On this day……………..for those of you who are on Facebook, you are familiar with this feature, it’s a feature that I am not personally a fan of but today it brought me great peace.

Dupont was my Collie/German shepherd X, and my first dog as an adult.  He was my world, as are the dogs I have now, and I was shattered when he passed away unexpectedly at 10-1/2 years of age.  But this blog is not about that sad day, this blog is about Dupont’s last birthday, four years ago today.

Facebook reminded me that on this day, Dupont had a birthday, like I would ever forget my his birth date! ❤  I remember posting a picture of him on his birthday and writing my thoughts on him for Facebook:

“Happy 10th Birthday to my best friend and baby, Dupont! In the past 10 years I have seen him through numerous break outs due to allergies, eye infections, thyroid concerns, battling arthritis since the young age of 3 and 2 cancer scares. And he has gotten me through 1 divorce, 3 moves, 2 promotions, 4 jobs, 2 broken hearts (3 if you include my divorce but I really wasn’t brokenhearted over that 😉) and numerous bad days.

Some people don’t understand the bond I share with Dupont and I feel sorry for them to not have experienced a bond like this with a pet that is irreplaceable.

Happy 10th birthday Dupont! I know I won’t have anothoter 10 years with you but I promise to make the remainder we do have as best as I can for you! But it really wouldn’t kill you to let mommy hug you for more than two seconds. Lol”

I had no idea it would be his last birthday we celebrated and the following year I would be comforted by a puppy, Flipflop, on this day while I still grieved for Dupont.  But today, as I looked at the memories, I realized what an amazing special day he and I had.

I didn’t remember that I started his day with strawberries and Greek yogurt for his breakfast, since he was the birthday boy, or that I took him to the pet store where he picked out anything he wanted and I purchased it all for him.  At 10 years old he was more interested in edible gifts than toys!  And of course he had a birthday cake to end his day.

Birthday breakfast

Taking a rest while shopping

Birthday cake!

As I looked back at the pictures, I am so glad I gave him the birthday he deserved, showed him the love that all dogs should have, and most of all spent some quality time with my sweet boy.

Dupont would have been 14 today, but instead he is forever young and free on the rainbow bridge looking out for me and all his fur siblings.

Well summer weather has arrived in the GTA, it feels almost as if we bypassed spring and went right into summer, which I personally don’t mind at all!  Those who do mind however; are my dogs!

When Dupont was alive, he hated the heat, so much so I would get his lovely long coat shaved down every spring so he could continue to enjoy his hikes and not get slowed down by the heat.  As he aged and his mobility became more of an issue than the heat, I kept his fur in tact and we would just head to the nearby creek for a dip in the cool water before laying down under a tree in the shade.

Shaved down Dupont.

In October 2014, I unexpectedly found myself adopting Flipflop.  Oh what a dream, I thought, a dog from Bahamas would surely love the summer and hate the bitter cold winters we have here!

I was surprised when I saw that Flipflop, even as a puppy, didn’t mind the cold at all, he loved being out in the snow and using his Frisbee as a toboggan to slide down hills (he was much smaller than he is now his first winter!).  Sadly, Dupont passed away that winter, and although to say I missed him is a huge understatement, I also knew life had to go on. So as winter left I geared up with excitement that Flipflop and I would have such a wonderful summer with long walks in the glorious sunshine.

It was that summer I learned that just because a dog is from a warm climate, does not mean they enjoy a warm climate!  Flipflop hated the heat and to make it even worse, he was petrified of water, a fear he grew out of his second summer and now enjoys romps in the creeks and lakes on our summer outings.

Unlike Dupont, Flipflop all ready has a short coat so shaving him to make him comfortable wasn’t an option.  So, I started a new summer routine,  one we still use 3 years later, in the mornings before the extreme heat arrives, we go for a long walk and enjoy rolls in the grass and take our time exploring the neighbourhood.  As the temperture rises and heat increases Flipflop is in the comfort of his air conditioned home and quite content.  And the rest of the day consists of quick outings to relieve himself and if he insists, a little layout under the shade of a tree.  Something he does that is so similar to how I spent so many days with Dupont, it warms my heart.

Dahlia, from Florida, is also anti-heat and an older dog.  Dahlia doesn’t care to be outside if the temperature is above 15 degrees, this makes her a lot more challenging to work with.  But just like with Dupont and with Flipflop, I found a technique that works for her.  Dahlia comes out with us in the morning for a short walk, usually about 20 minutes, long enough for her to relieve herself and lay in the grass.  Then we walk her back home, where she happily runs to her bed and Flipflop (and foster if there is one) and I continue our walk.

It’s not ideal on weekday mornings when I have to get to work, but I know the importance of not forcing a dog to be out in the heat, especially if they are sensitive to it.

Flipflop & Dahlia in their temperature regulated Bandannas

It’s a beautiful day here in downtown Mississauga, the sun is shining, birds are singing and dogs are sleeping!!  While most mom’s get flowers and/or dinner made for them on this day, my kids took me to the dog park.  Granted, my kids have paws and fur!!

We started our morning with a quick drive to Jack Darling Memorial Park, where the dogs gleefully got out of the car, knowing they’d be off leash soon.

We barely made it inside the park when Flipflop and Ben happily took off playing with a new four legged friend. Dahlia, true to her nature, didn’t leave my side, that is until she spotted an area of grass that was too good to resist rolling on.

As we made our way through the park the boys smiled, ran and played the whole time, while Dahlia lazed in the shade and occasionally got up to give the boys heck.  As I watched the boys engage in play with each other and random dogs who came and went, I took note of the changes in Ben in just the few weeks I’ve had him.

Ben no longer barked at people as the went by or tried to pet him, he happily ran up to them, although would back away if they went in to pet him, he didn’t growl.  He showed no fear or concern over those around us, he was full of play and confidence.

Unlike before where he didn’t seem to know what to do and would randomly just follow dogs, Ben was engaged. He would say hi to every dog and start a game of chase with some, others he would wrestle with, and some he would just say hi to and keep going.

Flipflop enjoyed joining Ben in the play and occasionally coming to lay by Dahlia, enjoying the shade and the grass.

We ended play at the park with an unexpected cool down in a large puddle, that all three of the dogs partook in.  Flipflop ran and splashed around as Ben joyfully did the same, looking for a spot deep enough to swim (there was none).  Dahlia calmly waded in the water, cooling herself before getting out to lay in the dirt.

Everyone was exhausted and content and ready to head home.  It was without a doubt a great start to our day, and although my kids will never buy me flowers or make me dinner, I wouldn’t trade being their furmom (and foster mom) for anything in this world.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mom’s out there!

I’ve been fostering for about a year and a half now and have to say, aside from the emotions that are involved, the meet and greet has to be my least favourite part.  Some times they are lovely, I meet amazing people and my dogs are respected and understood and then there’s the other times, when the energy of the people and the dog just don’t work.

I saw it with Lucy and now with Ben.  While I admire and respect those who wish to rescue, obviously I’m an advocate for it, unless you understand dogs, stick with puppies (and yes you can rescue puppies).

Ben, my adorable lab-x foster, as playful as he is cute and so snugly.  When he’s not playing Ben is curled up next to me.  Ben is young, still a puppy, he still mouths and chews and explores everything. Ben will also bark and/or growl if he’s unsure of someone and they approach him too quickly.

Ben had his first meet & greet and everyone was so excited to meet him.  The family started calling Ben all at once and approaching him in a way he felt threatened.  Ben immediately barked and I explained he is a bit unsure with meeting new people.  The family then started to respect Ben’s boundaries but one member of the family remained nervous of Ben. Despite the fact Ben happily lazed around me during the meet and greet and would let calm family members pet him, Ben was still extremely aware of the energy in the room from the person who feared him.

He would growl at this person whenever they came near him, he sensed the fear and it freaked him out.  In the end the family LOVED Ben and saw his potential to be a wonderful pet but the fear of the one the family member, we all agreed, was not worth the risk.

When meeting a dog for the first time, regardless of your excitement or fear try to remain calm!  I myself am awful at this as I love dogs and have zero fear, which resulted in me getting bit in the face by a friends dog at work one day.  Dogs feed off our energy and whether we mean to scare them or not, they can be startled easily if not approached properly.

I have been asked to assist in trying to re-home this sweet dog.  Please share and if anyone is interested reach me at:  fosterdogmomblog@gmail.com

Meet Leroy!  Leroy is a Malamute mix who is very affectionate with his human.  Leroy is 6 years old, neutered and up to date with his shots.  He is due for his next round of shots in June, and his current caretaker has offered to take care of those for his new family.  Leroy has not been around small children or been cat tested, he does get nervous when around other dogs, so an experienced owner who can help Leroy work through this fear would be preferred.

Leroy’s current owner was unable to take care of him due to medical reason and left Leroy with his mom, who is not in a position to take care of Leroy long term.

Leroy is approximately 65lbs and has medium energy so we are looking for a home willing to give him the exercise he requires.

RESCUES:  Owner does not wish to receive money for Leroy, if you’re able to help foster him and/or adopt him out, your regular adoption fees would be yours.

If anyone is interested in adopting him privately through me, I will be charging $100 and donating it to rescue.  Leroy’s “Grandma” just wants him to find a loving home that can take care of him.

I know I fall for all my fosters (and every dog in general), that’s why I am compelled to do what I do with rescue.  Helping animals is what fuels me.  It’s always exciting (and stressful) when a new foster comes.

Ben’s transition went as well as most of the male fosters transitions do.  It took some time for Flipflop to warm up and now they are brothers.  And I have gotten to know Ben’s adorable personality.

As a foster parent, Ben is a dream, as he has no major trauma from his past.  He is playful, fearless and just a pup (around 16-17 months).  He still has the soft velvety puppy fur that is a dream to snuggle into. And snuggle he does.

From what I know of Ben’s past, his mom gave birth to him under a trailer on a farm in Florida.  The owner of the farm called the rescue to come and get Ben’s litter and his mom as he didn’t want them.  Before the rescue arrived, one of the farm hands took Ben.  I don’t know why, but for whatever reason, this person kept Ben for 14 months and then decided he no longer wanted him so called the rescue.

Ben loves to play, he loves toys and chewing on an antler.  Outside he loves to run and explore, and Flipflop is teaching him to play fetch.  Ben is learning quite quickly. He is mimicking everything and anything Flipflop does (the good and the bad!).

Ben is a very social dog as well, he loves the dog park and daycare, where he can engage with other dogs.  He loves to play chase and wrestle and there hasn’t been a dog Ben hasn’t liked yet!

Ben does get startled easily by people and when he does he will growl or bark, but I’m finding that happens very little.  He has warmed up very quickly to those in my inner circle and has quickly won a place in our hearts.

Whoever adopts Ben is in for a lifetime of fun, with this young dog!

Ben is available for adoption through Royal Canadian Pooch.

Adorable, there’s no other words to describe Ben, he’s about 35 lbs, has the head of a lab on a short, long body!  He’s so cute!  When he got out of the van and I saw him for the first time, I was instantly smitten.  His photos made him look like a large breed dog.

Ben is a lab mix, from his mom’s looks and his, there is likely some boxer in there and I think he gets his body from Basset Hound but a friend thinks he has Corgi in him.  Either way he has a whole lot of cute in him!

When he arrived my good friend and neighbour met me outside with Flipflop, Dahlia, their best friend Miss Ellie.  We took the four dogs for a walk in the park.  Flipflop would have nothing to do with me, as long as I was holding Ben’s leash.  My friend offered to take Ben’s leash and as soon as she did, Flipflop was instantly my baby again.

The introductions went as expected, and exactly as I described in my previous blog!  And as predicted on the fourth day (today), Flipflop completely warmed up to Ben.

I’m still learning about Ben but so far I can tell he’s wonderful with other dogs, he’s been to the dog park to play and to daycare with Flipflop and he LOVES the socialization and doesn’t make shy at all with other canines.

Ben seems to be nervous around people at times, I’m still working on what triggers him to be nervous with some people and not others.  Receiving him during the work week has made our “testing” time limited but I’ll work with him as much as possible on his people socialization since I know he’s got no issues with dogs! 🙂

His first night he barked at the cats, I think they startled him more than anything, but now he’s very calm with them.

Ben is likely getting posted on the adoption site this weekend, I don’t expect him to be with me long once he is, as long as I can figure out his people issues.  He gives a little growl when feeling uncomfortable and while I know that’s all he does, I still want to work with him to correct it to give him the best chances of being adopted.

I got the message yesterday, “Are you up to taking in a foster?”  Lucy was adopted weeks ago and doing well with her family, Flipflop is getting restless and board with his “senior” sister, and we have the space in our home and hearts, so “yes” I said and the arrangements start.

I put out clues for my dogs that company is coming, an extra bowl goes out, a dog bed is pulled from storage, Dahlia and Flipflop sniff and are curious.  But it’s not until the new dog arrives that my job really begins.

Ben is a 1-1/2 year old lab mix who is being dropped off after work today.  I have already arranged for a neighbour to take my dogs out to meet Ben and I.  I never introduce a new dog into my home in my home.  We always introduce the dogs outside, this ensures Flipflop (and Dahlia, but it’s usually Flipflop) doesn’t get territorial and try and challenge the new dog, especially when it’s a male dog.

I already know when we get in from our walk, Flipflop will be upset that this dog has come to live with him.  Flipflop will require extra snuggles and reassurance from me that he is the baby.  He will watch the new dog carefully making sure the new dog doesn’t hurt Dahlia or the cats.

Once we go to bed, Flipflop will again get territorial, over me this time. I will need to remind him I am the boss in the house and he needn’t worry.  He will then calm down and sleep beside me, I know likely to show the new dog I am his, which I shouldn’t encourage but I allow Flip to snuggle into me for the night anyway.

In the morning everyone will go for a walk, Flipflop may or may not like the new dog yet. Dahlia really won’t care as long as she gets her attention and morning hugs from me. And then Flipflop and the new dog will go to daycare, where they will spend the day together and start to bond.

Flipflop will start thinking his foster sibling is ok, and start being more welcoming in our home to the new arrival.  He’ll start showing the new dog his toys and seeing if he can engage his foster sibling in play.  Once and awhile he’ll still get upset and give the new dog a warning which I will continue to correct.

By day 4 or 5, Flipflop and his foster sibling will be the best of buds, wrestling and chasing each other.  The first few days of uncertainty and stress will seem like a distant memory as Flipflop takes his sibling under his paw and teaches the dog to play, trust and of course be a dog!

There are so many moments of our lives where animals show us lessons in compassion and love.  I’m sure we’ve all seen videos of heroic animals, read their stories, or seen cases where one species nurtures another in need of care.  Their instincts are both beautiful and majestic.

My 3-1/2 year Bahamian Potcake, Flipflop, saved as a young pup, but still bares his street dog instincts.  He’s fast and always on guard, protecting his pack, yet so youthful and playful, and such a snuggle pup with me!

Flipflop’s instincts give him confidence like I’ve never seen in a dog, and also makes him a bit a jerk at times too, which of course, I correct him on.  I believe his confidence and his fearlessness is what makes him such an amazing dog with my fosters.  Flipflop teaches them more than I do about trust and play.

At Flipflop’s daycare, I’m told he always spends time with the new dogs who are a little unsure, until they get their confidence and then he will return to play with his own friends.  And sometimes he just likes to sit in the middle of the room and watch all the dogs interact.

He’s the protector.

My senior girl, Dahlia, who’s been in my life for only a year,  and yet in that year I have seen this broken dog turn into a younger, playful, confident girl.  Dahlia is my canine hero.

A broken dog, literally broken bones and spirt when saved in a joint effort by Eddy’s Dogs and Royal Canadian Pooch, she came to me a few months after surgery. She was scared of me, but loved Flipflop and it didn’t take her long to warm up to me.

And now, no one would even guess that this girl is a senior rescue.  She is confident, mobile and so playful.  I send video’s to her saviours because I know it brings them joy to see how far this amazing dog has come in a year.

No matter what was thrown at Dahlia in her first 8 years of her life, she has overcome it all and has let go of all her fears and anxiety.  The only issue Dahlia has now is her assertive Catahoula personality that makes her larger than life and animated. She dances around like she’s a toy poodle and not an 80 lbs hunting dog, which makes her quite clumsy but so cute.

And then there is Dupont, my amazing collie/shepherd and first dog I owned as an adult.  Dupont was diagnosed with arthritis at 3 years old, along with that, he had ultra sensitive skin and environmental allergies.  All these minor elements made me an expert at dog care and put me in a great position of knowledge with helping Flipflop with his seasonal allergies and enabled me to nurse a recovering Dahlia to health when she moved in with me.

Dupont loved to hike, he and I would go for hours every weekend and it wasn’t until his last few years of life that he couldn’t do his long walks anymore.  Instead, Dupont would enjoy spending countless hours laying in the grass under the shade of a tree.  When Dupont first started laying down and not wanting to walk, I would worry about him a great deal, and then I realized this is how he wanted to spend his senior years.  So, I would bring a book and some water for us both and oblige him.

When I think of these three very different dogs and the joy they have brought and continue to bring into my life, I reflect on some of lessons each of them have taught me.

Dupont taught me to slow down – that sometimes in life it’s nice to just sit still and watch the world go by.  There is never a hurry to get anywhere.

Flipflop taught me patience, he is far from a perfect dog, and there are days he drives me crazy!  But when I see him interact with the new dogs who enter our home, he takes his time to work with each dog.  I see him time and time again showing the foster his toys and how to play with them, until they learn.

And Dahlia, Dahlia has taught me resilience, no matter what life throws at you, you just have to keep trusting humanity and not let anyone break your spirit.

My little foster Lucy, so sweet but so shy had such a hard time finding the right home.

Rescued as a pup from Mexico and then surrendered back to the rescue by 2 years old, she had no trust.  At the time of her surrender, there were no available foster homes, so Lucy was placed in a pet centre where she was well taken care of but the environment was not suited for her nervous personality.    Lucy started shutting down and showing signs of depression.

When I was available to foster again, I couldn’t refuse to help Lucy.  I went to pick her up, she was so scared she crawled to me on her belly.  It was heartbreaking.  Once outside, I got down on her level to introduce myself  to her.

It wasn’t until we got to my place and my trusted friend and neighbour came outside with my dogs to meet Lucy that Lucy started to relax. She instantly bonded with Flipflop, I called it the “terrier connection”!  I had never seen Flipflop warm up to a foster as quickly as he did Lucy.

For months Lucy lived with us, as part of our pack.  Going through meet and greet after meet and greet, each one resulting in Lucy not being the “right” dog.  Lucy must have been waiting for her people to come.  Because when they did, there was NO doubt in my mind that they were Lucy’s match.

Lucy bonded very quickly with her new mom and has made great progress with her dad in just a few days.  She is enjoying her walks and making new friends in her neighbourhood.

I’m so proud of her and how far she’s come with her insecurities, and even though I worried that when Lucy left her insecurities would get the best of her, instead she is flourishing.  Proving once again what an amazing dog she is.