Foster Dog #4 - Welcome Cricket!

I say this every time.

Am I insane for adding more crazy to my life? Can I take more on? How?

Well, I don't know how, but I know it warms my soul. It helps me somehow.

There's something special about saving someone who needs saving. 

Meet Cricket. Foster dog #4. 

She's a goofy ass, almost 2 year old Doberman. Her ears were botched. Ugh. 

I don't know much of her history, but what I do know is that she was in rescue twice. 

I'm not entirely sure why or how she ended up in rescue the first time, but she was adopted out back in November and at that time, she tested negative for heartworm. 

After her new owners had her a few months, took her in to the vet for a check up, and she tested positive for heartworm. It can take up to 6 months to test positive, so it's no one's fault...and no one would've known. 

Treatment is about $800 and it's not so much the cost that is the hard part (but it is annoying, of course) but it's the treatment itself that is super lengthy. 

The owners stated that they could not afford the treatment and asked the rescue to pay for it. The rescue offered to pay for $500 of the cost, but the owner still didn't like that solution apparently. They said they wanted the full $800 or they'd return her to the rescue. That didn't sit right, so we took her back.

I'm not gonna lie, heartworm treatment can seem intimidating. 

She just completed 30 days on an antibiotic, which is used to weaken the heartworms. She's also on a preventative, so that prevents the mature worms from reproducing. 

When she was tested, they did not find baby worms in her, which is good, meaning it was caught early enough that the adults hadn't had the chance yet to reproduce. 

So after 30 days on the antibiotic, we wait 30 days to allow the worms to weaken. 

Next she will get an injection that will kill off the worms. 

Here's where it gets a little tricky. After the injection, she will need to be on strict crate rest. 

She cannot raise her blood pressure because we don't want the dead worms to cause an embolism in her heart or lungs. 

30 days after the first injection, she goes back for back-to-back injections two days in a row. 

Then it's another 6 or so weeks of crate rest. Apparently over time, the dead worms reabsorb into the body. 

So yes, this is like 6 months of treatment from when she started on the antibiotic. She won't be "done" until June. Then we retest. 

Wiener meet Cricket

Cricket meet Wiener

A lot of our time this past month is teaching her how to "dog" properly. Even though she's not quite 2, she's been to 3 different homes. 

She did come house trained and she knows how to sit and lay down on command, but doesn't know how to stay in those positions. 

She is constantly moving. 

I'm learning a lot about the Doberman breed.

Bred to be protectors, I can see why. 

She's not scared of much. She will climb, jump, walk, crawl, whatever, over almost anything. 

She paces. A lot. 

I'm not sure if it's because of the breed, anxiety or what. The vet I took her to said to give her time, which of course makes sense...but part of me thinks she's a bit nutty. 

She's either ON. 

Or OFF.

She can absolutely lay down and snuggle on the bed. For HOURS. But the second you get up, she's up, pacing and circling. 

Not gonna lie, feels kinda nice having these guys watching the house. 

Meeting chickens. 

So we will see what happens with her. Part of me really wants to keep her. But 4 dogs? That seems like a lot...doesn't it? 

I mean, Bella is two feet out the door, I can tell you that. She's getting old and she's losing control of her bladder and bowels...so I can't imagine she has that much longer. 

Cricket desperately needs manners. She barges through doors, paws to get out of the crate, demand barks. But here's the thing. She's suuuuperrrr smart. I know she's got it in her to be a really well trained dog. 

If we keep her, I will be sending her off to board and train. 

I feel like I can't judge her yet until she's able to be exercised and trained appropriately. It's so not her fault that this is the start she got. I want to give her a chance. 

I don't want to get ahead of myself - let's get her healthy first. 

Foster Dog #3

Yes, I know. 

I'm certifiably insane. 

I'm living in a perpetual state of hell these days, trying to climb (claw) myself out of this pit I'm living in. 

So when another wiener dog needs to be rescued? 

Sign me up.

Because why not add to this shit show?

Meet Sherman (previously known as "Chip")

We drove out to Buffalo one evening to pick him up.

He came from a broken home (more broken than mine, lol). In a home where he wasn't really wanted. The wife brought him home, against the wishes of the husband. Husband never wanted him. Wife is mentally ill and has been in and out of treatment the last few months. Wife/husband also getting divorced. So...this little boy needed a loving home.

meeting Bean Bean

What's even crazier, is that I was dog sitting Willow. So we had 5 dogs in our house for over a week! 

He's super cute. And a sweet, sweet boy. 

All 5 in one shot.

His set up. 

Multiple walks a day for this guy. He's only 1.5 years old and has waaaay more energy than Bean.

He might actually be the longest

my next tattoo - the signature ear flip

Walking 3 tiny dogs

Reading to him

Tolerates hats

So dapper with his bow tie

Didn't mind the life vest.

He's a really good boy. He has a great personality. He's fun, funny, full of energy and definitely acts like he's a LARGE dog. Not a tiny wiener. 

But here's the thing. He's not fixed. 

And he just WILL NOT LEAVE FEMALES ALONE. Like, EVER.

He is super annoying in that sense. He is constantly up their twats and it's so frustrating. He whines and whimpers when he can't get to them.

He can't just chill out and lay with us - he needs constant correction. 

I cannot WAIT until he's fixed. The rescue I work with coordinates all of that and the animal hospitals are just booked so far out. Being that he's an adult, he is at the top of the list, but it's been a couple of weeks now and still nothing.

Once he's fixed and settled again (he came into our home with another dog here, so we want him to settle into what our real life is like) we will see if he can be around Bella and Bean Bean. If he can relax and not be UP THEIR VAGINAS ALL DAY, he can stay. If not, he's going up for adoption. Even though that would be so sad for me. 

BUT, I have to consider my existing pack. I don't want to keep them separated ALL THE TIME. That's not a life for a dog. He wants to be with us. He can only be with us leashed and when someone is around to correct him. Otherwise he's annoying. 

I brought him to my friend's house because he had always wanted a wiener with this coloring. My friend has two shepherds and one Belgian Malinois. The Malinois is insane. I mean, he's fine with me and my kids since we are known to him, but man. I wouldn't want to be a stranger meeting Rambo.

Sherman? Please. He did not give a SHITTTTT. He went after Rambo like it was nothing. Playfully of course.

LOL. 

So yes. I currently have 4 dogs in my house. Two of which are wieners. 

I know I'm ridiculous. I know. I can't help it. 

Weenie Update

Wiener Bean has been a Ruple now for 8 months. 

And she is amazing.

She is the sweetest little thing.

She is my shadow and prefers to be next to me at all times. She is starting to relax and just allow me to be within her sight, versus needing to be WITH me...but it's slow progress. 

We are working on potty training...she still has accidents in the house from time to time, but I'm realizing that it's really my fault for not being on top of it more. Her bladder is tiny and I need to be taking her out every 2-3 hours.

BUT, she is legit the CUTEST thing I've ever seen. EVERRRR.

STOP ITTTT.

Every time it's mealtime. 

Come ON right?? So cute.

💓

This little dog saved me. I got her way before I knew anything, and she entered our lives right when we needed her to. 

Mr. Popular

We listed Mr. Wiggles on Petfinder one day ago and I have already received like 10 applications for this sweet boy.

I have to admit, even though I KNOW that we cannot keep him, I immediately didn't think anyone would be good enough for this guy. I got a little sad, too. 

I didn't even read the applications and was like "ugh - they better be good people" like I'm already defensive for some reason.

He's grown on me for sure. 

He's such a sweet boy.

But, I know finding him the right forever home is the goal and that will also make room for any other foster who may need to get rescued. Me finding him a home means another puppy mill dog can get out of their miserable situation.

Out of the first 4 that I received overnight, 3 were worth reaching out to. The last one used an electric fence and I do not want this poor boy to be shocked in any way. I think that would traumatize him. 

He's still getting used to a leash for fuck's sake. A shock to the neck? On this little wiener? No ma'am.

There is one family who coincidentally lives only about 20 minutes from me and they seem like a good fit. Young family, 3 kids. No current pets but had a wiener who they had to let go a few years ago due to old age. So they know the breed.

They have a 6ft vinyl fence, so that's perfect. 

I have scheduled a meet and greet for this Saturday and fingers crossed it works out!

I reached out to the rescue so I understood next steps. 

They actually put a hold on his application on Petfinder because he's getting so much traffic. 

After the 4 from earlier this morning, I think another 5-6 came through. I'm weeding through those as well.

There are two other families that might work out if this first one does not.

I'm glad he's getting so much interest! This makes me confident that he'll find a home and that he'll find the right home. I'm glad I get to choose for him. 💗

Plus, they are local so I could always drop by and pay him a visit. 

Anyway. 

Fostering is definitely rewarding. 

Watching this little guy come out of his shell and run and play and wag his tail....it means everything.

It'll be hard to part with him, that's for sure. 

Constantly moving lol. But so cute together! 

Mr. Wiggles - Foster #2

We all know what happened with Ween Bean.

My very first foster and my first foster fail.

Stop it. She's my heart. 

That being said, I always wanted to help dogs - those who needed help and I always thought I could do it.

We have the space, I have the time. I love dogs. 

It made sense.

But having 3 dogs is a lot of work.

We've had Ween for about 6 months now and we have found our routine. She's the best little dog! 

She does shit and piss in the house from time to time and that's super frustrating. But I'm trying to have patience with her and just go with the flow. We'll be replacing our area rugs when she's finally potty trained. It's usually my fault anyway since I need to take her out every few hours. 

That being said, I get notifications from the rescue group I'm a part of. Frequently, I don't reply or anything. I have 3 dogs you know.

But I was tagged because it was another wiener. 

A 1.5 year old mini coming from a puppy mill.

He is the sweetest guy.

As expected, he's very shy and timid. He's getting used to noise and people. He will need a patient family who is willing to work on his confidence. 

He's doing great in his crate and going potty outside (it's easiest when I carry him out). Once he's out he loves running around! 

We are still working on walking on a leash and not freaking out when there's tension. He's making slow but sure progress. 

But, since he's young and based on his temperament so far, I really think he will do well in a family soon.

He's been learning how to dog since December 28 - so about 2 weeks now. 

Since I'm trying to be busy for my birthday weekend, I'm really trying to find him a home before then. 

He was just neutered last week and is resting and recovering. Although he does not act like he's bothered in the slightest that his balls just got chopped off. 

So, I've written a little bio about him and sent it off to the rescue group, along with some cute photos.

He's a sweet little guy and I'll miss him! 

Update on The Ween!

Welp, we've had The Ween now for 4 months and I can't imagine life without her.

She's my shadow.

She follows me everywhere.

She is afraid of everyone else.

We're working on it.

She's warming up to the girls.

She's still weary of Steve.

But she's seriously the cutest. 

This was the first time she snuggled up on top of Hermphy. So cute.

💕

Every work day as I get ready to go up to my office, I gather up all my stuff. Computer, coffee, granola bar. Notebook. Laptop. I always have my hands full. She knows to get on her blanket so I can take her up. So cute. 

We have our routine down now. 

She's a great little office-mate. After the morning hub-bub with getting the girls to school and whatnot, she knows it's time to go up to the office and get to work. 

She literally sleeps on a blanket on the bed right next to my desk. 

All day.

I mean, we take breaks.

I bring her down around 11 for a potty break...

Then we have lunch and go for a walk weather-permitting.

Then we go back up to my office for a few more hours of work. 

She literally sleeps the entire time.

Then we are back downstairs to do after school stuff with the girls.

She fits right into our little family.

And bonus? 4 months in and she still doesn't really bark! 

Something we're still working on is potty-training. She is still figuring that outside = potty. I will legit walk her around for a while, only she won't go. So we go back in, assuming she doesn't need to go. Only to come back in the house and she shits on the floor. Like come ON.

I've caught her a few times pissing on the area rugs and grabber her and ran her outside. 

She also still poops on the floor every once in while. 

Luckily it's all happening on cheap area rugs that have survived our kids and previous dogs. 

SO, we will likely just toss the rugs when this one figures out the whole shitting and pissing thing.

We're coming up on winter and I cannot even imagine what she'll do. 

She's already cold.

My mom is going to make her a jacket. 

Her underside has no fur. 

She's so low to the ground that her underside grazes the ground (grass) as she walks. When it's wet just from morning dew, she's soaked. Like, all the way through.

I cannot.

BUT. 

My personal life is kinda of shattering all around me at the moment and I'm freaking grateful I have this tiny dog. Even though I probably shouldn't have gotten her to begin with, I'm so glad I did. 

She's been a key source of me not losing my shit these past 3 weeks.

I'm so obsessed that I'm getting Picasso's wiener dog "Lump" tattooed on my arm. 

Anyway.

Stay tuned for ridiculous pictures of my Wiener wearing a sweater.