Friday, May 29, 2009

A Visit to Doggy Daycare

Today I went to my foster mom's work. She works at a doggy daycare. Cali told me it would be fun, but when I got there, it reminded me of the scary shelter. I was very nervous and unsure, but the other dogs there seemed happy, so I eventually settled down a little. I didn't get to play with the other dogs because I haven't been neutered yet, but I had no problems when passing by them to go out to potty. Even when a scary Boxer barked at me, I didn't seem to notice. I spent some time up in the lobby and said hello to clients. I'm a little shy at first, but I warm up quickly. The rest of the time, I napped in my "cabin." Soon, I will get to play with the other dogs there.

Then, I got to visit at my friend Julian's house. I made friends with his Doberman Jett. We got to play for a while, and I really enjoyed his company. I encountered a full set of stairs at Julian's. I had no trouble running up them, but going down is a different story. I had trouble and stumbled a bit. I definitely need some practice in that department. I ate up all my dinner, and then it was time to go back home.

I am looking forward to returning to my mom's work soon, and maybe I'll get some pictures this time! I can't wait 'til I am neutered and can play with all the other dogs like I did with Jett today. Check back soon! :)

Love,
DILLY!

Monday, May 25, 2009

An Update from Me...

On Friday, I went to visit a nice lady at the rehab center. She gave me very good news. She says that my goofy walk is nothing serious! From the looks of it, we think that I was locked up in a crate most of my life and I didn't get the proper exercise I needed. That's why my back end is a little funny. The good news is that the rehab lady said with some conditioning and exercise, I should start learning how to use my legs much better. I may always walk a little silly, but no one ever seems to notice anyway!

Yesterday, I got to go with my foster mom to this big pet store. It was a little scary for me because I've never seen a pet store before. There were lots of people that wanted to meet me. I was a little shy at first, but this one lady came over to say hello and scratched behind my ears. I was in my glory! She talked to my foster mom while she pet me. Then she got up to walk away, but I wasn't done yet! I tried to follow her around the store. My foster mom says I was so well behaved. She even bought me some special treats for later. YUM!

After we got back from the pet store, a storm came. I didn't like it at all! Loud bangs and flashes of light scare me a little. I kept trying to climb up onto my foster mom's lap because she makes me feel safe. After awhile, I realized no one else seemed to be bothered by the storm, so I settled down a little.

Then today, my foster mom and her whole family left real early in the morning. While they were gone I decided I didn't feel like being in my crate anymore, so somehow I managed to pull the door open and escape. I thought I was free until I realized the bedroom door was closed. So I scratched and scratched to try to get out. When that didn't work, I scratched and scratched at the bathroom door. No luck. Then I went over to the window, but it was too high. I couldn't get out that way, just managed to knock the curtain rod down and ripped the curtain a little. Then I had to pee, so I relieved myself on some very nice looking shirts. Finally, my foster mom came home. I was so excited to see her, but she didn't seem too happy. After she cleaned the mess, she told me it was okay and it wasn't my fault. But now she knows that I will need to be securely crated when left alone until I can be trusted. Doesn't sound fun to me.

Now I am relaxing outside in the sun. Tomorrow I get to visit the vet and get a check-up. After that, I will have my surgery and hopefully be ready for a new home by the end of next week.

Love, Dilly

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Some New Stuff About Me

Wow, life is good!
I have been having a blast in my foster home. I really love my foster sister and brother. They are great and so much fun to play with. We spend most of the day wrestling and running around. We do take short naps here and there, but I have lots of energy to burn off so I much rather play!
I really enjoy playing fetch. My foster mom throws the tennis ball and I run after it. I figured out that if I bring it back to her, then she'll throw it and I can chase it down again. We have so many tennis balls here because I hear that they are Cali's favorite toy. They are scattered all over the backyard. I desperately try to fit all of them into my mouth at the same time, but I can't figure out how. I know my mouth is big enough for more than one, so I am still trying, but no luck yet. I am also still trying to figure out this thing called gravity. My foster mom throws the ball up in the air for me to catch it, but my timing is VERY off. The ball goes up, I open my mouth and jump into the air with my eyes closed, then the ball hits me in the face or bounces on the ground and rolls away. She says it's very funny to watch, but I just don't understand why it doesn't land in my big mouth.
I am a very goofy boy, but I'm also very quiet. After 2 weeks, I still haven't barked at all. I will whine and cry a little when my foster mom leaves and I have to stay in my crate, but after awhile, I go to sleep.
I really enjoy treats and we are working on me taking them nicely. They are so yummy, sometimes I forget that I shouldn’t bite people's hands off when taking them. We are also working on some commands like sit, wait, and stay. They are a work in progress.
I ride very well in the car and settle down on the backseat immediately. I don’t feel the need to watch out the window, like Cali does. I just sit quietly until we get where we are going. But when my foster mom opens the car door, I try to jump right out. This is where the "wait" command comes in. She says it's not safe to just jump out, so I need to wait until she can grab my leash and make sure it's safe to get out.
My ideal home would be one where I can get lots of attention. I love to be petted, and sometimes I'll even curl up on your lap to cuddle. I also LOVE to play and I have lots of energy. So I need a forever family that is willing to exercise me hard everyday, both physically and mentally. I am still very puppy like and I like to romp around, wrestle, and play. I also would enjoy a big, fenced in backyard. I am currently respecting 6ft privacy fencing, and love spending time out in the yard sniffing around and laying in the sun.
If my foster mom could describe me in a few short words, she would say I am goofy, silly, loveable, energetic, puppy-like, handsome, and fun.
Love, Dylan

Monday, May 4, 2009

My First Blog

Hi, my name is Dylan. I am a very handsome 3-5 years old male GSP. I was rescued from a shelter by EGSPCR because I was very nervous and scared, and getting sick. I was dragged into the shelter by a man that claims he found me as a stray. The shelter staff thinks he was really my owner though. Only I know the truth, but I’m not telling. Life is almost perfect now, but I am looking for my forever home.

I am one goofy and playful guy. I love to play with toys and other dogs. I enjoy chasing my foster sister in circles around the backyard, but I can never seem to catch her. I play nicely with toys, but prefer to play with another dog or human. When there’s nothing to do, I will settle down nicely on my dog bed. I love to be petted and will sometimes swat my paw at you for more.

I am crate trained and very close to being housebroken. I am doing well and have only had one accident during this long week I’ve been in foster care. I am sure with some structure and routine, I’ll have it down in no time.

I don’t seem to know any commands, but I walk very well on a leash. I enjoy going on a walk in the park several times a week and will stay right by your side, without any pulling. But of course, if I see something interesting, I may pull you over to investigate.

A have a strong prey drive, so cats and other small animals are probably not the best choice for my new siblings. I would enjoy having another dog to play with, but would also do fine as an only pup. I am high energy, like most GSPs, so a home where I can get lots of exercise and playtime would be ideal.

I am a bit skittish in the house. Things that move funny scare me a little. I also don’t like it when someone is coming towards me with something in their hands. I tend to scurry off. However, I’m making progress with this everyday and have shown plenty of curiosity with new things.

I have no problems sharing my toys and food with people. I also don’t mind sharing toys with other dogs. But I do not like to share my food with my foster brother and sister. I can become a little tense and start to growl. However, I am easily snapped out of it and redirected, which seems to be helping. My new family would need to be willing to work on this with me everyday.

I have not been tested around children. My foster mom thinks I would be okay with older, dog savvy children. I may knock down smaller kids because I’m big, goofy, and clumsy.

I am currently seeking my forever home. I am lyme positive and on medication, but once my bloodwork comes back normal, I can get neutered and be placed with my new family. If you are looking for a goofy, silly, playful boy…I am definitely your guy!