Tuck is settling in just fine.

Well Tuck is settling in nicely though he does have some funny ways which I suppose are legacies of his past life experiences.

I was worried that he would try to muscle in and be a Daddy's Boy and push me out but in fact the opposite has happened.

He has latched onto Mom and become her shadow...she cannot even get up and go to the bathroom without him escorting her there and back!

Although he seems to trust Dad any other men seem to terrify him and he keeps well away from them.

At first we were all greatly amused by his habit of walking into a room but then reversing out, carefully looking over his shoulder.. All that was missing was the 'beep-beep-beep' warning hooter!

However it is probable he was kept in a crate too narrow for him to turn round in so he does not know that he can here.. Mom and Dad walk him in circles - decreasing the size gradually to train his muscles to bend and then get him to turn around in our living room, though he still reverses out of bedroom..even from the other side of the bed as well as the kitchen and bathroom so will take some time to teach him I suppose. In the meantime Spook sits on the dresser watching this strange dog reverse past lol

We have also found that all of Tucks teeth other than his canines and very back teeth have been pulled out.. one of the cane workers says this is an old trick used on fighting dogs so when in a fight they dig in with those canines easier.

Tuck is a lab x.... the cross bit looks like a Cane Corso which is an Italian Mastiff... he certainly has a head the size and shape of a mastiff..However he is as soft as better in temperament so whatever his previous owners did to him he does not hold against folk other than be wary of men.

That's the thing about RESCUE DOGS...WE ARE VERY FORGIVING though have our hang ups and scars.

Also if anyone shouts he hits the deck cowering... even though it is only a neighbour calling across to someone else.

I have taken him under my wing even though he towers over me.. I feel sorry for this great lump who obviously has seen things that have frightened him, yet is so eager for love and obviously adores Mom....If he loves Mom then he is alright with me ! I even let Dad cuddle him so he learns that not all men are bad and scary. No dog should be made to feel that fear.

Tuck loves Spook and everyday goes to check he is okay and if not in on dresser searches in the wardrobe for him as he snoozes there too ! Spook is not a people friendly cat.. he prefers to observe from a distance... He is nearly 18 now and set in his ways so will never be a lap cat much to Mom's disappointment! Anyway Tuck and Spook are friends and greet each other with a nose rub. Yuck ! the only contact I have with Spook is when I kick him while Mom is not looking !! ( ahem.....SSsshhhhhhhhhh this is our little secret..right?)

Right it is time for our walk.. yippee !

Much love and waggles

Ellie xx

And along came Tuck!

Greetings and silly smiles All !,

Well it has been a busy couple of weeks for the Parents, searching online for a  suitable rescue companion for me and searching Shelters...

Last weekend they went to Peggy Adams as saw on their website a couple of six month old pups that seemed hopeful...

They had read out the descriptions to me and when they left I felt excited at having a pup around to help bring up and have for company.

This was their 2nd visit to this shelter, unfortunately the dog they went to  see was not suitable for  us. So paws crossed for this time..

This is how their visit went :

They drove to West Palm Beach and after parking, walked through the kennels seeing how the various occupants acted.

They saw the 2 pups and put them down on a 2nd meeting list though had reservations about 1 who was terribly nervous and would not make eye contact with  them at all.

Then to kill time before they could go through to main hall and book in to see an adopter consultant they walked through again looking at the adult dogs.... Some were lovely but not right for me so they were not added to    the   list... Dad chatted to all of them as he passed and most of them responded by stopping barking or jumping up to be petted.

A cute Beagle rolled over wanting his belly rubbed, a pitbull wanted her ears fondled. A large white American bulldog immediately sat down when Dad commanded and waited for his next instruction!

All gorgeous dogs but not right for me to bond with.

One... a huge black lab x did not stop barking however and sounded like a vicious guard dog!

"That's a No!" laughed Dad to Mom as they moved on to the next kennel.

Finally they went in and after a long wait met with an adopter consultant and showed her   our   preferences and described me and my temperament so as to find the best match.

They had the 2 pups brought to the office for a one on one meet... Sadly one had been returned to the shelter as was a non stop barker... this was no good where we live. The 2nd pup was the nervous one and again she did not make eye contact and was too nervous for us. We were simply the wrong people for these particular dogs.

Then the consultant asked if they would consider meeting Tucker.  He was so laid back amongst other dogs they could jump on him and he would not retaliate. That was a huge selling point given my bossiness!

Then Mom remembered that she had seen a video of Tucker on the website    loose with other dogs who he ignored even when they launched themselves at him... It was at that point Dad and she       twigged that Tucker was the huge black lab x that barked at Dad and had been deemed a NO !

The girl laughed and said although he was a bit of a jerk in the kennel he was the softest natured dog and so they agreed to meet him.

They were bowled over by the sheer size of him! Then by his gentleness in taking treats from their hands and his friendly but respectful greeting.

He had been rescued weighing a pitiful 35lbs and almost bald.... they had got him back up to 60lbs and his hair was almost grown back.. a bit sparse in places but growing. He needed more weight put on him as should be around 100lbs. He was so gentle though. Mom and Dad spent some time with him and noted how he ignored other dogs walking past and just waited in office with them placidly. Another selling point was that he was house trained apparently... However just after the consultant told them this , she left the room for a few minutes and Tucker immediately cocked his leg over the waste paper bin much to Dads amusement!

Mom and Dad had a chat and decided that Tucker was the right dog for us even though he was 8 years old and not a puppy his lack of Alpha tendencies and his being a sensible senior won them over.

Dad took Tucker out to the shop to get him fitted for a collar while Mom finished the paperwork. She then stepped out of the office to find a huge pool of pee being mopped up.... "Tucker' confirmed Dad..... Oh Boy !!

Tucker jumped into our truck with delight and peered through the windows happily for the journey home.

Dad came and collected me from our house and put me on a lead for a walk and imagine my surprise at finding Mom holding a huge black dog on a lead.. we gave each other a quick sniff then set off on a walk together, ambling along contentedly I did wonder where they had got him from and who he belonged to but hey a walk is a walk!

When we got back to our porch Spook was peering out.... Tucker walked up and peered at him then at Mom as if to say " Cool..I see you have a cat!' then walked off sniffing round the grille.

It was as Dad led both Tucker and I into our house that the penny dropped....

My mouth opened and closed as I tried to find the words..... finally.." A puppy.. you said a puppy! Instead you bring me a small pony!  Father.. I need to explain to you what a puppy is!!

Then as Tucker waited politely for me to sit in my chosen spot by Dad before sitting down by the sofa I realised that he was not going to challenge me for Alpha... he was happy to let me be Queen Bee..... hmm... this may just work after all.... and just think... no having to potty train a puppy!

What do you mean Tucker wee'ed over a garbish bin!!!   Oh Boy....!

Much love and Waggles

Ellie xx

Missing Bear Dog

Life just is not the same without  Bear Dog. It has been a few weeks now and it is not getting any easier.

Even Spook the cat misses him, even though he won't admit it.. He just goes and stares at the spot where Bears bed was.

Much as I adore Mom and Dad, I have got used to having a doggy brother around and having someone around when they go out.

I  cuddle up to  Mom and Dad as much as I can for mutual comforting.

I walk with Mom down to Bears resting place by the cypress tree and we tell him about our day etc

I try to be brave when they go out as I remember Bear teaching me that there was nothing to be afraid of. Much easier when he was with me !

I am exuberant when they come home and nearly knock them over in my delight!

I heard Mom and Dad talking about maybe adopting a companion for me. A rescue dog of course.

They know how I loved that kitten so are considering a pup or young dog as I am very much an Alpha female and I  don't let other dogs into my house if I can help it. When I arrived it was Bears house and he was so laid back he  let me be bossy until I felt safe though had no problem correcting me when I pushed my luck too far   !!

They know I am much more tolerant of babies so hopefully this emptiness inside me will be filled soon.

They are off this weekend visiting shelters to see if they can spot a suitable companion for me.

Paws crossed !

Much love and waggles,

Ellie xx

R.I.P Bear Dog

I have very sad news today....

When we all woke up this morning, my foster brother Bear didn't.... Dad says the Angels had come down to collect him in the night and take him over the Rainbow Bridge to the meadow beyond where he can gamble about without being in pain anymore.

Spook and I ran out of   the bedroom as we could not bear to be in there.

Daddy has taken Bear down to his favorite  field and buried him under the beautiful old cypress tree by the side of Bear's favorite canal. Anytime Bear took himself off for a walk this is where Daddy would find him. So this is the right place for him to be.

Mom is still in the UK and Dad did not know how to tell her as he was so upset. Eventually he did thank goodness.

The house seems empty without Bear Dog already.. I am trying to comfort Dad as best I can by giving him my paw.

Bear was saved by Daddy and was his best friend for 4 years.. He was 14 years old when he felt he had to leave us.

Bear Dog loved everyone and welcomed them into his life..He had such a huge heart and kind face with the most comical eyebrows that he used to waggle at Mom if she was eating ice-cream... He has left us so many wonderful memories that make us smile...

Rest In Peace my brother and thank you for helping me and being my friend Bear as well as my brother.

I promise to look after Daddy as best I can...

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z5fuuht9m0i3hou/9PsH46J6BU#/

My love Always, 

Your  Ellie xx

Mom is away !!

Mom has gone back to the UK for a visit and so Bear, Spook and I have to look after Dad.

This involves making sure he gets up in the morning after 3rd snooze button on his annoying alarm clock is hit... I have found sticking my cold wet nose under the covers and repeatedly donking warm skin helps !

Spook attacks from above by meowing repeatedly in Dad's ear while Bear clicks his nails on the tiled floor! Dad tries to resist but eventually caves in and gets up.... wow he knows a lot of rude words ! I have to remind him I am a lady  and my ears are delicate !!

However we remain calm when he can't find his car keys or cigarette lighter and frantically searches for them... and grin encouragingly when he finally does....... ' there, we had every faith in you Dad"

Finally he is out of the door and we all let out a collective sigh of relief and flop down exhausted!

We think he misses Mom an awful lot... he talks to the tv thingy on his desk each night as if she was really here in the room... we all glance at each other and shake our heads...yup he obviously misses Mom !

Johnny comes over to let us out while Dad is at work but it really is not the  same as having Mom around all day. However Bear takes it all in his stride so if he is not worried then nor should I be. I do not feel the need to eat doors anymore!

Oh well time for a snooze in a comfy armchair...ooops did i say that out loud?!

Love and waggles

Ellie xxooxxoo

A picture shows a thousand words

A picture shows a thousand words....

The many ways a person can help save lives.........

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/p320x320/1509683_674553395994085_9065785688519387359_n.jpg?oh=aa93135214b0ffdd49c58cbe34906c14&oe=558DF479

love, 
Ellie

Before and After Pics - You must see!

Hi All,

This is just a quick post.

I love the following site showing before and after adoption pics...
http://www.reddit.com/r/BeforeNAfterAdoption/

Think that your actions in picking up a dog from shelter and transporting it / fostering for a while / supporting charities/ dropping a  quarter in a collection box or any of the hundreds of ways Animal Matters and other charities can be supported does not make a huge difference?

Look at these photos......and think again lol   These pics are only possible because of the support from people like you!

Thank You Thank You Thank You

Much Love and waggles,

Ellie

I am going to be Adopted !!

Flashback to 2014

"Dear Auntie Melissa and Uncle Scott,

Jan and Franklin have just told me they are going to be my Mum and Dad !!! ( even though I had already decided that !)

A MUM AND DAD OF MY OWN !! 

I am so pleased, my tail was wagging furiously as they hugged me and told me the news and I am grinning ear to ear like as Cheshire Cat , the big old softy that I am.

Bear Dog is very happy about this arrangement as he says that makes me his sister and not a house guest  and therefore he does not have to be polite when I try to grab his food......hmmm had better watch my manners there as I have found its no good trying to bite him as all I get is a mouthful of black fur that takes me days to pick out of my teeth and worst of all a scolding from Mum and Dad meaning I have to put on my apologetic face while surreptitiously spitting out black fur!

Spooks reaction was a snooty ' okay you have not tried to hurt me and your presence here had diverted that human who calls herself Mum from trying to make me people friendly so I suppose I will have to keep you, as you have your uses!'   I am translating that as a 'Welcome to the family"

Hmmm  Have been told that Michael comes as part of the package as is Dads friend and 'adopted' son who he looks out for so I guess I had better be nice to him and get used to receiving pigs feet as  a gift !...sigh....

Dont forget that I will always be your niece and will send you pictures of  me enjoying my new life, and I will love it when you come to visit me ( no pigs feet please!)

I am a happy girl here with my new family, they understand me and that I have a past that may affect my behaviour at times but they say they love me unconditionally and will help me, so I am a very lucky girlie.

I am okay being left when they go out as I have Bear Dog who has taught me there is  nothing to worry about and to just chill and have a nap..plus as he pointed out when they are gone there are comfy armchairs just begging to be sat on! oops did I just say that out loud? lol

Auntie Melissa and Uncle Scott,I thank you from the bottom of my soul for saving me and giving  me a family to  love and protect, please please keep doing the fantastic work you do and save another sad victim from the fate I was heading for through no fault of my own.  Mummy and Dad said they will do all they can to help whether its to go pick up a dog or to emergency foster one temporarily.

OMG I am soooooooo Happy !!!!   My own family !!! 

Lots of love and sloppy kisses

Ellie  

AKA

Miss Ellie Mae Clark xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  That sounds sooooo good :D"

Pigs Trotters

Flashback to 2014:

I am not a morning person lol.... Foster Daddy gets up and there is no response me other than a

surreptitious peep from half open eyelids!....I love a lie   in with foster mom....

 I accidently got up early the other day and found foster dad asking me to go sit on the porch with him while he drank his coffee..well I decided to be generous and sat outside with him yawning now and again as a hint to go back inside...well it was 5am!!

You can imagine my horror when I saw him touch my leash..so fixed him with my sternest glare as if to say " If this is Take Your Dog to Work Day  I will never forgive you!"  Luckily he was only moving my leash to get to his car keys.....phew lucky escape there!

Foster Dad is my man tho... once I hear him pulling up outside I am ecstatic and rush to  meet him and from that point on   I am never more than 3 feet away from him.He walks outside and shuts the screen door behind him.. To     Bear that means stay put... Not me however.. MyDad  went thru the door so I can too and blithely barge through it   to get to him lol

Foster Dad recently had to sort out a young man  playing music so loudly it was as if the whole village was a concert    arena - windows  shook  lol  of course I insisted on accompanying him !  mom calls me Deputy Sheriff Ellie!
 The kid came  round to our house after to apologise and I met him at the door checking out his manners first ! I then took up position infront of Foster Dad as protector.
No one can walk up to him or mom quickly.. I just wont let them come close....they tell them to keep their distance while we chat so I can pick up on the relaxed tone of our voices. I am happiest with    just Franklin and mom around.. she gets nervous with several people looming over her so we tell them to give her space.

I feel completely relaxed around Johnny and allows Mike in unless he walks quickly over to Franklin then I intercept, however he came to our cookout yesterday armed with a stuffed pigs foot treat for both Bear and myself.. Bear held his     in his mouth all afternoon proudly showing it off while I politely held it for a short while then looked at Mike as if to say ' This is your BEST chat up line ?? You bring a lady a pigs trotter!!!  Oh Boy....!' then put it down and helped Franklin cook instead lol However I remained relaxed  around Mike as long as he did not try to pass a  beer to Franklin too quickly lol.

Pigs Trotters indeed grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

love and waggles

Ellie xx

Pictures of Ellie!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z5fuuht9m0i3hou/9PsH46J6BU#lh:null-20140402_211536.jpg
Ellie helping with the washing 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z5fuuht9m0i3hou/9PsH46J6BU#lh:null-20140402_214616.jpg
Elllie helping ! 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z5fuuht9m0i3hou/9PsH46J6BU#lh:null-20140330_234016.jpg
Ellie keeping watch

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z5fuuht9m0i3hou/9PsH46J6BU#lh:null-20140331_192513.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z5fuuht9m0i3hou/9PsH46J6BU#lh:null-20140402_211122.jpg 
"I thought I saw a Puddy Cat!" 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z5fuuht9m0i3hou/9PsH46J6BU#lh:null-20140402_211213.jpg
" I did, I did !" ... " It's one of Uncle Johnnies !" 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z5fuuht9m0i3hou/9PsH46J6BU#lh:null-20140402_211333.jpg 
"so much to keep an eye on !"

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z5fuuht9m0i3hou/9PsH46J6BU#lh:null-20140402_214644.jpg
pulling silly faces at foster daddy 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z5fuuht9m0i3hou/9PsH46J6BU#lh:null-20140402_221243.jpg
chilling after work with Bear on Johnnies porch