Musings of a Foster Dog

Introducing Stella!

2009-07-09T09:33:00.006-04:00

Hello there! I've taken over Joker's blog in hopes that it will help me find a new home. I arrived in Rochester last weekend and I'm still getting acclimated, but over the next few days I'll write more to help you get to know me a little better.

What I want most in the world is a home with a family that will love me forever. I promise to return that love tenfold. If you're looking for a friendly, playful and loving young lady I could be the dog for you.

The blog is back!

2008-09-10T13:47:00.003-04:00

I'm a lucky lucky guy! Molly's decided that she is ready to foster again. That means I'm going to get a chance to come to NY and find a home.

Anyways, a bit about me: I'm 12 pounds of pure dog...mostly daschund. I'm 3.5 years old, good with other dogs and cats. They say I have a really sunny disposition.

I'm scheduled to get into town on the 20th of this month, and I'm sure you New Yorkers are going to love me! If you are interested in adopting me, you should think about getting the adoption process started now. It would be great if I had a forever home waiting for me when I roll into town!

I don't have too much else to say right now. I'll keep you posted on any new developments!

P.S. I've got several buddies who'd LOVE to come to BlueMoon and find homes of their very own. For that to happen they need foster homes. If you'd like to foster one of my buddies, please contact BlueMoon Meadows for more information on how to become a foster parent.

Coffee has been adopted!

2008-06-14T15:04:00.003-04:00

Great news everyone! My buddy Coffee has been adopted by her foster family. I'm so happy for her. She's a wonderful girl, even if she has a bit more energy than I find necessary.

While I'm very happy for Coffee and hope she does well in her new home, I have to admit I'm just a little jealous. I am still looking for a family to call my own. It's been so hard since my owner died, my only wish is to be part of a family again.

If you're looking for a sweet gentleman to pet and watch TV with, please contact BlueMoon about meeting me.

Introducing: Snickers

2008-06-09T12:10:00.004-04:00

Hello there! My name is Snickers, and like my buddy Coffee I'm looking for a new family. I'm an mature gentleman, and I love people. If I had my choice, I'd snuggle and get petted all day long! I could go to a home with my buddy Coffee, but for the right forever homes we would separate. As much as Coffee is a nifty girl, I kind of like the idea that as an only dog I would get ALL of the attention.

A bit more information on me: I'm housebroken. At my age I'd certainly think I should be! I get along with everyone, including children and cats. I have good house manners and know how to sit. I'm a mellow fellow and will take treats gently from your hand - no grabbing for me!

Coffee and I are living alone right now. We're in the process of coming to BlueMoon. If you've any interest in a friendly older gentleman, please don't hesitate to contact BlueMoon about me. I've got a lot of good years left, and a lot of love to give.

Introducing: Coffee!

2008-06-06T12:25:00.012-04:00

My name is Coffee. Like all the other dogs who have used this blog, I'm looking for a new home. I have a best buddy Snickers and we've decided to take turns posting. Next time he gets to introduce himself. Since this is my time, I'm going to tell you a bit about me and why I think I'm a pretty great dog!

I'm housebroken. Maybe that is to be expected, but it's something everyone likes to hear so I figured I'd make sure you knew.

I get along with everyone: cats, dogs, people... you name it, I like it! I grew up with kids, cats and my buddy Snickers so I know how to behave with little people, kitties and other dogs.

I'm an active girl and LOVE to work and/or play. See that thing behind me in my picture? That's my tennis ball. Though I'm sitting nicely for my picture, I'm thinking how wonderful it would be if someone would stop taking pictures and throw it for me.

I know basic obedience and am happy to sit, down or come when called. I'd be happy to learn whatever else you wanted to teach me. Trickier commands, agility or flyball - you name it, I'm game!

Snickers and I are coming to BlueMoon soon. We're buddies and could go to a home together, but we're different dogs with different needs. We'd be willing to split up for wonderful forever homes.

P.S. I'm really a lot prettier than that picture shows. Black dogs are tricky to photograph, especially in low light indoor conditions. I'm coming to Rochester soon, and I'll insist on some better pictures when I arrive.

Lucky lucky me!

2008-06-05T12:03:00.003-04:00

Guess what? I've been adopted! I'm now living with a wonderful family. I even get two kids to play with! Since I'm not looking for a new home anymore, I'm going to turn the blog over to Snickers and Coffee. They've got their own story to tell and are in desperate need of loving forever homes.

Introducing: Millie

2008-05-27T14:38:00.004-04:00

Hello there! My name is Millie and I'm a 4 year old female chocolate lab. Like Janet and Josie, I've spent a large part of my life as a mommy. I was just spayed, so no more puppies for me!

I'm catching a transport to Rochester this weekend in search of a loving forever family. It's my turn to be adored and taken care of, just as I did for all my puppies.

Adopted!

2008-05-25T14:23:00.002-04:00

Great news - I've been adopted! My new family is a super nice couple who love to take me for walks.

I'm not going to need this blog anymore so I'll pass it along to another deserving pup. Remember, even though I'm not available anymore, there are plenty of dogs out there dying to become part of your family. Please give one of them a chance.

Oh My!

2008-05-22T08:55:00.002-04:00

It looks as if there are lots and lots of people interested in adopting me! Molly says she's never had this happen before.

I've decided that the fairest way to choose my new home is to go through applications in the order they were received. My new family will be the first family that looks like a good fit for me.

Agility Trial

2008-05-21T16:14:00.004-04:00

Last Friday I went with Molly to DOTCORNY's agility trial. I had a blast there! I wasn't allowed to play on the obstacles, but I met a lot of really nice people, and played with a very nice English cocker spaniel puppy.

Agility looks kind of fun, I think I'd like to give it a try someday. I'm not sure that I'd get into it as much as those crazy border collies do - you should see the look they get in their eye when they think they're going to get to run a course!

I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be one of the fastest dogs on the course but I still think it would be a fun thing to do with a special human. The right person would encourage me so I got confident on all those obstacles. That teeter totter looks pretty scary! We'd learn to communicate better and I'd learn to know where my human wanted me to go, even without a leash on.

I think the best part about agility would be that both me and my human would run around and get really tired. Then we'd both go home really tired and while my human watched TV or read a book I could snuggle up next to him or her.

P.S. I know this picture is getting kind of old. If I'm still blogging after this weekend, I promise I'll have some new pictures to post!

Post from Molly

2008-05-19T08:50:00.002-04:00

I know I usually let the dogs post, but I'm checking in to let you all know I have finals this week and may not be as available as usual to help Lana update the blog. I may also be a bit patchy with my correspondence. Everything should be back to normal after Wednesday. Thanks for understanding.

-Molly

Agility Trial Tomorrow!

2008-05-15T16:31:00.003-04:00

Just a quick update - I'll be at DOTCORNY's agility trial tomorrow all day if anyone wants to meet me. I'll be hanging out around the ribbon table tomorrow with Molly. If you can't find me, ask around for Molly.

A Trip to the Pet Store

2008-05-15T11:24:00.003-04:00

Hello again! Last night I took a trip to the pet store to meet a very nice couple that is interested in adopting a dog. As this will be the first dog they adopt, they're trying to do the responsible thing - look at several dogs and educate themselves as best they can so that they can find the dog that best fits their family. I think that's a great idea. I'm sure they'll find the perfect dog, whether it is me or some other lucky pooch.

I was a super star at the pet store. Several people told me I was adorable. I met a few people who wanted to pet me, and lots more that I wanted to go greet. A very nice employee came over and gave me a treat!

Even though the pet store was a new situation for me, I handled it with my usual cool demeanor. I did whine a little bit when I saw people I wanted to go say "hi" to, but for the most part I was my normal, calm self. While Molly talked with the couple about adopting me, I laid down in the middle of everyone and put my head down for a rest. I wasn't actually sleeping, but human conversations can go on forever!

I really do like meeting people. I loved last weekend's meet and greet, and I'm planning on going to the next one two weekends from now. Maybe I'll find my forever home at a meet and greet, maybe not. Either way, they are great fun!

Puppy Classes!

2008-05-14T13:00:00.009-04:00

Whoa! Molly is going to be teaching the next set of Friday night puppy classes at DOTCORNY and she says that until I find a forever home, I get to be her guinea dog*. Molly's never taught a puppy class before and she's a bit nervous about it.

She says I'll be perfect because I've hardly had any training. She can review her techniques for teaching things like "down" and "stay" with me and it will help her keep perspective and remind her of what new puppy owners are going through. After all, I'm practically a puppy myself. She says once and a while I might even be allowed to come to class to demonstrate techniques.

In preparation for teaching, she's been rereading Mother Knows Best by Carol Lea Benjamin. It's a book that was recommended to her by Helen, a woman that Molly took classes with when Zorro was a puppy. Molly also has assisted Helen in teaching one of her classes and has seen the success that comes from the training philosophy in Benjamin's book.

What Molly doesn't know is I plan to be a training superstar. I already know how to sit, and I already walk nicely on a leash. I love to please people and if she's smart enough to help me figure out what she wants from me, I'm going to impress everyone.

*A guinea dog is sort of like a guinea pig, but with a longer, waggier tail.

A Busy Weekend!

2008-05-12T10:03:00.004-04:00

BlueMoon had a meet and greet on Saturday. It was a beautiful day. I met lots of wonderful people and lots of super dogs! I had a blast, both with the people and the dogs.

I got to play with Laci the puppy. I thought that I'd have a super big advantage over her because she's itty bitty, but that pup has attitude! She doesn't give up no matter what. I could have used my weight to my advantage and sat on her, but what fun would that have been? I love to play. If it keeps the game going, I'll let the baby win.

Since this is my blog now, I've decided to change the blog around a bit. I'm all girl, and I think pink suits me. What to you think?

Best News Ever!

2008-05-11T19:27:00.002-04:00

Great news! I'm off to my forever home! This is what I have been waiting for for the last TWO YEARS.

It just goes to show that good things come to those who wait. I've put in my time and found my home. My advice to other foster dogs who are still looking: Don't give up hope - you never know when the perfect family will come along.

I'm done with blogs. I'm going to be too busy being a couch potato. I'll let Lana take over. She can't wait to find her forever home. I bet it won't take her very long at all. She's a real doll.

Hello Readers!

2008-05-09T09:43:00.007-04:00

Hi there! I'm Lana. You guessed it... I'm looking for a home! This is just an introductory post. If you really want to get to meet me, I'll be at the BlueMoon meet and greet this Saturday at Veterans Memorial Park in Henrietta.

So... A little about me. I'm about a year old, but I look and move like a great big puppy. I'm all black with a little dash of lightning on my chest. I know in the picture it looks like I have a white ring around my nose. I'm not sure what happened there... I think it's just a weird camera thing.

Molly's house is my second foster home. I was at another foster home for about a week but it didn't work out because I was getting bullied by the two other dogs in the house. BlueMoon decided I should move to a new foster home so that I wouldn't end up afraid of other dogs. I'm a submissive little girl. I love to play with other dogs, but I need a gentle introduction first so I know they don't want to hurt me.

I'm crate trained and I know how to sit. I'm really good at "sit." I like it when people let me show off my sit because it means I get a cookie. I love cookies!

I've told you what I'm good at. It's only fair that I tell you what I'm not so good at. I find stairs to be a bit tricky. I seem to climb up and fall down! I'm getting better about going down stairs, but I still look pretty clumsy doing it.

Molly says I'm a total sweetheart and if people meet me they'll fall in love. If you're looking for true love with a wagging tail, come visit me tomorrow at the meet and greet. This post has directions to the meet and greet.

Just a Quick Update

2008-05-05T09:59:00.002-04:00

I am going to stay at my current foster home for a little while. I might have someone interested in adopting me! I don't want to move to a new foster home only to have to make another move in a few days or a week. Moving from home to home is stressful. If I don't get adopted, we'll go ahead with the foster home change.

I think Lana is going to take my spot at Molly's. The other dogs at her current foster home are picking on her, and getting picked on is no fun! I'll keep you updated on my situation, but I think the next couple of entries are going to be from Lana.

Tonight!

2008-05-01T10:11:00.003-04:00

Tonight is the night! I'm going to Molly's to meet Zorro in his house. If all goes well, I'll be staying there until I can find my forever home. I hope it works out. I love my current foster family. They've been great to me and helped me learn life skills that will make me a better family member in any family I go to. I wish their dog liked me, I have been happy there.

Molly's house won't be too bad. I've heard Sabrina the cat is tougher than Zorro the dog. As long as I leave Sabrina alone, she won't bully me too badly. I get along well with cats, even if my smile in today's picture does look a bit devilish.

I'm going to rest up for my big meeting tonight. Wish me luck!

Heartbreak

2008-04-29T12:05:00.002-04:00

My new home didn't work out. It was nobody's fault. Not mine, not my person's. My person got very, very sick. My person couldn't take care of herself, let alone me. I would have helped if I could, but I'm a dog. Dogs can cheer up sick people, but they can't take care of a person.

As heartbreaking as it was, the best thing I could do for my person was to return to BlueMoon and try to find myself a new forever home. My original foster family took me back. Again, they would love to adopt me, but their dog will not allow it.

Because of the resident dog's intolerance, I'm going to see if I can bunk with Molly and Zorro. They have been out to meet me at my foster home. Later this week I'll be heading to their house. If Zorro and I get along, that's where I'll be living.

It must seem as if I've had a pretty unlucky life. I disagree. I've had two families that have loved me dearly as their forever dog. I have a wonderful foster family that loves me, and who is sending me to another foster family because they think I would be happier there. I know that I will always have a place to stay and people to love me. I will continue to search for a forever home.

Almost...

2008-04-25T12:57:00.005-04:00

My brothers, sisters and I were split up into a boarding facility and foster homes when we arrived in Rochester. I was lucky enough to end up a foster dog in a wonderful family with two teenage boys. I was their first foster dog ever.

My foster family spent a lot of time training me to be a better pet. They took me through basic obedience classes, taught me to walk nicely on a leash, and helped me get used to new people. All in all, I was very happy there.

My foster family loved me. They wanted to adopt me, but there was one BIG problem: their dog Dutch would not tolerate me. He likes girl dogs, but cannot stand hanging out with another guy. Because of Dutch's intolerance, we could never be out at the same time. One of us always needed to be crated. My foster family didn't think this was fair to either Dutch or me, so BlueMoon kept searching for the perfect home for me.

BlueMoon found me a perfect home. After several months in foster care, I was adopted into a very nice, quiet home. I thought I had found my happily ever after...

Update from Dutchess!

2008-04-23T15:41:00.004-04:00

Hey all, just a quick note to say I am super happy in my new home! I love my family, especially the girls! I get to sleep with them every night.

My favorite activity is fetch. I've always got a ball handy (mouthy?) in case someone wants to play with me. I would play all day and all night if I could!

I'd love to stay and chat but I have balls to chase, a mom to jog with and kids to play with. I'll let Ukie get back to telling his story.

Finding Our Way

2008-04-21T09:29:00.004-04:00

We were not really sure what had happened. While the humans were sorting things out, we continued to live in our home. That was not an ideal situation, and we knew we couldn't stay there forever without people.

Our parents were wise people with great foresight. They had "willed" us to Glen Highland Farm. It's important for people to make plans for their pets so that if anything happens their pets are not homeless. My canine family was one of the lucky few who have humans with this kind of foresight.

I'm not sure how they chose Glen Highland Farm, because Glen Highland Farm specializes in Border Collies. We are part boxer, part shepherd, and maybe a few other things mixed in there. We definitely are not border collies.

The people at Glen Highland Farm were not really sure what to do with us. They were not going to let us starve or turn us out on the street, but we didn't really fit in with their group. In their search for an appropriate rescue group for us, they contacted BlueMoon Meadows. BlueMoon kindly agreed to take all of us and off to Rochester we went.

A good 6 Years

2008-04-18T09:37:00.005-04:00

A few months after Daisy was adopted, I was born along with my 5 siblings. Their names were Cass, Reno, Maisy, Juju and Jake. I'm sure were were a handful both for poor Daisy and our human parents.

Life went on. We were a pack and a family. Because of our living arrangements, we learned early on how to get along with other dogs. We ate together, slept together and played together.

When we were young, we chased the cats together. We quickly learned the cats were part of the family. We were told the kitties shouldn't be tormented. If we were slow learners, the cats would reinforce the message with a bop to our noses!

All in all, the first 6 and a half years of my life were paradise. I couldn't imagine a better way to live. Unfortunately, one never knows what lies around the bend. Tragedy struck our happy family. Our humans died.

We were heartbroken. We were also homeless.

P.S. That picture of me looking happy and frisky was taken earlier this week, so don't worry too much about what happens next...

My beginnings.

2008-04-16T10:54:00.006-04:00

My story starts a long time ago in a land far away. It was so long ago that I had not even been born! I can't remember events from before I was born, so I'll have to go on what others have told me.

Once upon a time, in the land of Long Island, there was a nice couple who wanted to add another dog to their family. They already had one dog, a male boxer. The couple decided that the best way to get a new dog would be to go to a shelter and save one. They came home with a gorgeous young shepherd mix named Daisy.

The plan was to bring Daisy home and get her spayed ASAP. Unfortunately (but I guess fortunately for me!) even the best laid plans sometimes get sidetracked.

Daisy was a true beauty and Boxer fell hopelessly in love with her. Daisy and Boxer had started their own family before the couple could whisk Daisy off to the vet to be spayed. What a family it was going to be.

P.S. The second picture is my mom. Isn't she a beauty?

Taking over the blog.

2008-04-15T10:11:00.003-04:00

Since Dutchess is gone, I'm taking over Joker's blog. If anyone could use some extra attention, it would be me. I've been waiting 2 years for a forever home. That's a long time.

People often wonder what is wrong with a dog that has been unable to find a home for such a long time. Other than my age (9), there is nothing wrong with me. I'm a great dog. I get along with other dogs, cats and people. I'm housebroken and well behaved in the house. I've even been through obedience classes and walk very well on a leash.

I have quite a story to tell, and over the next few posts I'll take you from my happy youth to the loss of my beloved family and into foster care where I am now.

Please take the time to get to know me. I'm a sweet older gentleman, in good health and with lots of love to give.

I have a family!

2008-04-14T10:59:00.002-04:00

Great news everyone - I have a family! When I say family, I mean family! I've got a mom and a dad and two human sisters to play with. My new human sisters are as excited as I am that I'm joining their family.

My human sisters seem to have as much energy as I do. I guess that makes sense as we're about the same age. I'm 1 year old, which makes my maturity level on par with a 7 year old human, and they're around that age too.

I'm going to be enrolling in obedience classes and the whole family is going to come along. It will be a great opportunity for them to learn how to speak in dog language, and for me to learn to understand human communication methods.

My new Mom is going to take me jogging with her. She thinks it's going to take me a while to work up to her running route, but I bet she'll be surprised at what an athlete I can be!

With all that's happening in my new life, I'm not going to have much time for blogging. I'm going to let another homeless pooch take over this blog. I hope it helps them find a new home. Remember, even though I'm no longer looking for a great new home, there are plenty of dogs out there who are just dying to become a member of your family.

Meet me!

2008-04-11T12:28:00.005-04:00

Attention everyone: it's the opportunity of the weekend! From 11AM to 1PM tomorrow I am going to be at Veterans Memorial Park in Henrietta to meet with anyone who is interested in adopting me. Even if you are not interested in adopting, you could stop by to meet me just because I am the coolest dog in the Rochester area.

What you get for coming:
1. A warm greeting with a wagging tail.
2. A demonstration of my awesome new sit.
3. A chance to hang out with me and some other super cool dogs.
4. If Molly gets her act together maybe some light refreshments. I'd give that a 50/50 chance of happening.

I'm sure everyone will be showing up to meet me, but there will be other dogs who need forever homes too. I've heard that Patches, Murry, Chandler, Josie and Raven are going to be there as well.

Here are Directions to the Cabins in Henrietta’s Veterans Memorial Park:

• Take Route 390 and exit at Hylan Drive (Exit 13)
• Turn left on Hylan Drive if you are exiting from 390 South. Turn right if you are exiting from 390 North. (You want to head in the direction opposite Marketplace Mall.)
• Proceed to the end of Hylan Drive (Hylan ends at Calkins Rd.)
• Turn left on Calkins Road
• Proceed to second stoplight, which is entrance to Veterans Memorial Park
• Turn right into park
• Turn right on Cabin Road
• Roberts Cabin will be the first cabin on the left. The Bushman Cabin is at the end of Cabin Road, on the right.

Hope to see you there!

Manners!

2008-04-09T10:42:00.002-04:00

I thought I was doing pretty good by being housebroken and not destroying things. Molly thinks that is a good start, but that I could use better manners. She says that with the great potential that everyone at DOTCORNY talked about, there is no excuse for me not to learn a few basic things like sit, down, stay, come and heel.

We had our first 10 minute training session last night, and I think I'm getting the hang of "sit." It appears that when she says sit, if I put my bum on the floor I get cheese. Mmm... cheese! Maybe training isn't too bad. Molly thinks that with 10 minutes a day I should have the basics down in no time.

I have new pictures! I've been told that I am very hard to photograph because I don't hold still and I have a tendency to want to play with the photographer.

Do you like the new picture? Apparently one is supposed to hold still for pictures. That is why I am being held. Maybe when I get a good sit stay I'll be easier to photograph!

Performance Dog Potential!

2008-04-07T12:19:00.004-04:00

I took Molly to DOTCORNY's obedience trial on Sunday. I wasn't competing, but what an experience! Molly and I visited the AKC representative to ask about getting me listed as a purebred lab so that I could compete in performance events. He looked at me and said that I was a wonderful looking lab and would have no problem getting listed for performance events.

I talked with Jane and several other people there who thought I was a gorgeous dog with great potential! Lots of people commented that they really liked smaller labs (like me!) and that I had a gorgeous coat and was in excellent shape.

Many of you may be wondering what people meant when they said I had a lot of potential. A dog's a dog, right? If a dog is friendly, reasonably well behaved in the house and goes potty outside, what more could one want? Well... you could compete with me. The people I met at the dog show thought I had a lot of great traits that would make me a great dog for agility, flyball or even obedience.

One thing Jane noticed about me is that even though I had probably never been somewhere as chaotic as a dog trial before, I seemed to be calm and took it all in stride. I didn't show any signs of stress or nervousness. I acted as if the whole thing were no big deal and I was happy to be there.

Another thing people commented on was that I am very alert and notice lots of things. I am always ready to go. When you combine this with my confidence and even temperament, one couldn't ask for a better dog, either for agility, flyball, obedience and/or as an active, happy companion.

Free for the day!

2008-04-04T10:06:00.005-04:00

Molly let me stay free in the house today instead of crating me. It feels wonderful to be trusted to be out in the house. Now I can sit on the couch and chew my bones all day. They taste so much better on the couch than in the crate.

Molly locked Queen Sabrina in her bedroom. More accurately she locked me out of her bedroom. I don't understand why I'm not allowed to play with Sabrina. I'm told it is because Sabrina is a cranky old lady who does not want to be bothered with a playful young pup. I say that cat could use some fun in her life!

I've been promised some new pictures this weekend. That's a good thing since these pictures just don't capture my beauty or my personality.

On an unrelated note, DOTCORNY is having an obedience trial this weekend. Competetive obedience trials are great fun to watch, and it would be an opportunity to check out their new facility. You can take all sorts of dog classes there, from basic obedience to competition obedience, agility, flyball, tracking and more! I think I'd be a stellar agility dog!

Coming to terms with my crate.

2008-04-02T11:54:00.003-04:00

I've been in Rochester a few days now and I'm getting used to the way things work in my foster home. I'd prefer a little more excitement and a few more toys. A fenced in yard to run around in would be super! Overall I can't complain - a foster home is a whole lot better than a shelter!

The crate is no longer my arch nemesis. I'll go in for a treat and a toy. I'd still prefer to be left out. I see no reason why I need to be crated. I have done nothing destructive and I always potty outside. I should be chewing my toys on the couch! Molly says she's going to try leaving me out unsupervised this weekend. I can't wait!

Introducing: Dutchess

2008-03-31T12:48:00.004-04:00

Hello there! I'm Dutchess and I arrived on a transport from Ohio last Saturday. I'm a spunky little 40 pound labrador mix girl seeking a home full of fun, games, hugs and kisses. I personally think I am a lot cuter than shown in this picture! I'm going to be bugging Molly to get some pictures that do justice to my sweet face and shiny black coat.

I love chew toys! I'm quite happy to sit down and chew on a good bone while Molly reads a book or watches TV. Honestly though, when I say I like "toys" I mean that in the plural sense. Though I may only be chewing on my favorite bone, if there are 4 or 5 toys in the house, I'm happiest chewing on my favorite bone if I can be laying on all the other toys. It must be the royalty in me that thinks I deserve ALL the toys.

Home Sweet Home!

2008-03-31T10:11:00.005-04:00

Great news - I've found my forever home! I was a little sad to be leaving Molly and Zorro, but now I have a family with a mom, dad, 11 year old daughter and cocker spaniel. In my mind, 3x the people means 3x the loving!

I don't think Sadie the cocker spaniel is quite as happy as the people, but I'm sure I'll grow on her.

I'm already loving this life of multiple dog beds, hugs and walks. As I have no need of this blog anymore, I'm going to pass it on to another homeless dog. I'm in a forever home now, but there are plenty of other dogs out there dying to become part of your family!

...and I'm clean!

2008-03-22T22:08:00.004-04:00

Other than my wagging tail and sunny personality, one of the first things Molly noticed when she picked me up from the transport was that I was filthy! Instead of going home we headed straight to Bandit's Bathhouse.

I was a little nervous about the whole bath thing! I'd never had one before, and new things can be a little scary. Getting into the tub was the biggest hurdle, but the nice ladies at Bandit's helped Molly coax me in with a tasty all natural biscuit!

Molly asked the groomer what shampoo she recommended. When she saw how dirty I was, and saw that the back of one of my ears was all flaky, she went to the back and got us special medicated shampoo! She was super nice and showed Molly how to use all the equipment - grooming brushes, the shower head and the special dog blow-drier.

Since my nails were way to long (they were curling under and away from the ground!) I got a nail clipping. It feels so much better to walk around with trimmed nails. I may need to get them trimmed again soon since they were so long that they couldn't be cut to the proper length the first time. A lot of dogs squirm horribly when having their nails clipped, but I held still like a champ!

After the nail clipping, the bath began. I got wetted and lathered. When I got rinsed out, the water ran brown. We started over with washing and lathering and rinsing, and the water STILL ran brown! We did an extra long rinse and used conditioner. I must have been clean because the conditioner rinsed out clean.

I got towel dried and blow dried and I fluffed up really nicely. I was no longer a dingy, greasy dirt colored brown, but a beautiful, rich and shiny chocolate brown. On the way out of bandits, I was given a snazzy pink bandana and we headed home to meet Molly's black lab Zorro.

Operation: Transport was a success!

2008-03-19T11:33:00.005-04:00

I arrived in Rochester Saturday on a transport with Plain Brown Bob, Sarah and Laney. The transport came through without a hitch and we all went to our respective foster homes.

For those of you who don't know how a dog transport works, let me explain. Sometimes places like Ohio have lots of wonderful dogs available for adoption, while other places have more adopters than dogs. A rescue group in Ohio will then pull dogs from local shelters and arrange wtih a group in another area of the country to take those dogs and find homes for them.

To get the dogs from one place to another a transport is set up. Kind people volunteer to drive a leg of the transport, which is usually about an hour's drive. The driver arranges to meet with the next leg of the transport at a thruway exit and the dogs are passed on. This continues until the dogs reach their final destination.

Transports take a lot of time and effort to set up. Someone has to put together a route, divide it up into legs and get people to volunteer to fill those legs. My transport was almost cancelled because the second to last leg could not be filled. The wonderful couple who had volunteered to take the last leg of the transport volunteered to fill both legs and because of that I made it to Rochester.

I'd like to thank all the drivers who volunteered to get me to New York and a HUGE thank you to Sandi and Paul who filled legs 6 and 7 to make sure I made it to Rochester.

NY Here I Come!

2008-03-13T20:33:00.003-04:00

Hey there New York! Assuming all goes well, I should be arriving Saturday. I'm a bit nervous about the whole ordeal as transports are a little stressful, but what an opportunity! I'm looking forward to finding a real family - something I've never experienced.

When I'm settled in Rochester, I'll get some new pictures taken and update this with stories and more information as soon as I'm in town. Stay tuned!

The Torch has been Passed.

2008-03-06T14:45:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! I'm Janet. Joker's blog has been passed on to me. I'm a 5 year old chocolate lab, kind of like Hank, but I'm not nearly so tank - like.

I'm currently reside in a foster home in Ohio, but plan on heading to a foster home in Rochester, NY on either the 15th or the 22nd. Setting up transports can be tricky so I may end up in Ohio longer than planned, but I am looking forward to Rochester and the opportunity to find my own forever home.

I'll keep you all posted and you all will be the first to know when my travel plans firm up!

Great news!

2008-03-03T10:38:00.004-05:00

I've got a forever home waiting for me! I'm not homeless anymore. Remember, there are lots of other great dogs dying for a good home. I'll hand this blog off to one of them.

Hank the Tank

2008-02-26T11:21:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone! I'm Hank. Assuming that all goes well, I'm coming to BlueMoon Meadows soon! Joker said I could use his blog to warn you that the biggest bundle of labby love you've seen in a long time is coming to Rochester!

Joker also wants everyone to know that he is doing wonderfully in his new home. His new mom claims she can't imagine life without him. How's that for a happy ending?

True Love on Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T21:34:00.006-05:00

Great news! I've been adopted! Not only have I been adopted, but my new home is wonderful! Even in my wildest, most optimistic dreams I never dreamed I'd be this lucky.

When I got to my new home this evening, my Mom had a brand new bright red leash and collar for me and a crate tucked right into the kitchen with nice soft blankets. Best of all, she'd gotten me a brand new bone and TWO bags of treats!

Most importantly - even better than the new digs - I think my Mom is just as smitten with me as I am with her!

Saying goodbye to Molly was a little sad, but it's hard to stay sad when you've got such a great life waiting for you. Mom and Molly promised to stay in touch, and I gave Molly the password to my blog so that she could pass it on to another lonely foster dog if ever the need should arise.

Farewell faithful readers. I'm off to my new life. Remember, there are plenty of other wonderful dogs out there that are dying to share their lives with you!

Children? Love 'em!

2008-02-08T22:15:00.000-05:00

I bet many of you didn't know I am excellent with children. I fogot to mention it because I have not seen many children since coming to Rochester. Last weekend I was lucky enough to meet a few very nice children, and remembered just how much fun kids are!

Before I came to Rochester, I was being fostered in Ohio by a nice lady who ran a daycare. I loved going out in the yard to run around with the kids. While I'm an active, bouncy little guy I know children are smaller and easier to knock over than big folks, so I try to be extra gentle with them.

Last weekend, one of the children I met started crying, and I just had to go over and see if I could give him kisses and make him feel better. He was pretty upset, but a big wet kiss on his nose did seem to help. Everyone thought it was super sweet of me. What can I say? I'm a sensitive guy.

P.S. I know I look a little grumpy in this picture. What can I say? It's not the best picture. I'm going to have to bug Molly to take some better ones soon!

Still looking for that perfect home...

2008-01-28T12:31:00.000-05:00

As you can see I'm quite an affectionate little guy! I'm still looking for a home of my own, and if you're interested in me, I can promise lots of wagging tails, kisses, and hours of snuggling.

Molly has fallen off the "fitness wagon" as the school term progresses and she gets more and more overwhelmed with schoolwork. I'd still love to go for lots of walks, but I'm also a super study buddy. I curl up next to her and nap while she hits the books!

This week I'm inviting any readers with questions about me to post a question to my blog, or if you'd prefer to ask a private question, to email me instead! Molly and I will do our best to respond to any questions you have!

I'm a Gentleman!

2008-01-24T22:42:00.000-05:00

Today one of my human friends paid me the nicest compliment. She said I was a perfect gentleman when taking treats! She said it is so nice to see a dog take a treat so gently. I very delicately sniff the treat, and then gently take it from whoever is offering it to me. I'm never grabby, and make sure my teeth never touch people's hands!

My foster brother Zorro can get a bit excited and grabby when taking treats. Not me! I don't even get grabby about it when there are two of us getting treats at the same time! A lot of dogs get grabby then because they're worried that another dog will take their treat. I'm a trusting little guy, and know that if you mean to give me a treat, I'll get my treat. Even if another dog does try to steal it.

So Lonely...

2008-01-14T21:06:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it feels as if I don't really belong anywhere. I know I should count myself lucky to be in a loving foster home, but I dream of a true forever family. Molly is gone a lot. She's got a full time job, and she's working on a master's degree in the evenings. She trains Zorro at the Dog Club once a week, and on top of it all she tries to maintain connections with family and friends. Zorro gets to sleep with her at night. I think I'd be a great bed buddy, but Molly says her bed just isn't big enough for a person, two dogs and a cat. I suggested a bigger bed, but that didn't go over so well.

To her credit, Molly is planning on enrolling me in either the next set of Monday or Saturday classes at DOTCORNY. She'd planned to have me in the current set of Friday night classes, but by the time she got around to registering, the class had already filled.

Molly says she thinks I have potential to do well in obedience classes, even though beagles are not traditionally known for excelling in obedience. I already know how to "sit" and "down," and I'm a smart little guy. She says I'm incredibly food motivated and she bets I'd learn to do *anything* for a piece of cheese. I'd love to be going to obedience classes with my new forever family instead of Molly. She's a great gal and all, but I'm a dog that is ready to settle down in a home of my own.

Sorry this post is a little on the depressing side. I really am an upbeat little guy. I just don't understand why finding a family to love me is so hard. The puppies seem to have such an easy time of it and they're not even housebroken! I mean, 5 and 1/2 years isn't exactly ancient. I should still have a solid 7-10 years of loving left for some lucky family. I have so much to offer if you'd only take a chance on me.

-Joker

Available: Top Rate Personal Trainer

2008-01-07T21:02:00.000-05:00

Yup, that's me! Molly decided for the new year she had to get in shape and I am great motivation! I'm a great walking buddy and I'm always ready to go.

This weekend she went on 6 mile walks each day, and a 3 mile walk this morning. This is quite a change from the last month or two when I was only getting a mile or so a couple times a week! I kept up the whole way, and would have gone more if she'd wanted to!

Of course, all things in moderation. I'm not a total spazz. After our walks I was quite happy to come home, take a nice cool drink and curl up for a nap!

Since Molly has Zorro she has two personal trainers. Zorro isn't quite as good at the job as me, but I think he'd do for Molly. If your new year's resolution is to get fit and you need a walking or jogging buddy, I'm your man!

P.S. I don't think this is a particularly flattering picture of me, but Molly seems to find it hilarious. If you're new to the blog and looking for cuter, saner looking pictures - scroll down to see the pictures in other posts!

Lazy Study Sunday

2007-12-31T20:39:00.000-05:00

Sunday was my favorite kind of day! Molly didn't have to go to work. Instead she took Zorro and me to her parents' house.

Zorro and I went for a nice walk around Fairport with Molly and her mother. It was a perfect day for walking: crisp, bright and sunny. We saw dogs, birds and cars. After our walk, we went back to Molly's parents' house for lunch.

In the afternoon Molly settled down on the couch to study for her statistics class. I may have no interest in the distribution of the mean in finite populations, but I do love to nap and cuddle. I make a great study companion because study time is perfect for napping and cuddling.

Happy New Year everyone! I don't know about you, but my wish for this shiny new year is a forever home full of walks and snuggly naps. If you'd like a snuggly beagle to start your year with, why not go to http://www.bluemoonmeadows.org and see about adopting me!

Christmas and New Chew Toys!

2007-12-23T15:32:00.000-05:00

My foster mom just left for the pet store to get Zorro and me some new chew toys. Zorro and I used to have a whole bunch, but they seem to have gotten lost or something. We're not really sure what has happened to them, but it's always nice to have several chew toys laying around as I love chewing on them and don't particularly like sharing them with Zorro. This way when I decide I want the toy that he has, he can go get himself another one.

On a less happy note, Christmas is soon approaching and I don't yet have a home of my own. It is what I would like for Christmas more than anything in the world! Molly says I've been with her for quite a while now and she's getting pretty attached to me. She doesn't understand why people are not lining up in droves to adopt me!

If any readers of this blog are intersted in an optimistic little beagle, head on over to http://www.bluemoonmeadows.org to fill out an application, or contact my foster mom for more info. If you know of anyone who might be interested in me, please don't hesitate to send them here to find out more about me.

Belly Ache

2007-12-15T20:13:00.000-05:00

I was a bad boy today! Molly went shopping and left me out of the crate. I got into her Dad's Christmas present - 2 kilograms of baking chocolate! I didn't eat it all, but I tried my best. As a result, I'm a very sick puppy.

I took a trip to the emergency vet, and they treated me and decided it would be best to keep me overnight. I can't wait to get home. It's no fun being sick, and it's no fun being stuck at a hospital!

Molly is very worried about me, and has promised to make sure things that are bad for me are even harder to get to. She didn't think I'd be able to get to the chocolate where she had stashed it, but I'm more resourceful than she gives me credit for. In this case, my resourcefulness definitely didn't work in my favor!

I'll update you again when I'm feeling better and back to wagging my handsome little tail!

Update 12/16: I'm back home, and almost back to my spunky self again!

Food and Manners

2007-12-10T10:37:00.001-05:00

Great news! Saturday morning my foster mom decided that I'd lost enough weight and she was going to increase my food! I used to get 3/4 cup in the morning and 3/4 cup in the evening. Now I'm getting a whole cup in the morning and 3/4 cup in the evenings. Of course I always want more, but this is definitely an improvement.

Saturday afternoon Molly took Zorro and me to her mom's house to hang out. We had a great time.

Molly's mom thought I was a bit too persistent about trying to steal food from the counter. I might be too short to reach the counter, but I sure can try! Molly's Mom decided this was unacceptable behavior and started squirting me with a spray bottle when I tried to jump up for a closer sniff. I've decided sniffing her mom's cooking isn't quite worth getting squirted.

The thing I can't believe is that Molly actually laughed at all this and told me there might be some hope for my manners yet! As weird as humans can be about things like manners, they probably have my best interests at heart. I am truly grateful that I'm getting a bigger breakfast these days.

Hello World!

2007-12-03T21:15:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone! My name is Joker. I've started this blog to help you get to know me a little better, and maybe interest someone in giving me a permenant home.

First off, a little background on me:

I'm a 5 year old beagle up for adoption through Blue Moon Meadows. I'm currently living in a foster home. I'm pretty happy in my foster home, and I get along well with my foster mom and her lab Zorro. I think I'd get along well with her cranky kitty Sabrina, but Sabrina wants nothing to do with me!

I'm crate trained. Crate trained means I'm OK going in a crate when my foster mom has to leave the house, but I'd really prefer she didn't leave me so often. I think I'd be fine if she left me out of the crate on my own, but she prefers I stay crated unless she's only out on short errands.

My foster mom, Molly, says that probably my biggest weakness is my manners. I can be a bit jumpy and pull on the leash a bit. We're working on this, and planning to start classes at the Dog Obedience Training Club of Rochester, NY after the new year.

Outside of my adorable smile, I think the biggest thing I have to offer a family is my incredibly cheerful temperment. If I'm awake my tail is wagging!

That's it for my introductory post. I'll try to keep this updated on a fairly regular basis.