Adoption Update: Nick

Some of you may know that my dog Nick is one of the semi-famous "Mayfair Boys", that is three dogs that MABCR took from a hoarding case in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia in 2006. Three Border Collies along with dozens of other dogs and even more cats, living in several inches of their own filth, they were like a canine version of "Lord of the Flies", doing whatever they wanted, whenever and however they wanted. Although they had been fed, they had little to no water and were all inflicted with a wicked case of mange. Since water was a precious commodity where they were, they all had terrible guarding issues with their water bowls. Once safely installed in their quarantine pens at the farm (no one could touch them until the mange cleared up, which took months), they now had all the water they could drink. For some reason known only to him, Nick transferred his guarding issue over to the new precious commodity--toys.

Now, many years later, he is a happy, healthy, well adjusted boy who is my ever-present companion. Rarely needing a leash, he follows my every move and this includes working on my racecar or washing and detailing cars in the driveway. Last Saturday, he installed himself in the garage on his perch in front of my racecar and stayed there for so long that I felt compelled to get out the camera as it occured to me that what he was doing was guarding the car. Ok, so he's graduated to bigger and better toys. I just thought I'd share this one for all of you--it isn't staged.

-Elizabeth

Adoption Update: Nick (Mayfair Dog)

Do you know he FALLS ASLEEP when I trim his nails??? That boy aint right...

Here is a recent photo of my little Nick from our trip to Watkins Glen last week, where as always, he was the life of the party.

-Elizabeth

Mayfair Dog Update: Ben

Hi Sarah:

Ben is doing great here! This picture is with daughter Kathleen, age 7 after one of his approximately 2 dozen daily "explosions" of puppy like running and play!

With two older dogs in the 11-12yr range, we figured it might take a little time for them to take Ben under wing. Turns out initial jealousy was very shortlived, now our Alpha male Lab Guinness has a new buddy to hang out, play and they sleep next to each other. The other dog Tiki has always been the loner but she too really gets young at heart with Ben around! Not only has he rejuvenated both dogs, he apparently enjoys being chased by our 'rescue' cat too, and that is one for the Guinness record books!

He loves our frequent trips to Bethany and was amazed by his first beach walk and the ocean waves although he did not take a swim yet. Lastly and most important, he has helped fill a void left by Rudy with Missy as the two of them play together a coule fo times every single day; something I consider 'Priceless'! Thanks to all!

Steve

Mayfair Dog Update: Nick (was Mac)

Hi Sarah,

Ah, the Nick-man. Universally loved by everyone everywhere he goes. The other night at obedience class, the trainer had hired a photographer to take some marketing shots for her website and he spent the entire class following me around taking pictures of Nicky. He is the embodiment of cuteness. Able to leap tall buildings with a single bound, he fears nothing and nothing gets in his way.

It's amazing how far he's come (both of them really). He still makes mistakes, but very rarely and it's usually my fault. She is happy to allow him to be cannon fodder when they meet someone new. If he somehow managed to live through it, then that person is probably ok to approach. Now if we can just get him to stop sicking up in the car. He made it through a whole half hour ride and then back again without incident. I'm attributing this to the dose of Rescue Remedy he received rather than any improvement in personal fortitude, but I'll take it--it's almost track season and those are long car rides!

Elizabeth