Let's Celebrate Adoptions, and Gus | Chandra (Update: Adopted!)

What a very, very happy Monday.

I adore seeing PBSOC's Facebook post on Mondays with all of the dogs that were adopted the previous week and today was especially wonderful because there were so many who went home, Including two of my very favorites, Holstein and Harry Potter. When we did Holstein's video, I loved his tiny-bit-shy personality at the river and then his outgoing-comfortable-playful side in playgroups when we got back to the shelter. I got to see Harry Potter when Aimee Sadler was here teaching us all about Playgroups and fell fast for his sweet mug and short legs. Not to mention the lightning bolt on his back. But honestly, I am just as thrilled for the dogs I don't know personally because I know if I did have a chance to spend time with them, they'd crawl right into that space under my heart too.

A couple of weeks ago the PBSOC webpage was looking a little sad, filled with intake photos, because Shannon hadn't been able to keep up with all of the dogs that had come in. Thanks to her marathon session last Saturday, the page was absolutely transformed and it showed in the adoption numbers this week. Those photos, along with the skillfully written bios, make a huge difference in getting people to fall in love online with our dogs. It's all about the happy, about showing the great side of these wonderful dogs, not the down-on-their-luck moment when they first arrive at the shelter. It's about possibility and potential and shining the sun on their beauty and their quirks and their personalities. And Shannon does all of that with her images each and every time.

It truly takes a team to make PBSOC what it is, and what a team we have. From Delyse's fearless and tireless leadership, to Jamie Kain's beautiful words, to Laura Blickle's PR prowess, to all the hours put in by so many people running playgroups and walking dogs and attending adoption events and fostering and just loving these dogs, it's a real group effort. Sometimes I truly do have to pinch myself at how far Bradshaw has come since I volunteered years ago. Is there room for improvement? Of course. But every so often it's important to stop and reflect on the successes and bask for a moment in that light.

To share the happiness, here's this week's lucky PBSOC dogs who found their families:

And then, because we want this week to be just as fruitful, here's a little peek at the lovable, squishable, smooshable Gus. He loved us, we loved him, and he'll love you too. Let's get this beautiful boy home!

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

Update: Gus has been adopted! For more info on other dogs who are still waiting, visit SacCountyDogs.com.

Happy Monday, everyone.

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

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Kisses & A Poem for Gracie | Chandra (Update: In Rescue)

Gotta give my husband props. Every single week he gives these dogs his all. Whether he ends up covered in dog hair, dog saliva or mud, he's there. Plus, have you seen his play game? It is definitely on point.

Seriously though, dogs love Ron. Our two follow him around the house like he's their god, and compete to see who can snuggle up closest to him on the sofa. The shelter dogs sense something in him and quickly are put at ease.

Today's field trip dog, Gracie, was no exception to this rule. At first she was a little hesitant about the water, but with Ron's coaxing with a tennis ball, she quickly figured out that the river is fun.

Gracie

And then there were the kisses...

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

I'm pretty sure the feeling was mutual today, given that Ron wrote Gracie a poem...

A Poem for Gracie

The river was cool, but so was she.

She romped on the banks with so much glee.

She paused and waited, while I tossed a muddy ball.

Then quickly and bravely gave it her all.

We saw right away that she's a playful pooch.

Has she gotten into a bottle of hooch?

Your white face bright and beaming, you're such a beauty, Gracie.

You're definitely cuter than Kevin Spacey.

You deserve a family who wants plenty of licks.

You will definitely have your pick.

So, there you are. She's a movie star who's receiving fan mail already!

Update: Gracie is safe in rescue but lots of other dogs are still waiting to meet you at Bradshaw.

xx

Chandra