Author: Debra

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Driving Mr. Deucey (part one)

Over the weekend, the Allen County SPCA and 3 other groups participated in an Adoption Tent Event at PetSmart and though I had signed up to volunteer on Sunday but considering it was my local PetSmart, I stopped by on Saturday to see how things were going. I knew that the shelter was closed and that all of the adoptable dogs were to be out at the event but I was only mildly surprised and quite saddened to see that Deuce was not in attendance.

 

If you’ve been with us either on Facebook or here, you know that Deuce has been in and out and around my world for a while. Actually, he first came to the shelter in February, a sweet little guy who reminded me of both Ray (looks) and Julius (demeanor) he was subsequently adopted. A few short months later, Deuce came back to the shelter. He was extremely submissive upon his return but still just as sweet as can be. He was adopted again and returned in just a few days. The details are fairly murky, but the bottom line is that Deuce was aggressive towards his adopted fur sibling despite the fact that the interaction at the shelter went well. The other dog was older and special needs, so the adopter felt that he wouldn’t be able to work through Deuce’s issues as well.

 

February

February

Deuce is now back at the shelter with a label: Dog Aggressive. I believe a more correct label is Dog Selective since Deuce had a good buddy he played with at the shelter. (Great article from BAD RAP here.) He and Ava had some great play dates together with success, though he doesn’t automatically like every dog. He also is now living in the Director’s office, which is a promotion usually given to a longer resident or an animal who might need some special care. Relieving him of the stress of the kennels has really allowed his sweet and happy personality shine through.

 

April

April

I noticed that during walks around the neighborhood, where there are always dogs along the way who are eager to bark and stake out their territory, Deuce “gets through” the walk. He takes some interest but not too much in the surroundings. He gets through the walk with his ears back and tail tucked then returns to the shelter-his shelter- with a relaxed and happily wagging tail. He is safe and sound yet again.

 

Deuce and Ava

Deuce and Ava

So, Deuce did not go to Pet Expo, which was a good call. He would have been way too overwhelmed with all of the sights and sounds, but since the Tent Event was outdoors with lots of space, I asked if he could come on Sunday if I handled him and took great care to make sure his world stayed safe. Be careful what you ask for. Since this was such a large event, the animals were being transported up in the shelter’s fancy wrapped vans but I ended up making the trip down to collect Deuce separately. Being early, we made a little side stop at the Peaceabull house to collect a few more things and give Deuce a chance to unwind a bit more.

Stop by tomorrow to find out how Deuce fared at the event.

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Mother’s Day

 

It’s hard to be a part of the online community and not glean some enjoyment from all of the great pictures that flooded the web of people with their mothers, or aunts, grandmothers or even of their male parents as we celebrated Mother’s Day. But I have a confession to make: I don’t usually give much credence to those “Hallmark Holidays” in that although we celebrate, we don’t go all out. It’s still the feelings of love and the special times we sharethat make the day memorable .

babies

 

Earlier this week, I received a beautiful and thoughtful necklace from Asia and the baby along with a fun card but even more wonderful was that I got to spend most of Saturday with Asia just running errands and enjoying the company. With our busy worlds and all of the attention and time a baby requires, it was nice just to relax and enjoy the time.

 

Another special gift was less tangible and more gradual, but none the less impactful. Last summer when I “found” Julius, I didn’t really worry about his temporary foster status. He was such a happy, personable dog that I knew he could easily assimilate into nearly any household. He is carefree and friendly and certainly doesn’t know a stranger so I always had the feeling that Julius could go from one household to another without batting an eye because of his ability to roll with whatever life brings.

Juli

Don’t get me wrong, we are all totally in love with the Bean, and I knew he loved us but I just kind of thought that he loved us as the people he lived with now. But gradually things happened. He no longer wolfed down his food because he knew he’d get two squares a day without fail. Instead of curling up at the end of the sofa to be near me, he began curling up in the middle with his head on my lap. Maybe one of the biggest changes is that he no longer throws up in the car and I believe that is because he now knows that car rides usually mean Day-play and that we will always be back to pick him up.

sleepybean

I believe Julius now considers us his real, true, forever family. What more could a mother ask for?

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What is it About a Camera?

As I’m gearing my creaky knees and aching back up for Day 2 of the Northern Indiana Pet Expo, I’m reflecting on what it is about a camera that makes a person more …hmmm…sociable?  Approachable?  I’m not quite sure what I’m searching for, but here is what I found. 

I’m very reserved by nature.  I’m generally shy and often am more able to talk to people if there is a dog involved.  When I’m handling a dog, people tend to ask questions about him/her and I’m able to answer without being too tongue tied or fumbling to make other conversation.  Yesterday, however while taking photos for the Expo, I found that I was at the same time invisible and approachable. 

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Being a mother, a grandmother yaya and a private individual, I found it interesting that a stranger with a camera was able to snap photos of people (even children!) without anyone batting an eyelash.  Perhaps because I was viewed as a non-threatening individual or because I felt shielded by my lens, I was much more able to engage in conversation as well.

Well, we’re off for Day 2 and hope to see all of the local folks in attendance!

Don’t Judge a Book

About a month ago I was travelling between two offices and decided that this was the day I would stop in the shelter in the rural town that I was headed to. From the outside it was a disaster and upon leaving my car, I could hear the heartwrenching sounds of many, many dogs within. As I was standing there debating on whether or not to enter, a man pulled up in the municipal vehicle that designated him as a shelter employee and asked to help me. I explained that I volunteer at my local shelter and wondered if there was a need for volunteers here. A question eagerly answered that gave me the impression that volunteers were few and far between.

Since they were closing soon, I didn’t have the opportunity to enter, but as luck and scheduling turned out, I was able to visit today. I was greeted at the door by the Animal Warden, who had been apprised that I might show up one of these days, pit bull type puppy, a mastiff and a jack russell who were all wandering in the office area along with a few cats. The Warden and I chatted about my experience and their philosophy, their struggles and challenges. I asked if they ever allow or wanted other shelters to pull and was told that they are quite willing.

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I was given a tour of the facility and headed out to walk a couple of dogs before needing to return to the office.

Naturally, I chose this fellow with a heart on his neck, but truth be told, I was actually quite pleased to see only three Pit Bull type dogs at this shelter. The mix of available dogs was varied which also was contrary to what I had imagined I would find.

I left with the Warden’s card and cell number and promised I’d give her a head’s up before my next visit, in case the stars align that we could pull some dogs!

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Speaking of Long Haul

We have been blogging for well over a decade on this platform and while it has been relatively easy in many cases, we are making the move to WordPress.

We will keep this blog active-ish but we hope that you’ll come visit us in our new home at PeaceabullAssembly

Don’t leave us, because who knows.  We might be back…

UPDATE. We fixed the link.  Thanks, Beagle Bratz!

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For The Long Haul

One of the most inspirational bloggers and doggie moms I know once wrote a post that so deeply resonated with me that I doubt if I could put into words how much it impacted me.  It ripped open a bandage that covered a gaping hole in my upbringing that I will spend the rest of my days trying to make up for.

Other than Samantha, who belonged to my grandparents, I didn’t really have a stable animal presence in my life.  While my dad was/is an animal lover, my mom isn’t really even an animal liker.  I remember several dogs in my early years.  They came and they were gone.  I don’t know where they went other than “to live out in the country.”  Given my parents m.o. I assume they were given away.  Rehomed.  Some may have run out in the street and perished.  I just never knew.

I don’t have the foundation of respect for our furry friends that some people have and that is just where I came from.  It doesn’t make my parents bad or necessarily wrong,  it just is how it was with them. 

I’m actually not even certain when the forever pet concept jelled in my conscious but I do remember the early days with Ray which were such a challenge. Before we adopted Ray, I wanted an elderbull.  I wanted an ambassador who could be a therapy dog if that was the path they were destined for.  My husband wasn’t convinced and was dead set on a puppy, so it seemed only natural that we adopt one of the “Sparkle pups.”

To say Ray was a challenge as a puppy would be to say that Chicago can be a bit breezy.  Ray and his litter mates were separated from Sparkles at around 5-6 weeks and really had no social skills.  While my mission was to socialize Ray as much as I could, I also found myself disinclined to do so.  My ambassabull was so prone to leaping up from his diminutive stature and ripping the fabric from my sleeves.  He “mouthed” my hands, passing feet, toys, furniture, leashes, and anything else he could find.  I was the redirect queen, with antlers, chew bones and stuffies shoved into every pocket but there were plenty mornings where I sat on the kitchen floor and cried bawled, “Oh my god!  Pit bulls live for nearly 17 years!  I have to endure 16 and a half more years of this!”


That’s right.  I was discouraged, disheartened, angry, humiliated by my failure, and still it never crossed my mind to do anything  but get through the next 16 and a half years.  My first milestone was set at 2 years.  I had read his personality would be shaped and I was hoping for a glimpse of my future ambassabull.  In the meantime, it would be work, work, work, lessons, lessons, lessons in  an effort to have the dog I knew Ray could be.  It turns out that around 18 months, he became just that dog.  A dog who I think may still one day be a CGC.  If he doesn’t, will he be a failure?  Will I?  If success is measured by certificates and awards, maybe. 

If success is measured by eternal love and devotion, which I suspect it is, then I’d say we are doing just fine.