Josie 06-116

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3/23/06: Well here is sweet Josie, momma to be....anytime. She had a long ride from Kansas yesterday, and we are so grateful to all the wonderful volunteers who made it happen. She was supposed to come Monday, then Tuesday, but with the snow storm (in the KC area) it just didn't happen. But she's here now safe and sound, eating like it's her last meal, which I am sure that is how she feels. She was basically starving and you can see and feel her spine, her back side is collapsed in a bit and being pregnant she has a sway back. Last night she ate 1 cup of puppy kibble at 3 different feedings and drank water like she hadn't had any for a very long time :( She also helped herself to my turkey sandwich from the counter when I turned my back....she only got a half :) Today she has eaten easily 6 cups of food and had puppy canned food one time and cottage cheese 2 other times. There is no way to make up for her poor diet and horrible surroundings she was living in, but we are going to do our best to get as much good food as possible into her before her babies come. I bathed her last night...my standards aren't that high, but she wasn't coming to bed smelling the way she did, and I didn't want her to bring her babies into the world being so smelly. I brought her up to bed....she wasn't comfortable on the bed. So I put the leash on and hooked it to the bed rail. A few minutes later I got up to check and see how she was doing. She was doing just fine...had found slipper socks under a bag in a basket and had started to chew through the leash. Finally I took her to the downstairs bathroom and put her in there. It was now close to 2 a.m. and she settled in til 6 a.m. She had peed but that was all.

So our day started early, then off to the vet. We got there and in the office ok and then she just went flat down and wouldn't move. Finally coaxed her into the exam room. Her ears are filthy beyond anything I've seen and the right ear is infected, but Dr. Nancy doesn't want to use anything topical or orally til after the babies are born. Til then we will clean ears everyday...which she isn't fond of. Considering how skinny she is and the poor diet she has had, her teeth are in pretty good shape and she guesses Josie is about 5 years old. We are going back in tomorrow a.m. to have an ultra sound to get the best reading we can on the puppies and her health in general. There is a vet who comes around with his portable machine and lucky for us Friday is his day at Dr. Nancy's.

The really good news is Casey is fine with her. I muzzled Casey and took her out to the garage while Josie was still in the Doggie Mobile. There was a bit of growling and barking, so I put Casey out back. Got Josie out and took her out front to potty. Then when they met up and Casey did her naughty girl growly thing, poor Josie hit the floor. That was all it took for Casey to say " ok, she's good and can stay." No muzzle, no fights etc. I don't leave them alone just to be safe. Tonight Josie is starting to get a little growly around Casey when Casey is barking. I feed her separate from Casey and Reba as she had to fight for food before, and I want her to feel unthreatened and know she can relax and eat. So far so good.

Most puppy mill dogs are very shy and frightened of everything, won't always eat right away, won't look you in the eyes, don't want to potty in front of you...well, the list goes on and on. But Josie is a bit better. She walks on a leash with some coaxing, but of course isn't sure about going in and out of doorways. She does make eye contact, sometimes will come to you when you call and get on the floor with her. Last night she actually came over by me when I was sitting in the kitchen and took turkey from my hand!! She is watching Casey and Reb, following me around, coming and getting some love, taking treats, going in and out to go potty, etc. She met one of the cats on the stairs and just looked at him and walked away. I have also picked up her cue for needing to go out. She will get really antsy and walk back and forth or in circles. I didn't catch it this a.m. and she left me the poop sample I need for the vet, on my bedroom floor :) What a good girl. She spent time in the bathroom today with just a gate across the door.....but she messed with a big one and proceeded to walk thru it, sit in it, put her paws on the sink and counter, and roll the paper and rug thru it :) It took me about 2 seconds in the house to know it had been a bit too long alone and not getting out. But since I've been home again she's fine.

So here we all are waiting for those puppies to come. My husband is out of town and comes home late tomorrow night. I told him we'd wait til he got home :) If only!! Once the babies arrive I will send in pics and we will go from there. Keep your paws crossed for an easy delivery, healthy puppies, but not too many of 'em :)

Foster Grandma to be :)

JosieJosieJosie

At a Glance #06-116

Breed not specified Born: March 2002
Female Weight not specified

Status: Adopted

Profile

3/23/06: Well here is sweet Josie, momma to be....anytime. She had a long ride from Kansas yesterday, and we are so grateful to all the wonderful volunteers who made it happen. She was supposed to come Monday, then Tuesday, but with the snow storm (in the KC area) it just didn't happen. But she's here now safe and sound, eating like it's her last meal, which I am sure that is how she feels. She was basically starving and you can see and feel her spine, her back side is collapsed in a bit and being pregnant she has a sway back. Last night she ate 1 cup of puppy kibble at 3 different feedings and drank water like she hadn't had any for a very long time :( She also helped herself to my turkey sandwich from the counter when I turned my back....she only got a half :) Today she has eaten easily 6 cups of food and had puppy canned food one time and cottage cheese 2 other times. There is no way to make up for her poor diet and horrible surroundings she was living in, but we are going to do our best to get as much good food as possible into her before her babies come. I bathed her last night...my standards aren't that high, but she wasn't coming to bed smelling the way she did, and I didn't want her to bring her babies into the world being so smelly. I brought her up to bed....she wasn't comfortable on the bed. So I put the leash on and hooked it to the bed rail. A few minutes later I got up to check and see how she was doing. She was doing just fine...had found slipper socks under a bag in a basket and had started to chew through the leash. Finally I took her to the downstairs bathroom and put her in there. It was now close to 2 a.m. and she settled in til 6 a.m. She had peed but that was all.

So our day started early, then off to the vet. We got there and in the office ok and then she just went flat down and wouldn't move. Finally coaxed her into the exam room. Her ears are filthy beyond anything I've seen and the right ear is infected, but Dr. Nancy doesn't want to use anything topical or orally til after the babies are born. Til then we will clean ears everyday...which she isn't fond of. Considering how skinny she is and the poor diet she has had, her teeth are in pretty good shape and she guesses Josie is about 5 years old. We are going back in tomorrow a.m. to have an ultra sound to get the best reading we can on the puppies and her health in general. There is a vet who comes around with his portable machine and lucky for us Friday is his day at Dr. Nancy's.

The really good news is Casey is fine with her. I muzzled Casey and took her out to the garage while Josie was still in the Doggie Mobile. There was a bit of growling and barking, so I put Casey out back. Got Josie out and took her out front to potty. Then when they met up and Casey did her naughty girl growly thing, poor Josie hit the floor. That was all it took for Casey to say " ok, she's good and can stay." No muzzle, no fights etc. I don't leave them alone just to be safe. Tonight Josie is starting to get a little growly around Casey when Casey is barking. I feed her separate from Casey and Reba as she had to fight for food before, and I want her to feel unthreatened and know she can relax and eat. So far so good.

Most puppy mill dogs are very shy and frightened of everything, won't always eat right away, won't look you in the eyes, don't want to potty in front of you...well, the list goes on and on. But Josie is a bit better. She walks on a leash with some coaxing, but of course isn't sure about going in and out of doorways. She does make eye contact, sometimes will come to you when you call and get on the floor with her. Last night she actually came over by me when I was sitting in the kitchen and took turkey from my hand!! She is watching Casey and Reb, following me around, coming and getting some love, taking treats, going in and out to go potty, etc. She met one of the cats on the stairs and just looked at him and walked away. I have also picked up her cue for needing to go out. She will get really antsy and walk back and forth or in circles. I didn't catch it this a.m. and she left me the poop sample I need for the vet, on my bedroom floor :) What a good girl. She spent time in the bathroom today with just a gate across the door.....but she messed with a big one and proceeded to walk thru it, sit in it, put her paws on the sink and counter, and roll the paper and rug thru it :) It took me about 2 seconds in the house to know it had been a bit too long alone and not getting out. But since I've been home again she's fine.

So here we all are waiting for those puppies to come. My husband is out of town and comes home late tomorrow night. I told him we'd wait til he got home :) If only!! Once the babies arrive I will send in pics and we will go from there. Keep your paws crossed for an easy delivery, healthy puppies, but not too many of 'em :)

Foster Grandma to be :)

JosieJosieJosie

Updates

Monday, June 2, 2008

We adopted Josie in July, 2006. Being a puppy mill dog, she had a long road to walk and I wanted you to know she is a beautiful, strong and friendly dog. I want to thank Joyce, her foster mom, on the wonderful job she did with her. Josie would not be the happy dog she is without the loving job Joyce did with Josie and her puppies.

Maizey is her sister who was looking for a little sister she could play with and Maizey and Josie do just that. She taught Josie how to play and be a dog. Josie watched her to see what to do next and Maizey showed her everything. Maizey is a great teacher.

We have a lake place and Josie loves it and all her dog friends up there. She went from a dog that hid under chairs to a dog who looks for a pet wherever she can get it. She loves to ride in the car and go wherever we go and has a big fenced in back yard that she and Maizey roam and check everything out. The neighbors on each side of us have dogs and they all have a game where they run up and down the fence to see who can last the longest.

She is no longer a frightened dog. We love her dearly and she is one of our children. Last year we were at the Ragom picnic and were lucky that two of her puppies came and were reunited. She remembered Joyce which was great to see. I'm enclosing a couple pictures of our Josie.

Linda K.

   

 

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Sunday the troops, The Man and I headed up north to see Tara (aka Terah 05-211) and family. Tara was my first puppy mill dog. I can't tell you what a joy it was to see her. Watch for an update on her and new pics. You would never know it was the same girl. She has wonderful, awesome and loving parents that just dote on her. She is living a wonderful life on a beautiful lake.....after a good 6 years in a puppy mill being bred it's only fitting she got to be our guest hostess in the great outdoors.

Well, someone finally realized how special Ms JoJo was and adopted her today. Josie is very fortunate that her new mom will love her as much me....well down the line maybe as much as me:) Usually all family members must be present for the home visit, but Jo's new dad couldn't be, he is in Iraq and won't be home until Oct. But we all knew this was the family when Jo's new mom was ready to come meet her the day of her Home Visit and especially after her new dad to be, called all the way from Iraq to say she wanted Josie and trusted his wife's choice. Yes, I can hear you all say aaaahhhhh. I look forward to meeting JoJo's new dad when he gets home. Meanwhile I have great pics and memories of a sweet girl that got busted out of a puppy mill, came to me and let me share in the birth of her puppies and the joy of sharing life with them for 8 weeks. She was a great momma, a sweet girl who has learned to be silly and a bit more trusting. Another perk in Jo's life is her fur butt sister, Mazey. Mazey is outgoing, friendly, loves to play and gut stuffed toys same as Ms Jo. Jo actually growled....for a second when they met, then we turned them loose and they immediately started to play. Mazey wasn't too sure about sharing the back seat of the car with her new sister, but I'm sure as with all siblings, they'll work it out. I think Momma Linda will have her hands full once the 2 of them figure things out, Jo gets comfortable and the playing begins. Mazey will help Josie to learn how to enjoy playing like a good fur butt, trusting people, including men and just plain enjoying life. Ms JoJo is a diamond in the rough and the final polishing will be done with her new family. I always know it's a good match when I cry but know in my heart the new family will give her all she needs and deserves.

Good bye my little JoJo. Thanks for trusting me with your babies and your love. Once again a piece of my heart left today. Thank you Linda, Mazey and Dad for giving Josie her Forever Golden Home and Family. And thank you Cindy for once again helping me find the perfect home for my baby..you're awesome!

Foster Mom

Reba and Josie enjoying Tara's lakeReba and Josie making nice with Tara's dadJosie enjoying her last morning sun in St CloudOff with sister Mazey to her new lifeJoJo, Momma Linda and sister Mazey

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Josie discovered that a tennis ball in the lake is great fun to paw at and watch it bounce up. She seems to be catching on to the tennis ball thing a bit... at least in the water. No fetching at home. She swam a bit more this trip and followed Reba on the dock...but not jumping off. :)

Just nice to know she does enjoy the lake, tho the pool at home doesn't seem to hold any big attraction at this point... yet!!

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Ms JoJo is doing great. Buck's aunt brought him over last night for some play time. Since it was "warm" we let them play awhile and then let them cool off in the pool. Apparently this was something new for Buck:) As you can see Josie is having a grand time, she takes no guff from the new guy and continues to show him she's setting the rules. Poor guy.......not!!!! After a couple visits Josie has warmed up to Aunt Tracy (that's Buck's aunt) and before last night's visit was over, she was more than happy to go to Tracy for some loving.

We are going out to the lake today and so Josie will have another chance to enjoy the water and learn about lake life at Aunt Millie's. WILL remember the camera this time, so will be sending in more pictures of the crew.

JoJo has come such a long way. I love how she runs around like a puppy, sliding, and jumping, as Tracy says, like a deer. She is so funny. The one thing I have failed to mention about Ms Josie is that when her tail is swishing, it's banging on anything near by and it's not quiet. It may take her a time or two to meet someone and warm up to them, but when she does, she's like any other Golden.....someone getting petted, hey move over and make room for me!!!!! She was on antibiotics for a while and so twice a day when it was "pill" time for everyone, she was the first to come (uncalled) and sit and wait for her pills in peanut butter. Fact is it wasn't beneth her to try and cop one of the other girls pills.

My favorite example of Josie's playfullness is when I come home and go sit or lay down on the couch. She and Casey love to come jump up and then roll around on their backs waiting for a belly rub. Jo likes to try and bury her head under the cushions and pillows. There is no way to explain the gyrations this girl does when on the couch. Then her and Casey usually have to have a bit of play time with me in the middle.

Josie still is man-shy and takes her longer to warm up them. With The Man she's ok, but best when he's sitting. Then she's right in there with Casey competing for attention. Once she is comfortable with you she is comfortable. Even with me she can be shy at the oddest times.....but mostly it has to do with the unknown.. moving too fast, a noise etc.

I feel JoJo would do best in a home with a woman for sure. She will warm up to any man in time if he has the love and patience to work with her. Older kids are fine as long as they are dog saavy and willing to also be patient. Of course another dog in the house is a must as far as I'm concerned. She needs that bonding, learning and play time with another dog.

So if you have the above qualifications, please let us know. She's waiting for you. Contact : Placementatragom [dot] org

Foster Mom

Josie and boyfriend BuckJosie and BuckJosie with Buck and Reba

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

MISSING: Quiet dog, no running, no playing, no interaction with other dogs, afraid of everyone, doesn't like water, no manners, knows no commands, very serious personality, doesn't care to go on walks, doesn't explore like normal dog, ignores cats, doesn't chase anything, not interested in toys per se.

FOUND: Carefree dog/puppy, loves to run in field, sniff, explore, runs in yard from end to end, turns on a dime, explores every inch of yard every day, would happily chase invading bunnies, runs to check out cat and then hang out with him, sees other dog(s) and wants to run out and meet them, will tolerate people if they go slow with her, knows "sit, come, stay, wait, nice, no and stop", likes to go for walks, will get in Doggie Mobile for rides, loves swimming in the lake, is good with children, can gut a stuffed toy in nothing flat when in the mood, gets excited when family comes home, dances and turns circles, is starting to initiate play with resident dog and other foster dog, will butt in when other dogs are being petted, will wake you up for breakfast, "holds it" till let outside to potty, loves to take pills in peanut butter, moist dog food or cream cheese, has a new boyfriend, Buck the Gordon Setter across the street. Puts him in his place and loves to show him her fancy running, sliding and turning circle moves.

Name of dog: JOSIE, JO JO, JO JO MALONE, MO JO.

Yes, this is the Josie that resides in St. Cloud. She is still cautious around people, takes a bit longer to warm up to the humans than the dogs. If patient and sitting or crouching down, she will come to you. She does make eye contact with us, gets very butt-insky when others are being petted, is comfortable enough to go to another room and just lay down. Doesn't have to be with you every minute. Has free range of the house when we are gone. Outside of the occassional towel or washcloth, she hasn't gotten into stuff she shouldn't. Doesn't stick her nose up on table or counters. She is still skittish about things, such as if you pick up a toy and throw it toward her, or if she's following you and you turn too quickly. But the strides she is making are wonderful.

The perfect home would have a family without small kids and the kids would have to be dog savvy in so far as giving her time to adjust to them and trust them. She doesn't jump on people or kids....dogs are now fair game :) Another dog in the house is a must as she needs someone to play with and help her to continue to learn about being a dog/puppy. She is content on the big soft dog bed, has never tried to get on the bed or any furniture outside of the old couch in the family room. That she loves to jump on and "attack" me. She is a very smart girl who has learned the joy of being loved and what freedom is all about. Obedience school would be wonderful for her for socialization and bonding with her new family. While she is more nervous/careful around men, she is fine with The Man, especially when he is sitting. She "fights" Casey for his attention :)

We did take all 3 dogs to the lake on Sunday, and while Casey 05-438 took right to the water, Josie was a bit more hesitant. I led her in the lake and let her walk around, then swam out and called her. She did come and did the "dog paddle" very well on her first endeavor. What a joy to see her doing what is so "normal" for so many Goldens. She was great with the kids. I explained they had to be slow etc., and the 6 year old boy was so good with her. She took to him and let him pet her and would go to him without pause. Needless to say the canine unit was very quiet on the ride home, ate their supper, pottied and were asleep in nothing flat. What a great day for Josie.

Last but not least, the pics of Jo and Casey (will be posted 7-14 pm) are one of them PLAYING....yes, playing. They were laying on the deck by one another and Josie sorta leaned into Casey, nudges a bit and Casey picked up on it and next thing we knew they were rough housing. They were too fast to get any pics.....but it was quiet the scene. I regret I forgot my camera on Sunday as the pics would have been great. So you will have to use your imagination to see JoJo swimming and walking along the shore exploring. Hopefully we'll get out at least one more time before Casey has her surgery.

So, if you are thinking Ms Jo sounds pretty darn good....well, you're right. And she's ready to meet her Forever family any time. You don't have to worry about potty training, though I'm sure there will be a bit of adjustment. She likes the lake and I'm sure would enjoy camping. So if you're ready to meet Ms Jo, just email

Placementatragom [dot] org and let's get together.

Proud Foster Mom of Josie

Monday, June 26, 2006

Wow is all I can say after this last week!! Josie is coming out of her shell more and more. She never ceases to amaze me at some of the stuff she does. A former foster girl that was adopted from us last year came to stay a few days while her family was on vacation. Well, Lady Bug is just a riot and she got Josie going. Friday evening a friend's daughter brought over their Beagle...the infamous Murphy.....and Lady and Josie played with him for over an hour. Josie would roll him and then hold him down like she did with her pups. Then they'd all run around like someone shot them out of a cannon. She would come to everyone (7 adults and a 10 month old) and get her pets and pats and was fine by the toddler. She was one tired pup. Saturday was a calmer day with the rain, etc. and we were gone in the afternoon.

Sunday Josie and I headed for the Gay Pride shindig at 10:00 a.m. After driving around for half an hour looking for a parking place....yes I felt we were special....we ended up at the Loring parking ramp. Needless to say it was quite the experience getting Josie into the elevator and then walking down a busy city street. I had her Gentle Leader...thank goodness......and we made it to our booth safe and sound. I was surprised at how well she did. It got to be overwhelming at times and I just took her out behind the booth by the pond and we just sat. She did very well meeting people and other dogs. By day's end she would actually go up to other dogs and do a bit of sniffing. My favorite part was when 2 guys came and had sister Jack Russel Terriers and I asked if I could see them and show them to Josie. They took to her and she took to them. The little black and white one tried to nurse but figured ah, no milk. They had been taken from their mom a bit early. I did try walking Josie down to the food area once but all the crush of people, etc. was too much so took her back and got food on my own. On the walk back 2 girls were sitting up and leaning against the building and we walked by...Josie stopped and made friends and actually went to the one and tried to put her head behind her back when I told her we had to go. Numerous people stopped...with and without their own dogs. We handed out lots of info and I truly believe we will get a volunteer or two and someone will adopt down the line.

On a personal note, I had a group of guys stop and asked what they got. So I told them for a dollar they could get a KISS......from one of the dogs or me...whichever. Needless to say we tried to get one of the dogs to give one up, but didn't have any real kissers in the group. But it worked out......I made $5 or $6 replacing the doggie kisses with smooches of my own and then some serious talk about RAGOM. OK so one of the guys quick put his money in the jar in hopes I wouldn't get near him...but he got one anyway :) Actually there was a guy down from us who selling kisses for a dollar....but I think his dog was a kisser. Oh well, money is money!!

After watching Josie this past week I know that she would do wonderfully in a home with a small playful dog...she seems to relate to the little ones like her puppies and just loves to play with them. Or in a home with a gentle, outgoing and playful Golden or any other breed. She is definitely coming out of her shell and when I see her running and jumping around I could about cry with happiness. She is more than ready for her Forever Golden Family and Home. She is quite comfortable around here and she, Reba and Casey all hang out free in the house while we are gone. While Lady was here, Casey was kept separate, but the 3 girls did their own thing. We've had no accidents... can't remember the last time. She now is to the point she will come wake me up to go out if she has to. Though before 6:00 a.m. is a bit tough. When I ask if anyone has to go out and go potty she comes a running.

Healthwise she is in good shape. Teeth are good, her ears were deep flushed when she was spayed and we clean them at least once a week...more if she's been doing some serious rolling. We aren't sure, but feel she may have some allergies.........SHOCK....a Golden with allergies. But nothing so far that a bath and leave on cream hasn't been able to handle. Plus we have switched her to Pet Chef Express catfish and potato food. She loves it.....can't wait to eat!! So will see how things progress with this food and baths, etc.

Josie will greatly benefit from obedience school for a number of reasons. I feel the most important ones are the bonding time with her new mom or dad, the socialization and just helping her to continue learning. She is doing good here...when we say NO or stop she does. She will come....unless inside and she knows she is going to get her ears cleaned....honest to goodness she has a 6th sense about that.....and we play hide 'n seek some times to find her.

One other funny note. Casey has always slept on this big corduroy dog bed at the foot of the bed. Well last week Josie was in the bedroom first and laid down with just her head on the bed. Casey wouldn't go near it or her. Pretty soon Josie half laid on it and now has claimed it as her own. When you can't find her she is up in the bedroom laying on "her bed"!!! I love it, especially since Casey respects her and doesn't try to get there first or bully her off it. Actually the dogs are now allowed free run of the house at night and can sleep wherever they want.

Josie is one sweet girl and continues to learn....she acts like a puppy so many times as she is learning things. She will continue to learn how to be a puppy and adult girl, she will continue to come out of her shell and to interact with people and other animals. All she needs is a home with an outgoing and playful dog to help her realize it's fine to just be a dog. If you would like to know more about Josie (is that possible I haven't told you all there is?) please contact Placementatragom [dot] org if you are an approved applicant. If you haven't applied yet, you can do it on our site. AND if you are thinking yes this sounds like the perfect dog for me/us, but we are busy over the 4th and couldn't take her, etc. etc. - no problem. She is welcome to celebrate the 4th with us and wait to spend the rest of summer and her life at her new home after that!!!

So if you don't have any other excuses......let's get in touch and make arrangements for you to come and meet Ms. Josie......and of course bring your own furr butt to meet her too :)

Josie's Foster Mom

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Greetings from St. Cloud. Josie has been a busy girl the past couple days as we were very lucky and got to "puppy sit" Finn (her son, formerly Dierks). Josie was so excited to see him and they played and played. We were sad to have to give him back to his family.

Josie is still doing many of the puppy mill (PM) things....a little skittish, prefers you crouch down before she comes to you, won't come when you call her to eat...you have to just put her food down and let her go to it to eat when she's ready....in about 30 seconds :)

But the changes are coming slowly. She will go to my husband when he's sitting down and when he reaches out to pet her she doesn't run away. She is exploring the field, the yard, trotting a bit but never a full run. She is working (alongside Casey) to sit before going in and out. She's a bit nervous yet, so sometimes it's a good sit and sometimes it's butt down...look...butt up!!! She will sit longer for a treat. She has not had an accident in the house except for the one in the morning when I couldn't off the bedroom phone. She just lets you know by pacing (more than usual) and if you ask if she has to go out she will go to the door. If we are on the deck with the gates closed, she will go scratch at one of them. Josie sleeps in the bedroom with Reba, Casey and me.......I finally picked up the paper....which I had kept by the closed bedroom door...just in case. Last night I forgot to close the bedroom door and this morning Josie was still in the room just waiting...and letting Casey wake me up. That is one thing Josie won't do...or at least hasn't so far, and that is to come and wake me. She loves to come down to the office in the basement and just curl up and nap while I'm on the computer. She will now wander the house and you never know which bedroom or part of the house she is in til you see her or call her. Making herself at home finally. The one thing that still amazes me is when she gets in one of her playful moods and will jump up on the couch by me and nuzzle and just be silly. It's the best feeling....to just wrestle with her and watch her tail a wagging a mile a minute :)

Saturday evening Josie rode with me to meet Finn's family. Since we were gonna be close to the Metro area, we were in Rogers, we met a lady who wanted to meet Josie and her dog Salli. Well, needless to say we got a few minutes outside before the torrential downpour came. But at least we had time to let the girls do the meet-sniff-greet, and Josie readily went to Deb.....in fact, she even gave Deb a little kiss on her arm.....aah, I haven't even gotten that. We spent about an hour in the Doggie Mobile which smelled quite strongly of wet dog(s) and just chatted. The girls slept and then had a chance to get out and potty before we went our separate ways. It was a good experience for Josie to get out to a new place, meet a new dog and new people. She did well. I'm very proud of her.

Well, as you will be able to tell by the pictures, she enjoyed her time with Finn, and as always is ready to head out to the field with Casey and Reba and explore. One day at a time seems to be our new mantra here for Josie and Casey 05-438. We can live with that.

So if Josie is looking like she would fit into your home and life and you want to give your furr butt kid a sibling....contact Placementatragom [dot] org if you are an approved app. If you haven't applied yet... well hello, get with it and git'r done.

Foster Mom

Thursday, June 1, 2006

It is hard to believe the puppies are 2 months old and all are in their forever homes, except Willie who is going on Saturday the 3rd. Considering Josie is a puppy mill girl, she has come far. She is a wonderful mom and has been so much fun to watch her with her babies and yet act like a puppy herself. When I call "puppy puppy puppy", she is the first to run to me. Sometimes she has played with pups so hard I worried, then I realized she was teaching them what she needed to. After the first 3 or 4 pups left and we would bring the puppies upstairs and outside, she would go to the basement window to look for more. Come next week we will be able to start going on walks and using a leash!! I just shudder when I think of how these pups would have been born in a cage with no good food, fresh air, socialization or a chance to be out and enjoy the weather.

Josie is still skittish about a lot of things; Casey's barking, reaching too quickly for her, loud noises or sudden movements. But she will now come and shove her nose in to be petted and loved up with her tail going 100 mph. What a joy to see her interact with the puppies. And she loves to go for walks in the field when she can follow Casey and Reba. She is still watching and learning from them.

Josie will be going in next Tuesday for some boosters and we will decide if her milk is done, and if so she can be spayed. She has her girlish figure back....I think she lost a bit too much so am trying to put some back on her. Her coat has come in and needed some serious brushing to get the old stuff out. She still tolerates me grooming her and cutting her nails. She is such a sweetheart and sometimes it's hard to believe she can get so excited and run around, chase the puppies and jump on me for attention.

Josie would do best in a home with another dog. She needs that continuing education from another furr butt so that she may learn what it's like to be a real dog. No small children, as the reaching and noise and sudden movements would be very hard on her. She needs someone who will take her for walks, runs, talk to her, show her the world isn't a bad place and that you love her very much. She is so pretty and I'm so grateful we were lucky enough to have her and share the birth of her puppies and watch them grow up.

Josie also will do well to go to obedience class for the bonding with you, the socialization and the learning for what she needs to know to be a good dog. Thus, a happy family will make for a happy doggy and visa versa.

If you are interested in meeting Josie, just email Placementatragom [dot] org and we'll talk.

Foster Mom

Friday, May 19, 2006

Josie is doing great. She has learned to sit for her treat....hooray! She has discovered going out into the field to run and sniff and explore is really great fun. In the evening once the "kids" are in bed she likes to take a big rawhide and go out in the cool grass and just take some time to chew uninterrupted. When she has the bone around the kids they bug her and she just gives it to them and walks away. She is such a wonderful mom. I love to watch her wrestling with the pups and keeping them in line. We have started to bring the pups outside on the grass...finally off the deck. Today they all ran, rolled, played and sniffed with mom supervising. Every now and then Josie would chase a pup or two around and play like a pup herself. In many ways that is exactly what she is....she loves to play with toys, the pups and when out on the grass today she just ran around in circles, rolled around and acted like she had never been out before. I think she is realizing it's ok to do this kind of thing. We haven't had any accidents in a week.......knock on wood!!! She still goes on her paper in the basement if she has to go overnight. What a sweet girl she is. When I get down on the floor and call "puppy puppy puppy" she is the first one to come over to be loved up. She also has a coat that has improved to the point she needs to be brushed now. Sadly she still hits the floor on her belly when you go to snap on the leash or long tie out....but at least she is willing to go out now.

Josie will be ready in a couple weeks, once the puppies are gone. Summer will be the perfect time to have her join your family, as it will be easy to keep up with the house training. She will need to be babygated in a room overnight with paper on the floor til she catches on to it all. A crate or kennel scare her and if you put her in a room and she wants out she will scratch at the door, and if not closed tight will get it open. Just ask poppa Gene here....he found 2 presents in the family room one morning.....glad I wasn't home for that pick-up :)

So if you are interested in meeting Ms Josie, mother of 9, playful and loving....and are an approved app, get in touch with us. We'll be waiting.

Foster Mom and Grandma

Saturday, May 13, 2006

We've been a little busy at our house and thus no updates for awhile. Josie is coming out of her shell more and more. People who have seen her since she came to us comment on how much more friendly she is. She still will hit the floor when you go to reach for her....whether to pet her or snap on a leash. She does best when you crouch down and call her and let her come to you. She is really a bit of a pup herself. She loves to get toys...stuffed ones soon loose their stuffing, squeaky ones don't interest her, but she loves to take paper off counters and desks, given the opportunity she will help herself to any food on the counter. One day we were outside and I laid the wireless phone on the ground for a minute and next thing I knew, Josie was carrying it around. So far no catching on to the fetch part of balls or anything else. But she's learning.

She won't eat if you are by her food bowl. She will now sit to take a treat. Because she is a "pacer" and it is also how you tell she has to go out to go potty, we continue to have accidents. I try to be sure she is gated in the kitchen with all of us, in her "room", or by us, but there are those times I forget to keep watch and she will find the floor that serves her purpose. She is very smart and when you ask her to go out she will go. I know she will be easy to train and teach once she has someone's undivided attention. Right now she shares it with 9 puppies and 2 adult dogs and 1 cat!! Interestingly enough, she will potty on the paper in her room if she has to go. Some mornings there is a surprise and sometimes after work there is one. But it's a small price to pay to have her here with us.

When Josie is spayed after the puppies leave, she will have a deep flush done to her ears. We continue to clean them and they are not infected, but need a deep cleaning. Meanwhile she is doing fine. She loves to chew on bones and rawhides and so it's helping to keep her teeth looking good and breath smelling better. She is a beautiful dog and will let me groom her a little at a time. Everything remains new and with the pups we aren't able to get out and socialize much, so when someone comes to visit we make the most of it. She will now come to strangers and get her share of loving. She's always right in there when I'm down on the floor or in the box with the pups. The only time she barks is when she is in her room and wants to come out, go out to potty or if the other 2 get going she feels it is her duty to join in.

I would like to see Josie go to a home with another dog so that she may continue to learn how to be a dog...someone to teach her the ropes, as it were. She still likes to walk alongside one of the girls when they go out.......and the girls are getting used to her being a bit of a shadow. She wants to spend less time with the kids and more time with the adults. Being a puppy mill dog means whatever family welcomes her into their home will have to have a lot of love, patience, understanding and the desire to take her out to be socialized and go to obedience training. All her fears and cowering and pacing will not disappear overnight. She now trusts me and hubby, but she will have to learn to do it all over again with a new family. A family with older kids that understand the dog rules would be ok, but no toddlers as she would have a difficult time dealing with the quick movements and reaching and grabbing. One of the biggest strides we have made is that she will come up on the couch by me and Casey or by herself to be loved up.....step by step she is learning.

So if you think Ms Josie would fit into your life and family and are an approved applicant, email Placementatragom [dot] org to meet this lady. If you have any questions let me know. Just be prepared to fall in love with her and have your heart melt. If you haven't applied to RAGOM yet and want this girl, get your app in.

Foster Mom and Grandma

Patient momJosie enjoying a little treat

Friday, April 28, 2006

Josie continues to be a wonderful mother....still nursing but finding she enjoys time away from the troops more and more. She's getting a bit "fluffy" so will slowly start to cut back on the chow for her. She is getting more adventuresome, will come more readily, loves to grab a hoove and take it out the door and then just lay in the grass and chew.....rain or shine. She is showing signs she'd be willing to play if someone would engage her. Bruno, the Shepherd, did get her going a bit on his visit here, but the old girls at home aren't much interested.

She is very patient with her babies as they now are chewing on her from head to toe...literally!! She is starting to act more like a puppy herself at times, wanting the puppy toys, then chewing 'em up. We still have accidents, but I believe they are the "human's" fault. If you don't let her wander around without supervision and watch for her signs.....pacing and walking in circles....you can get her out. Sometimes you have to just let her be outside by herself to be comfortable enough to go. She still will crouch down when you go to snap on a leash or lead. But at least her tail is usually wagging. She does like to get up on the couch by me once in a while, but isn't very comfortable up there for long.

She is a beautiful girl and I would like to see her go to a family with another dog to help her to continue to grow and learn how to be a real dog......tho I do think she will be like having a bit of a "puppy" for a while as she is learning. Obedience school is a must....she so needs the socialization as well bonding time while she learns. She will do well gated in a room with paper on the floor until she gets the potty training part down pat.

Josie is heartworm and lyme negative. She is on her interceptor but can't have frontline on yet as she is still nursing. She is healthy and loving and will be ready for her forever home in about 5 weeks. If you would like to learn more about Josie and meet her with the opportunity to make her part of your family, just contact Placementatragom [dot] org if you are a qualified app - if not, go to our site and you can get your application on line. Til next time.....

Foster mom/grandma

But Mom, he started it....Josie and TraceJosie after the rain

Sunday, April 16, 2006

As you can see, Josie is a beautiful girl. I have managed to put weight on her and keep it on by feeding her around 10 cups of dry puppy kibble with either yogurt, cottage cheese, puppy formula, turkey dogs or canned moist puppy food. Even then it seems the troops drink her dry. Once they start on mush it should help her out.

She is a wonderful mom and a sweet girl. Sometimes she will come upstairs with me to go out without more than a "let's go Josie", other times I have to snap a leash on to get her to go out. She spends less time in the "box" with the puppies and more time on the cool cement floor. She has been wonderful about people coming to see and hold her babies. She keeps an eye on them all. If we bring the pups upstairs to the family room and they are in the basket, she will pick them up and take them back downstairs. That's where she wants 'em. Josie has gotten along fine with Casey 05-438, my resident Reba and "cousin" Bruno who has been up for the week end. They all love the puppies and as long as Josie is fine with them looking at them, I am ok too.

In about 6 weeks Josie will be ready for her forever Golden Home. Being a puppy mill girl, I feel she would do well with another dog to show her the ropes and help her to learn how to be the best Golden she can. Obedience class will help with socializing, training and bonding with her new family. She will not be able to be crated per se. Baby gates should work fine. When the family goes on vacation she will do best going to someone's home rather than a kennel/boarding facility. She has spent enough time in that enviroment. Her family will have to have lotza love and patience while she learns what it is to be a Golden Girl. If you think Josie would find all this and more with you and your family and are a qualified app, please email Placementatragom [dot] org. If you haven't applied yet, please do so. We'll be updating as we go along.

Foster Mom

Easter pup picsJosie and babyJosie

Sunday, April 9, 2006

Yes I know just sent in pics.....but they are starting to look and act a bit more like individuals...so just can't control myself. Sure everyone is interested is seeing the color changes and growth.....too cute, just wanna hold 'em and love 'em up :)

Grandma J9

Time with the family in the kitchenDierks laid out'Cuse me, coming thruEyes are getting ready to openLunch....now a napNap time

Friday, April 7, 2006

Well, it's been a week and a day since the puppies arrived. They are growing, tho I was a bit concerned the first part of the week and took them to the vet to be weighed and have Josie checked. She's making milk, but the 3 littlest ones, Martina, Dierks and Hank, need some one-on-one time with mom since they won't take any of the bottles I have tried to feed them with. So now will weigh them daily for awhile and be sure they continue to grow.

Josie is coming out of her shell bit by bit. Casey drives her nuts cuz she always wants to be in by her and the babies. I just sit with Josie and tell her it's ok. I let Casey sniff a puppy and Josie can see they are fine. I have a feeling once they are up and about Casey will find them hard to resist. How Josie takes it all remains to be seen. I will let Josie dictate.

Josie has been very good about me taking any of the pups out of the room when I was trying to bottle feed them. We have had a couple friends over and she has been wonderful in regard to them handling her puppies. We are slowly making progress in so far as Josie being willing to leave the puppies to go out. Some of the time she will come when I call and out we go, sometimes I just lift on her collar a bit and she comes and sometimes I need to put a leash on. She has very, very few "accidents" if you want to call them that.....by this I mean she doesn't potty in the house, but on the paper in her room. I know she will be a breeze to do the final potty training.

She is a very sweet and loving girl. She now will come to me and actually put her head on my knee to be petted. If I try to reach down for her, she drops to the floor. Baby steps, that's all I can say. She is taking a bit of time for herself, this I know because many times when I go into her room she will be out of the nesting box, pups asleep and she's on the cool cement floor. Smart mom...get your rest and break while you can. She is also willing to stay outside or upstairs with us more. All in all everyone is fine. This weekend I need to do bit of nail clipping and change the puppies' collars....and give Josie a bit of a sponge bath :) I would guess the puppies' eyes and ears will open in the next week and then it'll be busy, busy, busy around here, but the pics will be more fun.

Foster Mom & Grandma

Casey visiting Josie & pupsThis is what they mean by puppy pileSize difference - Martina (middle) & Willie (right)Josie still so skinnyReba - and Josie enjoying time away from her puppies

Sunday, April 2, 2006

Wow, I can't believe how much personality can come out of pups at only 3 days, but it's showing its face - some more than others. For instance, little Martina is so petite that I have to make sure she gets a chance to nurse with Momma Jo on her own. Willie just hangs out and crawls to his own drummer. Patsy is a little lady, but gets in there. Gretchen is full bore ahead. The little boys are a hoot. Kix is a "talker" or "singer", always moving. Big Trace is pretty laid back and goes with the flow. Dierks is the little guy but holds his own. Cash is the man, even all around. Hank just hangs out.

Josie is a wonderful momma and with other dogs in the house she is content to be in her room. She is also now to the point that when I take her out she is willing to stay out a bit longer each time. Guess she needs the reprieve, ya think? When I take her out, the puppies cuddle up and are just fine. Each afternoon and night I give Josie her little massage and I think she comes to expect that night time one.

Yesterday Connie and Lindsay came for a visit and to help me out. We cut off the little yarn string around their necks (the puppies that is) and then the ladies cut the bands in half length wise. We got them all banded and marked their new color against the yarn. It's harder than it sounds :) We weighed them all and they are doing ok but would like to see Martina gain a little here in the next couple days. The vet had suggested supplementing and so we tried...will send some of those pics next time....let's just say they prefer MOM!! I am keeping Josie loaded up with dry and moist puppy food. She wasn't real interested in plain dry and so had to encourage her with some moist food. I leave dry out all the time, but put moist on at least 3 x/day. She is so skinny....

So there it is. Everyone is doing well and once they open their eyes and start to form their own features it'll be more fun for pictures for everyone. That's it from Momma Josie and family.

Josie's new figureConnie and puppyMama Jo and one of her babiesResting on Mom's footCheck out the new neck bands

Thursday, March 30, 2006

Here are some pics of the new babies - you will see the names later...bit tired...about 2 1/2 hours nap. Think I'm gonna try for another one now!!!

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Yes, I know you are all waiting for the puppies. Well, so are we. It's amazing the progress Josie's made in a week's time....weight gain and trusting. I just leave the door to the garage open and she'll come out when Casey 05-438 and resident Reba go out. She still will lay down when I go to put the lead on. When I'm sitting down and petting the other girls she thinks nothing of whipping right in between the 2 of 'em to get her fair share of loving. She loves it when you lay on the floor with her and just talk and pet her.

She has adjusted to "her room" where she stays while I'm at work and at night. It has the whelping box all set up for her and she is now comfortable enough to sleep in there. While she pottied on the cement floor during the day and once at night, since yesterday there have been no potty issues there. She does, however, go to the family room if I miss the cue or don't get her upstairs and out fast enough. But then my old carpet cleaner has more than paid for itself with her and few others :)

She has been eating very well, but as of yesterday it's slowing down. Yesterday after work we went for a walk...all 3 girls....and it may have been a tad much. She was one tired girl, ate good at supper, but that was it for the night. Usually she eats 5 to 7 times a day. Last night she didn't touch food or water over night and no potty. This a.m. she only would eat about half a cup of food as compared to 2 cups. She is a bit moody...imagine that. Today she didn't want to come out of the box and come outside. By the time I took the other girls out and came back she had gone up to the family room and did her business. But that was fine as I at least knew she had gone :) She got a bit growly with Casey this a.m.....that's the part you never know when she is going to do that. Then 10 minutes later we are on the deck and she's having girl chat with Casey. What a good girl Casey is being with her.

Yesterday I gave Josie some peanut butter and she thought that was pretty darn good as you can tell by the picture. She is getting good about coming in from outside if you either get the other girls in the garage first or put them in, hunker down and call her. When standing up she is not apt to come. At bedtime I get her in her "waterless bed" (the baby wading pool where I hope she will give birth) and I sit down and give her a body massage...at least that is what I think I'm doing. It seems to relax her and she falls asleep. Course at this point it doesn't take much for that to happen :)

So there we all are. As you can tell by the sitting picture she's gained a bit of weight in the last week. I am done guessing when these puppies are coming and will let it happen when it does....like I have anything to say about it. So will update you in a couple days.

Grandma 2B soon I hope!!!

A little outdoor timeRest timeSo that was peanut butter!Weight gain? Naw, it's the puppies!I'm telling ya, they better come soon....

Sunday, March 26, 2006

I guess Josie is going to wait until I go to work on Monday and make me come home every couple of hours to check on her, rather than have those babies today :) She is doing very well, eating like she's eating for oh, I don't know...maybe 6!! She is getting better about following the dogs in and out...still need a leash to help motivate her to go out. The girls spent part of the morning on the deck getting brushed and manicures. Josie liked the brushing but wasn't too sure about the nail clipping, but did fine. She is still jumpy and nervous when you turn around too quickly, but will come when the other girls are getting loved up. Sometimes she'll even come by herself and she gets a lot of praise. She is still skittish outside, but seems to like the "freedom" of being on the rope to wander, rather than on the leash. It takes her awhile to feel comfortable to go potty, but her signs are as such now that I'm getting a better reading.

Well, we are all ready and I do mean READY for these puppies to come. Temperature fluctuates, she is still eating and so I'm just gonna wait and have her let me know when she's ready. She still gets growly with Reba and Casey every now and then.....not sure why, but just letting them know what's what I guess. Tonight I will be sleeping in the whelping box with Josie to get her comfortable in it. Should've done it last night, but we'll have a girls' night :)

That's it for now. Will let ya know as things progress.

Foster Grandma In Waiting

Josie after brushing and nail clippingCheck out the tummyJosie and Reba restingThe girls are watching over Josie