Monday, April 7, 2014

Tigger


THE LOSS OF A VERY SPECIAL TIGGER BOY

We lost a friend here at Fur and Feather last week. He was a funny, eccentric old dog with a unique and very loveable personality. Tigger came to us all the way from Red River in Northern New Mexico about 4.5 years ago and we ended up being the lucky ones. He loved his life here roaming around the Sanctuary, keeping tabs on all the happenings and he never skipped a beat. Tigger had clearly never been allowed in the house and every time I brought him inside and offered him a warm place to sleep, he would clearly let me know that he needed no such special treatment. It wasn't until the beginnings of this last winter that he finally conceded to coming in where it was warm and cozy. I can be very stubborn that way, and even though he continued to argue with me I kept dragging him in every night. He finally decided there was no better place to be and he pretty much stayed inside day and night for the whole winter and up until his final day last week. Tigger loved everyone, never held a grudge and was always there to help a cat that needed a cuddle or a person that needed a smile. We all have great dogs in our lives and many memories of our friends that will never be forgotten. Funny though how some stand out more than others. Tigger is now buried in our cemetery looking out over the open fields and the big mountain where he will forever be remembered as the Patriarch of Fur and Feather for a number of years. We love you old boy, fly free and run fast. From all of us here at Fur and Feather, we thank you for coming.  

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Bella is adopted!!

We are delighted to tell everyone that today Bella was adopted.  She now has an animal companion named Koko as well as a new human companion.  We already got the first update from Christine.  Bella and Koko got along just fine at FFAA so we expect this to be a good adoption.  Here is the update.
 
 
 
We are safe at home finally. The trip back was very mellow. Koko konked out and didn't wake for an hour. Bella was a little restless physically but her energy was relaxed. Lots of smells and exploring to do. She's already explored her crate and the yard.
 
Thanks so much to you both. It was the most memorable day!
 

 

Benji, Zorro and Johnny are ready for adoption

BENJI is a real character with tons of energy and joy. He is about 2 yrs old, weighs in at almost 20lbs and he lives life with great passion. Benji has only been at Fur and Feather since the beginning of the year and he
arrived with lots of frustration and pent up energy. Now that he gets to run and play with other dogs all day long he has become a real fun dog to be around. This boy will definitely need at least one or two other dogs to play with and lots of room to run. He does like to be bossy with the other dogs but as long as he gets lots of exercise it all works out fine. He will make a great family pet but may be a little too energetic for real small children. Benji is affectionate, comes when you call him and loves to hang out in the house too. He sleeps all night in his kennel and doesn't get up early. This is a wonderful little guy, he is a nut and he will bring his person a lot of happiness. Benji's adoption fee is $110.00 and that includes his neuter, vaccinations and a microchip. Lots of exercise will be a must.


ZORRO is young, not much more than a year old in the Spring of 2014 and he comes to us with little experience in life. He had a bad start and is now learning to love life, eat, play with other dogs and sleep in the house. This boy is very smart but he still worries a lot about whether or not he is getting it right and when he does get it right he gets so proud. Zorro is small, only weighing in at 30lbs but he does have a lot of filling out to do. He will succeed in a home where he gets a lot of attention, this is not a dog that you can leave out in the yard. Blue Heelers are very energetic, very smart and Zorro will especially need a very steady and loving hand so he can continue to blossom. This is a handsome dog with tons of potential n the right hands. He is timid around other dogs but he is getting more confident every day. His adoption fee is $110.00 and that includes his neuter, shots and a microchip. Come meet Zorro, he is a very nice dog.

JOHNNY is about 8yrs old and he loves to play and run with his dog companion, but then he is great at coming into the house and shutting down for the evening. He is a friendly dog, happy and well trained. A full sized dog would be best for a companion as he does seem to get a little crabby with small dogs that are too busy. His adoption fee is $75.00 to reflect his older age, he is in very good health too. He comes neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Very sweet guy that will make a fine companion. Call for an appt to come meet Johnny.




Saturday, March 1, 2014

January (now Stella) Adopted 26 Feb

FIRST NIGHT FOR STELLA.
She is good.  She slept all night.  She traveled well.  She is very shy with Ken but that will get better.  What do you think of the name STELLA?  We are calling her that now.  She is a sweet heart!
Thank you for bringing her to us.    Cherri
 
 
SECOND UPDATE FOR STELLA.
Stella is doing well.  She sleeps all night and now she has her own cage.  She has squeaky tennis balls to play with.  She still cowers when Ken approaches her but then she relents and snuggles with him.   She is shy but very affectionate.
 
She made fast friends with our granddaughter and our neighbor.    She sticks like glue to me.    We love her already.
 

Ken and Cherri

Bob & Bugsy Update

BOB AND BUGSY
 

Latest update on all the monkeys.  Bugsy still messes with Jasper.  Around noon every day (or every other day) we all go for a walk a couple times around the yard and Jasper takes off with Bugsy right on his heels then Jasper lays down and Bugsy runs into to him (not hurting him) then she lays down looking at him and all of a sudden he jumps up and they go again.  It's pretty funny to watch.

I'm working with Bob to teach him to sit.  It's slow going but he's pretty smart and sooner or later will catch on.

Bob and Bugsy got their first dental chew today.  Bugsy took off with hers and laid in our bedroom door chewing till it was gone.  Bob wasn't to sure what to do with it but finally chewed it up and looked for another one.  I told him only one every month or so.

Bugsy went to bed (in the crate) before any of us last night all on her own.  Bob gets up with Daisy every morning, goes out then comes back in and waits for breakfast.  Jasper gets up with us and Bugsy gets up when she hears Jim getting bowls for breakfast.  They have caught on that after meals they have to go out.

Bob is finally starting to bark at things outside (like the garage door opening/closing, a car going by, etc.)

Cats are still hiding out but come for breakfast as long as dogs are in.?

Bugsy and Bob walk right thru the birds but don't chase them or bother them in anyway.

Well, this chapter of the book is over but will keep you informed.  Thinking of this - it would probably make a pretty good and funny book.

Have a good evening - Jim & Sheri

Roscoe Update

Hi Laurie-- Roscoe is on his way back from his first ever vacation!  Miranda and I went down to South Padre Island, TX, to visit my parents; she really wanted Roscoe to come too (and so did I) so we drove instead of flying.  He travels like a champ-- very chill and relaxed in the car.   He had a great time at the beach and chasing balls with my parents' golden retriever.  As I write this, he's snoozing away on his travel bed here in the hotel.   When we checked in tonight, the desk clerk said he had better manners than most of their guests. :) 

Thanks so much as always for everything, but most of all for Roscoe the Flying Wonder Dog--

Bob and Bugsy adopted Feb 19, 2014

Bob and Bugsy moved to a home with two other dogs and some cats. 
Bugsy


Bob
The dogs did good coming home.  Bob tried to nap as did Bugsy.  From Quemado on home she got up in my lap and Bob put his front paws on the console.  
Bob, Bugsy & Jasper are going to do well together.  Daisy (the one we never worried about) is a little unsure and I think she feels a little left out but in time she will know they all belong.  Bob & Bugsy are exploring the house and I'm now going to try and give them all some dinner and see how that goes.  Bob took a really good and long leak but Bugsy has shown no interest in that yet.
Jim & Sheri

P.S. Bob spotted Orlando and started to chase him, Jim yelled "hey" and Bob stopped and came back to where we were walking the others.

Morning Laurie,

Everything went "pretty" well last night.  The cats are scared to death right now of Bob.  Think maybe it's because he's new and black but it's a good way to keep them outside :)  He was bound and determined to sleep in bed with us but finally laid down on the floor and went to sleep.  About 4 am he got up in bed with us but didn't stay.  Bugsy stayed up on the couch next to me until bed time then I carried her into Jasper's cage and they both slept till 7:30 this morning.   She's still a little stand offish but does come to us and lays up on the couch.  Hope
today goes as well as last night did.  Maybe the more the cats see Bob outside the better the situation will get.



Chanel

Many of you that have been to FFAA know Chanel.  She is the beautiful blue Pitbull.  Our wonderful volunteer, Deb, has loved her for some time and has finally been able to take her home.  We’re so happy for both of them.  There are two other dogs and some cats living there too.

Deb_and_chanel_going__home_Feb_2014
The first week went really good. I was worried because she seemed so scared and not like the Chanel I know.   She started eating and the girls play musical bowls. Izzy and Trixie head to Chanel's bowl and she just lets them eat. Then she goes to another bowl and has her meal. She's not afraid to walk on the hardwood floors anymore. She also comes to the bedroom at night and sleeps by Trixie on her bed. When I came home from errands yesterday she was excited to see me! It was cool. Trixie tries to play with her but Chanel is still a little uncertain. She's also getting much better about getting in and out of the car too. I love her very much.   Thank you for my girl Chanel. Love, Deb

Update on Madonna's, aka Bess, puppies

 Here are Mandee,  Fader, and Von  plus one picture of mama Bess (sitting on blue rug) showing how much she looks like Mandee

Bess (Madonna)
Mandee update
Mandee
Mandee is a long legged "teenager" - weighed 58 lbs the last time she went to the vet, and I estimate she's about 24" tall. (She tried to munch an 8" long centipede and it whipped around and bit her on the lip. Her tongue swelled up and she was dripping a foamy rust colored drool - doc said it was an allergic reaction to the sting).  She turned out to be very smart otherwise, and not one little bit shy - of people or animals - which surprised me. She's not a very good girl sometimes, we have occasional counter surfing issues and still have chewing problems, (she's taught Emmy (their daughter) to put her Legos away and watch out for her stuffed toys), but when we snap a leash on her she's all business. Emmy says Mandee is "Horrible and rambunctious" but the two of them are never in different parts of the house or yard - and Mandee is well trained enough that Emmy can walk her in most instances, although they never go anywhere without me.  Merry Christmas, and thank you for this treasured companion. We sure love her.  Penny
Fader
 
FADER UPDATE  She looks quite content.
Fader is wonderful and loving life.  
 
Von
Von update    Von is doing great. He has grown a lot. He just passed his year mark in October right? He was such a cute puppy! And now he's a big handsome dog. Bob has been working with him on some obedience training. He is doing excellent. He's incredibly smart. We love him so much! 

Roscoe adopted Jan 2014

Roscoe, a Boarder Collie puppy not quite one year old, was adopted on Saturday, Jan 18, and moved to Albuquerque.   He now has a little girl as his companion along with two cats and of course two adults.   Here are the first two updates.
 
Roscoe rides in the car like a champ.  He's a very relaxed little guy, and he did great on the way home.  He seems to like his new home, and he LOVES playing fetch with his brand new little girl in the backyard-- they ran around over all three levels together like a pair of goofballs.  Miranda showed him all his new toys in his toy bin in the living room, and they had a big time trying them all out together. 

The cats are taking it better than I'd hoped, and in spite of a decidedly chilly feline greeting at first, they all seem to be getting used to each other very quickly.  Roscoe was very calm and curious, and didn't press them, but didn't run from them either.  Before the evening was done, both cats had come up to him and touched noses.  Peace in our time!
 
We've taken him out briefly a few times, and I walked to the end of the block and back with.  We came back in to find Miranda on her bed with her dad for story time, and he jumped up on her bed and gave them both a little good night love, then jumped down and laid down in his own new bed next to hers, and promptly fell sound asleep.  :)
 
He seems like a perfectly awesome little dog, and we are absolutely delighted to welcome him to the family.  He's even won over my husband (who was tolerating this whole plan, but decidedly not thrilled.)  Tomorrow he's going to get a bath, and I think we'll all need to go to the park together.
 
I think it's very likely he'll be trained as a therapy dog, and he'll get to visit hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.  Miranda has always wanted a dog that could come to her school and be part of the national Read to a Dog program, and I think he'd enjoy that, too.
 

Thank you so much for all your help and most of all for Roscoe--    Chanda

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Rhea adopted Jan 2014

 The family wanted a new companion for their Cairn Terrier. Her new name is Sissy. She is fitting in great and has already met a couple of the grandchildren. It is going to be a great match. Thank you

November and December 2013 adoptions & updates

Chica is working out so well that when Lucky goes to heaven in a year or so, I think I'd like another large dog. It's amazing how housebroken she is. I've NEVER been able to fully housebreak a small dog. It's so nice to not have to pick up pee all the time :). We are able to get Chica into bed w/ us, Yay!!!
We will keep you updated on her forever. I like that she is low energy and very low maintenance actually. She likes to sleep all day. I take her outside for 15-20 minutes per day to get some sun and I sit w/ her. Going to take her on short walks to keep her limber. She seems real happy w/ us. 
Monday she's going to the beauty salon for a good bath, nail trim, ear clean, etc. I'm taking her to a good one because I don't want her hurt being lifted into the tub. So, I want REAL professionals on the job. 
She likes her stuffed toys and bones that I got her and her new beds. She doesn't like the steps I bought to get her into bed. So, will probably not use those. She is good w/ the 2 cats and Lucky. She is submissive but looks scary so is a good watch dog

SUKI  - adopted 11/11/13
We are getting along wonderfully. Suki (we are keeping the name since she knows it) is getting along well with the other dogs - she pretty much leaves the old dogs alone and runs with the younger two. We let her out to run with them several times a day. Haven't been letting her out unsupervised yet since she can wiggle under our gate. Still sleeping in the house at night, but not shut in her kennel. You'd be amazed at how much calmer she is. She actually walks now! And lays down by our chairs. Did you know she retrieves? She'll bring her squeaky toy back, and back, and back to be thrown again. Still follows the cats around trying to get them to run (which they won't). It is amazing how she and the big Catahoula have such similar quirks, like lying on their backs to have their belly rubs. And knowing when to stop playing before they get too wound up.

Oakley -Just got home a little while ago - and she immediately took to her new bed and is fast asleep. She's like me - on the way home she didn't want to miss anything - she sat up and looked out the window almost the whole time. You saw us with her first time throwing up - then twice more before we got to Socorro. I changed the bedding each time - it was pretty good by the time we got here. But I have no doubt she will adjust to car travel - I'll take her on little trips to the town parks and then on longer and longer ones.
I didn't stop and see friends because it was getting later and later - of course I had to stop for pie before I got on the road.  Tomorrow several will come to meet her. And she will see her new digs in the daylight.
But we are already bonded - definitely a match made in heaven.
Thank you, thank you!

Cassie -was adopted and moved to Albuquerque.  She will be a companion for an adorable five month old puppy that is part Boxer and part Dalmation but is deaf.  She also now has a 9 year old little girl to love.  We think Cassie will be good at being companion to the puppy.

PeeWee - adopted Dec 7, 2013  She now has a new mom and furry friend named Penny.
We got home a little while ago.   Finally, north of Socorro, she curled up in the red bed and slept the rest of the way home.   At home she was pretty disoriented and would not pee or settle.   I left her alone, then I fed both dogs and again left her alone (in the kitchen with us).   She finally went over to Grace's bed and settled in.   Soon the soft sounds of snoring could be heard.   She enjoyed a rawhide, and she is still resting.

ELSIE - adopted Dec 2013
We got home and got her a new bed (memory foam) that Elsie quickly adopted as her own and keeps all of her toys on it with her.  She’s been very methodical about checking out her new surroundings and exploring everything both inside and outside.  Elsie is already very close to both Julie and her sister Jessica and does not leave their side.  If they are not around, then she will follow me or Veronica around, but hasn’t quite figured us out yet.  I know that it’s only a matter of time before she’s comfortable with us as she is with our children.
It was actually quite funny last night, as she was exploring the kitchen, she came around the kitchen table and caught her reflection in the sliding glass door and responded with a very deep WOOF  (first sound that I have heard from her).
She had a very good night last night sleeping in her new bed next to Julie’s bed and as predicted, got up and did her business outside in the morning..
Elsie has quickly become a part of our family and we cannot thank you enough.  She is such a beautiful dog and truly just what we were looking for in a new member of our family.
Julie really enjoyed our trip to Pie Town to visit meet all of you, visit with the dogs, and bring Elsie home with us.  I appreciate the work that you do and found it well worth the trip.
I will keep you up to date on Elsie’s progress.

Gi Gi was adopted and went to live in Belen with Chica.  That makes one rather large and one very small furry friend for Dawn and Jose.   The two dogs knew each other when Chica was adopted and were very happy to be back together when  Gi Gi arrived.  Things seem to be going great for them.