Guest Blogger, Kaylee : My Love-Hate Relationship with Thunderstorms

How to Train Your Humans: My Love-Hate relationship with thunderstorms

So I both love and hate thunderstorms! They can be very scary with lots of bright flashes and light and worse - huge booms of thunder. I do not like thunder at all!! At the first roll, I dive for my people and demand to be held. I tremble and shake all over and don’t stop. Thunder is the worst!

But thunder is also the best, because the only time I get to sleep in the people bed is when there’s thunder at night. Even when I’m super stinky, I’m allowed in the people bed then. And I REALLY LOVE the people bed!! I’ve trained my people to let me crawl right between them so I have a human sandwich of thunder protection. And best of all, I get to put my head on the pillow right next to them. Ok, sometimes if the thunder is really scary I put my head under the pillow. I love it here. My people snuggle with me for hours and give me nice pets while I shiver until I calm down. And then even after the thunder goes away, I get to keep sleeping on the people bed. At least until one of us gets too hot. I wish I could sleep in the people bed every night, but I’ve been told I can’t. Sigh. One of these days….

Update on Junior: Top of His Training Class!

Remember Junior? He came to OBG about a year ago and was so sad when his owner had to give him up.  He was so scared...it took him a while to warm up to people.

Well, we are happy to report he is doing much better. He was adopted in August of last year and joined two cocker siblings.  He was still skittish so his Mom enrolled him in a Levels training class at All About Dogs in Woodbridge.

Here is a picture of Junior on his way to class in his stylin' Mini Cooper!  He wears orange bandana to alert others to go slow with him!!

His Mom is very proud to report that he has graduated through Level 3 (there are 4 levels). He did a 30 second sit stay and down stay; sit by side: 10ft come too! He's got 4 more weeks of training to go. We know he is going to graduate with Honors. Way to go, Junior!

Decisions, Decisions

Denim went to his new home last weekend and is already faced with a difficult decision.

Which new toy should i play with?

Congrats to Denim and his new family! 

Update from Ashley: I Am Supposed to Sleep on the Big Bed!

Hi Everyone,

This is OBG Alum, Ashley, again. Now don't get me wrong, I really love Mom and Dad and think I've come to a great forever home, but it took me only a day or two to realize there was something strange about this place. My humans thought the chairs, sofas, and beds were only for them! I noticed my siblings, Cappy and Copper, didn't get up on these things, so either they didn't know they were meant for dogs, or they'd been brainwashed! In all fairness, maybe my people didn't know they were for dogs either, so I took it upon myself to teach them all about sleeping on furniture and human beds. Every time my mom's back was turned, I'd jump up on a comfy sofa or bed. Sometimes it took her awhile to find me - she was always looking down on the floor - but eventually she would look up, spot me and say, "Down, Ashley", and if I didn't get down right away, she would give me a little 'help'. Actually, this was kind of a fun game - seeing how long it took Mom to find me - although my sibs never seemed to catch on. Then one day a package arrived at the door - maybe a present for me! It was for me, but not what I expected. It was a long black 'whoopee cushion' which my mom started putting on one sofa, then another, then the big bed. When I jumped on it, it made this horrible noise and scared me a little. Well, our fun game was over! Can you imagine, they didn't want dogs on the furniture? This was a first for me, but since I had a nice doggy bed, toys, and was allowed free rein in the house, screened porch and yard, I thought I could adjust. The big bed though was another story!

See how nice I look on this flowery quilt? It's just like spring and I'm in a bed of roses! Mom and Dad would put the scary cushion on the bed sometimes during the daytime, but, of course, when it was time for them to go to bed, it came off. I knew that meant it was ok for me to jump up there and sleep with them at night. Imagine my surprise when they told me to get down again!! I just knew I was supposed to sleep up there with them, but they were determined not to let me. I was dumfounded! My dad was so persistent! - he would put me back on the floor maybe 5-6 times a night before I'd give up and go sleep on my doggy bed nearby. We duked it out for several nights and then I gave up.

After a couple of months I had another plan, I would sleep UNDER their bed! There was a tight space at the head of their bed which I could just squeeze into. I liked this better because I could hear them breathe (or snore) and could smell them close by and vice-versa - not great, but better. Of course, everyone thought it was really weird. My sister and brother would peer under the bed and look at me quizzically. Since Cappy would sometimes go under there if it were thundering, Mom wondered what would happen if we collided under there and got stuck - but it never happened. Months passed with this arrangement and then…..!

One night there was a tremendous storm with torrential rain, really loud and constant thunder, lots of lightening. Maybe the world was coming to an end! I came around to my mom's side of the bed and started shaking and whimpering and whining (I'm good!). And you know what? - She said, "Poor Ashley, you can come up here for a little while so you won't be scared". Well, did I need to be asked twice? My mom hugged me and petted me and said nice things in my ear. My dad petted me too and pretty soon I calmed down and went right to sleep - all cuddled in between them! I guess you all can guess the rest of the story - that's right, they finally realized that nestled in the bed with them was just where I belonged. I don't rub it in much that I was right!

It took me almost a year - my humans aren't the quickest when it comes to change - but now at night we are all snuggled in happily ever after!

Love,
Ashley

For Mom!

Happy Mother's Day to the World's Best Dog Moms! 

Star's Happy Tail

The Chronicles of StarBaby

Though she arrived as “Star”, Kathy and the people at the Vet and Groomer all are smitten with her and started calling her StarBaby. She’s rapidly making friends and gaining admirers.

She is thriving. Happy. Playful. Still very much (at the age of 4) a puppy, full of energy who loves to play with any of about a dozen squeaky toys she’s accumulated. She loves to chase them when thrown, often is seen carrying one around in her mouth, but most of all loves to sit with them and gnaw on them to make them squeak. The ones that squeak the loudest are her favorites.

On the Ottoman

She has calmed down and settled in a lot since her arrival. Every day she seems to settle more and more into our timing and routine, growing more relaxed and happy as she does so. She is always nearby, though her favorite place in the house is an ottoman in the living room, where she often sits and watches the activities or sleeps. 

She also still likes the bed she brought with her. She also loves to sit on the back of the sofa in the morning and watch the squirrels and bark at the fox that comes out of the woods almost every morning and wanders around, stopping to grin at StarBaby as she barks at him. 

She and Nick are getting along well. Nick is our older (13) cocker … a retired show dog (Ch. Millennium Man) and my little man. 

At first they ignored each other but have become buddies, often delighting us by being found, when the alarm goes off in the morning, at the foot of the bed cuddled up back-to-back with each other. Her presence has done Nick good. He is more “lively” and seems happy to have a friend again.

She is quite smart and sits, “begs”, and slaps your hand with a paw when asked to “shake”, hoping the “high 5” will produce a treat.

She is the living embodiment of a “wiggle butt”. With a tail docked very short, her whole behind “wags”. Have never seen anything like that and it never fails to bring a smile.

She has stolen our hearts and has definitely found her forever home. We are thankful to all who made the right decision to work with OBG and ensure that she was looked after and found a good home.

Meet Bonz - A Cocker Who Takes Being Active to a New Level!

Meet Bonz (pronounced "Bones")!  He is a high energy 4 yr old fellow whose his prior family wanted to find him a home more suited to his activity level.  As you can see, Bonz is quite a handsome fellow from his adorable nose all the way to the end of his luxurious, undocked tail. He's a friendly boy who loves other dogs and children.

Bonz is going to be happiest in a home where he can move around, go on a long walk or run in the morning, some active playtime or training during the day, and another long walk or run in the evening. While Bonz is snuggly and kissy, this pup is just no couch potato!

Bonz wanted to get in a few miles before
Reston Pet Fiesta!

And his foster Mom can attest to that!!  This past weekend, she went to get in some exercise before a busy day with OBG at the Reston Pet Fiesta.  She hopped on the treadmill and before she knew it, Bonz had hopped on too (it was going very slowly).  She stopped it of course, snapped this adorable picture, and then encouraged him to get his exercise in the backyard. 

And of course he had to shower before the adoption show!
He wanted to look his best!

Then after getting in a few miles, his foster Mom headed to the shower to get ready and Bonz was right there.  He decided he needed to get ready also and jumped right into the tub before her!

His foster Mom says he is a sheer delight and makes her giggle all the time.  Who could say no that face?!! You can read more about him and reach his foster mom by clicking here.

Ginger's Happy Tail

Patsy & Ginger

Ginger joined her new home in early February. She had a tough few weeks but her new sibling, Patsy and her family's love and attention has transformed her. This is such a wonderful Happy Tail!  We are so grateful for our adopters who help our pups through these difficult transitions. 

Here is an update from her Mom:

The first weekend was rough for Ginger, with her trembling constantly, cowering from human touch, and refusing to eat or drink, but she took refuge in her bed, right next to the one Patsy uses in our living room (and now look at them-inseparable!).

Ginger and Patsy keep us laughing all the time as we observe them mirroring each other's posture and expression. They follow each other around, trading the leadership role. If one comes over to get patted the other is only a step behind. They nuzzle each other, rest a head or paw on each other, and learn from each other.

Ginger still hides from strangers, but comes around quickly if Patsy gets patted by or jumps on the lap of a family member who is "new" to Ginger.

Larry, Ginger & Patsy

Yet the 2 of them are quite different in many ways: Patsy is short and stocky... Ginger is tall and lean. Patsy has a supersize tongue... Ginger's is really teeny and it takes her much longer to eat. Patsy is not a morning dog... Ginger jumps up, runs downtairs and out the door before Patsy even finishes stretching, let alone saunters out of the bedroom.

Both of our OBG dogs are mild mannered and gentle. Can you tell we adore them? They've really enriched our lives and it gives us so much satisfaction to know we're enriching theirs, as well.

Thank you so much, OBG!

Ziggy Marley's forever home blog post!!

Hi everyone, it's me, Ziggy of the Be Mine 9. I've been in my forever home for two whole weeks now and I love my new life. Every morning when my mom wakes up, I give her tons of kisses. Then I follow her into the bathroom. (What? She gets to watch me; it's only fair!)

On our morning walk, I've found the best places to leave messages for the other neighborhood dogs. Sometimes my mom tries to walk in a new direction and I don't let her. Doesn't she know this is my walk? I get to pick where we go, mom! I love sticking my nose into the wildflowers and giving them a good sniff. Sometimes we bump into my friend George. He's a rescue dog, too. I've met lots of my mom and dad's friends, including some kids. Everybody thinks I'm handsome and I like it when they pet me.

Mom taught me this game called "Fetch." Have you heard of it? At first, when mom would throw my favorite yellow ball, I'd bring it back to my bed and chew on it. But I figured out that when I bring the ball back to her, she gives me a treat and then throws it again. That's way more fun!

The eye doctor says my cataract surgery recovery is going well. I only have one more follow-up and then I'm done with the eye doctor. She even says I can get a haircut now, so I'll have handsome new pictures soon.

There is one problem with my forever home. There's this... thing. It makes a lot of noise and mom rolls it around the floor. I hate it. What is that thing? When mom turns it on, I run into the other room. Then if I'm feeling brave, I peek my head in the room and bark at it until it goes away. Whatever that thing is, I am not a fan.

All in all, things are great! I heard that my friends Kasey and Patton have gone to their forever homes, too. I'll keep my paws crossed for Ainsley, Buffy, Miss Bocelli, Pinot, and Dylan! (Rest in peace, Emma. We miss you!) Anyway, I need to give this computer back to a human, so I'm going to go snuggle in my bed for a nap. Sniff you later!

A Note from Teddy (formerly Noble) to His Foster Mom

Dearest Mommy Susan, I meant to send you a note earlier this morning but I was soooooo busy tee teeing and boo booing in the rain... then the best part... getting dried off and then getting a treat and then playing with my new toys (my fav is a green rubber bone) and then following my "New Mommy" and "New Daddy" around e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e.... PHEW DOGGIE.... that's a full time job in and of itself!! Who knew I'd be such a busy guy!!

I love, love, love, love, love my "New Mommy and Daddy" and my new home and and they love, love, love, love, love me double back!! As a matter of fact, they can't stop kissing on me and playing with me... I don't mind telling you that it's pretty exhausting!! But we rest and relax from all the walks and playing on the couch together... I already have some fav TV shows and best yet... We cuddle up in bed like three bugs in a rug. It's great sleeping!! Sleeping on Dad's head is the best ever!! ;)

My "New Mom" has to run now... I'll write more later but in the meantime know that I am being such a good, good, good boy and I am loved more than you could ever imagine!!  I am missing you sooooooooo much but want you to know that my re-incarnated life as Teddy Clark is just DOG-GONE GRRRRRRRRRRRREAT!!

Hi to Nigel, Molly and Trish and I am sending you worlds of Ruff Love and tons of kisses!!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Teddy