Day 1

Day 1, October 6 2023

 Well, it's definitely been interesting. 

He would not lie down for more than a few minutes at a time.  He paced, ate, drank, went on 2 walks with Rich, went with me to the pet store to get him a new harness, & went outside a gazillion times. 

As soon as the others came home, he was all about them. He's very intrigued with Ziva. She's not necessarily a "fan" but not necessarily "not a fan" .   He's too much for her right now.    

We did make it downstairs at one point.  He's very interested in it. I think give it a few days & there may be progress.   

This evening he keeps lying down (first on the couch, then on the dog bed, then on the couch) but he has yet to really relax.  

We're hoping tonight when we're all in the bedroom, he'll finally relax. 

He was someone's dog as he knows some commands. Sit & Paw. Not sure what else he knows as he's been too high strung to really listen.   He knows walk. He has ZERO issues climbing on the couch or any other furniture. So he was definitely someone's pet.  

Ziva-updated

 Status: Anxiously waiting for some word.

February 28 2021

So We've been discussing on filling the 4th "spot" in our line up.   When would we do it? What would we want? Etc Etc.     

Ideally, we would want a female Bernese puppy.  However there are a few factors on that track.  Finding a breeder, getting on a list  (many request a deposit) and would take anywhere from 9-18 months. 

We did fill out an application with a Bernese breeder here in Ohio. However ..we have no idea if and when that would ever pan out.   

Next option would be a rescue.   The problem with this is when would one be rescued? , would it be a female?, would it be near us? Bernese dogs do not stay in shelters or Rescues long.  These dogs are highly sought after and are very expensive for purebreds via breeder.

To give you an example, about a month or so ago a Bernese female ended up with Berea's rescue organization. She was gone 15 mins after they opened.  We only know this because we called about her.

So by this time we know we without a doubt want a female Berner. 

The only cemented time frame that we had was after our vacation.   So starting March we are actively looking.

Last Tuesday {2/23} while on vacation I logged into Facebook while eating breakfast.   In one of my groups, a Cleveland area Bernese Group someone shared a Rescue's post.  

There is a young female Berner available for adoption. Another puppy mill rescue.   She's 2.5 yrs old and looks JUST LIKE VOLOS. 

The timing was perfect.   I sent an email requesting info.  In the response was instructions and an application.   Completed & returned.     

During our drive home {2/25} we received a call from someone from the vet to inform us that they were following up on our application.  It sounded really encouraging.

Later on  as we got closer to home we spoke to the Foster Mom.    The dog, currently named Tippy,  sounds just like Volos did.   She sounds so sweet and would be perfect for us.  

Yesterday one of my references called to let me know they spoke to her. 

I know today Tippy had a vet appointment.

So we are being considered, however I don't know more than that. 

Mar 3

I am a bundle of nerves.   I am not good at waiting.   I just want word that she is indeed ours.     I think I will email them later to find out.

Just so nervous. 

Mar 4

I caved and mentioned it on FB.  I just have all this nervous energy and am so excited.   Also petrified we won't get her.  Never gone through this.

So yes... we're waiting to find out if we're lucky enough to bring home another beautiful puppy.

AND FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO SAY WE'RE CRAZY (Eyeing you Kelly) 
We've done it before with 4 and that includes when we had Athena at her most "reliant on us" and a new dog (Volos) . So I know we can do it again. 

She would round out our pack perfectly and ...just the thought of another cuddly Berner!!!!!!!

SO here's the Pictures they posted.   PLEASE send all positive energy, vibes, thoughts, etc our way.   

Isn't she beautiful? Volos' daughter?

And the post title: Ziva.  Yeah we've already picked a name.   We're keeping with the Slavic God/Goddess theme in their Names. Fingers x'd we didn't jinx ourselves.

Rich originally wanted another, but I didn't like the name. So I chose this one.    

Ziva is the Slavic goddess of life and fertility.

https://www.ancient-code.com/goddesses-slavic-mythology/

https://www.ancient-code.com/12-gods-of-slavic-mythology-and-their-amazing-powers/

Another spelling for Veles is Volos

Mar 5

After Rich came home, we were discussing her.  As I talked it out I've calmed down.    I needed to remind myself that the humans aren't running the show, she is.

Because of her situation prior to entering the rescue, she is almost like Volos was in the beginning.  Timid, quite like a Ninja, & unsure.    Volos took 8 weeks before he made a sound.   It was a gradual coming out of his shell.     Had I been a foster parent, I wouldn't have sent him to a home at 14 days. 

Discussing Volos and remembering how he was is what brought clarity.    This is on her time table.  When she is calm & secure enough, then they'll contact those that applied for her.  

So that being said-- we'll keep you posted when she lets the foster Mom know she's ready for a transition.

Pupdate Volos

I promise I will get to the day in the life with a dog living with DM, but I figured I'd focus on the newest pack member-Volos. 
 V O L O S

DAY 0-- It was crazy. Picking the ACDs up from play care and driving down to meet "Scout".  Dogs realizing that he was coming home--the hour ride home, stopping to get a collar and finally making it home. 
Once home it was a zoo!  CRAZY.  Athena barking up a storm, Peryn & Lada watching Volos with trepidation, and poor Volos--completely overwhelmed.

He walked around the house lifting his leg marking (and so began the NOs), then he crapped upstairs, and then the whole crew went downstairs to burn energy. 
Down there he began to poop everywhere and the dogs were being their typical self.

hile down there we grabbed the crate and then set it up in Rich's office. This was going to be his safe space.    Volos learned to use the stairs this day.  He was slow, but he made it all the way upstairs on his own.   Very much like Athena was.   We will have to work on strengthening them.

Eventually Rich sat down on the computer and I went to bed (taking all the psychos with me).   Eventually Volos calmed down and finally laid down.  

He readily went into his crate that night and we all had a peaceful nights rest.

DAY 1-- I stayed home to allow him to get acclimated to the house and the dogs.  Not my wisest move as Peryn & Lada were their typical INSANE selves and wanted to play all day long.  Peryn's intensity seems to freak Volos out.  


We began the day with what is going to be our normal routine. Outside & breakfast.   He did really well and ate heartily. 
Once back inside though, he went to his safe space, Rich's office.  That's fine and expected. 
I left him alone for periods of time and would check on him and get some loving.   

I eventually took him & Lada to the park 2 doors down. He does so well outside of the house. He met our neighbor and her dog.   He loves other "chill" dogs.   As I said, Lada and Peryn are too high strung for him right now.   

Every time I check on him, he's happy to see me and cuddle.  We need to work a bit on the outside thing though. When it's only to go to the restroom, he nearly trips me because he's right at my feet.  

Rich came home and Volos got more loving.  Rich took him & Peryn on short walk around the block.  They came back and Volos made a quick appearance in the living room. He proceeded back to his safe room.     

Rich spent the evening on the computer again with Volos and the door to the room shut so he could either stay in his crate or stay in the room.  He chose the crate.

DAY 2-- Normal day.   I got up for work and let him out of the room. Attempted to take him outside, but he didn't want to be out there, so he stayed against my legs the whole time.   He trips me when he is like that. It's sweet though.   We'll get him used to this life.

I left for work after feeding him and giving him some loving.     Rich made sure they all went out again and loved on him a bit before putting him in his crate.  He goes in easily with no fuss.

That feels gooood!

I came home and proceeded to greet him with much enthusiasm as I could. He was very happy to see me.  I then got Athena up and had to coach him out of the room to go outside.   That was another chore as he did not want to be out there (he doesn't seem to like the tie out ).

We went back inside and I got Athena into her cart.   I then got him out of the room (putting his leash on him seems to make him come out without issue) and the three of us proceeded to head down to the park.    

He loves being able to be outside.  He rolled around in the snow and even sort of ran. 

We came back to the house and I loved on him a bit and then went to my office (directly across from Rich's office).  I would call out to him occasionally and even go back to love on him.

He actually moved out of the corner and came to the doorway to watch me.   He seemed to be contemplating coming across to be with me.  He stepped out of the room once, but eventually went back inside.   

I hope we continue to earn his trust and that he can relax in the house.    

He's currently on the way with Rich to meet the ladies who work at the day care the kids go to.   They are super excited to meet him.   

so we're not over day 2 yet--but he seems to be getting comfortable in his immediate surroundings.   Now if only my psychos could allow him to relax!

Welcome Volos!

What does one do when they're already overwhelmed with helping their older puppy mill rescue with DM and dealing with 2 very active young Cattle Dogs?

We adopt another puppy mill rescue.
Yes this post was supposed to be about a day in the life with a dog living with DM, but fate has other plans.

Long before Duchess passed, Rich made it known that the next dog we got was going to be a Bernese Mtn Dog.   At the time, we were figuring this was years away since we still had Duchess and Athena.  Rich wanted me to know he really wanted one the next time we adopted   

Duchess' passing was so unexpected and such a big blow.  She left a very big hole in our lives.  Her role of stoic big sis and protector was empty.   None of the others were up to the task.   
Rich stated that we need to get a bigger dog. Someone intimidating that could fill in the "scary" part that Duchess did when people went by the house.    A Bernese would do the trick.  I was thinking more of waiting until Athena passed, seeing that she is a lot of work some days.
I think it was more of "Waiting to see what develops" more than anything.

Saturday night while hanging with my girlfriends we were discussing the "next dog".  I told them what Rich wanted and they looked up one since they were unfamiliar with the breed.
The very next day my one girlfriend found a post for a BMD in her timeline (you know your phone is listening) and shared the post with me as a "See our phone is listening"  

Turns out the dog was about an hour away.  Long story short--we adopted him.  He's approximately 5 years old and was used as a breeding dog in a puppy mill.   He's been neutered, but still requires house training.

He is a lover.  A BIG BALL OF FURRY LOVE.   However he is very scared.   SO after the initial "welcome to your new home" we set up his safe space.   It's in Rich's office. We have Peryn's  old crate in there-which is where he'll sleep at night and when we're gone. However, the whole room is sort of his hiding spot.    He's currently in there right now lying down. 

I go to check up on him every so often to give him love and check his provisions.    Physically he's in much better shape than Athena was when we adopted her, though his right back paw is a bit bothersome to him.


Emotionally/Mentally we are just beginning to let him heal.    

He was named Scout, but Rich wanted to keep with the Slavic God/Goddess theme and so he;s now Volos.

cutie pie

Handsome boy

 

And introducing.....

Lada at 8 1/2 weeks

We've never had more than 3 dogs. Always said it was too much.   So imagine my surprise one day as the hub says "You know what we need? We need a female red to go with Peryn"  For those who don't speak dog lingo....He saying we should get ANOTHER cattle dog, a female this time and a Red one.
Another dog.

We talked about the pros and cons... Pros--they'd be very close in age and energy level so they'd play well together.   Galen & Sheba bonded in a similar situation when they were the same age. These 2 could be really good for each other if we were to let it happen.      Duchess & Athena play with him only when they feel like it--which isn't often.

Peryn's done very well as daycare.   He LOVES other dogs and he loves PLAYING with other dogs.  He's FANTASTIC with dogs of all ages.   This could work.    The girls might not be too happy, but they've dealt in the past.  Best to do it before Peryn gets much older.

But 4 dogs???? Are we crazy?

Lada at 9 weeks.

Did a general search and could not find any red female heeler puppies in quick driving distance.   Not meant to be I guess...

Still I would look and let Hub know that I didn't' find anything.....  until another individual on the heeler group I belong to began posting pics of the new heeler pup she'd be bringing home. Her pup is 2 weeks older than Peryn and she was getting another for similar reasons (love of the breed and a companion to her current pup).

SO I did another search and POOF! 2 weeks prior someone in Ohio (an hour away at that) had red female pups! Seeing that the ad was 2 weeks old, I contacted him to ask if there were any left.   I told Rich. The gentleman responded that they had 1 female red left.    Sent us a picture and HUB was hooked.

We discussed it some more.  We're not getting her until we have stuff for a puppy AND after Christmas (we didn't want to have her locked up too much).   Worked out a time and day for pickup and scheduled it for 5 days later, the day after Christmas.  We went and got everything we'd need for another puppy and then had to wait.

Of course we get sick in the meantime and I'm told my Hub that I BETTER BE WELL enough to go get her.

We had them send pics every few days.  Rich was beyond excited and I made it into a guessing game on FB.

Christmas Day

So we went to get her and she's beyond adorable. She LOVES to be held. First afternoon/evening home was crazy. Dogs could not have cared any less and were not thrilled..  She didn't want to be let down...We couldn't get her to go outside to the bathroom.....
She was completely content to be held and fall asleep in the arms/lap/feet of my Hub.

nightime went as expected...maybe a little worse considering I was hacking up a lung while trying to let them out in the middle of the night.

This morning (12/27) is going much better.   She and Peryn have played.  She's exploring and playful and still wants to cuddle.
Still need to work on getting her to go OUTSIDE for the restroom...but otherwise she is a darling.

Duchess is ignoring her to an extent--so is Athena...but Peryn is actively trying to engage (and bully) her.     I see good things ahead.

day #3 Tuesday Dec 28

It's LADA!!!!!

Today Peryn went to daycare as scheduled.  It would be too much for me to watch them all today.   It was a good thing. She was able to come out of her shell and explore. Duchess tried (and failed) to engage her and I got to work on house training her.
Although little dude scared me first thing this morning and took off into the woods.....heart attack I didn't need.

Well, we picked him up and like always he was exhausted and just slept while we had dinner and cleaned up the kitchen.   However once we arrived back upstairs, things changed.

With him refreshed from daycare he began to actively engage with his sister.   They were playing tug o war, chase, wrestling, and just sitting quietly chewing on different ends of the same toy.   THIS !!! THIS is why we got her.   Two young pups -just bonding and playing.  I'm so happy!

They are still currently playing.   Peryn has a real playmate to keep him occupied.  Lada has someone to help burn all that puppy energy.  They will be each others companions as Duchess and Athena get older.
If they are half as great together as Galen & Sheba were, I'll be very happy.

So here's all about Lada

She's going to be 12 weeks old, born Oct 7.  Both of my pups were born in 2016.   She, like Peryn, is an Australian Cattle Dog.   Peryn is a Blue Heeler and she's a Red.   She's approximately 12 lbs and seems slightly smaller than Peryn was at that age.
Her dad was a Red and her mom was a blue.
She's EXTREMELY affectionate--more so than Peryn ever was or has been.  She's got a sweet disposition and right now seems more of a people puppy.

Like Peryn, she doesn't seem to have a mask.  She will have a big spot on her hind quarter by the tail.  Where Peryn was our kamikaze daredevil from minute one, she's a bit more cautious.
Oh and she's a drama queen.    OMG....you think she's getting hacked to pieces when she's playing and doesn't like something.      That will be interesting to see if that continues as she gets older.


SO welcome to Lada and look for more puppy postings to come....

The girls and the newest addition

WIGGLE WORM

After Galen's and Sheba's passing, we were content with two dogs. We knew three dogs are a chore and the two girls are a handful as it is.

As time goes by, my itching for another dog grew.  I love my girls. I really do, but I missed having an affectionate and loving dog.  My girls love me, but Duchess isn't affectionate other than cuddling in bed at night.  Athena only wants hugs and kisses for a bit, but then she's done.


I miss the dog cuddling with me as they sleep.  Curling up and freely giving kisses.   I began to bug Rich for another dog. It grew and got worse when I  began scanning all of Galen's old photos.

Last Friday, Feb 5 I stumbled across the opportunity to adopt a new puppy. Once I saw his face I sent the photo to Rich.  The face was too much for him too.  The puppy was spoken for, but we put it out there that if that fell through, we'd be interested.

Here we are a week later.

At first Duchess and Athena were NOT AT ALL happy. In fact, Duchess rebelled a few times. They did not want to have anything to do with the puppy.   That was disappointing.

We thought Athena for sure would be interested. She loves small dogs and puppies when we're out at the park.  

no puppy bowls for him

Something changed Wednesday and before you know it, both girls are playing with him.   Its truly wonderful.  

He's a pretty good dog.  The house training thing is going to kill me.    He's relatively laid back. He's very curious and a sweet pup.   He's taken to us very easily and seems to fit right in.

He ADORES his big sisters.  He loves to chase after them to play, even after they're done with him.
He's pretty fearless too, he has nicknames like lil ninja and kamikaze.  

He goes for his first appointment tomorrow.  I wish we had weighed him last week, but we didn't.

I think the three of them will make a good pack.   I never thought having 2 older and  1 puppy would be a good thing, but so far it's looking that way.

He fell into our laps.   I've wanted a puppy for awhile now and someone was offering him up free.
Hubby couldn't say no once he saw his adorable face.

He was previously "claimed" and I stated if that fell through, we'd be interested.  The next morning I was notified and we hopped into the car with the girls.

We fell in love instantly.  He was so chubby and cuddly and sweet.
We took him home.

His first night was awful. I didn't sleep. He cried and whined in the crate all night.

The next night was more of the same.  The third night got better.  He's getting better and better each night.  

I'm not a fan of the getting up to go out in the freezing cold weather every 2 hours....

The girls have warmed up to him and as we get to know  the little guy better, we'll fill you in here.

Peryn LOVES playing fetch or tug. He loves his toys and will bring them to you to fetch. His favorite item is his Cheezburger.

He LOVES his little sister Lada, they are BFF's.  Almost always together.

When playing fetch with her, he will keep a toy in his mouth and run with her to get the item.  He prefers playing with at least one ball or toy in his mouth. 

He also loves his big herding ball. They are often in the basement herding the ball around. 

Recently has become obsessed with is big brother Volos.   He and Volos have a weird frenemies relationship. They run up and down the basement stairs together and bark at one another. 

They also both "fight" over the same ball.    

Peryn mourned the loss of big Sis Duchess and there has been a slight personality change with guarding the back yard. He once tried to silence and herd them all away from barking at people. He now barks at people.  

Stubborn and sweet.  Gives affection on his own terms.   Not a beggar.

One Week Later

Sorry to make you wait for another part.  I had to go out of town for a wedding.   Athena was left home with her sisters and Daddy.

 

She's doing extremely well.  Had her first round of shots and was given more medication.

 

The vet thinks she'll do well. The patch of skin on her back is 'healing'. We're still not sure if hair will grow back or not, but everything is healing nicely.

 

Her spaying is being put on hold for awhile. They really would like to see the ear infection & her skin heal more before we get to that point.

 

She has bonded well with her sisters.   She is very sweet with them and she and Duchess play with each other often.   It was exactly what we hoped.   

Athena loves to sit out side and be on guard (to protect us from all those squirrels and cats that roam

Athena watching for local wildlife.

out there).  She's very gentle with kids and adults.   Very sweet.  

She's navigating the stairs better.  She still looks a bit awkward climbing stairs, but she has picked up speed and confidence in climbing them.  She also doesn't crouch low to the stairs as she originally was.  She still is no Duchess when climbing (or running in Duchess' case), but there is obvious improvement.

She loves looking out the window.  She has taken over Galen's old thrown. It's very bittersweet to watch.  

The "throne" was Galen's for the entire time he lived here and it was very saddening to see it empty as his body wouldn't allow him to climb on it anymore.  I think he might approve of her taking it over.



Galen on HIS throne

 

Athena, taking over Galen's spot


Actually, both Galen & Goldberg both use to love looking out the window. They could sit there for hours. Only Galen had claimed the spot and no one was allowed to sit there when he wanted it. Not even Mommy.  

 He would make you get up so he could rest upon it and watch outside if that's what he wanted.    I really think Athena and Galen would have gotten along.   We're just glad she's enjoying it.

I was sidetracked! Let's get back to the vet visit. Athena has gained approximately 4 pounds since she was weighed in at the shelter.   We're glad that she's putting on the pounds.  She has a very healthy appetite.   I have yet to see a sign of any food aggression and that makes me happy. After dealing with it for years with Goldberg and Sheba (no one tried with Galen), it is nice to see a dog eat with a healthy appetite and no issues.

Unless the hub failed to tell me, we haven't had any more incidences of her going in the house.  She's very good with holding it.

I'm extremely happy with the progress she's made.  I also love that she is extremely affectionate.  The other dogs, not so much. I haven't had an affectionate dog since we lost Goldberg 2 years ago.    Athena definitely wins the title of most affectionate ever though.

We're very happy to have brought her into our lives and I think it's safe to say, she's happy too.

Say cheese!

Close up of Athena in the back yard

Days 3 & 4

Athena is adjusting well.
She's doing much better on the stairs. She still looks awkward going up and down, but she's got speed now.

Monday I worked from home, to give her more time to adjust to her surroundings. She slept on her bed right next to my desk the whole day. 
Once I finished, I brought out the puppy puzzle toys for them to play with. She got into them.  She was rather impatient with the one & broke a piece, but nothing major.
She also played a little bit with Duchess.   That made me smile.  


One thing I did notice about her is the possibility she's going into heat. I've never had a dog that was unaltered, so this is new to me.  We're keeping a watch out and we'll definitely find out at the Vet on Friday.

Today, I returned to work.  Today was a real test as this is going to be the schedule she deals with during the week.  9+ hours without the humans.
I was running late, as was my husband, so I was anxious to what I would find when I came in the house.

Three happy excited pups greeted me at the door.   All my girls waiting for me.   While I let them outside, I searched the house for a sign of a mess. Nothing.  Nothing was amiss.  She did so well.

I played with them a bit outside and then brought them back in.   Once inside, Duchess tried to engage her in play.   Athena joined in. They were chasing around the large chair and having a blast.
It warms my heart that they've all started to bond and care for each other. 

Athena's back scabs are falling off. She has healthy looking skin underneath so that is good.   Rich & I both think her teets do not look as big as they did the day we brought her home. Whether that's from us getting use to her or they actually are, remains to be seen.

Right now she & Duchess are at the window right next to me watching the neighborhood.

 

 

 

 

Adopting Athena

After we saw her picture, we immediately sent an inquiry about her.   We also sent in the adoption papers along with a request to meet with her so our dogs could do a meet & sniff.

I spoke to the shelter and one, we were approved to adopt her and two, we were scheduled to meet her and possibly take her home on Saturday April 5, 2015.

In the end, we decided not to bring the other two with us.  We knew Athena, would probably be a good dog, Duchess would be the problem.  We wanted her to have time with us before introducing her to the dogs.  

Besides, it was a 2 1/2 hour drive and did not need the headache of 3 dogs in the vehicle.
It gave us time to bond with her in the car. 


We arrived down there around 10:15 AM & they brought her out right away.   It was a bit of a shock to see her at first. Even though they tell you right there in the adoption post, seeing it in person was something different.

She has that patch of dry scaly hairless skin along her spine. Additionally the black belly & knees, and the extended teets, were a bit of the surprise.   It wasn't going to change our opinion, it just made us realize that this poor girl has been through much more.
They mentioned she was probably over-bred based on her teets. 

Looking at the other spots, it looks like she was kept on her belly or laying down quite often.   It seemed she may have been a puppy mill mom.    

While all the dogs were cautious when they met, they're pretty comfortable with each other. In fact, Duchess and Athena have played a little bit.

You can tell Athena was not a house dog nor did she have a good life prior to us. She tends to walk around with her tail down between her legs.  She isn't use to going outside.  We ask her if she needs to go & she waits at the door with the other 2, but then she goes right there.   We will need to work on the house training.



Athena with her new sisters

She was totally unfamiliar with stairs.  She had the hardest time walking up and down them. She still does but she is a bit better with it than yesterday at this time.

She is an absolute sweetheart though. Very affectionate.  She also took very well to her new bed.  

Sleeping on her new bed next to big sis, Sheba

 

We made an appointment with the vet to go over her issues, get her shots and schedule a date for surgery (she obviously needs to be spayed).  We also need to put some weight on her. She's way too skinny. I'd be happy with 5-10lbs but we'll see what the vet says on Friday.

 

 

We adore her so far and we're going to everything to get her healed and feeling safe and happy.  

 

We're going to keep you up to date on her healing & progress. 

 

 

Below are some pictures of her visible physical issues.



patch along her back

 



Knee

A view of her knee & underneath. Black & hanging low



Another view of her other knee & underneath.

Meet Athena

Welcome.  Let's introduce you to Athena.   Her information was shared in a Facebook Post by a friend of ours. It just so happened we were in search of a new dog.   

We lost our first fur baby in late January after 14 years together.  It was heart breaking.  We had two with us still. Sheba, Galen's (my first), bestie who is 13 1/2 years old.  She has slowed down in her old age and this is the first time she's ever been without him.   We also have Duchess, a four year old we adopted last June.  

We were looking for a companion for Duchess and someone to cushion the blow that is going to come.  When we saw this post, we fell in love with her sweet smile and story.   So this here is the beginning of it all.