the team, Ashley! We're all so glad to have you on board.

xx

Chandra

How To Handle the Goodbyes? | Chandra

(This post addresses euthanasia...please do skip it if you need to. Believe me, I understand.)

A few weeks ago I started receiving the morning emails that list all of the animals that came into the shelter the day before, along with the outcomes from the day. Every day there are feral cats and stray dogs and typically a raccoon or a possum. There have been horses and goats and yesterday there was even a whole bunch of rats listed. Overwhelmingly the dogs are pit bull or chihuahua mixes picked up on the street as strays. There are also some who get brought into the shelter and surrendered by people who find them, along with a few owner surrenders and confiscates.

The outcomes start out at the top of the email with adoptions and fosters and end with the animals who were euthanized that day, and why. It's either medical or behavioral. Mostly behavioral.

Bradshaw recently changed their method of evaluating dogs and the euth numbers have gone way up. Most people, including volunteers, don't see it because the dogs never make it to the adoption floor. Delyse sees it and does everything in her power to fight for the dogs and manages to make some heroic saves, like Stanley last week. He was going to be euthanized for being too shy, Delyse swooped in, volunteers gave him a couple of days of lots of attention and treats, and Bam, he was adopted the first day that he was available. Those are the saves that have us all cheering.

Cherise & Stanley

I know there are dogs that legitimately need to be euthanized for the safety of our community, or because they are too sick for us to be able to help them. I also know that everyone is doing the best they can, given their own outlooks they bring to the situation, and the sheer number of animals the shelter handles. I may not agree with the way things are being done, but I know there are no easy answers either.

Whatever the reasons, or the politics, or the rights and the wrongs of it all, my heart hurts.

I've been saving the photos of each of the dogs who are euthanized, while not quite sure what I'm saving them for. Somehow I just want to honor them, to know that they aren't just disposable and forgotten. It's the same reason Laura doesn't erase dogs' webpages on PBSOC's site when the dogs are put to sleep; she puts RIP after their names and makes the page private instead because she just cannot hit the delete key.

I truly believe that it is important to honor these dogs, but after grappling with it for several weeks, and feeling myself tearing up over and over thinking about them, I've made the decision that it is more important for me to spend my energy doing good. Compassion fatigue is a real thing, and although I'm a relative newbie at volunteering, I do not want to burn out and not be able to be of use. I want to continue to be able to go to Bradshaw with a smile on my face and do what I can do and somehow have that be enough.

It never will be, of course. But if each of us just does something for the causes that speak to our hearts, it could add up to so very, very much. A few hours a week is all it takes. It doesn't have to be dogs, but something.

Volunteering has added so much to my life. It's given me a purpose and filled up my heart in a way I didn't expect when I emailed PBSOC asking if there might be a place for us. I so much enjoy the blocky headed, grinning dogs and all the people in PBSOC and even the hours I spend on my computer editing and helping out. It's all for good. And I need to find a way to keep going in the face of the sadness.

So, to all of the beautiful, beautiful dogs who haven't made it out, and who won't in the future, I honor you, but I'm not going to save your photos anymore. I wish your souls to fly free and I hope that you somehow felt our love. But, ultimately, for the good of all of the others who desperately need us to show up each day with an open heart, I have to let you go, and trust that it will get better.

This collage shows some of the pit bull type dogs who haven't made it out of Bradshaw this year, and I'm going to let it stand in for the others who will follow. Somehow, it will have to be enough.

Godspeed, sweet souls.

xx

Chandra

Videos Galore | Chandra

I'm a little worn out from editing but awfully happy to have video on all of our new PBSOC dogs. Here's a little peek at the new faces on the roster...all are up for adoption at the Bradshaw Shelter, along with so many others. But hey, one at a time! My plan is to do video each week on the new dogs and eventually everyone will have something. With Shannon's photos, our great bios, playgroup videos and volunteer selfies and videos, the dogs will have well rounded webpages that will help adopters get to know them so much better. I figure it's great for the volunteers too; the better we know the dogs, the better we can help place them with the perfect family.

Hercules



Tigger



Shilo



Dave



Astro



Clover



Edger



I also got some cute footage on a few of our longer term dogs who really need a boost.

Marla



Lexi



Luna




So excited that Stanley went home on the very first day he was available (thank you Delyse!) and Jenny was adopted this week too. Two very big wins for PBSOC.

And, for a funny story, the photo room looked like a complete crime scene this week after Marla sprayed it with little blood spots from her happy tail. Blood spatter EVERYWHERE, including all of Shannon's face. It was seriously a scene from Dexter...we just needed the plastic sheeting. I laughed so hard I snorted, several times. Marla didn't seem to mind any of it, she just kept wagging that tail!

Also, if anyone has suggestions for good upbeat songs for the videos, please leave them in comments. I could use some fresh ideas!

xx

Chandra

Makeovers! | Chandra

We all love makeovers. Add dogs to the equation, and who could resist?

Every week, I am lucky enough to see Shannon absolutely transform the PBSOC dogs when she takes their photos. Since I've started putting up the PBSOC webpages as soon as dogs show up on Bradshaw's site, I am seeing the intake photos and then, thankfully, replacing them on Sunday with Shannon's pics. The before and afters are jaw dropping.

Wanna see a few from Sunday?

Daisy - Adopted!

Kona

Sam - Adopted!

Samantha - Adopted!

Sir Wrinkls - To Rescue, with his buddy Clay!

Xina

Joy

Thea - Adopted!

It's pretty amazing. I'm not sure why the intake photos are so horrible, but I look at those pictures and just see pitiful. Not the happy, wonderful dogs we all know.

So, today, thank you Shannon. And thank you to the volunteers who take photos and videos while walking dogs; those make a huge difference too.

Speaking of videos, here's the link to the ones I made this week, if you'd like to check them out (links are to the PBSOC pages unless they've been adopted, then you'll go to YouTube.)

Daisy, Kona, Sam, Smurfette, Sir Wrinkls, Xina, Joy, Thea, and Jane.

Plus, 24 dogs adopted and rescued this week, including long timer and volunteer fave Smurfette.

Great work, PBSOCers!

xx

Chandra

Videos, Videos, Videos! | Chandra

This Sunday I tried something new. Instead of taking one dog out of the shelter, I roamed around and did videos of lots of different dogs, hoping to make a compilation of adoptable dogs. After trying to film in playgroups (way too muddy and I'm not good enough with the camera to catch the zoomies), I found the PBSOC dog walkers and got some footage that way. And, of course, I ended up back in the photo room with Shannon, where I always love to hang out.

Two of the dogs I filmed were lucky enough to get picked up by their owners the same day, which left me with seven to edit. Too many hours later, given that I'm still pretty slow with iMovie, here's what I ended up with. (I still need to edit the compilation!) I'm hopeful that these "mini" videos will help the dogs and might even be better in our short-attention-span world.

Let me know what you think, and, of course, enjoy!

First up, Mr. Chill, Jeremy. He was the absolute best dog at his photoshoot, letting us dress him up and sitting very patiently for the camera. I was lucky enough to work with him again later in the day when Erin from Tug Dogs spent time with the PBSOC volunteers teaching us how to better work with the shelter dogs. He was a champ. Although he clearly hadn't spent much time on a leash, by the end of the session, Jeremy had figured out that when I changed directions, he should follow, not dig in his heels and stop. He also spent some happy time sitting on my lap getting a massage. Smart boy! And I learned, thanks to Erin, some good tricks to motivate a dog who isn't interested in treats. Win, win. (Update, Adopted!)

Next is Dorito. You can see by her one sticking-up-like-a-corn chip-ear where she gets her name! This girl looks a little stout, but she surprised me by being a wonderful jogging partner.

Monie is a love. And how cute is she in her "Adopt Me" bandana?

Buggy wins the award for cutest dog getting a belly rub ever. (Update, adopted!)

Josey will capture your heart with her sunshiney spirit. Costume changes are no problem for this roll-with-the-punches girl.

Shannon named Gracie after Grace Kelly, because she's such an elegant and graceful girl.

And lastly, with a super quick appearance and a mega watt smile, Marla. This girl is absolutely gorgeous with her grey brindle coat.

Lots of videos for a days' work. Fingers crossed that they help.

And, if for some reason you cannot see the videos, here are the YouTube links: Jeremy, Dorito, Monie, Buggy, Josey, Gracie, Marla.

xx

Chandra

Lately, and Justin | Chandra

It's been pretty tough at Bradshaw lately. So very many dogs, management/policy issues that are causing more pit bull type dogs to be euthanized, and saying some very difficult goodbyes to dogs that don't deserve to go. Everyone is feeling pretty battered and there's lots of talk of what we all would do if only we'd won that big Powerball jackpot.

Since none of us did win, we just have to keep on keeping on, doing the best we can each day. We have to remember that what we do helps the dogs, even the ones who don't make it out. At the very least they are loved before they go.

On the upside, there have been nice full groups of new volunteers being trained and new energy and enthusiasm and, frankly, bodies, are all very good things. There was a terrific long-lead training with Ann King that will help all the dogs learn to chill and bring their adrenaline levels down. There was a training with Tug Dogs to teach everyone to work with some of the more challenging dogs at the shelter. Apollo, Banjo, Bandit, Beatrix, Boo, Dopey, Jazmyne, Jo, Jose, Lulu, Mickey, Piper and Tango got adopted this week. And then, of course, there are the dogs themselves. The spunky, joyful, live-in-the moment creatures who lure us to Bradshaw even when we'd all just as soon drink a beer, or three, and never return.

Dogs like Justin. We took this boy to the river today, and, once again, he's a dog we'd take home ourselves if we could. He looks like Aussie's brother, he's a real charmer, and did I mention the kisses? Oh, yes, he's a lover, this one.

(If you cannot see the video below, view it HERE.)

Justin walks beautifully on leash, knows sit, is eager to please his humans and is uber affectionate. He loved the car ride and adores playing with polite female dogs. He has a super soft mouth when he takes treats, is attentive and responsive, and would be a true pleasure to teach things to. If you want a boy who just wants to be your very best friend, Justin is the one. Dogs like Justin are the reason we all volunteer. 

The only thing I know to do when things get especially difficult is to go back to the source. Back to these blocky, squishy, huge grinned faces, to the souls who live to love. Back to the dogs. Back to our hearts.

Update: Justin has been adopted!

xx

Chandra 

The Ones Who Don't Make it Out... | Chandra

It's been a tough week at PBSOC. Normally I focus on the positive and only put the good stuff out there, but this week has really hit me hard. The shelter is overflowing with dogs and more keep coming in every day. Everyone is doing all they possibly can to get dogs out...Jamie sent press releases to all the media outlets and got interviews with Insight and news stations. Laura and I made new Facebook covers and flyers and posts. Delyse is frantically fighting the toughest fight behind the scenes. The shelter is running a $25 adoption special and PBSOC is doing a Home for the Holidays promo sponsored by a generous donor so fifty dogs can be adopted for free. Social media is busy with all the sharing and posting and our rescue partner in Canada has stepped up and is going to take six dogs from us. We need to raise money to make it happen, but being able to send SIX dogs is huge.

Unfortunately, despite all the heroic efforts, some dogs still do not make it out. And lately, there have been a lot of them.

Since I started volunteering with PBSOC, I haven't really been that aware of which dogs end up getting euthanized, although I know it happens, and there are certainly a few I've known about. Right now though, I'm a little more in the loop and am hearing more of the stories. And, yes, it's tough. The shelter is looking for any reason to be able to make space and the pit bull type dogs are going first.

Partly it's numbers; there are an awful lot of our blocky headed dogs at Bradshaw. Partly it's because other dogs get adopted faster. The two German Shepherds that came in recently both got adopted almost immediately and one of them, Sigmund, had tons of people commenting and sharing when his photo was posted on Facebook. That doesn't normally happen for the other dogs. Partly, too, it's because the pit bull type dogs are judged more harshly. A shepherd was adopted and then returned for being aggressive with another dog in the new home; he went back on the adoption floor and was adopted again the same day. Mitzi, a pit bull mix, had a very similar return situation and she was walked straight back to euthanasia. It's heartbreaking.

Whatever the reasons, I want these dogs to be remembered. People at Bradshaw cared about them, loved them, showered them with attention. The dogs played in playgroups, and took walks, and got chicken treats and kissed the PBSOC volunteers. Some are dogs that we did videos on. Each one was special to someone.

We cannot save them all. I know that. I know that the problem lies in the community, in not enough dogs being spayed and neutered, in breed discrimination in housing options, in economic hardship, in some people not understanding what it really takes to be a good dog owner. I believe that almost everyone at the shelter is pouring out their soul every day trying to take good care of these dogs and get them adopted. It is just never enough for all of them.

So, today, a little tribute to some of the ones who haven't made it out, a small sample of the many dogs who are euthanized every year. Each of them was an individual. Each of them deserved better.

They were all beautiful.

Tomorrow we'll be back at the shelter making another video. Shannon will be taking pictures. Delyse will be running playgroups with the help of lots of great people. Volunteers will be walking dogs and once 12:30 arrives, adopters will come and take new blockheaded family members home for Christmas. We'll remember the ones who didn't make it out, but mostly, we'll focus on the ones who still can. And we'll smile and laugh and get hugs and slobbery dog kisses. Because every single day we get to begin again.

If you'd like to help, please consider donating to the PBSOC fund to send six dogs to Canada. It's tax deductible and every little bit helps. For each of the six dogs who get to go, it means absolutely everything.

xx

Chandra

Holiday Pet Portraits with Shannon | Chandra

What an amazing day we had yesterday.

Over eighty families came out to Bradshaw, pets in tow, in order to have portraits taken by PBSOC photographer Shannon Skalisky. I knew the day would be a big success, but even knowing how great Shannon is, it still managed to completely exceed my expectations.

The event was scheduled from noon to 4:00 and by 2:30 we had to start turning people away because of the incredible turnout. Some wonderfully patient people and animals waited nearly two hours for their turn, including one pretty miraculous cat who sat on a bench with his leash, surrounded by dogs.

It was a true group effort with so many volunteers taking part to make the day a big success. To get a little idea of what it was like, here's Chloe's Behind The Scenes video of the day. And I've gotta say, I'm pretty proud of her for this one.

(If you cannot see the video below, view HERE.)

One of my favorite moments of the day was seeing Birdie, now Dory, the very first dog we walked with PB SOC. Lysa used her as our demo dog on our first time out, and I cannot believe I recognized her. I actually said, "that dog looks like Birdie," and her owners said, "It is Birdie!" The best part is that Dory's family is just adorable and she has a dog sibling that looks just like her. Doesn't this group just make you smile? (Dory's on the right.)



We brought Aussie and Teddy early to get their pictures done, and honestly, Aussie was the craziest dog of the day. She was so excited to see everyone and jumped around and vocalized like a banshee. Teddy took one look at Sabrina in her floral headdress and started barking at her like she was going to attack him. I was a little dubious that we were going to be able to get anything at all.

But then I remembered, Shannon. And sure enough, she pulled it off. The photos are just beautiful and I cannot believe the huge grin on Aussie's face. And yes, Teddy chilled out as soon as Sabrina took her headdress off!

Here are just a few of my favorite photos from the day. To view the whole gorgeous album, visit HERE. Shannon truly outdid herself.

Because, this face!

This beauty fell in love with the candy cane.

Just looks like a wise soul.

Happiness.

Walks beautifully on leash!

This guy's name is Papas.

And for a little more good news, Raisin just went to a new foster home where she'll get lots of attention, and Dottie got adopted today! Happy Holidays!

xx

Chandra

Raisin's Sleepover | Chandra

I've been watching little Raisin on Lysa Blackketter's FB feed ever since she scooped the abandoned demodex puppy up and took her home. Raisin is aptly named...she is wrinkly and kind of blackish brown, where she isn't pink. Her demodex is getting better but she's still a patchy haired fuzzy girl with a few scabs.

Don't tell Raisin that though. She thinks she is just fine, and beautiful. (Which she is.)

Yesterday, we got to bring Raisin home for a sleepover and while I'm writing, she's sleeping beside me on the sofa, in her little polka dot sweater, with her tongue sticking out. Dreaming.

It's been a bit of a whirlwind with her here. Aussie has been great, willing to play and teach Raisin a little bit about being a polite dog. Teddy, however, will have none of it. He stands a few feet away from Raisin and barks at her and absolutely does not want her anywhere near him or Aussie. He's not too thrilled when I play with her either, but he just resorts to the stink eye for that. Mostly he's sulking on the stairs, staring at her with disgust. He has deigned to let her sniff him a few times but that's as far as he's taken it.

Having her here has made me realize just what a perfect match Aussie and Teddy are, and how lucky we got with bringing her home. She played Teddy perfectly...when they met she pretty much ignored him and made him come to her. Then when he sought her out, she quickly set up boundaries with him so that he knew exactly how she expected to be treated. She was sweet about it mostly, but very, very clear. Now he completely trusts her...they wrestle several times a day, with much gnashing of teeth and grabbing of necks, and they know exactly when to pull back and give it a break. They sleep next to each other in front of the fireplace, and she gets to choose which bed she wants first. He gives her little kisses on her ears and her nose. They walk side by side on leash and he doesn't get jealous when we give her attention. It's worked out really, really, well.

Raisin hasn't done anything wrong to deserve Teddy's disdain, she's just a puppy, and that's enough.

But what a delightful puppy she is. Lysa has taught her to sit for everything and the sight of tiny Raisin jumping around like a pink-clad bunny and then quickly sitting is enough to make you melt. The sit and then the sweet gaze into your eyes; she's so proud of herself for that quick sit. She loves her belly rubbed, follows you everywhere, and adores snuggling. She also sleeps all night long in her crate without so much as a whimper. She's going to make someone very, very happy.

Right now, Lysa's got her, but everyone is hoping for someone else to be able to step in and foster little Raisin, or foster-to-adopt (which means all of her medical expenses will be paid by PBSOC) or just adopt her right now. Lysa works full time and that's not the best situation for such a little one. In the meantime, I have a feeling she's going to have several sleepovers with the PBSOC crew in her future. She's just that adorable.

(If you cannot see the video below, please view it HERE.)


Let's get this girl home for Christmas. She'll look pretty cute in an ugly Christmas sweater! And when that hair grows in, watch out, she'll be an absolute beauty.

Update: Raisin found a new foster family very quickly, and they've since become her forever family.

xx

Chandra

Photos by Chloe | Chandra

Today, a little something different. Instead of taking a dog to the river, PBSOC asked us to help out with updating some of the dogs' photos for the website. There have been a ton of dogs coming in and it's awfully difficult for Shannon to keep up with them all. When they don't have one of her beautiful shots, the dogs just have their intake shot from when they first were dropped off at the shelter. You can imagine that the situation doesn't make for the most comfortable or flattering photos.

While Ron walked dogs, Chloe and I set up right outside the barn and play yards, in the drizzle. Neither of us were bright enough to bring rain jackets, so things got a little damp. She took photos and I did my best to lure the dogs' attention to her camera with chicken, a tennis ball and squeaky noises.

Despite the inclement weather, and my mediocre dog luring abilities, Chloe's shots came out beautifully. (And I did get to use my model agent editing skills to PBSOC's advantage!)

So proud of our girl today.

Most of the dogs below are available for adoption...click on their names to go to their PBSOC bios.

Mitzi

Hank

Holstein (Adopted)

Otto (Adopted)

Penelope (Adopted)

Priscilla

Sannie

Saturn

Bolt (Adopted

Eva (Not yet available)

Morgan (In need of a long term foster; click HERE for info)

Please share!

xx

Chandra

Holstein & Playgroups | Chandra (Update: Adopted!)

This boy. Oh my goodness, that muzzle, I just want to kiss it.

♥ Holstein ♥

I'm pretty sure you will too...



When we took Holstein out of his kennel, he was pretty shy and skittish...his ears back, his tail between his legs. He took a piece of chicken from me and let me put his harness on just fine, but he was clearly scared. Even when we got out in front of the shelter, he still was pretty worried.

The car seemed like a safe place to him; he settled right in, sitting against me in the backseat, my arm around him. At River Bend park, he was willing to walk with us and to explore and to take treats, but still wasn't the happy dog I was hoping to see. But sweet, oh yes, a complete love. And his shyness only made me love him more. Did I mention that velvety muzzle of his, with the adorable spots?

Back at the shelter, Delyse had us hang out for a bit in an outdoor play area and we quickly saw a different dog emerge. This Holstein was prancing. His tail was up high, his ears perky, his mouth open and smiling, He ran along the fence when people walked by and greeted other dogs with his friendly nose.

And then, best of all, Holstein got to join in playgroups. There, running, frolicking, climbing into the wading pool, greeting Delyse and wanting attention, he shone.

Playgroups are magic. They are a place where the shelter dogs can just be dogs, can play with their friends and learn confidence. A place where they can have fun. Holstein is a perfect example. He's able to feel comfortable and learn that people are safe, that it's totally okay to be happy and have a good time. It gives him a chance to open up, and best of all, a chance for people to see him for the dog he really is.

Tomorrow, I am so excited to be starting a three day training on playgroups with Aimee Sadler, of Dogs Playing for Life. She's coming to the Bradshaw shelter to share her knowledge with the staff and volunteers. Delyse already has implemented playgroups for the dogs, and it's made a world of difference. Instead of volunteers having to walk one dog a time, now multiple dogs can play together, develop social skills and get their energy out. They learn to behave in ways that make them appealing to potential adopters, and they have such a great time. There is nothing like a group of dogs running and wrestling, tongues out, with big happy grins on their faces.

That's what Holstein got to do today, and that's where I get to be tomorrow. How lucky am I?

This boy really is something special and he's going to make someone a wonderful best friend.

(Updated: Holstein has been adopted!)

xx

Chandra

The Vet, The Fence & Aussie | Chandra

Today Aussie took a little trip to the vet.

Her second one in three days.

The first one was to get her heartworm meds and to get her all checked out so we could sign up for pet insurance, which has been a big help with Teddy over the last couple of years. She was her wiggly, friendly self with everyone, lots of tail wags and kisses. Aussie is a very tolerant girl.

She's also turned out to be quite a bit more energetic than she was when we took her out of the shelter to the river or when we first had her home with us. I think she must have been emotionally exhausted from being at the shelter because she's much different these days.

In playgroups at the shelter, she was a rockstar. She got along with everyone and did a great job of interacting with the other dogs. She's terrific with Teddy at home too, and they're good at taking a break from playing before things get out of hand.

But she's suddenly decided that if she sees another dog on a leash and they are within about five feet of her that she needs to go completely nuts and try to get to them. Lunging and craziness ensue.

She also thinks that if she's off leash and sees a dog that the best thing to do is run right up to them, at full speed, without slowing down when she reaches them. And Aussie runs VERY fast.

As you can imagine, this does not go over very well with the dog she's greeting. Not at all.

In addition to greeting dogs will full force exuberance, she also has determined that she needs to greet new humans the same way. First the run at full speed, and then a big leap.

Goodness Aussie, what's up with that?

No more off leash greetings. And lots of leash work ahead of us with passing other dogs to remind her of her manners.

Can you see where this vet story is going yet?

The day after her checkup, we took her to Elk Grove Park, where there is a little dog park that is typically empty. That morning there was just one calm older lab and his human, playing ball. Aussie ran over, at full throttle. Dax the lab didn't like that so much. He growled at her and they both jumped up in the air at each other. It lasted about half a second and then they both sniffed butts and walked away. We headed her off and took her around the perimeter of the dog park where she happily checked out all the delicious smells. Until she made a run for Dax's (elderly!) owner and jumped on him.

Leash on, out of park. Lots of apologies. Major embarrassment.

That's when we noticed the gash in Aussie's side. Actually, the two gashes.

They didn't seem so bad at first but after getting home we looked closely and decided to call the vet. Aussie acted like nothing had happened; I don't even think she had noticed yet.

After sharing some phone pics of the wound, our vet thought it could wait until Monday, or might heal on it's own. But after a night of her being restless and me having to stop her from licking herself numerous times while we were supposed to be sleeping, and then her being very lethargic this morning and it looking worse, we ended up at the vet at 8:00 am.

Anesthesia and stitches. $425.

I'm hoping that the no-waiting-period-if-you-sign-up-for-pet-insurance-within-24-hours is a real thing. Fingers crossed.

Aussie now has a big shaved square on her side with some ugly looking stitches. And did I mention the still oozing blood? Luckily, she's feeling much better and ate her dinner like a champ. Right now she's wearing a striped T-shirt so she doesn't pester the wounds and sleeping next to me on the bed. I think she's happy to be home.

While she was at the vet, we had a handyman at our house.

He built a three foot extension above our back fence.

Why, you ask?

Because our sweet girl had enough of the neighbors little yapping dogs last week and jumped OVER our fence, into their yard.

Now, we know Aussie is a sweetie and likes other dogs. But all the neighbor saw was a pit bull barking and leaping over the fence at his little Pomeranian.

He was not amused.

Cost of fence extension? $480.

I'm pretty sure the Pet Insurance will not be covering that.

Aussie, though?

Our girl is priceless.

The Epitome of Forgiveness: Popeye | Chandra (Update: Adopted)

I know that every week I say we hung out with the best dog ever...but today, Popeye really did win that honor.

♥    Popeye   ♥

Popeye is a little funny looking at first glance...he's very short, with a great big head, a very muscular front end and a skinny little backside. At some point in his life Popeye had broken bones in his hind legs that were never treated and had to heal the best he could, on his own. Whatever his past was, he doesn't hold it against people. I've never met a more friendly, loving, sweet and happy dog. He's all about tail wags and big face splitting grins.

Popeye gets along great with everyone, likes to play with girl dogs and is waiting very patiently for a very special family to scoop him up and make him their own.

Please share Popeye far and wide and let's get this boy the wonderful home he so deserves!

(If you cannot see the video below, please view it HERE.)

Update: Popeye has been adopted! There are always lots of fabulous dogs who are available, please visit SacCountyDogs.com to see them and fall in love.

In Honor of Aussie's Home-aversary... | Chandra

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