Sunday, December 13, 2020

Shelby & Jacket Arrive at Golden Pines

 It's the holidays and I have a arms length list of things that are keeping me busy. One thing the past few weeks has been the arrival of Shelby and Jacket. 

I was first asked to consider a hospice boy named Vaughn from the Golden Retriever Rescue. But a day or so later before he was supposed to come, there was a change in plans. The Foster Home Coordinator called and asked if we'd consider taking a 17 year old girl, named Shelby instead. Of course I agreed to the switch. A little later came another phone call asking if we would also take Shelby's brother from another Mother, a 10 year old Black Lab named Jacket. What's one more dog, right? So I agreed to that too. So, on Saturday, November 21, after traveling more than 200 miles, Shelby and Jacket arrived at Golden Pines.

~On the way to Golden Pines~

This duo came from a shelter in southern Virginia. Their original owner had a stroke and the two were rehomed. And when that owner couldn't keep them, he took them both to the shelter - full of fleas and "other things" that dogs should never have on their coats and skin. Both were also not in the best of health, and have just finished antibiotics, and steroids. However, Shelby is still on doxycycline for Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis. 

Shelby is absolutely delightful! I don't think she's 17 years old (an unheard of age for a golden) She has fit into the household and the routine really easily. All the dogs like her just fine. She's very overweight, and has problems getting to her feet and moving around. I've put her on a pain medication that has really helped, and she's willing to go outside on her own now, and doesn't need so much coaxing. Shelby is pretty picky with her food, but she loves green beans, so we're giving her plenty of those with her meals. 

~Shelby on her first day with us, tired and not feeling so well~

Jacket, or Jack as we're calling him is another story. He's about 10 years old, and is a really handsome Lab. He's eager for attention and friendly and does as we ask of him. He's also wonderful with Shelby and our girl Sophie. But Sunny and Charlie for whatever reason, he doesn't like at all and has attacked them both. He's not hurting them, (thankfully!) and the fights are easily broken up. But Sunny and especially Charlie being seniors, are easily knocked off their feet and do not fight back. Jack just has to see Sunny and he reacts to him. Because of that, we're not allowing him to interact with Todd at all, so we are keeping Jack separated from the group. As you can guess, Todd being a terrier is a fierce fighter, and I don't want to take any chances and risk him or someone getting injured.  

~Jacket or Jack as we call him~

Of course I am very concerned about all of this and I have my worries about Jack in the long-term as far as his and even Shelby finding a new forever home. But right now, I'm willing to stay the course and see where it takes all of us. 

~Taken yesterday - trust me, Shelby does have an inner smile!~


22 comments:

  1. I pray someone will want to adopt both Shelby and Jack. If I weren't 80 years old and in poor health I'd apply.

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  2. Hello,
    I have always loved the Labs and the Goldens. I have never seen a Lab acting like Jack. We had a few that had a mean sounding bark, but they never attacked. Shelby is a sweetie. Cute photos. I hope all works out for the two latest rescues. Take care, enjoy your day! Have a happy new week!

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    1. I wonder if he is just scared...Jacket, I mean.

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  3. Senior dogs can really get injured in even the shortest burst of a dog fight. Is there no one else that can foster Jack? I've always admired you for keeping all these dogs together with a minimum of problems. Keeping dogs separated -- not sure you will be happy doing that for a long time. Anyhow, I wish you the best with this situation and also a very Happy Holiday season. Take care, my friend.

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  4. C'mon Todd. Lighten up. You're king of the house. You can only push the "I'm a terrier thing" so far.

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  5. You have your hands full. It is really a good thing that you do, taking in Seniors and giving them a wonderful home.

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  6. We know how much work it is to take care of a senior doggie. You're so good about taking them in. We hope those two do well and find their forever homes.

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  7. Jack and Shelby have loving faces, and I hope Jack settles to be calmer with all the others. Your heart just has so many more chambers and expands to take in TWO more, and in the loving family home, they will adapt and thrive.

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  8. You always welcome such sweet senior pups. We have our paws crossed that things work out better with Jack moving forward.

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  9. I hope someone is keeping an eye on the shelter, in southern Virginia, that re-homed these two dogs initially. The condition they came to you in makes me wonder what type of home they went to. Well, they've hit the jackpot now, to be out of that environment and into a loving foster home whose agency will make sure their next-and-final home will be a good one. It sounds like Jack is one of those "must be the only dog in the household"-type adoptions. That's ok... there's a perfect home for him out there somewhere. In the meantime, he gets to be loved on by the infamous Kim at Golden Pines. How lucky can a dog be?! :-) Love~ Andrea xoxo

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  10. I hope that you are able to find a safe place for Jack that is less stressful for him and you!

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  11. You are just so good to give them both a chance. We hope they both do well while they are with you and eventually in a good home. We know you will do your best and more.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  12. They are both beautiful seniors, and are so lucky to have found you and their new home at Golden Pines. Thank you for stepping up and giving them hope in the golden years.
    Hopefully the fighting will end without incident.
    Jo
    xx

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  13. Two more lucky dogs - what beauties they both are. Incredible that Shelby is 17, what a great age she's living to. Perhaps Jack is feeling a little unsettled with all the other dogs around? Hopefully he'll settle down - he just doesn't know what a lucky boy he is.

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  15. So much change and so much sadness along with the unknown is just so hard on him. I'm so glad you are giving him time to adjust. We all need that. He has his Shelby so he will settle down and be alright. He sure is a beautiful dog.

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  16. Hello, sweet Shelby and Jacket! I dearly hope that all will come right with Jacket soon. He looks like a good fellow (and what a great name, too). And Shelby looks darling. Blessings on ALL of you, Kim.

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  17. oh dear heart. bless you! xo

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  18. I agree with tammy j . . .
    oh dear heart, bless you . . .
    (Todd sure keeps his eye on things!)

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  19. You are the safety net for so many pups who need you. Thank you for staying the course despite the reactivity of Jack (I know how stressful that is). I hope that there can be a happy ending.

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  20. Keeping them apart must be a full time job...thanks for being such a great rescue person!

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  21. Wow!!! I hope it all works out. It takes a special person to do all of this.

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!