talented threesome

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We Love Chuck Armstrong

Dog...Poetry

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A simple grateful thought
turned heavenwards
is the most perfect prayer.

~ Doris Lessing

Sunny Breeze and apple tree.
Twelve Stone Farm

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November 5, 2011 - Because of Buddy

You’ve raised your children to adulthood.

But you’ve always wanted to help that one “surrendered/orphaned”.

You lose your mind and decide to adopt a needy child.

The adoption agency approves you.

You meet the child, and just like the interviews you’ve done

of employees in your company, the first meet is perfect.

The child is then brought to your home to meet the family and

again, all seems to go well enough.

The foster parents drop off a few personal belongings

and away they go.

You observe this male child’s interactions with the family members.  At first he’s looking for the foster mother that just left.  Then, a little timid around the new family.  He appears to know he’s stuck here – even if only for the time being – so he’ll research his surroundings.  He covers the area several times where he thinks will be “his”.

It doesn’t take long for this orphan to reveal himself.

He doesn’t speak the language - therefore, he doesn’t understand.

He’s very good looking, and I can only assume he was shown much affection but very little discipline, for he is lacking in the manners department.

Since he’s been placed from foster home to foster home, his only defense has been to become strong to protect himself and has become pushy, sometimes a bully.  And there have been no strong leaders in his life to correct this.

Yes, I have adopted a third dog and we have 2 weeks to make this work or surrender him back to the shelter.

Day One was trying for all of us.  Lia and Buddy ran a great deal, which was good for both.  Later in the evening, I realized, Lia’s hips bothered her and rather than jumping on the bed, she chose to sleep on the floor or in her crate. I missed her.

Zoe, who isn’t usually intimidated by the best of them, was in the submissive posture a few times during the day in the yard and that bugged me.  I know these animals will figure out their own hierarchy, but I don’t want the bully to win before I get a chance to do some MAJOR training here.  But I digress…it’s only day one.

And I am exhausted.  It was like chasing after a 2 year old that is strong enough to pull you.  If I had a pair of roller skates and put Buddy in a harness, we could both get somewhere quickly!   This mean more training is needed, obviously.  And .. I believe in having him wear a 4 foot lead even in the house so I can quickly direct him – oh,yeah? this guy chewed through 2 leather leads like they were gum!

Different tactics tomorrow.

By the way:  I exercised more and spent more time outside in the awesome autumn Michigan air than I have in a long time – because of Buddy.

 *Buddy/

 was formerly named DaVinci by the Shelter

Uh-oh...shhhh: he's available.....................oh....my....

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I CAN.NOT stop looking at the picture of this boy.

His name is DaVinci. 

He's in a foster home and I talked to his foster mommy tonight.

I hope to meet him tomorrow.

I love what the foster folks did in this shot:

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- He is looking straight into the camera.

- He is smiling.

- He is not only playing with a toy...

but one leg is into the toy through a hole

and he continues to pay attention for the camera.

Tail up but not tweaked - not aggitated...happy.

We learn alot about the whole body posture.

Just like humans.

I already like this boy.

A face to face meeting is in order, I do believe.

You've got me laughing with you, boy!!!

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