Category — Dogs

08001_Jun13_234, originally uploaded by rockstarbaun.

My neighbor put her dog down yesterday. She was quite old (15), so it was expected. Honey was a neighborhood fixture and my dog Dylan’s best friend. So sweet and gentle.

I took this picture yesterday morning on my Blackberry when I stopped by to say bye.

Two greats pass on.

Bo Diddley obit

Yves Saint Laurent obit

Lola has a new foster home. We miss her but she needs more attention than we can provide right now.

Lola snapped at me last night when I was feeding her in the crate. She’s fine if I put the food in first, then let her in but this time she ran in as I was leaning in it then gnawed my hand like it was a BBQ sparerib. She probably felt that I was a threat since both myself and the food where in the crate. It doesn’t faze me though. Oddly enough, it was kinda funny since I know she doesn’t mean to really hurt and she has these little teeth. Seriously though, we need to work on this. I’ve gotten some tips to deal with this behavior and am going to try them out.

This incident is totally out weighted by her 98% of the time sweetness and super kisses (Lola’s kisses are probably 25:1 against Dylan), so I know she is at heart a good girl who just needs to work on her manners. Most of the time, she’s following Adam around. When he’s on the couch, she’s right up there with him, licking him and wanting to be petted. I have not seen so a dog give kisses so much! Literally, she is non stop. It’s like she’s saying, I love you Dad, I love you Dad, I love Dad, Thank you Dad. She’s even giving Dylan kisses, which I’ve learned is an act of submission. Dylan, on the other hand, he’s totally controlled with his kisses. First he sniffs, then you get one to, if you’re lucky, three controlled licks. Then he’s off to stare out the back door or grab a toy. That’s one thing about Lola that’s surprising. Her lack of interest in toys, the nylabone or even attempting to fetch/run after something thrown. At least for now, we don’t have to worry of her dragging anything outside and burying it!

08001_Apr04_043.JPG, originally uploaded by rockstarbaun.

Well, it’s definitely been a tiring week with a new dog in the house. But there’s good news! Friday, Dylan stopped randomly attacking Lola and now limits it to (so far) once a day, and when she has gone after food she shouldn’t have (e.g., on the street). But they are now able to be on the couch together without incident. Also, on a walk, Dylan and Adam were a block ahead of Lola and me. Dylan stopped, sat and waited for us to catch up! What?!? And even more surprisingly, he turned into the enforcer. Whenever I correct Lola for like, trying to eat food off the table, Dilly comes running up to her like, “You heard her!”. No attacks and barely a growl.

We can see Lola progress too. She’s learning to sit and happily goes into her crate for food or treats. They’re been a couple potty incidents, but it’s only because she didn’t get out in a reasonable time, not willy nilly peeing everywhere. She’s still learning to walk on lead and has shown some food aggression to me. I got my third and biggest bite from her this morning when I was putting her food in the crate. She desperately tried to get it as I was putting it in, so I tried pushing her back until the bowl hit the ground. Instead she bit me, good too, on my left index finger cutting a 1/4 inch gash. I tried a second time to put the bowl down, she got aggressive but backed down after a stern correction. She’s not like this every feeding, but I have noticed that it’s been when she’s extremely hungry. I suppose it’s a reaction from her time as a stray.

Having Lola reminds me of how much work a foster/rescue dog is. She’s finally learned that the crate is her den and more importantly, she started eating. We tried kibble alone, wet food alone, kibble + wet food, peanut butter, chicken stock, kibble + chicken stock - nada. It’s all about the beef gravy. Eventually I she will start eating kibble alone, but for now, I’m happy she’s eating after a four day fast. Next, walking on lead.

Lola just loves EVERY person she meets and tries really hard with Dylan. But Dilly still terrorizes her. He’s laid off a bit, but today, he jumped her 3 times - all when we walking. That’s it. We have to keep them separated since he just winds her up.

Adam and I volunteer with NYC Shiba Rescue and got our first foster dog Thursday nite. Her name is Lola (originally Isis), she’s 2 and all she wants to do is get love. She’s a total love bug and follows you everywhere, craves human attention and gives lots of kisses. Dylan can’t stand it though and is trying to adjust. If you’re or someone you know is interested in adopting her, please let me know.