We put the crate together this weekend and Leonidas loves it. Also figured out that he likes Ham bones! Finally found something to get him to chew on - other than my brushes, gloves, shirts, and other things he's not SUPPOSED to chew on! :-) (yes, he ate one of my shirts... )
He also chewed thru his harness and will chew on anything he is tethered on if you're not watching - I'm quite certain this is how he escaped his last owner. So we bought him a cable tether now and a new collar - I don't think he will be able to chew thru either!
We also removed about 10 ticks from his neck, legs and chest area. He has a very thick coat and the ticks are very difficult to locate. I'm fairly sure he didn't get them from around my property and they were on him when I got him. He doesn't scratch much at all and this will surely be a sign he has to be checked.
Some more interesting things about Leonidas:
He likes to cross his front paws when he lays down
He likes Ham bones
He likes beef flavored treats
He gets along well with other dogs (not aggressive - likes to play)
He likes to wrestle and doesn't like to lose!
He does bark!
He will fetch a ball, but does not bring it back directly (we are working on this)
He is very smart and perfectly understands commands - but is sometimes very stubborn (typical sheppard behavior and will adjust over time)
Is very mischievous - like a little kid
Has been sleeping well at night
He has no manners :-)
We go to the vet on Thr morning for neutering, microchip and shots.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Hairy Beast!
The first week with Leonidas has been pretty good - all things considered. I'm having some issues with Vet's calling me back to get him the services he needs, but that's a whole other story.
Leonidas has made some very good progress in walking and simple commands. He really has no manners. He can be annoying at times as he wants (demands) a lot of attention and affection. I suppose I don't blame him as I have no idea how long it may have been since someone actually paid attention to him - to me, it seems like it has been a LONG time, but he's coming along well!
Some more characteristics I've noticed.
- He likes to cross his front paws when he lays down
- Understands Heel, Come here, Sit. Lay down, and Stay
- He ate one of my shirts when he was left alone
- Will play tug of war with a rope
- will not fetch a ball outside (yet)
- LOVES to go for walks
- has not barked (I've tried only a few times to get him too)
- Will sit patiently for a brushing for about 5 min, then wants to play
- is shedding - a lot
- wants affection 24/7
- is very careful not to bite when he plays - and he will play!
- has not made a mess in the house! :-)
- has been sleeping well at night - he sleeps in our bedroom on the floor by the bed (on "his" blanket)
- does not jump up without permission anymore
That's about all I can think of for now... Oh, one story my wife told me (I wasn't there) - she opened the back door to get some firewood off the porch and he bolted out the door and almost knocked her over... He thinks he can go wherever he pleases - whenever he pleases... this is getting better, and he did come when she called him (could have been worse if he just ran off).
It's OK that it's raining, we will get to practice wiping the feet off before we enter the house now... :-)
Leonidas has made some very good progress in walking and simple commands. He really has no manners. He can be annoying at times as he wants (demands) a lot of attention and affection. I suppose I don't blame him as I have no idea how long it may have been since someone actually paid attention to him - to me, it seems like it has been a LONG time, but he's coming along well!
Some more characteristics I've noticed.
- He likes to cross his front paws when he lays down
- Understands Heel, Come here, Sit. Lay down, and Stay
- He ate one of my shirts when he was left alone
- Will play tug of war with a rope
- will not fetch a ball outside (yet)
- LOVES to go for walks
- has not barked (I've tried only a few times to get him too)
- Will sit patiently for a brushing for about 5 min, then wants to play
- is shedding - a lot
- wants affection 24/7
- is very careful not to bite when he plays - and he will play!
- has not made a mess in the house! :-)
- has been sleeping well at night - he sleeps in our bedroom on the floor by the bed (on "his" blanket)
- does not jump up without permission anymore
That's about all I can think of for now... Oh, one story my wife told me (I wasn't there) - she opened the back door to get some firewood off the porch and he bolted out the door and almost knocked her over... He thinks he can go wherever he pleases - whenever he pleases... this is getting better, and he did come when she called him (could have been worse if he just ran off).
It's OK that it's raining, we will get to practice wiping the feet off before we enter the house now... :-)
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Our first full day
Yesterday was a pretty good day for Leonidas and both Pam and I! He is definitely getting more comfortable with his new surroundings and has really been a fast learner. We worked more on walking and he's really been great with that - needs fewer and fewer corrections every walk.
We also worked on "stay" - he still has a problem to sit for more than a few minutes, but we are making progress and I'm sure it's just a trust issue he will overcome soon.
We had a very good night last night - he seemed to sleep all night and has yet to make a "mess" in the house - we are very thankful for that!
I bought him several toys - a couple ropes, a carpet chew, and a tennis ball on a short tether. He destroyed the tennis ball and tether.. :-) I left him alone for a short period of time (with his toys) and when I came back, the ball was in pieces.
I got a racquetball for him and that seems to be something he likes... we haven't had a chance to play "fetch" other than in the house and he will retrieve items (his rope) and drop them close by - I need to get him out to an open area and throw the ball for him - that should be a lot of fun... I'm just still very leary to let him loose as I don't trust him not to run (just yet).
Leonidas is a very curious dog. He loves to sniff around every little thing - like a bomb dog! He will sniff high/low and it doesn't matter what the object is - he wants to poke his nose into everything!
Brushing is a daily activity and he doesn't mind much either - which is good. His coat looks great and he is so much more fun to be close too now that he is clean. :-)
He is eating and drinking regularly - he and I had dinner together last night. I cooked some beans for Pam and I and added the leftover water to his food - yummy for him! Of course he wanted to eat it immediately, but I made him say his prayers first which he was not interested at all in that part! Silly dog - like many of us, he just doesn't realize what is most important - he will learn. :-)
here are a few pics - the rope is just a tether while I took the pictures to ensure he would not run off - as long as he has something on, I think he would be fine, but I just don't want to take the chance just yet.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Leonidas is "home"
Well, at least he is out of the shelter. Soon, home will be with Spec A!
Leonidas was extremely happy to leave the shelter - here is a shot of him in the back of my truck
The trip did not go exactly as planned. I did not anticipate him getting sick all over the back of the truck. The surprising thing was I never even knew he did it till I stopped at B's downtown to get his crate. When I opened the back, it was neatly discharged as close to the gate as possible so it made cleaning out a little easier - what a good dog and I felt so sorry for him! I'm sure it was a combination of the excitement, just having eaten, multiple food products in the shelter, etc.. I'll be keeping a strict watch on his diet for now!
It could be he just doesn't enjoy car rides - but I doubt it.
When I got home, the grandkids were there and I didn't want to test him with them so soon so he stayed int he car - actually, he really enjoyed that because I went to check on him 5 min after we arrived and he was sleeping comfortably.
After they kids left, Leonidas and I went for a long walk to orient him with his surroundings. He struggled a bit and it was obvious he had not been "walked" for a long time. But in contrast, he did pretty well on his morning walk today! (He's a smart dog who learns fast!)
He was extremely thirsty last night (I don't blame him) and didn't eat anything before his bath. He really didn't smell too good after being in the shelter and I had to give him a bath. He did GREAT! He is such a big boy and I had to lift him into the tub, but he seemed to actually enjoy the cleaning! He was relaxed and didn't seem to bother him at all.
So after we got all cleaned up, we went back outside for another walk, then came in so I could just sit for a minute as I had a pretty busy day - it was 2145 by now. I took him out one more time about 2200 and we all went to sleep. Leonidas didn't sleep too well and I don't think any of us did. He was calm, but seemed like he wanted more attention. I did get up with him once and he really didn't want to let me go back to bed - just wanted me to keep petting him and tell him everything was alright...
Here are some initial characteristics...
He is very good natured. I think he was beaten and will immediately check your hand position as you approach him - a little nervous, but once he knows you mean well, he will welcome the attention. He is not used to walking, but has made a lot of progress in just this short time. I gave him some rawhide chips and he does not seem interested. I had a piece of cheesecake last night while I was sitting and he went crazy thinking I would share it with him. :-) but that didn't happen.
He does know how to sit and lay down, but will not stay in one place for more than a few seconds (this will change :-). He has no problem with people in general other than a little nervous at first approach. I have not heard him bark yet - he made a few grunts last night, but that was it. he loves to be with someone and will try hard to get as close as he can to you - including trying to give you a big hug!
I haven't weighed him yet, but he's a big boy - I guess 70 lbs or so. He is a beautiful dog and has a great coat - lots of hair and is shedding (it's the season).
Things to do - take him to the vet for updated shots, Rabies tag, microchip, overall check, name tag made, and neutered. Hope to have all that done within the next week.
More to follow - and more pictures coming - ran out of time yesterday! :-)
Leonidas was extremely happy to leave the shelter - here is a shot of him in the back of my truck
It could be he just doesn't enjoy car rides - but I doubt it.
When I got home, the grandkids were there and I didn't want to test him with them so soon so he stayed int he car - actually, he really enjoyed that because I went to check on him 5 min after we arrived and he was sleeping comfortably.
After they kids left, Leonidas and I went for a long walk to orient him with his surroundings. He struggled a bit and it was obvious he had not been "walked" for a long time. But in contrast, he did pretty well on his morning walk today! (He's a smart dog who learns fast!)
He was extremely thirsty last night (I don't blame him) and didn't eat anything before his bath. He really didn't smell too good after being in the shelter and I had to give him a bath. He did GREAT! He is such a big boy and I had to lift him into the tub, but he seemed to actually enjoy the cleaning! He was relaxed and didn't seem to bother him at all.
So after we got all cleaned up, we went back outside for another walk, then came in so I could just sit for a minute as I had a pretty busy day - it was 2145 by now. I took him out one more time about 2200 and we all went to sleep. Leonidas didn't sleep too well and I don't think any of us did. He was calm, but seemed like he wanted more attention. I did get up with him once and he really didn't want to let me go back to bed - just wanted me to keep petting him and tell him everything was alright...
Here are some initial characteristics...
He is very good natured. I think he was beaten and will immediately check your hand position as you approach him - a little nervous, but once he knows you mean well, he will welcome the attention. He is not used to walking, but has made a lot of progress in just this short time. I gave him some rawhide chips and he does not seem interested. I had a piece of cheesecake last night while I was sitting and he went crazy thinking I would share it with him. :-) but that didn't happen.
He does know how to sit and lay down, but will not stay in one place for more than a few seconds (this will change :-). He has no problem with people in general other than a little nervous at first approach. I have not heard him bark yet - he made a few grunts last night, but that was it. he loves to be with someone and will try hard to get as close as he can to you - including trying to give you a big hug!
I haven't weighed him yet, but he's a big boy - I guess 70 lbs or so. He is a beautiful dog and has a great coat - lots of hair and is shedding (it's the season).
Things to do - take him to the vet for updated shots, Rabies tag, microchip, overall check, name tag made, and neutered. Hope to have all that done within the next week.
More to follow - and more pictures coming - ran out of time yesterday! :-)
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Leonidas - strong like a lion!
I adopted "
http://pfvspeca.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-first-hit.html
Next post will be on Monday. I'll share a few photos when I get him.
Spec A named him!
Mark.
http://pfvspeca.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-first-hit.html
Next post will be on Monday. I'll share a few photos when I get him.
Spec A named him!
Mark.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Going to check him out
On 11 Mar, I saw a very nice dog at Gordon CO AC - 1299. He's still there, so I'm going to meet him tomorrow morning.
If he checks out, I'll pick him up Monday.
If he checks out, I'll pick him up Monday.
Monday, March 17, 2014
PawPad called
I got a call from my favorite agency - PawPad in McDonough and they gave me some good and bad news. First, they do have a shepard mix that may be a good match and I will be able to see the dog - just likely won't be till next week. They also told me that GSD's (German Sheppard Dogs) are not retained by most shelters for adoption (this explains why they are hard to find). They will typically hold them for a short period of time only to attempt to return to their owners. If unsuccessful, they are euthanized because they are considered high risk for adoption - which we both agreed was "crazy" - but that is what I learned.
I'll keep you posted if/when I find a match and make regular updates along the way.
I'll keep you posted if/when I find a match and make regular updates along the way.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Still looking for the right dog
Check a few different local shelters yesterday and I have not found any suitable dogs for my veteran, Spec A. I know he needs this to happen and it will, I pray that He will show me the right dog - and I believe He will.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
The first hit
I'm looking for a male GSD and found this guy out in Gordon CO. Not sure if I'll get a chance to see him - working on it - Spec A seemed to like him too...
How I met Spec A's Mother
This is an interesting story...
Almost 4 years ago, I received a FB friend request from someone I didn't know (will call her Lady A) - so I sent Lady A a message as I usually do (after a quick review of their page to ensure it's not SPAM or just some girl looking for a "friend")
Anyway, as you can see, we had just two conversations and then things were quiet - until I recently got a veteran match from Barbara @ Pet's For Vets. She gave me the name Spec A - which did not ring any bells. So I met Spec A last Sat - we had a nice long chat. Today, I'm looking for his dog - I sent an email to my "dog" contacts and get an immediate hit - so I look up the dog on FB and make a comment - I share the picture with Spec A (who friended me on FB right after our talk) and I get this friend request - from - guess who - Lady A!
So - I checked mutual friends and see Spec A (which was suspicious) and another friend! I accepted the friend request and guess who she is? Spec A's mother!
And that, my friends, is how I met Spec A's mother... :-)
And that, my friends, is how I met Spec A's mother... :-)
Mark
- Conversation started July 29, 2010
- August 3, 2010
- August 3, 2010
- August 3, 2010
- Lady A
- November 2, 2010
- November 2, 2010
- November 2, 2010
- Today
Monday, March 10, 2014
Initial Interview
I met with Specialist A this past weekend and he is a great guy who is a perfect candidate for the PFV program. I'm looking forward to working with him and finding the perfect companion dog. After our discussion, I have determined I will be looking for a 2-3 year old male Sheppard for him. Spec A is looking for an active dog who will accompany him everywhere he goes!
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