Hello everyone! This weekend has been quite exciting for me and my foster mom! Within the last few days, I have felt comfortable enough to show my foster mom some more of my cute personality.
I’ve been trying to play with mom in the yard by play bowing and then letting her chase me. It’s been so much fun. I also like to lie on my back and let her rub my belly. Sometimes I try to chew on the couch pillows too! I’m not really sure how to play, but I think I’m catching on!
I’ve finally met my foster mom’s two dogs, Cali (a GSP) and Maxwell (a Rottweiler). At first, I wasn’t sure what to do and tensed up a bit, but it wasn’t that scary. Both dogs have been pretty nice to me and I am learning to become more comfortable with them too. My foster mom says that I did very well because I did not growl or bark at them. I do enjoy watching them run around the backyard and play with each other. I’m still not sure what to do and sometimes they play rough and that scares me. At that point, I just stay clear of them. Maybe one day I will try to play, but right now I just like watching them. I think I would enjoy having a doggy brother or sister of my own one day!
Car rides are getting better. I’ve learned that trying to climb up front can be dangerous, so I just lay down in the back with my seatbelt on. I like short rides because I don’t get sick. With some more exposure, I think my belly will stop hurting. Today I even sat up and watched out the window…very interesting!
I am also gaining weight like a pro! Getting yummy food everyday is great and I even like treats now! I’ve gained 2 pounds since my vet visit last Thursday. My foster mom even had to make my collar a little bigger because it was getting too tight! I only have about 5 pounds or so to go!
On Saturday, we went for a walk up near a very busy street. Those cards sure are scary, but I did well. I only laid down a couple times, but then I started to realize that those cars aren’t going to hurt me. I will still need some work in that department, but other than that, leash walking is going great.
I am also told that I am one smart boy! It only took me a couple tries to understand the word “sit”. I also think I know some other commands like Phoenix, come, stay, outside, and off. None of these are 100%, but I’ll get there.
Crate training is going much better. I’ve finally realized that I can hold myself until someone comes to let me out. My foster mom hasn’t had to clean up a mess in 3 days! I also do not cry anymore at night.
Mom is still waiting for some test results from the vet, but she thinks I will be ready to find a new home soon. I am still very shy with new people and it will take me quite some time to trust my new family. I’ve come along so quickly since I’ve been with my foster mom, she has high hopes for me! My ideal home would be a quiet one with no young children. I think I would do great with another dog, but probably no cats. I also would like someone that can socialize me and show me that the world is not as scary as I think it is.
Obedience classes are a must for me. Not only will this help me learn more human language, but it will create a strong bond between me and my new owner. It will also allow me to gain some more confidence in myself.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Phoeix Checking In!
Hi everyone! Another update from me, Phoenix. Thanks for checking in! I am making lots of progress and enjoying my new life as a warm, well-fed, loved foster pup.
This thing they call crate training is a challenge, I just don't seem to get it. They put me in this crate, and I can't seem to hold myself longer than 2-3 hours. Mom says I do very well overnight, but when she comes home from work, it's another story. Sitting in my mess is no fun and getting a bath afterward is just as bad. Mom has been having some friends come over while she is at work, which definitely helps. I think I'm starting to catch on, but sometimes I think no one is going to come let me out, so I might as well relieve myself.
On a better note, my confidence is growing. We went on a long walk yesterday morning. I am afraid of noisy cars passing by and will lay down briefly until they pass, but other than that, things don't seem too scary anymore. I also ventured further away from the house in the backyard the past 3 days. Before that, I was only staying within 10 feet of the house, because who knows what might happen if I went further. But I'm beginning to enjoy being in the yard and exploring.
We went on a walk in the park again and I did much better there too. There is a big flight of scary stairs (see picture) where I hesitated several times the first time around. But today, I only got scared for a second, then I realized I could do it....and I did! Mom says she is so proud of me and that makes me feel good.
I am feeling much more comfortable in my new surroundings and I think it's safe to come out of my shell. Mom is so funny when I potty outside because she gets really happy. I like when she gets happy and I like to wiggle my butt at her. I've been showing her my "happy tail" a lot more these past few days. She thinks it's cute!
I've finally found a treat I am interested in. It's called chicken! Bacon is yummy too. Mom says she is going to teach me some commands, whatever that means. So far, I sort of understand some human language, like come, stay, and off.
Mom tells me that I'm a hunting dog. But I'm not very interested in birds. We had 2 pigeons fly right in front of us on our walk and I could care less. They are too fast to catch anyway. I hear I am going to be introduced to chinchillas soon...I wonder what they are?
I love my foster mom very much, but hanging out on my dog bed isn't so bad. Although I prefer to cuddle with her, I don't mind giving my foster mom some space. At bedtime, I whine a little when I get put in my crate. That big bed looks so comfy and warm. But as the days pass, I know where I'm suppose to be and I'm not as sad as I was.
The one thing I don't like is car rides. I have no problem laying in the back seat and getting comfy, but these bumpy rides make me feel funny. Sometimes I lose my lunch. Mom says that I will get used to it the more we ride in the car.
I really love my new life and I feel comfortable showing my foster mom who I really am. She says it has been fun watching me grow so quickly. I'm just glad to have a warm home and someone to love me.
Stay tuned because next week I get to meet the chinchillas, Sampson and Oliver, as well as two other doggies, Maxwell (a big Rottweiler) and Cali (a GSP, just like me!). I can't wait. I will let everyone know how it goes and I'm sure Mom will snap some pictures too!
Love always,
Phoenix (aka Mr. Phoe)
This thing they call crate training is a challenge, I just don't seem to get it. They put me in this crate, and I can't seem to hold myself longer than 2-3 hours. Mom says I do very well overnight, but when she comes home from work, it's another story. Sitting in my mess is no fun and getting a bath afterward is just as bad. Mom has been having some friends come over while she is at work, which definitely helps. I think I'm starting to catch on, but sometimes I think no one is going to come let me out, so I might as well relieve myself.
On a better note, my confidence is growing. We went on a long walk yesterday morning. I am afraid of noisy cars passing by and will lay down briefly until they pass, but other than that, things don't seem too scary anymore. I also ventured further away from the house in the backyard the past 3 days. Before that, I was only staying within 10 feet of the house, because who knows what might happen if I went further. But I'm beginning to enjoy being in the yard and exploring.
We went on a walk in the park again and I did much better there too. There is a big flight of scary stairs (see picture) where I hesitated several times the first time around. But today, I only got scared for a second, then I realized I could do it....and I did! Mom says she is so proud of me and that makes me feel good.
I am feeling much more comfortable in my new surroundings and I think it's safe to come out of my shell. Mom is so funny when I potty outside because she gets really happy. I like when she gets happy and I like to wiggle my butt at her. I've been showing her my "happy tail" a lot more these past few days. She thinks it's cute!
I've finally found a treat I am interested in. It's called chicken! Bacon is yummy too. Mom says she is going to teach me some commands, whatever that means. So far, I sort of understand some human language, like come, stay, and off.
Mom tells me that I'm a hunting dog. But I'm not very interested in birds. We had 2 pigeons fly right in front of us on our walk and I could care less. They are too fast to catch anyway. I hear I am going to be introduced to chinchillas soon...I wonder what they are?
I love my foster mom very much, but hanging out on my dog bed isn't so bad. Although I prefer to cuddle with her, I don't mind giving my foster mom some space. At bedtime, I whine a little when I get put in my crate. That big bed looks so comfy and warm. But as the days pass, I know where I'm suppose to be and I'm not as sad as I was.
The one thing I don't like is car rides. I have no problem laying in the back seat and getting comfy, but these bumpy rides make me feel funny. Sometimes I lose my lunch. Mom says that I will get used to it the more we ride in the car.
I really love my new life and I feel comfortable showing my foster mom who I really am. She says it has been fun watching me grow so quickly. I'm just glad to have a warm home and someone to love me.
Stay tuned because next week I get to meet the chinchillas, Sampson and Oliver, as well as two other doggies, Maxwell (a big Rottweiler) and Cali (a GSP, just like me!). I can't wait. I will let everyone know how it goes and I'm sure Mom will snap some pictures too!
Love always,
Phoenix (aka Mr. Phoe)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
How I got My Name
A Phoenix is a mythological bird that builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites. Both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix arises, reborn anew to live again. This young GSP’s name is literal.
Update from Phoenix on my 3rd day of my new life
Hi, my name is Phoenix and my foster mom tells me I am one special boy. My life up until my arrival in NJ has been rough and confusing. But now I have a wonderful foster home and am learning that life isn’t so bad after all. Though I am still a little shy and unsure, I am learning that people are nice. I especially love to be pet and cuddled. However, I need time to get to know you first, as I can’t just trust anyone (can’t blame me, right?)
I am learning lots of new things from my foster mom, like pottying outside, walking on a leash (I sure hate that thing), keeping my paws off of everything, spending time alone (without crying), and lots more. Foster Mom says I am learning quickly (GSPs are smart!), but I still have a long way to go.
My biggest issue is trust... Sometimes I like to pretend I am not there, by lying perfectly still on my dog bed when things get scary. I am beginning to trust my foster mom because she is always around (I love that), but not everyone is so lucky. Foster Mom says I have to go to a family that will be gentle, kind, and patient with me.
Leash walking is coming around. Some things are scary and new, so I like to lie down on the ground and refuse to move. I have to admit, I enjoyed my walk in the woods, but other dogs scared me a little, so we had to turn the other way. Foster Mom says it will be okay and we are working on my confidence.
I have a long way to go and I’m not quite ready to leave my foster mom. She says I’m still too skinny, but once I gain some weight and some much needed confidence, I’ll be ready to have a home of my own. Stayed tuned for updates!
Love, Phoenix
I am learning lots of new things from my foster mom, like pottying outside, walking on a leash (I sure hate that thing), keeping my paws off of everything, spending time alone (without crying), and lots more. Foster Mom says I am learning quickly (GSPs are smart!), but I still have a long way to go.
My biggest issue is trust... Sometimes I like to pretend I am not there, by lying perfectly still on my dog bed when things get scary. I am beginning to trust my foster mom because she is always around (I love that), but not everyone is so lucky. Foster Mom says I have to go to a family that will be gentle, kind, and patient with me.
Leash walking is coming around. Some things are scary and new, so I like to lie down on the ground and refuse to move. I have to admit, I enjoyed my walk in the woods, but other dogs scared me a little, so we had to turn the other way. Foster Mom says it will be okay and we are working on my confidence.
I have a long way to go and I’m not quite ready to leave my foster mom. She says I’m still too skinny, but once I gain some weight and some much needed confidence, I’ll be ready to have a home of my own. Stayed tuned for updates!
Love, Phoenix
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Intoducing Phoenix
Overall, Phoenix's first day went well. He is VERY sweet. He loves to be pet and scratched behind the ears, and would prefer to sit next to you all day long and be loved. Right now, he is napping with his head on my lap. He doesn't have any issues with people coming into the house, as he had 2 visitors yesterday. He immediately introduces himself. He can be a bit shy, but lets everyone pet him and sometimes jumps up lightly, which I am trying to discourage. He definitely wants to trust people, but does not do so immediately.
He does like to put his paws up on things...the counter, the TV, the bookshelf, the door, people, etc. Again, I am discouraging this and he seems to be getting it. He doesn't startle at household noises (though I haven't tried the vacuum yet). He was very interested in the TV at first and now he just looks at it if he hears a barking dog on TV.
He is not food motivated whatsoever. For as skinny as he is, you'd think he'd be ravenous, but he is not. He did not want to take any treats yesterday or today, and picks at his food. As we all know, he definitely needs to put on some weight (I'm sure he's under 40lbs). I added a bit of canned food this morning, which he seemed to like a little better, but still did not eat it all. I am going to try to see if he'll like chicken for treats, so I can start teaching him some commands. But boy does he LOVE water. If it were up to him, he would drink and drink and drink.
We went on a long walk at the park near my house. He does surprisingly well on the leash. Does not pull much, and if he does, a quick tug on the leash sends him right back to your side. He does hesitate at things he's probably never seen before (weird bushes, mailbox, etc.), but a little tug and "come on" keep him going. But there were some times where he stopped dead in his tracks and layed down. We came across a little fluffy dog that was barking and lunging at Phoenix to play. At this point, he became scared and pull and bucked to get away.
He did manage to escape from his crate by pulling the front of the crate in. After switching to a better made crate, he's been fine. He enjoys his crate and will go there if he feels insecure. He slept the whole night through, with no peep and no accidents.
Overall, I think Phoenix is so sweet. He will need some time to come out of his shell and begin to fully trust people (and he will). He needs someone that will be gentle and kind to him, but also not baby him. As of right now, he's been sleeping a lot, but I think once he becomes more comfortable and in shape, he will be a typical high energy GSP, but not overly energetic. He will need to be crated and have a place of his own to go if he feels uncomfortable.
~Dana Shaute, Eastern GSP Rescue Volunteer
He does like to put his paws up on things...the counter, the TV, the bookshelf, the door, people, etc. Again, I am discouraging this and he seems to be getting it. He doesn't startle at household noises (though I haven't tried the vacuum yet). He was very interested in the TV at first and now he just looks at it if he hears a barking dog on TV.
He is not food motivated whatsoever. For as skinny as he is, you'd think he'd be ravenous, but he is not. He did not want to take any treats yesterday or today, and picks at his food. As we all know, he definitely needs to put on some weight (I'm sure he's under 40lbs). I added a bit of canned food this morning, which he seemed to like a little better, but still did not eat it all. I am going to try to see if he'll like chicken for treats, so I can start teaching him some commands. But boy does he LOVE water. If it were up to him, he would drink and drink and drink.
We went on a long walk at the park near my house. He does surprisingly well on the leash. Does not pull much, and if he does, a quick tug on the leash sends him right back to your side. He does hesitate at things he's probably never seen before (weird bushes, mailbox, etc.), but a little tug and "come on" keep him going. But there were some times where he stopped dead in his tracks and layed down. We came across a little fluffy dog that was barking and lunging at Phoenix to play. At this point, he became scared and pull and bucked to get away.
He did manage to escape from his crate by pulling the front of the crate in. After switching to a better made crate, he's been fine. He enjoys his crate and will go there if he feels insecure. He slept the whole night through, with no peep and no accidents.
Overall, I think Phoenix is so sweet. He will need some time to come out of his shell and begin to fully trust people (and he will). He needs someone that will be gentle and kind to him, but also not baby him. As of right now, he's been sleeping a lot, but I think once he becomes more comfortable and in shape, he will be a typical high energy GSP, but not overly energetic. He will need to be crated and have a place of his own to go if he feels uncomfortable.
~Dana Shaute, Eastern GSP Rescue Volunteer
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