A Tale of Two Doggies...or Four

A quick update to those of you who know that the Krebs Kennel has gotten delightfully out of hand.

My first-ever foster, Cyrano of the Famous Lovers, was an absolute doll. As I told my mentor, if he had been my third or fourth foster, I might have known not to ever let him go. But I was new and idealistic and I did...however his adoptive home did not work out. Happily Col. Potter allowed me to bring him back to Kansas and he is now Mulligan, my "do-over" dog.

It quickly became clear that, at age 3, Mulligan has far more energy and orneriness than my 11-year old pair -- Bogey (CPs Brigand) and Pearl (a rescue Westie). I set out to find a pal for the new boy and Col. Potter graciously allowed me to adopt "Amazing Grace" or Gracie!

Little 3-year old Gracie has had quite a lot of turmoil in her life and was a bit spooked when we shuffled her again. But she has bonded like glue to Mulligan and has special relationships with each of the oldsters. It's all helping her to sublimate her timidity and enhance her assertiveness!

So now we're headed into the winter months with a houseful of furry friends. We couldn't be happier -- THANK YOU, Col. Potter!!!

Charlotte in Lawrence, KS

Emma and Gracie: Therapy Dogs in Training

I went to Darlene's facebook page and pulled this link to her dogs' PHOTOS.  

Circle is Emma, and Cube - the little Chihuahua looking cairn girl - is Gracie.  They were adopted last year in October, and they are in training to be part of Darlene's therapy pet program.

Isn't it great to know that these little girls that were virtually "cast aways" from a breeder now not only have a mom who loves them, but an extended family of volunteers who help her take care of her dogs, getting them back and forth to the hospital, and working with patients who love on them all day while they're at the hospital? 

I think she had these pics taken early this year, so the girls are a little bigger now than these pics. . . . . . .

 

Foster Mom Kathy H in MO

The Many Adventures of Cypress ... er, Gracie

Hello Stacey - Just wanted to let you know Cypress, now Gracie is home. She is a good traveler, and a great dog. She is getting comfortable and follows Teri around like a shadow. Attached are a few pictures (note that she is sitting on the one couch Teri said she is not allowed. That lasted about five minutes). Thanks for all your help.

Jeff and Teri
 
Here's an update from Cypress' dad to let us know they made it home safely. He's included some cute pictures. You can sure tell this girl's going to be the center of the universe. :-) (Her collar and matching leash are bright pink with Hawaii spelled out in white embroidery. They were hoping to adopt Cypress as soon as they got home from their vacation. :-)



To explain the 'couch comment', Teri had said there was just one piece of furniture that Cypress wouldn't be allowed on - a couch. lol Apparently that's going to take some training, but I'm not sure who's going to get trained. ;-)


Dear Cuzins,


Everybody's got talents, but I think we found mine today. I have been DISCOVERED! I gotz talent!

You see at my house, Mama has a toybox in the famblyroom. It's a GREAT BIG toybox like Uncle Brian makes. In fact it's JUST like the ones Uncle Brian makes! Yesterday I found it and climbed right in, head first. Down inside it I found this CUTE pink bunny. She's bigger than my head! but I'm a strong little cairn girl, so I held my head REALLY high and brought it over to show Mary. Then I had to go find a whole bunch of other toys to show Mary. I was very busy digging in the toybox for quite a while!

This morning, after I went potty, I got to go in the famblyroom again (this is the DISCOVERED part). I found a fun toy and brought it to Mary and she tossed it away from her. I went and got it for her and she tossed it again! I kept picking up her toys and bringing them back to her and she kept throwing them. She said I was playing fetch and she said I was the BEST fetcher she'd ever seen! We played for FIFTEEN minutes straight and every time she threw it, I'd bring it back to her.

This is a fun game. You guys should try it at your house!

xoxo
Cypress - Da Monster slowly turning into a princess.

Miss Plum is now Gracie and so loved!

Pam,


I sent you an update about 10 days ago but this one is even better! We are the very PROUD and HAPPY MOM and DAD to GRACIE (fka Miss Plum), who is the love of our lives! Even our cat, Oliver, loves Gracie and walks with us on every walk. They had no difficulty bonding!

We took your advice and have proceeded very slowly to introduce her to new people and new places. We know for certain that Gracie is fearful of large, loud men and women. Her introduction to our grandchildren went even better than we could have hoped. The boys were wonderful with her so she relaxed. Of course, they can’t wait to play ball with her!

You will be happy to know that after the first week, Gracie began to warm up to Chan by leaps and bounds. She is equally at ease with both of us now. Last weekend, we went on an errand, Gracie was my lap when suddenly she crawled into Chan’s lap when he stopped at a light. He was so thrilled he was almost speechless! We go for 2 long walks around our little lake each day (early morning and evening) which she loves as there is lots of nature to see. Oliver, of course, has to go along for “protection”! Gracie has become much more relaxed on her walks and loves to explore. Going through openings or doorways is still the same—no progress. I’m glad she is light enough for me to pick up!

I am going to take some pictures this weekend to forward to you. We have had so much rain for the last couple weeks that it’s been difficult to get good photos. As you can tell, we are all truly enjoying our time together. We are thrilled with Gracie’s progress. She’s eating well, exercising, loves to be massaged and soothed and plays a fast game of ball with her “pink” ball! We’re amazed at how many toys she can carry at once!!! Our prayer is that gradually Gracie will become more relaxed around other people. If not, we can deal with that. Gracie is blessing us and we hope her life with us will be blessed, too.

Pam, the love, tender care and the excellent work you did with Gracie enabled her to find the ability to trust you. Because of your work, she is able to now trust that we will protect and care for her. The short time we’ve spent with Gracie has taught us what a gift you have. We’re so grateful. Thank you for trusting us with “Miss Plum”. I promise you we will not let you or Gracie down.

Love,
Judy & Chan
Aka “Gracie’s” Mom & Dad

P.S. The book you gave us about working with our shy dog has been wonderful!

Sorrell is now Gracie Elizabeth

Hi Eveyone,
Just to let you know that Sorrel (now Gracie Elizabeth) was adopted today to a wonderful family. She will be cherished and cared for. She even has a Westie brother - Felix. He was quite taken with her. The first thing she did was go out in the yard to potty. Such a little lady. Thank to all in CP who helped her along her first path to freedom. Gracie only lives about 25 miles from me, so I can visit her from time to time.
Mary (KS)

Gracie's First Agility Trial

Gracie (fka Daisy Bumstead) competed in her first agility trial 2 weeks ago, along with her brothers, Quincy and Charlie. She was the very first dog to run on Saturday morning and was a bit overwhelmed, but got braver as the weekend went on.

She and her pair's partner, Feather the Corgi, both did 12 weave poles and she tamed the teeter monster, so I was one proud Mama.

On Sunday morning, she had a lightning fast Snooker run, filled with lots of jumps and her favorite obstacle, the tunnel - she earned her first Q (Qualifying run) and came in 2nd in her class!

Pam in So Fl