So, let me start with Seagrams. He is a large, friendly guy. His tail is always wagging. He's been with us a week now and has shown himself to be a calm and affectionate guy who also likes to play. He's enjoyed playing with Johnny Walker and one of my female dogs, Winnie. We haven't really heard him bark at all. He's crate trained and goes in nicely with a treat. Even when he's in the crate you can hear that tail wagging, thump, thump, thump against the side or the floor. He hasn't been chewing anything he shouldn't and is occasionally interested in some of the chew toys we have around but more interested in just hanging out with us. He's affectionate and will jump up and give you a hug around the waist. He's not hyper though so if you don't want the hug you can simply tell him "no." He's been sleeping in my daughter's room at night and has been a good room mate. He sleeps on the floor quietly all night. He eats and takes treats nicely and is good about sharing toys. His first day here he did some marking but that has since stopped. He's been doing all his potties outside so he seems to be housebroken. Mr Seagrams has the look of a short Newfoundland. He's about 55 pounds but only about 17 inches to the shoulder. That means he can't quite counter surf! He is just gorgeous and is hoping for a family to love him.
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| Here's Seagrams' transport picture. All our Fluffy Dogs come from shelters in Alabama. Unfortunately there just aren't enough homes there for all the stray dogs. |
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| The dogs are transported in a van just like this one |
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| Seagrams laying in the sun |
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| Handsome boy! |
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| Sleeping in the kitchen while I made dinner |
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| Playing with Johnny Walker |
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| Handsome boy! |
Johnny outside
Seagrams taking treats
Seagrams and Johnny
Seagrams and Johnny 2- They had just been running around so are tired
Oh that wagging tail
Okay, so let's switch to Johnny Walker. He's a young guy. The rescue estimates his age at 1 yr. I'm no vet but I would guess he's not quite 1. He's got that "puppy" look to him. You know, his head and feet look too big for his body kinda look. He is thin and needs to fill out. In the week that he's been with us I already feel like he's put on a little weight. He is one happy guy! He will give you hugs and kisses and then some more. He is a young, inquisitive and busy and does everything with enthusiasm. He really enjoys playing and has had a grand time running in the yard with Seagrams and my dog Winnie. He likes to carry a bone or a soft toy and then try to get one of the other dogs to chase him. Sometimes my dog Winnie finds his enthusiasm a little too much (she's only 20 pounds and he's a little over 30) and he gives him a sharp bark. He listens and takes down his energy. Because of the interactions I've seen I'd say he's a submissive guy. He's been doing all his potties outside and while I never taught him he's learned to ring the bell on our back door to let us know he needs to go out. Now, I'll say when he rings the bell I think his motivation is from wanting to play and not necessarily needing to potty but hey, he's got it, so I always let him out when he rings. He sleeps quietly in a crate in our room at night. He goes in nicely with a treat. While he crates nicely at night he's not fond of being in a crate during the day and will fuss. He's a young guy so being crated all day isn't his thing. He probably wouldn't do great if his owner were gone all day. He is a young, smart and inquisitive guy who will need some stimulation during the day. Being a puppy he does like to chew and while he's very good about finding the dog toys and chews he's also found some socks, slippers and even the TV remote. Like any young dog, you'll need to keep an eye on him as he explores. Mr Johnny is also knows "sit" and appears to be good with cats. Johnny Walker is a young, handsome and goofy fella hoping his forever owner will find him soon!
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| He does get tired after playing and will lay in the middle of the kitchen just like this :-) |
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| Hamming it up for the camera with my daughter. He's so goofy! |
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| This is Johnny's transport photo |
Johnny Sit
Hugs and kisses
Johnny and Winnie
Johnny Running
So, both Seagrams and Johnny Walker are here with me because they need heartworm treatment. Not only were they homeless in Alabama but they were heartworm positive and homeless. Fortunately Fluffy Dog Rescue heard of their plight. They are with me here in Illinois for their heartworm treatment. Many of the dogs my family and I have fostered have been heartworm positive. After treatment they go on to live normal lives. These fellas will just need a heartworm preventative monthly for at least 24 months after treatment. So, instead of stopping the preventative during the winter months they should get the monthly chewable pill each month, even if mosquito season is months away. If you read older posts of this blog you'll read stories of other dogs who have successfully gone through heartworm treatment. I feel fortunate to be part of their journey to finding their forever homes. Will you be the one to help them find their happy ending?