About Diary Gallery
 
We've created this space to document Maddy and Mugsy's progress as they take the time needed to adjust to their new home and family.  Please feel free to contact me at anytime with comments/questions/recommendations.

   
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 Click 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 Click 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 Click 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!
    

 


  

 



 

 
Wednesday, January 2, 2008 Click 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 Click 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 Click 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 Click 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 Click 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.

 
Monday, January 7, 2008 Click 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)
 
Tuesday, January 8, 2008 Click 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.

 
Wednesday, January 9, 2008 Click 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)!

 
Thursday, January 10, 2008 Click 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 Click 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 Click 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

 
Monday, January 14, 2008 Click 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 Click 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)
 
Wednesday, January 16,  2008 Click 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 Click 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 Click 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 Click 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! 

 
Sunday, January 20,  2008 Click 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 Click 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 Click on the images below to view them at full size, in a new window.
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 Click on the images below to view them at full size, in a new 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 Click on the images below to view them at full size, in a new window.
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 Click on the images below to view them at full size, in a new window.
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 Click on the images below to view them at full size, in a new 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 Click on the images below to view them at full size, in a new window.
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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