My little wing girl

My husband had just run for a bottle.  Silver was giving birth standing up and my husband had caught the first two and had so far done most of the work.  Silver began contracting and pushing again, I yelled for hubby, but it was too late she dropped a goo covered black furball in my hands.  Now I was going solo.  I pulled off the sac, tied and cut the chord and rub this little black jewel until she made her first cry.  I continued to dry her off while Silver finally settle down in the whelping box.

Our first black puppy and our first girl.  There was no doubt I was keeping her after she was born in my hands.  After the white wingspan on her chest we gave her the name Angel.


My absolute favorite baby picture of Angel

After witnessing Fiona, the only white female and the runt of the litter, I was torn as I watched Fiona fight with profound determination to keep up with her brothers and sisters.  I don't know what it was about this little girl, but she had my attention.  Zappa was a given, now Fiona, do I keep Angel as well?

(l to r) V-girl, Zappa, Fiona and Angel

Angel was a natural Husky escape artist and was the first and only one to get out of the whelping bed as well as back in.  She always used the papers I had on the floor and there was more than one time she climbed up on the bed and I woke up to her furry face in front of me.  She was smart and witty and cute as a button.  And I wanted her so bad, but I didn't think 3 puppies would be a good idea.  

We were down to two puppies that needed homes, both black and white dogs, when my friend called looking for a puppy, I knew exactly which one...Angel.  

I think I'd known for some time Angel wasn't meant to be with us, it was just so hard to let go.  

She lived a wonderful life, hunting, going to her family's cabin, learning to dog sled and she had a home full of love.  

Tuesday night, the night she was found, I held her in my hands and remembered that first day she touched them.  

And as she was buried, I was so grateful she was home surrounded by the love of two families who loved her.

Thank you so much for this blogging community and all of your help, support and condolences.  We thank you all so kindly from the bottom of our hearts as we grieve the loss of our Angel.  May an Angel be smiling down on all of you today. 

Draft Week-Chance's Slow Ride

This week I'm posting some of my "drafted" post that I was either to scared to post or too emotionally close to at the time.  This post happened a couple months back.  The results blew me out of the water and I always wanted to try it again, but haven't yet.  Let me know what you think.  :)

The two most significant car rides Chance has taken (that I know of) was when he left our home at 9 weeks old and when his owners called for us to pick him up at almost a year old.  I don't think he had very much car experience with his previous owners and his anxiety is always high.   I've been wanting to try some good association with the vehicles and make it a better experience for him. All I was going to do was put him in the truck, let him calm down and take him back out.  I went with the flow of the moment and the results were utterly fascinating.

I grab some treats, his favorite comfort toy, and act like we were going for a ride.  Chance hops in the truck no problem.  We sit for about 10 minutes while he settles down.  He is alert, but relaxed and probably a bit confused.

I debate for a few minutes whether to go any further.  I put the key in.  No reaction.  So I start truck and leave it running.

Chance's anxiety starts to spike.  He sits taller and his breathing quickens.  He goes straight for his safety net, the window, except that it is closed and he begins turning in circles.  For the most part I let him work things out since I know we will not be moving and he doesn't seem to want my help.  Since we are taking this in slow motion and there hasn't been a the rapid build up, his anxiety is quite mild.  I give him a couple of treats when he seems to be settling down.

The boy is fogging up the windows, so I turn on the defroster.  No reaction.

For the next 10 minutes, I witness Chance settle rather comfortably into himself and he is solid.  He is looking around, studying, observing and doing great!  I am so proud of him.

I teeter whether to go further.  Finally, with direct but slow motions, I put on my seat belt, step on the brake, and put my hand on the gear shift.  No direct reactions from Chance, but I can tell he is very aware.

As soon as the truck is in gear, he is in a mild panic.  His body is taunt, ears slightly back, he is sitting, but he crouches low as if on guard.  He continually turns his head and darts his eyes back and forth as if waiting for the devil himself to pop out.

The truck is in gear for 15 seconds top.  Chance is gone.  Whatever this fear means to him, he is in it.  I turn off truck. 

We sit in silence while I observed him gain his surroundings and ground himself.  I sense he doesn't want to be touched or comforted and when I gently call his name, he isn't able to give me any eye contact.  Wherever he is at, I know he is still with me and I can tell he feels safe.  He acts like he wants to work this out for himself.  It takes about 20 minutes for him to be almost back in his skin again.

As we got out of the truck to take a walk (his reward) we found ourselves a bit disoriented and out of sorts that I cut it rather short.  When I went back to grab my purse out of the truck, Chance jumped right in when I opened the door, which I thought was a great sign.  We stay in the cab for a few minutes with his head in my lap and just held each other.  Then we got out and joined Blaze for a good romp outside.

      
Our entire "outing" was about 45 minutes long.  Slowing the process down gave him time to process what was happening while letting me gauge his reaction more precisely.  I was able to understand the intensity of each action and how they built up so rapidly.

About 15 minutes after the panic started and I was following Chance's eyes, something clicked inside me.  I found myself speaking out loud, about knowing how scary it is out there in the world and what it was like to never have a loving home and when you finally find one, you never want to leave it.  Ever.

I heard Chance's head gently drop with relief on the back of seat the minute I started speaking, as if I'd finally got what he was trying to tell me.  He knew all too well about never wanting to leave home. And without a doubt, no matter how crazy he can be in the car, he always curls up and lays in peace when we are heading home.

24 Paws Mission

Brut

Our goal here at 24 Paws of Love is to share our experience, strength and hope of living with six dogs in a unique situation of being separated into two packs.  By sharing this reality, we hope that people will give their dogs a second chance before getting rid of them because of behavior problems and find that simple hope of, if they can do, we can do it. 

Fiona

We also want to show that a dog is more than a dog.  They are life companions and they are a living breathing creature full of unconditional love.  There is a healing power in dogs that when you tap into it, you find they are your best friend and that there is a spirit and soul just waiting for your love. 



Chance

Simply put, we want every dog to have a forever home.  A home where they are loved and cherished as part of the family.  We'd like to share through our experience that this is possible.  Every one of our dogs has an issue or problem that needs work.   They range from simple training concerns to fear aggression with other dogs.  We don't have it all figured out as we continue to keep learning as we go, but we talk straight from the heart about these matters.  The division between the two dog packs adds to our complexity, but we continue to do our best to take care of both packs and their needs.  It isn't always easy, in fact it can be very difficult and trying at times, but the rewards out weigh those difficulties because our dogs are worth it.

Zappa

We hope that everyone who visits will take away a little piece of that love that they might look at their dog in a little bit different light.  We want to do more than just tell a story. We want to share our experience so that others hopefully will see the value of their dogs and shed some light on the reality of this relationship between humans and canines and what it can be.  There will never be any human that will be as devoted to you as your dog.  Doesn't that loyalty and love deserve a wonderful home to share it with?



Silver

Blaze

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BLOG THE CHANGE FOR ANIMALS

Be the Change for Animals is hosting it's BLOG THE CHANGE FOR ANIMALS today.  A day to sponsor your cause or passion for animals. 

24 Paws of Love believe in EDUCATION FOR FUREVER HOMES, whether you get a puppy, rescue or shelter dog or a senior dog, we would like to see more owners keep their pets for their lifetime.

There's nothing like getting that cute, fuzzy puppy to find him biting and chewing on you, your kids or your new shoes.  What do you do?  

Or you've found the perfect shelter or rescue dog wagging his tail at you with that sparkle in his eye, only to find he is aggressive with your cat and tears your house to pieces when left alone.  Should you take him back?

The gentle older dog, so quiet and gentle suddenly barks guarding the door when your friends stop by.  How do you make him stop?

EDUCATION is key.  Learning about your dog's breed and understanding the role it plays in your dog's behavior will help.  

Talk to your vet, make sure there isn't any medical reason for the behaviors.

Talk to trainers, dog behaviorist, other dog owners to find what works for you and your dog.

Keep learning.  Keep trying.  Your dog is counting on you not to give up on them and aren't they worth it?  

Having a dog has many challenges and struggles.  There are always behavior issues when you own a dog.  Training doesn't stop after six months.  They are a commitment and a responsibility.  Dogs only want to please you and be part of your life, show them you care by taking the time to get to know them.  They will be your best friend for life with a little extra time and understanding.  

Please think carefully about before getting any pet and be honest with what you about the attention you are willing to give.  Every pet deserve a FUREVER HOME.   Do you have one? 

Want to learn more about BLOG THE CHANGE FOR ANIMALS?  Click on the above badge for a link to BE THE CHANGE FOR ANIMALS.