Jake Arrives at Golden Pines

I am still trying to decide about what direction to take with Ree. I've spoken with a coordinator at Lab Rescue and of course the rescue will accept her, I just need to sign my ownership of her over to them. I'm very grateful to have that option for Ree. But I'm finding that I'm not quite ready. A couple of people have networked her within their circle of friends, and there has been some interest. But so far, nothing has really come from it. 

Todd enjoying his time outside on these hot sunny days lets me do the worrying about everything - And he remained unfazed as a week ago today, we welcomed a new arrival, named Jake. 

Jake originally belonged to someone who had gotten divorced, and was serving in the military. The Mom and Dad took Jake, but they are and now retired, and are busy babysitting their grandchildren and are hardly ever home. They felt that Jake was lonely and they wanted him to be in a home where he would get a lot of attention. 

Jake at 11 or 12 years old, already has the claim to fame of being the biggest Golden we have ever fostered. I don't know what he weighs, but I have no doubt he tips the scales at over 100 pounds. He is a big boy. 

At first Jake was a bit overwhelmed by everything and for a day or so he stayed turned away from us. I was so sad for him, and of course I tried to reassure him. But then he realized that he was going to be okay, and the tail wags and smiling started. 

He's a nice boy that is getting along with everyone. He really does like attention, and is getting into the routine of his new life. Welcome to Jake. We look forward to getting to know him, and being part of his story. 

My Plan Didn't Work

Home from overnight in Allentown Pennsylvania - I'm not quite sure how I got there, but we did, and made it home too. 

Thank-goodness for a GPS Navigation app (Waze) because I'd still be trying to find my way!

As I mentioned in my last post, we met Jodi, from the blog, Heart Like a Dog and her husband. They drove from where they live Connecticut -- Allentown was about 4 hours away, around half-way for both of us. 

We went into this knowing that Jodi and her husband may not be a match. But I'd really hoped that by staying overnight in a hotel, they'd meet Ree, get to spend some time with her, fall in love, and do whatever they could to make it work, and live happily ever after. At least that was my plan. 

~Ree did well at the hotel, she loved the bed!~

Jodi is struggling with back issues, and is sometimes not so steady on her feet. So, unfortunately for that reason, and Ree being a big girl, and a bit bouncy (sometimes jumping up) they were not a match. It goes without saying that I understand and totally respect those reasons. I know Jodi is also really disappointed. But I hoped .... We both had really hoped.  

Of course I am really, really sad and depressed about it. I think Jodi and her husband would have been a wonderful home and I really wanted them to be a match. So when I get over the disappointment that I'm feeling, I'll regroup and decide what to do next.

I know the cosmos is responsible for bringing Ree to us, and I hope you'll send some vibes back into the cosmos as we continue the journey to help Ree find her new forever home.

Ree Arrives at Golden Pines

I've been holding off posting this for several reasons - Because a week ago Thursday, we welcomed a four-year-old girl into our household, named Ree. 

Ree comes to us **not** via Lab Rescue, but rather through a series of crazy events that only the cosmos can take credit for. At some point, when the dust settles I will tell you Ree's story, that unfortunately involved people who lied and saw Ree as a way to make money. 

However, I will tell you that Ree's original owner could not keep her because her husband was going into long term care, and to be able to provide for his care, she needed to sell her home. This part of Ree's story is the part that the cosmos arranged, reminding me of what a small world it is, and how connected the dog-community is too; because last year at about this time, I became acquainted with Ree's original owner -- And that's all I can/will say right now. But I will add that I have full ownership of Ree, no strings attached. 

Ree is of course totally oblivious to what is going on around her, and what brought her to us. She's a fun girl, that is getting along pretty well with our crew. The cats however, are a different story. Ree thinks they are great fun to chase, so we're working on curbing that. Aside from cat chasing, and not wanting to instead chase a ball, she has pretty good house manners and is eager for adventure and loves attention. 

~Ree wishing there was no fence between her and Gerry, our outdoor kitty~

At 4 years old, Ree is a bit young for our crowd. And I am looking towards finding a forever home for her on my own, or Lab Rescue if needed. Next weekend, Ree is meeting a long time blogging friend, Jodi from Heart Like a Dog, to see if they are a match. Jodi thinks that Ree may be too young and energetic for her. She's been looking and hoping for a smaller Lab that is a bit older. I totally understand that Ree doesn't match any of that, given that she will be 5 in December, and is a big girl at nearly 90 pounds. But Jodi has agreed to at least meet Ree, and consider her. So, I'm hoping that the cosmos will continue to do their magic, and make them a match! 

A Forever Home for Cooper!

Just as I hoped, Cooper found his forever home on Thursday. I loved the couple, John and Mari, both retired professors, who cannot be more kind, gracious, and perfect for Cooper.  Someone said, and I agree that given his separation anxiety, this is Cooper's best chance at a new forever home. 

Updates have so far,  all been positive ones. Cooper is settling in and they are thrilled and so happy to have him as part of their lives! By the looks in the photo below, he is comfortable and feeling right at home!

I do have to add a little caveat to this story. Lab Rescue asks foster homes to post information about our foster dogs along with photos on their Facebook page every week, just to give them some visibility and maybe get someone to notice them. With over 80 dogs available right now for adoption, and adoptions at an all time low, it's needed, especially now. And I'm not creative by any stretch, but I decided to do something different and add a little something to Cooper's photo two weeks ago. 

No one commented on it, and I'd pretty much forgotten about it. But when Mari and Jeff came to meet Cooper the other day, I couldn't help but notice, that Mari, who is an artist, had printed out that photo, and made a little notebook out of it. She said that was what made her notice Cooper. So, I guess a little flair can sometimes go a long way. Even if you're like me and not creative!

Welcome August!!

 Goodbye July . . . Welcome August!!

I know I always complain about time passing me by. But this time, I'm changing my tune and am saying that it feels like July lasted forever! With my counterpart on vacation for a week, and then out sick for two weeks, and our 'back up girl' out of town because of family, it left me to filling in at work on my days off. However, I did manage a quick trip with Max to see the sunflowers in Maryland.

At home the arrival of Sheeba and the loss of Sunny of course added to the pressure I was already feeling. But through it all, I was grateful for my vacation in June; because even though I was really tired and worn out, after a good nights sleep, I felt like the next day I had the energy to keep going. 

Our newest arrival Sheeba hasn't come without her own challenges. I've been really worried about her. She wasn't eating, and was having problems breathing. She spent an entire day at the vet where they took an x-ray and kept an eye on her. They found nothing, which made my heart break even more for her.  And because Sheeba is considered a "hospice dog" there isn't much that Lab Rescue will do for her, other than provide palliative and supportive care. I feel like it has been left to me to try and find a way to keep her going.  But that's my job as her caretaker. And so it has taken 2 weeks, and knock, knock, knock on wood, she is finally eating pretty close to an entire meal again (albeit canned food). 

But I am so happy and relived that she seems to have an appetite for something. I'm giving her whatever she wants and as much as she wants to eat. And she now seems happy and much more comfortable. The short video below was her 2 weeks ago when she felt so crummy. If it doesn't show below, here's a link ....

All that aside, Sheeba is a really nice and lovely dog, and our crew like her very much. 

Looking ahead, I'm looking forward to getting back into the routine of a 3 day work week. And wish us luck, because on Thursday I am meeting a retired couple from Annapolis, who called today and are interested in adopting our foster boy Cooper. They seem perfect for him, and I'm hopeful. 

So, onto August we go. It's easy to see that the days are getting a little shorter, the leaves rustle a little different in the wind. I also noticed the other day that the stores are filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year. Fall will be here before we all know it.