So I hardly get time to visit DDB these days. Work has me on overkill and with my own zoo at home to be cared for I have to see my beloved friends at DDB sparingly. Today I did my best to help out with cleaning up and giving out free hugs. I got to bathe Anthony who is severely skinny. He's looking so much better in just a short time though. Anthony is a hound mix I believe and is a loveable creature. Though he may not be the brightest crayon in our pack, he is full of love and seeks it out as well as gives it in return. Tami told me that he might be reluctant to go to the shower but with encouragement, a beefy treat and lots of hugs, there he was under the spray of relaxation. I could tell the warm water was feeling good on his aching bones because he closed his eyes for a few minutes and just seemed to bask in the moment. His bones are still sticking through and I swear I was afraid he could just break in two if not handled with care. He stumbled on the towel as he got out of the water and I gave him another treat to help him realize that the experience of cleanliness was not all that bad. After a bunch of towel hugs Anthony was ready for his naptime and he eagerly ran to his very own crate to have a snooze. Something in his eyes told me that he was grateful for the warmth of the water, and the warmth of the towel and hopefully grateful for the hugs. His big eyes just didn't look as sad as they often do when I see him.
Change is inevitable. I have seen DDB already go through a myriad of changes, some painful ones since planting the organization on Virginia's stubborn soil. I feel a strong kinship with Tami, the owner and director of the organization and I have a love for the dogs that I never knew was possible. I mean I have rescued animals since I was a little girl and the ones I run into are always special to me and I have loved every one of them. I just feel something special when I am on my way to see George, Shawnee, Sloan, Anthony , Riley, Ebby, all of the rest and the new girl Lily (who I haven't had time to get to know yet...) There is not enough hours in the day. We need more hours for rescue work! More hours and more souls! Why are the rescuers always over burdened and exhausted? Why are there so many dogs who need help? Why isn't there a balance in our world? Questions without answers. However, all we can do is our best and push one foot after the other and do what we can. I can help the neighbors with their unfed dog, I can post some information about chaining, on the other neighbor's door who has a tiny dog in the back yard who seems to be going insane on his chain. I can refuse to laugh at the jokes my co-workers say every day to me about my rescue work. I can tell them to stop it and ask if they want to adopt a dog instead of making a joke of my efforts. I can support everyone I come in contact with who tries to change this unbalanced world. That's all I can do.
There is not enough hours in the day, or days in the week, or weeks in the month. I need more years to do everything I would like to do and this is how all rescuers who I talk with, feel. Support is what we all need to do for each other. No time for games, manipulations, or disagreements. Those things do not matter, we need to love our animals and keep moving forward in an effort to change our dog's lives. In turn we change each other's lives and in turn.......we change the world!
Peace
TaMarah
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
WHEN YOU NEED A FENCE BUILT: WHO YOU GONNA CALL? FENCEBUSTERS!
It was a sight to see the sweat and guts from the women who came calling this weekend to DDB, VA to help create the first stages of a fence around the property to help keep the dogs structured and safe. Before it was over, almost 500 feet of fencing was in place!
I have worked at rescue mostly in isolation over the years so to see the dedication from so many people was moving, to say the least. These dedicated women came all the way from BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter) to aid in the construction of the large fence around Good Newz Dog Rehab Center. As Diana Bevensee points out, "we see dogs who have suffered from abuse and neglect that Dogs Deserves Better addresses. We also see the deep physical and emotional scars of dogs forced to fight as well as those dogs who are used in bait, in dogfights." Jen Carle, Hillary Strilko, Denise Chilcoat, Destiny Shell, Amber Shepherd, and Katlyn Siter are all dedicated dog lovers who left their own homes, family, dogs and surroundings to come work at the rehab center for the weekend. We did have one dog visitor as well, the sweet and hyper 11 month old schnauzer who came along with Diana. This little guy came along to "show Good Newz what it's like to be happy dog," says Diana. Milo put in his best effort to play with the Good Newz residents that is for sure!
Sweat, boils from the toils, fatigue and heat exhaustion were just some of the trials that the volunteers endured to reach the goal of 500 feet of fencing. Many never having worked in the fence trade previously, took the advice of Larry the cable, fence, washer, floor guy (aka Larry Oxton) who has given many of his man hours to DDB, VA already! With the kind direction of Larry, the ladies, soon became fence pros and they were off towards their goal.
Destiny was particularly impressive with her hard core perserverence. When I released my fear of ticks and snakes into the spirit world, long enough to make it to the end of the massive property to see how everyone was doing, Destiny bounced with the idea of finishing at least the POSTING for the entire property before they left. It was amazing to see how strong her desire was to finish the job and I knew it came from a deep love of dogs and animals. When Destiny first entered the Good Newz house, there were tears in her eyes after coming face to face with the memory of what had happened to so many innocent animals on that very property. Her pain and grief were evident and to see her channel that into recovery work, was very inspiring. She worked well into the dusk hours each night and had enough enthusiasm to help keep everyone going when they felt like giving in to the heat and humidity. Her stories of her own 4 dogs and 2 fosters were touching and encouraging.
All the volunteers had such stories and it just left me feeling that the world isn't such a bad place after all. There are so many people trying hard to fight back with kindness and dedication, but often it still isn't enough. There are still so many animals who never get the help they need.
Finally, after the weekend was about to close Jen Carle broke out her special chew toy donation. It was none other than an autographed football from the previous owner's collection. She had obtained it from an auction and was ready to see the dog's tear it up. Unfortuneately, many of the dogs at Good Newz aren't yet ready for alot of toys and chew action. After being beaten down so much, they are slowly easing into knowing the joy of dog play. That did not stop the volunteers from kicking around the ball and having the doggies run and oops pee on it though! A symbolic emblem of recovery and rehabilitation for many of our dogs. After the previous horrors of 1915 Moonlight, there is hope, joy, and light that has come to pass in the wake of Good Newz Rehab. Though there are plenty of challenges ahead for Good Newz, I am certain, there are enough sponsors, friends and willing participants to overcome these shadows. The light has come for so many dogs in darkness and hopefully, we will all get to share this journey together, for a long time and hundreds of dogs to come.
I have worked at rescue mostly in isolation over the years so to see the dedication from so many people was moving, to say the least. These dedicated women came all the way from BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter) to aid in the construction of the large fence around Good Newz Dog Rehab Center. As Diana Bevensee points out, "we see dogs who have suffered from abuse and neglect that Dogs Deserves Better addresses. We also see the deep physical and emotional scars of dogs forced to fight as well as those dogs who are used in bait, in dogfights." Jen Carle, Hillary Strilko, Denise Chilcoat, Destiny Shell, Amber Shepherd, and Katlyn Siter are all dedicated dog lovers who left their own homes, family, dogs and surroundings to come work at the rehab center for the weekend. We did have one dog visitor as well, the sweet and hyper 11 month old schnauzer who came along with Diana. This little guy came along to "show Good Newz what it's like to be happy dog," says Diana. Milo put in his best effort to play with the Good Newz residents that is for sure!
Sweat, boils from the toils, fatigue and heat exhaustion were just some of the trials that the volunteers endured to reach the goal of 500 feet of fencing. Many never having worked in the fence trade previously, took the advice of Larry the cable, fence, washer, floor guy (aka Larry Oxton) who has given many of his man hours to DDB, VA already! With the kind direction of Larry, the ladies, soon became fence pros and they were off towards their goal.
Destiny was particularly impressive with her hard core perserverence. When I released my fear of ticks and snakes into the spirit world, long enough to make it to the end of the massive property to see how everyone was doing, Destiny bounced with the idea of finishing at least the POSTING for the entire property before they left. It was amazing to see how strong her desire was to finish the job and I knew it came from a deep love of dogs and animals. When Destiny first entered the Good Newz house, there were tears in her eyes after coming face to face with the memory of what had happened to so many innocent animals on that very property. Her pain and grief were evident and to see her channel that into recovery work, was very inspiring. She worked well into the dusk hours each night and had enough enthusiasm to help keep everyone going when they felt like giving in to the heat and humidity. Her stories of her own 4 dogs and 2 fosters were touching and encouraging.
All the volunteers had such stories and it just left me feeling that the world isn't such a bad place after all. There are so many people trying hard to fight back with kindness and dedication, but often it still isn't enough. There are still so many animals who never get the help they need.
Finally, after the weekend was about to close Jen Carle broke out her special chew toy donation. It was none other than an autographed football from the previous owner's collection. She had obtained it from an auction and was ready to see the dog's tear it up. Unfortuneately, many of the dogs at Good Newz aren't yet ready for alot of toys and chew action. After being beaten down so much, they are slowly easing into knowing the joy of dog play. That did not stop the volunteers from kicking around the ball and having the doggies run and oops pee on it though! A symbolic emblem of recovery and rehabilitation for many of our dogs. After the previous horrors of 1915 Moonlight, there is hope, joy, and light that has come to pass in the wake of Good Newz Rehab. Though there are plenty of challenges ahead for Good Newz, I am certain, there are enough sponsors, friends and willing participants to overcome these shadows. The light has come for so many dogs in darkness and hopefully, we will all get to share this journey together, for a long time and hundreds of dogs to come.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
GOOD NEWZ REHAB, NOT JUST FOR DOGS
As you can see in the picture, Angel is tuckered out from playing and she snuggles with her new toy. Ok Ok, I slipped her new CHEF toy between her paws when I caught her in the middle of the floor having a nap, but she was really playing with it earlier, I swear. HaHa.
Well moments like these while volunteering at the Good Newz Rehab just make me smile and proud that I have the chance to be part of this incredible effort. There is more to come, I can feel it in my bones, I see a great future for hundreds of dogs at Good Newz in time. I get chills just thinking about the excitement of the project.
For me, driving out to Surry County every Tuesday and Thursday and more if I at all possibly can, has been the biggest blessing I've had in a very long time. The quiet country air and visions of horses and country living, calms my spirit every morning I drive out to DDB. More than once, John Denver (RIP) comes with me either by CD or me singing Country Roads Take Me Home, with the windshield being my only audience. (Well there was one man who was staring at me wildly at a stop light one morning lol) . My spirit gets a lift every time the dogs come to greet me at the door and give me oodles of dog hugs, licks and whines and barks. Even Polly who is having a tough time with strangers has to look at me and bark, though she wishes I'd go away I'm sure at times. Polly likes her foster mother Elaine and Tami and other dogs, but little else in the world. NOT YET anyway.
Washing the dogs often is a time to let past hurts and pain run down the drain. I think of my life as a kid and the day I came home to see the bat standing next to the front door. Nobody had to tell me. The bat was never put there. It was out for a reason. I went into the house with my heart pounding and dread filled my body. I found out that my father had killed my best friend, Flipper (a beagle) with the bat. Even now looking at it, if that did occur, why would you tell a child that? The fact that I was told that immediately upon entering the door was as bad as the act itself. I wasn't allowed to cry. It would upset my father. ????? It was at that moment I believe, I changed inside forever. It was that day when I completely lost trust in both of my parents. Flipper was everything to me. He waited for me at my busstop as I was getting home from school everyday, he played house with me, romped the meadows with me and I spent a huge part of my world with him in the stable where he lived. He wasn't allowed in our house so I would do everything I could to make his life in the barn comfortable. Old coats blankets and pillows were piled for his bedding. With sub below temperatures in Canada I never felt he would be warm enough. I remember cutting down a little xmas tree and decorating it with homemade decorations one xmas and when my father got angry and took it away, I found a little tree in the meadow to decorate instead and told Flipper it was his tree no matter what. I wrapped old meat bones and toys in newspaper and put them under the tree so xmas morning we could run to the meadow as soon as we could to open his presents together. He truly was a best friend and I loved him so much.
I sometimes wish I could go back to that day and try to change it somehow. I felt responsible for many years, but now I see the burden of abuse was at the hands of my father. I believe he was not an awful man but a sick man who didn't get the help he needed. Despite the culture in rural community in Canada over 40 years ago, I feel that situation could have been handled differently. I don't think my best friend had to die, but he did. I was traumatized but noone knew that. I didn't know that til I hit my twenties and that experience and many other childhood horrors started controlling my life. I have healed so much over the years but there are and always will be,deeper layers to the onion.
My work with the dogs at Good Newz has deepened my committment to my rescue work that I was about to give up. It has deepened my knowledge of animal abuse and it has deepened my spirit of peace and contentment and where I find my happiness. As a child I had no control over my surroundings. I still don't sometimes but I can do what I can to help heal some of the world's injustices. Animals can't speak, though they do in many ways. They don't have to, their spirit speaks for itself, if we listen. I have listened and I hope I never stop listening not until I take my last breath. This is my purpose, strong and true and no matter what direction animal rescue and rehab takes me, I will continue to do my small part in this plight. PEACE
Well moments like these while volunteering at the Good Newz Rehab just make me smile and proud that I have the chance to be part of this incredible effort. There is more to come, I can feel it in my bones, I see a great future for hundreds of dogs at Good Newz in time. I get chills just thinking about the excitement of the project.
For me, driving out to Surry County every Tuesday and Thursday and more if I at all possibly can, has been the biggest blessing I've had in a very long time. The quiet country air and visions of horses and country living, calms my spirit every morning I drive out to DDB. More than once, John Denver (RIP) comes with me either by CD or me singing Country Roads Take Me Home, with the windshield being my only audience. (Well there was one man who was staring at me wildly at a stop light one morning lol) . My spirit gets a lift every time the dogs come to greet me at the door and give me oodles of dog hugs, licks and whines and barks. Even Polly who is having a tough time with strangers has to look at me and bark, though she wishes I'd go away I'm sure at times. Polly likes her foster mother Elaine and Tami and other dogs, but little else in the world. NOT YET anyway.
Washing the dogs often is a time to let past hurts and pain run down the drain. I think of my life as a kid and the day I came home to see the bat standing next to the front door. Nobody had to tell me. The bat was never put there. It was out for a reason. I went into the house with my heart pounding and dread filled my body. I found out that my father had killed my best friend, Flipper (a beagle) with the bat. Even now looking at it, if that did occur, why would you tell a child that? The fact that I was told that immediately upon entering the door was as bad as the act itself. I wasn't allowed to cry. It would upset my father. ????? It was at that moment I believe, I changed inside forever. It was that day when I completely lost trust in both of my parents. Flipper was everything to me. He waited for me at my busstop as I was getting home from school everyday, he played house with me, romped the meadows with me and I spent a huge part of my world with him in the stable where he lived. He wasn't allowed in our house so I would do everything I could to make his life in the barn comfortable. Old coats blankets and pillows were piled for his bedding. With sub below temperatures in Canada I never felt he would be warm enough. I remember cutting down a little xmas tree and decorating it with homemade decorations one xmas and when my father got angry and took it away, I found a little tree in the meadow to decorate instead and told Flipper it was his tree no matter what. I wrapped old meat bones and toys in newspaper and put them under the tree so xmas morning we could run to the meadow as soon as we could to open his presents together. He truly was a best friend and I loved him so much.
I sometimes wish I could go back to that day and try to change it somehow. I felt responsible for many years, but now I see the burden of abuse was at the hands of my father. I believe he was not an awful man but a sick man who didn't get the help he needed. Despite the culture in rural community in Canada over 40 years ago, I feel that situation could have been handled differently. I don't think my best friend had to die, but he did. I was traumatized but noone knew that. I didn't know that til I hit my twenties and that experience and many other childhood horrors started controlling my life. I have healed so much over the years but there are and always will be,deeper layers to the onion.
My work with the dogs at Good Newz has deepened my committment to my rescue work that I was about to give up. It has deepened my knowledge of animal abuse and it has deepened my spirit of peace and contentment and where I find my happiness. As a child I had no control over my surroundings. I still don't sometimes but I can do what I can to help heal some of the world's injustices. Animals can't speak, though they do in many ways. They don't have to, their spirit speaks for itself, if we listen. I have listened and I hope I never stop listening not until I take my last breath. This is my purpose, strong and true and no matter what direction animal rescue and rehab takes me, I will continue to do my small part in this plight. PEACE
Sunday, August 7, 2011
EVERYBODY LOVES GEORGE!
That's me and George in the picture. He's sooo adorable. He came to Good Newz Rehab from a shelter and his future wasn't looking great that is for sure. He was a hunting dog originally and eventually he just got used up and left behind. I hate how hunting dogs get treated. I stopped a relationship with a good friend of mine over a dispute with how she treated a hunting dog a couple of years ago and I've been sensitive to the plight of these warriors ever since. I hated to lose the friendship, but I felt I had to take a stand and let her know that disposing of a hunting dog was WRONG. I learned alot back then about how hunting dogs are sent to shelters, or are disposed of when they no longer are up to snuff. Often there is no respect for the life of a dear soul who spent their entire existence trying to please their owners by hunting for them and doing everything they could to win their approval. They are instead left at the end of their lives to die alone or worse are killed brutally.
Back to George. He is about 8 years old and when he walked through the doors of Good Newz he looked to be a dog of at least twice his age. He moved slowly yet purposefully and his eyes looked beaten down with time and hardship. His name was / is Spirit but the moment I laid eyes on him, I saw GEORGE. He seemed to take to the name immediately and now though his warrior name is certainly Spirit, because he has the spirit like no other, his fun name is GEORGE and that's how everyone has come to know him and it seems how he has come to know himself!
George has scars all over his body. I try not to look at them when I bathe him for fear I will be overcome with sadness for him and won't be able to help with his healing. When he came to Good Newz he also had a unique issue that I've never seen before. Some say it was his nipples, I say it was loose skin because I'm in denial, haha others say they don't know, however, he had two long pieces of skin hanging from his belly. Whatever they were, they were visual reminders of neglect and abuse like the scars on the rest of his body. I loved George immediately but I had trouble with those pieces of skin. They looked horrible and at times seemed to touch the floor as he walked by. As I gave him hugs, I made sure not to touch them because to me they seemed painful to him, but apparently they were dead pieces of skin. One day I was playing with George and cuddling with him on the floor when one of the pieces of skin hit me smack in the face. I thought I was about to die but I didn't want George to think I was reacting to him in a negative way so I kept my feelings to myself. I wanted to run and shower myself but I stuck it out. UGHHH I sure loved him from the start!!! I'm happy to report that George's dead nipple or 'whatever skin' has been removed. He's also had an operation so he won't produce puppies, he'd never had that, and he's healing comfortably.
I give George lots of hugs when I visit and when I bathe him, I try and give him some gentle massages to help heal his many scars. I am looking forward to the day when he prefers his cuddly blankets and own bedroom (crate) as opposed to lying in dirt. Even when there is a soft cushion, warm grass or shade near by, George tends to find the dirtiest dirt to curl up in and rest. I am sure, these cuddly things are very foreign to him. It is awesome to see him jump up from a dirt filled nap and head to the bone shaped pool that is in the backyard. He loves getting in the pool to cool off and maybe it helps him feel clean from the dirt too. I always get a kick out of every time he heads to a pool and it's so comforting to see him bask in the spa like atmosphere. When I think of the life he must have lived before, I can't think of any other dog more worthy of Good Newz Rehab's facilities. There are so many more Georges out there though and so many more people who don't understand how animals hurt. It is very disheartening to say the least, however, I have felt better this summer, doing my small part to help heal the lives of some of these wonderful creatures. I LOVE MY FRIEND GEORGE. :) Peace, TaMarah
Back to George. He is about 8 years old and when he walked through the doors of Good Newz he looked to be a dog of at least twice his age. He moved slowly yet purposefully and his eyes looked beaten down with time and hardship. His name was / is Spirit but the moment I laid eyes on him, I saw GEORGE. He seemed to take to the name immediately and now though his warrior name is certainly Spirit, because he has the spirit like no other, his fun name is GEORGE and that's how everyone has come to know him and it seems how he has come to know himself!
George has scars all over his body. I try not to look at them when I bathe him for fear I will be overcome with sadness for him and won't be able to help with his healing. When he came to Good Newz he also had a unique issue that I've never seen before. Some say it was his nipples, I say it was loose skin because I'm in denial, haha others say they don't know, however, he had two long pieces of skin hanging from his belly. Whatever they were, they were visual reminders of neglect and abuse like the scars on the rest of his body. I loved George immediately but I had trouble with those pieces of skin. They looked horrible and at times seemed to touch the floor as he walked by. As I gave him hugs, I made sure not to touch them because to me they seemed painful to him, but apparently they were dead pieces of skin. One day I was playing with George and cuddling with him on the floor when one of the pieces of skin hit me smack in the face. I thought I was about to die but I didn't want George to think I was reacting to him in a negative way so I kept my feelings to myself. I wanted to run and shower myself but I stuck it out. UGHHH I sure loved him from the start!!! I'm happy to report that George's dead nipple or 'whatever skin' has been removed. He's also had an operation so he won't produce puppies, he'd never had that, and he's healing comfortably.
I give George lots of hugs when I visit and when I bathe him, I try and give him some gentle massages to help heal his many scars. I am looking forward to the day when he prefers his cuddly blankets and own bedroom (crate) as opposed to lying in dirt. Even when there is a soft cushion, warm grass or shade near by, George tends to find the dirtiest dirt to curl up in and rest. I am sure, these cuddly things are very foreign to him. It is awesome to see him jump up from a dirt filled nap and head to the bone shaped pool that is in the backyard. He loves getting in the pool to cool off and maybe it helps him feel clean from the dirt too. I always get a kick out of every time he heads to a pool and it's so comforting to see him bask in the spa like atmosphere. When I think of the life he must have lived before, I can't think of any other dog more worthy of Good Newz Rehab's facilities. There are so many more Georges out there though and so many more people who don't understand how animals hurt. It is very disheartening to say the least, however, I have felt better this summer, doing my small part to help heal the lives of some of these wonderful creatures. I LOVE MY FRIEND GEORGE. :) Peace, TaMarah
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Dog Days at Good Newz Rehab Center
It's been so wonderful spending my time at the Good Newz Rehab this summer. I thought I knew everything I could about animal rescue, but I have learned soooo many new things in a very short time. I wanted to do something this summer where I didn't get anything back. I wanted to simply give of myself in a way that I knew would help me just grow as a person. The odd thing is I have gotten so many rewards already. I have met some wonderful people, met some wonderful dogs, and I have learned alot about the business of animal rescue. Now I get to write about the experience and share what I see there, so it is a wonderful thing. My favorite part every day when I visit is that I feel I may have helped make the center run a little smoother that day. I hope to stay involved as long as my health keeps up and I have the time.
Bath time with the dogs is always fun. Dragging a huge Mastiff who can be moody, into a shower stall, is challenging to say the least. The unusual part is that he (Hunter) and all of the other dogs are sooo cooperative. I mean when I go to bath my dogs at home, I can hear a little grumble and growl but at the center even after 6-7 dogs, I never got one growl. Funny part is when I finished with Hunter and he shook off the excess water, he headed directly toward the door and low and behold, his best friend was waiting outside to go next.
Hunter's best friend is Clicky, who is a tiny lab mix. She tends to whine when Hunter or another human isn't around her. Wherever Hunter is, you can see Clicky, not 5 feet away, if not closer. Hunter doesn't like many other dogs in the house, but he never bothers Clicky. He doesn't necessarily love her the way she loves him, however, he would never harm her and it's cute to see as she seemingly looks to him for comfort and protection. When they take their 2pm naps, Clicky's crate is right next to Hunter's and sometimes I cheat just a little and raise their protective sheets just a little so that Clicky can see into Hunter's crate so she won't feel so alone. I guess this isn't the best idea since she needs to learn how to be independent, but I'm a sucker for a whine sometimes.
Who says that dogs don't have personalities? I see it in my own house with my 3 dog friends and I see it every time I visit Good Newz. They are each unique and have little behavior patterns that follow unique likes, dislikes, and emotion like stances. I often wonder how much dogs feel and understand us. I particularly wonder about this when Ebby keeps staring me directly in the face for sometimes 10 minutes at a time. Ebby was a penned dog who has difficulty playing or doing anything outside her routine. Meaning....she loves to go from outside to her crate, crate to outside and nothing in between. Trying to get her to roam around a room after me is very difficult. One thing I have noticed is that she is becoming more social and when I visit with her she now will come to her name from out of her crate and with me on the floor at her level, she will stand in my face and stare. I pet her and talk to her during these times, but I often wonder what is happening. Since she won't follow a ball or follow me around the room much in any other way, I let her do this. I assume it's an exercise of trust or getting to know the human, so I'm not going to mess with it.
I am going to hate to get back to work and miss seeing these nuggets on a regular basis. In the meantime, I better get some zzzzz's so I can head out on the open country road in the morning to see my new friends.
The drive to Surrey, VA is full of tranquility and serenity. A contrast to what the dogs that went before Good Newz Rehab, lived.
Bath time with the dogs is always fun. Dragging a huge Mastiff who can be moody, into a shower stall, is challenging to say the least. The unusual part is that he (Hunter) and all of the other dogs are sooo cooperative. I mean when I go to bath my dogs at home, I can hear a little grumble and growl but at the center even after 6-7 dogs, I never got one growl. Funny part is when I finished with Hunter and he shook off the excess water, he headed directly toward the door and low and behold, his best friend was waiting outside to go next.
Hunter's best friend is Clicky, who is a tiny lab mix. She tends to whine when Hunter or another human isn't around her. Wherever Hunter is, you can see Clicky, not 5 feet away, if not closer. Hunter doesn't like many other dogs in the house, but he never bothers Clicky. He doesn't necessarily love her the way she loves him, however, he would never harm her and it's cute to see as she seemingly looks to him for comfort and protection. When they take their 2pm naps, Clicky's crate is right next to Hunter's and sometimes I cheat just a little and raise their protective sheets just a little so that Clicky can see into Hunter's crate so she won't feel so alone. I guess this isn't the best idea since she needs to learn how to be independent, but I'm a sucker for a whine sometimes.
Who says that dogs don't have personalities? I see it in my own house with my 3 dog friends and I see it every time I visit Good Newz. They are each unique and have little behavior patterns that follow unique likes, dislikes, and emotion like stances. I often wonder how much dogs feel and understand us. I particularly wonder about this when Ebby keeps staring me directly in the face for sometimes 10 minutes at a time. Ebby was a penned dog who has difficulty playing or doing anything outside her routine. Meaning....she loves to go from outside to her crate, crate to outside and nothing in between. Trying to get her to roam around a room after me is very difficult. One thing I have noticed is that she is becoming more social and when I visit with her she now will come to her name from out of her crate and with me on the floor at her level, she will stand in my face and stare. I pet her and talk to her during these times, but I often wonder what is happening. Since she won't follow a ball or follow me around the room much in any other way, I let her do this. I assume it's an exercise of trust or getting to know the human, so I'm not going to mess with it.
I am going to hate to get back to work and miss seeing these nuggets on a regular basis. In the meantime, I better get some zzzzz's so I can head out on the open country road in the morning to see my new friends.
The drive to Surrey, VA is full of tranquility and serenity. A contrast to what the dogs that went before Good Newz Rehab, lived.
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