Happy Tail: Chester

Chester has arrived at TAGS in June and he was adopted by the end of July! This handsome but timid dog found his home fast at the loving home of Krys Caughell and her family. 

Why Chester?
My Husband and I decided to adopt Chester because we fell in love with him when we met him. He’s such a special little dog! He seemed a bit shy at first and we knew he’d need some extra attention. But we’ve got a huge heart for animals and knew we could give Chester a very happy home. Oh, and he’s cute as all heck!

What did you think about the adoption process?
The adoption process was amazing. We felt very informed and comfortable throughout. And the organization is well run and does amazing work! We were pleasantly surprised with all of the things included with adoption – Chester being fixed, micro-chipped, pet insurance, training, week trial with food and accessories – it was more than we ever expected. I have and will continue to recommend TAGS. Adoption is the only option! (Want to help me convince my Husband that we need a few more??)

How did you find Chester? On the website, etc.. ?
Yes we saw Chester’s profile online. Actually – to be honest we almost didn’t meet him because of his picture – he looked like a completely different dog! But I’d seen his profile and looked into the organization and figured we should at least go and see him.

When you met Chester did you know right away that he was who you were looking for?
Yes and no. I fell in love with him right away because he is so adorable. But I also love all animals and I would seriously take them all home if I could. We were a bit unsure if he would be the perfect fit because of his shy and nervous temperament, mostly because we have cats. I think it was the week trial that we really knew he was our dog. Once he started to settle in and warm up to us – we could finally see the dog he really is! And he’s awesome. Best little dog ever!

What were his first days like?
His first days on the week trial were a bit tough for him I think. He was very shy, quiet and almost depressed. I imagine he was having separation anxiety from his foster mom, who you could tell he loved very much. He didn’t want to eat or play and he kept running to hide in the corner. He was also very afraid of my Husband! But after a few days, once he started to settle in and started trusting us, he transformed dramatically into a happy playful crazy little puppy.

How is he getting along with your other dogs/family members?
I have 3 cats – Alvin, Elvis and Lou. Chester likes the cats. Alvin especially – he wants to play with him so bad! But Alvin is a scaredy cat and runs. Which makes Chester think they are playing. Cue stampede. Elvis and Chester sleep and cuddle together sometimes, but might scuffle over food. And Lou is indifferent (pretty much to everything!)

Tell us a funny story or habit about Chester! 
Just one? Well, during the day he is crated. But my husband comes home at lunch everyday to let him out and spend time with him. So one day, like every other day, my Husband puts Chester in his crate and goes to work. He comes home at lunch and to his surprise there are 2 sets of eyes staring back at him from the crate. My cat Elvis must have snack in there earlier in the morning to sleep – and my husband not knowing and not seeing him just put Chester in like usual!


How did the training classes go?
Training was awesome. We learned a lot and felt like Chester did too. He could use more training I think in other areas. Like for example when the doorbell rings (even on tv) you’d think the world was ending. I’ve never heard a wee dog bark so loud!

 I could go on and on about how amazing Chester is and how much we love him. He is absolutely the perfect dog for us. He fits with our family and lifestyle so well. He is definitely the right dog for us!

Happy Tail: Wyatt

Our long-time volunteer, Cathy Lloyd has recently adopted Wyatt and we wanted to know how he was doing. It seems that this adoption was meant to be! Wyatt was rescued from a high-kill shelter in Kentucky this March. It didn't take long for this sweet boy to find his new home and now he is happier than ever!

Why did you decide to adopt Wyatt?

Wyatt before he arrived at TAGS

We simply fell in love with the little guy. We have adopted so many dogs through the years. We don’t really go looking for a new family member, it just happens.   

When you met Wyatt, did you know right away that he was who you were looking for?

I met Wyatt at one of our TAGS social functions and he made a huge impact on me. I really wanted to take him home with me right then and there!  He seemed so small and vulnerable and I went home and told my husband about him. I already felt connected to him. Then Wyatt was at Petsmart one day while I was there for TAGS, and I called my husband to come and meet him. He fell in love with him too…and the rest is history.

What were his first days like?

Wyatt settled in really well. He was a little timid and he still is sometimes. But he loved playing with Wally, our four year old Vizsla/Mastiff mix. They hit it off right away and are best buds! Wyatt got along well with our other dogs too.  I think he thought he was at the dog park. Wyatt bonded with us quickly too. He loves to cuddle. He would curl up beside me or even in my lap if one of the other dogs was lying beside me. He is such a sweet boy.

Wyatt meets Cathy at PetSmart

How did the training classes go?

Well, let’s just say that Wyatt didn’t graduate at the top of his class!  He did ok, and did much better when we trained at home. But once he saw the other dogs in his class, and if his foster family was around, he was more interested in visiting than learning. 

Tell us a funny story or habit about Wyatt!

Best friends

Wyatt likes to sneak things to play with. One of his favourite things is the toilet paper roll. He’ll sneak it off the roller and then run around the house with it leaving a long trail of toilet paper behind him. While our other dogs enjoy a rawhide bone treat, Wyatt will take his and try to bury it in the couch if he can’t get outside.

How is he getting along with your other dogs/family members?

Wyatt loves everyone. He loves our other dogs, especially Wally. They are best of friends and play together all the time. Wyatt is Wally’s shadow. 

Anything else you would like to share about Wyatt?

Wyatt is such a treasure. He plays hard one minute, and the next, he’s cuddling with you. In the morning, he likes to jump up on the bed and have a little snuggle before we get up. He is so affectionate. We feel so fortunate to have him in our lives.

November Adoptions!

10 pets found forever homes in November. That is our highest month all year! 

All of these animals have had a tumultuous go of it over the past few months, or even throughout their whole lives. We are so happy that they all found a new home just in time for the holidays!

Special acknowledgement is in order for Diesel, Josie and Dakota.

Diesel was with TAGS for over a year before finding a home. Despite being playful, energetic and adorable, he just couldn't seem to find the right home for him...until now!

Josie came to TAGS when the puppy mill she was living in closed down. Since she was used for breeding her whole life, Josie didn't know much about how to be a dog and it was a very long time before she even trusted her foster mom. Luckily, Josie doesn't have to learn to trust someone new ever again. Her foster mom decided to give her a forever home. (When this was announced at the TAGS Volunteer dinner, applause immediately broke out.)

Dakota is the only senior adopted in November, and as such, he's now our poster boy for "Adopt a Senior Pet Month." Way to go, Dakota!

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Thank you to all of our foster parents for taking care of these lovely animals when they had no one else to go to. You are the true heroes of TAGS! 

October Adoptions!

Congratulations to all five dogs who were adopted this month! 

Please click on the image to see a larger version.

Buffalo came to TAGS from a shelter in Kentucky on August 10. This 9 pound Chihuahua mix has a lot of love to give - if you let him come to you.

Bailey was surrendered to TAGS when her family decided that they weren't being fair to her by leaving her home alone so often. Now this happy dog is in a new home where she gets lots of attention!

Hope, still a puppy, was found locked in an abandoned out house on a farm. Luckily, the person who found this Collie/Shepherd/Husky (who knows, really) mix brought her straight to TAGS so she was able to get a second chance.

Dexter was sprung from the pound a few months ago. Once out of there, he turned into a completely different dog - happy, carefree, and playful.

Diamond, like Bailey, was an owner surrender. Her family said she didn't fit in with them and they wanted to find her a new home as a result. This adorable, funny little dog quickly, and easily, won over the hearts of her new family, and now fits in just fine!

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As you can see, the dogs adopted in October came to us through a variety of different ways. TAGS is constantly getting requests to take on more animals. Unfortunately, we need more foster homes in order to be able to accommodate these requests. If you or someone you know is interested in being a foster parent, please apply on our website. We look forward to hearing from you! 

Happy Tail: Nell!

Nell came to TAGS at the end of December 2012. At that time, she was estimated to be just over a year old. TAGS named her Noelle because if we had not rescued her in time, the shelter she was at in the United States was planning to euthanize her on Christmas Eve. Before ending up at the shelter, she was living in a hoarding situation, so needless to say, her life has been a bit rocky. 

This adorable rat terrier mix was in foster care for about 7 months. During every PetSmart or Pet Valu shift, volunteers and customers would gush over her sweet face and contagious energy. But nevertheless, she remained up for adoption.

Then, in July, that sweet face one again grabbed someone's attention, but this time they couldn’t look away, and she was finally adopted! After that, she got a new name to go along with her new life. 

An Interview With Nell’s New Mom, Lynda:

1. How and why did you decide to adopt a rescue dog?
It was totally by "accident.” We had just heard a sad tale about a dog on the radio and it prompted me to search the internet. TAGS popped up and suddenly there was Nell's photo. I sort of knew right there and then.

2. Why did you only put in an application for Nell (and not any of the other dogs)?

Her face.

3. When you actually met Nell, did you know right away that she was who you were looking for? Did it take a few days ? Tell me how this process went for you.
To be honest, it was a done deal before we even left our house [to go meet her]. We're not ones to "think about it" when it comes to an animal.  However, once we actually saw her we were certain. In fact, we were impatient for the whole adoption process to be finished so that we could officially take her home.

4. What were Nell's first days with you like?
Interesting. We hadn't had a young, active, inquisitive, dog in our home in a long while.  There was a lot of adjustment on all sides. I'm happy to be getting new shoes out of the deal.

5. How did the training classes* go? 

Welllllll, Nell is not much of a student, and is a bit aggressive when on a leash.  We learned lots, though.

*When you adopt a dog from TAGS, an eight-week behaviour training course is included 

6. Tell us some funny/quirky/endearing stories about Nell.
(Do you really have that much time?) During her first week with us, Nell discovered that squirrels and rabbits enjoyed our yard - past tense. She took note of their various points of entry and exit and checked them regularly. To this day, when we let her out, she bursts out the door, clambers down the stairs and across the deck, and runs her perimeter check - lilac bush, back gate, tub garden, side fence, and back up to the deck. Then, and only then can she enjoy the yard.  

P.S.: Pretty much everything about Nell is endearing.

Left: Yipee! Nell in the car on the first day of her extended visit.
Right: Nell bashfully sports a Thundershirt.

7. Now that it's been several months, do you think Nell knows that she's "home"?

We know that she knows. When we go on our walks, she sniffs her way around, but as soon as we hit the bottom of our driveway she drags us up to the front door, which cannot be opened fast enough for her to get in.

8. What are your favourite things about Nell?

She "loves" with her whole body. Coming home from work, and walking into the house is a major doggy celebration.  Her entire (wiggly) body welcomes us home every single time.

9. How is she getting along with Mona? (Mona is a senior Jack Russell Terrier who has lived with the family since she was a puppy.)

Now that it's been a while, they have developed an understanding. Every now and then they'll tear through the house together, which is funny because Nell has a great deal of exuberance, but no brakes. They both understand that Mona is the boss and is not to be questioned - ever!

10. Any other facts or anecdotes about your adoption experience that you would like to share?We know why it was a long process, but it was the longest three weeks of our lives. We appreciate everything that TAGS does, and are really glad that you were all there when Nell needed you most.  We highly recommend rescuing your next best friend. It's well worth it.

Nell with (some of) her new family members. 

Wordless Wednesday: Chappie's Gotcha Day!

Chappie found his forever home one year ago.
Happy 1st "Gotcha" Day, Chap!

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This is a blog hop. Check out the other participating blogs:

Happy Tail: Jill

Interview with Julie White - Jill's Happy New Mom

Why did you choose Jill?

We saw Jill at Pet Valu at the end of her shift. Her foster mom Gayle was picking her up. My husband spotted Jill and said "Hey did you see the dog over by the cash?" I said no and he brought me over to look at her. We fell in love with her right away. She stole our hearts, kissing us and giving us a look that said "please take me home!" 

Jill waited for a longtime to find her forever home.  She came in as a stray in the Bedford County Animal Control at 8 months old and was rescued in May the following year by TAGS.  She had an amazing foster mom Gayle and we adopted her in August.  

What did you think about our adoption process?

We think the adoption process is excellent. You don't just pay for a dog and that's it. You invest interest and time to see if this dog will fit with your family. TAGS makes sure the dog is going to a good home by insisting on the home visit and then the extended visit to insure everything works out nicely. Following the adoption there is some training which I think is great to begin a great bond with your new dog!

How was Jill's first few days with you and your family?

Our first day on the  extended visit my husband and I spent all day shopping with Jill. We looked for the perfect bowls on a stand, toys, treats, etc. It took twice as long cause Jill is a social butterfly, everyone stopped to look at her and want to pet her. Many stores later we had found everything to make her feel like home! 

How is she fitting in?

Jill on her Extended Visit

She has settled in with our family very well and we are so happy to have her in our lives. Jill's favourite place in the house would have to be in our cozy bed sleeping and chewing her bones!

She does very well on a leash and has no problems walking with our other dogs Turbo and Cheyenne. They all walk together very nicely. 

Jill also has many TAGS friends as we go to the park often. Her foster mom Gayle is still in her life as we have become great friends. I am just amazed with the work, connections and the difference TAGS makes in many ways for adoption, education, volunteering, and rescuing.

The Triumvirate!

Did Jill pick up any funny habits?

Jill likes to stash toilet paper cardboard rolls on our bed. She doesn't chew them, she just places them on our bed. No idea why!

In the morning she has more energy than my two JRTs, running around and getting the other two playing. She will take my one JRT back leg bite it and make his leg go up in the air to get him to play, it's funny to watch!

She loves to give kisses and have her belly rubbed.

P.S. she is spoiled!!!

Jill - probably dreaming about toilet paper

 Julie White did not only adopt Jill but she is now volunteering for TAGS. Thank you Julie and welcome to the TAGS team!

Are YOU thinking about volunteering, too? We are always looking for foster homes or general volunteers. Click here to apply.

September Adoptions!

I present to thee...the September Six! These six pets all found homes this month and we couldn't be happier for them.

Please click on the image to view a larger version. 

Some Facts about the September Six

• Bella came to TAGS as a stray back in January. Despite being from the streets, Bella lived up to her name and recently earned the title of Best Looking TAGS Dog.
• Alara was recently crowned Prom Queen during the TAGS awards, and rightly so! This feline gets along with her feline and canine subjects, but she always makes sure they know who is the boss! Alara is a very chatty cat who loves attention - but on her terms, of course.
• Weston came to TAGS from a local pound where he was only known as a number. However, he did not allow his time there to affect his fantastic spirit: Weston's former foster family used to call him "50 pounds of love," and everyone who meets him knows why!
• Gunnar is one of those mysterious unlucky-turned-lucky cases. For some reason, despite being well-behaved and adorable, Gunnar couldn't find a home when he lived in the United States and was having a bad time of it in the shelter there. Yet, when he came up to Canada, he was adopted in no time! Perhaps he just wanted to be Canadian.
• George is an energetic Cocker Spaniel who had to find a new home when his owner couldn't care for him anymore. Not surprisingly, this cute fellow was not up for adoption long before someone scooped him up!
• Suzy Q has already had a lifetime of misadventures and we are so happy that she can finally settle down and enjoy being a dog! As a puppy, her owner passed away, leaving Suzy Q a stray. Then, she got pregnant, went to a pound, and had a litter of 5 puppies! By the time all of that was said and done, Suzy Q had become a worrisome dog and carried that nervousness with her wherever she went. Thanks to her dedicated and patient foster parents, she improved enough to find a home, one where she can continue to build her trust towards humans. (If you'd like to read more about Suzy's story, click here.)

August Adoptions!

Congratulations to all nine dogs who were adopted last month!

Click on the image to view a larger version.

Some Facts About the August "Adoptees"

• Chewie was named through a contest on our Facebook page. He got his name because the contributor thought he resembled Chewbacca!
• Shorty and Ruby are brother and sister! As seniors who came as a pair, it was difficult to find them a home, but they won the hearts of their foster family and have now become a permanent fixture.
• Spike has been with TAGS since last September and his high level of energy was a lot to take for the first few families who came to meet him. Luckily, the right match came along!
• Jill is a social butterfly and is happiest sitting at someone's feet chewing on a bone.
• Rya is a beautiful Beagleman (Beagle/Doberman Pinscher mix) who is so great with children, all of the kids who lived in her foster home's neighbourhood used to flock to her whenever she went out for a walk.
• Becky is 15 years old and was found as a stray. Her front teeth have been worn away, but that doesn't stop her from loving treats of all kinds! She always finds a way to eat them even if it takes her awhile.
• Molly was adopted by her foster mom in record time because of an immediate bond that was formed between them. They were caught snuggling under a blanket on Molly's first night!
• Johnny M went on an adventure and was lost temporarily during his extended visit. After he returned (on his own!) his new family knew they couldn't bear to see him go again and signed the adoption papers as soon as they could.

15-Year-Old Becky Was Adopted!

Written by: Andrée Wagar
TAGS Foster Coordinator 

Becky was adopted this month, and while every adoption is wonderful, for me, this one is extra special.

As is usually the case in rescue, we don't know how Becky's story began, but we certainly know how it would have ended if she had stayed in the pound for even one more day. Her final few days would have been spent alone in a small enclosure with a cold concrete floor and soaked in her own urine before being euthanized. Instead, I took her out of the pound and brought her to TAGS. 

Becky is happy with her new family.
They adopted Ryella from us, as well.

Becky is an old dog. My best guess is that she is about 15. Her teeth are worn, her hips are weak, and her hearing is fading. But she still has a spark-a light inside her that shines out at the world when she looks at me and ambles over to say hello. In fact, it is impossible to stroke her now fluffy coat and not smile. She has that effect on everyone who meets her. As she gains weight and recovers from an infection, it is easy to see the dog she would have been in her prime.

She was surely a strong and loyal companion, because even though most of her physical strength is gone, she remains loyal, loving, inquisitive and eager to be around people.

No, we don't know how Becky's story began, but we now know how it will end because Becky has gone home with a wonderful, loving family who will show her compassion and give her the love and care she deserves in her final years, however many she has. She will get rides in the car, trips to the park and more than enough cuddles to keep her going-all easy enough to provide. In return, she will teach her new family and others the lesson that old does not mean useless and that even old dogs give unconditional love.

The Tuckman Goes For a Late Night Walk-About!

Written by Annetta, our volunteer & foster mom.

You can never be cautious enough when it comes to your dogs. Some like freedom a little bit more than others, and it's easier than you think to lose sight of them. Our guest blogger Lindsey Sjouwerman shared some useful tips on how to prevent your dogs from running away.

Tucker is safe now! He is up for adoption!

On this note, we'd like to offer many, many thanks to Breanna Spence of Strandmore Circle in Brooklin for keeping TAGS dog Tucker safe and sound overnight when he decided to go for a late-night walk-about on his own last Monday night. His regular foster home is in Bowmanville, but he was staying with another TAGS volunteer in Brooklin for a week.

When the post went out that Tucker, a 3 1/2-year-old spring spaniel mix, was on the lam, TAGS volunteers converged in Brooklin and combed the neighbourhood. By 1 a.m., we realized he’d either made friends with someone out for a late evening stroll and was in their garage or home for the night, or he’d decided to bed down in one of the many deep brush/forested expanses in the area.

First thing Tuesday, volunteers were out again searching for him and putting up “lost dog” posters. There were still no sightings. Fortunately, there are many pet lovers in the neighbourhood, and since Tucker is microchipped, TAGS received a phone call in the early morning with the news that he was safe.

It turns out that he’d made friends with a neighbour at around 2:30 a.m. a few streets from where he'd started his adventure. The neighbour, Breanna Spence, realized he was a stray and wanted to keep him safe. She couldn’t bring him into her home, so this wonderful young woman slept in her car with Tucker until morning. Breanna then drove Tucker to the humane society, where he was identified through his microchip.

Not only was Tucker was kept safe, he also had the companionship of a caring, smart guardian. Way to go, Breanna! The Tuckman sends you lots of big kisses and high-fives, and TAGS sincerely thanks you for looking out for him!

Here is the link again for the blog post written by our guest blogger Lindsey Sjouwerman with some useful tips on preventing your dog from escaping.

Wordless Wednesday: One Look Says It All

Noelle (now Nell) en route to her new home! Yippee!
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Click on the image below to see more photos
from the participating Wordless Wednesday blogs.

July Adoptions!

Congratulations to all six dogs who were adopted this month!

Click on the image to view a larger version.

Zoomie is a one-year-old basset hound mix with ears made out of silk (or so it seems). Zoomie was a stray who ended up in the pound before she entered TAGS foster care. In her foster home, Zoomie showed just how happy she was to have a second chance by being very affectionate and playful with everyone she met, so it's no surprise that she caught the eye of a family looking for a new furry friend.

Frances is a three-year-old boxer mix who was found as a stray. She had some cuts and scrapes on her when she first entered TAGS foster care, but despite what happened in her past, she is an affectionate, loving and easygoing gal!

Maddie is about eight years old. This Australian shepherd mix came to TAGS from a shelter in the United States, where she was in danger of being put to sleep due to lack of space. Maddie is a fantastic family pet who loves other dogs, children and attention, but she ended up at a shelter because her previous family thought she was too old. Luckily, a new family has welcomed Maddie into their home, and she couldn't be happier!

Noelle, now named Nell, is a rat terrier mix who is approximately 1.5 years old. Nell loves to run and play, especially with other dogs. Nell came to TAGS from a shelter in the United States just before Christmas, so compared to the other dogs adopted this month, she has been waiting the longest for the right family to come along. This energetic gal charms people with her adorable face and silly antics.

Xavier is just under a year old. This Jack Russell terrier mix is very smart and loves to play with other dogs and people. Xavier was in a pound before being rescued by TAGS, and even though he was very scared there, he completely came out of his shell when he was given a chance to be a dog again.

Chester is a copper-coloured Corgi/Cardigan mix who is approximately one year old. Chester lived in a shelter in Tennessee before entering TAGS foster care. Chester is a happy, playful and outgoing guy who loves attention. He likes to cuddle with people and dogs, but he could do without cats—they are scary!

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Thank you to everyone who has helped spread the word about the great pets we have available for adoption. Sharing photos from our Facebook page, retweeting our tweets and using old-fashioned word-of-mouth can make all the difference for some of these dogs! 

One Furry Reason to Foster Dogs

Here is a touching story from one of our foster volunteers, Chris Stones. It's amazing how the smallest things can mean the world to some of our rescue dogs.

Suzy Q is up for adoption! Photo: Heather

Last night Sheila and I were in bed watching TV as we normally do when Suzy Q suddenly decided to jump up on the bed and join us. That is a normal occurrence with Fred and Mia, our other two dogs, but for Suzy it was huge. She has suffered a tremendous trauma at some time in her life that has left her timid, scared and very wary of just about anything that walks on two legs, especially men. As foster parents, we are responsible for reintroducing Suzy Q to the real world and helping her forget the past and change her behaviour so she can once again enjoy the company of other dogs and people.

When we first got her, she took 15 minutes just to come out of her crate. She now roams freely about our home and plays with Fred and Mia constantly, and her trust factor with people improves every day.

Her jumping on the bed last night was like having your own child take their first step. It was like that moment when you are introduced to a small baby and they hang on to your finger for dear life. It was at that moment both Sheila and I realized that while we had seen small improvements every day, Suzy Q, while still timid and shy, trusts us and others. Now the task of rehabilitation can really start.

Suzy Q

I believe most of us would like to belong to something bigger—to give back to the universe even if just in a small way. This is our first foster, and while we will be very sad when Suzy Q is adopted, we will also be so proud of the strides she has made toward  being a balanced little dog. Her confidence, her trust factor, her personality, her playfulness get stronger every day, and we know it is partly because we have taken the time to care, taken the time to share our home and taken the time to share our own little pack of humans and animals with another animal that needed help to realize her full potential. When we uplift anything, another person, a child, an animal, or when we help anything that shares this planet with us, we give back to the universe around us, and what we get back is immeasurable.

I almost cried a little when Suzy Q jumped on the bed last night. I was so proud of her. She overcame her fear, ignored her gut feeling and took a chance. Imagine if that is all any of us did, to help another to overcome fear and take a chance . . . what an amazing world this would be.

Iggy's Happy Tail

Casey Liut, Iggy's new mom, answered our questions about how Iggy is fitting in since his adoption in March.

Why Iggy?
I have always had a love for shepherds as I had one growing up. My husband has always had a love for Rottis, so when we read about the  shep/Rotti cross, it perked our interest. After we read his bio, we became really excited—he sounded like such a laid-back giant goofball! He had also been living with a cat, which was a bonus for us as we already have three cats in the house. When we finally got to meet him and see just what a happy-go-lucky, playful dog he was, we were in love! 

Iggy is a great photo model!

We also knew we didn't want to do the "puppy stage" but wanted a younger dog that could keep up with our busy lifestyle. Iggy's bio suggested he was the perfect fit.

How is he fitting in?

He has fit in quite well. He has always been very respectful of our cats (we have two senior citizens). Iggy does get bullied by our youngest cat—the cat will block Iggy from going upstairs or will drink from Iggy's water dish and not allow him near it until he is finished. Iggy is quite content to be the low man on the totem pole and will just cry if the cat is blocking him, so we know to go and move the cat.

Did he make friends with the members of the household and/or neighbourhood?
He has made many friends! He gets along with our friend's border collie, Tobey, as they are the same age. The two of them rip around my friend's farm for hours. They go over horse jumps together and continue chasing each other even in the house! Iggy gets groomed by my stepsister and he has made lots of friends at her shop and gets along with everyone he meets. He is quite loved by his aunties and grandparents and is spoiled rotten every time he is with them. My stepsister's dog and he play well together. He mostly plays, and she tries to herd him, but he doesn't care!

What's his favourite place in the house?
I think his favourite place is our living room couch. Every afternoon I come home, and this is where he can be found. He is also quite fond of our bedroom and will lie on the bed at night and watch TV with us.

What is his favourite toy?
Iggy's all-time favourite toy is his red dog that his foster mom left with him. Although any new toy becomes the instant flavour of the day, he always goes back to this toy, especially at 10:30 at night when he tries to convince you that you do indeed want to play with him and not go to bed!

I will say he does appear to have a favourite outdoor toy—his Wubba Kong. He loves this one most as it has a very distinctive and loud squeak,  and he loves playing fetch with it! It is a more "obnoxious" toy, so it doesn't come inside the house, as it is also generally slobbery by the time he's done!

How is his walking?
Iggy has much improved with walking on the leash and goes for two to three walks a day. I did a lot of work with him on the umbilical training and going through the kids' playground—he picked up quite quickly to follow, as he didn't know what way we were going and enjoys jumping objects and even going down the slide! I think we will be trying out some agility in the near future! He has also become a great running partner when we can run—stays right beside me and does not try to cut me off! We are starting to wean him off his Gentle Leader (which he quite detests!) and walking with a collar.

Iggy is focusing on a treat

Did he pick up any funny habits?
Iggy does like to watch the squirrels and even the birds as they fly overhead, but his ultimate favourite animal to chase is bunnies. You even mention the word "bunna," and he's on guard looking for one! He does try to sneak up on them, not realizing they can see the 80 lb dog. But he tries really hard to be quiet and stealthy! I doubt he wants to hurt the "bunnas"—he mostly just likes the fact that they are fun to chase.

Iggy will steal wood from the woodpile to play with at times. I suppose he figures we have created a giant stickpile just for him.

As I said, he is not a fan of his Gentle Leader, likely because it works. He will stick his nose straight in the air when you put it on him. He makes a face that is hard to describe, but you can tell he is not happy about it. Almost like he finds it humiliating to wear it! But once outside, all is forgotten!

Iggy is big on conversation. He used to back-talk a lot! He seems to have gotten over that, though. He still does like to chat, especially about his breakfast! He has learned to speak on command. As well, he is learning to use his "inside voice" and to "ask nicely," and he does change his volume and tone when you tell him this!

Iggy has just figured out the "roll over" command and now does it with every other possible trick for a treat. There is always a "comment" from Iggy when lying down, and then he will roll over on his own.

His favourite games are fetch and tug-of-war. He will play both for hours at a time! He even helps my nephew practise his lacrosse defence—my nephew gets his stick to cover the ball on the ground and then tries to keep Iggy off the ball. Quite the challenge for him, but Iggy is happy to practise with him!

He is quite the water dog—he has been in my parents' pool several times! He enjoys my friend's pond every time we are at her farm (no matter how hard we try to keep him out, he always sneaks a swim in). He has no problems jumping right in and going under water. He has also enjoyed the lake at the cottage, as there is a long sandbar, and he can stroll in and touch the ground for some distance.

Iggy fits right in.

Do you have any other funny stories to share?

Iggy seems to love walking through the park in the afternoon and seeing all the kids running around. I am sure he would love nothing more than to have me let him off the leash to run with them. We came across  a toddler yesterday who was a bit unsure of Iggy but wanted to pet him. I had Iggy lie down, and the child was happy to come up and pet Iggy's back (Iggy just lay there). The baby then took the leash from my hand and started to walk away, and Iggy was more than happy to follow him! I held on to the other end just in case!

When we were packing to leave for a holiday, we were outside loading the trailer, and Iggy suddenly appeared on the steps looking very upset and guilty. I was just thinking, Hey how did he get out? Then we realized, he went right through the screen door! We couldn't be mad at him, though. We instantly realized that with his history of being left behind, it was no wonder he went through the screen. He was likely worried he would be left behind again. Poor guy! We just let him hang out in the trailer while we packed. He enjoyed a nice vacation with Grandma and Grandpa while we were away and went to work with Grandpa every day and played with another dog, Jake. Iggy was so tired at the end of the day, Grandpa had to help him into the truck a few times!

He is also a huge fan of belly rubs and getting his grooms. He actually jumps back on the grooming table—something my stepsister tells me no other dog (except for hers) ever does!