Mississippi to PA transport.

[shelsnsaus]

Good evening everyone. Just to update, everyone. Pretty girl and Arthur's journey began early this morning. Beth left at about 6 AM and drove all the way from Mississippi to Lexington, Va. She just met up with Mary and Leigh about an hour ago and transferred the dogs. Mary and Leigh are expected to be at my home, where they'll spend the night, at around midnight. I just got home from work, and so far all is going well. Getting the new pups beds ready for tonight. Beth is on her way to Amy's to spend the rest of the weekend, and I'll have houseguests as well. So far all is going well. I'll update later when the puppers get here.

[oursarge]

Can't wait 'til they get there. Hope their trip is a good one and they are skipping the miserable pouring down rain and wind. Hopefully the dogs will find great homes.

[livaward]

Glad to hear that things are going as planned.........wishing you and the dogs the best! It is so hard to let them go

[shelsnsaus]

All right, a late night for all involved, but Mary, Leigh, Arthur and Pretty Girl, are all here.

Mary and Leigh are in bed, and I'm trying to get the two dogs settled, so I can go to bed too without them waking up the whole house. Pretty Girl and Arthur are getting along beautifully, right now they are bouncing around in my foyer playing with each other. Arthur is a bit stressed by all this moving today, and he randomly breaks into a houndy bark. A beautiful sound, just not at 2:30 in the morning. Pretty Girl is following me all over, rubbing her head on me for attention and climbing into my lap. She's given me kisses and lots of lovies. Arthur loves back scratches and he has the most expressionable face. He is huge, and such a sweetie. Its really kind of funny seeing this older Collie trying to get Arthur to play with her. Poor Arthur is just not sure what has happened to him today.

I've found out that doing meet and greets at 2 AM is not the quietest endevor. Funny it sure doesn't seem they make that much noise when I've brought other dogs home during more reasonable hours, but so far everyone still seems to be sleeping. My dogs Sadie and Banjo seem just fine with these new guys. Stella is not at all impressed, and little Guido, my doxie, is determined that this big Arthur guy not get too comfortable.

Pretty girl has chosen her spot now and is resting comfortable. Arthur is still pacing my floors, poor guy. I'm sure he settle down soon.

I'll post pics in the AM, well later in the AM. I need to go lie down and hope that Arthur follows suit. Hubby will be getting up for work before long, and I have a feeling Arthur will get all stirred up again.

[rums_mom]

Whew! Where'd the weekend go? Seems like it never happened it went by so quickly. Had a few glitches getting going, my printer at home would not print, we have to reinstall the driver almost every month and it was taking too long so I went in to work, which was on my way anyway and printed the directions from there. But everytime I used the Google Map print option I got kicked off. Finally got things printed and was on my way!

Darkchylde was able to go with me, thank goodness because it sure have would have been much more challenging without her to keep me company and help navigate in the dark of the night. I had hubby's GPS which was a big help, well mostly, there was an instance when he wanted to take me down some back country road on my way home, may have been a shortcut in the daylight but I was not going there in the dark of night. At one point, DC and I were getting worried on the way to Shels when we crossed the WVA border, but we made it!

Shels' girls are the cutest things. Her whole family is just wonderful, what a lovely place to spend the night after a long journey. Her pack were all so accomodating, as you can see by the wake up I received from them..........LOL. Here are a few more picts.

I love the one of me and Gwen with our big ol' smiles. We were hamming it up.

As I was taking my things out, Arthur pushed his way past me in the doorway and got out, here are some picts of DC and Shels coming back with him, and then of him doing his "perp walk". LOL. He is a brute, but so handsome. And Sweetie, well she is just that........she is going to make someone a wonderful companion, hopefully her heartworm issues can be worked out.

Now the picts!

[rums_mom]

My wake up call.............LOL.............and Shels girls with Sweetie, who's the sweetest?

[Equine_Woman]

Awww!!!!! What an adorable pack!!!! Lots of dog moving going on this weekend!!!! Looks like a fun adventure!!

[oursarge]

Great pictures! I'm so happy they got to their new place. I sure hope Sweetie will be OK, I'm so worried for her. Arthur is going to make a real fun dog for someone! Sounds like he has a great sense of humor.

[rums_mom]

Sounds like your transport was a great success too, EW! I haven't gotten all the way through it yet, but will post as soon as I do. Tex is a real cutie and he and Vick look great together.

Good job...........

[vicklynn]

Glad your move went well. Sure love the Collie, is that Pretty Girl or Sweety? Whos got heart worms?

[rums_mom]

Well Pretty Girl and Sweetie are one in the same.........LOL. She came as Pretty Girl and seems that Sweetie is sticking because that is what Shels' girls are calling her.....I like Sweetie, I thought she was a "Dolly" too because she looks like a little stuffed doggie doll. She looks a lot like your Collie, Vick.

She unfortunately is heartworm positive. Very postive is what Shels said, she is going to have the vet evaluate her and do some blood work to see if the heartworm treatment is an option. Shels is very knowledgeable about the details and said that collies have a hard time with the heart worm treatment anyway and due to her age (still unknown) and her current condition. I hope things can work out for her, but Shels said she would keep her if she couldn't be adopted out.

[shelsnsaus]

My what a day what a day. The collie, who's name has been ever changing since trying to name a picture is pretty hard sometimes, is now officially.....renamed for the last time. Her name is Noelle. It just suites her. She is heartworm positive a strong positive that the vet after x-rays has determined to be moderate to severe. Her chances of living a decent life without treatment is not good. We've done the chest/abdominal x-rays and some initial blood work, and right now everything is indicating that treating her would be best. With a successful treatment she could live years. Her blood work is not indicating any other major health issues, and her body condition is probably strictly a nutritional issue, which shouldn't affect the overall course of treatment. He has her on vitamins and a higher calorie dog food for now. She will start treatment for the heartworm next Monday the 24th. The problem with her breed and the main reason why we can't take the slow approach of just giving Ivermectin and killing the microfilia and letting the adult heartworms just die off of old age is her breed. Collies can't metabolize Ivermectin, that course of treatment in itself would create all sorts of neurological issues that could cause more problems than it takes care of.

Arthur on the other hand, while sweet (most of the time) and definitely humorous is presenting a whole host of issues, that I'm struggling to deal with. He attacked my old black lab, rather viciously and he wasn't playing this evening. It wasn't over a toy, bone, personal space, person, food etc. I'm not sure at this moment what it was over, but it took me and my husband to get him off Cody. Cody is hurting, but thank god his fat neck seemed to protect him. He is very muscle sore, but nothing more than a scratch or two on his skin. I'm tired and mentally exhausted after figuring out Noelle's issues, only to have Arthur's problems excalibrate. Arthur is safe and being housed away from the others and I'm seeking other options for him at this point. I'll keep you all posted as things develop.

[oursarge]

I like the name Noelle. I hope so much she will be OK. Poor baby. Glad everything else with her is good so maybe she'll get the strength up to fight this.

Sorry about Arthur, he seemed like such a friendly goofy dog. Maybe his previous owners knew something and why they didn't want him with their baby? You just never know. I hope he will get a home soon maybe as an only child since who knows what he will do with another dog or cat if the attack came out of nowhere. Were they getting along before that? I hope Cody will be fine [I had a Koty, AKA Dakota] poor baby. I guess now I know for sure why Noah is our only dog child because he has the potential to be an Arthur with another dog. I thought maybe that wouldn't be so if he met the right dog but I'm too afraid to try because I know how he's acted when another dog visits, it's not nice at all.

Only hoping for good things for you and all the dogs. Extra hugs to Noelle.

[moka]

Good for you all. I wish you all the best and hope everyone will settle in.

[rums_mom]

Oh my......I never would have suspected Arthur would be that agressive. I can tell he had some training issues, which I thought were mostly training, or lack thereof. It is pretty obvious his previous owners had a idea that he would turn aggressive and it is a good thing that they realized it before trying to introduce a baby into their household. It would have been nice of them to tip you off so you could have dealt with it before it came to this.

It is going to take a special owner to work with Arthur and his issues, may take longer to adopt him out because of this, I will keep your in my prayers to give you strength.

Poor Cody..............
I can see why you are exhausted, you need to get some rest. You have gone above and beyond and need to take care of yourself.

{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}

[oursarge]

How are Noelle and Arthur doing? Is Noelle handling the treatments OK? I've been thinking about them and hoping all is well with them and you. Only thinking good thoughts for everyone.

I know that there is also info on horse.com but I can't get there, not sure if it's my computer or if there is a problem so I've been checking here for an update if one comes. You are all on my mind alot hoping Noelle will recover and Arthur will find the perfect loving home for him.

I also hope Cody has recovered from the attack. Poor baby.

[shelsnsaus]

Been so busy with these two dogs, between vet appointments, behaviorists etc, and trying to figure out where to put Arthur. I've decided to do a blog for the both of them, well right now they are on the same blog, I'm only up to the night they both got there and the next day. Once their stories part ways, Arthur will get his own. I figured it was easier to update everyone that way. Between the school for Noelle's fundraiser, and the separate fundraiser here at work for her, and all those concerned for Arthur. Anyway, that is where I've spent what little free time I've had.

We've all had a busy week.
Arthur, after trying several different homes, is back here at work. He isn't aggressive in a nasty unpredictable gonna injure someone sense, but he definitly has his preferences on dogs. he does not like all of them. We had select a small play group just for Arthur each day. He needs the outlet of room to run and things to sniff, plus the extra strong and tall fencing that is here. You'll have to read the blogs to find out why, its just too much to type and type again. I'll get there by the beginning of next week, promise! Arthur's biggest issue is a complete lack of manners and the knowledge that he can use his weight or voice to get what he wants. It can be very frustrating working with him, and also comically. He is not mean in any true sense of the word, but when he's telling another dog how he feels, there is no guess work involved either. Arthur doesn't use body language, Arthur uses force. He can be an obnoxious bully, or he can be an absolute sweetheart, it all depends on what he wants at that moment. The training will take awhile, and I'm trying to get in contact with bloodhound rescue here, to see if she has pointers for me. I'll take all the help I can get, but I can't rehome him until he's safe. I swear I feel like I'm living the book Marley and Me, but with a bloodhound instead of a lab.

Noelle on the other hand is on two tons of meds, and she doesn't officially start treatment until Mon. if the new x-rays look good. Noelle started coughing on Wed. so back to the vet we went. We saw Dr. Joel. Noelle has irritated lungs due to the hw, so she is on pred to help with the irritation which makes her cough. She is also on Doxycyline which apparently weakens the heart worms themselves, so they are reproducing as much, nor as damaging to the heart. She is on Omega 6 to help strengthen her heart, vitamins to build up her sassy self, and glucosamine for her joints. She is such a good girl to pill, Thank god! They will re x-ray on Monday and maybe start treatement than. If things are still not looking so pretty, they will give her a month of the doxy, pred, and low dose hg to cut back some of the micorfilia and than check her again. I want her to have the best odds she can of surviving the treatment and the disease. Once she starts the actual hw treatment (I've forgotten the name of the drug, maybe Immitride?) she will be crated for at least 6 weeks with potty breaks only. We shall see how it goes. For now, I'm taking her everywhere with me, I want her to get out and about now while she can, so she is at work with me in the office this weekend. Showing all the other geriatrics how to kick up their heels. She's sporting a new pretty pink collar, and she's been groomed. She had a few hot spots under the mats, but they're healing well.

All right, I'm tired and I still need to vaccum and mop at work before turning in. 5 AM comes early! Sorry if this doesn't make much sense.

You can read the start of the blog (so far) its linked through www.shelsdawgs.com . Click on Noelle's blog. Arthur's will be linked through there, when I get to the point where their stories split off. I have pics to add to the blog, I just haven't gotten a chance yet. Sorry.

[shelsnsaus]

oh, I have pics here on the work computer of her right after her groom. I'll upload them now, the rest will have to wait until I get home.

[oursarge]

Oh thank you for the update, that was alot of typing for you. I will check the blog, I'll bookmark it.

She is such a beautiful girl I hope this will all work out for her. I've been thinking about her and just hoping that she will be fine and get a great home.

Arthur does sound like a handfull. A cutie but a handfull. It's hard when you don't know what dog or other animal he'll get along with. I don't know alot about blood hounds but I know the one they had at the school for demonstration was pretty big!

Thank you so much for the update and I really hope things will work out for everyone. You are a special person to take these babies on and love them.

[shelsnsaus]

Quick update. I'm at work, mostly pics for ya. It snowed here today, and the fosters were out playing. Neither could figure out what that white stuff was falling through the sky. ARthur was hilarious with his nose up in the air trying to figure it out. Noelle played with the little guys, and had a wonderful time. She really is pretty active for her age,a nd I want to give her a chance to move around and enjoy things before she is crated for treatement. the vet said it was ok as long as she was up for it.

I planned on playing Noelle this morning and resting her this afternoon, but she would have no parts of it. She's back outside playing again.

now for a few pics

[oursarge]

Oh the pictures are beautiful. I hope that Noelle will pull through, she seems like she's the sweetest of girls. How old is she, did you ever find out? When she gets better I hope there is a loving home waiting for her. That treatment sounds like it will be rough on her. She has come so far I am only thinking positive thoughts for her. I love her kind and gentle face, she could be Noah's sibling. Who is that little buckaroo standing next to her in the 2nd picture? That's a little cutie too. They look like they are such good friends!

Arthur looks like he's singing for joy! He looks like a riot but needs an owner who understands him.

That place looks like heaven all the dogs playing. I'd love that. When we got Noah alot of our working friends had puppies and I wanted to have a little doggy day care while they were at work I'd take care of the dogs and Noah would have friends but my man wasn't up for the idea.

Good luck with everyone. You are doing such good things for these babies, it makes me happy that there are good people when there are so many cruel ones when it comes to animals. I don't know what they'd do without the good people. Hugs to everyone.

[rums_mom]

Oursarge........Noelle is sweet. I am glad I had the pleasure of meeting her. I so hope that she can have the hw treatment and that she leads a long and happy life. No matter what, she is in a much better place than where she came from.

That Arthur! Way too much dog for me, and I have Kabota to compare him to. I sure hope Shels can get him straightened out, he is a beautiful dog.

Shels! Do the dogs go down the slide? I saw the slide and I can just picture them going down it and going WHEEEEE! LOL. Your doggie daycare looks like a fun place to spend time.

We got snow today too! I couldn't believe it. It was so pretty while it lasted. I don't ever recall getting snow this early in NC, not in the 20 years I've lived here.
I love Noelle's pretty pink bows. Pink sure is her color. Give her an extra rub me on her cute nose. Thanks for the picts

[oursarge]

Wow if Arthur is too much he must be a rip since Kabota seems like a handfull, a precious one but didn't you say he ate your couch???? It's so great you got to meet Noelle and Arthur and have a part in bringing them to their new home.

I have such a soft spot for Collies Noelle just grabbed my heart, I know she's better off, it just boggles my mind that someone could put such a sweet dog in a bad situation like she was in. I don't know all the details but it sounds like it wasn't good. I love how she seems to get along with everyone. I hate people who are cruel to animals, they are so helpless they can't fight back.

I saw that slide there too, I can picture Arthur going down that baby! He looks so funny but I know he'd be way too much dog for me. I've always wanted a German Shepherd but know I would not be a good GS person since "Don't do that honey" probably wouldn't cut it with a GS as he's going after someone! Arthur looks like he needs even more than a GS, he looks so powerful as far as his size and build. The one we saw at the demonstration loved his job doing search and rescue, wonder if Arthur would enjoy that?

I have to say I can get firm with the stable dogs, they can get out of hand at times and I can put them in their places but their owners have trained them to listen OK. I get to have them to myself over Thanksgiving, I'm excited about that. It's the closest I'll ever be to having a GS of my own!

Noah is such a good dog he doesn't really need much in the way of correction. I've been lucky with him. He was a rip as a puppy but once he hit a yr old he's been just the best dog. His only fault is not liking other dogs but other than that he's so special. Since he got sick 2 weeks ago I am so worried about how long he'll be with me, I treasure every second with him.

[shelsnsaus]

a quick video of the Arthur's group in the snow today.

YouTube - 2008firstsnow 018

[oursarge]

Well it looks like Arthur has made a very good friend, that doggy seems to like him very much! They are all so cute! Now is this a doggy day care and most of the dogs have homes or is it the rescue? There are so many dogs! They are all cute and they seem to get along nicely. Is that an Australian Shepherd in the group? It's very cute but then all of them are adorable. I enjoyed the video, everyone looks happy and they are having fun.

[shelsnsaus]

It is the daycare where I work. Kylie is the only other big dog foster, and I don't see her in the video.

They are prescreened to make sure they get along.

Today was the first day I put Arthur in with the main group.

[oursarge]

I think Arthur has a real good friend with that one dog! That looks like a great job, I'd love it!

[shelsnsaus]

he was playing with Buckley a chow golden mix pup (the brown one), and Rio (the aussie), the most today.

[oursarge]

I'm glad he has made friends. I hope your Cody is doing OK after the attack. Seeing him playing with the other dogs you'd never think he'd be aggressive.

[rums_mom]

I was thinking the same thing Oursarge, that one dog really likes Arthur. LOL...........

They sure are a noisy bunch aren't they? They do look like they are having a lot of fun, man that must be a lot of dog poop to clean up. Too bad you can't compost it like horse poop. What do you do with it?

[shelsnsaus]

Buckley and Arthur were, rather close, during daycare. Arthur was just as excited by Buckley as Buckley was with him. Of course during the video I was there, so thats what Arthur was focused on. Goofy dogs. He is setteling well, and over the weekend made several buddies. Buckley was only at daycare for the day Friday, but all day Saturday, Arthur kept going to Buckley's crate looking for him. He also was hanging alot with Rio the Aussie.
On Saturday, Arthur and Kylie (one of my other foster's) were hanging out together. They even took a nap together. Arthur is much more calm and relaxed now than he was. He just takes a while to settle. It makes me a bit queasy to think that when I place him what he'll be like that first week in their home. Arthur still needs some manners before going, but he's much easier to work with now. Everything is still a battle of the wills with him, but the panic brought on by change is no longer present, which makes things a bit easier. The biggies we are working on is not rushing doors, gates etc, and walking decently on lead. These are the areas he is the most dangerous in, unintentionally of course. He is getting along much better with the dogs. It was too much change and stimulation for him in the beginning. But unfortunatley, it couldn't be helped. He does have issue with certain dogs. His triggers seem to be vocal noisy for no reason dogs (hmmm kind of ironic don't ya think?), and puppies. He is not tolerant of the young. He is in my active big dog playgroup, no puppies, and while he is allowed (in his rule book) to make all the noise he wants, no one else is. Goofy dog. I think that is why he went "after" Cody. Cody, when cornered becomes very vocal. Arthur unintentionally cornered Cody in my kitchen. Cody was barking and growling because he felt cornered, and before we could react to move the dogs or diffuse the situation in any other way Arthur launched. Cody is fine now, he was really stiff and sore for a few days, he's a 13 year old arthritic lab to start with, but he's back to his old self now.

Noelle starts her treatment tomorrow. Say a prayer. She had a wonderful weekend and is snoozing now at my feet. She goes to the vet tomorrow morning at 9 AM and should get back sometime Wed. evening as long as all goes well. Her blog is updated and current, and I'll be able to post tomorrow starting with tomorrow; instead of posting in the past like I have been.

[JackieB]

Bless you all for helping these two wonderful dogs. I'll be thinking of beautiful Noelle as she receives her heartworm treatment.

[shelsnsaus]

well, Noelle is at the vets. They'll be calling me later this afternoon. Gotta go for now, I have a Thanksgiving Day Lunch at my youngest's school and I still have to make green beans.

I'll update again later today, or you can check the blog linked through www.shelsndawgs.com

[oursarge]

Good thoughts for Precious Noelle. I hope that she makes it through the treatments fine.

Have a nice Thanksgiving Lunch!

[JackieB]

Come on, Noelle! Be strong, sweetie! We love you.

[shelsnsaus]

all is going well in Noelle's treatment. Thanks for all the well wishes for her. She had her second treatment this morning and will be coming home this evening. So far all is going well!

[oursarge]

I'm sure she can't wait to get home. She's just such a cutie, hugs and more hugs to her.