Yeah, I was thinking about new allergens, but she'll be up here as fall starts and is going to be inside most of the time so hopefully it won't be too bad. We can't wait to get her home... our home has been lacking since Winston died. She looks so expressive in that picture.

A question for you (or anyone else)... how realistic is it going to be to expect to change her name? She's about six months old now and I'm worried about trying to teach her a new name at this age. They've been calling her Tootsie.

Dear Clay

She looks great, actually a picture of health, hopefully the skin problems will sort themselves out when she's away from the allergens of Mississippi. If she still suffers when you have her home maybe see an holistic vet for help.
As for her name, well, we rescued 'Pixie' at around 12/18 months of age. She was a stray with no Id or history. The rescue centre named her Pixie so that was at least her second name. We kept it and she now answers to it, so you should be ok changing her name at 6 months.
It's so exciting for you and I bet you can't wait to get her home. Please keep us posted.
Hugs
Jan and my Angels and Pixie
xx

Hi, Clay, I ditto what Jan said about changing her name - - she should adjust to it okay, particularly the more you say it the more she'll respond to it. And Jan has given you another good option in case little Pebbles has any new or ongoing allergy challenges - - an holistic vet might be able to give some assistance. You might ask your regular vet about holistic therapies - - in addition to / in combination with standard treatments. The FIRST THING, though, is to get her home with you and your wife and her fur siblings, and get her settled into her new routines.

I hope that life is treating you and your family kindly, Clay, and look forward to sharing your news.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

We're picking her up on Sunday the 26th. I've taken the 27-28 off of work, my wife has taken the 29-30 off, then we're both off during the weekend. So she'll have seven full days with us before she's left alone.

I can't wait... our house has been so lacking since we lost Winston.

Hi Clay,

I just read all of the posts from the beginning. What a journey. Winston sure sounded lke an awesome pup. You rsponded to my loss, so you know that I, too, lost my buddy (Little Bit) from a car accident that I felt (and for now, still do) responsible for.

I got a lot from all of the posts here. Your one post about losing all interest was amazing to me - especially about World of War. That is all I did on my nights off - ALL night long. I am a loner, so I did a lot of it solo. I made it to Level 80, but I don't have all the fancy gear because I don't do raids, etc. I also quit setting my lineups in Fantasy Baseball, and can barely think about Fantasy Football right now. Those nights off are the ones that Little Bit got me through.

I also see your loss of Winston was similar to mine. If you recall (perhaps you don't), the reason Little Bit got struck and killed by the car is because she was responding to me calling for her. I don't know how many people on this board saw Sling Blade, but in it, the main character, Carl, had killed his mother (very bad past, etc). But during the movie he would constantly shake his head and say "Mmmm, mmm, mmm", slightly closing his eyes and shaking his head. When I watched the movie, I couldn't quite understand what that was all about, now I do. The movie that keeps playing over in my head of Little Bit looking up at me and excitedly running towards me, right into the path of the car, causes me to do the same exact thing. I believe Carl is re-living himself killing his mother and he can't get that movie to stop playing.

I am also following your quest to get your new pup, so I am counting on yur posts. I am also counting on everyone telling me that it will get better - eventually....


Little Bit:

I love you and miss you. I wish you were still here with your joy and zest for life. I miss you running to greet me and pressing your sweet little head against the screen and window. I am so sorry I called you over....

Yeah, it was about a week before I could even bring myself to play WoW, and during that first week I barely ate. I was in total numbed shock over what happened.... I fortunately seem to be a person that processes and deals with this kind of grief fairly fast... within a week I was feeling better, although I was still very sad. Now it's just a sorrow over what I'm missing, versus what I've lost, if that makes sense.

You will get over this, I promise... it may take longer than I did, but that doesn't make your grief any more or less real than mine. Someday you'll think of one of Little Bit and smile at his antics, with maybe one tear rolling down your face. And yes, we are very excited to bring Pebbles home... three weeks from today, and we can't wait.

Thank you for responding to my post, and keep us informed on how you're doing. Whether you start to recover from this in a week or a year, we're all here for you.

-Clay

I feel good, but bad...

After reading what you did, for some reason I went on the pet-finder.com sight, and just started looking around at the labs. For the FIRST time I was able to smile and actually laugh at some of the videos they were showing of these goofballs. While I was looking at their videos, I didn't replay the movie of Little Bit getting hit, over and over and over again in my head.

Well, I started searching on the lab rescue sight, and I actually found 2 that really got me thinking I might send an email to them and see about maybe adopting one. Is this too soon?..., I don't know, I don't want it to be a knee jerk reaction. But one thing I thought about last night, about why I bonded so quickly with Little Bit as opposed to my indoor cats (I love them to pieces though), is that Little Bit acted like a dog. I would throw sticks and Little Bit would retrieve them, and then running to me when I called him. I have always been more of a dog person, but never replaced my last dog because it hurt so much when I had to put her down. Well, obviously, it didn't hurt any less with a cat.

When I was looking at these labs, I actually felt "good" and I know you all know what I mean by that, knowing full well that every time I look somewhere I still see Little Bit and still feel the empty, hollow hole in my heart and stomach. And, would give anything still to have Little Bit back with me. But it surprised me that just for that brief amount of time I started feeling better when I was looking at these labs.

I still don't know what I am going to do yet, it's a big step, but I kept imagining having a dog to come home to, to walk, to throw a ball with, to ride in the car with..., and it felt nice. But, I want to make sure I am not running away from my sorrow and grief because there is still plenty of it.

I just absolutely adore animals and I think about the love I have for them and the ones that need a home... There were two in particular, Murphy and Jake Blues, that grabbed my heart..., but I don't know. When I was finished looking at them and then look up, at Little Bit's window sill, his lounge chairs, his tree... I feel like I am disrespecting his death and making light of it, but I am not because I still hurt so incredibly bad and miss him so incredibly much.

But..., I think I'll still go back and look at the labs...

You guys are so appreciated. I posted on another site the day I lost Little Bit, in excruciating pain, and I checked there a few minutes ago, and there were 7 views and 0 replies. I am not sure how far I could have made it had I not found this board with everyone responding so well. This forum, you guys, have been a life-saver and I vow, when I get over the tremendous pain of losing my little buddy, I am going to hang here and speak with the new lost souls that will surely continue to come into this forum in droves.

THANK YOU / THANK YOU / THANK YOU / THANK YOU / THANK YOU / THANK YOU ------- all

I don't know how to upload photos, so I may not be able to do this..., but here is Murphy and Jake Blues..., what do you guys think? Please don't anyone think that I am disrespecting Little Bit. I just ordered his cremation and bawled like a baby.... If given a choice from God, I would ask for him back right now.

Click to view attachment Murphy (at the left) and Click to view attachment Jake over here on the right...

For their videos (don't know if these will come through properly), and if anyone wants to see them:

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/17275546?mtf=1 (for Jake)

and

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/17256330?mtf=1 (for Murphy)

go to the "View Video" at the bottom of their 3 vertical pictures..., if you want.

Murphy seems a bit calmer, if I do this, they have to mesh with 3 indoor, very spoiled cats...

The best thank-you anyone can offer us is staying around and paying it forward, so to speak.

And as far as it being too soon, when to get another pet after losing one is a very personal decision. When we lost Winston we decided that we weren't going to actively look for another pet, but would know when we found one that needed us, and that's how we came to find Pebbles. And in the meantime, we found another dog that tugged on our heartstrings like she did, but we really have to look at whether or not four dogs is realistic for our family.

I personally think getting another pet so soon after losing your Little Bit is a testament to the love you had for him. You want to share that love with another animal that needs you, and there's nothing wrong with that. Some people can do that very quickly after losing a pet, some others can't. It's a very personal decision that no one can make for you.

I love labs and their personalities... they're so easy going. And he's gorgeous.

I am getting cold feet on the rescue lab adoption. One of the HUGE reasons is I don't want to go through this again. I know I have other kitties and I have to go through their passing, unless I go first, that is. But.., the thought of bonding with a dog so deeply and then losing him when I am 10 years older than I am now!

I know that sounds like I am a weenie..., but the fact is, I am. I don't know... I live alone too and getting a new dog would take such energy. But mostly, I'm petrified of dealing with this pain again down the road. I still have the indoor kitties to lose yet.

It's just a scary thought. I looked at Murphy's picture though and he looks pretty cool... I don't know.

You absolutely don't want to rush into bringing a new friend home... it has to be the right time and the right dog/cat. Anything you're not completely sure of isn't fair to you or the dog.

And with that in mind, we've been talking quite a bit about Pebbles over the past few days and we've decided it might be best for us and her if we weren't to take her.

This isn't a decision we came to easily or lightly... our biggest concern is the fact that we'd be bringing a new dog into an environment without having a chance to make sure that there wouldn't be any conflicts. My biggest fear is that we would make the three hour drive there, pick her up, make the three hour drive home and find out she didn't get along with one or both of our current dogs, and that wouldn't be fair to her, our two dogs or us.

We want to make sure that any dog we bring into our family is here for a lifetime, and in order to do that we have to be able to introduce the dog to our two girls first. Without the chance to do that I really feel that we'd be doing Pebbles a huge disservice if we're not 100% certain that she will fit into our home.

And today we had the chance to meet this lovely little girl:



This is Scout. She was just brought here from South Carolina and we had the chance to meet her this afternoon and we fell in love with her. She's energetic, intelligent and so affectionate. I picked her up and she just nuzzled down into my arms and licked my face, tail wagging a mile a minute. Here's another picture of me and Scout that my son took yesterday when we met her. And yes, I know my hair is really gray.



We're going to be having a home visit on Wednesday and if all goes well there we'll bring her home the following weekend.

I'll let you all know what happens.

I got an email from the agency about Pebbles... I don't think they're happy with me. All it says was "I don't know what to say. I'm shocked, but don't worry, we'll find her a good home."

I feel kind of bad, but there's just too much uncertainty with Tootsie (not fair to call her Pebbles anymore)... her health, her personality, her disposition with other dogs. I want the next dog that comes into our home to be with us forever and if there was an issue acclimating Tootsie to Miya and Takoda that just wouldn't be fair to anyone... not to us, not to Miya and Takoda, and certainly not to Tootsie.

With Scout, I was able to meet her, judge her personality and before we've committed to her we'll have a chance to introduce her to our dogs, and that's what really has to happen before we bring anyone home.

Doesn't make me feel like less of a heel about Tootsie, though.

Hi, Clay, while I am sorry about Pebbles I am ever so happy for you about Scout. She is adorable!! And yes, I agree with you 100 percent about being able to meet your new family member first, have a trial meet and greet with your girls FIRST, and then be able to decide if you think the match is going to work. If you didn't already have furkids, then Pebbles may very well have worked out okay.

If you read my post about trying to adopt a little kitten brother for Noah you read that it didn't work out. I was very upset - - not with Noah - - but that it just didn't work out. But he has been adopted into a very loving family who already had another little kitten who needed a playmate to rough and tumble with, and little "Hank" got a home. And peace has once again been re-established in the household here. So, I agree with you 100 percent, Clay, and am proud of you and your wife coming to this decision BEFORE a potentially sad situation happened. The rescue organization in Mississippi will get over it. - - Dont' worry about it.

Please keep us posted on how things go Wednesday, okay? And please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

I lost my bestfriend about a month ago. Im 19 now and had her since I was 6. To me, its a huge process. It's easier today than it has been. Sometimes I will think of her and smile because we had an amazing bond and friendship. But then there are sometimes I think of her and just cry. Maybe we'll never get over losing a pet. I believe that pet will always be a huge part of us. But maybe in a couple months, the loss of your pet will become managable and easier.

The visit went well... after a bit of of nervous growling by Scout and a bit of overzealous play attempts by Miya and Takoda she settled right in. She even ate a bit of their food, drank from their water bowl, then took a small piece of a rawhide bone and settled herself right down on one of the two dog beds we have out, and Miya and Takoda just let her do their thing.

The end result is we were approved to adopt Scout. She'll be coming home next Saturday at 9am, and we can't wait.



I'm incredibly excited.

Hi, Clay, I am so o o o thrilled for you, your wife, Scout, Miya, and Takoda. Sounds like Scout is a very normal puppy, and am so glad your girls - - now ALL of your girls - - settled in so nicely. Thank you so oo o much for sharing your WONDERFUL news with us!!! I know you can't wait - - and I'm sure Scout is also counting the hours. Please keep us posted as to how things go, Clay.

By the way, is it this coming weekend - - or was it last weekend - - that you went to Virginia Beach? Please let us know how that goes / went, too. Will look forward to seeing your pictures of that event, too.

Hope you and your family have a very pleasant evening, Clay.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Virginia Beach is this weekend... I'm leaving right after work tomorrow and should hit my hotel at around 11:30-midnight. Long drive, but I'll have plenty of pictures.
And thank you for the kind wishes about Scout. We can't wait.

Virginia Beach is this weekend... I'm leaving right after work tomorrow and should hit my hotel at around 11:30-midnight. Long drive, but I'll have plenty of pictures.
And thank you for the kind wishes about Scout. We can't wait.

What a cute puppy Scout is! That is one lucky little pup to be getting into such a loving home. I'm glad the home visit went well and your other kids allowed you to bring Scout home for good.

I tried to bring a new dog home yesterday, and things did NOT work out. Mainly, my indoor cats would not accept this new intrusion. And people kept saying, "Oh, they will work it out...", but they don't know my one cat, Hobbes. Hobbes does not just hiss at newcomers, Hobbes attacks any intrusion, man or beast.

Plus, and I know this may sound goofy, but I live alone, have a horrible work schedule (work midnights), and I simply don't have the energy or temperament to try and have everyone adapt to each other. This morning when I did like everyone told me to and allowed the dog (I don't want to call her by name, trying to unattach) to walk throughout the house and not confine her to the den, Hobbes went ballistic and actually looked for the dog to attack. Had I not been there, Hobbes would have continued attacking that poor dog.

So, anyway, I took her back to the lady that was fostering her and they will find her a good home, for sure. If I had a normal cat and not a seek-and-destroy cat in Hobbes, things would have worked out.

But, I am glad you are getting the new addition, Clay - looks great. I hope you post some pictures of all of them together once they get settled in. I can't adopt a dog, but I can live vicariously through yours, I guess....

Scout is adorable. She looks like such a bundle of fun! Keep us updated x

wchamilton

I first would like to say thank you so much for your supporting words on the loss of my dog Lukas; it has been a really hard time for me. It means so much to me to see people like yourself taking the time out to console others although you too have been grieving a loss of a beloved pet. I am so sorry to hear about your dog Winston; it was such a sad story to read. Your words when you speak about Winston express the love you have for him and how much he truly meant to you and your family. I am glad to see that you and your family support one another during this grieving journey.

The pictures you have of Scout, your new addition to the family, are so beautiful. I truly wish you all the best.

MommyluvsuLukas

Hi, Clay, just checking in with you to see how things are going. I know you had a BIG weekend last weekend with the air show, and I believe this weekend you are bringing sweet Scout home - - so your hands are full. Just want you to know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, and I will look forward to hearing from you whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you so much for that, AngelCareOne. It brought tears to my eyes.

And yes, Scout's home and she's a little pisser. She's doing all the stuff a puppy should; this morning on her dog bed she had all four of the rawhide chews we had down for them, one of my shoes and a sock.

She's very affectionate and very playful; her and Takoda have been roughhousing alot and a little while ago Takoda actually just sat right on her.

And last weekend was my airshow and it was incredible; I'm still going through my pictures and editing them... I shoot in a format called Raw and all it does is created a digital negative; each picture has to be touched and adjusted before you can share them. It gives you more control over the picture but it's time consuming. But here's a few of my better ones thus far.








... and as apparently I can only post three pictures per post there'll be two more posts.

And yes, the next post will be Scout.

As promised:



Chilling out on her bed in a rare moment of sedateness.



Playing outside.



Very intently looking at... something. For all I know she saw a leaf blow across the road.

I think she's going to be very happy here. More pictures will be forthcoming.

Scout is so beautiful, thanks for posting the pics. I'm so happy for you all. Please keep us posted.
Love the Airshow photos too. It's great that good things are happening for you now.

Jan and my Angels and Pixie

Hi, Clay, what PRECIOUS pictures of your PRECIOUS Scout! She truly knows how to tug at the heartstrings for sure, and I know she has her daddy wrapped around her paws already - - like the instant you looked at her!!

And thank you so o o o much for the WONDERFUL pictures of the air show!! They are TREMENDOUS!!!

Thank you so o o much for sharing these wonderful pictures with us, Clay - - of your precious Scout and of the air show. I look forward to hearing many stories of Scout's escapades - - she is so o o o precious.

Please know you and all of your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Clay, and look forward to sharing your news whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

I've been posting pictures of her in my thread about the loss of Winston but I think something that's happy belongs here as well. smile.gif

This is Scout.

Reduced: 22% of original size [ 2875 x 2054 ] - Click to view full image


Reduced: 21% of original size [ 2990 x 1994 ] - Click to view full image

Thank you for the compliments on my airshow pictures... I'm quite pleased with them.

Scout is settling in fine... I posted the below text under the "new beginnings" forum but thought I'd post it here as well.

I do, however, have a question as far as my other two dogs. For the most part, it's been pretty harmonious... Takoda absolutely loves her and plays with her but Miya has snapped at her twice, catching her once on the snout as Scout walked past her on the floor (Miya didn't have a bone or anything else, as far as I remember) and once yesterday, getting her ear. Of course, each one of these times Scout yelps and cries like she's being tortured but settles down fairly quick, but both of these bites have drawn blood.

Miya, for the most part, is okay with Scout... she sniffs her when she passes her and when these two instances have happened there really hasn't been any warning, especially with the bite on the snout, and for the most part Miya seems okay with Scout; they can pass each other fine and this morning I had Scout on a leash and my son brought Miya out and put her on a dog run to potty and when I brought Scout in Miya sniffed noses with her, tail wagging. And then when I brought Miya in the house Scout, who had been brought in before Miya, saw her and jumped on the couch with my son. So Scout is learning to stay out of Miya's way.

I'm hoping these are isolated incidents that are going to resolve, especially now that my wife his home with her for the next five days and my wife is clearly the alpha of our pack. But I was wondering if anyone else has seen behavior like this when introducing a new puppy. All three are spayed females, if that matters.

Hi, Clay, I started this once before but something happened and what I was writing got totally erased. So here goes again - -

Yes, Miya is asserting her "seniority" over Scout. Scout does not have to "do" anything to "provoke" an attack - - her presence is enough. Miya may need, and I emphasize the words may need - - some behavior modification so that the attacks do not become more serious. The fact that Scout is now deferring to Miya by keeping a respectful distance is a definite sign that Scout is getting the message loud and clear.

This is typical behavior in their wild cousins - - the wolf. Scout is the "newbie" in the family pack, and Miya is letting her know that. Your wife will need to assert herself as the ALPHA FEMALE in the household with Miya, because in the wolf pack, Miya's behavior would be letting the other females in the pack know that she and she alone has preferred status with the Alpha Male of the pack, which in your household is you, Clay.

Miya may need a "refresher" course in proper behavior. A firm "no" when you see her attack Scout - - even if it's just a nip - - Miya needs to know this is not acceptable. Hopefully you can read Miya's behavior BEFORE she strikes and can head it off at the pass with a firm "no" and a distraction. When she responds properly - - by leaving Scout alone - give Miya lots and lots of praise. Miya may also be feeling like all the attention is going to the "baby" - - which is Scout. She may be feeling left out - - which isn't the case I know, but I'm trying to think from Miya's perspective here giving you both the "natural world" persepctive as well as what "might be" Miya's emotional psyche. And for now, Clay, when you and your wife are both gone - - do NOT leave Scout and Miya in the same space. They will need to be physically separated - - by a gate or crate or something - - but they should not be left alone in the same space.

I hope this helps, Clay. There is bound to be some form of "seniority" posturing letting Scout know "her place" in the pack, and this is normal. But Miya needs to be reminded that your wife is the Alpha Female - - not her.

Clay, for some reason I can't open the links you gave to see the pictures, sigh. I will look forward to hearing more about how things are going. Please know you and all of your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you for those pictures, AngelCareOne... I love the "OMG! IT'S COMING RIGHT AT US"

My wife was home with her all day yesterday and there wasn't a sniff of trouble... no growling, no biting, nothing. And Scout has learned that when Mom gets up and heads for the kitchen it usually means goodies are on the way; to see her trotting off behind Miya and Takoda always makes me smile, but at the same time makes me sad, because it should be Winston that's here.

My son sleeps with all three of the dogs and Scout hasn't had a single accident in his room and there's been no incidents with Miya and Scout. In the morning I meet my son at his bedroom door and take Scout so I can get her outside while he gets Miya outside, and this morning Scout was so happy to see me. Little tail wagging a mile a minute with such vigor that her whole butt was shaking.

And yesterday I took her out to play fetch... she's getting the idea but by the time she started bringing the ball back she was pooped.

Hi, Clay, sounds like things are settling down with Miya and Scout. And it sounds like you've got a routine established in walks and play time, etc.. I know, there's always that void knowing that someone very important is not physically with you. Just close your eyes and think of your boy and you'll see Winston romping along with Miya, Takoda, and Scout. He's still with you, Clay - - always a heartbeat near.

I'm smiling at your description of teaching Scout to play fetch. My Samson was home with his grandmother (my mom) while I was work, and she taught him how to play ball / fetch, how to jump up on the furniture, etc., so every evening when I got home from work I got to see all the wonderful new things he learned. In the evening he loved to play ball with the both of us - - it was so amazing - - he would bring the ball to me to throw, he'd go and fetch it, and then he'd take it to his grandmother to throw, and so went the evening - - he wanted us both to play with him. Thank you for bringing a smile to my face - - both with your story with Scout, and bringing to mind a good memory for me.

Clay, I hope that life is treating you, your wife, and all of your family kindly, and that you will have a wonderful weekend to enjoy. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and will look forward to hearig how things are going, to sharing your news - - whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Miya and Scout are still having the occasional tiff but it's mainly when Miya has a chew toy and she thinks Scout is going to take it, so we're making sure to keep an eye on them when they have rawhides.

We've also caught Miya backing Scout down from her food a few times and eating it, so we're feeding Scout separate from the other two, generally by putting her food bowl right next to one of us. For the most part, though, they're settling into their roles as pack members, with Scout firmly at the bottom of the pecking order.

Scout definitely adds to the house. Nothing will ever replace Winston but Scout certainly is trying her hardest. Here's a picture I took the other day of her and Takoda just chilling out. A few minutes before this picture Miya was lying where Takoda is, with Scout snuggled next to her, so they're well on the way to being buds.



And here's a picture I got of Scout outside the other day. I love the look on her face.

Hi there Clay,

That's very good news about how Miya and Scout are getting along better and smoothing in. I knew it would happen. It just takes a while to adjust. Watching The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan is a great program to learn about how to make those kinds of things happen. He has a Website too where you can ask questions. The man is a genius dealing with dogs. Wow!

By the way ...



Did you know there's a Birthday party going on for you in the CyberShoulder area? It's been going on since your birthday.

I know you love this photo so much and it is incredible! So, I did several variations in case you wish to share them with your family, friends or possibly save them to your files. Please click on the links and each image will pop up for you, Clay.

SCOUT FRAMED ONLY

SCOUT FRAMED AND ALSO SIGNED

SCOUT FRAMED WITH BUTTERFLY LADY

SCOUT FRAMED HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY

SCOUT BELATED BIRTHDAY BUTTERFLY SIGNED

SCOUT BIRTHDAY FAIRY NOT SIGNED

SCOUT BELATED BIRTDAY FAIRY SIGNED

Okay, I messed up somewhere because there's another image in front of my eyes and I can't see it. I'll be sure to edit that on in as soon as I figure which one it is. Hope you, your family and friends enjoy. Also, that color, size and text style was the best suited for this awesome photo. Unfortunately, it only comes in cap letters. Sorry about that. Oh, this is the one. It's edited in. LOL.

Hope you had a super terrific birthday and please give Miya and Scout sloppy doggie kisses from me!

Take care and hope to hear from you again soon! Gotta go now. Bye.



Always, Dottie xoxoxox

Hi, Clay, thank you so much for sharing your new pictures of Scout with us. I'm glad to know that things are "improving" between Scout and Miya, but as you are understanding this is on Miya's terms. Unfortunately food is a MAJOR indicator of "survival" rights within a pack, so it is good that you are separating Scout from Miya during meals. Sounds like Takoda and Scout are settling in very nicely with one another - - like Takoda is taking Scout "under her wing." That is so sweet.

Thank you so much for sharing these newest pictures of Scout with us, including one with one of her big adopted sisters. I think of you, Scout, and your family every day hoping that life is treating each of you kindly. Just remember - - Winston is there with you, too - - always.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi, Clay, it's been awhile since I've had a chance to stop by and say "hello". It's so good to see you here with us, and I hope everything is going okay with Scout, Miya, and Takoda. I've been thinking about your girls a lot over recent days, so I thought I'd stop in and give you, your family, and your girls my very best wishes and regards.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

I appreciate that a great deal.

She's doing well... there haven't been any more bad incidents with Miya, and the two of them have even started rough-housing a bit with each other, which is good to see. And Scout is smart as a whip, almost to the point of being scary. The other day I was sitting in the computer room and she came over to me and put her front paws in my lap and whined. She had just been out, so I told her "what's wrong? Show me what you want." She led me into the living room where Takoda was sitting on her dog bed, chewing on her rawhide and holding Scout's tucked under her front paws. So as a little sister often will, she snitched.

Scout is also very protective... the other day my neighbor's dog was out on his run and he barked at me. Scout, who was on her run, ran over to me, stood infront of me and barked at him.

We have to take her to the vet this afternoon... she still has a stitch from her spaying sticking out of the incision that I imagine they'll want to clip, plus she needs her nails trimmed and her next heartguard pill.

Clay, thanks so much for the update on Scout. What a sweet precious little girl she is. I'm so glad that she's doing so well, and it's not a bit surprising to me that she is protective. She knows she is loved, and no one had better mess with her family!!!!

Hope all goes well with the check up today. Have you thought about getting a PediPaws? I got one for Oslo, and what a blessing that was!! With his nails being black I never felt confident clipping his nails, and he was nervous whenever I tried - - he had really thick and tough toenails as well. The PediPaws took away the stress for the both of us. I donated it to the vet's office after he joined the angels. It's just a thought. It's one of the few products I can highly recommend.

Thank you again, Clay, for sharing how your girls are doing. I'm so glad Scout has someone she can rely on to tell her troubles to - - like when one of her big sisters hoardes her treats.

Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Clay, and will look forward to knowing how things are going - - as you wish to share them.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

The checkup went well... the vet's not worried about the stitch, since it doesn't seem to be infected. She said it'd come out on his own. And as far as Pedi Paws, I may look into those. She has black claws and both times the vet has clipped them she's nicked them too close and made one bleed. (EDIT: I actually have one of those; I was thinking you meant the little sheaths you can glue over their claws. We've used that on Scout a couple of times and each time she gets a bit easier with it but we figured since we were at the vet we'd get them trimmed down.)

Scout has gained 10 pounds since her last visit a month ago... from 24 to almost 35. And as I said she's fitting in and adjusted well to us. She's really a great dog and as I think I mentioned no one will ever replace Winston but she sure is trying.

Hi, Clay, just being able to get caught up on the posts, and am so very glad to know that all went well with Scout's check up. Those stitches can be worrisome when you see them sticking through like that, and I'm so glad to know that the vet was able to put your minds at ease. And I'm glad to know that she's growing and gaining weight, appropriately.

Oh Clay, no one will ever be able to "replace" your precious Winston - - and Scout knows this. She just wants to have her own special place in your heart and life, and it sounds like this has already been accomplished - - the beginning of a new forever love. So, just enjoy your sweet Scout, Takoda, and Miya, and - - embrace the precious memories you have with your beloved Winston.

Thank you again so much for sharing how Scout's check up went. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, and will look forward to hearing how things are going whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi, Clay, just stopping by to say "hello" and to see how your holidays have been, and to find out how your precious Scout's "first Christmas" was. I hope you and your family are enjoying these days, and know that your precious Winston is smiling deep within your heart as he shares these days with you.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dearest Winstons Mummy Daddy and family.

I feel so deeply for you all that words cannot express when it happens in a so tragic accident it is made so very much worse by the "what ifs and "if only"'s and i think the truth is there is no answer to that.

I am not going to go into my own personal loss at this stage because its your grief that is the issue here. If you can find time maybe when you feel up to it you could read about my story. I am so very pleased however that you have so much love in your hearts to mention having another family member some day. Perhaps i hope my story may help you in this regard. I think you will keep having episodes of uncontrollable emotion and the tears will flow because you loved him so much. He will leave a hole in your life that no other dog will fill nor would you want them to or expect it. In the meantime please try to prop each other up as you stumble in your times when it all gets too much. A wise man once said to me "no one cries all the time in life and no one laughs all the time, its hills and valleys, ups and downs"

Do keep coming on here though and you will take comfort from knowing that people out here understand you and will cry for you and with you.
One more thing before i go, dont dwell on the what ifs? etc because none of us can turn back time. If only we could every accident in the world would be reversable, just treasure your time together. Little Winston will live forever in your hearts and souls.

Please if you can have a look at our Precious Baby I HOPE IT MAY HELP YOU ALL.

LOVE Gloria ***

Dog-wise, things are going great... the stitch that had been sticking out of her spay site finally fell out and she's well established herself in the pack. There haven't been any more incidents with Miya and no accidents at all. Our only gripe is she's very high-energy, but that's to be expected, seeing as she's still a puppy. She's an incredible dog and I'm very happy she's in our family.

As far as Christmas, where to start? Last Tuesday my son's car died when the timing slipped. The next day we had to have a fuse panel replaced with circuit breakers when the fuse panel started arcing and last night we had to drop $600 on our furnace when it stopped working. So I've taken my fair share of kicks the past few days but, as we always do, we come through it.

My father sent us a frame with "Winston" carved in wood letters in it. We put the picture of Winston with the Dorito bag in it and have it sitting on our desk. I still miss him something fierce but we can talk about him again and laugh at his antics without totally breaking down.

How about you? How are things going for you?

Thank you very much... we still miss Winston something fierce and always will but time has healed us, as time will. I mentioned in a response to Moon_Beam that my father sent us a frame with "Winston" engraved on it. We have the picture I posted here of him with the Dorito bag in the frame.

I haven't been here as much lately as I have been in the past... I've had so much other stuff going on it's been hard to devote the energy to coming here, but now that things are settling down into my usual home routine you guys will see more of me. And for your story, I'll be reading it shortly.

Hi, Clay, oh me - - the not so jolly side of the holidays. Bless your hearts - - you must be feeling like you're personally keeping the economy going forward. Oh how well I know that feeling!!! I do hope that the "trouble comes in 3's" has now departed from you.

What a lovely, thoughtful gift from your father. I know you will cherish that forever. I'm so o o glad that Scout is now fully healed from her surgery, and that things are well between her and Miya. Ah yes, the high energy years -. Treasure them, Clay, as I know you will.

Christmas was quiet here with my Noah as the weather prevented me from traveling to my brother's place for the Christmas gathering. Otherwise things are "steady as she goes" here, and for that I am grateful.

Clay, you are a very important part of our family here, and I will look forward to seeing you here whenever possible. Please know you and your family are frequently in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Clay,

Just wondering how you and Scout are getting on? Would love to see some recent pictures when you have the time.

Hope you and your family are keeping well.

Cheryl x

Hi, Clay, ditto to Cheryl's note to you. Hope life is treating you and your family kindly. WIll look forward to hearing from you whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Sorry I've been a bit absent over the past few weeks... been kind of busy at home with various emergencies (nothing like having to have your fuse boxes replaced and then having your furnace die two days later).

And pictures of Scout? I think I may have one here somewhere...



Here's Scout snuggling on the couch with my wife. I entered this photo into a contest the Humane Society was running... if anyone wants to see it and cast a vote for her ($1 per vote, all proceeds benefit the Humane Society's Spay Day) head over here.



Here's Scout and Takoda, just chilling out on the dog bed.



I wish I could be this happy.

Scout is an incredible dog... she's very energetic and just loves being with the family. She hasn't gotten as big as we thought, but that's okay, because with all of her energy I don't know what I'd do with her if she was much bigger. We just bought her a new collar that says "Bad to the bone" on it... we think it's very fitting.

She must have been abused before we got her, though... I went into the kitchen a couple of days ago and caught her trying to eat a slice of pizza off of the counter. I said "SCOUT!" in a very firm voice and she yelped and ran, whining, to my wife and hid under her desk. I never raised a hand to her and didn't yell, but it's apparent she had a rough time before she came to us.

I'll be around a bit more now, I think... life has settled down a bit and I've honestly missed this place.