I guess you are wondering why I am here again…
While with my new family, I was diagnosed with “diabetes insipidus” – sounds scary, but it really isn’t. Basically I need to drink a lot of water, but if I take medication, I don’t. In general there’s nothing to worry about. It doesn’t affect my overall health or longevity (I am around 2 so I have lots of life to live!). I just have to drink (and pee) a lot OR take a pill. That’s it! Besides this, I am fully vetted and neutered.
Though my adoptive family loved me and has lots of praise for me, this made them change their mind about keeping me. Luckily this rescue group always takes back any dog that was in their program – so I get to live with my fun foster mom Dana again until my real FOREVER home comes along.
So stay tuned for my updates. I'll start blogging again soon once I get back to NJ with Dana!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
My Last Blog as a "Foster Dog"
On Easter Sunday, I met these nice new people and I am told they will be my new family. They came over to our house to visit. I was very unsure at first and did a lot of barking and growling. But then I realized that these nice people had really yummy treats! I just ate and ate and ate! My foster mom told me that I was going to be a Connecticut dog now and that it would be a little scary at first, but I would come to love my new home. I was a a little confused when my foster mom put me up into their truck and kissed me goodbye. I'm not quite sure what goodbye means, but she looked sad. She told me we would both be okay and I was finally going home, to where I've always belonged.
I took a really LONG car ride with these new people. I only got sick once. They seem very nice. I also got to meet their two dogs, Prescott and Sedona. They are Irish Setters and look funny compared to me, but I think I like them. They are my new brother and sister.
I am told that this my "forever home"...that sure sounds nice.
Love always,
Phoenix
I took a really LONG car ride with these new people. I only got sick once. They seem very nice. I also got to meet their two dogs, Prescott and Sedona. They are Irish Setters and look funny compared to me, but I think I like them. They are my new brother and sister.
I am told that this my "forever home"...that sure sounds nice.
Love always,
Phoenix
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Just Checking In!
Hi all! Phoenix checking in once again. I am told that I am finally a real dog, so I have to share some stories with everyone.
When my foster mom comes home from work, she comes right over to my crate to let me out. I get so excited. I come bursting out of my crate and do a little dance. I wiggle my butt and jump and kick my feet in the air. I've also become great friends with my foster sister, Cali. She comes over to my crate and stratches at it to let me out. Then we run around a little and play. I love wrestling with Cali and we like to chase each other around. We also play very nicely with toys. Our favorite game is tug-o-war. It's fun, but I always lose (or maybe I'm just letting her win).
When the weather is nice, we spend a lot of time in the backyard. I love spending time outside and basking in the sun. The weather was so nice over the weekend, so I layed out on the patio all day trying to get a tan. I spend a lot of time exploring in the yard. I've been using my nose a lot and finding so much interesting stuff. We've played with these crazy things called bubbles a few times. Cali and Maxwell chase them around and try to eat them. I just like to watch, but I did try to catch a few bubbles here and there.
I've met these really facinating creatures. They are called chinchillas. I try my hardest to catch them, but they are in a cage and I can't get to them. I am very obsessed with them, so I probably shouldn't go to a home with small critters. Maybe I have some bird dog potential in me.
I am still a bit weary with strangers. I feel more confident, but new people continue to scare me a bit. If I have the room, I will keep my distance, but in close quarters, I get a little nervous and have even growled sometimes. It's also hard for me to remember people in different situations. I may like you inside the house, but if we are outside, I may not recognize you and I get scared. I'm working on it though.
I'm getting better at my commands. I know if I sit, I will get something yummy. Stay and settle are a bit harder. My foster mom says she never thought she'd have to teach me "settle", but lately I've been becoming very excited and energetic before we go for a walk and before dinner time.
Everyone is so proud of me because I've learned so much and I am finally acting like a real dog. I know I will probably take a few steps back when I go to my new home, but with patience and time, I will be a great addition to my new family!
Love, Phoenix
When my foster mom comes home from work, she comes right over to my crate to let me out. I get so excited. I come bursting out of my crate and do a little dance. I wiggle my butt and jump and kick my feet in the air. I've also become great friends with my foster sister, Cali. She comes over to my crate and stratches at it to let me out. Then we run around a little and play. I love wrestling with Cali and we like to chase each other around. We also play very nicely with toys. Our favorite game is tug-o-war. It's fun, but I always lose (or maybe I'm just letting her win).
When the weather is nice, we spend a lot of time in the backyard. I love spending time outside and basking in the sun. The weather was so nice over the weekend, so I layed out on the patio all day trying to get a tan. I spend a lot of time exploring in the yard. I've been using my nose a lot and finding so much interesting stuff. We've played with these crazy things called bubbles a few times. Cali and Maxwell chase them around and try to eat them. I just like to watch, but I did try to catch a few bubbles here and there.
I've met these really facinating creatures. They are called chinchillas. I try my hardest to catch them, but they are in a cage and I can't get to them. I am very obsessed with them, so I probably shouldn't go to a home with small critters. Maybe I have some bird dog potential in me.
I am still a bit weary with strangers. I feel more confident, but new people continue to scare me a bit. If I have the room, I will keep my distance, but in close quarters, I get a little nervous and have even growled sometimes. It's also hard for me to remember people in different situations. I may like you inside the house, but if we are outside, I may not recognize you and I get scared. I'm working on it though.
I'm getting better at my commands. I know if I sit, I will get something yummy. Stay and settle are a bit harder. My foster mom says she never thought she'd have to teach me "settle", but lately I've been becoming very excited and energetic before we go for a walk and before dinner time.
Everyone is so proud of me because I've learned so much and I am finally acting like a real dog. I know I will probably take a few steps back when I go to my new home, but with patience and time, I will be a great addition to my new family!
Love, Phoenix
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
My Latest Update
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.
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.
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
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