[slbj.mouse]

I am so excited, I just have to share this!!

My mother offered to take on a 14 year old mini-poodle Coco from an adoptive home that hadn't done his much needed dental work amoung other things. Coco was not happy and was working hard to convince the groomer he didn't want to leave with the owner. The owner was trying to convince the groomer to keep Coco (she'd just had to put one of her dogs down)

Coco wouldn't have done well with my mother's tribe of standard poodles out in the back country so I was delegated to take care of him until we found him a placement.

I had several offers to take him, all from people who felt sorry for him but would really have preferred a younger, smaller or happier dog. So he stayed with me. He and B.Basset competing for my attention and making it clear they both would rather the other fell off the world.

Yesterday I placed Coco in a home with no stairs, a neighbour dog who wants to be friends he thinks is adorable, and an affectionate older couple who really need and want a dog in their world. Their careprovider (she is battling cancer and he has several heath issues also) has 3 little dogs and says she'll take Coco for them anytime.

I stopped in today to see them and they are all so happy!! Wonderful to see.

 

[Yogi's Mom]

That's great news! Hope Coco will be happy in his new home.
How are things going with B. Basset?

 

[slbj.mouse]

Coco is treasured at his new home and settled in rapidly. I gather he's eating kibble with people food. Fortunately the people eat lean healthy food because of their health issues.

B. Basset is a very loving guy, bright and eager to please and I am enjoying him hugely! He is blossoming with undivided attention and no triggers for his issues. He's spent several nights boarding at the vet's while I've been out of town and the staff adore him. All except for the one tech who made the mistake of showing she was scared of him when doing his ear drops, (he was muzzled and I was holding him for her.) The vet came in and did them no problem I didn't need to hold him either.

Speaking of ears I can now put my finger in his ear when handling his ears at after walk "patting time". So I will be trying a cotton pad with cleaning solution soon. I haven't decided if this will be a muzzled or unmuzzled venture.

He's scheduled for an evaluation by a qualified behaviour/training specialist soon as I don't make the mistake of believing he has no issues. He startles very easily when sleeping or has been alone in a room. He is very mouthy, and not always gentle so I always have a toy available to offer him when he is excited. There are moments when he reacts with jealously or possessive behaviour and then in a similar situation another time doesn't.

His friendship with Pifphil the cat is progessing. Bailey is always waggy, happy to see him. I still don't leave them unsupervised as I'm not sure about what would happen if Bailey was startled awake by Pifphil. I also try to keep my distance from them when they are together as Bailey sometimes objects to sharing me (growling or snapping).