Monthly Archive: June 2008

Raven’s One-Year Adoption Anniversary

Raven with Cuz Ball.

Raven and her big boca are celebrating their one-year anniversary today. Every morning I’m reminded of that big boca when Raven hears that I’m awake and lets loose. There’s no stopping it. I’ve resigned myself to that fact. I’ve tried many methods over the year.

I called the Bark Busters radio show twice on channel 112. The host, Greg Kleva, gave some pretty good advice. Then a few weeks after that, I called because he had the founder of Bark Busters on the show. She said that every time Raven barked, take her out of the crate and do obedience with her then put her back in the crate and repeat. That was the most useless piece of dog training advice I’d ever gotten. It was anti-helpful. Taking a dog out of her crate and giving her individualized attention when she’s throwing a fit will only strengthen that habit. Dobermanns love to work! I was completely underwhelmed with that bit of advice.

I moved on, and searched the Internet for help with the actively dominant Raven dog I adopted. There I came across an article by Catherine Waters: Dominant Dogs, Recognition & Management. I read it and e-mailed Catherine. She wrote me back and from there, we wrote back and forth on the Raven situation. Catherine, who lives in New Mexico, gave me a lot of useful advice for working with the then out-of-control Raven. She enjoys working with the “Raven” type of dog, so this was all a good good thing.

Sweet Jude

Jude and I also put our heads together, and with all that advice, I shaped Raven into the more controlled uncontrollable beast that she is today, but I still have the urge to wring that neck of hers occasionally. Perhaps this year we’ll go through an obedience class together and she’ll learn how to walk upright on a leash in public.
Helen and Raven

Happy anniversary, Raven!

Helen




Birthdays/Anniversaries, Raven

20

Jun

2008

Raven Goes Back to the Shelter

Raven going to the Animal Services where she came from - but this time just to get her 3-year rabies booster.
Today I left work early so I could take Raven back to the shelter she came from. Here she is not looking so happy about traveling and leaving her friends behind.

Bark Park.
We passed the local dog park. Dog parks aren’t in Raven’s future.

Sky is beautiful this June 19, 2008.

The sky was beautiful, but ominous.

Fort Lauderdale Air Port BCAS



The shelter is next to the international airport. I guess noisewise, that was a good decision. Maybe not for the dogs, though. Who knows?

Raven pushes me out of her way. She wants to get out of that truck first!

When I got to the shelter with Raven, she tried to escape by pushing her way out of the truck from behind me. But nothing doing. I held my ground and grasped her leash. Onward we went!

Irony at the animal shelter



Raven stopped at the recycle bin and read the sign. Ironic.

This way please.

This way please. Raven knew the way, and didn’t seem to mind returning to her old stomping ground. That was a relief for me. Guilt, you know?

Ouch!Raven getting loving from the staff.



Here she is being greeted by some very nice shelter workers. Raven plopped over to get a belly rub on her way to the back of the shelter, where two nice ladies gave her what she came for. Her 3-year rabies vaccine booster!

Knock Knock!

Knock knock! I’m home!

Home Sweet Home. Ahhh…my toy.



The first thing Raven did was go looking for her toy. Being all toys are hers, it didn’t take long for her to find one. And now she is all set with license tag and vaccine for another 3 years. Woohoo!

Helen

P.S. None of my dogs go to dog parks.

Raven

19

Jun

2008

Strawberry Jamming Pan Fried Chicken

I heard a recipe on the radio on the way home tonight. I had mostly every ingredient with just a couple tweaks, so decided to make it.

1 pound chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper
1/8 cup olive oil
1/2 cup sliced onion
1/2 cup strawberry jam
1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add onion, and sauté a couple minutes.
Sauté chicken in pan for 8-10 minutes each side or until chicken is done.
Mix together the jam and remaining ingredients in a container while chicken’s cooking.  Remove onion and chicken from pan when done, and to the pan add the jam mixture.
Cook 2 minutes, stirring mixture all the while.
Put that chicken and its onions back into the frying pan with the jam, and cook all together for 4 minutes. Stir occasionally.

I was too hungry to take a picture. 🙂

Helen

Recipes

17

Jun

2008

Token f/k/a Dakota – Rescue

Great ending for Token!

Token

Mary,

Token traveled well. However, we brought him to our vet this am to be checked out. We had all the Vet info from Venice faxed over as well. Token’s limp nods in his neck and underarms are swollen. Our vet does not believe there is a good prognosis for Token. Our Vet will be contacting the Venice Vet to speak as well and call us with an update. Our Vet said there is no need to make a decision on putting him down as of now but it does not look good.

So, as of now I am not sure what should be done about the website and I am not sure about fostering him because of the emotional trauma.

Rich

Rich & Katie

First of all I want to thank you for caring enough to take him with his handicap–It takes a very special person to do that. I was shattered when I read your email–that poor guy has been through so much he deserves some happiness in his last days. How we got involved was my husband did some work for the kennel where you picked him up. She told him she needed to find a home for him asap so we told her we would ask Helen if she would put him on her web site which she was kind enough to do . If he were mine, as long as he had quality and not in pain I would give him lots of attention and whatever he wants.
Mary

Mary,

We love Token. It was a little bit of destiny for all of us to find each other. We have fallen in love with this guy in a short time. His skin has already showed improvement after the injection, antibiotics, medicated bath & ointment. I think the walks, attention & a nap in our bed (yes –he got up there on his own) may have helped him feel at home as well. Needles to say – he’s home for good. We know he is our lucky Token & we will make the best decisions as we move forward for his comfort, peace and well-being. Right now, he is happy & VERY comfortable (he is sprawled on the leather couch with his pink bunny). Whether a month or a few months (we can only hope for years), we know we will all enjoy this time together.

Katie

Hi Helen and Mary,

Pardon the lengthy email; however, there is still more to say about our newest addition!

First, we would be thrilled for you to share our updates/emails on Token. We will be sure to forward updated pictures soon! Thank you for your advice & encouraging words on cancer relief/treatment. I will definitely follow up & hopeful we can have much more time with him.

Just to tell emphasize destiny – We found Token on your website after Rich, my fiancé, had been searching Dobie rescues since January 2007 after losing our beloved 10 year old Doberman, Bronson (Fostered turned Adoption). I often referred to them as soul mates – so it took a long time for Rich to consider a new Dobie. After a year and a half of just looking at the websites – we read Token’s story & realized it was time for us to open our hearts, home & family to help this sweet guy have a place to lay his head at night. Within 24 hours we made the drive from Fort Lauderdale to the Sarasota area (just under 3 hour drive). He was so sweet & loving which made our hearts melt immediately.

Both Rich & I “confessed” to each other that we both knew prior to picking up Token that we would adopt him if we saw a good dog with a great personality & got along with our dogs…here it is, 4 days later & so thankful he is in our life – we agree that he really is the BEST. You should see this big, beauty of a Dobie carry around his pink fluffy bunny…he prefers it over the other toys!

We just had a moment of elation today as the Riley (our 4 year old rescue & a black retriever mix) and Token did their 1st “doggie dance” and chased each other around in the yard. To us – it shows everyone feels comfortable & at home. He truly is our Lucky Token – he is getting tons of love & attention from us & his “pack”. I will eventually reach out to his 1st Owner because I am sure she misses this dream of a Dobie. I think she would have peace of mind knowing that Token adjusted to his change of life immediately and is one happy, loving, peaceful pup!

If anyone wants to ever call me/email me as a reference for 3 legged Dobie’s – feel free to have them call. Come to think of it, don’t think we even noticed that he was missing his leg J . So happy our paths have crossed,

Katie

Rescues

17

Jun

2008