Big Sister!

Today we welcome a new member to our family!!! Welcome "Charles Woodson #2" aka "Charley" :) We rescued a little boy Westie today from a shelter south of here in Otsego called Pet Resource Network--also a no kill shelter. Charley originally was named Travis. We are unsure if that was his name before he came to the shelter. He is approximately 3 yrs old. From his papers he was 2 yrs 11 mos when the kalamazoo animal control took him over on 10/20/10. From what we understand he was taken away thru a court order in a neglect case from a man who had 10 other dogs. From the feel of Charley's ribs and the thinness of his fur he had definitely been malnourished and under fed. He needs a definite grooming (I already got at his ears and around his face with my shears!!!) and we gave him a bath as soon as we got home ( he smelled like cow manure on a farm) but he so far is the sweetest little boy anyone could ask for. He is not timid but laid back. He doesn't bark a whole lot and he gives the sweetest little Westie kisses. Those kisses is what made me make my final decision that i could not leave the shelter with out him. He let me poke at him and lift his lips to see his gums and teeth and took an immediate liking to my dad on the ride home :) We initially introduced Baylie and him in a room at the shelter and she didn't go all "Cujo" on him. She naturally asserted her dominance but he didn't even seem phased by it. They were mostly separated int he car ride home but at one point were up in the back window together getting into their first sibling mischief.

When we got home Steve immediately took Baylie out for a walk while I let Charley check out his new digs. I let him sniff all the new rooms and corrected a few mishaps of wanting to mark. Then I gave him a bath. He was so calm and i reassured him that I was going to make him handsome and white again..his color is still a little buttercream but there is start white underneath all that dirty stained fur. When we were done bathing and Baylie got back the two dogs were introduced for their first meeting in an open area with no restraints. There was a little scuffle and after Steve and I got involved and separated the two they seem to be fine! We finally had to step in because they were going at it pretty strong---but thankfully no blood was shed ;) They eventually went on to actually play with each other and calmed down by the end of the evening. We are borrowing an extra crate from a family friend (thanks Shawn!) and because it's new and bigger of course Baylie soon claimed as hers. Not to worry, Charley cozied right inside the one not taken (Baylie's normally) after Baylie chose her new princess palace. :)

Today is my first experience ever with adopting or rescuing a new dog. We will definitely have our work cut out for us since Charley probably has not had an ounce of discipline in his life. He has not showed any signs of aggression. He does not even know the command sit. But he is a Westie he will learn fast and soon and we are expecting a little "tude" eventually. We are changing him over from the food they were feeding him (pedigree) to what Baylie is currently on, "Orijen" which is a grain free kibble and also is one of the best rated dog foods on the market. Wish us luck in these next few weeks of transition. Also if you ever have towels or sheets that you plan on throwing out, please drop them off at my house or I can come get them. Shelters are in constant need of basic and simple items to house the animals. Extra dog food, towels, sheets, blankets, toys, pillows, you name it. We brought down a filled box tonight and the volunteer working couldn't have been more happier. Us too, I can't describe the happiness to be able to give a new life and a forever home to one special little boy.