Success Stories

Violet

I thought you would like a report on Violet's intro to her new home. I hadn't expected to be bringing her home from the first meeting, so it was nice that my doggy friend Barb had ridden to work with me. She gladly sat in the back seat of the car with Violet and stayed to walk Violet around the big front parking area at home with me walking Scout on a leash for their first meeting. Once the "personal space" boundaries were established (and then relaxed), I let Violet explore the backyard off leash with Scout kept on a leash. She trotted around and quickly took in the lay of the land, and rolled exuberantly in the snow. Meal time went fine. No contention, no angst between them. I mixed a little of Scout's grain free dry in with Violet's and a little of Violet's in with Scout's so that they would each smell the same recipe on the other's breath. Mixed a little wet food in with both since that's what Violet is used to. Violet really likes Scout and is inviting him to play. I think she is even flirting with him a bit. She taps him and then hops to be perpendicular to him, waiting for him to react. He is not sure yet, but it took him a little while to get used to his extrovert buddy Jack the Swedish Vallhund who is the same size and build as Violet. But I'm sure it will come. I showed Lynn a short video of Scout and Jack playing, on my cell phone. Scout isn't much bigger, but he lays on his shoulder to play at a level more in keeping with a shorter dog. I called my vet and they will charge $290 to spay a 40 pound dog (250 for the surgery and 40 for the pre-op blood tests). They can't fit her in for her first visit and evaluation before next week. Violet hung out with me in the kitchen while I got my own dinner, but has no problem visiting any room she chooses without me. While in the kitchen I heard her growl once, and when I looked to see why, one of the cats had come out of hiding to look in at her. Violet did not make any move toward the cat though. She has the confidence/trust/innocence to quickly become lead dog of the house. She jostles Scout for first dibs into the backyard when I open the door. I slept on the couch in the living room to be more on the dog level for Asks to go out. Violet played some thumping game with one of her new toys in the dining room between two let-outs. A good sign. Violet and Scout have no problem about who sleeps where - whether which dog bed, or who sleeps closest to the couch. Barb took several pictures of Violet in her new surroundings on her cell phone but she says they are all blurry. I will send some pics when I can take some. V. is an open-hearted, busy little thing. I am sure that she and Scout are going to get along very well, and she will really like running around the fields here on our walks. I can picture her playing with frogs in the grass around the pond, too. Will keep you posted. Thanks! Marilyn, Violet & Scout.

Van Valborg

hi cindy and sharon- rusty is settling in very well. trip home went well as you can see from the picture. you said he doesnt bark, well he does when he needs to go out. very loudly and persistant. he's even trying the sad but cute eyes to try to get more food out of us. i did give in a little bit but not too much. thanks again . i believe this was a blessing from above that rusty was still there when we came to see you. the stars had to align just right. and there's a special star watching all the time. luv you both for bringing this little one into our lives. sheryl, david, tipper, rusty and kitten mittens