Saturday, July 30, 2011

Little Pliny butt

We had been wanting a dog for the past two years and just hadn't found the right time to do it. We then somewhat spontaneously brought Pliny home 5 months ago and can't get enough of his cuddly, loving dachshund personality! We like to tell him he was a good decision. He pretty much goes everywhere with us and we've had lots of fun finding dog-friendly weekend fun, including bars and coffee shops. He is definitely one of the most loved dogs in our apartment building and we can't go anywhere without people talking to him. He was a bit shy when we first brought him home, but that went away quickly and he has really warmed up and now will greet and play with anyone, big or small. He's a smart little pup, too, and won the final training competition in our dog class. (P.s., I highly recommend the UCLA in the U-District if you're looking for positive puppy training.) Our dog walker adores him and takes him to hang out at her job, so he often spends his afternoons as a "therapy-dog" in a
retirement community. Apparently everyone loves to watch him play fetch down the hallways. He's still learning lots about his world and it's super fun to watch him. Just this week he had his first swim in the Sound! Right now we're looking forward to a two-week California road trip with Pliny and we know he'll love the adventure 'cause he loves being with his "pack." We'll even be able to swing by his name-sake in Santa Rosa. ;-)

As a side-note, Pliny suffers from mild-to-moderate separation anxiety, and it broke our hearts for the first few months we had him, but we're doing a behavioral modification program with him now and he is making some really good progress. So just a shout-out to owners of overly-attached dogs -- look into consulting with a behavioralist, 'cause you can make some positive changes for your dog.

And I think we're off to get coffee and head to the small-dog dog park! I just love having a dog and Pliny's kinda the best. :-) Thanks PUP rescue for everything you do!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Maddy

My life has always been a solitary one. When speaking with a friend a couple of years ago, it was mentioned that it was a shame that with all that I have seen and done in my life, that I dont have a "sidekick" to come along to bear witness. " You need a dog", she said. And she was right. After the untimely death of my best friend back in 2007, I had barely breathed a word to anyone. I decided that something needed to change, and thats when I took my friends advice more seriously, and began looking for a dog. But not just any dog would do. I had a long list of criteria, very little of which was flexible. Basically the dog needed be on the smaller side, athletic, short haired, not a barker, and not opposed to going absolutely everywhere with me. And even more importantly, the dog had to be a rescue. After looking through shelters, and online listings for nearly three months, I had the great fortune of finding People United for Pets, and soon thereafter "Maddy".
"Maddy" has been an absolute joy!!!! Since bringing her home, she and I havent been separated for more than a hour or two at a time. She goes jogging with me every morning, followed by traveling to all of my job sites ( Im a landscaper ), and on the weekends we go hiking together, or on an adventure to the farmers market or perhaps a street fair. She loves car rides, the beach, her squeaky toys, belly rubs, and naps with me on the couch. My employees have deemed her "Honorary Foreman", and have awarded her with her very own safety orange work vest. This fall "Maddy" will be helping me train new EMTs for search and rescue. I strongly support People United for Pets, and so should you!!!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Juliet

I and Juliet found each other through PUP. I have not had a dog in 20+ years, but I always knew when I retired I would want to get one. In my family our fondest memories are of a dachshund we had and I really wanted another. I also wanted a dog that could be a good friend to my grandsons, 9 and 6 years of age. After much searching for a rescue dog I was finally but in contact with Juliet. We call her Julie.

What a wonder girl she is. She proved to be smart, learning commands quickly, house broken in a matter of days and a wonderful dog with my grandsons. She is not terribly fond of other dogs but has become comfortable with most of the dogs in my neighborhood, especially the small dogs, still not so happy with the big dogs.

Thank you so much for connecting us.
Joan
File #0 Flowers in 010.jpg exceeds the maximum file size. Error: 1.

Friday, July 8, 2011

GirlFriend

We lost our beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback, and thought for some time that we just couldn't look at another without seeing her. So, after letting our hearts settle down, we decided to adopt a much smaller dog, particularly now that we are no longer as young and robust as we once were.

We began our seach in an effort to find a "Benji" type of dog. Not an easy task since they are accidental mixes of other breeds, but after awhile, we were looking at the available pets on Petfinder, and noticed GirlFriend. At the time, she was being called Hennessey.

She has a face you can't help but love to look at. So, we met up with her foster mom and decided pretty quickly that this little one was the one we'd been seeking. She isn't colored like a Benji, but she's still drop dead cute.

It turns out she is a totally loving, obedient, house trained bundle of joy. She's bonded quickly with us, and is a delight to have. She even travels well.

Thanks PUP. GrrrFren is a winner! ;-)

Lanna and Tom Beall
Port Orchard, WA

Friday, July 1, 2011

Kai! (amos)

My husband and I have been wanting a dog for a long time. We both recently had childhood dogs that passed away, and decided it was a good time to bring a new little puppy into our home. We decided adopting was the right decision, and are so so glad we did!!

We met little 3 month Amos at an adoption event and immediately fell in love. I knew he needed someone like us in his life, and we needed him! We have only had him for less than a week now, but he is already making himself right at home. He's got tons of new toys, with a few select faves ;) We love going to the park every day, and running around to let out some of that puppy energy! He takes naps with me on the couch before I head to work in the evening, and is ready to play again when my husband gets home. He's getting to know some new doggy friends, and we've already been to the beach!

I love this pup like you wouldn't believe! He's a fast learner too, doing so well at potty training. We did give him a new first name, which is Kai. Our little Kai guy. Kai Amos Eli, an amazing new addition to the Eli family! :)

Marta and Drew Eli
Fife, WA
File #1 beach! 009.JPG exceeds the maximum file size. Error: 1.
File #1 kai 003.JPG exceeds the maximum file size. Error: 1.