CJ (Carolyn 17-049A)

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Profile

In addition to LOVE this dog has the following requirements:Date AvailableFenceKid FriendlyAnother DogCat Friendly3/15/2017 Required Age 8+ Required Not tested This is the most recent information available; however, it may change as we learn more about the dog.

 

3/15/2017:

Please welcome Carolyn to the RAGOM family!  Carolyn made the long journey by way of a Missouri commercial breeder auction where she and 7 of her puppies and ten Golden Retrievers began their new lives in the RAGOM family on March 2, 2017.  Her birthdate is 9/26/2013.

Carolyn is named in honor of one of RAGOM's generous donors that made it possible for Carolyn and her puppies (Jill 17-047A, Susan 17-048A, Sebastian 17-050A, Tim 17-051A, Dexter 17-052A, Jim 17-053A, Jerry 17-054A)  to be saved from the auction.  We are very grateful for the financial support that allows RAGOM to rescue and rehome these precious dogs.

Carolyn would like to tell you of her journey in the last 11 days.

Hi Everyone,

I am very quickly adjusting to life inside a home.  The first few days my crate was my safe place as I watched and listened to the new sights and sounds of my foster home. I have two golden doodle foster sisters to help guide me and show me that people are ok. I am very comfortable with other dogs and lean on them for support.

Here I am seeking comfort from my foster sister while at my first vet appointment.

I was poked and prodded, got some shots and they took some blood. Not sure what for, but they said all tests that came back were very good (no heartworms, or poopy worms), just some yucky stuff in my ears.  I have daily meds to clear that up but otherwise deemed healthy.  I will have another round of booster vaccines in another two weeks. I have to have some type of surgery on Friday March 24th  so my duties as mama are over! Time to get my girly-girly figure back! #NoMoreStretchMarks

By the middle of this week, I decided this foster home thing was a good thing and I busted a move and tore around the yard doing zoomies! That made FM REALLY HAPPY!  I watched one of my foster sisters doing that and she looked incredibly happy so I thought I'd give it a try.  Man, did that feel good!

Last Saturday, I got to go to my new friend Nicole's house and play with her, her foster brother John 17-045A that was rescued with me, and my foster sisters.  I haven't figured out why my foster sisters keep chasing tennis balls and bringing them back.   I prefer to run and chase John!

Playing with John 17-045A

More play with John 17-045A

And I can even be a tease too with John and lure him away from treat lineup.

 

For my first week in foster care, that was amazing. But FM wants to keep showing me new stuff, so now that I have started to feel more comfortable and do some bonding, we started going on walks. My first walk was 3 miles while the pretty snow was falling on Sunday  afternoon. I was a bit nervous and skittish at the cars that were moving and sounds coming from behind me.  But my foster sisters weren't bothered by that stuff, so I felt safe next to them.  We repeated the same route the next night when it was quiet out in the new snow and bright moonlight.  I did even better on my second 3 mile walk and didn't run into FM's legs nearly as much.  Then this morning before work, FM leashed up her dogs and I decided I didn't need to shy away from FM with the leash and went to her on my own.  I knew what was coming -- another walk!  Okay, okay, yes, I have found a new hobby that I love. Walking!  And I am pretty darn good at it if I do say so myself.  (FM note: Yes, remarkably good but does startle at sounds behind her.)

Now that I am adjusting to my new found feelings, I am more confident and showing off my doodle prance.

That's me looking all serious and stuff, you know, like a model on a runway.

My happiest times are when I am outside which is common for dogs used to living outside.  I am still skittish in the house and can dash from place to place but quickly learning the pleasures of comfy dogs beds, couches and even FM's bed!  I am sleeping in the crate at night as I am not housebroken yet (still figuring that stuff out) but FM is hoping very soon I will get it.  Tonight I ever so slowly crawled up on FM's bed since she invited me and I snuggled right in for some petting.  I have even developed the golden nudge when I want more attention and will use my paw too.  I figured if all that snuggling and hugging is good enough for my foster sisters, it is good enough for me. Little did I know how much I would enjoy it!  Though one of my sisters gives me a funny look when I am snuggling with FM on the couch. FM says that her feelings are a little hurt that I am getting so much attention.

Here I am asking for permission to sleep on the bed.
Sadly, the answer was "not yet."

Well, that brings me up to date on my first 11 days in fostercare.  FM says I am incredibly sweet and will be a great addition to a family soon.  I need another confident playful dog that will help me continue to grow in confidence in new surroundings, experiences and especially around people.  I might be slow to trust, but once I do, I will love my people.  Since I am a PM dog, if I have any kids in my home, they will need to be older than 8 years old.  I would do better in a quieter home over one that has a lot of noise and commotion.

My new family will have to be committed to obedience classes and have the patience and time required to work with me to build confidence and bring out my inner joy.

Have a great week!

Carolyn

At a Glance #17-049A

Mixed Breed Born: September 2013
Female Weight not specified

Status: Adopted

Profile

In addition to LOVE this dog has the following requirements:Date AvailableFenceKid FriendlyAnother DogCat Friendly3/15/2017 Required Age 8+ Required Not tested This is the most recent information available; however, it may change as we learn more about the dog.

 

3/15/2017:

Please welcome Carolyn to the RAGOM family!  Carolyn made the long journey by way of a Missouri commercial breeder auction where she and 7 of her puppies and ten Golden Retrievers began their new lives in the RAGOM family on March 2, 2017.  Her birthdate is 9/26/2013.

Carolyn is named in honor of one of RAGOM's generous donors that made it possible for Carolyn and her puppies (Jill 17-047A, Susan 17-048A, Sebastian 17-050A, Tim 17-051A, Dexter 17-052A, Jim 17-053A, Jerry 17-054A)  to be saved from the auction.  We are very grateful for the financial support that allows RAGOM to rescue and rehome these precious dogs.

Carolyn would like to tell you of her journey in the last 11 days.

Hi Everyone,

I am very quickly adjusting to life inside a home.  The first few days my crate was my safe place as I watched and listened to the new sights and sounds of my foster home. I have two golden doodle foster sisters to help guide me and show me that people are ok. I am very comfortable with other dogs and lean on them for support.

Here I am seeking comfort from my foster sister while at my first vet appointment.

I was poked and prodded, got some shots and they took some blood. Not sure what for, but they said all tests that came back were very good (no heartworms, or poopy worms), just some yucky stuff in my ears.  I have daily meds to clear that up but otherwise deemed healthy.  I will have another round of booster vaccines in another two weeks. I have to have some type of surgery on Friday March 24th  so my duties as mama are over! Time to get my girly-girly figure back! #NoMoreStretchMarks

By the middle of this week, I decided this foster home thing was a good thing and I busted a move and tore around the yard doing zoomies! That made FM REALLY HAPPY!  I watched one of my foster sisters doing that and she looked incredibly happy so I thought I'd give it a try.  Man, did that feel good!

Last Saturday, I got to go to my new friend Nicole's house and play with her, her foster brother John 17-045A that was rescued with me, and my foster sisters.  I haven't figured out why my foster sisters keep chasing tennis balls and bringing them back.   I prefer to run and chase John!

Playing with John 17-045A

More play with John 17-045A

And I can even be a tease too with John and lure him away from treat lineup.

 

For my first week in foster care, that was amazing. But FM wants to keep showing me new stuff, so now that I have started to feel more comfortable and do some bonding, we started going on walks. My first walk was 3 miles while the pretty snow was falling on Sunday  afternoon. I was a bit nervous and skittish at the cars that were moving and sounds coming from behind me.  But my foster sisters weren't bothered by that stuff, so I felt safe next to them.  We repeated the same route the next night when it was quiet out in the new snow and bright moonlight.  I did even better on my second 3 mile walk and didn't run into FM's legs nearly as much.  Then this morning before work, FM leashed up her dogs and I decided I didn't need to shy away from FM with the leash and went to her on my own.  I knew what was coming -- another walk!  Okay, okay, yes, I have found a new hobby that I love. Walking!  And I am pretty darn good at it if I do say so myself.  (FM note: Yes, remarkably good but does startle at sounds behind her.)

Now that I am adjusting to my new found feelings, I am more confident and showing off my doodle prance.

That's me looking all serious and stuff, you know, like a model on a runway.

My happiest times are when I am outside which is common for dogs used to living outside.  I am still skittish in the house and can dash from place to place but quickly learning the pleasures of comfy dogs beds, couches and even FM's bed!  I am sleeping in the crate at night as I am not housebroken yet (still figuring that stuff out) but FM is hoping very soon I will get it.  Tonight I ever so slowly crawled up on FM's bed since she invited me and I snuggled right in for some petting.  I have even developed the golden nudge when I want more attention and will use my paw too.  I figured if all that snuggling and hugging is good enough for my foster sisters, it is good enough for me. Little did I know how much I would enjoy it!  Though one of my sisters gives me a funny look when I am snuggling with FM on the couch. FM says that her feelings are a little hurt that I am getting so much attention.

Here I am asking for permission to sleep on the bed.
Sadly, the answer was "not yet."

Well, that brings me up to date on my first 11 days in fostercare.  FM says I am incredibly sweet and will be a great addition to a family soon.  I need another confident playful dog that will help me continue to grow in confidence in new surroundings, experiences and especially around people.  I might be slow to trust, but once I do, I will love my people.  Since I am a PM dog, if I have any kids in my home, they will need to be older than 8 years old.  I would do better in a quieter home over one that has a lot of noise and commotion.

My new family will have to be committed to obedience classes and have the patience and time required to work with me to build confidence and bring out my inner joy.

Have a great week!

Carolyn

Updates

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Hello everyone!  It has been busy the last 10 days for me.
I got to have another playdate with my new friend Riley 17-144. We didn't play much as it was kinda warm out but we just hung out for a bit.
Carolyn17049Aj1.jpg
Isn't he good looking? I'm not so shabby myself!
After Riley went home, another new friend, Lani, came over. We have had three playdates at her house and get along pretty well.  She is a bundle of energy, that's for sure.  Well, foster mom and Lani's mom and dad did a bunch of chatting like they always do, and then said to me that I was getting ADOPTED!  Yup, you heard that right!  I officially have a last name, a sister, and a mom and dad to call my very own!
I have been in my new home for five days now and am doing great.  Since I had the playdates here with my foster sisters and Lani, I was already used to the house and yard, so the transition has gone really well.  Here is a picture of Lani and me with some new toys our foster sisters sent us.
Carolyn17049Aj2.jpgLet the squeaking begin!
And in no time, I was relaxing in style like I was taught in my foster home.
Carolyn17049Aj3.jpg
Yes, life is rough after you are adopted. How will I ever manage?
Well, this post brings to a close my adventures as a foster. I will miss living with my foster family and being part of a large pack, but I am living close by that I will get to have playdates with them and my other RAGOM friends. I am so thankful that RAGOM rescued my puppies and me and all of the goldens from the auction.  I now get to live a life of fun, adventure, and the love of family and friends. What else could a girl ask for? Thank you for following my journey these past five months.  If you see me at Goldzilla, be sure to say Hi.
A special thank you to Uncle Chip and Marsha for lunchtime playtimes for the whole time in foster care!  Love you both! And to my foster sisters and cousins, and Nicole, for all of the love and comfort you gave me to help me become more confident and to trust people. You changed my life for the good.
All my best,
CJ
Carolyn17049Aj4.jpg
Big Smile!

Monday, July 31, 2017

July 31, 2017

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick update for you.  I am enjoying the summertime in my foster home and being part of a pack.  My foster cousins are staying with us again.  Here is a new picture.  I am enjoying being in the pictures now. Quite a difference from the other photo of us all up above, don't you think?


Yep, that's me, hanging with my peeps.

My hair has really come in thick and soft and FM says I am so gorgeous.  I think she is right.  I even give FM and uncle Chip hugs now, paws right up on the shoulders.  I figured if my foster sister enjoys that so much, I would give it a try too. And you know what?  It is GREAT!  I get lots of attention that way and learning to trust people. And I am now an expert snuggler in bed too.

We have been going over to my new friend Lani's house for playdates lately.  She is non-stop energy.  She keeps trying to steal whatever toy I have and sometimes I have to tell her no.  FM just laughs at me because I do the same thing to my foster sisters.  Guess it is not so funny when the shoe is on the other foot.  


Trying to be a retriever and fetching a toy.

We have been cooling off in the kiddie pools lately.  I still won't lay down, but I do enjoy cooling off my feet. There are these little fishies in the pool and I keep pawing at them and trying to bite them but I can't get them.  I will persist and eventually will be successful.  I am not sure why Nicole doesn't help me.  Maybe she prefers to just lay on the fishies.


Oh CJ, try as you might, those are not real fishies.

Well, that's it for me for now.  Have a great week!

CJ

Friday, July 21, 2017

Hello everyone!

I hope you are having a great summer!  I am not particularly fond of this hot muggy weather, but still having a good time.

It has been 4 1/2 months that I have been in fostercare and I have learned so much! A few weeks ago I learned to sit!  Yup, I finally showed FM I was ready.  I guess I had to because she was withholding the watermelon. That was just not fair.  So now, I plop right down on my hinder for every single piece.  She is trying to show me to waiting my turn in line as I tend to get so excited I try and take my foster sisters' shares too.  Can't blame a girl for trying!  And I have become a serious FOODIE.  So eager to try new things from the fridge.  I pretty much like everything that has been offered.

The 4th of July and the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, .... were pretty loud in our neighborhood.  Some people seem to think that loud bangy stuff is fun.  I did ok with it but one of my foster sisters did not like it one bit.  We stayed in the house downstairs most of the time except for potty breaks.  I did not get scared, so FM was very happy about that.

We are up to 4 miles each morning and I love getting that much exercise before FM has to go to work. We are up and out the door before the sun rises to say Good Morning!  Then it is back home to eat breakfast and chill down a bit while FM gets ready for work. This morning was super foggy but very nice and quiet. Lots of bunnies running around too.  I ignore them but one foster sister watches them intently.  

We went to a Meet and Greet a couple of Saturdays ago.  I am still pretty shy at those because there were lots of people, but foster sister Kraelyn, whom I look to for my confidence, stayed right by me.  I was even brave enough to take treats from strangers. It's all about baby-steps with me and helping me build confidence in new situations.


Getting a little braver

After the Meet and Greet we stopped to share a cone at DQ.  Oh, I love me some ice cream!  It excites me so much I try and gobble it down in one bite.  FM has to slow me down because my foster sister wants her share too.


What do you mean I have to share?

FM and I took a solo roadtrip to visit Patzy 17-016A and her puppies.  This was my first time alone in the car.  FM put me in the back seat so she would watch me.  I was a little unsure of what was going on and missed my foster sisters.  But, we got there and I met Patzy, Skye and Sadie and they were all nice to me.  I explored the backyard for a bit but stayed very close to FM. And then it happened.

Out of nowhere, all of these excited little PUPPIES rushed me and tried looking for MILK!  Nine razor teethed like sharks encircled me.  I told them the kitchen was closed and I was not their mother. It took me all of three seconds to EXIT STAGE RIGHT!


Whose puppies ARE THESE!


Oh, heck NO! I am NOT YOUR MOTHER. Been there, done that, not doing it again!


I am SO OUTTA HERE!

Even though I was a mama, that part of my life is over and I wasn't enjoying all those happy little faces in my face.  FM thinks it was just a lot of new things all at one. The yard, other adult dogs, and the puppies.  Once the puppies were busy exploring the yard, I relaxed on the deck.  Until someone figured out how to do the steps.


You've GOT to be kidding me. Who showed them the steps? Gotta find a new space.

Well, it's time to hit the rack and get some shut-eye. Those birds start chipping early and that's our cue to get up and moving and get our exercise.

Have a great week!

CJ

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all are staying cool in the heatwave and storms.  I was at a playdate last Saturday and we had the swimming pools out for cooling down. So far I will only stand in it, while my foster sister and the other 7 dogs like to lie down in the water.  FM thinks at some point I will lie down to cool off.

I really love being a tease and stealing toys.  Here I am waiting for my foster sister to drop Wubba.


Me showing patience and strategy

I never go far with the toys. The whole point is just to steal it.  Then they follow me around until I abandon it, which is usually in about a minute.  Then we start all over again.  I just crack myself up with this game!

After a while, I decided to take a break and hang out on the dog bed and just watch everything going on.  


Just chillin' watching all the activity.

After a while, something WONDERFUL happened.  We all got doggie ice cream!  I wasn't so sure how to eat it. I kept trying to take the whole container from FM.  She told me to just lick it.  I did for a little while, then went back to trying to bite it, so FM just pulled it out and fed me the chunks.  That was fine by me!

Because of the high heat, we are only doing morning walks now.  We are up and out the door with the sunrise.  On the weekends, we go for 5 - 5.25 miles. During the week, we try to get in 2.5-3.0 miles before FM has to hurry up and get ready for work.   After those long walks, we love to chow down breakfast and take a morning snooze. 

We have been getting special treats in the hot weather - Watermelon, canteloupe, honeydew and strawberries. I LOVE those!  FM says we need to stay hydrated.  Keep the fruit coming!

I am doing well during the storms of late and not reacting to thunder and lightning.  We did get caught a few houses away from home when the storm hit on Sunday morning.  A big gust of wind came up and sand blasted us with all of the sand from the street.  It scared me and I tried to bolt in the opposite direction.  Good thing FM had both a leash on my martingale collar and a slip lead on me so I could not escape -- otherwise I probably would have bolted!  That would not have been good for any of us in that storm.  

That is one reason why I need a physical fence in my forever home. Loud unpredictable noises do startle me or if a human moves really fast or reaches for me quickly.  I am working really hard on trusting people and getting better all the time.

Well that's about all for this week.  Stay cool!

CJ

Friday, June 2, 2017

Hello everyone. Sorry for the radio silence. Been kinda busy in my foster home the last few weeks. I went to another Meet and Greet with Charlie 17-097 and had a good time. I met a bunch of people and even started seeking out some attention and took treats from people's hands.


I love being scratched under the chin


I even got to do a little shopping

FM had to travel for work for a week. While she was packing, I was hanging out in the livingroom with my foster sisters and kinda got in a little trouble. I kinda chewed a bit of a hole in the leather couch. Whoops! Not sure why I did that since I have never done that before. I did chew a leather leash twice, but that is it. I don't even touch FM's shoes that are all over. Good thing FM wasn't mad at me. She said the couch is very old and needs to be replaced at some point.


Yeah, I did that hole there.

So while FM was traveling for work, I spent the week split between two other foster homes so I could spread my wings and grow in more confidence. I got to hang out with Baylee, Vinnie and Carly 17-093 for the first four days and did really well. Carly tried to get me to play the first day but I was not quite ready. For the second part of the week, I went to Charlie 17-097 and Nicole's house. I had a really good time there too. I love running around the yard and getting all crazy. When FM came to pick me up, she brought my foster sisters with and I was so happy to see them! This we the first time I had been separated from them since I came into RAGOM. I am happy to say I did well during my week because all the dogs are so nice to me.

We get to walk every morning before as the the sun is coming up and I think that is my most favorite time of the day. The air is cool, the lilacs fragrant, the birds singing and there are lots of bunnies and squirrels running around busily preparing their day. Then we come home for breakfast and a little outside time before FM heads to work.

I am still crated when FM is at work (yeah, the couch incident) and Uncle Chip comes for lunch to let us out and to play a game of fetch. I hope the weather stays nice for a while and does not get too hot too fast. Us hairy doodles get a bit warm. FM is slowly introducing the kiddie pool to me. So far I have just stood in the empty pool and didn't really like it. Maybe this weekend we will get some water in it and then we will see what I think about that.

I am still looking for my forever home. I need a large confident youngish dog that likes to play to help me continue growing in confidence. If I am by myself, I tend to get pretty shy and unsure. I watch other dogs and take my cues from them.

Thanks for reading.

CJ

Friday, May 12, 2017

Hi Everyone,

I sure have been enjoying the super duper spring weather lately! It has been so nice in the early mornings we get out for a night 3.25 mile walk and get to watch the sunrise.  What a great way to start the day!  

Last weekend my foster sisters and I went to Nicole and Charlie 17-097 house to have a playdate.  Here are a few pictures from our fun time.

Mama Nicole is an expert hunter of the rabbit poop, Here she is showing me the proper technique.

FM kept telling me not to eat it though as she didn't want me to get a tummy ache.

Charlie and I were comparing noses and getting reacquainted.  I had not seen him since he got the cone off. Now he is all healed up and ready to play.  I got the zoomies and it was Game On!

I was running so fast I starting FLYING! FM now calls me the Flying Squirrel!  I was just having so much fun running with Charlie and my foster sisters I didn't even realize I had taken off. It was so effortless.

After all of that running around, I decided I needed a little breather. Here's me mugging for the camera.

I am still just hanging out waiting for my forever family to find me.  I love being a part of a pack and am making great progress.  Last night we stopped at the park close to sunset so my foster sisters could show me the climbing equipment.  I was a bit too afraid to do anything, but did manage to sit on a platform with my foster sisters and just observe the activity around me.  I call that progress.

Well, short and sweet post for this week. Have a great weekend!

CJ

===

If you think Carolyn would be a good fit in your home, please submit an "Inquiry for Application" form. If you have already filled out an "Inquiry for Application" form, please send an email to applicationatragom [dot] org with the dog's name, RAGOM number, the name you submitted the Inquiry for Application form under and a sentence or two why you feel you'd be a good match. 

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

25-April-2017

Hi Everyone,

So sorry for the long delay in getting an update out. Our foster home has been really busy the last couple of weeks.

We have had 2 legged and 4 legged guests in and out and of the house and I love the activity.  We had a temp foster brother here for a couple of days recovering from surgery and then my three foster cousins for a week and a half.  I really love hanging out with all of the dogs and being part of a six pack. I follow everything thing they do.

Here I am hanging out towards the back. Not sure about FM taking my picture yet. It doesn't seem to bother the rest of the group. I am told they are used to it.  My foster cousins are the three on the right.

I have made a lot of progress the last few weeks.  Potty training is going well and I am kept on a good schedule during the work week and have a lunch buddy that comes and plays with us for a while.  I still do not have any signals to tell FM I have to go out. She tried putting bells on the door but those scare me. So I just wait for my foster sisters to tell her and I follow them out.

I am still crated when FM is not home.  In the last two days, I sometimes do not want to go into the crate when FM has to leave so a lot of bribery is going on.  I can dart from room to room to tell FM to stay and play but she is not taking the hint. She says some nonsense about having to work to buy dog food for all of us.  I think that is some big excuse.

I am sleeping on the big bed every night now and doing great. Family snuggle time is the BEST!  I love to have my head on FM or one of my foster sisters or cousins. I sure hope in my forever home I will have a sibling that likes to cuddle.  It makes me feel safe and secure. I watch FM's hands to make sure I am getting my share of petting.  When she pets someone else, I nose her to make sure she does not forget about me. She is trying to teach me that I don't need to be touched at every moment. I say I am just making up for lost time my first 3.5 years.

We had a little bit of a storm here a week ago.  We were in the backyard when some lightning struck far in the distance.  FM called us in the house before any thunder started.  When I heard it, I looked at my foster sisters and they thought nothing of it so neither did I.  We went downstairs to watch TV so I didn't hear much else.  FM said that was not much of a storm test to know if those will bother me or not.  Tonight I went out in the rain with the others and I do just fine.  I love to sniff around. With all the rain I think I smelled the worms starting to come out.

One of my very favorite things is going for our walks early in the morning before work and again at night. FM says I am a fantastic walker and have the loose leash walking thing down.  I still will duck behind my foster sisters if people approach so I have some work to do there to get comfortable with that. My forever family will have to be committed to daily walks to burn off some energy and expose me to new situations -- though new situations should be done slowly so I don't get overwhelmed.

My appetite is really good and I don't have any food guarding issues.  I have tried to put my nose into my foster sisters bowl and she gave a low growl and I respected that. FM says I am pretty good at reading signals.  I did get into one verbal exchange with one of my foster cousins who was obsessed with an empty treat package.  That lasted all of two seconds before FM told us both to settle down.  No feelings were hurt and we were back to hanging out with each other immediately with no issues.

On the training front, FM has yet to successfully get me to sit on command for a treat.  Hands over my head make me fearful so I back away.  I don't like to be cornered so FM can't use that to help teach me to sit.  I see my foster sisters do it and it looks easy.  FM just has not figured out a strategy for me yet.

Coming in an out of the house is going really well too.  FM can be in the doorway and I will scoot right past her.  I still zip through doors instead of walking.  When FM goes out to take out trash, I am right there at the door hoping to go with her so she has to watch me to make sure I do not dart out.  It's not that I want to run away, I just want to be with FM and go somewhere.  I went to the vet with my foster sisters for their annual checkup and did well, especially since nothing had to be done to me and I got a treat just for showing up!

I still rarely play with toys, but watch my foster sisters go crazy for fetch.  Sometimes I try (and succeed) at stealing a toy or FM will toss it to me in the hopes that I pick it up and run. I am better at not being scared with FM throwing toys (because she moves her hands and arms) but will still startling if she is moving her arms in the house or approaching me with things in her arms or hands. The only exceptions are treats and a leash.  Now, that, is a happy thing for me.

The weather forecast is for rain (and maybe a little snow) the next few days so FM is not looking forward to wiping 24 muddy paws each time we go in and out.  I heard a rumor that next weekend everyone is getting a much needed bath, most likely outdoors in the booster bath.  We will just have to see about that.  She put me in it last weekend (no water involved) and I jumped right out -- even after watching my foster sisters jump in and just sit there. They are crazy. 

Well, that is about it for now. I hope everyone is having a great week and enjoying springtime!

Thanks for reading.  

CJ

Friday, March 31, 2017

Hi Everyone,

It has been a busy week and a half for me.  I have been learning a lot and growing in confidence with people.  I have discovered the joys of cuddling so I do it at every opportunity -- when watching TV or climbing up in the big bed. I even get to sleep in the big bed now. That rocks!


Now THIS is living large!

I am still skittish if I am reached for and can dart from place to place, especially inside the house.  I have gotten much better and coming in the house when FM is standing by the door.  I really enjoy being wherever FM and my foster sisters are.  When outside, I love to be standing by the other dogs.  I feel much safer with them by my side.


Me and my foster sisters - strength in numbers.

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Here I am doing neighborhood watch with my foster sister.

FM gave me a BIG haircut a week ago!  I feel a little naked.  She said I needed a good cut before my "no more puppies" surgery.  After my surgery, she wrapped me up in a blanket to keep me warm and help me feel better.  My fur is a little thin right now but once all those mama hormones settle back it, I bet I will have a nice thick coat.

I am one week post-op now and feeling great! I went to the doctor this week for my booster shot so am all done with medical stuff.  Now I need to work on my entry and exit to the car.  FM has been lifting me in and out, though that scares me so it is a process for the both of us. 

I am leaning about toys -- but very slowly.  I am so unsure when FM is throwing toys for my foster sisters to fetch or anytime she is moving her arms and hands.  But I did manage to retrieve one toys and take it to my fun spot in the yard. 


Ooooh, look!  A Retriever!

And then FM gave my one of my foster sisters toys and I had to check it out. I tasted it but was unsure of it.  My foster sister is so patient to just stand there and wait for me to leave before claiming it back.  


This is a funny ball


Teasing my foster sister. Check out my paw placement.

After all that activity, I decided to take a snooze in the sunshine on the beautiful day, just listening to the birds. 

I am still a work in progress with potty training.  FM tried hanging the bells on the door knob but those really scare me.  I don't really have a signal yet, so just follow my foster sisters out and FM keeps me on a good schedule.  

Well, that's it for now.  I hope you all have a great week. Remember to take time to relax and just enjoy the things around you.

Carolyn "CJ"

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A note from FM:  CJ is making great progress, but is still skittish around home and even more so in public.  It takes time for her to trust new people and will need a lot of time, patience and understanding in her forever home to help her build confidence.  She could be a work in progress for a very long time.