| Friday,
December 28,
2007 |
Click
on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
| We
get to the foster home a whole hour early. We just drive by at
first but see a BEAUTIFUL bully in the front door window.
It turns out to be MUGSY. Tricia, their wonderful foster
mom said he never does that, but seemed to be waiting for
something today. We ate at a local restaurant, down the
street watching the clock.
We
walked in, and immediately knew this was meant to be.
It was if our
Edi was saying "Yes, they need you. I love you and
want you to do this. You were meant to love them
too..." "Take good care of Maddy and Mugsy."
The drive home was horrendous... the kids were nervous at
first and traffic was bumper to bumper, stop and go for about
1/4 of the trip home.
We
got home and the kids investigated... they were nervous when
they walked in which showed by the GIANT mountains left on the
bedroom rug... We just stayed with them until they
seemed to relax, got Maddy in our crate and we placed a foam
bed by the crate door for Mugsy (who preferred the loveseat
for the night. :-) They slept soundly... buzzing away...
THE BUZZ-SAWING is back in the house!
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| Saturday,
December 29,
2007 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
Everyone
sleeps soundly and wakes up around 8:00.
Mugsy gets his eye drops after running under the desk to avoid
them, they have their breakfast and they do their
"business" outside. Mugsy is funny, just like
the his foster mom Trisha and Rescue mom Laurette said, Mugsy
RUNS outside does what he needs to do and RUNS back in the
house. Maddy however takes about 30 minutes, supervised, to
go. She is having a really hard time as the snow has
just melted and Edi's scent is EVERYWHERE in the yard.
The morning was a little rough, Mugsy seemed a bit sad and
Maddy was super nervous and very hyper. She was jumping,
relentlessly on Mugsy's face and he lost it... there was an
all out brawl between the two. Pebbles shaking in a soda can
broke it up immediately and Maddy went into the crate for a
few minutes. We let her out shortly afterward and just
lavished them both with attention and everything restored to
normal. They were giving each other baths.
Jerry headed out all over the place to find a store that had
just the right food and a new BIGGER dog bed. Ed called
to report that they took a nap together and then were actually
playing together. (Jerry was jealous that he missed out on the
first play in the house :-)
The rest of the day, hour by hour they became more
comfortable. At bedtime, Maddy went back into her crate
and Mugsy made his way upstairs to the bedroom instead of on
the love seat. It was clear that Mugsy wanted up on the
bed, but I (Jerry) am really hesitant about the dogs sleeping
in bed with us like Edi did. This was the line that we
crossed where Edi became a person instead of a pet and broke
my heart when she had to leave us.
I set up the new oversized pillow-bed with a ton of people
pillows which Mugsy LOVES, on the floor right next to me and
covered him with a fleece blanket. He buzzed away
content .
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| Sunday,
December 30,
2007 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
We
all woke up a bit later today around 9:00. Mugsy made
his way to the guest room and discovered the guest daybed to
be accessible and decided to sleep in. I took the fleece
blanket from the the other room and joined him. He
cuddled right up to me and slept with his head on my chest.
I'm hoping this guy might make this his new bed but
(emotionally) fear it inevitable that there will just be one
pack sleeping in one bed, soon.
I then went downstairs to visit Maddy. I opened her
crate and stuck my head in and laid down next to her.
She was still sleepy. She got out of the crate and laid
on the floor with me. She laid, spread eagle on her back
with her head resting in my palm like a pillow while I rubbed
her tummy for about 15-20 minutes, non-stop. Maddy
FINALLY calmed down! She still has her "spark"
and is SUPER playful but isn't all rattled and hyper anymore.
Mugsy joined us from upstairs, Ed fed them and they did their
business outside. Then they came in and played and
played and played! MUGSY NO LONGER SEEMS SAD! They
played tug of war with their chicken toy from their foster
home (photos on right) then they started rough housing
together, then Mugsy even rough housed with me! When
Mugsy plays, he literally BOUNCES. It is Hysterical!.
Maddy and I spent a lot of quality time today, in my lap/arms
and exploring the outdoors together. As I type this
entry, they are both SNORING away but will be up soon 'cause
its dinner time. (TAKING A BREAK NOW TO GET DINNER OUT FOR US
ALL)
...Well, OK I guess the day can't go totally perfect.. Maddy
just declined to go outside in preference for peeing on the
little mat in in front of the stove... well we can't expect
perfection right away :-)
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| Monday,
December 31,
2007 |
Click
on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
Another
night, with Mugsy settling for the second bed, only after
trying REALLY hard to get on the master bed. Its just
hat the bed is SO high that I do not want him to injure
himself if he tries to get off... I think might be going to
get the BIG set of dog stairs... they are ugly as anything,
but if he uses it, then I just may come to the conclusion that
the waterproof pad is going back on the master bed
tempur-pedic mattress.
...Having a real peeing problem with Maddy, and this morning I
feel terrible. She peed on the living room rug and I got
mad and yelled loud instead of using the stern voice and
"sh_sh"/"psst" sounds that I have been
using to train. She went to the back of her crate
scared... I felt TERRIBLE. I cleaned up the mess then
picked her up and rubbed her belly until she fell asleep in my
arms my desk until she fell a sleep. (First picture of
the day) She really wants to be a good dog, you can see it.
She obeys all the other rules. She is poo-ing outside fine,
but its a real problem with the pee. I think I may need
to try crating her like a pup.
They just played tug of war again today... Mugsy is getting
REALLY funny with his "happy jump" (he jumps up in
the air and wiggles like a fish jumping out of the water).
Maddy always seems to win the tug-o-war... she wants it more
:-)
EUREKA!!!
MADDY WENT TO THE DOOR AND SIGNALED TO DO HER BUSINESS
OUTSIDE!!! TWICE!
It
was the old sisal rug; it was driving Maddy crazy with too
much Edi scent. That and the opportunity to meet her
(hopefully with some coaxing) private, personal groomer,
Michael. WHAT AN AWESOME NEW
YEAR'S EVE!!! ..and
guess where Mugsy wound up sleeping!
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| Tuesday,
January 1,
2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
...WHAT
A GREAT MORNING TO START THE NEW YEAR!.. Mugsy wakes up
in bed with his new owners. Maddy wakes up to find her
crate open and her owner sleeping by her, followed my a 15
minute belly rub. BOTH dogs do their business
outside WITH NO ACCIDENTS!
They have their eye drops and breakfast, do business again
outside.. then ROUGH HOUSE... I know the pictures look kinda
scary but they REALLY WERE GENTLE... Maddy would provoke,
Mugsy pins her down and then lets go, then repeat about 10
times... followed by mutual loving tongue baths and a nap. THEY
ARE ADJUSTING GREAT!
10:15
PM and one full day with no accidents!
WOO HOO!.. Time
for bed - Back to work tomorrow. I work from home, so I'll
still be here, but it will be interesting to see how the dogs
deal with a little less attention.
Mugsy will get to try out his own, new doggy staircase up to
the master bed. If Maddy keeps up the good progress, it
won't be long till I'll be sleeping with a room full of buzz
saws. Time for a good pair or earplugs!
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THEY
WERE JUST PLAYING! - I SWEAR!

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| Wednesday,
January 2,
2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
Day
5 and though its not the perfect day, its still improving.
The only reason today is not the perfect day is because I was
not paying attention to Maddy when she was giving me "the
signs" and there was a small accident in the house.
Once she trained me better... perfection the rest of the day.
It was a somewhat quiet day at work which was a BIG help for
the dogs AND me.
Mugsy had his first full night in the bed, which he accessed
by climbing his own stairs... Boy was he a happy sleeper!
Very good morning with Maddy as well. We have a routine
where I lay down with her for a while, rubbing her belly
before the day starts. Then she goes out and then we
feed them both.
In the photos you will see Maddy with a denim jacket on, This
is because her stomach is really itchy where the fur is
growing back after being spayed and she has been scratching so
much that she had a cuts on her belly. The jacket is
working out great, she doesn't mind it at all.
You'll also see pictures of all my visitors while trying to
get work done. You can see the expressions on their
faces trying to say "what's the deal? "Spoil
me!"
The night has gone GREAT, I'm starting to be able to crate
Maddy a lot less. They are getting along great. I did
forget to give Mugsy he dry-eye drops before dinner so am
watching for the right moment of relaxation tonight.
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| Thursday,
January 3,
2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
OH
SO CLOSE!... So close to the perfect day. The dogs, for
the most part kept themselves occupied while I worked today--
playing tug of war, rough housing and giving tongue baths.
When Ed left for a haircut, they missed him and sat by the
door for about 5 minutes (last picture 4th row).
They had their dinner after a day with no accidents (first
picture- last row)... Maddy only needed one time out, when I
was sternly telling Mugsy not to jump on the couch, she lunged
at him (so off to the crate for 10 min)
As I was taking down the Xmas decorations late tonight, they
were perfect (see the last two pics) So perfect that they got
their first taste of boiled, boneless chicken breast as a
treat. Maddy loved it SO MUCH that she laid by the kitchen
counter for an hour hoping for more (which I think Ed
provided)
Taking down the Christmas ornaments of our departed Edi was
really sad, but I had company, little Maddy sat at my feet
watching quietly, looking ADORABLE...
So here is where we missed out on the PERFECT day...just after
the last picture posted here was snapped, I laid an old table
cloth on the floor to prevent the dried out evergreen garland
from going all over the place. Just as I went to grab a
chair to stand on, Maddy walked right into the center of the
round tablecloth/dropcloth and went pee.. Snicker... Oh well
ALMOST a perfect day. We're getting there..
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| Friday,
January 4,
2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
ONE
FULL WEEK in their new home!
Today The kids met their CT grandparents!
Needless to say, the LOVED them.
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| Saturday,
January 5,
2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
Today
The kids met their MA grandma and Aunties Caroline and Debbie!
Needless to say, yet again, they LOVED them. How can you
not love these wonderful dogs!... Maddy was ALLOVER Grandma!
[
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| Sunday,
January 6,
2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
Sorry
folks no pictures today as I ran out of room on the web
server! - OH NO!
Instead of taking all sorts of photos, I've used the time to
straighten up the house and just spend time with the dogs.
Maddy is having some kind of allergic reaction to something so
I'm a bit nerved up and focusing on that. It kills me to
see her so uncomfortable.
I'm basically trying to revert back to as much of the way life
and routine was before she got here as possible until I
determine the route cause. Back to old diet, and took off the
jacket, opting for a white T-shirt-tank top to keep her from
scratching up her belly any more than she already has.
Mugsy seems fine. Tomorrow night I will give them baths
with all natural oatmeal shampoo. It seemed the gentlest I
could find.
hmm, I wonder if maybe its the drinking water here?...
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ARGH!
- I ran out of space to upload more photos!
Well,
I guess I need to slow down on them... I might need to post
"weekly favorites" or something to that matter, once
I find additional space to use.
I
will however, keep chronicling their transition in hopes that
it can be helpful to other folks rescuing for the first time.
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| Monday,
January 7, 2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
Mugsy
was REALLY restless last night. Was sitting on the
stairs barking at nothing, at 2:00 and then again at 3:00 AM.
He eventually went to sleep and went back to sleep upstairs
after breakfast... Well at Least HE is getting the sleep
he needs. :-)
Maddy is asleep in her crate right now too, still on Benedryl
to control the itchy, puffy face.
Well, I thought this transition was going a little too well; I
knew there would be bumps. At least they seem happy and
know that they are loved here. I just need to stay on
top of what is going on. Tonight they will both get
baths.
BATHING SUCCESS, though I have learned that Mugsy HATES
baths!... He actually pulled me into the tub!
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I should
have had Ed take pictures of the baths... was pretty funny
(looking back it is anyway - wasn't funny at the time) |
| |
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| Tuesday,
January 8, 2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
Maddy
is doing MUCH better today! YEAH! No more diarrhea
either. I'm going to keep her on Benedryl a little
longer to play it safe but it seems that she was/is allergic
to either her new food which might have had to work its way
out of her system, or allergic to boiled chicken which we were
adding to her food and using to get her to take the Benedryl.
I snuck her pill in a dog biscuit today instead and she has
had no facial breakout today and minimal scratching.
Mugsy is 1 day behind Maddy in the change of food so his
bowels are still a little loose but the wonders of boiled rice
are helping. We had a DISASTER this morning when he
pooped the entire length of the living room even into into the
study.. GROSS!!!.. Later on in that day we was back on
track with going outside. No accidents so far with Maddy
today either. (knocking on wood - still have to get past the
evening "appointment" outdoors)
Today I learned how to get Mugsy comfortable outside... Set up
a table and chairs! :-) He actually didn't want to come
in!
I'm sure that when it warms up and all the cushions and other
furniture is set up outside, he will LOVE it!
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How to
get Mugsy to hang out, outdoors...
Set up a table and chairs!..

He
actually didn't want to come in.
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| Wednesday,
January 9, 2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
Ugh
I am SO tired today... Mugsy was up and restless from 2:30 AM
to about 4:30. Barking at absolutely nothing, then he
got Maddy barking. I have NO IDEA what that was all
about.
But, otherwise... WHAT A GREAT DAY! NO ACCIDENTS!
and everyone is mostly healthy!! Woo Hoo!
Both are getting more comfortable outside too, the warm
weather was a big help. Maddy has discovered Edi's old
favorite spot up on the hill where she can view our whole
property and across the street over the hedges.
OH man, I'm on a conference call right now and they are both
squeaking dog toys!
MUGSY'S
LATEST CRAZY ANTIC... LOCKING HIMSELF IN THE BATHROOM!
- He did it 3 times today! - He goes in, closes the door and
sleeps on the floor!
FIRST DAY WITH NO ACCIDENTS IN THE HOUSE!
Getting concerned about Maddy... I've changes her food back to
what she used eat at the foster home, but today she did a
number on her face AGAIN.. scratched it up again AND she took
a chunk out of her Neck!... Tonight I am off to find
Chicken-free food and tomorrow I am going to rake up all those
leaves that you see in the Maddy Picture on the left.
They have been SO GOOD today that they are BOTH going to sleep
in the people bed tonight!
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Can you
spot the real bulldog in picture 1?

Getting
along SO great today in picture 2
(the
calm before the playful storm.. toys squeaking like crazy
during a work conference call)!
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| Thursday,
January 10, 2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
OK
well I am not as tired as yesterday, but another night with
lousy sleep. THE DOGS TOOK UP THE WHOLE BED! and MAN did
Mugsy SNORE!
I am taking some drastic measures to try to help Maddy today.
I was up at the crack of dawn to rake the yard (thinking
perhaps the wet leaves might be creating mold.)
I've bought some holistic lamb and rice food for her, and I
bought this inflatable donut to go around her neck to keep her
from scratching up her face.. AND she is on Benedryl.
The inflatable donut is used now instead of those crazy cones
that you see on dogs a lot. I'm also wiping her face
with a wet paper towel every time she comes in from outside.
THE DONUT WORKS!.. She doesn't mind it at all... she plays
with it on, Eats, and naps with no trouble...
She is spending time outside on her own (under supervision) a
lot more now too. She REALLY loves the top of the ledge.
Her fur is almost grown back on her stomach too which means
she wont need to wear tank tops anymore.
ANOTHER DAY WITH NO ACCIDENTS! 2 IN A ROW!!! WOO HOO!
Today's photo is of me on a conference call at work.
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| Friday,
January 11, 2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
AT
THE RISK OF JINXING SOMETHING... WHAT AN AWESOME DAY!... The
health of both Maddy and Mugsy seem to really be improving...
Maddy's itching is slowing down and Mugsy's fur?... WOW...
Really coming back nicely!.
Tonight we had a busy "Friday Night Movie" regular
weekly event where we have an open invite to a large group of
friends to come over for dinner and movies. We never know how
many people will come. Last night was a large turnout
and the "kids" were FINE... Maddy had 1 barking fit
when she hears the squeaking rats in the movie Ratatouille,
but other than that, GREAT night. THE photo of the day
occurred after everyone else left and our AWESOME friend
Helene spent quality time with Mugsy at the top of the stairs
(Ed and Maddy SNORING SO LOUD only feet away in the other
room)
I sat on the top stair with them and got a TOTAL tongue bath
from Mugsy... That is the first time he's ever done that... He
usually likes to just muzzle his face up to mine. I LOVE
these dogs... Its SUCH a great feeling to end the day on
a relaxed note..
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| Saturday,
January 12, 2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
Today,
after a little bit of a restless early morning, we all slept
in till 11:00!...
Nothing big to report, Maddy is still fine as long as she is
on Benedryl
NO
ACCIDENTS! :-)
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| Sunday,
January 13, 2008 |
Click
on the links below to view movie clips, in a new window. |
|
Well,
Maddy TRIED to let Ed know she HAD to go... He didn't listen,
so I'm not disappointed that she Peed AND pooped in the house
last night (5:00AM actually)... Ed cleaned it up :-)
I tried the new carpet sweeper out today... that was an
experience... Maddy kept attacking it and Mugsy thought it was
all a game, jumping up in the air, barking and holding maddy's
leg in his mouth so she couldn't go at the sweeper...
Needless to say, sweeping took longer than expected.
ALONE
TIME TEST ACCOMPLISHED. I left them alone for
7 minutes in the house to go down the street to pick up a sub.
Didn't seem to be any problem. Mugsy slept through the
whole thing and Maddy was just very happy to see me return.
NO
Daytime accidents... they are behaving GREAT!
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MOVIE
CLIP: The 2 buzz saws
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| Monday,
January 14, 2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
Let
it snow....
NO
Daytime accidents... they are behaving GREAT!
DARN IT! I spoke/wrote too soon... 2 ACCIDENTS in the house
DARN IT!.
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| Tuesday,
January 15, 2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
Let
it snow....
No accidents, but Mugsy won't stay out of the bathroom!
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MOVIE
CLIP: After 7 tosses, Maddy presents her catch
poops out
(as Mugsy sleeps on the loveseat) |
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| Wednesday, January
16, 2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
Today
Maddy went for her first walk. It was just to the
mailbox at the end of the street and back, but that was an
accomplishment. I think the dogs are just starting to
get comfortable here, but are still afraid they will be
uprooted again. I used the combination of a harness and
a pet grooming leash to walk her and it went very very well.
She stayed with me for the whole walk.
Crazy-busy day at work today - the early walk was most of the
attention I was able to give them (with a couple on and off
rubdowns while on conference calls) It was a relief to
see that they kept themselves occupied, unfortunately that was
by rough housing while I was trying to lead a conference call
:-)... That's ok, folks at IBM totally understand.
Mugsy absolutely hates the cold weather and sleeps most of the
day, the problem is that he has been awake at night and wants
me up with him... I'll make sure he has extra
playtime before going to bed tonight. I hope that will help.
I'm
still concerned about Maddy. As long as she is on
Benedryl, she is fine, but as soon as she goes off, she is
scratching again. When she does, she goes straight for
her ears and eyes. I'm counting the days until I can
comfortably bring her to the vet. We are so close to
being totally settled in, I just wish we could figure this
out.
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| Thursday,
January 17, 2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
Playing
with BOTH dogs after work definitely helped Mugsy to sleep
through the night -- Hooray.
I actually got some sleep!.. I woke up and went outside with
Maddy so she could do what she needed and I could refill the
birdfeeder.
All was going so well but then when I came in the house I
found that Mugsy had come downstairs and needed out badly, but
the door was closed because of the cold..
He LET LOOSE on all fronts by the woodstove in the study.
The poor guy was embarrassed and hid under my desk.
I cleaned up the mess with Ed, gave Mugsy a pat to let him
know I realize it was an accident, got him to go outside and
finish, and rewarded him for doing so... He had his dry eye
drops, they both ate breakfast and I now have my coffee.
Mugsy is sitting in the chair next to me with his chin on the
desk sleeping and Maddy is on the dog bed, pulled next to my
chair, chewing on a Galileo bone.
Rough start to the day but we are now back on track. Ok,
now off to work
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| Friday,
January 18, 2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
Baths
went pretty well last night.
Day started out with a Maddy accident at the top of the
stairs, seems she didn't want to to wait to go outside.
Busy day at work today, dogs mostly chilled with playtime at
night with the movie group.
Maddy scratched herself up pretty good at night and Mugsy is
licking the cysts on his paws too much so I have scheduled
their first appointment with their vet Maryanne for next
Tuesday.
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| Saturday,
January 19, 2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
Messed
up thing happened in the middle of the night: Mugsy was on the
floor licking his paw and out of the blue, Maddy leapt off the
bed and attacked him!. She didn't seem to actually hurt him
but sounded ferocious and had pushed him about 4 inches to the
wall with her head/mouth. The poor guy just let her do it.
I separated them immediately and Mugsy slept in the bed and
Maddy on the floor for the rest of the night. We
have some SERIOUS obedience training ahead of us. They
have been pampered for 3 weeks, they know who is boss, but now
for their own safety, the training begins.
The day started out with another Maddy accident at the top of
the stairs, but this time she warned us... I asked Ed to take
her out and thought he did, but...
They rest of the day has gone absolutely fine. As if the
ruckus from the evening before never happened. No accidents
either. Tonight Maddy will sleep in her crate just to be
safe.
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CHECK
OUT THE COOL DOG, PEOPLE BED MY DAD IS MAKING!
He's making two of them
MUGSY IS GOING TO LOVE IT!
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| Sunday,
January 20, 2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
|
Morning
report all is well. Maddy slept fine in her crate.
Mugsy was restless again last night, but I think this is
because he's been SO inactive during the day. I need to
get the trained soon so I can take them for regular walks like
we did with Edi.
Today I'll try to get them both to play a little more so they
sleep better at night. Grandma and Grandpa are on their
way with 1 of the 2 custom beds all made. The kids will play a
lot while they are here for sure.
GREAT DAY today Mugsy and Maddy got to play with Aunt Caroline
and BOTH sets of grandparents together!.. and they were on
their best behavior! And the Watched the Patriots win
the AFL Championships 18-&-0 ! :-)
THANK YOU GRANDPA FOR OUR FIRST BED! We are going to
pick out a color for it this week. (Jerry wants to make
sure he finds an appropriate non-toxic stain or paint.)
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| Monday,
January 21, 2008 |
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on the images below to view them at full size, in a new
window. |
Crazy
busy day today at work. I was worried about the dogs not
getting enough attention but they seemed fine... although... I
think that is because Maddy is still hopped up on Benedryl..
I'm at a loss as to what it can be. I tried their old
food, I tried eliminating chicken, I wipe her face every time
she comes in from outside, and haven't used any cleaning
products in the house which is really starting to get grimmey.
On another note... they were VERY well behaved today. No
arguments, and beginning to become obedient. I've taken
the doorway gates off the couch and they are still challenging
me by jumping up there, but they now actually get down when I
tell them to... AND NO ACCIDENTS today Woo hoo :-)
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| Wednesday,
January 23, 2008 |
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Well
I knew it would just be a matter of time before I missed a
day. Work has been really busy and I've been working
some overtime. I've chronicled most of their
transition and I have to say they are getting very comfortable
here at home.
Yesterday they went to the the vet and we got some meds for
Maddy's skin and some antibiotics for Mugsy's ear and paw cyst
which seems to have popped and gone down.
Today, nothing big to report other that the CRAZY thing Mugsy
did while I was on the phone with Dave W. from work... take a
look at the photo to the right... I couldn't normally get this
shot if I wanted to.
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| Thursday,
January 24, 2008 |
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window. |
New
bed #2 delivered today and placed under the window looking out
the front of the house... Mugsy LOVES it. I think I'm
going to paint it the same color as the window trim..
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| Friday,
January 25, 2008 |
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Tonight,
Mugsy prefers the little chair next to the bed so that he can
look at it in appreciation.
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| Saturday,
January 26, 2008 |
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New
bed #2 is painted and Maddy is enjoying it..
Just as I was ready to paint it, Mugsy had decided to jump
into it and did NOT want to leave.
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| Sunday,
January 27, 2008 |
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window. |
ONE
MONTH IN NEW HOME!
Today they spent the whole day together. Its been about a
month and I feel like we are finally settling in. Even now we
are still having occasional accidents in the house and we
still need to address Maddy's allergy that has her scratching
her face, but they have met their Dr and if needed, Maddy will
see an allergist to address the issue once and for all.
We may not have daily updates from this point on, but
hopefully this can give others who consider rescuing, an idea
of how long it takes these creatures to adjust to their new
homes. I realize every dog is different but these two
have been through a LOT before getting here and it seems that
they WANT to adjust. They WANT to assimilate to a
permanent home.
If you are a bulldog lover, considering a rescue as opposed to
a new puppy. DO IT!... These dogs need a lot of love and
are unfortunately a popular dog breed, which means there are
even more abandoned than ever. I personally am SOLD on
rescues. I may someday get a new puppy, but I will
always rescue and support the efforts of rescue leagues.
To all who have read this journal and see the importance of
rescuing bulldogs, PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING to the all
volunteer rescue facilities!
The
photos to the right are of the 2 custom beds that grandpa
Ringuette made for Maddy and Mugsy (although
at night, they accept nothing other than the king size people
bed... but that's ok, we are a pack now :-)
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| Thursday,
February 21, 2008 |
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UPDATE!
Just back from
the vet and time for an update. Maddy's skin irritation
on her face is FINALLY resolved. :-) no more
anti-scratching donut around Maddy's neck!
The
Dr said that they both have come a remarkably long way in a
short amount of time. She commented on how beautiful
Mugsy's coat is and that she suspects that its color may
deepen even more. His ears have improved a lot too, (no
longer sensitive to the touch and no more redness at all) but
will take some time for all the swelled up tissue to go down
as it had been building up over a long period of time.
That being said, the daily cleaning has already resulted in
reduced swelling.
The
Dr praised us for the care we have provided. She said
they look like different dogs than those she met on their
first appointment.
The next thing I need to focus on is TRAINING.
Especially with Maddy as she is sometimes overly aggressive
towards Mugsy and towards other female dogs. This will
be a challenge; Bulldogs are stubborn but so am I :-)
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