Introducing Daisy

Hi all,

I haven't posted a personal update in a long while here, so wanted to catch up.  Longtime blog readers will remember my sweet, very dear Abby, who posted a weekly blog column here.  Abby passed away in December, and the house felt so empty without her.  Sooner than anticipated, I began looking for a rescue dog to love.

I met Daisy, a just under one year old Corgi mix, at our local county shelter.  She was sweet and absolutely terrified.  (The shelter is wonderful but full of big dogs and lots of comings and goings - a lot for a little dog who was rescued as a stray off the street.)  When I reached down to pet her she leaned against me, and I knew she should be mine.

There was a delay bringing Daisy home because she had to be spayed and vetted before her release.  She got home and I realized she had no training.  We were starting from scratch with leash training, potty training, chewing and puppy destructiveness, and separation anxiety.  My beloved Mom entered hospice just after this time ... it was a lot at once, and I was pretty overwhelmed.

Daisy and I took things in small steps.  She took to leash training easily.  I learned ways to redirect her from chewing, the power of frequent walks for potty training and puppy energy, and literally leaving 5 minutes at a time to tackle separation anxiety.  (We have made great progress with this!)

It took Daisy a while to settle in.  But she did!  Slowly but surely.

She loves having her own little bed - as well as sleeping in "the big bed" (my bed) at night.

She is always ready for a snuggle!

Although our long, frequent walks were a real adjustment for me at first, they turned into a blessing.  Daisy loves EVERYONE: adults, children, dogs (big and small), and cats.  I have joked that it is like the Beatles coming to town when I take her outside where kids are playing - they naturally flock around her.  Daisy made friends;  I made new friends too.  It is not unusual for us to walk with neighbors and their dogs, or even with a neighbor's friendly indoor-outdoor cat who likes to tag along.

And she is a champion lap sitter, with my friends as well as me!

Daisy ready for a rest - maybe.

In a year that has been long and difficult, I know that there are still long walks and naps -- and there is Daisy.

 

And that is a very good thing.

 

Dear Abby - Videos Abby Likes: A Deaf Puppy Finds The Perfect Rescue Home

Dear Friends,

I hope this note finds you enjoying some warm days and sunshine.  (No snow! Never any snow, especially in Spring.)

My friends Aliceson and Emily (Emily is a little dog like me) sent me a sweet video and I want to share it with you.

This is the story of Moz, a little deaf puppy. Moz was living with a foster dad and walking every day and he met a little 2 year old girl named Lillian and her family. Lillian just LOVED Moz. She learned to walk him, and puppy-sat him ... and eventually he found the perfect home with her family.  There is a line in the video: "The girl who can't stop talking and the guy who can't hear anything."

I love this story and hope you will too:

Wishing you a good day! Thanks for stopping by.

Love,

Abby xoxoxo  (ALWAYS a fan of a sweet rescue story!)

Dear Abby - October 22: National Make a Dog's Day

Dear Friends,

There is a new special day coming up next week.  It is October 22, National Make A Dog's Day.  This is a day that focuses on rescuing "underdogs" from shelters.  These are special dogs - very big dogs, old dogs, blind dogs, deaf dogs, dogs who were born were three legs, dogs with underbites - dogs who may not find homes as easily.

I read information about this day and was very sad to read that although more dogs are adopted from shelters than in the past, approximately 35% of all shelter dogs are euthanized.

Subaru is sponsoring Make a Dog's Day.  I am in no way affiliated with Subaru, but go them!  This is a wonderful program that is happening in conjunction with the ASPCA.   There is more information at this site:  Make a Dog's Day.

Here is a very short video about underdogs:



There are a number of things you can do to help shelter dogs:

You can adopt them!

You can volunteer at a local shelter.

You can contribute money or goods to a local shelter.  Many local shelters seek donations of food, blankets, towels, sheets, etc.

You can find your local animal shelter online and look for dogs who may have a harder time finding a home.  You can then share these dogs on social media - Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest.   (I have helped my Momma do this before.)

I think this is a great cause to get behind and hope you will share the word as well.

In the meantime, don't forget to also make your own dog's day special next week - a long walk, a toy, a special treat, some extra play time.

Thank you for visiting me today!

Love,

Abby xoxoxo

Dear Abby: Meet Elsie (A Rescued Pet Spotlight)

Dear Friends,

Something very exciting happened this past week!   I met a new friend.  My dear friend Dave (whom I have known since I was one year old) adopted a new pup.  Her name is Elsie.  Dave and Elsie live just 2 miles from me, so I will get to see her often.  We have already had two play dates.  We are just getting used to spending time together, but I am sure we will be good friends!   (And I hear she will be coming over to visit for a longer time when Dave goes out of town.) 

Dave has stopped by the blog to visit today, and to introduce Elsie.  I know you will love her too.

Elsie and Abby

Abby:  What is Elsie's background and how did she end up in rescue? 

Dave: Well, she is 4 now.  Elsie is a terrier mix, according to our vet.  She is mostly rat terrier (we think), and maybe a bit of chihuahua.    She lived with another dog, but her person decided he didn't have the time for her.  She spent her time alone, and in a crate at night.  But whatever her life was like, she was obviously cared for and well trained.  She walks like a little angel on a leash, she is house trained, and doesn't have a mean bone in her body.  She charms everyone she meets.

Her person finally decided he had to surrender her to Paws Atlanta.   She stayed there for two months before I met her.

Abby:  What were Elsie's first days like at her new home? 

Dave:  She walked (actually ran) inside, and all over the house downstairs and upstairs.  Elsie settled in immediately.  The bed is hers, the sofa is hers.  She loves to run around and chase her new toys.  She knew how to fetch from the start.  And when she's tired, she turns it off, and curls up with me.  She has a LOT of energy, but her manners are impeccable.

Elsie loves belly rubs!

Abby: What are a few of Elsie's favorite things?  

Dave: The toys she keeps eviscerating, and I keep taking away.

Abby:  Do you have any tips for people who want to adopt a rescue pet?

Dave: Take your time.  Look at different rescue organizations on line, see who has the kind of dog you're looking for with size, breed, age, whatever is important to you.  Go to the facility, and meet the dogs.  And remember, you will bond with the right dog.  You may meet ones first where you don't click with them, and they don't click with you.  But be patient, and remember you aren't seeing them at their best - they need some time and space to let their personalities come out.  Elsie seemed more quiet and sedate when we met.  We didn't realize she would be so outgoing.

Elsie and Dave

Abby: Is there a rescue group you want to send a shout out to?  

Dave:  Paws Atlanta, they are the best.  They are a no kill shelter with a reputation for taking wonderful care of the cats and dogs they foster.  Jasmin from PAWS helped with the adoption, and she was wonderful! www.pawsatlanta.org

Abby:   Thank you so much, Dave, for visiting today.  This adoption story is near and dear to my heart because I know how kind you always have been to me and to my late brother Barney ... and I know what a wonderful home you have to offer to a pup.   AND I am so happy to make a new friend -- Elsie!

Friends, if you would like to leave a message for Dave, you can do so in the comments.   

Thank you so much for visiting today!

Love,

Abby xoxoxo

Dear Abby - Meet Cadbury and Woodbury (A Rescued Pet Spotlight)

Dear friends,

I hope you are having a good week and staying cool.  It is very hot in the deep south right now!   I am enjoying indoor time with air conditioning and fans.

I have a guest post from two special friends today.  Cadbury and Woodbury are two beautiful bunny rabbits, and they wrote this interview a couple of months ago.  You met their kitty sister, Scotty, here before.   I have had this interview scheduled.  I was so sad to hear that Cadbury passed away in late May.  With permission of Cadbury and Woodbury's mother, Beth, I am running this interview in special memory of Cadbury.  

Abby:  What is your background and how did you end up in rescue?

Cadbury: Hello, Abby! I'm a girl rabbit, and I don't know how old I am. I don't remember much about before, and I know I lived with humans a long time ago, but about five or six years ago, I was suddenly outside all by myself. At first it was fun to run around all over the grass, but then it got scary and lonely and hard to find good food.

Then a young girl and her brother found me where they waited for their school bus. Their parents put up flyers to see if someone would claim me, but no one did. They couldn't keep me permanently because they were moving, but they spread the word that I needed a home. Then one day, my new humans came to pick me up! Mother named me Cadbury because I looked like a chocolate bunny! She thinks I might be something called a Holland Lop.   (Photo of Cadbury below)

Woodbury: I'm a boy bunny, and unsure of my age, too. All I know is that a few years ago, I was let out into a neighborhood, and it was awful. I was scared of all the noise and big things whizzing by me. It was dark and rainy, and I was all covered in mud, when a tall boy came by on his run and spotted me. He brought me home to his mom (also human), and they cleaned me up and gave me carrots! Like Cad's rescuers, they were moving and couldn't keep me - but the mom, Diane, knew a friend who really likes bunnies. (Photo of Woodbury below)

Cadbury: I heard Mother say, "What's one more bunny in the house?"

Abby:  How were your first days at your new home?

Cadbury:  It wasn't too bad when I got to the new people's house. They put my little hutch on a big wooden table right where everyone would walk by and talk to me. One thing made me nervous - these strange creatures (I learned they're cats) would sit on the table and just stare at me. I didn't care for it. However, I tried stamping my back feet, and it was great! When I did that, they all jumped about a foot in the air and ran away. Ha ha! Now, sometimes I'll sneak out of my cage at night to explore the house (Mother frowns on this). The cats watch me from a distance. They're afraid of my feet!

Woodbury: Everything was pretty nice when I got here. Especially because Mom and Dad knew to give me lots of carrots and parsley! Mom says I'm "mellow" which I'm pretty sure means "handsome."

Cadbury: At first, Mother would take me to church for Easter, and to the church booth at a local Scottish festival, too. I got tired of the limelight, though, and started to get nervous around lots of kids and big people. Luckily, Woodbury came along at the right time to do public appearances. He doesn't seem to mind.

Abby:  What are a few of your favorite things?

Woodbury: Carrots!

Cadbury: I like when Dad holds me on his lap. I like secretly exploring, and I love little soft toys to play with and sleep on. My favorite thing to eat is this cranberry cookie treat that our human friend Tom brings us.

Woodbury: Would it surprise you, Abby, to learn that I love carrots? I also enjoy a big wooden toy that's fun to chew - and it is great to throw against my dish to alert Mom that I feel hungry!

Abby:  Do you have any tips for people who want to adopt a rescue pet?

Cadbury and Woodbury: Our advice is - don't put bunnies in Easter baskets! All bunnies need lots of love and care, because we don't get along so great on our own. We may not look like it in our photos, but we're both pretty small, so we need some protection and help. All rabbits, no matter what size, should be chosen to be a part of the family for always - not just a holiday!

Special thanks to Beth for helping with this interview.  I am so sorry about Cadbury's passing.  She had a wonderful home with your family.   Please give Woodbury a gentle pet for me!  (Please tell him that I am very gentle with bunnies, although I am a dog.)

Dear friends, if you would like to leave a comment, I would love to hear from you!   Thank you for visiting today.

Love,

Abby xoxoxo

 

Dear Abby - Meet Emma (A Rescued Pet Spotlight)

Dear Friends,

How is your week?  Is it hot in your part of the world?  It is very hot here in the deep south.  I am enjoying extra time in front of fans, which are in every room here.   I am also grateful for air conditioning!  I do not like hot weather, and will sometimes lie on the foot of the bed about two feet from a fan.

In other news, a tree surgeon came to my neighborhood and worked on a tree.  Then there was a big wood chipper right out front of my house and it made a fearsome noise!

On a much happier note, I have a beautiful little friend to introduce you to today.  Emma is a 2 year old Chiweenie (Chihuahua/Dachshund mix).  As a proud Doxie mix (Dachshund/Jack Russell), I love Chiweenies, and my Momma does too!

Abby:  What is your background and how did you end up in rescue? 

Emma:  Not much is known about my story. I was found with my sisters and brother and we didn't have a mom. We were brought back to Good Karma Animal Rescue of MN and united with Snow, who became our surrogate mom. Snow was a great mom until we could be on our own even though she was heartworm positive. We stayed with her until we were all old enough and then we went to different fosters home until we could be adopted.   (Emma and Mama Snow pictured below.)

 

Abby:  How were your first days at your new home? 

 

Emma:  It only took me a few minutes to get used to my new space because I'm pretty saucy. I was introduced to my two new brothers, Monte and Roscoe. Even though I was smaller than them they didn't treat me with kid gloves and we started playing and rough housing right away. My Mom and Dad let me sleep in bed with them and I quickly found out they were going to treat me like the tomboy princess I am.

 

Abby:  What are a few of your favorite things? 

 

Emma:  I love cuddling up with my humans or my siblings (in addition to my brothers, my humans just adopted a doxie named Raya from the same rescue I'm from!), meeting new foster siblings, carrying around my favorite toys (the wubba, spike ball, or chew ring), and getting ANY and ALL attention from everyone I meet.

 

Abby:  Do you have any tips for people who want to adopt a rescue pet? 

 

Emma:  My humans foster so I get to meet new foster siblings and teach them all about living in a home. Each new sibling is different - some of them warm up right away and others can be shy. Sometimes you have to go slow when someone new comes to a new space because it can be scary. It's kind of like if you went to a new country and you didn't speak the language and everything was loud and unknown. So if you adopt a rescue pet just remember that there will be a transition period. Go at their pace!

Abby:  Is there a rescue group you want to send a shout out to ?  

 

Emma: Good Karma Animal Rescue of MN. They're a small but mighty rescue that help the hardest cases - seniors, bonded seniors, animals that have medical issues, etc. The rescue is foster based and runs on donations, so volunteers and helps is always welcome.

 

What a wonderful rescue story!   Emma, thank you so much for visiting today.  I love it that your humans foster.  That is great, and you get to make lots of new pupper friends that way, too.

 

Dear friends, if you have any comments of questions for Emma, or if you would like to be featured here, please leave a comment below.

 

Thank you for visiting!  Have a good weekend!

 

Love,

 

Abby xoxoxo 

 

Dear Abby - Meet Bella (A Rescued Pet Spotlight)

Dear Friends,

I hope you are having a great week!  All is well in my world ... a nice, quiet week here.  Momma has been working hard and I have been a great helper.

Today I have a beautiful visitor for you to meet.  Bella is a 4 year old Bluetick Hound Mix.  Naturally, I love hounds!

Abby:  What is your background and how did you end up in rescue? 

Bella:  My mommy wasn't supposed to be puppy shopping, but she came to the pound anyway. Even though her mom and boyfriend (who is now my daddy) told her she didn't need a puppy while she was still in college, she was stubborn (just like me) and took me home anyway. Now my daddy can't imagine life without me, and my grandma loves me too! Mommy knew what she was doing!

Abby:  How were your first days at your new home? 

Bella:  They were a little confusing, because mommy had to pack up for college for the new semester, and I had to stay with Grandma and Grandpa while mommy got settled into her new house. But we were reunited soon enough.

Abby:  What are a few of your favorite things? 

Bella:  My favorite thing to do is eat out of the trashcan. It's so yummy! I also really like bossing around my sisters, Molly and Freckles. I win every time. Because I'm amazing!

Abby:  Do you have any tips for people who want to adopt a rescue pet? 

Bella:  Pick a pet you feel an instant connection to. Even though mommy and I are different, we always still love each other because we have a good mommy-daughter connection. I know she loves me even when I make her mad. Also, make sure you are able to take care of them. If they have a lot of energy, you need to have a fenced-in yard or go for lots of walks!

Abby:  Is there a rescue group you want to send a shout out to? 

Bella:  I was adopted from Brunswick County Animal Shelter, and they were so nice to me! (http://aps.brunswicksheriff.com/). My sisters were adopted from Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in Asheville, NC, and they thought those people were nice too!

Bella, thank you so much for visiting today!   I loved learning about your happy rescue story.  (I must admit I am a little jealous that you can go trashcan surfing!  I am too short for that, but it sounds like fun.)

Friends, if you would like to leave a message or question for Bella, you can leave a comment below.  I would also love to hear from you if you have a rescued cat or dog who would like to be featured here.

Have a great weekend!

Love,

Abby xoxoxo

Dear Abby - Meet Stevie (A Rescued Pet Spotlight)

Dear Friends,

I hope you've had a good week!  It has been a nice quiet one here after fireworks in the neighborhood last weekend.  I like a quiet week.  They are my favorite kind.  Not much news to report, but that is okay with me.

I have a great friend visiting the blog today, and I know you will enjoy meeting her too.  Stevie is a beautiful and sweet doxie.  Her mother and my momma have known each other for a long time through an online dachshund community.  Stevie has a GREAT home!

Abby:  What is your background and how did you end up in rescue?

Stevie:  My name is Stevie May Allen, and I am a piebald miniature dachshund. I love my forever mother and dachshund sisters, Tookie and Trixie.

I took a long and difficult journey to reach my current wonderful life. I was rescued in Joplin, MO, along with my two puppies more than five years ago. Someone had tried to hurt me, and I lost my left eye. The nice people at Almost Home Dachshund Rescue brought my puppies and me across country to my foster mother, Sue Romano, in Kentucky. She is friends with my human mother, Jennifer Allen, and Sue knew Jennifer would love me for what I am and not be upset for what I'm not. I also was heartworm positive when I arrived at Sue's home, so the great people with Almost Home took care of my health challenges before I moved permanently to my new home. 

Abby:  How were your first days at your new home? 

Stevie:  My first days in my new home were difficult because I wanted to run around and explore everything, but I had to stay quiet in a crate for several weeks because I had just finished my heartworm treatment. I was really, really curious and even escaped out the front door on several occasions -- not to run away, but to explore all the wonderful, new smells and sights. It was really funny watching my mother scream and run up and down the sidewalk as she chased me.

I immediately became inseparable with Talley, who passed away less than a year later, but I was able to help her and be with her during her final months. A few months later, another rescue dachshund, Trixie, came to live with us, and she and I love to go out on the deck together and bark at everything that moves. Tookie, on the other hand, is the Greta Garbo of the dachshund world and just prefers to stay quietly under a pile of blankets on the couch most of the time. She thinks Trixie and I are so silly for our antics out on the deck. 

Abby:  What are a few of your favorite things? 

Stevie:  My favorite things are snuggling with my mother in bed at night or on the couch as well as enjoying some time every day (when it's warm and dry) out on our little deck. Every day when my mother leaves for work, she tells me that I'm in charge. I take my job very seriously. 

Abby:  Do you have any tips for people who want to adopt a rescue pet? 

Stevie:  I think everyone should reach out and adopt a rescue. It is wonderful to have a new home and family, and I promise that every rescue just wants to give love and to be loved.

That's pretty much my story. I am happy, healthy and full of life and love. I think rescuers are the best people in the world.

Thank you so much, Stevie, for visiting today.  I loved learning more about your story.  It's wonderful that you are in charge when your mother goes out ... I know you do a great job with that duty!

Friends, if you would like to leave a comment for Stevie, you can do so in the comments below.  Please also let me know if you have a "Dear Abby" question or a rescued pet who would like to be featured.

Have a great weekend!

Love,

Abby xoxoxo

Dear Abby - Meet Starla (A Rescued Pet Spotlight)

Dear friends,

I hope you are having a great day!  It is a long weekend and I have been busy helping Momma get caught up so we can take some time off.  I love long weekends!

Today I have two wonderful guests to introduce to you.  Starla is a 5 year old Cattle Dog Mix. She is here visiting with her Mom, Alanna.

Abby:  What is Starla's background and how did she end up in rescue? 

Alanna:  Starla was a pregnant stray in Texas when she was found. She was super friendly and happy be rescued. Once she had her puppies, a rescue group, Pet Rescue Alliance, transported her up to Virginia to be adopted. She lived with her foster family for almost 3 months in Washington, D.C. before I adopted her. 

Abby:  How were Starla's first days at her new home? 

Alanna:  Starla was a very friendly dog, however still wary of me. She refused to play with any toys or sleep next to my bed for a couple weeks. However, she was very well behaved and knew to sit while waiting for her dinner and to come get me if she needed to go outside. 

Abby:  What are a few of Starla's favorite things?  

Alanna:  Starla's favorite things are chasing squirrels and doing tricks for treats. 

Abby:  Do you have any tips for people who want to adopt a rescue pet?  

Alanna:  Take your time and think about your lifestyle, how it will change, and what kind of dog would work best with that lifestyle. 

Abby:  Is there a rescue group you want to send a shout out to (with link to group?) 

Alanna:   https://www.facebook.com/petrescuealliance, Pet Rescue Alliance

 

Thank you, Alanna and Starla, for visiting today.  Starla, I love your pictures and think chasing squirrels sounds like lots of fun!  We have something in common -- I was also rescued as a stray in Texas, and then traveled to my forever home.

 

If you have a question or comment for Starla, I hope you'll leave a message below.  If you have a special rescued pet who would like to be featured here, please let me know that, too.

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Love,

 

Abby xoxoxo 

 

 

Dear Abby - Meet Twinkles and Murray (A Rescued Pets Spotlight)

Dear Friends, 

I hope you are having a great week!   All is fine here, except we are expecting some rain and thunder here today.  (Regular readers will know how I feel about thunder!)

I am excited, though, to have some fun visitors to introduce you to today.  Angela, who is a dachshund person and one of Momma's friends, is visiting with her dog Twinkles and kitty Murray.  Angela and her family have a wonderful group of furbabies including Twinkles (Lab mix), Murray (tabby cat), Gizmo (Dachshund), Sarge (Weimaraner), Miss P (gray tabby cat), and Gimli (white cat).  I have to mention that Gizmo just celebrated his 10th birthday (Happy Birthday, Gizmo!) and he has his own Twitter account -- @GizmoAdventures.   He is one of the world's great doxies, and you should look him up on Twitter!

Twinkles and Murray are both rescues, and have wonderful stories.  Twinkles is a Lab mix dog who is 10 or older.  

Abby:  What is Twinkles' background and how did she end up in rescue? 

Angela:  Twinkles was rescued by my grandmother about 7 years ago. She had been dumped and was also run over. Her hip was broken. She healed and now walks with a limp. Twinkles came to live with us when my grandmother moved into an apartment that did not allow big dogs. 

Abby:  How were Twinkles' first days at your home? 

Angela:  Her first few days, you could tell she was sad and missed her mom. But it didn't take long for her to fit right in. She gets along great with Gizmo and Sarge and even has her own bed for the first time.  (The picture below shows Twinkles with Gizmo.)

Abby:  What are a few of Twinkles' favorite things?

Angela:   My favorite thing is to watch her do zoomies. Despite a bad hip, she still runs like the wind. She also loves to dance in puddles and do spins and splash in them. 

Murray is a beautiful cat who is 4 years old.  

Abby:  What is Murray's background and how did she end up in rescue? 

Angela:  Murray was rescued by my brother and his girlfriend. She jumped on the roof of their car in a snow storm. They got her off the hood and put her in the car;  she was just a kitten. They had her for 4 years and she came to live with us on Christmas Day this past year.  

Abby:  How were Murray's first days at your home? 

Angela:  She spent her first week hiding under chairs and beds. She did want to socialize. We think she was mostly heartbroken that her daddy left her with strange people (we have been around her before, but she was a kitten) She finally came out and is now best friends with my mom. She follows her everywhere and sits in her lap all during the day. She loves to go outside and explore and watch the birds. My favorite thing about her is that when you pick her up, she looks just like Garfield after he gets in trouble. She is full of sass and attitude, but she is very gentle with everyone and purrs almost nonstop. 

This picture of Murray surrounded by toys was one of the first times she came out of hiding after first coming to live with us.

Thank you for visiting, Angela, Twinkles, and Murray!  I loved visiting with you all here today.  Twinkles and Murray, you found a wonderful home where you are much loved.  Please give my love to Gizmo, Sarge, Miss P, and Gimli.

If you have questions or comments for Angela, Twinkles, or Murray, I hope you'll leave a comment below.  Thank you for reading, and have a great weekend!

Love,

Abby xoxoxo