***Adoption Pending***

A quick note to let the Andy-followers out there know that we have approved a forever home for her!

They will be meeting her Thanksgiving weekend, and if all goes well she'll be joining their family for turkey and sweet potatoes :)

If anything changes at all with her status or availability I will be sure to provide a prompt update.

A little bit of this...and a little bit of that.

I took the girls to a new dog park this evening and boy did they ever have a blast. Andy made friends with a pack of huskies and did zoomies around the park. I had to laugh though because she stuck out like a sore thumb. The huskies looked so lean, muscular and sleek when they ran - and then there was Andy....my black little pork chop (lol) who has the cutest little clunky, wiggley run!  But never underestimate the power of her wiggley run....did she ever do a good job keeping up with them! I wish I had my camera so I could have taken a video.

Mike ended up having dental surgery today so when we got home from the park, he just wanted to spend the evening snuggling with the girls in bed. As you can see, mission accomplished! I promise you that Andy is happy and smiling just like Roxy....(but as you know, the camera is still an alien).

This afternoon I got the results of Andy's blood work. We had a full panel run as a proactive health measure including a T4 (which tests for thyroid). 19 values were included and Andy's results were all well within normal levels for each value. Everything is working the way that it should and the vet was extremely pleased to share the good news with me!

A majority of the dogs that we receive in rescue have been neglected and unvetted.  There currently more than 60 dogs with LOYAL and each month we spend THOUSANDS of dollars getting these poochies in good health with vaccinations, spaying/neutering, heart worm testing & prevention, dentals, treating infections, allergies, diagnostic testing, referrals to specialists etc. so that they are ready for their forever homes.

Many people want to know what their adoption fee goes towards. Rest assured there is never a profit! I thought it would be interesting to provide a breakdown of the vetting that Andy has received to date and the costs that have been incurred for her.

In Kentucky        
Vet consult, vaccinations (1 year DHPP & rabies) & heart worm test (did not have to spay as she was previously altered)....................................................................................................................$50.00

In Ottawa            
1) Vet consult, stool sample tested positive for hookworm, parasite treatment...............................$130.00
                        
2) Complete bloodwork panel including a T4 (which tests for thyroid)...........................................$155.00

As you can see, her $350 adoption donation fee will simply wash out these expenses!

We've been feeding Andy "Wellness Core" (fat reduced formula). We are big supporters of holistic brand VS commercial brand kibble. Please take time to research the food you are going to feed your dog so that they can be happy and healthy! Rescued dogs in particular haven't always received the best of care before arriving in our homes so a premium diet is the best thing you can do to give them the good start they likely never had to begin with!

Dog Park Adventures!

A foster mom couldn't be more proud of their furkid as I was of Andy today. What an AMAZING day we had with her.

It was a gorgeous day for an afternoon walk. Andy was all smiles and wiggles and for once didn't seem to think that my camera was an alien!

This was our very first time letting Andy off leash. We really felt that we had established a great level of trust with her and headed to a secured area in the park to try her out!

Oh she ran, and ran and ran. She was so very happy indeed.

Every single time we called her, she came right back to us (with HUGE praise and rewards of course).

We couldn't have been more pleased and proud!

She mixed, mingled and played with other dogs!And even barked with a few of them to show her pure excitment!

This picture shows Andy, Roxy and 2 boxers in the middle of a play-fest!

She really liked Bear the St. Bernard as well!

After greeting a very large shepherd mix, Andy spots his owner and her son, and just has to trot on over to say hello and give out kisses.

"Please bring us back to the park tomorrow mom and dad! We had such a great time today!"

Beggin' & Playin'

Andy and Roxy were busy little girls this weekend. We had company drop by unexpectedly so we ended up spending most of today in the backyard. Of course we had lots of snacks and munchies and the girls took every opportunity they could to show each and every single person just how nicely they could sit (yes and expected payment after each one too!).

Before our company arrived I was spending time with Andy and the toy-box.

So far this ball-on-a-rope and a nylabone chew have been the only toys that Andy has shown any interest in. She goes through a few stages too before deciding to play with it. This photo features Andy pretending she's not interested (she has such a funny poker face!).

A few moments later, she decides it 'might' be okay if she lays next to it.

Then she gets that look in her eye where she just knows she wants to nibble on it!

VOILA!

A Little to the Left Please.....

Oh yaaaaaa.....that's the spot!

Andy will do anything for pets and affection. Here she is in the morning getting some lovin' from foster dad.

The other morning while I was in the office, Andy trotted on over and sat beside me. As I typed she kept bumping my arm with her nose "hello mom, stop working and please pet me!" - She was being so cute, how could I not ?!?!

We've been so proud of our Andy - the past 2 days in particular she has been choosing to spend more time with us, and less time in her crate.

Another big step.....She also went to the toybox, picked out a rope ball and started playing with it! Congratulations Andy, you're learning what its like to be a D-O-G!

Lazy Sunday!

After watching a few episodes of the Dog Whisperer, the girls headed to the futon in the office for some "down-time". Andy and Roxy each got their own snuggly throw and made themselves quite comfortable!

Within a matter of minutes, they were both out cold!

Awwwww! How cute are my girls ?!?!

Andy Sits!

Andy is proving to be a VERY quick study! I started working with her on her basic commands and she is picking up on them so fast! So far we've accomplished "sit" "down" and now Andy will sit and "leave" her food until we give her the go-ahead. I'll often pet her while she's eating, and swish my hand around in her food bowl. I can also take away bones and toys right out of her mouth without any incident - she happily surrenders anything I ask for.

We have fostered many dogs; Andy is by far the sweetest creature we've had in our home but she is also one of the most difficult to photograph.

When she sees me reach for my camera, her body goes stiff and she'll try to find someplace to hide. Her eyes stare at me like she is a deer caught in headlights and her pictures just don't do her justice. She is a very happy, timid and sweet girl but its just really hard to show you all what we see everyday given this little phobia.

We'll continue to try to teach her that the camera is not an alien from outer space coming to abduct her, in hopes that we can start showing potential forever homes the face of the true lovebug that she is!

A Monster in my Closet?

Ottawa had quite the thunderstorm last night (at least in Barrhaven anyways!). Our home really felt the vibrations from the thunder and the raindrops were just pelting against the windows - which sent both of our dogs looking for a "safe place."

Our girl Roxy chose her usual under-the-bed hiding spot. Andy thought "oh good idea Roxy" but couldn't understand when she tried to crawl under why her head would fit but the rest of her 50 pound body would not follow?! Silly girl!

Andy remained quiet and calm and looked around the room.....and spotted the closet! Yes, this is where she decided to seek refuge. She was pleasantly surprised when I joined her a few moments later with some peanut butter doggy snaps and her favourite stuffed bear "Lulu". Her eyes lit up and I could tell that she was more than thrilled to have company AND snacks :)


When the storm stopped, both dogs came out to look for us at we were back to business as usual.

Andy's Vet-Check!

Andy was a complete gem today (as usual), letting the vet do a very thorough exam. She even made some friends in the waiting room.....a 6 month old puppy named Kirby and a 2 year old Dane named Shiloh. She has such a calm and relaxed demeanor about her that people and other dogs are just drawn to her. I think if Cesar Millan had the chance to meet this love bug, he would have to agree that Andy portrays a very good "energy".

The vet here estimated her to be in between 3 and 5 years old (so right on queue with the Kentucky vet!). She checked her ears, heart, teeth & joints and other than being a tad on the chubby side (we've started weight watchers!) Andy is a healthy girl.

I think because of her weight and the greying on her muzzle she gives off the appearance that she is older than she is. Perhaps thats why families weren't giving her a second look in the pound (which is so sad because all you need to do is look into her eyes and you'll see how full of love this gorgeous girl is!). Its a known fact: black dogs grey much more quickly than other colors. I can attest to this first hand as my Roxy starting greying around her muzzle when she was only 1 year.

Andy is on a great diet, is receiving regular exercise and some much needed TLC - we can't wait to see what she looks and feels like in a few short weeks!

Welcome to Ottawa Andy!

Andy arrived on September 6th. She had a LOT of traveling to do in a short period of time (made it from Kentucky to Ottawa in 3 days). All of the volunteers that handled her and helped get her safely to rescue had nothing but brilliant things to say about her.

She instantly greeted me with wiggles and kisses, but her ears were pinned back and her head was held lower as if she were unsure if her actions were pleasing me. I reassured her by kneeling down and scratching underneath her chin. Oh - she liked that!

Our first order of business when we got home....A BATH! While the experience was less than enjoyable for Miss. Andy (who was on her best behaviour in the tub might I add!) now that her coat is so clean, soft, shiny and smelling like baby powder we know she is feeling like a million bucks!

Its only been 24 hours, but we've already been on 3 walks. She has excellent leash manners and I can easily manage her with 1 hand. We passed some noisy traffic, families with strollers, kids playing in the park and other dogs. Andy was curious and interested in everything she saw. One little girl, probably around the age of 5 asked if she could pet her. Andy sniffed the little girl's hand and kissed it. The little girl gave her a quick pat and said "nice doggy" and Andy's body wiggled with glee.

She has a very mellow, laid back personality and often seeks comfort in the large crate in our bedroom. She hasn't had any accidents and we have yet to hear her make a peep. Andy is adjusting very well and we're going to continue to give her the time she needs to settle in with us.

Please check back! I'll provide another update soon!