Colby 10-186

Profile

Meet Colby who came in with his 'brother' Doger 10-185. He was surrendered when his human had to go into a nursing home. He is very shy, reminds me of a Puppy Mill boy, is skittish and very dependent on Doger. He wouldn't eat tonight from a bowl, my hand or the floor. I am hoping tomorrow will be better. He is full of spunk when out in the back yard with Jax, my cocker. They ran and played and wore one another out. Colby can get growly when he has something and Jax or Doger come near. A quick no and he's fine and Jax understands to back off. The pictures show a boy who is camera shy, found a safe place with which to protect his ball (there were only 4 on the floor:) and as you can tell from the picture he was interested in our cat ( 1 of 3 ) and at first just sniffed, but then barked. Bailey ran and that was it. Will see how it goes tomorrow when the cats are back inside.

Colby had a growth removed from his right eye so is on anti biotics and a cream for his eye. He took his pill in some peanut butter and allowed me to put the cream in his eye. While he will back away or try to run away, once you touch him gently he is better. He sticks like glue to Doger 10-185 when he is scared or they get going playing.

Will let ya know how he's doing in a couple days after he and Doger have had a chance to settle in. He has had no accidents and I was somewhat concerned as they said he messed in his kennel and wouldn't go to the bathroom outside. As soon as we got home and he was let out in the yard he did his business. We will see how he does tonight left free in the kitchen/hall/laundry area with Doger.

Foster Mom and the crew

At a Glance #10-186

Golden Retriever	Born: June 2008
Male	50 lbs

Status: Adopted

Profile

Meet Colby who came in with his 'brother' Doger 10-185. He was surrendered when his human had to go into a nursing home. He is very shy, reminds me of a Puppy Mill boy, is skittish and very dependent on Doger. He wouldn't eat tonight from a bowl, my hand or the floor. I am hoping tomorrow will be better. He is full of spunk when out in the back yard with Jax, my cocker. They ran and played and wore one another out. Colby can get growly when he has something and Jax or Doger come near. A quick no and he's fine and Jax understands to back off. The pictures show a boy who is camera shy, found a safe place with which to protect his ball (there were only 4 on the floor:) and as you can tell from the picture he was interested in our cat ( 1 of 3 ) and at first just sniffed, but then barked. Bailey ran and that was it. Will see how it goes tomorrow when the cats are back inside.

Colby had a growth removed from his right eye so is on anti biotics and a cream for his eye. He took his pill in some peanut butter and allowed me to put the cream in his eye. While he will back away or try to run away, once you touch him gently he is better. He sticks like glue to Doger 10-185 when he is scared or they get going playing.

Will let ya know how he's doing in a couple days after he and Doger have had a chance to settle in. He has had no accidents and I was somewhat concerned as they said he messed in his kennel and wouldn't go to the bathroom outside. As soon as we got home and he was let out in the yard he did his business. We will see how he does tonight left free in the kitchen/hall/laundry area with Doger.

Foster Mom and the crew

Updates

Saturday, October 9, 2010

When it comes to writing the final update for my foster kidz it's sad but fairly easy to put into words. Not so this time. Colby was with us for over 4 months and we were very attached. I dreaded the ride to WI knowing I would be leaving Colby behind. I had little to fear. Colby met his 2 new sisters, Pepper 14 and Quilla 4, without a hitch. We brought resident Jax with and even he was on his best behavior.

I can't tell you how beautiful Colby's new home is. 27 acres with many trails, gardens, woods and a creek hidden away. We went for a walk along one of many trails Jeff has made, and the dogs ran and ran and explored to their hearts content. It was wonderful to see how they all got along and Colby acted like he had been there forever. In the end it was easier to leave knowing he would be loved and cared for as I had loved and cared for him. Maybe even better:) I now understand why Colby was with us for so long.....he was waiting for the right furever family, and they found him.

Colby, I will miss your goofy antics, your snuggling on the couch and in bed, Jax will be without his 'brother' and the cats will once again roam free in the house.......whew!!! So enjoy your new life ofsuch great love and freedom. You will be missed.

luv foster mom and the crew

Colby's last night

Pepper, Quilla, & Colby

On the trail

...and then there were three...

Quilla & Colby

Colby's new family

Friday, September 10, 2010

Well, Colby the Cute had a busy Labor Day (long) weekend. We headed for Canada on the 2nd. Stopped a couple times as we had 3 dogs, Colby, resident Jax and cousin Haley, former RAGOM girl. It rained the entire trip but all fur butts were great riders. Most impressive was that none of the dogs barked at the border check in:)

As you can tell from the pictures the dogs had free roam (on 75 acres),

Colby helped remove burrs from Jax's ears (really),

they went swimming in the river behind the cabin

and over all were busy every minute they weren't napping and getting re- energized. They had a chance to scare up some grouse, hours of new smells and meeting the Canadian neighbors who came to call. He was such a good boy, met everyone with a wagging tail and kisses. He stuck close to Jax and they roamed to their hearts' content.

We got back on the 7th, but left Jax in Canada with his cousin Haley. On the 8th Colby and I drove up north to get Granite 10-256 back from his mini vacation with Katie (former RAGOM girl) and Callie another foster from another group. He was happy to see Granite and they rode home laying side by side, unless Colby was looking out the back window and checking out the cars behind us.

Colby has come a long way, he's more out going, greets people more readily, AND isn't chasing Coulter the Cat who is now coming out and just walking around. When he sees the other 2 he will look and head toward them, but a stern NO and he backs off. At least I know he will not try to eat a kitty. He has had no accidents, is now sleeping on the bed (sorry) and will get up on the couch to cuddle with me. His true golden personality is coming out. His fur is growing back in and he is looking like his old red golden self. And loves licking the empty ice cream box.

I am really surprised no one has snatched this boy up. He is sweet, loving, well behaved, has free roam in the house and loves other dogs. If you are an approved ap and think Colby might be the catch for you, call your placement advisor.

I will be out of town next week, but will be available for aps after the 18th. Don't let that detour you from contacting me.

Foster Mom and the Crew

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

OK FM is getting stuff ready for our trip to Canada for the long week end. Wooo hoo. Can't wait, 75 acres for me and a clear river running behind the cabin. Jax and I are ready and I hope Haley (ex-ragom girl) will like me as much as she likes Jax.

Well, my fur is starting to grow back in, down to a couple scabs and feeling great. I am suppose to lose a couple pounds, but finding that a little hard to do. I eat right, exercise daily and always have fresh fruit, so not sure what the problem is:)

I have a new foster brother, his name is Granite 10-256. He's not supposed to play cuz he had some surgery and stuff, but we manage to get a little nudge here and there. Well, actually it's usually when he's trying to 'hump' me and I have to let him know it's not ok. But it's all good.

With the weather so hot we haven't been walking so much, and I love to walk. I am very, very, very good at it. You never have to hang tight to the leash, I just mosey along with you. However, I do insist on being the walker on the outside if Jax is along, which he usually is. He's bit slow figuring this option out.

I'm still getting sprayed on my face for my scabs, but now FM just tell me to come and get sprayed and I come over, lean on whatever is nearest me and let her at me. I sure get a lot of praise for being so good. I like FD best when FM isn't here, but if he sits down I will go to him and let him rough me up around my ears. I also like to go in for group pets/hugs.

We are all mystified by the fact no one wants to meet me. I think FM's lack of writing skills may have something to do with it. I mean after all I'm young, handsome, healthy and a sweet dog. So here's my take on me and what I would like in a furver home. Let me know how I do:)

I am house trained and can go up to 8 hours (so far)
I am a good eater, but sloppy water drinker (being honest)
I am great on a leash
I love other dogs
I am a great wrestler, ball player and cuddler
I do like to chase cats :(
I love people, but I am shy and slow to warm up
I love tennis balls and stuffed animals (that are meant to be destuffed)
I need a patient family to help me to continue to grow and feel safe and secure
I need another fur sibling to help me with my continuing education in how to be a dog
I can't be on a tie out, therefore I need physical or underground fencing
I am nervous around small kids who rush at me, but seem to be ok around dog savvy kids

Well, there ya go. Hope FM remembers the camera for the Canada trip. She takes great pics but has a very difficult time loading them. Maybe reading the manual again would help.

Happy Labor Day week end (whatever that means) and keep your 4 legged kids as safe as your 2 legged.

Sloppy kisses,

Colby the cute

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Hi all, sorry I'm behind in my updates. Where to begin. Colby is healing nicely, just a little scabbing left on the right side of his face. Still on his antibiotics and spray. Somehow he knows when I'm going to spray his face and can be gone in a second. He really hates it, but I make sure it's time for his pill in moist food in hopes I will be forgiven.

Colby remains skittish about coming sometimes, doesn't like you doing any thing near him when he's eating, but doesn't guard his food, just runs off. When Bruno, my brother's shepherd was here for over 2 weeks, the 3 dogs got along famously, took turns licking one another's bowls, took treats nicely when all sitting together and played non stop. There were a couple 'disagreements' but always a lot of bark and no bite. You can tell by the pictures Colby loved Bruno, either had a paw on him, cleaning his ears or playing. Jax remains his best bud and they are a hoot to watch. Colby will put his mouth over the back of Jax's neck and when Jax has had enough he goes after Colby's ear or mouth. On these hot days/nights their favorite place to play is the basement where we have an old bed waiting to go, and they love jumping up on it and playing and chasing.

Colby has definitely decided his 'signal' to go out is to bug you, put his front paws in your lap and his newest is to jump up on the bed and stick his nose in your face. We have had no accidents in weeks, hooray for our boy. What he has learned is that the bed is pretty cool. He starts out on his dog bed but many a morning as of late I find him curled up next to me with his paw on me. I can't be angry and I know he learned this from watching Jax jump up every night for bedtime. Every once in a while I'll walk into the bedroom and there the two of 'em are............laying like little kings.

There has been very little pool time due to Colby's 'rash' and when he comes out of the pool, it is emptied and he is dried quickly. Which reminds me of one of his quirks. Anytime you go to dry him off he has to lean against the slider or the railing, whatever is available. There are times he won't come and will go 'hide' by the wall, but if you sit down he will come. He's still learning and following Jax's lead.

Today we went to the PetSmart get together and I discovered just how shy he still is with new people. He would go up for love if people were giving it to one of the other dogs, but did not seek people out. He loved all the other dogs there, Remington, Peaches, Velvet, Bingo and the others I can't remember. He was very good, very friendly with the dogs, and a couple of children that came up slowly and gave their hand to be sniffed first, he was great with. He just soaks up the love and attention. He is a bit of an enigma in that way. But I was glad we went and it gave me a chance to see how he would do around new dogs and people, and he did very well. He is great rider so that always makes the trip fun, but when he got home he wanted in and found Jax immediately. He loves his 'brother', which is why I know he needs a fur butt sibling.

Colby and I are trying to lose weight, Colby about 5 lbs...........and we won't go into my goal:) He's so busy but I guess a heaping cup of food 2x/day is still too much. The good news is I have discovered he likes green beans, peaches, apples and pears. So when it's snack time I always have someone to share with. In fact I brought a container of fruit to the get together and most of the dogs loved the fruit. Who knew.

Colby is more than ready for his furever home. When he went to Brainerd he did so well and I believe as long as there is another dog (no cats please) he will adjust and continue to learn from that sibling. Older kids, 8 on up that are dog savvy and know to take it slow with him and want to love on this sweet boy, will be just fine. He has never been left longer than 8 hours, but since he's been free in the house, including the family room, he has been very good. I'm very proud of his successes and know he will continue to make progress. If you are an approved applicant and think Colby might fit into your family, please call your placement advisor and we'll talk.

Foster mom and the crew

Saturday, August 7, 2010

As promised here is an update with pictures. I wanted to wait until I had Colby to the vet. In my quick update I told you he had some gunk going on in the chest and neck area. It appears that with all the swimming here, the 'folds' in his neck with all the fur caused Colby to get a hot spot that spread. That is what we are thinking at this point, hoping it's not allergies. I had trimmed his chest area but once Dr Nancy saw it she felt we should have it shaved til we hit 'good skin'. Oh boy, that took a bit more shaving than we thought. I could've cried when I saw the final results of what was under his fur.



After my visit to the vet and getting shaved

I am washing the shaved area 2x/day with Nolvasan skin and wound cleaner, then spraying on a topical spray, plus he's on Cephalexin 2x/day. He is such a good sport about the cleaning everyday, but not real fond of the spray which is to help with the itching. We will do a recheck in about 10 days, meanwhile things are looking better. This is a sad reminder to check our dogs after a lot of water activity, making sure they are dried and using a hair dryer if need be. I feel Colby's folds in his neck and the really long fur on his chest kept the area moist and while he was gone for a week, it got out of control. Thankfully all this has not affected his appetite or desire to play and go in the pool. I just make sure to dry him really well after pool time.

Bruno (the 3 legged shepherd) has come to stay with us for a couple weeks while my brother is in England. He has that deep bark and so when he tries to play a little with the other dogs the bark comes out and Colby is not sure what to do. Bruno is gentle as a lamb, but his 'talking' can sound pretty tough. Colby has decided he's ok, as the pictures show.


Me and my cuz Bruno, 3 legged shepard

One of Colby and Jax's (resident cocker) favorite things to do is sit upstairs and look down into the living room looking for cats!! The cats are fine with Jax chasing them, but Colby is another story. I have to put the dogs in the bedroom at night and then call the cats to let them out. It can be a real circus if Colby sees even one of them heading for the lower patio door. I really am not sure what he'd do if he 'caught' one of the cats. Coulter has walked right up to him and past him, and when he doesn't run Colby just doesn't know what to do. Since the cats are dog savvy and have their own room on the lower level, every one has their place and all is well.

Cat watch from upstairs

I think Colby has finally figured out pooping in the house is not something FM likes. There have been no accidents in quite some time. With Bruno here I am giving them all free roam, including the family room, Colby's favorite pooping place a couple times. Bruno can't be left out alone at home, but when here with the other dogs he is fine. So they all get along and do just fine with the humans at work and the cats in their room. Colby lets me know he has to go out and go potty by really bugging me, not settling down, just nudging at me etc. So I'm pretty sure I can say that is his 'sign'.

One of the things Colby does and I"m trying hard to break him of it, is when he's around me and my husband comes upstairs or into the room, Colby will bark and carry on. Colby will come when I call him, but will continue to carry on. FD thinks he's being protective of me, and this is something we don't want. When I am not around he is fine with FD. In fact he went with FD to PetCo today and he did great. One of the things that seems to bother him most is if FD is standing and calls him or walks by him he will not come and will bark at him, but when he is sitting, Colby is just fine. When they got back from the store Colby ran down here to me and as soon as FD walked down Colby started to bark at him. So we really have to give some thought to this and perhaps use some treat rewards for not barking. Stay tuned.

On our way to PetCo

Neighbor lab, Lake, is here for the day and night and they've all been playing and are all sacked out. I'm sure once they are rested they will be ready for another round. Colby and Jax wrestle and chase all the time. When Jax wasn't home for a few days, Colby was pretty quiet and so excited when he got home. I feel it's important for Colby to have a sibling to play with. He is a smaller boy at 55 lbs (trying for about 50:), small stature and feet. He is the epitome of the Golden in that he uses his paw or nose to let you know he wants something, he's loving, cuddly, and we feel he is closer to 16 - 18 months than 2 years which may account for more of his puppy like behavior. He is still a little skittish at feeding time and loud noises but getting better. He does like to bark at other dogs when out in the yard. We can thank Jax for that trick!! Obedience really is a must for him as he needs the socialization and the bonding time with his new parent(s). He must have a fence as he just freaks out when put on a tie out. No idea why, but it just doesn't work for him. On a long rope with you being with him in the water or on the beach he seems fine, but not when tied out to potty etc.

Colby loves his walks and is a dream on the leash. I think he must have walked alot with Dozer 10-185 when they were together as he stays very close to whomever is walking him, or if Jax is with, close to Jax. He just seems to have that need for the closeness with another body. Summer is slowly coming to an end and everyone is busy trying to get their vacations, camping, kids summer activities etc in, but I can tell you Colby would love to be in on all of those things.


I'm great on leash

With love, patience, more getting out and meeting people he will become more comfortable and feel more secure. He is so sweet and deserves his furever home. If you think you have the sibling for him, a fence and can handle all the love he has to lavish on you, give your placement advisor a call. We'll be hanging out waiting to hear from you.

Foster Mom and the Crew

My furever home is out there somewhere

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

I apologize for the lack of updates on Colby the Cute. He spent a long week end in Woodbury and came back home on the 6th. The resident dog, Jax, stayed behind in Canada for a little more vacation, so there was no dog here for Colby. He did really good all things considered. He is pretty velcro, will not go out and go potty without me, I have to be sure he poops before I allow him in the family room, as that is his place 'to go poop'. So when there is an accident, it is my fault for not being better at reading his signals. He is also getting better at letting me know he wants out and out NOW. When he comes and is really bugging me, it's a sure bet it's time to go out.

He loves his tennis ball....still playing catch and release by himself, loves toys, chew bones and loves to wrestle with Jax (who came home this weekend) and Colby was so excited. They are great playmates, but even with Jax out on the deck, he wants back in to be by me. I literally have to close the blind so he can't see me and he will eventually lay down or go play with Jax. I know in time he will become more secure and need me less. He is still skittish, doesn't like to eat if you are right on top of him, but you must be near. He is shy with new people but will warm up. He is a dream on a leash and loves to walk, though can get spooked a bit yet. He loves women, and men a close second:) He does not have a lot of stamina at this point, but that will come as he plays more and goes for walks. He can't be around cats as he gets obsessive with them, chases them and I'm not sure what he would do if he caught one. If told NO when he starts, he stops. My 3 cats are dog savvy but they will not come near him and that tells me a lot.

Ok, I'll get it!

I'm not getting out

He is a wonderful size at 55 lbs, lean, beautiful coat, small feet and the softest " melt your heart" eyes. You really can't see it, but he has a 'ridge like mohawk' between his eyes. I truly cannot believe no one has not adopted this boy. He has come so far from being afraid and not even taking a treat, to welcoming you home, being the first to come and sit for a treat. To watch him play with toys and throw them up in the air is wonderful. He is ready and deserves his furever home and family. I would like to see him in a home with another playful dog, not left alone for long periods of time, no small children, and someone who will be patient with him as he adjusts and learns to trust and feel safe. He is young and would do well in obedience to help firm your bond with him, but also for the socialization aspect for him. He deserves to receive as much love as he gives.

If you are an approved applicant and think Colby would fit into your family, please contact your placement advisor and let's talk.

Foster mom and the crew

Why doesn't anyone want to adopt me?

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Woo hoo, we have a kiddy wading pool!!!! I LOVE WATER, and chasing the ball into the pool and watching when Dozer 10-185 and foster bro Jax try to decide if they should get into the water or not. I found out if I chase the ball into the yard and get it, I run back and jump into the pool and the other 2 won't try to take it away from me!!! YES!!!! But if Dozer or Jax get it I have to wait until FM or FD take it back and throw it out into the yard again. It's all just too much fun. I have tried the bonk on Dozer's head to get him to give it up, but no go. So I just wait. I still get a little growly when I have the ball and the other 2 come by me, but I'm getting better. I love to wrestle with Dozer and run and chase with Jax. Chasing my tail is up there when bored.

I have been a really good boy. NO accidents, but FM finds all things work better if she comes out with me and tells me to go and then waits til I do my business. I am sure I will get comfortable enough to handle things without direction down the line. I am eating really well, but FM found out she has to stay in the area otherwise Dozer might eat his food and mine. FM discovered you have to a bit of space between our bowls and then Dozer doesn't try to eat mine. I love taking my pills in peanut butter, I'm getting better about coming when called and sitting to have my eye stuff put in. I will even come close to FM to get my bedtime treat. As long as people sit, I'm good to go. I do like to still lick, but when told No, I do stop. I may come back again, but I'm learning. I can entertain myself by picking up and dropping the tennis ball, roll it down the stairs (by accident of course) and fetch and bounce somemore. I love to shake up the toys but haven't tore any apart. Well, duh then I wouldn't have any.

Dozer and I went to the vet on Thursday and got microchipped and the vet looked at my surgical eye. It had been getting redder and more swollen, and so now I'm on a new medicine and it feels and looks so much better.

I've been thinking about what I might like in a new furever family and home:

Someone with lots of love and patience as I' m still a bit skittish.
Obedience school to learn what I will need to be the best dog ever.
A fenced yard as my recall doesn't seem to be very good and I could take off and be lost.
No small children as quick movement scare me.
Another fur sibling who likes to play would be great.
Someone who will be sure I get to play in water and play fetch. No gaurantee on the 'drop'.

I get a bit nervous when Dozer goes out and I'm still in, but with time I will be more comfortable without him. I have more energy than he does, but I still like to be near him inside and out. As you can tell by the one picture, we're pretty close.

I know the big 4th of July weekend is coming up, but if you are looking for a sweet, fun loving, water loving, ball loving I'll be right by you kinda dog, here I am and I would love to share this big week end with you. If you are an approved applicant, contact your placement person. Call my foster mom and she'll tell you whatever you want to know. Come on, here I am, the one you really really really want to spend the 4th of July 2010 with!!!!!!!!

Licks and kisses,

Colby (the one)

Ah, where's the ball?

Here we come!

Who gets it first?

Wet? Who, me??

Come on...give it up

P.S. Colby has been fine with t-storms, been home alone and nothing touched. While Colby is a bit more skittish than Dozer 10-185, the storms haven't bothered him. I don't see fire works being a problem, but can't say without a doubt.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Oh, what a difference a couple of days make. We have seen another side to Colby. While he is skittish, shy, won't come to you when called, is a nervous eater, he can also be a dickens. He learned or joined in with Jax my cocker in chasing the cats. I did bring my friendly cat, Coulter, down and sat him on my lap and Colby licked and sniffed but when Coulter rubbed up against his face he wasn't sure what to do. He will bark at them and chase, but not sure what he would actually do. Thus unless you have a very dog savvy cat, I'd say a home with no cats would be best.

Colby met Lake the lab from next door by accident. Lake came over with his owner and came into the kitchen. The boys were on the deck and the screen was open so they came a running. But the meet 'n greet went just fine. Lake has been around all my foster dogs so is submissive and easy to bring into the picture.

Colby is a contradiction in that he can be submissive, play nicely, but once he has something, a toy, chew bone, ball, etc. he lets it be known he is not going to give it up. He got a ball and went and laid on one of the dog beds. Jax, my cocker, went over and stood in front of him waiting for Colby to drop the ball (he's any only child you know). Colby growled to let Jax know it wasn't gonna happen, but Jax being Jax just stood there, duh! So a few more growls, a little snap and he picks the ball up, gets up and walks around the couch and comes right back to the dog bed and lays down and Jax continues to stand and stare. Colby kept the ball. The first night I let Colby up on the couch cuz he jumped up. He was cuddling and all was fine until Dodger 10-185 came over for some attention. Colby got very snarky and so I made him get off. We tried it a couple more times, and finally I decided if he couldn't be nice he was not allowed to be up on the couch by me. If Colby is laying by the couch and Dodger 10-185 comes over to lay next to him, he will growl at him, and visa versa when roles are reversed. I simply tell them NO and be nice and it's fine. I think Colby was low man on the totem pole and now at almost 2, he is flexing his muscles. He will get snarky with both the dogs, which tells me he should not be with a dominant dog. A female may very well make a better companion, but I think he may need that sibling to show him things are ok with the humans and eventually that he will always have toys and to share.

While he can be assertive with the dogs, he is very skittish with us. If you are standing and call him, he won't come. If you are sitting down and let him come when he wants, he's fine. When I am loving up Dodger and Jax he will usually come and join in then. He really likes my husband so I question if he was hurt or abused by a man which was the vets first reaction. He will come for his pill in peanut butter, but then when I try to get him to come for his eye drops....no deal. I either have to wait until he's in a corner or sit and wait for him to come to me. If you have something in your hand and he sees it he will cower and slink away. We are very careful to speak gently with him and not push him. He is funny about eating in the sense he watches Dodger, and so I have found that having them in the same area and not watching him, he will eat without being so nervous.

Colby doesn't really know any commands. We try to get him to come when called and he may do it 25% of the time if you are sitting. He is very nervous about coming close to get a treat, but is figuring out it's a good thing. He loves to lick you, any part he can get at when he's excited, and then he tries to get up on you, so we are working on breaking him of these things and let him know he can come and be petted but must stand or sit nicely. I have needed a shower a couple times after laying on the couch and Colby giving me one of his licking baths. But I have also figured out sometimes that's his way of telling you he has to go out. He's a special soul that will need time to learn to feel safe. The biggest thing I have learned about Colby is that when you take him out to potty you need to encourage him to go and not let him in until he does. You also need that sixth sense about making him stay out til he poops. He does take his sweet time finding just the right place. When he's done I always praise him and call him to come in, which unlike in the house, he comes running. At first he was afraid to go in and out of the doors, but has gotten past that fear.

Colby had a poop accident and I believe it was my fault. I was laying on the couch and he kept coming over and licking at me and trying to get up on the couch by me. When I finally got up after he had settled down there was a present for me behind the couch. My fault, and thus the feeling that if you don't get him out in a timely manner, he will get excited and lick you and get jumpy. Other than that he has not messed at all. He was fine at home today, and proved he could be free. Dodger pushed the baby gate out enough so they could get to the family room and upstairs, but nothing was chewed and no potty surprises. They were good boys, which also explained why they didn't come when I got home and called for them to come and go outside. But he was happy to see me and jumped and carried on. Based on his actions and personality a home with small children would be too much excitement for him, but older dog savvy kids would be fine. Another fur sibling would good as he is rather dependent on Dodger and I feel another dog would be helpful with the transition into a better life and learning to trust humans.

I have often have thought how wonderful it would be if these dogs could tell us what their life was like and what we could do to make it better. I do know that dogs like Colby need someone with patience that will let him come out at his pace, that will take him to obedience to learn, socialize and bond with his human, and that he be loved and made to feel safe. He's had enough hardship in his life and now he needs to live the golden life. And in just a couple of days he has moved to the bedroom and sleeps on one of the dog beds and is quiet all night. What a sweetheart.

If you are an approved applicant and feel you could give Colby the golden life, please contact your placement advisor. This sweet little 55 lb minx is just waiting to be loved and learn to enjoy life. Stay tuned for updates. And no, he didn't like his bath outside and when I got done with him he promptly went and laid in the area that was all mud. Ah well, a quick rinse and all was fine.

Foster Mom and the crew.

Not happy about the bath