The soft sell

Sometimes the best way to promote a dog is to stand aside and let them do it themselves. So it was with Zach today. I took him over to Green Dogs to meet a interested person. They brought their other dog along. All I had to do was stay out of his way and let Zach be Zach. He met the people and loved on them. He was interested in meeting their dog and once they did, the two dogs hit it off. I told them my experience with the dog, but they could see it all firsthand. Zach is one of those "what you see is what you get" kind of dogs. 

They spent quite a bit of time walking with him, loving on him, letting the dogs interact. As a result, Zach has a new home to go to sometime next week following his surgery on Tuesday. I felt like I didn't do much today. I got a dog adopted, and that's a great accomplishment for any day, but really he did it all himself.

Boxer Hiker

It was a beautiful day. I had some unfun things to do in the morning, but this afternoon I started out on a hike with Della and Maya. We went 3.6 miles and would have gone farther but I wanted to get the boxer boy, Zake, out on the trails today too. I debated whether to take a second dog with him but ended up taking him alone because I thought we needed the bonding experience. I'm glad I did. 

It turns out that he's a hell of a hiker. He doesn't pull, at all, but he does set a nice brisk pace. He really reminded me of hiking with Sparky when he was young. I'm not sure if it was a new experience for him or if he was just enjoying being in the woods after being kept in the shelter so long during the court case, but he was clearly enjoying himself, and so did I. 

We went another 4.4 miles, giving me 8 miles for the day and it felt good. It worked the kinks out of my muscles and joints, gave my heart and lungs a good workout, and cleared the funk out of my brain. Best anti-depressant ever.

Happy boy

There are some large rocks on Boulder Forest trail that make good dog posing stands.

He's got a cute face.

This is his serious boxer look.

Sam(antha) and Koa

It was back in May, 2011 that I took in Koa along with his brother, Ranger. My mother had just arrived in town, and we made a visit to Montpelier, in Orange County, and then picked up Koa and Ranger from the Orange county shelter. I didn't really remember that until looking back in my blog, but I know that I have taken my mother, as well as Clay's mother, and several other people along with me when picking up or adopting out dogs. My sister Paula went to an adoption event with me once. It's not that I've intentionally involved them in this, but if you visit me often enough, it's bound to happen. That may be why I get so few visitors.

My first adoption of Koa was a dismal failure but taught me a valuable lesson, which was to not adopt a dog to any man who wants or needs a shepherd to bolster his male ego. (Ask any shepherd rescuer, it's a common problem and I'd bet that it's true for any other perceived "macho" breed of dog.) The dog was returned in less than 48 hours after which I found some serious shepherd people to adopt Koa down in Roanoke. I heard from those folks again shortly after my first posting of Sam. Koa is still with them, but is older now, and they were interested in the young girl. So Sam and I made the trip to Roanoke today and I made the return trip by myself. 

I sent Erika a text on the way home telling her that it was "done." She asked if they liked her and I just laughed. She was a barky, jumpy, obnoxious, little shepherd bitch. They were serious shepherd people, of course they loved her. Koa is reserving judgment for now, but I expect he will come around.

This is Koa today. Still a handsome dog.

They have a huge fenced back yard. Sam quickly found a stick to carry.

A completely inappropriate, over-sized stick, but it was the one she wanted.

This is Koa in his cozy corner spot in the house where he can observe all household activity.

Turkey Day Run

Today's lineup included Bessie for the first time, in addition to Theo, Max, Serena, Della, and Sam. I was wanting to bring out the boxer, Zake, as well, but he wouldn't come to me to be leashed. We still have some bonding to do. Bessie really enjoyed herself and she's surprisingly fast for being a dog who doesn't look to be built for speed. 

Zake was great on his first night. He was in a crate next to Sam and he went to sleep as soon as I put him in there and didn't make a sound until morning. He's fitting in real well with everyone. He's still a bit scared of me at times, like when I'm trying to leash him. Indoors he has no problem with me. I need to get him out on a hike and spend some time with him and I'm sure he learn to trust me. He's hunger striking still, so he's obviously not entirely settled in, but I'm sure he will be soon. 

Max with his stick

Dame Della

Bessie leading Sam in a chase

Faster than I expected she would be, and she really loved getting out to run.

Bessie and Theo, running around the brush pile.

Theo in pursuit of Bessie.

This gives a good idea of the relative size of Della and Sam.

The younger dogs, Bessie and Sam, have really made Theo step up his running game.

Theo, Max, Bessie, and Sam

Sam, Theo, Della watching from behind

I think likes the little girl Sam. They are together in most of these pictures. 

He usually only runs when playing ball, but he's been chasing her all over the pasture.

Max, without a stick in his mouth for a change.