Update on Missy

Remember Missy from last week?  She was the dog whom I believed missed her family so much.  As predicted, the young lady of 24, who was so interested in adopting Missy, even at her ripe old age of 6, met Missy last Sunday and still had love in her heart for her.  She excitedly submitted her application, and Missy went home with her just this past Thursday.

We don't know whether Missy's original family was a family with kids, or if maybe she belonged to just one person who couldn't keep her for some reason.  But what I do know for certain is that her new doggie mother will be very good to her, and Missy will soon be barking a new tune -- one of joy, security, comfort and love.  Lots of love.

Beautiful Becca

Linda hosted Becca for an overnight last night, before she was transported further up the line to her foster home.  Becca was beautiful, and enjoyed watching the neighborhood from her perch on Linda's deck of her condo.

The deck wasn't the only thing Becca enjoyed.  A good old belly rub is one of her favorite things.  Isn't it everyone's?  And notice how much she enjoyed just plain old lovin' (right).  I know, everyone enjoys that!

And here's Linda's favorite picture (left) of Becca.  It's wonderful to know she is well on her way to a safe, happy home, thanks to the transports that somehow manage to work in a rather chaotic situation.  And thank goodness for people like Linda, who are dedicated to helping these wonderful dogs escape to a much better place! 

Just Missy and Me

Yesterday, August 4th, another dog transport came my way.  I was supposed to transport two dogs, Missy and Oscar Meyer, last Saturday, but it fell through.  This weekend, I was set to drive both again, but learned late Friday that Oscar Meyer wouldn't be coming as he had a urinary tract infection and had to remain at the foster home where he is.  So Missy would be coming alone.  Because I thought I'd have two large dogs, I hadn't arranged for anyone to accompany me, as I wasn't sure the two dogs would both fit in the back seat.  So this time, it was just Missy and me.

I arrived early at the drop-off location, but waited only two minutes before Missy arrived.  It turned out her driver was Steve, who was the man who had helped me on a previous transport after I fell backwards in the parking lot (and got a mild concussion).  So I got to thank him in person for all his help that day.  I was so happy I got the opportunity to do that.


Missy is a six-year old mix who sadly was surrendered by her family.  Wish I could tell you why.  She's the sweetest girl, but it seemed quite apparent she missed her family.  I got the distinct feeling she hoped her family was there to meet her, and was disappointed it was only another driver.  She walked great on the leash, and after a few slurps of water, we were ready to go.


Missy inaugurated my special backseat cover-up that I'd hurriedly bought for my last transport, King Arthur, who instead chose to sleep on the floor.  She hopped right in, but was nervous and upset, as she panted quickly and whined a bit.  We waved bye-bye to Steve, and started our trek to the next location.

Missy contemplated being the navigator on this ride, but finally decided to settle down in the back seat -- where she kept her eye on me, just to be sure I obeyed all laws and followed the correct route.  I've become quite the expert at taking photos while I drive.  Don't tell anyone, okay?



Once we got off the highway and got into more stop-and-go driving, Missy was up to check things out herself.  She got excited, and hopeful I think, that her family would be there to meet her once we got to our destination.  She immediately began searching the parking lot, and I'm convinced she was looking for her family.  It made me sad, but I tried to cheer her up by taking her for a stroll and giving her some cool water.  But when a car drove by, she'd look up with such hope in her dark eyes.

We waited about 15 minutes for Ray, her new foster mother, to arrive and in those few minutes, Missy seemed to realize that she didn't know anyone in the parking lot, and she wanted to get back in my car.  I think she hoped we'd continue on to find her family.  But of course, that wasn't the plan.

Ray arrived and we chatted for a few minutes.  She needed to go to the pet store (one that welcomes dogs inside), which was across the parking lot.  So I let Missy go, and off they went.  I just know Missy was hoping Ray was taking her to her family.

Missy really tugged at my heart, so I was relieved when Ray told me Missy has a solid potential adopter -- a young lady of 24 who has already fallen in love with Missy, an older dog, just from her picture, and is anxious to have Missy come live with her right away.  Ray promised to update me.  So keep your fingers crossed.  Missy is a family dog who has lots of love to give, and it looks like her new family may be smaller than her previous one might have been, but sometimes a family of two is all it takes -- especially if it's a real love affair.  And I suspect it is.



Goober, Goober, Goober!

Linda hosted another dog this weekend.  His name is Goober.

He arrived on another Darlington Express Transport.  The history on these dogs is rarely known, and they can prove challenging sometimes.  If they've never had a home, or are always kept outside, they lack all training in the manners of living inside.  Such was the case with Goober.  So Linda had her hands full -- of cleaning products.

First off, Goober got a sponge bath.  Since he also enjoys belly rubs, he didn't mind much that someone was doing double-duty and cleaning him at the same time.  In fact, he probably didn't even know.  But hopefully, he enjoyed his cleaner little self afterwards.
Linda didn't report how Goober was on the leash, or how he liked his walks.  But Linda did learn this morning that he doesn't like the vacuum cleaner much, and he seemed puzzled when he watched her scrubbing the carpet.  Linda seemed to drink an awful lot of coffee, which Goober didn't understand at all.  She seemed to think it would calm her nerves, but Goober didn't get why she needed her nerves calmed.  Could it possibly be because she's a cleaning nut?  After all, that's how she spent most of her morning before delivering him to the next leg of his transport.

As for him, he was quite comfortable other than when the Hoover came near.

Despite this being one of Linda's more difficult cases, she and I both know that he'll soon be in good hands at Furever Friends in Rochester, NY.  And they will work to quickly get him trained on good homelife behavior, which will prepare him to find his "furever" home.  He likes people and is sweet.  He just doesn't know what it's like to have a home.  Hopefully, that will change real soon.  We wish Goober lots of luck on his quest!  In the meantime, Goober owes Linda a large roll of paper towels.

Yay, Effie!

Let me introduce you to Effie, a sweet terrier mix, who arrived two weeks ago on the Darlington Express transport, and had the pleasure of spending one night at Linda's house.  She quickly warmed up to Linda, who treated her to cut-up chicken.  No wonder!  Bribery always works with dogs!  But she wanted to follow Linda everywhere, and even jumped over a baby gate to be sure Linda was within her sight. 

Effie loves walks, and her little tail never stopped wagging as she pranced along with Linda.  She also loves her belly rubbed.

Little Effie was so fortunate.  After she left Linda's, she went to a temporary foster home, who had a boxer.  Effie fell in puppy love with him.  But this proved she'd be great with other dogs.  And before you could say, "Lady and the Tramp", Effie was adopted by a family who also has a small dog.  Hopefully love will be in the air there too.

It's so gratifying to hear these success stories.  This transport idea works, one dog at a time.  Effie is proof positive!

Dolly at Home with Linda

Dolly, who has a happy home with Linda, my friend who took up dog transporting with a vengeance and also hosts doggies overnight to enable them to catch their transport the next day, casts her gaze at the view off her deck of Linda's condo.  Yes, that really is Dolly!  You might think she's a black lion with her mane cut this way, but that's beautiful Dolly, looking stately and beautiful, as a happy border collie should.

Update on Andrew, the Chauffeur

You may remember Andrew, whom I drove on April 29th, along with Dolly.  You will probably remember Andrew because he was the big guy who planted himself in the driver seat, ready to drive off into the sunset.  I don't always get updates on the dogs I drive, but I did hear how Andrew, now called Mr. Cooper (Mr. Cooper?  Wish I could offer up an explanation, but it's a mystery to me too) is enjoying his new life.  Excerpts from his new mommy and several photos follow.  It does my heart good, and I hope it will yours, to know these dogs are making great pets and finding happiness and well-being with their new families.  Enjoy!

From Andrew's new family. He's doing great!!

Carolyn

Sent: Thu, Jun 21, 2012 11:58 am
Subject: 18 great iPhotos of Mr. Cooper

Hello everyone. I thought it was high time to check in and share recent pictures of Mr. Cooper especially since finally we had the fence installed. Now he can roam free as a bird. Some of his favorite things are his soft cushy bed, his nylabone, tennis balls, and our daily morning walk together. He has brought such a joy to our lives and we could not imagine him NOT being here. Everyone who meets him instantly falls in love.  He has only barked 4 times, once at our roomba vacuum and the rest during play times. He loves to ride in the car (HA! -- little do they know he'll be driving soon! - Andrea) and we take him whenever we can.  He is such a good boy. So I just wanted to check in and give you that update and let you know how he is doing. I can't wait to take him somewhere he can try out swimming, with those webbed feet and his otter-like tail, I think he would love it. I was even thinking of getting one of those plastic baby pools and seeing what he does with that.   Would be perfect on a scorcher like today!

Wendy