Happy Got-Day Molly!

Wow, I can't believe it's been a whole year since we brought Molly home!

She remains the sweetest pup, although she still has challenges dealing with people (other than us) coming and going. So, we continue to work on that.

Here's a shot from the other day....Molly loves romping in the snow. She stopped by to say 'hi' to me for about 5 seconds before bounding off to play with big sister Sophie in the next available snowdrift.

-Lisa

Adoption Update: Molly (formerly Ketch)

Molly and big sister Sophie enjoy relaxing near the patio with mom at the end of a busy workday. Mom has a glass of wine and Molly has her stash of balls and toys nearby, while Sophie enjoys just watching the cars go by.
 
A great ending to the day for the whole family!

Lisa 

Adoption Update: Ketch!

Hi!

Our previous two dogs didn't really play like Sophie and Ketch do, so I'm looking to you (or someone you could direct me to) for guidance.

They seem very evenly matched play-wise. Sometimes Sophie is 'on top', and sometimes Ketch is. There's always happy tail wagging and one of them is always on a long line.
They play really hard for quite awhile two or three times each time we're all out together. I just let them do their thing and when they're 'done', we take our walk.

They are not allowed to roughhouse inside, although they are loose together inside at various times. They haven't even tried to play that way indoors, actually.

Ketch has exhibited a bit of resource guarding, but Sophie is not exhibiting any at all (which kind of surprised me). Sophie has not minded Ketch investigating or playing with her things. We observed Ketch growl and snap when Sophie briefly sniffed at the entrance to Ketch's crate (Ketch was not in it at the time, and there was no food in it).  We haven't had it happen again. Sophie is able to rest comfortably on her own pillow in the same room without any issues.


After giving it some consideration as I've been observing the two dogs interact, I started taking them out on the farm long-lead free. This has made a tremendous difference, and I think we're good to go! They're playing just as nicely as before, but since I don't have to stand right there (mostly because of the threat of them tangling up with each other and the leash), they can play freely and I can take my walk. They follow around as nice as can be; pausing now and then for some play, and then catch up and walk with me or right next to each other just ahead or behind me. Then we'll all pause and watch the neighbors horses before continuing on. Success! Of course, I'm always prepared to jump in if need be, but there's been absolutely no hint of aggression...just fun play.

Awesome! 

Now, if only Ketch would go around the farm with Jay and Ike. She only wants to be out there with me, so the guys are having some trouble getting her to do anything but go potty outside. She'll play with them indoors, but outdoors it's a no-go. Weird...

Here is a video of the girls playing...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDblmvCz4Rs

-Lisa

Adoption Update: Ketch goes HOME!!

Hi Sarah-

Just wanted to give you a first day report....
Ketch and I bonded over vomit all the way home (!!). Poor girl was so stressed and nervous, she kept retching every few miles. Fortunately, I had plenty of paper towels handy!

So, straight into the tub for a second bath when we got home. What a fine welcome that was!

She and Sophie are doing well together. In the house, there's no trouble at all, although we are always right there with them to observe. Ketch only plays in my office and the kitchen; she's not brave enough to venture into the living room for some reason.

Outside, they're mostly either doing their own thing or they play and I stay hands-off (can be tough, but if there's no growling and the tails are wagging they're just having a good time). Only had to do a brief correction twice, but that was easily accomplished with a loud 'Hey!' and a tug on Sophie's long line. Ketch follows around so wonderfully that she's just off-leash on the farm (carries a ball most of the way, too!)

Now it's nap time while I get office work done. We're all in my office, with Sophie on her regular bed and Ketch in her crate.

So far, no accidents in the house, although she's peeing and pooping quite a bit when we're out. Her stools are rather runny and bright, but between stress, new food, and whatever was going on which requires her meds, I'm sure that's to be expected!

-Lisa

Ketch!